Bangor University’s Star Publication
ISSN 1755-7585
Issue No. 202
VICTORY FOR
October Issue 2008
INSIDE:
Referendum: what next?
FEE FIGHTERS
Bangor Students vote YES in referendum
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New Union building - the analysis
Iain Dalton and James Nock of Bangor Socialist Students Society
n Thursday, 16th October, Bangor students voted yes via referendum to support Bangor Socialist Students’ ‘Campaign to Defeat Fees’ – a campaign that seeks free and universal higher education – and as a result, the stance was adopted as union policy. The vote was carried by 271 votes to 104 votes, the overall turnout suggesting a potential wellspring of apathy among the greater student populace. This notwithstanding, the potential ramifications resulting from the ‘Yes’ campaign’s success could be far-reaching in the longer-term for many Bangor students. Underpinning the details of the ‘Yes’ Campaign policy is a variety of measures. In addition to the central pillar of opposition to a future increase in the number of top-up fees and the caps on said top-up fees being raised, the campaign is also interested in seeking a living grant for all students and writing off current student debt, as well as opposing university privatisation and looking to other universities, organisations and student bodies to build a mass campaign from the ground up.
the start, making their presence felt around One reason for the ‘Yes’ Campaign’s success could be the groundswell of activism the Students’ Union and Main Arts the day that the movement was essentially relying after the GM and this appears to have galvaon. In effect, this may have acted as a uni- nised significant student interest. Yet the two camfying force to bring paigns are not necother students round to the cause. essarily ideologically opposed. The conBy marked contrast, the ‘No’ Campaign sensus at both the GM and Senate was appeared subdued, that both campaigns despite the presence • Socialist Students of NUS President were in agreement win with 271 votes over the core belief Wes Streeting at of free education. Inthe recent General • Students Union now deed, at the meeting Meeting (Tuesday, adopts anti-tuition of Senate, Ben Gray 7th October).NUS Wales President stated that the policy fee policy of free education Ben Gray was also was a cornerstone of present at both the • Debate to be GM and the first NUS belief and that continued over at the Annual ConSenate gathering ference held earlier the following Tuesthe year this year they had day. (Noted ‘No’ sought to find an alcampaigner and future American Vice-President Sarah Palin ternative solution to raised caps on tuition was also conspicuous by her absence). The fees. Rather, the ‘No’ Campaign offered a ‘Yes’ campaign proved more visible from more diplomatic approach concerning the
Referendum in brief:
cost of education, and criticised some of the ‘Yes’ Campaign’s more ambitious proposals such as living grants for all, which were deemed unnecessary by ‘No’ campaign speakers. At the discussions held during GM and Senate, a number of students raised pertinent and probing questions directed towards both campaigns. The ‘Yes’ Campaign was asked how much of the money to be raised for the campaign would be allocated from student budget. At Senate, Ben Gray was asked why the NUS had failed to prevent the raising of top-up fees in 2004, and what they would do to prevent future defeats. Both questions caught the respective campaigns off-guard, and offer mere hints at the broiling contention surrounding the agenda of student finance. Keep your eyes peeled for further developments, as this looks set to run and run.
Stephen Davies
Brand new fashion column
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EDITORIAL October Issue 2008
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
A rather large hello... W
Contributors: Patrick Stephens Rhodri Barker Iain Dalton Emily Collins Liz Stephens Joe Firth Georgia Mannion Matt Ison James Nock David Moon Liam Plumber Nick Major John Jackson Jonathan Alsworth Lloyd Harris Lexy Hampton Willow Manuel Matt Ison Matt Richins Abby Methley Sophie Griffiths Tom Durkin Aaron Wiles Robert Mann Rosie MacCloud Charlotte Bewley Dave Lloyd Jenny Brierley Sam Parry Rob Samuel
ell, hello on e and all. W elcome to a new edition brand spanki of Seren. I pe ng rsonally feel with every we get better Is sue, so I ho We’ve got lo pe you enjo ads more ne y this one. w stuff to of with Willow fer; from gh (see page 14 ost busting ) to our stud 12 and 13), ent centrefo full of fun st ld (pages uff for you al A lot has be l to enjoy. en going on since the last had the refe issue of Ser rendum, we’ en – we ve got a fe new Arts an asibility stud d Innovation y for the Centre (see know other across) and… stuff as wel l. I don’t You have been gettin g in touch comments an with articles d pictures an d ideas, (w and cliché) it’s re ithout soun ally inspirin ding too g so please to see your do carry on name in yo , I want ur paper! Th to get your ere are othe face in Seren r ways , feature in th check out ou e centrefold r new ‘Spott and if you ed’ the picture know the pe (or if you AR rson in E the person you will win in the pictur something. e) then I say somet not entirely hing becaus sure what it e we’re is we want to rest assured, give away ye it’ll be epic… t, but a Seren pen. and we mig ht even thro What more w in could you as an opportun k for? There’ ity to get yo s also ur place of with Throug residence in h The Stude nt Keyhole, here your house where Seren and takes pi invades ctures of yo humble abod ur hovel - so e. rry – Personally, I’d say this issue’s Com really strong ment sectio – all the ar n is ticles are fa and I’d like ntastically w to extend a ritten th ank you to pen to pape all those who r (or fingers put to keyboard it continue. ) for us, long may Ok, so this is turning in so I’ll sign to a bit of an off… All that Oscars spee remains to check out T ch, be said is th Factor on pa at you HAV ge 13, it’s ab E to solutely crac kin’
Jo Caulfield
, the editing
machine
Photography: Helen Waller Gareth Roberts Matthew Richins Proof reading:
Rhodri Barker Bianca Murray Sion Wyn Lazek Stephen Davies Fran Tucker Spencer George John Jackson
Seren is Bangor University’s monthy student newspaper. We have editorial independence from both Bangor University and Bangor Students’ Union; Seren is written by students for students and we’d love you students to get involved! Send an email to the editor (editor@seren.bangor. ac.uk)or to a relevant sub-editor (sub-editor’s-title@ seren.bangor.ac.uk). The other option is to add us on Facebook and get in touch!
The next issue of Seren goes to print on 27th November; the deadline for completed submissions is 24th November. Much love, peace out.
TEAM SEREN
BRINGING NEWS TO YOUR CRIB.
Editor News Features Music Film Books Travel Sports Design
Jo Caulfield Stephen Davies Bianca Murray Emma Dixon Mark Varley Emma McColl Stef Black Will Varley Dan Turner
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NEWS
Ocotber Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Students’ Union lost in new Arts and Innovation facility? A
fter months of speculation, the news has at last been released that Theatre Gwynedd and Bangor’s Students’ Union are to be replaced with a revolutionary Arts and Innovation Centre. The only question is: where’s the Students’ Union? When one takes a look at the feasibility study for the proposed build, there is one noticeable feature: the Students’ Union seems almost tacked on as an afterthought and other ‘key stakeholders’ seem to be given priority. Mike Goodwin, Manager of the University’s Estates Department was quick to argue against this notion. ‘This is far from the case. We started this project with two key aims; firstly, we need to replace the Students’ Union and then we need to provide arts facilities; not just for the public, but students as well.’ It seems that as well as the Students’ Union and the aforementioned arts facilities, the Arts and Innovation Centre will also aim to include teaching facilities. Mr Goodwin was keen to stress that he saw the new building as a ‘hub for students’. In comparison to the artistic element, the Students’ Union seems to be in need of more space than anywhere else. ‘What you have to bear in mind is that this is only a feasibility study. A student user group have also been involved and have been giving input which has been very helpful,’ says Mr Goodwin. Many of you may be thinking to yourselves, ‘this is all well and good, but where is the Students’ Union going to be housed
in the meantime? Mr Goodwin is a little more vague at this point, saying that ‘there are no firm plans. One option would be to build the new building without demolishing Time or we could put some temporary accommodation on that site.’ If the Students’ Union goes, what will happen to the Union’s facilities? How will Seren, Nightline and Storm FM be able to function properly? ‘It wouldn’t be right to tell these groups to shut for two years while we build. I can promise that wher-
“There is the underlying concern that the Students’ Union – an absolute necessity – is being criminally under-catered for” ever you go will be fit for purpose,’ Mr Goodwin offers. Among other things, the Arts and Innovation Centre looks set to include an amphitheatre. Mr Goodwin is once again quick to offer reassurance that this was not mere indulgence. ‘This is not simply going to be a site for the community, but for all students. The amphitheatre will provide a great venue for open air concerts. When we showed this in the Deiniol Centre, many students thought that the amphithe-
atre was the best part of the proposal.’ Another key question is how, in the current financial climate, can an estimated £30,000,000 on the new development be justified? On this point, Mr Goodwin is particularly passionate. ‘We need to invest for the future. The Students’ Union and Theatre Gwynedd are past functional suitability. If we have no vision for the future, we have nothing.’ Despite the questions and concerns raised, Mr Goodwin is very optimistic. ‘We have had some really positive feedback. The exhibition in the Deiniol Centre brought us an overwhelmingly positive response.’ However, the plot thickens. The lease on the current Students’ Union building is held by Undeb Management - an associate company of the Union - who (rumour has it) are yet to be contacted by the University. If this is the case, it would be difficult for the project to move forward. On paper the Arts and Innovation Centre does truly look like a feat of gigantic proportions. However, despite Mike Goodwin’s reassurances, there is still the underlying concern that the Students’ Union – an absolute necessity – is being criminally under-catered for. With an extensive list of other benefactors, will the Students’ Union be fit for purpose? The jury is still out on that one…
Matt Ison
The Jackson reaction
Seren spoke to your Students’ Union President about the proposed plans... When asked about the idea of the Students’ Union being lost in the Arts and Innovation proposal, his response hinted at a deal of uncertainty. ‘It’s difficult to say it would be lost, but then it would also be difficult to say it would definitely have its own identity.’ Mr Jackson also discusses the consultation with the University: ‘There was a Students’ Union User Group, but not much consultation with other students. The presentation that has been shown to several University groups has been shown to Sabbatical officers, but as far as I know, not other Students’ Union members. We are inviting Mike Goodwin to the next Union Senate to give the narrated presentation for our Senators to see.’ Keeping in line with the vagueness of one particular element of the proposal, the President was unable to answer the question of where the Students’ Union would be housed during the build. ‘The possibilities have not even been
discussed, let alone the practicalities.’ All that Mr Jackson could do was reiterate what had been promised to him by Fergus Lowe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University: that there will be alternative provision for all SU activities throughout the period of rebuild and that the SU will be in consultation with the University over the location and suitability of this provision.’ Concluding, John Jackson’s feelings were summed up when he told Seren that it is ‘difficult to get excited with this situation due to the associated issues, but I am certainly not anti-new build – I don’t think anyone could claim that the current building is fit for purpose.’
Turn to page 9 to see what you ordinary Bangor students think of the plans!
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NEWS
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Carnage causes controversy
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n 4th November, organised pub crawl “Carnage” will hit the streets of Bangor. The event has already caused controversy within NUS, who denounced the company as ‘“irresponsible”. If this is the case, then why is Bangor Students Union supporting the event? We asked John Jackson to outline what is going on. The following is a statement from the man himself: “Carnage” approached the Students’ Union with an outline of exactly what their planned Bangor event entailed and asked if it would consider hosting the final stage. The initial response from me and the rest of the Sabbatical team was cautious, especially after the anti-Carnage policy passed by NUS the year before. However, after a meeting with the organiser it became very apparent that they did comply with health and safety law, they had sought permission from the relative bodies, including the licensing authority, and were taking their accountability for their customers seriously with responsible drinking mes-
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Ffridd site suffering problems… and it’s only October!
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sages displayed. As a Sabbatical team we decided nevertheless not to endorse the event, nor to associate the Union with the organisation - the general image and tone of the whole brand was not one that we believed we should be associated with, despite the reassurances of safety and law abidance. What became apparent throughout these discussions was that Carnage would be going ahead regardless of the Students’ Union’s involvement. The company would have preferred to use the ‘Union venues’ but would not cancel just because they were unavailable. This would have resulted in an alternative finale venue, away from the SU building, being found. The SU’s associative company “Undeb (Trading) Cyf.”, supplier of its commercial entertainment (i.e. Time, Academi and The Basement), had made it known by this point that it would want to host the event. After much debate and discussion between me, the SU’s Sabbatical team and the other directors of Undeb, it
SOS!
his summer it was announced that due to the financial constraints within the University English department, the contract of a valued member of staff may not be renewed. Dr Sue Niebrzydowski, a prominent researcher in medieval literature and a well-liked lecturer, may be forced to leave as there is not enough money to fund her post. Meanwhile an expensive, newly refurbished tearoom has been opened for the Vice Chancellor to hold functions and meetings. The students argue that using the university’s “limited” resources in this way is an injustice and is in no way to the benefit of teaching staff or students. Interestingly, all members of staff at the University will be receiving a 5% pay rise, due to the 2006-2009 pay agreement, which stated the pay rise will be “2.5% or the Retail Price Index [RPI] for September 2008, whichever is the greater”. In an email sent to all staff, Vice Chancellor Professor R. Merfyn Jones said: “This pay rise is significantly more than was expected, even a few months ago, and an award along these lines will undoubtedly have an impact on the University’s overall financial position. The University faces inflationary costs, higher energy prices and a number of other financial pressures, including a pay settlement sig-
New & Improved Ffriddoedd?
was decided that the Trading company’s involvement would be preferable to that of any separate external business where management of the environment would be beyond our control; the experience of Undeb Trading’s door and bar staff in dealing with large numbers of students at big events was decided to be more desirable than any unknown variables – i.e. any other finale venue.” So that clears that up. Seren also spoke to Ben Gray, President of NUS Wales who was more vocal in his criticism of the event: “NUS actively oppose Carnage, it promotes irresponsible drinking, is degrading to women and exercises little corporate responsibility. It shamelessly promotes a binge drinking culture and excludes students who don’t wish to buy in to all of that.” All students are advised to be sensible if attending Carnage and to make sure that Bangor stays in one piece....!
Jo Caulfield
English students in campaign to save valued lecturer
nificantly higher than elsewhere in the public sector.” So it seems our very own University is also feeling the ‘pinch’. Seren spoke to Professor Tony Claydon, Head of Arts and Humanities who informed us that over the past 2 years “the posts [Dr Niebrzydowski] held were
Dr Sue Niebrzydowski, yet to be saved
not financed by Bangor University, but by The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales” and as such, her contract will not be extended. This answer is not satisfactory however for Dr Niebrzydowsk’s students. It seems she is so popular amongst those she teaches that a campaign has been launched to save her, suitably
named S.O.S – Save Our Sue. Letters of protest that have been sent to the University, flyers advertising Sue’s plight were handed out to students and a Facebook group was set up to spread awareness and gather support. With over 100 Facebook group members, the campaign it seems to be gathering support and plans to hold a sit-in protest are in full swing. It appears the student population are prepared to exercise the power they have, one student declaring with Churchillesque determination “We shall fight them in the council chambers, we shall fight them in the libraries, we shall fight them at the Chancellor’s office, we shall never surrender!” Dr Niebrzydowski has been known to draw comparisons between medieval texts, Star Wars and the Mighty Boosh, an achievement which has earned her further respect and admiration from her students and peers. She is renowned for her dedication to those she teaches and her approachability. She encourages personal growth and inspires confidence in her tutees opening seminars courageously with “you will pass this course!” None of the students want to see her go, so Seren wishes the SOS campaigners the best of luck and will be reporting all future developments.
