Seren - 203 - 2008-2009 - December 2008

ISSN 1755-7585

Issue No. 203

December Issue 2008

FFRIDD SH*T£?

A

Students firmly unhappy with new build but are your complaints being listened to?

re you forced to put up with noise roughly equivalent to an aircraft turbine* for six days out of seven?

Are you tormented by night terrors consisting of relentlessly accelerating construction trucks and hyperactive pneumatic drills?

Are you bereft of an internal phone with which you can put across these encroaching fears to Estates staff? Then commiserations, as you are almost certainly a disgruntled resident of the Ffridd site.

First, some background for the uninitiated and those fortunately unaffected by the ongoing saga. Originally, complaints on Ffridd site in September and early October were linked to building work commencing at 7am in the morning. (Construction was then put back to 8am). Internet issues related to the ineffective operation of ResNet were resolved fairly quickly af-

ter being brought to the attention of staff at the Ffridd Halls Office. However, ongoing complaints concerning levels of noise and dust at Ffridd have now centred on the Idwal block – the block is supposedly designated as Ffriddoedd’s ‘quiet block’, but has experienced more than its fair share of noise problems.

Most of these related noise complaints are linked to the proximity of Idwal to Ffriddoedd Road, Bar Uno, and the main pedestrian entrance, which has prompted questions of the suitability of Idwal’s quiet block status.

A recent Student Forum Meeting (held October 10th) had staff representatives – including Director of Estates and Facilities, Mr Mike Goodwin, who stressed at the meeting that he was attempting to mediate with students and the building contractors.

Evidence points to the contrary, however

with Ffridd students having not received a definite end date for the building and refurbishment.

Idwal has also been subject to ground floor flooding – the ground floor is to eventually be used for administrative purposes, as well as containing shop space – and excessive noise related to the strengthening of the building’s interior structure. Complaints have also been of a very specific nature: one visually-impaired student has had difficulty utilising specialist audio facilities because of the wider noise pollution issues.

Spencer George, Deputy President of the Students’ Union said: “I have raised these issues at several meetings and despite the small success we have had in getting the contractors to start work an hour later in the day, I am disappointed by the apparent lack of communication between the Halls

Office and the residents. At the very least residents should be informed as to why the work is being carried out, how long the work will be going on for and I think an apology for the inconvenience caused is the very least the students deserve”.

He went on to comment, “I am currently putting together a report which will be presented directly to the Vice Chancellor at the next Student Forum (05/12/08). Whilst we understand the current re-development is essential for the long term future of the Fridd site, it should not come at the expense of those currently residing there.”

It is not fair however, to tar all of Ffridd with the same (probably rather noisy) brush. Residents of other Ffridd halls seem to be pretty happy with their humble abodes. When John Jackson and his team of sabbatical officers roam around Ffridd, the majority of students they speak to have

no complaints.

There have been some concerted efforts on the part of Estates and Facilities to resolve certain issues. Internal phones are hopefully being installed soon but the cost of replacing swipe cards (currently at a rather extortionate £15) for Halls entry is apparently not up for debate.

Stephen Davies *Disclaimer: This is by no means a scientific comparison and Seren stresses the adverb roughly in this description so as to avoid confrontation and scary legal ramifications. Seren also bruises rather easily, and hasn’t been in a fight since it was six.

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EDITORIAL December Issue 2008

Contributors: Patrick Stephens Georgia Mannion Rhodri Barker Iain Dalton Emily Collins Liz Stephens Joe Firth Matt McCullagh Matt Ison Bettina Heller Willow Manuel Sophie Griffiths Mike Walsh Tom Durkin Dave Lewis Peter Cox Kenneth Padley Frances Birkett Megan Tapper Kirsten Kennedy Sion Wyn Laszek Aaron Wiles Jack Sexty Robert Mann Rosie MacCloud Liam Randall Hannah Meachin Charlotte Bewley Dave Lloyd Matthew Cox Richard Laba Sam Evans Andy Peterson Cat Prince Don Kelly Ellie Sutcliffe Kevanne Sanger Photography: Helen Waller Gareth Roberts Aaron Wiles Proof reading:

Tom Hecht Spencer George Georgia Mannion

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

So here it is....