Georgia Mannion
his year was supposed to be a landmark for the Ffridd site. 6 new halls, space for 650 more students, the final goodbye of Emrys Evans, and the introduction of a student hub, Bar Uno. But one month into the academic year and Ffridd has already acquired its fair share of problems. Work is still being completed in and around the site, and students are reporting that this is being started at all hours, with builders reporting to site and beginning work as early as 6.30 in the morning. Whilst this is common practice in the trade, one should surely take into consideration that Ffridd is a residential site (not to mention that students are not renowned for being early risers!) Builders are often right in the middle of the site, with one student recalling opening her curtains at 8.00am and being greeted by a gaggle of builders outside her window! Being greeted in your dressing gown is not the end of the troubles. Whilst 2008 was the physical end of Emrys
Evans, its presence is still lingering; with many students complaining of irritation and coughing due to the dust rising from the demolition site. Again, practises should consider that Ffridd is a substantial residential site – even before the expansion. Ordinarily, if problems were experienced in any of the halls, the university team in place would deal with them as quickly and as painlessly as possible. But this is not the case in at least 3 of the new halls, as they are not owned, but leased by the University. If a problem appears, the contractor’s own personal team must be called to deal with it; a practice which can take up to 6 hours to produce a team. This was the experience of a group of students in one of the new developments recently - when the water in the building failed and security powerless to do anything, except wait for the contractors arrived, leaving some rather annoyed students without water.
Liz Stevens
Student stranded in ferocious river
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Photo: Wena Alun-Owen. BBC Website
Bangor University student had a lucky escape last week after his car was swept down an overflowing river. A crossing over the local Afon Cegin turned into a “raging torrent” after 24 hours’ consistent rain. Whilst attempting to drive thorough the ford, Jonathan Ellis Roberts’ car was swept nearly 200 meters down the river. He and a friend managed to clamber to a tree and shout for help. The incident occurred at about 9.30 pm last Tuesday, in pitch darkness and torrential rain. Mr Ellis Roberts told the BBC: “I immediately felt the surge of water, and water started coming into the car. At first we bobbed along then it became stuck between two trees.” He managed to get the car door open, but was then swept underneath by the ferocious current. “My friend managed to drag me back in and I climbed onto the roof of the car and helped her to get to a nearby tree.” He said.
Nearby resident David Roberts heard their cries for help as he drove to the ford to take pictures. Mr Roberts wanted some photographic evidence to send to the council with the aim of demonstrating how dangerous the Afon Cegin river can be. When he arrived he heard people shouting. Shortly afterwards, another man ran to Mr Roberts to tell him a car had been swept down river and two people were stuck. The pair then used ropes to secure the car to nearby trees and sent for a recovery truck. The truck’s driver said it was the second time in two weeks he had been called to the river to get a vehicle out. A spokesman for Gwynedd County Council said warning signs were put on the road to alert motorists about the ford, but they were often moved out of the way. Students are advised to keep such an incident in mind when attempting to driving in poor conditions
Jo Caulfield
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NEWS
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Referendum: what next? James Nock John Jackson Socialist Students
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ith a majority of students in the referendum agreeing to the Union supporting the Campaign to Defeat Fees (CDF), students at Bangor will soon have the opportunity to voice their opinions against tuition fees, student debt and course cuts. A motion put to the Student Union senate by CDF supporters means that there will be a protest against student debt, taking place on the 5th November, currently scheduled to be on a student halls of residence site (look out for posters with the finalised details though!). This will be the first of a series of actions the Student’s Union will undertake to campaign against the poverty and debt imposed upon students. As we have previously said Bangor students cannot defeat fees alone. However, there is also a national element to the victory as it has already inspired students elsewhere. We have already been contacted by students in various other universities across the UK to see how they can emulate the referendum success we have had here.
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SU President
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s with all referenda carried out through the Students’ Union, the result is binding and the motion attached to the question has now already become policy. It’s important to note that students here at Bangor had the opportunity to voice their opinions on top up fees should they have so wished – the democratic system in place allows any ordinary member to attend a meeting and speak in favour of or against any issue. The Students’ Union will indeed be working with the Socialist Students Society (and any ordinary members who wish to get involved) to organise and carry out a protest - as decided by Senate policy - on the 5th November. We will also continue to work on the campaign throughout the year and fulfil the resolves of the referendum policy. I would add that a number of students have been in contact with the Elections Secretary and the Sabbatical team to express their concerns over the result and have questioned the ways in which referenda may be called and overturned.
Gwynedd Museum still under threat
wynedd Museum and Art Gallery (beside the bus station), an important asset to the local community and students, is under continued threat of closure, with our university seemingly reluctant to step in. The museum is mostly owned by the university and houses important teaching and research collections including textiles, agricultural equipment, important Roman and prehistoric artefacts and numerous other items. The annual upkeep of the museum is about £90,000 of which Gwynedd County Council (GCC) pay about £80,000, and the University £10,000. Cutbacks in funding lead GCC to ask for a greater contribution from the university, which they have refused to do. This is despite the university collections being described as ‘Vital’ by Professor Rai Karl, head of the School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology. If the museum were to close, upkeep of the university owned collections would cost considerably more than the £35,000 increase GCC initially asked for from the university. The university authorities’ consistent refusal to move from their position has meant the future of the museum (and collections) has been in doubt for the past year. Welsh Assembly Minister for Culture
and Heritage, Alun Fred Jones A.M, who attended the opening of the new exhibition, said ‘Strenuous efforts’ are being made to secure the future of the museum, although the issue is not yet resolved. Additional funding for three years has been found from Cymal, the department of the Welsh Assembly Government responsible for libraries and museums which means (according to Mr. Jones) the university only needs to increase its contribution by £3-4,000. Esther Roberts, curator of the museum, was certainly hopeful that the situation would soon be resolved, and the future of the museum secured for the next three years, during which time it is hoped time a long term solution can be found. However, the ball is in the university’s court. The University Council has consistently refused to move from their position. GCC has moved and the Welsh Assembly Government has contributed. If this unique and vital resource is to be saved it is now in the hands of the University Council. To sign the petition to save the museum go to: http://www.petitiononline. com/mus23eum/petition.html
David Moon
In related Coming to a Ffriddoedd Site near you: students news... protesting about debt Welsh student fees under review
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committee analysing student debt and university access in Wales has recommended scrapping the current fees system and radically shaking up the assembly governments’ support system. Welsh students studying in Welsh Universities currently pay £1200 a year, with the £1800 top up being fronted by the Welsh Assembly. Students’ are also given an Assembly Learning Grant of £1890; the amount rising to £2835 if family income is below £18,000. The committee, chaired by Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor Merfyn Jones, has proposed that these be scrapped, and an introduction of a new targeted scheme, where students from low income families are given as much as £6000 directly. This could mean whilst poorer students gain more, those from higher income families could be left with little or no support. The current system is only guaranteed until the academic year 2009/10; after which, Welsh students could face a massive change in how much help they are given.
Liz Stevens
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Ffriddoedd site, 5th November
day of action will take place on the 5th November at Ffriddoedd site, with the aim of raising awareness of student debt. Put forth as a motion at the recent Senate, the protest will coincide with a national ‘Day of Action’ as part as NUS’ ‘Students in the Red’ campaign, addressing the spiralling debt issue facing students in Britain today. Correlating with the recently passed referendum policy concerning student finance, the motion called for a wellpublicised demonstration to take place in Bangor calling on other Student Unions in the North Wales area to participate. Among the measures proposed to reach
students were a concerted paper campaign and the potential for a visual Wall of Debt. Immediately after being put forth as a motion on the night, questions were raised over the location of such an event, with the initial proposal to hold the Day’s focal point in the centre of town challenged on the basis that campaigning on student debt at a time of financial unease for residents would be counter-productive. An Amendment Proposal suggested a move to Ffriddoedd site, and this was provisionally agreed upon. A follow-up on the day’s events will appear next issue.
Stephen Davies
NUS calls for ban on initiation ceremonies
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n the wake of footage obtained by the BBC that allegedly shows a brutal initiation ceremony at the University of Gloucestershire, the National Union of Students has called for a blanket ban on all such activities. Speaking to Seren, Ben Gray, president of NUS Wales, said: “Initiation ceremonies are totally unacceptable. The way I see it, though students unions, taxpayers’ money is being spent on clubs and societies. These societies should be expected to behave responsibly and not waste the money they are given on outrageous initiation ceremonies and excessive alcohol consumption.” The debate has been re-ignited after a video was leaked to the BBC, showing students marched through the streets with plastic carrier bags
Obtained from BBC footage on their heads, by a man allegedly dressed as a Nazi officer. The oneminute film goes on to show the students lined up against a wall whilst several of them vomit violently on to the pavement. They are then marched off in a line, holding on to each other. Bangor Students Union does not support initiation ceremonies. Rob Samuel, Athletic Union President said: “We believe that no member of any club or society should be forced to engage in any activity (alcohol related or not) that they do not wish to participate in. We ensure that all leaders of clubs and societies are made aware of this, and that we are an inclusive and not exclusive organisation” NUS President Wes Streeting told BBC News: “We are totally opposed to student initiations. They put
students at serious risk and exclude students who don’t want to take part in that binge-drinking culture.” The video that sparked this debate was made by a student at University of Gloucestershire. The University, which has a ban on student initiation ceremonies, is now trying to identify those involved. In 2006, Gavin Britton, a student at Exeter University died after attending a golf club initiation ceremony. Another student at Staffordshire University died in an initiation ceremony after choking on his own vomit in 2003. Initiation ceremonies are likely to be a topic for discussion at NUS Wales conference next year, so watch this space for further developments.
Patrick Stephens
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COMMENT
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Bringing you the best in news, views,
Gay times
She’d vote for you!
by Emily Collins
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very so often I go to a small spa on Anglesey for a massage. The people who work at this spa are friendly and the member of staff who deals with me is very highly qualified, in fact I believe she was recognised in a local paper for it. She’s professional, talented and oh... did I mention she’s a lesbian? According to Stonewall, one in four people in ‘the workplace’ is homosexual or bisexual. In the case of my monthly retreat location this is about right; there are four members of staff and one of them is attracted to the same sex. So, assuming that Stonewall and I are correct that means that one out of four university staff are at least attracted to the same sex, if not both. It also suggests that one in four of all landlords, clergymen, police officers, accountants and lawyers are all open to the possibility that they might find that Mrs. Right is actually Mr. Right, or the other way around. Despite its statistical prevalence, people still tend to have adverse reactions when they discover that someone they know has sexual tendencies
“It is one of my dreams to live in a society where a person’s sexuality is a non-event” that differ from ‘the norm’. In fact, it’s not even limited to real-life people; it applies to Harry Potter also. As soon as J.K. Rowling absently stated that she had ‘always imagined Dumbledore to be gay’ there were mothers screaming for the books to be moved to top shelves in libraries and removed from schools. It is one of my dreams to live in a society where a person’s sexuality is a non-event, but this isn’t because I am not supportive of ‘gay rights’ and all associated movements. It is because I truly believe that is the definition of equality. The government can implement as many ‘equality’ and ‘antidiscrimination’ acts as it pleases; but the only time a member of the LGBT community is going to feel comfortable in a ‘mixed sexuality’ situation is if their sexuality matters about as much as their hair colour. I would love to hear a scandalous story about two co-workers having an against-company-policy relationship where the fact that they were two men wasn’t a leading factor. I would love to read an article about local award ceremony that didn’t mention that one of the candidates is a lesbian. I would love it if a conversation about sexuality were based purely on a willingness to learn about something new, not prejudice. So, the next time you hear about someone you know of being attracted to the same sex try and imagine having to tell your friends that you are ‘straight’ and only find the opposite sex attractive. Think about how your friends would react to this. Then, react in the same way, because a person’s sexuality changes nothing and it makes them happy.
Emily Collins is LGBT Pride Campaigns Officer
Sarah Palin, vice-presidential candidate extraordinaire, crushes all in her path... RESISTANCE IS FUTILE unequivocally stated are peerless in the modern era. Why, even the entire literary canon of Oscar Wilde would struggle to match her devastating “I’m A Hockey Mom #42” speech, an immaculate work that as far as I am aware, triggered multiple orgasms in many of its attendees, such was its celestial power and awe. Plato? John Stuart Mill? Friedrich Nietzche?! Pah, hacks all of them, not fit to shine Mrs Palin’s rifle, for clearly her grasp of the ills that perplex the human condition knows no boundaries. This is a woman who comes to publicised debates and television interviews with nary No caption necessary a scripted note or prompt, of which she has no need. And raise be to Sarah Palin, a woman why should she? who can truly stand as tall – in For Palin knows that the already immaculate heels, no less – as any trembling reporters she will be facing of the supposedly “definitive” political will try to come at her with such ill-dephilosophers of the age. With her coruscating wit, the ‘pit bull with lipstick’ fined concepts as facts and reasonable aspossesses both uproarious comedy tim- sumptions. Mrs. Palin will simply smile regardless and correct those unfortunate ing and canny observations that can be individuals, for they know no better, and
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introduce them instead to the ideals of hearsay, rumour and scaremongering. These are the concrete absolutes upon which the cowboy building of liberal democracy can be raised under Mrs Palin’s glorious new regime. There are others as yet unenlightened, who have not embraced Palin as
“Even the entire literary canon of Oscar Wilde would struggle to match her ‘I’m A Hockey Mom #42’ speech” I myself have done (ahem), who point towards ‘Troopergate’ and her actions orchestrated whilst she was Governor of Alaska. They whisper conspiratorially of backroom deals, of fleeting moral values and the carving-up of the region’s pristine natural resources. But at once, all these issues can be put to bed like one of Mrs Palin’s young tykes. The talk of corruption is a non-issue, for early in her career Sarah made a point of outlawing any and all corruption. After her declara-
tion, corruption was thus banished from Alaska, and many rejoiced and held street parties. Moral values were also seen as obstacles for our heroine and so like the native flora and fauna surrounding precious (though lucrative) oil and gas reserves, they were at once removed. As it stands, the region is not carved up, merely made up of a number of smaller fractions. And indeed, her tenure as governor in Alaska was no happy accident. For having already conquered the native bears, she wanted to keep her eyes on the prize of the Russian bear. I am referring, of course - and how dare you all laugh - to the Russian premiers Medvedev and Putin, who have by all reports stained their pants at the possibility, nay inevitability of Vice President Palin. Her unblinking eye has viewed them with remarkable diligence for, lest we forget, she can see Russia from her own house. Indeed, Sarah, indeed. Such far-sighted vision will stand her in good stead come November 5th, when she and the up-and-coming youngster John ‘Barely 72 years’ McCain shall claim their rightful spot at the White House. Cower, ye mortals!
Stephen Davies
Tradition or travesty? Are initiation ceremonies harmless fun or bullying by another name?
H
aving a lifelong aversion to team sports, I must confess that the concept of initiation ceremonies somewhat eludes me. I genuinely struggle to understand how somebody could want to play hockey/rugby/ whatever so badly that they would put raw fish in their underwear. Still, plenty of students are only too happy to take part. Or are they? The Nazis-and-vomit footage recently shot at the University of Gloucestershire has reignited the debate on “shadowy” initiation ceremonies at UK universities. Condemnation has come from Gloucestershire University Students’ Union, who had already banned ceremonies on campus, and the National Union of Students, now seeking a nationwide ban. Similarly, the general consensus amongst the good, level-headed students of Bangor seems to be that ceremonies of the type exposed recently are “sick”, “childish” and “pathetic”. Perhaps
because of this prevailing attitude, few could tell me of any particularly sinister or dangerous goings-on which they had experienced; fancy dress and three-legged pub crawls seemed the order of the day, rather than fascist uniforms or en-
ly horrible” ceremonies, that he had no reservations about his own, and would do whatever was asked of him. This blind obedience, essential to the ceremony, inevitably invites trouble and has in the past, proved fatal. With
“In the murky world of peer pressure, who’s to say what’s forced and what isn’t?” forced eating of cat food. Clearly, many societies have nothing but honourable intentions: they simply want to welcome newcomers, and would condemn exploitation or humiliation of inductees. The more troubling elements of the practice should not, however, be overlooked. A first-year rugby player told me, despite hearing of friends’ “absolute-
extreme initiation ceremonies, any concept of ‘knowing your limits’ becomes irrelevant: it is no longer you who decides how much you drink, or what you do. Anyone behaving sensibly will, by definition, have failed and can face ostracism, derision or abuse. That is to say nothing of the exploitative overseers who preside over the ceremonies, preying on others’
psychological need to belong. So what should be done? Nothing. Nothing at an NUS level, in any case. How would the proposed ban define an ‘initiation ceremony’? Numerous young people, all members of a particular society, gathering to drink or play games? This would include almost all societies. Forced drinking, perhaps? In the murky world of peer pressure, who’s to say what’s forced and what isn’t? While there are of course certain practices which could be clearly outlawed, a vast grey area remains. There is also the problem of enforcing such a ban. It could serve only to drive ceremonies ‘underground’, creating potential for greater risk. What’s really needed is a change in attitude amongst the societies involved, a change which is depressingly unlikely to come any time soon. It’s tradition, after all.
Rhodri Barker
Does something really get your goat? Are you constantly disillusioned with the life you lead? Well then friend, Comment is the place for you. We are always on the lookout for new articles and columnists, so get in touch! There’s scope for articles of any nature, from student issues to the wider pespective
Email: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk
7
COMMENT
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
reviews and a chance of kangaroos.
Life, the universe and whatsitsface
Left Leanings A socialist perspective from Iain Dalton
It’s the economy, stupid! T
hose were Bill Clinton’s famous words when asked what the main issue was during the 1992 US Presidential elections. In the wake of the bank nationalisations, increasing home repossessions and the rising tide of unemployment, it seems the economy is once again the main issue in U.S. Elections. Of course, in the early days it was all about change, as Barack Obama positioned himself as an alternative to continuation of Republican Party rule, candidate John McCain and his rival for the Democratic Party nomination, Hillary Clinton. Although it was Bush who was responsible for the Afghani and Iraqi invasions, it was Bill Clinton who had previously been responsible for the sanctions against Iraq and other U.S. military actions too. The selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate, as an apparent political ‘outsider’ (interesting as she is the Governor of Alaska!) was an attempt to undermine Obama’s theme of change
which had actually mobilised a lot of the market they cherish deerly. You may think that being a socialist I’d younger voters to support him in the U.S. be delighted with capitalism taking a batBut it is the economic crisis deepening tering, but unfortunately not. The truth that has swung Obama decisively into the lead. Thousands of families in the US face is that what these governments want is losing their homes as a result of the subto bail out these company’s bad debts, get them back into shape and then sell prime crisis. Whatever anger about the them back to the Bush governprivate sector. ment’s poli- “You may think that as cies existed And it’s ordinary before it has socialist I’d be delighted people they are been massively with capitalism taking a going to make pay for it with multiplied by the economic battering. cuts to public services. crisis their ul- Unfortunately not.” Capitalism tra-neoliberal goes through policies have economic crises every so often like this, driven the U.S. It is the height of irony that governbut the only way to make the situation better for the rest of us is to fight for it to ments who love the idea of the free marbe better. Although these companies have ket (for example, those of Gordon Brown, George W Bush, Angela Merkel etc.) been nationalised, they are still going to be run by the same people who wrecked have been forced to nationalise or partthem the first time. You can bet they won’t nationalise so many companies to save
be interested in the human cost of their decisions, only in the need to make these companies profitable again. Both McCain and Obama agree on such a strategy; however what I’d like to see is the placing of these institutions under the democratic control of the people who work at the company (and the people who use their services). For those who want to find out more about the US Elections and the economic crisis and discuss these issues, plus find out who I think will win, please feel welcome to come to the meeting below Public Meeting: Who will win the US elections and will it make any difference? Sunday 2nd November, Main Arts Lecture Room 1, 5pm.
Iain Dalton is treasurer of the Socialist Students Society.
A few words on 42 day detention... “No one shalL be subjected to arbitrary arRest, detention or exile.”
M
Universal Declaration of Human Rights,Article 9
y Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen... I’m a bit angry actually. On Wednesday 15th October, halfway through Amnesty International’s Protect The Human week and two days after the House of Lords rightfully dismissed the UK government’s 42 day detention plan from its counter-terror bill, it appears Gordon Brown is a “very angry” man. He announced his disappointment: “They should not have rejected the proposals we had for pre-charge detention, which in very special circumstances, would go up to 42 days. They defied the will of the House of Commons which was expressed in favour of those.” Surely, the role of the House of Lords is to reject illogical, rash and hypocritical laws that have been pushed through the House of Commons by a manipulating government? The proposed 42 day detention plan directly contravened article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by trying to allow suspects to be subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention. Human rights groups, and many members of parliament, have expressed relief that the plan
has been rejected. Amnesty International and Liberty have both welcomed the latest news, and David Davis, who resigned his House of Commons seat in protest against 42 day detention, said the House of Lords rejection has “vindicated” his protest. It’s not just human rights campaigners who opposed the Government; victims of terrorism have spoken out against the plan to detain suspects for 42 days without charge. Rachel North, a survivor of the 7/7 bombings, had this to say: “When people find out that I’m a survivor of the 7th July London bombings, they expect me to be in favour of giving the government powers to lock up people merely suspected of terrorism for weeks without charge. No way. I expect terrorists to try to divide us, to make us afraid and to
Gordon’s (42) days are numbered logical arguments: how does using acts of terror (i.e. locking people up for 42 days without charge and Universal Declaration of Human Rights) constitute a fair and democratic way of countering terror? Surely countering the terror that the US government helps create with more terror is somewhat hypocritical and can only lead to...oh yes, more terrorism? Instead of trying to detain its
Surely, countering terRor with more terRor is somewhat hypocritical... attack our freedoms. I don’t expect it from our democratically-elected representatives.” If Gordon Brown still feels indignation at the Lords’ decision, maybe he should consider a few
people without charge, in an attempt to halt terrorism, the government could... stop selling arms to countries that have a horrifying track record for human rights? Thus, countering terrorism in a way that protects human rights instead of destroying them.
Nick Major and Liam Plummer are members of Bangor Amnesty Student Society.
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The world according to Joe Firth
hould you read this column or carry on flicking through the paper? You probably didn’t take a moment to decide, yet what if that simple choice, to read or not to read, became an extremely difficult decision to make? Now, we all have to make tough decisions throughout our lives, be it which university to go, to stay with a girl/boyfriend or whether to sacrifice one thing for another. These are the decisions that potentially have far reaching consequences for our future lives. However, there are millions of smaller decisions in life, the incidentals, those that will bear no effect on our future. For instance: shall I have mashed or boiled potato? Shall I watch Family Guy or Southpark? To most, these are the decisions that require little thought, but to some these choices become a subject of great and overpowering difficulty. These people suffer from chronic and incapacitating indecision that can apparently leave them confined to the garden, senselessly drifting around, locked in a confusing cycle of self doubt and apprehension. The standard test to find an indecisive person (just in case we need to round them up one day) is to give them a simple choice such as apple or orange juice, if they reply ‘I don’t mind’ after 2 or 3 times of trying, then you’re likely to have rooted one out. The problems begin when these indecisive people are released into the big bad world of consumerism where choice is king. To them, it’s a terrifying prospect more akin to having a bomb in your hands and facing interrogation from the CIA. Take for example a simple trip to a café where you wish to purchase a coffee. In this apparently pressure free environment associated with relaxation, you are likely to be subjected to a onslaught of questions . Is that a small, medium or large? Would you like it decaf or regular? Hot or cold milk? Cream on top? Sprinkling of chocolate? The third number of your PIN? (They’ll start asking that one soon). Then if you’ve survived this first round of cross-examination you’re subjected to a further round with enquiries such as would you like anything to eat? Do you need any napkins? Are you sitting in or taking away? This is probably one of the most intense periods of questioning for the indecisive person, however a perhaps even more daunting prospect is to enter the emporium of consumer choice - the supermarket. Here, the individual is placed in a bewildering world of decisions, which of the 315 types of biscuits shall I buy? Or the 360 cereals on offer? Or the staggering 476 variations on the crisp snack (just buy a potato and some cooking oil!). So what hope is there for the indecisive person? You could just shut yourself off from the outside world and live in a box, but then you’d miss One Tree Hill, so that’s not really practical. Instead, I say embrace it, take your time in concluding if you really do want chocolate powder on your espresso, enjoy the dizzying thrill of choosing between 26 varieties of tinned tomatoes, look deep inside yourself when deciding mash or boiled. And look, you’ve just made a brilliant decision, you decided to go on reading this column!
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UNION
A day in the life of a
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
THE QUESTION:
Sabbatical What’s the union ever done for me? Officer
A
#1
Rob Samuel AU President
Morning Ok, so.... the sun starts to come up (not so much now it’s winter), the birds start to sing and I don my trainers for an early morning run which usually starts around 7am and lasts an hour. After the most important meal of the day, although all meals are very important, I trundle on down to the Students’ Union for 9am to reply to the ever increasing amount of emails. Then, after a quick catch up with the other sabbatical officers and staff I get to work on completing various bits of paperwork, or spending time in meetings. I can’t forget most mornings I munch my way through lots of chocolate too.
Afternoon If there’s time I grab some lunch away from the office, otherwise if you come and see me I will be talking with my mouth full! Usually a large part of my afternoon is taken up with sorting things out for the various clubs. Anything from ordering kit to guidance on club activities. If it’s a Wednesday I also make sure I get down to a few BUCS fixtures to cheer on the teams! Throughout the day I also work on planning events such as the Healthy Living week I wish to run, GiveIt-A-Go events, and all manner of other Union related activities, things just never stop! I also liaise with University on sporting matters, such as facilities, investment, and on going projects. Also, the afternoon often contains a few pranks, or repercussions of pranks I’ve already played; it’s not unknown for Teresa from the Advice Centre to want my head by the end of the day. As well as this I may find myself liaising with other Students’ Unions around the country, getting ideas of things we can do hear in Bangor. Aside from all this work, it’s important for me to find out what the students want from sport and recreation in Bangor, so often I try to get in contact with various clubs asking for their views on what they want from their union.
Evening Usually, I chill out with my mates and the other Sabbs. Sometimes however there is more work to be done, either catching up on paperwork or going to meetings such as Student Union Senate. When all this is done and I’ve eaten lots and lots for tea (probably some chocolate thrown in for good measure too), I eventually get to go to bed and recharge my batteries so I’m ready for another fun filled day!
part from what is usually the most obvious answer – provide bar and club facilities – the number of things that the Union can do for you is quite vast, but often not as apparent to many students; so here is a very brief catalogue … The Athletic Union is the largest department and currently facilitates over 45 different clubs – everything from Archery to Volleyball. The Societies department covers all societies that are not ‘sporty’. There are over 40 of these too, covering academic, religious, performance, social and specialist areas. Student Volunteering (SVB) provides opportunities to get involved with the local community and give something back to society. They run projects which involve local children of all ages as well as pensioners and people with special needs. In addition to this SVB are responsible for beach-cleans, the Nightline phone service and for Bangor RAG (Raise And Give). UMCB (the Welsh Students’ Union) offers occasions for Welsh-speaking students as well as providing a Welsh-learner’s society and Welsh language publication. The Advice Centre supplies all manner of advice on myriad topics. Whether you find
yourself having problems with accommodation or finance, health matters or your academic work there will be an adviser who can help. The democratic structures within the Union are set up to monitor all aspects of student life and to ensure that if there is issue with any area it can be addressed. There are eleven committees that feed into a Senate and report on areas such as welfare, environment, equal opportunities and communications. There is also the opportunity here for ALL students to become involved in the democratic processes and gain experience of meetings and political interaction. Representation of minority and liberation groups is also a feature of the democratic structures; we have Senators who represent Mature Students, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans), Students With Disabilities (SWD) and International Students. There is much, much more, but not that much space, so I’ll just finally add that we are responsible for academic Course Reps and JCRs from all University halls of residence, both of whom also feed back into the system. And did I mention, we have a shop and some bars too…!
SU SENATE
T
Here’s what happened at the last one:
he Student Union Senate’s first meeting of the year took place on the evening of Tuesday, 14th October, and even by Union standards it proved quite eventful. In addition to discussions concerning the ‘Students in the Red’ Day of Action, the recent referendum and Carnage night, NUS reform was a topic high on the agenda. NUS Wales President Ben Gray was present to discuss and respond to the issue. Sketching a brief outline of the NUS’ recent history, he explained that in the 2007-2008 year, the NUS as a whole had taken on board criticisms of the NUS as being out-of-touch and adopting an approach deemed too consultative by some. He also discussed a proposed trustee board, to scrutinise monetary intake and expenditure more effectively given that NUS had previously run up a financial deficit. The expected set-up of the National Executive Council (NEC) was briefly touched upon, which Ben promised would see an increased role for Welsh students when it emerged
fully formed in 2009. In addition, the raft of lapsed policies (including a policy to urge a change of the law to support blood donation from gay and bisexual men, and a policy to prevent giving a platform to racist or discriminatory groups within the Students’ Union) that were passed to Senate from the General Meeting were directed to sub-groups of Senator Discussions, the conclusions of which will be referred back to Senate’s next meeting in November. Also of note was the election of a new Deputy Chair of Senate, David Moon and two Independent Senators. The election of eleven Deputy Chairs of Union Committees was held over to an emergency Senate meeting the following Tuesday given the predominance of discussions on the ‘Student Fees’ Referendum and the Carnage Night pub crawl. Reports from the Union’s Sabbatical team and Committee Chairs were also aired on the night. AU President Rob Samuel outlined a Sports Strategy that would include a
Health Week for students (pencilled in for the postexams period in January). Kylie Thomas of the Welfare Committee highlighted the positive intake for Nightline volunteers and a scheduled Alcohol Awareness campaign, set to take place before Christmas. John Jackson, speaking on behalf of the University Committee spoke of the creation of a Students Forum and a Students Union Task Group, both set to meet three times a year, that are Union affiliated but not of the Union themselves. Several committees had not met at the time of the meeting and so promised to have more definite announcements at the following Senate.
Stephen Davies
What the bloody hell is it? Senate is a democratic body of the union, made up entirely of students. Senate is a meeting of elected independent senators, committee chairs and sabbatical officers. Senate meets once a month in the Council Chambers in Main Arts. Whilst there, student issues are debated and decided upon, with sabbatica l officers and committee chairs giving repo rts. What are these committee chai rs of which I speak? Well, there are 11 com mittees run within the union. These committ ees aim to represent every aspect of stud ent life. For example, there is an Education committee, who deal with those lovely cour se reps you elected at the beginning of this year and discuss all sorts of things to do with your course. The chairs of these committees then report all the business they’ve been discussing to Senate. If any issues have arisen that could not be reso lved within the committees, then they go to Senate to be sorted out Any student can attend and speak at Senate, but only senators have voting rights. Got it? Fantastic.
Next senate due to be held on 4th November. For more details contact John Jackson: john.jackson@undeb.bangor.ac.uk
9
UNION
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
YOUR NEWS, YOUR VIEWS
NEW UNION BUILDING What do you think about the proposed design?
Not sure I like the mix of modern and ancient architecture, but I’m sure it’ll be impressive on the inside though.
I think it looks like a Hot Wheels ramp, the ones where you dropped the car in one end and it shoots out the other!
It’s not a bad design, I like that it’s quite different, but I worry the building will dominate the landscape too much.
It looks a little too much like Sheffield’s Students Union, but I think it’s ace! Bring a bit of modern art to Bangor...
It’s alright, I’m not too excited about it because I won’t be here to see it. I think it’s a bit ugly actually, too big.