I …bloody Christmas! Ok so, n whe oge Scro a of bit a quite am of it comes to the festive time year, but I’d be lying if I said that making this Seren look seasonal hasn’t been fun.

As the first semester of this , academic year draws to a close it’s really quite bizarre to think that nearly 3 months have / passed since we all got back to made our debut in Bangor. Time does fly… but such is life and as we get older I’m sure this e/ apparent bend in the spac ar time continuum will appe to happen more quickly. THE

JOYS. Ok so, on to this issue. There t is loaaaads for you to feas , those wonderful eyes upon including a letters section l (“ooh!”), Willow Does Medieva Reenactment (“ahh!”), the low ils down on those spam ema e (“grr!”) and much much mor you bet I ). do!” de op (“wo literally cannot wait. In fact, I wouldn’t discourage you from completely disregarding the rest of this (really rather flicking laborious) editorial and r this next paragraph that is… of Christmas Seren 2008. Afte announcement ders won the to ugh thro ght strai usually capitalise, but I felt this not do I Yep, CK. STO IN e anything S NOW unlik MUG are ED s INT mug e DPA thes , HAN EN right SER to the you can see from the picture As . ption exce an h mug wort y was definitel own Seren team, this by the fine hands of your very you have seen before. Painted unter. Yours for only £2! enco to yet are you that life will bring joys to your bangor.ac.uk.

Get in touch – editor@seren.

Want one? Of course you do! it. on get better We’re starting a trend, you’d Lots and lots of love

Deniol Jo, the best editor this side of Road.

Seren is Bangor Students’ Union monthy newspaper, however we do 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 in February - the date is currently under review, but if you want to know, get in touch.

Much love, peace out.

RECYCLE

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

Here at Seren, there’s nothing we love more than Mother Nature and d’ya know what she loves? Recycling! After you’ve finished with us, can you put us in your blue box and make sure we get made into something else? Thanks very much.

As Craig David once said: RE-E-CYCLE. WHEN THE CROWD SAY ‘BO’ SELLEEEECTA

3

NEWS

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Rising concerns over student safety in Bangor

Are we really living in one of the UK’s safest cities?

B

angor prides itself on being a safe city. All over the University prospectus is the quote “Bangor is a safe place to live - one of the safest cities in the UK” from educationuk.org and it’s a very important factor for potential students when choosing their university city. However, in the past few weeks Seren has been made aware of numerous attacks and assaults on students in Bangor and from the sheer number of incidents reported to us, it seems this city isn’t as safe as it once was.

One 3rd year student found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time on the morning of Sunday 5th October. “I had left the Railway Institute after a club night and was heading down Caernarfon Road. A man who had also been at the club with me running in and out of the road wearing just a white t-shirt and jeans (bear in mind that it was raining, and the downpour was torrential at this time of night) when, for seemingly no reason, another man verbally attacked him and looked ready to throw a punch. Conscious of this, I stepped off the pavement whilst walking past him, believing this would prevent any possible confrontation. Wrong. Next thing I know, I’ve been smacked in the side of the head and I hit the concrete face-first.

The man, walked on, seemingly having been calmed down by his friends. I presume alcohol was involved but I couldn’t verify this.”

This is not an isolated incident. Another student narrowly escaped when teenagers threw glass bottles at him in a completely unprovoked attack. Aaron,

a first year from Walsall recalls the encounter with some young locals during Freshers’ week “we were coming back from Yellow and they started talking to us. It seemed like nothing was going to happen, but then they began threatening us saying they’d ‘bang us out’ I think it was because of my accent. They left us

“I was smacked in the side of the head and hit the concrete facefirst” alone once we got onto the Ffridd site though”.

Since these events, more reports of violence in Bangor have reached Seren.

A few weeks ago, one young student (who wishes to remain anonymous) was chased home by 3 homeless men after a night out, but luckily escaped. The police were called, however it seems they could do very little.

It seems it’s not just people being attacked; property and vehicles are also a prime target for violence. On the 13th of November a group of local teenagers broke into the back of Neuadd Peris and used washing powder and a fire extinguisher to create a sudsy explosion and set off the fire alarms. Bubbles were reported to be flowing down the staircases while they made a noisy exit and were swiftly swept up by security. In

addition, last week one student reported this to us: “my boyfriend’s car was parked in front of Gwynant and his mirror got smashed off. There’s also a giant dent in the bonnet. They tried to get the other mirror too, nightmare”.

Seren spoke to the Students’ Union Deputy President, Spencer George to ask what he thought of the recent incidents: “The Students’ Union is very concerned about the recent spate of attacks on students and is disGlanrafon Hill: never will you find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy appointed that the incidents have not been is within walking distance, wandering living in houses but no such informareported to us at the relevant welfare tion has been delivered to the Ffridd meetings that myself and other sabbatisite which is the most densely popuOne student cal officers attend. Needless to say both lated student area of Bangor (besides John Jackson (SU President) and I will narrowly escaped the bars). With kitchen notice boards be seeking a meeting with the Univerplastered with signs reading “how to when teenagers sity’s Police Officer and Head of Security use the vacuum correctly” and no into discuss the issues further. In the mean formation on general wellbeing, can threw glass time we would encourage students to students be blamed for forgetting that bottles at him report all similar incidents to the local this is a city and that they aren’t invinauthorities and I would like to take this cible? You might suggest that students opportunity to remind students that would find that information more relthe Advice Centre do sell attack alarms, home alone doesn’t seem to be an isevant that how to use Henry, when was should you wish to purchase one.” sue like it is in other cities. We wouldn’t the last time you heard a student say “I’ll Although the crime rates in Bangor dream of walking home alone in Manjust whip round with the hoover”? are believed to be amongst the lowest chester or Liverpool, so why do it here? in the UK, no city is without its share of Vague leaflets on safety in Bangor Georgia Mannion feisty residents. As everything in Bangor have been received by some students

YOUR NEWS, STUDENT SAFETY FEARS Do you feel safe in YOUR VIEWS and around Bangor?

I don’t actually feel that Bangor has got significantly more dangerous since I came here, back in the mists of time.

I feel more secure than if I were in a big city but when it’s dark - I do feel a bit daunted, especially if it’s the weekend.

Chris

Syada

Post-graduate Psychology

1st year French with Film

Generally yes I do, but now and again it can be a bit intimidating walking home from Time or Academi. During the day is usually ok.

Will

1st year Media

Nothing scares me, I am a man of steel.

However, sometimes you hear stories that should make you think twice before stumbling home

Sion

3rd year Religious Studies

I do feel safe, in comparison to other places. However, don’t feel very confident walking home alone in the dark.

Sian

Masters Psychology

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NEWS

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Robbing Barstewards?

Anger as Academi charges societies & clubs for SIN nights

C

lubs and societies across the students union have been feeling the pinch this semester in the wake of changes to the Academi SIN night scheme.

The new system, introduced after Academi made little money from SIN nights last year, could see some groups lose up to £200. In the past, all money paid on the door for a SIN night has gone straight to the clubs a n d

societies hosting it. However, now the Academi bosses will take a cut from the door money. How much they take depends on how many people attend the SIN night in question.

The announcement caused a stir amongst group members because of the implications such a scheme

that Academi was making on these nights.” She went on to say, “SIN nights were introduced as a service to students, not as a big money spinner, but without the venue fees there would be no SIN nights. People just don’t realise the fixed costs associated with opening the venue

Seren asked Ms Lacey how much an external company would expect to be charged for Academi hire.