Gareth
Xanthe
Sophie
Sion
Matt
2nd year Geography
3rd year Psychology
3rd Year Psychology
3rd year Religious Studies
3rd Year Psychology
10
FEATURES
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Freshers Ball 2008 - the analysis
So, why didn’t it sell out? Here’s why one Seren writer decided not to go...
Was the Freshers’ Ball a success? This man certainly thinks so... Interview with Tom Hecht, chief organiser
W
hen trying to decide whether the Fresher’s Ball was a success or not, it’s only fair to ask the people behind it. To see if they were happy with the end result and if it was worth the effort needed to get it off the ground. Tom Hecht (Societies and Events Officer for the SU) was a major force in arranging the ball and he feels “the positives definitely outweighed the negatives”. As this was the first Fresher’s Ball held in Bangor there were bound to be a few teething problems but he feels these were minimal, saying the only problems were that they’d have “liked more people to buy tickets” and to have got bigger named bands involved although he did think “the Scizzor Sisters were very good and people did seem to like it.” Comparing this to the successes he mentioned it’s clear that he was very proud of how the night went, saying “we were particularly proud of the fact that we did make the arenas look entirely different to how Academi and Time usually look”. The feedback Tom has received so far has been mainly positive, “on the night especially. Just walking round seeing smiling faces and people really enjoying themselves” To arrange a night on the scale of the Fresher’s Ball a lot of work is required, starting all the way
F
back in June. And after the election period in March, Tom Hecht says “whoever takes over will get my recommendation as maybe what to do next year for the event”, with the aim to make it “even bigger and better” and get more societies involved wherever possible. The ball featured lots of different acts and each room was decorated to a completely individual theme. The crowd in Time were loving all the bands, especially the Scizzor Sisters and ABBA Gold. Since every other students’ union around the country seems to have a Fresher’s Ball each year it’s great to see Bangor following suit to give new students the best welcome to the university they possibly can.
Sarah Whittingham
I
t’s probably pretty obvious from the title that I didn’t attend the Freshers’ Ball this year - I shall detail below why. But I want to get one thing straight before I begin – this personal opinion is a) not an attack on the union in any way shape or form or b) an article insinuating that events like this should not be held at all. I think it’s great that the union is stepping up and trying to provide us greedy student lot with more things to do (and long may this trend continue) – but this particular event was just not for me. I am not insulting; just outlining why I chose not to attend said Ball. OK, rant/disclaimer over, on to why I chose not to attend the Freshers’ Ball 2008. The above point about the freshers’ is another reason I gave it a miss – I felt the event was geared more towards the freshers. I understand why (new uni, new start, let’s give them something to get excited about) but us 2nd and 3rd years need things too – I’ve already mentioned we’re a greedy lot – give us something to whet our appetite! So basically the promotion didn’t do it for me. But it wasn’t just that – I didn’t think the timing was all that good – it was held the first weekend everyone would consider going home. My sentiments were echoed by 2nd year law student Rachel, who told me the sole reason she didn’t attend was because she went home. A lot of students also work weekends, which also killed any hope of attending. I think the
Ball could have benefited from being the ‘final’ event of Welcome Week – a culmination of all the fun and games. Much like the Summer Ball is the culmination of the dreaded exam period, and the students’ final swansong, I think the Freshers’ Ball could have been utilized in the same way to cap off Welcome Week. My main gripe, however, was the fact you could wear whatever you pleased – I feel I really took away from the Ball’s ‘specialness’. 3rd year Katie put it best, ‘It just wasn’t really a Ball’. Allowing everyone to wear whatever they pleased didn’t really make it feel like the grand event it should have been – and paying £20 to wear your jeans and jumper to Time is nothing to get excited about, no matter what’s inside. I think comparing it to the Summer Ball really proves my point – yes, it costs £45, but it really is a night to remember, and how often do you get to dress like a princess in Bangor?! Like I said, I hope the union continues to organise more events like this – it really was great to see something different happening. I hope all that attended had a fab night; I just thought I would save my money and my pretty dress for the Summer Ball, and give this event a miss.
Liz Stevens
Russell Howard Dingledodies in Llandudno
or anyone who has watched Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Would I lie to You or the Edinburgh Comedy festival, you are bound to have heard of Russell Howard. Since starting on the comedy circuit aged just 19 after reaching the final of “So you think you’re Funny?” he has gone from strength to strength entertaining sell out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival for four years running. He has been featured in Zoo’s top ten list of Britain’s Funniest Comedians; and his show “Wandering” was nominated for a Barry Award. Not bad for a twenty eight year old from Bristol. I have
been a huge Russell Howard fan for years since first seeing a performance of his from the Edinburgh Festival in 2004. Since delivering the joke “Do you think the Queen ever pulls her duvet up to her neck and says “Look at me Phillip I’m a stamp”” he has cemented his place in my rankings along with fellow Mock the Week personality Dara O’Briain. I had high expectations of his latest offering of comedy sketches entitled Dingledodies; and I was most definitely not disappointed. From the very moment he set foot on stage in Venue Cymru he delivered line after line that had the packed audience in hysterics. Russell Howard has the
comedic gift of taking something as serious as an epileptic fit and turning it into a hilarious gag. No one who was present in the audience for the performance could deny the energy and stage presence he had, never ceasing to remind everyone why he is regarded as one of the gems of British comedy. Without a doubt Russell Howard is talented both as part of a panel and in his stand-up ability, his style of comedy is unique and yet universally understood; a porcupine with a West Country accent is without question one of the funniest skits I have ever seen. It takes an acutely exceptional comedian to make me laugh and I
still had stitches two days after his performance. The mention of one of his jokes from that night sends me into giggles. Anyone who was there undoubtedly heard my laughter (or cackle as some say). So all that is left is to anticipate the release of this material on DVD and await the news of his next tour. For now though we shall see if Russell Howard returns to Llandudno to test out the dry ski slope; or as one member of the audience described it to him “the big metal hill that you slide down.”
Bianca Murray
11
FEATURES
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Charlee’s Fashion Fix
Haunting Halloween History
I
t’s that time of year again when the un-dead come alive, the monsters party, the ghosts and ghoulies come out to play and University students wander the streets dressed in weird and wonderful costumes. Of course I am talking about Halloween the scariest time in the calendar, and traditionally a time for children to dress up, trick or treat, apple bobbing, scary stories and films and carving Jack o lanterns. But I’ve always wondered why do we celebrate Halloween? And what is the history behind this scary but fun day? The name Halloween is a shortened version of “All Hallows’ Eve” as it is the evening of “All Hallows Day”, otherwise known as All Saints Day. The origins of Halloween come from a Celtic festival Samhain it is the Gaelic celebration of the end of the Harvest, it’s often referred to as the “Celtic New Year”. Traditionally it was the time farmers would slaughter livestock for their winter food supplies. However now the day is called Halloween because the Gaels believe on October 31st the divide between the living and dead disappears, the dead become dangerous and damage the crops. The festival involved bonfires which warned off evil spirits and in which the bones of the livestock were burned. Costumes and masks were also frequently worn; to mimic the evil spirits, this idea developed into tick or treat for children today. In America the holiday is very commercial; families decorate their houses with jack o lanterns,
scarecrows, plastic grave stones, gargoyles and animatronic window and door decorations. Halloween is also linked with monsters and the paranormal; this is because of the Salem Witch Trials and American Horror films. In Mexico Halloween is a celebration of the dead. It’s called “The day of the dead” or “Día de los Muertos.” Celebrations start three days before October 31st Stories link the name to ancient times when it was believed the dead would come alive and celebrate the day with their loved ones. The Welsh phrase for Halloween is “Noson Calan Gaeaf” (First Night of Winter) Spirits including the White Lady are said to walk around the Welsh hillsides and manor houses. So here’s the ‘cultural’ side of Halloween. Try to remember at least part of this article as you stumble home from Time at three in the morning on the first of November, sick to your stomach on alcohol, and sugar overdose.
Lloyd Harris
H
i everyone I’m Charlee and I’ll be your fashion guru for the next year. For my first issue; as the weather here in Bangor tends to be so temperamental I thought that I would kit you out for a wet winter. What to wear, how to wear it and what’s a good deal this month! So let’s check out the fashion...Now a lot of guys have the tendency to throw on anything from their wardrobe and walk out without even a glance in the mirror. This, I hope to change. Chris (below) has kindly agreed to model this month’s must have, which is a sophisticated yet sexy look that is very popular among the London, 20 year old office men. This outfit is a very reasonable price and it will guarantee a lot of attention, as women tend to be attracted to men who look as though they can ‘take care of business’ and this outfit sends out the right signals. It gives the impression that you can look after yourself and someone else, not only from the financial side of things, but from the emotional side too. Do you think a lady is most likely to return a smile to a man wearing this or from a man wearing a tracksuit and a cap outside booze buster?..... All in all, this entire outfit is an absolute bargain at only £100. In the lady’s side of things, with Fashion now moving so quickly from one colour or shape to another, I thought I would pick out a temporary outfit that is suitable for all occasions, and is always considered a nice pick! Jess (below) agreed to model for me. This outfit is a winner in all scenarios, it’s an elegant yet Chic look, that any girl can pull off. The Jacket is a bargain at only £12 and the hat is comfy and warm. The shoes are not like normal heels that leave you with blisters the next
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morning, but good solid boots with a comfortable insole. I love this look. It keeps you warm and fashionable at the same time! A black umbrella is always good too! The body suits were the talk of Britain a few weeks ago after Trinny and Suzanna released their newest invention on how to disguise your true figure. I’m a happy size 8-10 but, like the majority of all the other women, the interest of these new suits took over. I purchased my own at the ridiculous price of £35 in the attempt to fool the world over my tummy size! I rushed home to try on my new purchase, but to my disappointment, they didn’t seem to have any dramatic change on my appearance, and where the most uncomfortable thing I have ever worn! I don’t know what Trinny and Susannah were thinking when they invented these revolting suits, but my advice is not to buy them! It’s much cheaper just to go on a diet! What’s with the obsession with Purple trousers?! In the recent weeks, many Celebs have been pictured in every colour under the sun, but it seems the new craze is purple trousers! Now, I like my colours and I think that being different is great if you have the confidence. However, I am amazed that people such as Fern cotton (normally a complete fashion icon) has been snapped on more than one occasion wearing skinny purple trousers. I personally would not be caught dead in them. I maybe the only one who feels this way, and I would love to hear from someone who disagrees with me...but really.... Purple trousers?! Big is Better
In today’s society, in terms of body size, size zero is the ‘new thing to be’. Girls are now starving themselves to the point of being hospitalised to become like Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole. But I have good news! Small is out...big is in! Not only in body size and chest size, but in jewellery too! No more, do we have to wear those tiny rings that get lost the second we take them off! Big rings are in! These rings can be purchased from any high street store, from Primark to Topshop and River Island. They come in all sizes and go with almost anything you wear! A Fantastic buy for only £6. In next month’s Issue I will be walking the streets on Bangor and Invading the students Union to find out what you are all wearing and what you think is the new IN thing!
Image for illustrative purposes only
Calling all EU Citizens!
U Citizenship, something you probably never thought of before but believe me it matters. A citizen is someone whose rights are protected by the state, country or place they come from. Many people are not truly citizens of the EU as their rights change from country to country in the EU; lots of countries have different rights to us in Britain on many things. Very soon the EU is going to be looking at a new directive proposing the blanket protection from discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, religion and sexuality. The protections that this directive offers will not make any differences
here in Britain as we have these laws in place already. So what is the point? Well if you go to another country your rights will change even if you are only there for a day but you could be refused at a shop or even get turned away from a hospital. I don’t think that anyone should ever have to go though that sort of experience and though you might think it can’t be that bad some people don’t have to live with this for just a day or a fortnight or however long you are a way for they have to live with this sort of discrimination everyday for their whole lives. What can I do?
Well if you want to help then please go to http://petitions. pm.gov.uk/EUdiscrimination/ and sign our petition aiming to persuade the government to pressure other EU governments to accept this directive and vote for it. For further information please visit http:// eq-eu.blogspot.com or email eu_ directive_group@live.co.uk EQ-QU is part of the LOVE. EUROPE.RIGHT campaign by the British Youth Council http://www. byc.org.uk
Jonathan Alsworth
The Voice of Theatr Gwynedd’s Audience Crusade
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ith the recent closure of the much loved Theatr Gwynedd in Bangor and the company gone into liquidation just days before the building closed its doors for the last time it seems that the final curtain has fallen on this performance venue serving North West Wales. Due to the company going into liquidation it has been reported by BBC Wales that their redundancy pay could be delayed by up to eight weeks. John Hamilton of the Unite Union described the feeling of the staff as “demoralised and upset.” The Theatr Gwynedd Board of Directors stated “ the financial situation of the company was examined thoroughly; it was decided that the company could not continue to trade because of financial difficulties.” The Board have not disclosed the exact sum of
their debts but sources claim that the amount is in the region of £90,000 However a group of avid Theatr Gwynedd supporters have presented a petition of two thousand signatures opposing the closure of the building; believing it will deprive the North West of Wales of arts and culture that Theatr Gwynedd has provided since 1975. The petition was presented at a meeting on the 16th October to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Cultural Minister. In a press release detailing the meeting with members of the Welsh government and Arts Council it was proposed that Theatr Gwynedd remained open to the public until building plans had been cleared and funding available for the new Arts Centre. Ann Jones a representative of the
Voice of the Audience commented “Our greatest fear remains that if, in the current economic climate , the £25 to 30 million cost of the new Arts Centre cannot be secured.” As reported in the last issue of Seren the closure of the Theatr Gwynedd has resulted in the loss of nine full time and twenty casual jobs; not to mention the impact on the local community. With the Theatr Gwynedd and associated company now closed and gone into liquidation the future of arts and culture in Bangor and the surrounding area hangs in the balance, but if and when there will be another prestigious theatre company serving the north west is anyone’s guess.
Bianca Murray
SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD Through The Student Keyh ole... This month:
Matt McCullagh invited us into his house in Llanfair pwllgwyngyllgogery chwyrndrobwllllantysiliogo gogo
ch
Each month , Seren wil l be invading a student ho use and takes s ome picture of all the w s onderful th in gs inside..! Wa nt your hab itat to be in the next issue? Get in touc h!
Going Up Waterproofs The rain is finally here guys, so succumb to the Kag in a Bag.
Living in a house
Nic e and tidy....
No fire drills at 4am or randoms wandering into the kitchen, we love it
Christmas Lov ing the we ll-m ade bed
Exc elle nt han diwork the re
Is this you? Do you know who it is? If so, then get in touch and you’ll win something. We’re not entirely sure what yet, but we promise it’ll be ace. editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk
The weather outside may be frightful, but that is no excuse for selection boxes in October
Maxed-out overdrafts The loan lasted all of five minutes and now debt is our only friend
Spotted! SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD
SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD THE ‘TRAMP’ FACTOR
By Dwight McCarthy...
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s you may well know by now, Bangor has much entertainment to offer; pubs and bars aplenty, libraries full of books and enough student societies to keep you occupied for the rest of your life, let alone the rest of your years at Bangor. But one overlooked entertainment factor is current ly being ignored: I am talking about the musical homele ss. Nowhere else in Britain will you find such entertaining, jovial folk: these maestros of instruments and song need recogni tion, so here it is. Seren and myself, Dwight *ahem* McCarth y, present a shortlist of the final four. More spring up and then go under like so many other talent show wannabes but these four are the Johnny Cash, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix and Frank Sinatra of homeless music, and I am here to show that these people need recognition!
Lexy Hampton
Pe nn yw hi st le Ma n Man, alleged to be a shaman/ irst up we have Pennywhistle I am led to believe that he used alligator crossover. Personally he crossed the bridge, was once but, ge Brid ai Men in to live y Potter magic, yet gained Harr of kind e som like unable to return, enabling him to hold C city, capa lung and amazing dextrousness or Tennent’s and play Brew ial Spec swig sharp for over 2 hours, or ! usly inuo cont , pennywhistle for half an hour , influences include Johnny Cash According to my sources his . neys jour tical mys ons on howling dogs, and following drag
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Birthday:
7th December
Hometown: Skegness
Studying:
Saxophone Man
S
econdly, but by no means any less of a musical mae stro, we have Saxophone Man. Although not looking homeless, he is neve rtheless a top class entertainer, and is inclu ded in our search as he perf orms on the magnificent stage of Bangor High Street, usually found impe aching on Bongo Man’s territory. Therefore mus icianship is elemental to his performance: inside his Hi-Tecs are the feet of a mystical jazz fusion giant, the likes of which Miles Davis has never seen - in fact, he taught Miles Davis everythin g he knew. This jazz maestro, although he has the skill of a god, doesn’t reall y look all that homeless so he isn’t “scene enou gh” for the others to accept him.
English Language with Literature
Year: First
Music: Dance D&B Electro
Films:
House of Wax Final Destination 3 Pirates of the Caribbean
Groups:
Keep The Old Facebook, The New One’s Crap...!! PRIMARK APPRECIATION SOCIETY, yorkshire is wrong, lincolnshire is right!!!!!!
Bongo Man tioned, shares some territory, ongo Man, as previously men “The Local” and the cash een strategically placed betw cash-giving possibility. machine allowing for maximum bongos for a while, he is his out with been has he Although s per tap out 300 bpm (that’s beat still sharp as ever and can ntially a Roland 808 esse is and ) know ’t didn minute in case you ate . This man is one of the ultim drum machine in a human body top-name a by ited recru ntly rece homeless musicians and was ix a to mention the name of, to rem band who we’re not allowed Interzone bpm bongo beat mix. to s Skan as only n know track
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Lexy’s acceptance speech...
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L
WINNE
R!
One-Chord Guitar Man
ast but by definitely no means least, we have One-Chord Guit ar Man. Now he has been lax recently, bein g challenged by the current guitar-based entertainer who has situated himself in a change-full para dise between Costa Coffee and Thornton’s. But One-Chord Man still reta ins his ‘homeless musician of the year’ crown: his innovative and tight song s including “Look at You as You Walk Past” and “Loo k at that Lad’s Spiky Hair” stick in the memory like superglue, his songs, if you have ever had the pleasure of witnessing, not only hearing them, are spectacu lar, impromptu hits of current life, created as he goes along. A true professio nal, accompanying himself with the one chord he knows on the guitar: hell, if punk did it with three chor ds this guy is the next big thing.
I’d like to thank the little peop le for allowing me stride abov e them in my magnificenc e... on Facebook. It is so charming of Seren to present me with this awa rd. It has been an aspiration of mine since birth. Next issue, I most ferve ntly believe Mr. Oz Huner should be the next ‘Facebook friend of the month’ as he will poke you and won ’t ask to be poked back. Furtherm ore, I’d like to thank Bangor’s only celeb rity for permitting me to share in his greatness. Big up Elidir.
”
Add us on Facebook to be in the running next month!
SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD
14
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
This year, Seren’s roving reporter, Willow Manuel, is dedicating some time to trying out Union clubs and societies. Here’s what happened when she went for Break Dancing and Speculative Analysis...
s i s ly a n A e v i t la u Spec
st busting with the t better than to go gho this week I decided wha tha)! ning man eve (Sa ay fy Frid Buf e my at mat nsure how to spend a ghost tour with my fl with sound iety. So I went along for st Busters theme tune, Gho the to re the ded speculative analysis soc plod we t only the and tha nd out s isla rch turn (it chu ie ghosts The tour was of the eer ught were for hunting of Church Island where oon, all of which I tho top ball the a at l and re oria sab t mem ligh amplifiers, a séance around the war ing the ghost to appear We firstly conducted a also contributed by ask n amplifier was needed). e their spirit known. I mak to ed to translate! We the ask sts n gho bee e for ed hav I that we held hands and call was using the the more unusual things I of le whi one , s nds hap sou per stly sh, Wel up gho through the medium of ntion that ll groups trying to pick ...until it came to my atte nd with amplifiers in sma ame increasingly anxious wondered around the isla bec and . st.. gho a r t I could hea amplifier I was sure tha time that it is haunted, as the last pub, which legend has it was in fact a duck. then returned to Church we went for a drink in a We on le! acti tab st the gho of off d lack cke Owing to the s was mysteriously kno s society visited a glas the speculative analysi quartz being . ting hun st gho h as being followed, rose Island for some further paranormal action suc up on any on pick up ’t ed didn I pick ent ters intm bus st disappo Many of the senior gho dows. However to my win rch chu in ing ear ably app moved and faces inexplic eve it to see it... I guess you’ve got to beli supernatural behaviour,
U
of ghost k c a l e h t “Owing to went to the pub” action we
Breakdancing A
lways up for trying new things I decided to attempt a two hour session of (perhaps aptly named) break dancing. Being a rather clumsy person I didn’t think that this would be such a good idea, however I narrowly avoided breaking much. The session took place in Time and firstly we were taught the basic moves. These included the 6 step (the name says it all) the baby freeze (more difficult than it sounds) and body popping. I feel that I mastered the 6 step quite well, despite looking more like a deranged spider than a break dancer. The baby freeze was more difficult as it involved lifting your body up, supported by your head and hands, this is also more difficult for girls to do owing to their ‘physique’ (bigger backsides!) Body popping is also much more difficult than it looks and I have yet to master this move. The two hour session took its toll on me as my hands still hurt from the baby freeze! I feel that after my first session of break dancing I am ready to take on the break dancing challenge in Varsity on Thursdays so I invite everyone to come and cheer for me..... okay that’s a lie! However I really enjoyed it I would like to keep going!
“I looked more like a derange d spider than a breakdancer”
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UPDATE
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
What’s on Storm? MENAGE A TROIS
Sometimes two just isn’t satisfaction enough!
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very Sunday, there is an hour and a half of irreverence and friendly banter known only as the Ménage a Trois. Join hosts Rob Hobbs, Matt Ison and Will Bulteel for three-way fun and frolics. The last few weeks have seen the trio stretch each other to the limit with bans on guitar music, drums and electronica. The party never stops and Storm has never been more in your face than in this show. Keep your ears pricked, every Sunday from 7pm!
S
ince you la st heard fr om us, the hard on a SVB team number of have been very excitin for our rece busy little g projects. nt interviews bees, worki Congratulat There was for childre ng ions to su a tremendo n’s projects ccessful ap the momen us turn ou Splat, Slod plicants. Al t t, make su ge and Sp though thes re you are up to date ectrwm. e projects on the SV with all th are now fu B email da e latest ex signed up ll for tabase so citing volu with us alre we can ke nteer new ad get you si ep you s and proj gned up pr y please email Helen ec ts ! .m If you are on unro@unde well as en not vironmenta to! Still available ar b.bangor.a e projects l issues, su c.uk and w working w ch as beac e’ll ith the elde h cleans an Coming up rly as d Snowdon. this month Nightline, ar e a fantas our confide tic array of ntial listeni being held fundraiser ng service, in Academ s. To rais there will i on the 6t e money fo shirts and be a Wild h of Novem cowboy bo r West them ot be s in the sh fancy dres r,a nd e night w ith ops at the s! th e am ou moment th nt of chec After the su ked ere is no ex ccess of th cuse for la present, ba ck of ck for anot e recent Mighty Boos her curtain h Theme ni fundraiser. ght we are call, the an Featuring a sensatio now proud nual SVB money goin nal perform Moulin Roug to g to fund SV ance from e theme ni B projects dancing sh our dance ght , there is no oes and he society an ad down to better reas d with all on Academi, 9 pm, Novem this year to put on yo ur ber 11th 20 08.
SVB Project profile:
Beach Clean
Tuesday
Monday
14:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00
17:00 - 18:00 Fourplay 18:00 - 20:00 Time Tunnel 20:00 - 22:00 The Lost Brigade
Wednesday 12.00 - 13.00 Back To The Future 18:30 - 19:00 Paranormal Society Show 20:00 - 22:00 Dirty Lil Secret
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16:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00
The BIG Mix Up Tuesdays Gone The Irish Show The Forum Distortion
Thursday 20:00 - 22:00 Rhaglen Ioan ac Iwan 22:00 - 23:00 The Underground
Saturday
Friday
00:00 - 01:00 The Riot 18:00 - 20:00 The Storm Chart Show 20:00 - 21:00 Any Requests?
19:00 - 21:00 The Music Team Show 21:00 - 23:00 Sugar and Spice 23:00 - 00:00 Late Night Quickie
Sunday 15:30 18:00 19:00 20:30 22:00
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18:00 18:30 20:30 21:30 23:00
Storm Bound 7 Into 30 Menage a trois Acoustic Rooms The Urban Mix Show
up of about get together a gro Project Leaders we make a big to aim the h s the Beach Clean wit out to a local beach bus spend all and s We . eer nity unt mu vol 15 the com both the wildlife and that’s been washed ste wa positive impact for old seh hou s full of shipping and of satisfaction day stuffing bin bag ch users. The sense er left by other bea ment on what com ays alw als ashore as well as litt loc is immense and the our monthly at the end of the day ted in joining one of de. If you’re interes ma . ’ve .uk we .ac gor nce ere ban a diff undeb. a line at beachclean@ beach cleans drop us
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16
MUSIC
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Oasis -
Dig Out Your Soul
T
wo very lucky Seren reporters recently got the opportunity to interview Alphabeat, a Danish pop band who have been taking the charts by storm. Just hours before they hit the stage for their first sold-out UK tour they chatted with Aaron and Georgia about performing live, their new single ‘What’s Happening’ and, err, being naked on the tour bus....
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n important aspect of Dig Out Your Soul is that (once again) Noel has allowed the other band members to contribute songs. Somewhat unsurprisingly, it is the six tunes penned by Gallagher Senior that save the album from unchartered depths of mediocrity. Tracks such as ‘Bag It Up’ and ‘Waiting For The Rapture’ are stomping tunes with guitar riffs reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen playing T-Rex. Strangely, ‘Bag It Up’ contains the same more, more, more! melody as sung by Christina Aguilera and co on ‘Lady Marmalade’. Although Noel is famous for his plagiaristic tendencies, stealing from four scantily clad American divas is certainly an interesting technique. A personal highlight for me
is ‘(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady’. To put it simply, this song does not sound like Oasis. The combination of distorted (and in places falsetto) vocals from Noel and bluesy-psychedelic riff; this song would feel more at home on an album where Pink Floyd circa 1965 cover Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The problems with this album begin where the others take over the song writing responsibility. Liam’s first tune on the album, ‘I’m Outta Time’, sounds like a bad John Lennon impression and although another of his contributions, ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’’ has an appealing rhythm, it doesn’t really go anywhere in 2 minutes and 15 seconds. Gem’s effort, ‘To Be Where There’s Life’ and Andy Bell’s ‘The Nature Of Reality’ are rather standard
TV On the Radio – Dear Science
T
V On The Radio’s latest offering, Dear Science, comes racing out of the blocks with ‘Halfway Home’, deftly percussive and awash with a West Coast harmony that wouldn’t shame a Beach Boys album. Almost certainly a conscious decision on the part of unofficial band leader (and producer) David Sitek, the instrumentation present on the album features more audibly in the mix than it did on its predecessor, Sitek seemingly more content to let his guitar and programming work become a more defining element of the band’s sound again. On the topic of sound, Galeel Bunton’s drumming deserves particular credit. Whether it’s the rolling drum motif present throughout ‘Halfway Home’, the thunderclap echoes that offset the otherwise dreamy glide of ‘Stork And Owl’ or the recurring nods to Afro-beat that pepper ‘Red Dress’, it all signifies a marked improvement in the band’s stellar arsenal. Vocally, Adebimpe and Malone have both matured and diversified, with Adebimpe’s voice now occupying a higher register, and even mutating into a flow
reminiscent of beat-poet/rapper Saul Williams on ‘Dancing Choose’ and ‘DLZ’. Kyp Malone’s bruised soul emoting, used to devastating effect on …Cookie Mountain’s ‘Blues From Down Here’, is now even more versatile, adding gravitas to ‘Stork and Owl’ whilst infusing a sexual edge to ‘Lover’s Day’s ode to consummation. With unashamed nods to Talking Heads and the best moments of 80’s Prince, Dear Science represents TV On The Radio’s most outwardly commercial record to date, yet further to that, the band’s ambidextrous set-up (four of the band’s five members are multiinstrumentalists) has allowed them to strike out even further into their own inimitable territory. The Arcade Fire emulating breakthrough promised to them a few years ago should hopefully occur on the back of this and their forthcoming November tour, but regardless this is one of the year’s most unique albums, and also one of its best.
Stephen Davies
rhythm driven-bluesy tracks and could quite easily be forgotten as soon as they finish. Something Dig Out Your Soul lacks is the stadium-sized Oasis ballad. I was expecting this to materialise as the last track on the album, only to be spectacularly disappointed. The final song, ‘Soldier On’ is 5 minutes of a circular riff and unchanging vocal melody. Listening to it is akin to repeatedly smacking your head on a concrete bollard. There we have it then, Oasis album number 7 in all its infuriatingly ‘nearly-there’ glory. Perhaps if Noel would get back on the dictatorship of yore, those glory days would return. Until then folks, stick with The Masterplan.
Jo Caulfield
D
The Clash - Live at Shea Stadium
espite early claims to the contrary, the Clash were never really bored with the USA quite the opposite, in fact. For their gig at New York’s Shea Stadium in October 1982 (supporting the Who), they wholeheartedly raided America’s cultural museum; a white Cadillac convertible drove the group from Manhattan to Shea, Joe Strummer sported a coonskin cap on stage. “This is a black New York rhythm that we stole”,
Strummer unashamedly acknowledges during ‘The Magnificent Seven’. Despite the fascination with things stateside, the group’s roots on this side of the Atlantic are proudly asserted. Kosmo Vinyl, long-time associate of the band, announces their arrival on stage: “What we have got for you is a little bit of what’s going on in London at the moment…all the way from Ladbroke Grove, London W10”. The
songs themselves, of course, also pay tribute to the capital. Set opener ‘London Calling’ sounds as seductively sinister as ever, and Paul Simonon assumes vocal duties to represent his hometown on a punchy ‘Guns of Brixton’. As firmly rooted as the Clash were in the Big Smoke, their musical horizons extended far and wide, as evinced in the album’s centrepiece where, in Strummer’s words, “we’d like to take you from New York to Jamaica and back”. The hip-hop and funk-inspired ‘Magnificent Seven’ segues into the reggae cover ‘Armagideon Time’, and then back again. The entire set, in fact, is a glorious measure of how far the Clash escaped punk’s rigid blueprint. Sprawling, semi-improvised numbers like those mentioned above avoid sounding indulgent thanks to the inclusion of more direct early material like ‘Career Opportunities’. The end result is a thrilling trip through one of the best back catalogues of our times.