She said: “The student rates are extremely low in comparison with the competition and our non-student rates… we use student discounted rates for the SIN’s as the venue

“Seren can reveal that at least 8 student group nights this semester have been subject to these fees” has on their yearly budgets. Each year, your club or society is given a grant from the student union and this money helps with day-to-day running costs, publicity, the provision of regular socials and the organisation of SIN nights.

Club and society grants were decided back in May, long before the Academi SIN night charges were introduced and as such, this cost wasn’t taken into account when the figures were decided.

Debbie Lacy, Academi’s manger who introduced these costs, takes a different view: “Venue fees were introduced this academic year as a necessity to make the SIN night viable. We were considering stopping the SIN nights due to the losses

such as music royalties, SIA licensed security, license fees, management and staff.”

The charges

Attendees 0 - 50 51 - 75 76 - 200 201 - 350 351+

Price £200 £100 £60 £30 free

***!!!ROOM AVAILABLE!!!***

fee for non-student venue hires are considerably higher, with [some clients] paying up to £250 per night - the true cost of renting out a venue of this size” We also asked what she thought of clubs and societies losing money due to these costs. “We have left the opportunity for groups to have the venue for free if they get over 351 customers through the door which MOST groups have managed this year. Most student groups are very positive and are grateful of the opportunity to continue to run a night and make a substantial amount of money for their group.”

Although Ms Lacy maintains that most groups have benefited from a free SIN night, Seren can exclusively

reveal that at least 8 student group nights (and possibly even more than that) this semester have been subject to fees.

It is important to note that these charges should be an effective way of ensuring clubs and societies are motivated to put some effort into their SIN nights and really work on the promotion. However, whether the tiered system is the most effective (and fair) way of doing this remains to be seen by many.

We spoke to one society head (who wishes to remain anonymous), they said of the charges: “It’s downright greedy for [Academi] to take this money from our society when we already struggle to meet our overheads. For some societies, SIN nights are the only way to raise funds and it may be that membership fees have to increase because of this. It’s a sad day when the SU’s own venues start penalising students, when we already have enough to pay for”.

Last year some SIN nights were not properly promoted, and SIN nights can be difficult to arrange. Getting your night to stand out from the rest is a big part of the challenge.

Patrick Stephens

’s

SPAM COUNTDOWN! IN AT 5...

Cutting the crap, this student takes the direct approach with: “I agree,piss off, I’ll find a room if I want one, your mail is junk..”

IN AT 4...

Email spam makes students want to eat their own eyes

B

rilliant room, with a sea view, 5 minutes from Main Arts, NOVEMBER RENT PAID, with lovely housemates, get in touch!!!

Sound familiar? Many students who have accessed their Bangor University email accounts lately may have noticed the dramatic rise in emails from students looking to fill the spare room/ take their room in local houses.

The level of spam on these email accounts is becoming slightly ridiculous and because of these spam emails some students are avoiding loging into their inboxes. One note on the intranet board reads “I’ve got to the point I hardly check my Uni emails anymore”.

Another comment says: “I suggest the University administrators enforce some policies where only staff members have the ability to send emails to entire mail lists. Those emails [sic] lists are precompiled for a reason, I doubt spam is one.”

There is a place to market these available rooms: the University notice boards.

The amount of emails entitled ‘Room Available’ has increased vastly over the

last month; to a point that some students are beginning to complain, using the same method of university-wide email system to do so.. An email sent to all students joked of someone willing to sell their inbox (boasting it has the ability to find many choices of rooms to rent), whilst another read “I would also like to sell my inbox… however, mine has November rent paid… AND has a new kitchen!” Many responses to this issue worked their way around the interweb, but then the joke started to wear off a little with one email reading: “So now, not only have we got to deal with the annoying room for rent spam, but also the complaints about it.”