Rhodri Barker
Se ex An do th Se pr An he an st st w pl Se in An H si w lo Ra Se An do tu so its w Se Ra cl An an ha ot Se to Ra An Se An ar da
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MUSIC
Ocotber Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Metallica -
sic Clasum Alb iew Rev Seren: So today you kick off your UK tour, are you nervous or excited? Anders: We’re very excited but we’d be more nervous if we hadn’t done the whole European tour. Now we’ve prepared everything for this tour so I’m actually pretty confident. Seren: Most of the tour has sold out, your singles have been pretty huge, how are you finding your success in the UK? Anders: We’re just thrilled, selling out venues like this. We played here about four months ago with The Ting Tings and The Fratellis and we could tell that the people didn’t really come to see us. We started out about a year ago actually playing small Barflys and stuff, no one turned up [laughs]. So it’s just the best feeling in the world because we think a venue like this is pretty big and we love playing venues at this size. Seren: So what’s next for Alphabeat? Is there another single coming off this album or are you working on new material? Anders: We’ve just got a new single on the radio now, ‘What’s Happening’, and its out on the 25th. I think we’re gonna do one single more from this album at the beginning of next year and we want to release a new record at the end of the year so we’ve got lots of new songs. Rasmus: We feel pretty set for new music. Seren: What are the biggest influences on your music? Anders: I think for this record it was really 80s, disco and Madonna. Really dancey and disco, and its changing all the time. Actually now Anders has bought like twenty R&B CDs from Amazon so we’ve just been listening to R&B for so long. I don’t know if its gonna be a big influence on the next record or something but we’re definitely not a band that stays in the same place. Seren: Any embarrassing things happen to you on tour? Rasmus: Every morning when getting dressed! You can put your clothes on in your bunk but that’s a bit weird. Anders: Yeah you’re standing you know, a foot from each other and its just the thing about being so close, sometimes you just have a laugh about it but its like “ hey guys could you just look the other way” and you’re just standing there completely naked! Seren: So this is our last questions – what’s your favourite song to play live? Rasmus: I’ll say touching me touching you Anders: Oh yeah, that’s one of the new songs Seren: I love ‘Actual Tune’. Anders: It’s the perfect dancing song. There are some songs that aren’t that easy to dance to like 10,000 nights but this is a real dancey song, it’s fun to play.
Aaron Wiles and Georgia Mannion
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t’s not often that you would find music from 1930’s America in the collection of a twenty-one year old student from England. However there are always exceptions to rules, and Woody Guthrie earns his place in mine with ease. Guthrie, probably most famous for his song, ‘This Land is Your Land’, wrote hundreds of songs, ballads and nurseryrhyme style tunes during the time of the Great Depression in America. He sung about his experiences of the famous Dust storms and created ballads about characters that he met on his travels. His blues, country and folk style offered him a perfect and simple backing. There are quite a few things that got me hooked on Guthrie. His simple yet honest accounts of his travels and thoughts are so effortlessly written in song. Also, the grace and slightly imperfect vocal melodies and harmonies are full of character and warmth. The harmonies are particularly striking on ‘Take a Whiff On Me’, a song allegedly about cocaine, and also ‘Put my Little Shoes Away’, a
W
Those Ed Banger boys have been working up another treat recently with the new claphappy Mr Oizo track ‘Steroids’ which features the vocals of Uffie (That cutesy / Who leaves your bar empty). Everyone with me now: clapclap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap.
T
Woody Guthrie The Dust Bowl Balladeer
ell here it is folks…what’s been rockin’ my radio (or rather my iPod in these modern times…) this month. Enjoy.
Noticed that Crystal Castles have been selling out a bit recently? (A certain NME cover springs to mind…) Well don’t worry as Robots Made Me Do It is here with a cracking alternative at hand! It’s another boy-girl electro duo who sing about wolves and perform guerilla gigs out of icecream vans (called the Hearts Challenger, if you’re interested). They go by the name of HEARTSREVOLUTION (caps lock please) and they’ll be touring the UK end of November and beginning of December. I even think that Lo HEARTS is hotter than Alice CC – controversial…?
Death Magnetic
Wearing their Donnie Darko influences proudly on their sleeves are White Lies, whose Death EP came out on the 21st October. It features the new single, ‘Death’, which will take you back to the Killers’ glory days. Although the original is good, the Crystal Castles remix is better: it is the ‘Born Slippy’ for the Skins generation. Trust me: buy it, download it, beg, steal, or borrow it, play it loud, play it proud, play it seven times in a row then listen to it again ten years later and remember how much of a good time you had at uni. www.finalfantasyeternal.com/ www.blocksblocksblocks.com/ www.whitelies.com heartsrevolution.com www.edbangerrecords.com
song about illness, struggle and death. His lyrical power is what has really made him so iconic and memorable though. Ironically this was the part of Guthrie’s music that took a little longer for me to discover. Many of his songs are underpinned with strong political messages and dark, depressing realities. He successfully used music as a means of voicing these messages to the masses in America. Sadly Guthrie fell victim to Huntington’s disease in the late 1950s and this eventually lead to his death in 1967. This didn’t stop his musical legacy from living on though. A new breed of American folk musicians including none other than Bob Dylan regularly visited Guthrie in hospital and played him their songs for him in the last few years of his life. Woody Guthrie is without doubt, one of the most honest and bold songwriters I have come across in music, and this is something that should not only be respected, but also celebrated.
Tom Durkin
he guitar solos are back with a vengeance as Metallica aim to forget St Anger and bring back the good old days. Although it can not be overlooked that the new album could be verging into the embarrassing Dad-rock, so keep the CD in your collection and far from your father’s. Death Magnetic, like many albums is one which needs time to grow, especially if you’re not an obsessed fan. It’s also an album which needs time to listen to, with only 10 songs it still clocks up an impressive 75 minutes and with the average song lasting around 7 minutes each, not many radio stations or music channels are going to often air the tracks. But despite my complaints, there are many positives on this album. For one it’s certainly Metallica, and that’s something which many fans should love to hear. It is certainly a return to form, and its worth paying for, not downloading it off Napster (naughty naughty). ‘All Nightmare Long’ shows off their talents for composing music heavy enough to keep the audience ‘bouncing’ but melodic enough to keep everyone interested, and the lyrics are again top notch from Mr Hetfield, both components reasons why Metallica are a band everyone in the genre and outside look up to them as gods, it’s by far my favourite song on the album but it doesn’t end there. ‘Broken, Beat & Scarred’ offers an interesting blues style intro which leaves you gagging for more and ‘The Unforgiven III’ reminds the listener of old without repeating themselves too much. ‘The End Of The Line’ is the perfect Metallica song, for me, keeping elements of old Metallica but rejuvenating it with the new sounds of Metal, such as DevilDriver and Machine Head even if only slightly. All in all, its a solid album bringing together air guitar and sing alongs which recent metal doesn’t seem to offer. And should certainly be listened to if you’re a hardcore Metallica fan, or into bands Trivium, Ozzy, Black Label Society and others of similar vein.
Matt McCullagh
I received a very nice surprise in the post the other day in the form of Plays To Please EP from Final Fantasy, aka Owen Pallett. If you don't already know he is an extraordinarily talented violinist and the composer behind the arrangements of fellow Canadians Arcade Fire and Alex Turner side-project Last Of The Shadow Puppets. Plays To Please is actually a collection of songs by Alex Lukashevsky and Deep Dark United which Pallett has arranged the music for and somewhat notably performed alongside fellow violinist Andrew Bird. From the opener ‘Horsetail Feathers’ the listener might be forgiven for thinking they had accidentally begun listening to a somewhat snazzy Broadway musical rather than an indie record, which if anything is a credit to the sheer range of ability on display here. On comes the foreboding tones of ‘Ultimatum’ and even more musicianship than you can shake your dusty guitar at. This time it's backed up with lyrical delights such as describing some very naughty acts, " You'll want them till I tap your tits, he's gonna caution your clits...". With Owen's almost polite vocal delivery you might even be able to play this without incident with your grandparents in the same room. Dark humour is applied thickly within ‘Nun Or A Bawd’, jauntily proclaiming "Gonna get me a girlfriend, gonna do whatever she says". It's the subtle lyrical turns here again amongst the musicianship that make this a highlight. ‘Crush - Love – Crush’ is the troubled monologue of someone fighting with their feelings of self doubt, uncertain of feeling anything with any conviction anymore. Everything comes into full force with lush composition that should have you hanging onto every note, finally breaking apart with Pallett repeating "Crush, Love, Crush" until his voice is barely audible. It does ultimately steal the show before the final curtain.
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FILM
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Due to popular demand, Seren is now bringing you a review of films from the other side of the world! Please get in touch with any suggestions or reviews for the next issue: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk
Eastern Cinema T
Tropic Thunder ****
his year has been a very busy one for the comedy genre with most of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars having a film in cinemas, and sadly quite a few have of these films been big disappointments. The latest 2008 comedy release is ‘Tropic Thunder’, the latest from Ben Stiller, which is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated comedies of 2008. ‘Tropic Thunder’ is the tale of a group of actors who are attempting to film a realistic war movie. Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller) is an action star whose career is struggling following a series of box office flops. Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black) is a comedy star who wants to be taken more seriously, Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.) is an Australian award winning actor who has undergone a radical skin colour changing procedure in order to play the role of an African American soldier and Alpa Chino (Brandon T. Jackson) is a rapper and commercial star who is trying to break out into acting. These four stars are working under the direction of Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan), who can’t seem to control them and with the production turning into a complete disaster and studio head Les Grossman (Tom Cruise) threatening to shut filming down, Cockburn takes the actors into the wilderness with the intention of making the film guerrilla style. Little does he know, however, that he has taken them a bit too far off the grid
and soon their war movie becomes too real, and the movie they think they are making isn’t a movie anymore. With real bad guys pursuing them, the actors are forced to become the very soldiers they are portraying if they have any hope of surviving. Right from the start it is clear that ‘Tropic Thunder’ aims to be more than just an average Hollywood comedy, The satirical tone that is present throughout the movie makes this film stand out so much, it is far more
“Tropic Thunder is a razor sharp satire of Hollywood and its excesses” than just an average popcorn movie that’s entertaining but shallow. The razor sharp satire of Hollywood and its excesses brings humour that not only makes you laugh but has something to say about the workings of the movie industry and the behaviour of its stars. Cleverly written dialogue, smart in-jokes and references, outlandish situations and over the top characters all add to the film’s hilarity. The characters are brought to life thanks to hilarious performances from pretty much everyone involved. Ben Stiller and Jack Black are both at the funniest they have been in a while, but it is
Robert Downey Jr. who gets the most laughs with an absolutely hysterical performance as an Australian actor playing an African American soldier. Downey Jr’s character is one of the satirical high points of the film, parodying the extreme lengths some actors will go in order to get certain roles. Following his much praised performance in ‘Iron Man’, Downey Jr. goes one better here, not only being incredibly funny in both sides of his character, but also being very convincing as both an Australian and an African American with believable accents and mannerisms. I honestly believe that his performance is worthy of an Oscar nomination, even though it is doubtful that he will get one. Overall, ‘Tropic Thunder’ is a very funny film that won’t be forgotten instantly and it is also quite spectacular with some very well staged battle sequences and realistic locations. Sure, there are a few setbacks - it isn’t quite as funny as it could have been and for anyone who is squeamish the gory scenes will be a bit too much but these are minor issues that don’t adversely hold back what is easily one of the best comedies of 2008 and a film that shows how a spoof should be done.
V
ersus is absolutely unlike anything you will have ever seen, an insane barrage of gun-blazing action, mixed martial arts and samurai scraps complete with over the top gory horror reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s early effort Braindead, or Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead series. Versus follows an escaped prisoner who rendezvous with Yakuza gangsters who will take him to safety. The penalty for this is the death of a female hostage who the prisoner seems to take a liking to almost too quickly and rejects the plan to go on the run with her. They run into the ‘forest of resurrection’ where not only are the Yakuza gangsters chasing them, but long dead members of the Yakuza are coming back from the dead to avenge their deaths. If this sounds a bit stupid, it’s because it is and deliberately so. None of the characters have names, but are given distinctive looks, like comic book characters, to help you remember who’s who. More and more characters are introduced but by then the plot is
just completely lost amongst the ultra kinetic set pieces. Made on a very low budget, it’s impressive what ‘Azumi’ director Ryuhei Kitamura has pulled off. Fight sequences are well choreographed, the gun battles are almost as good as a John Woo film and the icky moments will easily please horror film fans. All of this is done with such inventive, dynamic camerawork and hyperactive editing, that Versus stands alone as being a true original in the action/horror genre. Versus is far from flawless however; it’s about half an hour too long, some of the performances are wildly over the top and annoying, whilst the crazy editing can detract from what’s going on occasionally. Despite this, the sheer chaos that ensues is delivered with such panache that these flaws shouldn’t spoil the entertainment value on offer.
Mark Varley
DVD Review
Robert Mann
Burn After Reading ****
F
or much of their career, writing/ directing team the Coen Brothers have only seen their films appreciated by a small niche audience, with mainstream moviegoers virtually oblivious to the fact that they were making films. Winning big at the Oscars with their last film ‘No Country For Old Men’ has raised their profile considerably, introducing their unique filmmaking style to a much wider audience. The plot of ‘Burn After Reading’ is extremely complicated so here is just a brief overview of what to expect. Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt) are two gym workers who find a disc left behind in a locker at the gym. On the disc they find the memoirs of former CIA analyst Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) along with what they believe to be some very sensitive classified information. They see an opportunity to make some money out of the situation and attempt to blackmail Cox, completely unaware of what they are getting themselves involved in. Meanwhile, Cox’s wife Katie (Tilda Swinton) is having an affair with Treasury agent Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney) who just happens to be a
serial dater who is also dating Linda. As their lives become increasingly entangled in weird and unusual ways, things get worse and worse for Linda and Chad who find their simple scam turning into something far bigger than they could possibly have imagined. All the while, the head of the CIA (J.K. Simmons) is following the events, with absolutely no clue as to what is going on.
“Events are so etertaining that you won’t care whether or not it all makes sense.” In order to understand ‘Burn After Reading’ it really is necessary to pay close attention throughout, but even then you may still be none the wiser. This is one of the things that works so well about this film, that at the end you’re not really sure what happened and the events are presented in such a way and are so entertaining that you won’t care whether or not it all makes sense. The humour is rather bizarre and certainly won’t be to everyone’s
tastes, but fans of the early works of the Coens will love it. The casting is mostly pitch-perfect, with Coen regulars and newcomers alike pulling off their roles brilliantly. Both George Clooney and Brad Pitt show a knack for comedy which hasn’t really been seen in their past roles, and Malkovich really convinces as the former CIA analyst who is having a complete breakdown. Tilda Swinton and Frances McDormand also deliver great performances, with both their characters being polar opposites. Swinton is perfectly cold as Cox’s cheating wife, while McDormand is perfectly upbeat as the optimistic Linda. The other key reason for the success of this film, besides the cast, is, of course, the writing and direction of the Coen Brothers themselves, who are quite possibly the only people who could make this film work. In the hands of anyone else, this film would probably have been a nonsensical mess. Overall, ‘Burn After Reading’ isn’t a film for everyone, but anyone who appreciates the work of the Coen Brothers should definitely see it.
Robert Mann
Son of Rambow ****
Y
ou would be forgiven for thinking that this film is about a young John Rambo Jnr. wrecking havoc and generating a spiralling death toll during the Gulf War. Thankfully it is not although, after the absurd Rambo released earlier this year, I did fear the worst. However, Son of Rambow proved to be one of this year’s surprise comedy hits and is the perfect film for the whole family to enjoy. It centres on the life of Will, a shy ten-year-old boy growing up in Plymouth during the early 1980s. He is the son of the fatherless Brethren family. The Brethrens regard themselves as God’s ‘chosen ones’ and their strict moral code means that Will has never been allowed to mix with the other ‘worldlies’, listen to music or watch television. Ironically, Will’s life takes a step for the better when he meets the school trouble maker Lee Carter.
Carter is obsessed with making his own film centred on his new hero John Rambo, after sneaking into the local cinema to watch Rambo: First Blood. All he needs is a ‘willing’ stuntman to make his dream possible and who better than Will, who himself sees this adventure as a means of escaping his strict home life for a while. Carter’s family run a care home and elderly resident Eric Sykes provides a hilarious cameo to ‘star’ as the ageing, confused Rambo. Son of Rambow is the story of two outsiders who become unlikely friends. It is very funny and the soundtrack will suit anybody who can remember the 1980s. I took my ten year old brother to see the film and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. It definitely reminded me of a time when being a Hollywood stuntman seemed the ideal job!
Will Varley
19
FILM
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Halloween horror film special
Rec ****
The best way to describe Spanish horror REC would be 28 Days Later meets The Blair Witch Project in the style of Cloverfield. Like Cloverfield, events in REC (as in the record button on a camera) unfold from documented footage. The film follows enthusiastic reporter Angela (Manuela Velasco) sent to cover a story on the local fire brigade in Barcelona. She gets bored with her monotonous report of the brigade’s night shift until an emergency call out is made regarding a disturbance at an apartment building. Angela and her cameraman Pablo rush to the scene hoping to generate some good footage for their story. What they didn’t expect was to be locked inside the building with the firemen and the building’s inhabitants (for reasons I won’t give) waiting for a zombie/rage-like plague to break out, making matters worse. Despite these problems, Angela is determined to keep what is happening on camera. This being her job, it’s a more plausible cause
to keep the camera rolling than the character’s reasons to in Cloverfield. REC is a visceral, taut and fast paced adrenaline rush which never lets up once everything that can go wrong, goes very wrong. There are zombie clichés abound, such as the obligatory zombie child and lots of characters arguing too much and shouting very LOUDLY! Despite the film not breaking new ground, the shaky camerawork works brilliantly, adding more realism and tension during the in your face zombie attacks, thrilling chases and the super intense, frightening climax, taking place in the confined space of the attic no less. The film is also aided by good performances and a couple of effective jumps. An American remake is imminent but do yourself a favour and catch this version before the predictably
Mark Varley
I
The Orphanage *****
F
or those after a horror film that doesn’t take delight in sadistic violence and torture, look no further than The Orphanage. It’s a moving film that does come with its fair share of spooks, but none of the graphic violence seen in today’s Hollywood offerings. The film blends scary suspenseful set pieces within an emotive storyline seamlessly. Laura (Belen Rued) moves with her husband Carlos and eight year old son Simon to an old orphanage where she was raised as a child with
hope to open the house as a home for disabled children. Once they move in, Simon claims to have made friends who may or may not be imaginary. Laura sees this as childlike innocence and goes along with his stories until he runs away one day. She starts to believe that the children she lived with as a child are haunting the orphanage and have taken Simon. It is from here that things go bump in the night and Laura begins to investigate Simon’s disappearance. One method is by having a séance in
Halloween ****
poor imitation is released nationwide.
the style of a Most Haunted episode which surprisingly turns out to be an effective scene with good use of sound and a creepy atmosphere. Atmosphere is a real strong point of The Orphanage with every creak, lurking shadow or door randomly slamming causing a terrific sense of unease, particularly during the film’s climax which culminates with a knockout twist. The brilliant end manages to be at once devastating, but also curiously uplifting.
Mark Varley
n the age of Saw, Hostel and other gruesome exemplars of what has become known as the ‘torture porn’ genre, the approach has very much become ‘throw everything at the wall and see what sticks’. ‘Everything’, in this case, means gore, and lots of it. And stick it does, to walls, people and the various nasty implements used to mutilate and brutalise them. Subtlety is out, and gouging, scalping and amputation are in. Appropriate, then, that we should return to a simpler time, when psychopaths needed only a creepy soundtrack and a rubbish mask to terrify audiences (oh yeah, and a big knife). Halloween, John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, set the standard for slasher movies, and could still teach today’s gore-obsessed film-makers a thing or two about atmosphere and economy. From the outset, our unease is aroused by the simplest of elements; that score, simple but endlessly effective, and a jack-o’-lantern on a black background. The camera moves slowly in on the lantern’s eye, and we hear a chorus of children sing a ‘trick or treat’ song. It’s kids’ stuff, right? But it works so well – kids are damn creepy, after all. In the right hands, you really need nothing but the basics: Carpenter’s restraint and carefully-executed shocks are testament to that. The film derives its real power to
scare from what we are not shown, rather than from buckets of blood and gratuitous violence. Michael Myers lunges into view or is glimpsed before disappearing, usually accompanied by a sinister musical cue. You end up looking for him even when he isn’t there, surely the highest compliment one can pay to a horror-movie monster. The slasher-movie ‘rules’ satirised by Scream and others are laid down here for any experienced moviegoer to see. Having sex is definitely a bad idea, and will most likely get you stabbed. The chaste goody-goody (Jamie Lee Curtis in this case) will outlive her promiscuous friends, and overcome the killer in a final showdown (but not before he ‘comes back to life’ a few times). The actual fate of the villain is never made clear however (allowing, of course, for multiple sequels). While the kids sort it out for themselves, supposed figures of authority prove largely useless. These are now such wellestablished conventions, they could appear cliché to the point of comical, but Halloween, perhaps by virtue of being the progenitor, executes them in commendable style. Yes, you’ll probably know what’s going to happen, but it doesn’t make it any less fun getting there. The original and arguably still the best.
Rhodri Barker
...if you fancy something a little different this Halloween
Le Boucher ****
Could you cope knowing that your beloved close companion was possibly a serial killer? This question is dissected in Claude Chabrol’s 1970 dark romance, Le Boucher (The Butcher), which makes minced meat of soppy chick flicks and conveys a haunting, ominous view of a dangerous, yet irresistible attraction for somebody best avoided. Mademoiselle Helene, a successful yet solitary headmistress of a primary school instantly bonds with ex-army butcher Popaul at a wedding after which the two become emotionally interdependent. Popaul is a blessed release from Helene’s intense loneliness and she is the only one able to liberate his mind from the chilling war memories relentlessly plaguing him. However, the honeymoon period of their
cosy, comforting companionship is overshadowed by a shocking succession of identical murders in Helene’s small, sleepy town. On discovering a victim’s body herself, Helene’s mind is in torment when clues prove to her that her suitor is a ruthless killer still at large. This film focuses heavily, and successfully, on its characters. There are fairly long scenes without a spoken word, instead we observe the protagonists’ behaviour and body language when alone, which gives insight into the je-ne-sais-quoi of the couple’s bond. Showing their insecurities when they are apart explains their hunger for a dubious togetherness. We sympathise with their situations and become just as emotionally involved with them as they are with each other.
Deep sympathy for Papaul’s killing addiction is aroused from the fact that his sadism is born of the bloody killing and torture he witnessed in the Algerian War. The traumatised Popaul raises the much debated issue that governments start wars but never fight themselves. He is a victim of a government which insensitively expects its people to recover from conflict instantly, blissfully unaware of the suffering their decisions have on soldiers and civilians. Debate on the differences between war and murder is also poignantly explored through this distressed character. This thought-provoking romance gives slush the chop and stabs you right in the heart.
Rosie MacCloud
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BOOKS
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
T
his amazing book will touch your heart from the very beginning, and will not leave for years to come. Focusing on the drastically changing life of a nine year old boy, Bruno, who was caught in the middle of the Holocaust, without actually knowing what it is and how everyone else is being affected by it. After weeks of living in a new, isolated house, far away from their once comfortable home in Berlin, Bruno decides to go exploring in search of some friends that he hopes resides behind the strange fence that he can see from his new room. On his expedition he meets a young boy called Shmuel, who changes how he thinks about everything, including what happens behinds the fence, where Shmuel lives. This friendship will change everything, how both boys think, what happens to Bruno and the effect that it has on Bruno’s family. A truly amazing yet simple novel that you will never forget.
Emma McColl
I
1. Dracula - Bram Stoker
This novel is the beginning of the original vampire that has haunted everyone’s dreams, and nearly everyone’s movies. This novel is the prefect read again and again no matter what the mood you are in.
2. Pet Cemetery - Stephen King This book is a Stephen king classic that haunts people from the moment they start to read it. With so much suspense and mystery this is a loved book by all fans of the horror genre, this is one that you can’t put down, no matter what.
3. I Am Legend Richard Matheson This vampire classic has inspired a new blockbuster movie, but it’s still the book that can get your blood boiling faster than the movie.
4. Frankenstein - Mary Shelley This novel is still recognised as the basis of the horror genre due to the sheer brilliance of the god complex that creates the monster. A must read for all, Frankenstein has everything that is needed from a good horror book, evil, theft, murder, love and revenge.
A little bit of books news... t has been announced that J.K Rowling has topped the highest paid authors list with her Harry Potter franchise, earning her approximately £170 million last year, which works out as her earning £5 per second and currently worth £2.5
Top ten Horror novels for Halloween
billion. She is currently the highest paid author and beating well known crime writer James Patterson into second place with his crime novels that include Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls.
5. IT - Stephen King This is another of king’s classic horror novels that fills children with the dread of clown, sewers and their own memories.
Much richer than you
6. Silence Of The Lambs Thomas Harris This truly gruesome novel is just one of the many stories of the infamous Hannibal lecture, a very crude and powerfully cunning man who traps his victims into a false sense of security before killing them and having them for dinner.
7. Queen of the Damned Anne Rice
A cult classic, Queen of the Damned is one of the many books from Anne Rices’ vampires of the underworld chronicles focusing on the activities on one of the head vampire’s, a female who wishes to control all the males.
8. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Lewis
The Magician’s Nephew, the forgotten Narnia
E
ver wondered why there was a lamp post in the middle of a wood or how a wardrobe could be a doorway to another world? The Magician’s Nephew, the Narnia chronicle overlooked by film makers, offers an insight into why exactly there was a Lion, a Witch and a Wardrobe in the first place. The final Narnia chronicle to be written the story pre dates the others and follows Digory (The professor in The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe) who is staying with his uncle while his mother is seriously ill, his friend Polly and their adventure. After taking a wrong turn when exploring a passageway connecting the attics of their houses Digory and Polly end up in the attic they had been forbidden to enter by Digory’s uncle Andrew. Uncle Andrew,
who was a practicing magician, had developed a way to travel between worlds by using 2 different coloured rings. After tricking Polly into touching the “outward” ring she disappears forcing Digory to have to go after her. The rings take the children to a forest full of pools leading to other worlds. Having decided to explore they venture into the world of Cham where they unwittingly awaken Queen Jadis. Jadis is then dragged into their world as she grabbed hold of Polly’s hair as the children were disappearing into the pool home. Wanting to become Queen of this world as well she goes on the rampage around London. Knowing that he has to stop Jadis, Digory uses his ring to try and take the Queen back to her own world, but Digory, Polly, Jadis, a taxi driver and a horse named
strawberry end up in an empty land. Empty apart from somebody or something singing. The singing is coming from Aslan the lion, whose song is creating Narnia. But once Narnia is created how do they rid it of the evil Witch? will Aslan be able to cure Digory’s mother? And why does the wardrobe lead to Narnia? Considered by many to be one of the weaker chronicles, reading this section is essential for any Narnia fan. If you ignore the glaringly obvious religious references it is a good way of understanding how Narnia came into existence and the beginnings of the lion, the witch and the wardrobe.
Emma McColl
This classic horror novel is another example of a story being used over and over again in the latest Hollywood movies. The amazing tale of DR Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a tale that will stay with you forever, between the murderous rampages, to the fight for survival.
9. The Haunting of Hill House Shirley Jackson This horror movie is one of the best around for scaring you by making you so paranoid that you will constantly be checking over your shoulder
10. Interview with A Vampire Anne Rice This is another one of Anne Rice’s classics from her vampires of the underworld chronicles, the reason this one is in as well is because this is one of the most touching, yet scariest books that she has written.
21
TRAVEL
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
Hi
new travel , my name is Stef and I am the next year I the Over n. Sere for r edito ibilities of am going to open up the poss you in help fully hope and travelling for students where to go, when to your explorations; from the ning your trip. I have go and how to go about plan around Europe with ights fl p chea to ion duct intro an I will review a issue ing com each and this issue So if there ce. choi ers’ read the of European city or just visit to ted wan ys alwa is any city you have t then email me your fancy finding out more abou t requested. Also, choice and I will review the mos ribute then get in cont to les artic any have you if k ac.u gor. .ban eren el@s trav touch! you all!! with king wor to Looking forward
Jetting off on the cheap
Stef
W
Not so keen on going green?
hen looking at going on holiday the thing that most occupies our minds is the strain on our wallets, however increasingly we’re being made to think of the strain on the environment. But do words like “carbon emissions” and “eco-tourism” actually mean anything to you? The whole subject seems a bit hazy and thus, a lot of effort. Well I decided to do some research to see if sustainable travel is really as difficult as it sounds. So I did what any of us would do; Google. While flicking through the million and a half results it pulled up for me, I discovered sustainable tourism is essentially common sense. Basically when you leave, there should be no sign of you having been there. For example, if you’ve just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and have a mars bar in celebration, stick the wrapper back in your pocket until you get back down and find a bin. That’s the basic theory but on a bigger scale. The more eco-friendly you are, the easier it’ll be for you. If you recycle at home, what’s to stop you from doing it on holiday? Sustainable tourism is about allowing people to visit these exciting places now, and for a long time to come without it having a negative impact on the community. So if you’re going to Ecuador, why not shack up in a locally run hostel with organic, home grown food and the mountains at your window rather than a complex in a city? For £6 a night your wallet and your eco-conscience should be more than satisfied and the locals
will benefit from your custom. But how did you get to Ecuador in the first place? Flight websites often recommend you offset your carbon emissions. Hmm… Carbon what now? Every time you drive your car, float your boat or catch a plane, the fuel they run on gives out CO2. There’s no real way of avoiding it these days so for every ounce of carbon you emit, you can compensate by investing money into more eco friendly technology or planting trees. It won’t patch up the hole in the o-zone layer but it’ll go towards stopping it growing. If you’re flying from London to Ibiza, you can go online and calculate how much carbon you would be putting into the atmosphere. I can tell you it’s nearly a third of a tonne for a return flight. It sounds like a lot but it only costs £2.82 to offset. You might wonder what your £2.82 is going to do for the planet, well imagine everyone on your flight doing it… and everyone else on a flight out of London that day too. If you’re not so keen on this, you can plant your own tree. If you planted the seed of a Scots Pine tree now it would provide enough oxygen for 2 people for the rest of their lives. So if you do these 2 things you can declare yourself carbon neutral and the best kind of traveller there is. A green one! And after regaling your friends with the news and pictures from your guilt free trip, you can join a group about it on Facebook and spread the eco-gospel!
“Sustainable tourism is essentially common sense”
Georgia Mannion
Competition time boys and girls...
Win a Rough Guide of your choice!
U
ltimate Adventures is a fantastic new guide from the Rough Guides team. With everything from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to rafting Cherry Creekthere’s something for everyone! You can plan your next journey with Ultimate Adventures, only £16.99. Write to us with your Ultimate Adventure. It needs to be 300-500 words about the most amazing experience you have had; where it was, when and who with. The best will win a copy of a Rough Guide of
their choice plus their article will be printed in our next issue of Seren. Send your entries to editor@seren. bangor.ac.uk and the winner will be told. The closing date for the competition is 20th November. Not the writing kind? Try entering an amazing competition on the website www.roughguides.com/ adventures and you could win a trip to Thailand for you and a friend for 2 weeks! Terms and conditions are all on the website. Good luck!
W
ith all the stress of exams and the general hustle of University sometimes what you need most is just to get away from it all and escape to some place where the words ‘essay’, ‘deadline’ and ‘assignment’ do not exist. As we are all much too aware of though there is the lack of money students have circulating in their wallets, and with the little spare money we do acquire the majority goes on those small comforts that we are able to stretch to. These certainly do not include jetting off to somewhere for a little break from the pressure of our studies. But now more so than
ever we are able to take what little fortune we have and hop on a Boeing 737 and in two to three hours time be exploring Paris, Milan or even Prague. Cheap flights are readily available with over 20 different airlines now purposely dedicated to short flights to major European cities. Ryanair, EasyJet, Flybe, Bmi Baby and flyglobespan to name but a few of the airlines that specialise in short distance cheap flights. Whether you want to spend three nights in the modern Spanish city of Barcelona; experience the culture of Italy’s ancient Rome or even walk through the street markets of Latvia’s capital
Riga, there is something for every student. Some of the best deals are really amazing when you think about it. You can fly with Ryanair from Liverpool to Barcelona for £26.99 return including taxes and from Manchester to Prague with Bmi Baby for £27.98 return. So if you have a few spare moments in between lectures take a look on www.flyglobespan.com or scrawl through a few pages on www. ryanair.com or just Google “cheap flights” and see what comes up. In three weeks time you could be on a plane heading to Amsterdam or even Berlin for less than £30.
Stef Black
Finding a Journey to suit you
A
s students we live life in our comfortable little bubble and experience our day to day life of studying, doing laundry, eating, possibly attempting to get some sleep and of course partying hard. We are told that University is said to be the ‘best experience of your life’. Well that may possibly be true but what if another experience is sitting there waiting for you, something much more challenging, much more fun and much more cultural than even the broadest of Universities? Travelling has hit an all high peak, with more people jetting off to exotic locations than ever before. The idea is simple. Get on a plane and eight hours later you can be sunning yourself on a beach in Mexico, or venturing through the towns of Mumbai. But is that really how a holiday should go, should we really just live our lives without experiencing more than just a long flight, stiff legs and inevitably getting jet lag? What if the journey becomes the holiday and the destination…well we’ll just see where we end up shall we? With so many remarkable places in the world to visit, it is hardly possible to go to them all, but instead of just picking one destination a journey across many destinations will make it much more plausible to tick off some of them places on your ever growing list of places to go. You would get to experience all the wonders of some of the most tucked away little towns in the world that would never appear in any holiday brochure. The amazing knowledge that can be accumulated from a journey is unlimited. The people you meet, the places you venture to and the crazy things you will get up to are more remarkable than anything you would ever expect to gain in just a two week holiday to Cyprus or Italy. Whether it is travelling by rail through Europe, or crossing America in a Mustang, the journey will lead
you to more places than any Thomas Cook package ever could. It will of course take a lot more planning than just your average summer break to Spain but it will be worth it in the end. Whether it is for six weeks during your summer break or for six months as part of your gap year, it is something that if you can do, you really should attempt to. You will gain a whole new chapter in your life, with an abundance of memories to last a lifetime. So the next time you
think of doing something different and branching out into the world why not try a journey on a camel across the Sahara or if that’s not quite for you, jump on an Interrail train and travel through 15 different cities across 9 different countries and learn what Europe and its people are really all about.
Stef Black
22
SPORT
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
RAF Sponsors Canoe Polo
Many thanks to everybody who contributed towards Seren sports this issue. All articles are welcome so if you’ve got news about your team, that you’d like to have printed in Seren, then please send it in along with any relevant photographs if you wish to sports@seren. bangor.ac.uk. You can also contact me on edu214@ bangor.ac.uk. All writers are credited so please let me know how your team’s doing! Our next issue is out on November 27th and the deadline for submitting articles is November 24th. Will Varley- Sports Editor.
A word from the AU President
S
o, the first couple of weeks of Wednesday afternoon fixtures have been and gone and we’ve seen some great competitive matches. All of our teams have been performing well, and I’m sure will continue to improve as the new members begin to settle in. Some notable performances came from the Fencing club whose men’s 1st team, 2nd team, and Women’s team all managed to win their matches on the first BUCS Wednesday of the season. Furthermore, despite getting lost going to the match and not having time to even warm up, the Women’s Hockey 1st team beat Liverpool John Moores 3-1 getting themselves off to a great start to the season. We have had some promising results all round, so for a full list of results visit www.bucs.org.uk. You can find below the fixtures list for all our home games for the next few weeks, so if you fancy getting behind Bangor’s teams and helping them on the way to success get down to a few matches! For more information regarding any sport and health related matters email me on rob.samuel@undeb.bangor.ac.uk.
Rob Samuel
NOVEMBER FIXTURES Tuesday 14.10.08 Club Men's Basketball Club Men's Badminton Men's Badminton 2nd Men's Fencing Women's Fencing Women's Football Men's Hockey Rugby League Men's Rugby Union Club Women's Basketball Club Men's Fencing 2nd Men's Football 1st Men's Football 2nd Women's Hockey 1st Women's Hockey 2nd Netball Club Men's Fencing Men's Football 1st Women's Football Men's Rugby Union Men's Hockey
Opposition
Time
Keele 1st 20:00 Wednesday 15.10.08 Opposition Time Chester (Chester) 13:00 Salford 2nd 15:00 Newcastle 1st 14:00 Keele 1st 14:00 Chester (Chester) 14:00 Man Met 1st 14:00 MMU Cheshire 1st 14:00 MMU Cheshire 1st 14:00 Tuesday 21.10.08 Opposition Time Lancaster 1st 18:00 Wednesday 22.10.08 Opposition Time Liverpool 1st 14:00 Lancaster 2nd 14:00 Bolton 2nd 14:00 Liverpool Hope 1st 14:00 Edge Hill 2nd 15:30 Liverpool Hope 1st 14:00 Wednesday 29.10.08 Oppostion Time Manchester Men 1st Cumbria 1st Chester (Chester) Chester (Chester) 2nds Lancaster 3rd
14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00
Venue Normal Site Venue Maes Glas Maes Glas Normal Site Normal Site Treborth Playing Fields Maes Glas Treborth Playing Fields Treborth Playing Fields Venue Normal Site Venue Maes Glas Treborth Playing Fields Treborth Playing Fields Maes Glas Maes Glas Maes Glas Venue Maes Glas Treborth Playing Fields Treborth Playing Fields Treborth Playing Fields Maes Glas
B
angor University’s Canoe Polo Team managed to land a sponsorship deal with the Royal Air Force. The RAF agreed to sponsor the club’s first team after the team captain contacted them through the website (www.raf.mod. uk/careers). This was in light of the men’s first team success at last year’s BUSA event. After training hard, the boys were delighted with third place and Bronze BUSA Medals. The RAF presented the
team with over £800 worth of clothing; including jackets and warm-up jackets for use during training sessions. The Canoe Polo teams train twice a week, Fridays (8.30-10.30pm) and Sundays (10.30am-1.30pm). The club do a variety of training sessions including pool and lake, sprint and skills. The club regularly compete in events including the FOA league held in Liverpool each month. If you’re interested in joining this suc-
cessful club then contact us via email: canoepolo@undeb.bangor.ac.uk or you can find us on facebook. The Royal Air Force is currently offering careers to University Graduates. See the website for details: www.raf.mod.uk/careers.
Charlotte Bewley
Bangor University’s Young “Spartan Warriors” take UK karate gold
T
he Japan Traditional Karate Institute is renowned for the superb quality of the annual UK Championships. This prestigious event attracts elite competitors from all over the UK and Ireland. Last Saturday (October 11th) saw a squad of three from the Bangor University based Seki Ryu Zan Karate club enter the Cadet section of this year’s competition. Although pitched against the large squads of the English, Scottish and Irish clubs, Catrin Owen, Emma Hughes and Alex Cheung showed great character and composure in both the Kata (forms) and Kumite (fighting). Catrin Owen, in her first UK competition, competed with excellent spirit, only narrowly losing out in the elimination rounds to the event finalists. The difficult early draws seemed to continue against the Welsh competitors, with both Emma Hughes (Kyu grade category) and Alex Cheung (Black Belt category) having to take on the previous year’s champions in order to make the final rounds of their events.
the Kumite events. In the Finals, Alex Cheung won in convincing style to take gold in the Male Cadet Kumite, whilst Emma Hughes stunned the opposition with her all-round quality to take gold in both Kata and Kumite in the Female Cadet section. The coach of one of the big English clubs asked Gwyn Mowll (Chief Instructor of the Seki Ryu Zan): “I brought 50+ competitors; you brought 3 and got 3 gold…how?” Gwyn, paraphrasing the iconic scene from the film “300” said: “Ah, you see…..we brought more warriors!”
Alex Cheung won through to the final in a very tough Kumite group, dispatching last year’s UK champion in the process, whilst Emma Hughes showed superb technique and composure in real “pressure cooker” eliminations to reach the finals of both the Kata and
If you want the chance to be as good as Catrin, Alex and Emma contact us on 01286 671912 or check out www.karatebangor.com
Dave Lloyd Pictured are Emma Hughes and Alex Cheung.
23
SPORT
October Issue 2008
www.seren.bangor.ac.uk
In defence of Freshers’ Flu not a problem for the Athletics Team... Andy Murray... T
Come on Andy, just one more Robinsons ad...
A
ndy Murray. Our entire tennis-watching public appear to have an opinion on him. On his best day, he is one of the great hopes for British sport, his most avid supporters pointing towards his growth as a world-class athlete and his potential to be World Number One. On his worst, his detractors instead see a sullen individual, twenty-one years of age but still resorting to callow, childish behaviour and without the cast-iron credentials of proven Grand-Slam winners Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. As a card-carrying member of the support camp (hey, I got a free Highland Spring mug out of it), I feel that the press has established a few road blocks that prevent Murray from being viewed in a favourable light. For starters, there’s the slightly anachronistic way that Wimbledon and British tennis’ recent retiree Tim Henman especially, are viewed. For both the casual viewer and a few longtime critics Wimbledon glory is the pinnacle of tennis achie vements. Anyone watching the tournament on the Beeb is almost constantly reminded, in a self-serving and rather precious manner, that it is the most prestigious of the Grand Slams. Indeed, the fall of Roger Federer from World No. 1 could be partly attributed to this. Federer bought into the Wimbledon mythos so much (with his customised sweaters and the like), that when he lost the title to Nadal this year, it seemed to affect him mentally in the same way glandular fever had affected him physically in January and February. Simply put, Wimbledon has to be viewed in the context of the entire ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) season. The majority of players on the ATP tour only play Wimbledon and a couple of other grass warm-up tournaments – such as Queen’s Club in Nottingham – in a calendar year. As a result, it is hard for inexperienced players to build themselves up on the surface. This undoubtedly played into the hands of Federer at Wimbledon between 2004
and 2007. Realistically, Murray has a fair shot of winning the crown at SW 19, but it’s difficult to see him (or anyone else for that matter) dominating on grass. There’s also ‘Tiger Tim’ Henman to consider; resident of Oxford and star of some truly woeful Robinsons adverts over the years, Henman appeared cut out for Wimbledon success and not to upset this pedigree, his results were impeccable. Over an eight-year period between 1996 and 2004, he reached four semi-finals and four quarter-finals. Yet the Slam eluded him, and even when he lost to eventual champions Goran Ivanisevic and Lleyton Hewitt, he was (unfairly) lambasted for not going the whole way. Murray is on the cusp of achieving yet greater success there, so is it Henman’s ‘stoic’ English gamesmanship that separates the two players? If this is the case, then I point people towards a little-known incident at Wimbledon in 1995, when during a doubles match, Henman lashed out, hitting a ball with his racquet and striking a ball girl on the head. Because of this, Henman became the first player to ever be disqualified from Wimbledon. By comparison, Murray’s frustrated outbursts at former coach Brad Gilbert seem inestimably tame. Murray himself has been more sanguine on the topic. “Tim definitely was much, much better than me over the eight or nine years in which he was in the top 10”, he said after his victory at the ATP Masters event in Madrid this month. Yet his opportunities for modesty are diminishing. There are many more tournaments to be played on hard-courts next year, his preferred surface, than on grass or clay so he has a numerical advantage going into them. He has beaten Djokovic, Nadal and Federer within the last two-and-a-half months, will end the year ranked at least No.4 and (at time of writing) has amassed four titles this season. I am sure you will agree though, that he is no match for Sarah Palin, on or off the court.
he University athletics club had their first cross country of the new season on Saturday (27th Sept) and enjoyed a good turn out despite it being the end of a heavy freshers’ week! The men’s and women’s races were both at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay. The women’s team had a good run with Jenny Brierley finishing 19th, Heather Roberts (our first fresher to compete this year) 36th and Suzy Blandford 39th. After the women had done their best to churn up the course, the men’s race began. It was touch and go whether our very own Mr. Samuel would run for Bangor uni or his new club Eryri, but fortunately he was allowed to compete for the uni and finished a stunning 3rd place. Next across the line for Bangor, and not too far behind Rob, was Fabe Downs (14th). Andy John followed and had a fantastic battle at the end of the race bumping up his final position to 74th. Angus Mackay came in after Andy and ran well despite a recent injury. Matt Otway ran a tactical race beating his time from
last year. If anyone is interested in joining the club or coming along to a session don’t hesitate to get in touch at peu474@bangor.ac.uk
or athletics@undeb.bangor.ac.uk. Pictured above are members of Bangor’s Athletics team.
Jenny Brierley
University of Central Lancs 1st XV VS Bangor University 1st XV UCLAN 19-3 BANGOR
“The press has established road blocks that prevent Murray from being viewed in a favourable light”
Stephen Davies
A
fter a very promising serendipity, and a huge intake of new players into the squad, a toughly contested 1st XV squad travelled away to UCLAN to play the first BUCS fixture of the 08/09 season. Unfazed by the short amount of time to warm up and get into mode for the match, the team battled out a very strong, powerful, disciplined first half to keep the points almost level. The Bangor forwards lead by Steve “Cueball” Barnard dominated the UCLAN pack, taking many scrums against the head, despite a considerable amount of dirty play. With some handling errors towards the end of the first half, UCLAN capitalised on the mistakes and put a good try in under the posts despite some brutal defending from the back line and a well organised blitz defence. Bangor’s 3 points came from a well deserved penalty for interference, struck solidly by Matt “Goose” Monaghan. The second half was filled with Bangor’s fighting spirit and willingness to stick their heads on the line, as displayed by
some tasty injuries and plenty of blood. However, two more tries were conceded in the half due in part to better match fitness and some real pace out on the wings. Bangor’s defence unfortunately became a bit dog legged at times. Many positives can be taken from this game, with the front row dominating, and outstanding debut performances from all of the new squad members, with fresher Gregor “Debbie” Aitken just pipping veteran Rob Scott to the Man of The Match award. Aiden “Sherminator” Copland took some impressive high balls under pressure, while Chris Reed caused problems for UCLAN consistently. Captain Steve Barnard said after the game: “We have come a long way in a very short amount of time and I am very pleased with the maturity and professionalism displayed by our team. Everyone gave 100% in the match, and today I could ask for nothing more. This defeat has helped identify our weaknesses as a team, and will allow us to focus on them in training and challenge for this
league. There is nothing that cannot be developed further so we will get on with the job in hand.” It was an exciting game to watch from the sidelines, and there were many flashes of individual flair and good communication between the players, with the pack working inside each others pockets for the whole 80 minutes. The backs worked as a line and were very much organised in defence with debutant scrum half Jack Keegan linking forwards and backs consistently. Squad: Steve “Cueball” Barnard (C), Rich Leonard, Hamza Yassin (Tom Dias Golightly), Dan Thomas (Ali “Chemical” Lalloo), Andrew Grandad Butt, Elfyn Elvis Roberts, Toby Daw, Gregor “Debbie” Aitken, Jack Keegan, Matt “Goose” Monaghan, Lloyd Rees (Simon Clarke), Rob Scott, Emir “Choccy B” Hirji, Aiden “Sherminator” Copland, Chris Reed (Dave Beaton)
Sam Parry