It seems that Internet Services have finally taken note of the ludicrous nature of these emails by sending a message to all students detailing the ways in which those looking for a housemate can target people who want to hear it. This email ended with a note reminding all students to “Please use the discussion / noticeboards… rather than sending emails to lots of people across the University.”

However it’s not just students who are guilty of abusing this feature; recent-

ly a number of emails advertising Bar Uno have crept into our inboxes, which seems rather hypocritical in the wake of a SPAM warning message.

When students leave halls and find accommodation for the following year there are many factors which are needed to be considered and if they are unhappy where they are and want to leave, they would need to find someone to take their room. This is difficult and obviously it would be impossible to afford two rooms, so emailing everyone in Bangor might seem like a good option, although those on the receiving end might not think so...

The IS department, located in Deinol Library, are working hard to resolve this problem and sent an email out explaining how to properly advertise to the student community. This email was shortly followed by another room for rent email.

With all the rooms in Bangor, it seems it will be a while until they are all filled and our inboxes can finally get some rest.

Mike Walsh

This email bends time and space to bring us: “Now I think about it there’s a large 4 bed room with Sept 2005 rent paid for, only $50 a week, full service history on request...”

IN AT 3...

Internet services step in with a completely ineffective: “Please use discussion/noticeboards to target your message to interested others rather than sending emails to lots of people across the University.”

IN AT 2...

Taking the high ground it’s: “Adopt the position of anti-anti-anti-spam spam (i.e. spam that is against my spam, which is itself opposed to the spam emails that have arisen in opposition to the original spam. Which, if I recall correctly, was about renting something. Who can remember, really?)”

IN AT 1...

We felt this had to go to the email that started it all: ***INBOX FOR SALE*** “Due to high level of internal spamming I’m offering my email inbox for sale. It has many positive features: 1) You are guaranteed to find some accommodation within Bangor through it.”

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NEWS

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

If it wasn’t for those pesky socialists...

In the wake of problems with Students in The Red protest, President John Jackson denounces referendum policy as “ludicrous”

Psychology staff and students look ridiculous for Children in Need

S

ocialist Students have garnered rather a lot of publicity of late.

Aiming to maintain their current high profile among the student masses, they put their weight behind NUS’ national The Day in the Red campaign.

This would have provided an excellent opportunity for Socialists to work with NUS and campaign against student fees.

The only problem was that not many students seemed to be incredibly interested.

Amid a flurry of finger-pointing and much playing of the blame game, accusations were levelled at the Students’ Union Sabbatical Team. There have been some who have blamed the Sabbatical Team for doing a poor or insufficient job of promoting the Students in the Red. Posters to advertise the event were only printed a day beforehand and the campaigners were tucked away on Ffriddoedd Site, far away from the majority of the student population. Was this purely a silly bumble, or should the Students’ Union take its place firmly in the corner of shame?

When questioned, Students’ Union President John Jackson was really rather forthcoming: ‘The SU publicised this day in the same manner in which it publicises any other events, the vast majority of which are well attended. I think the more likely reason for a lack of attendance could be that a lot of students are just not interested…’

He added that students could have ‘been put off getting involved in this sort of thing by the result of the recent referendum. I have had complaints from many students about the ‘fees policy’ of the SU, and I would like to take this opportunity to be quite frank and clarify to any doubters that I completely agree - the

Socialist Ian Fred Dalton and President John Daphne Jackson at war over a Mystery Machine policy is ridiculous!’

Mr. Jackson made it clear in October that Sabbatical officers would not voice any opinion on the referendum until after the event. This was done in order to avoid influencing the vote one way or the other. With that period now long-gone, the President can now give the bottom line: ‘the Sabbatical officers of Bangor Students’ Union are not members of the Socialist movement and I personally believe that the resolves of the policy passed at referendum are ludicrous and often nonsensical.’

At the first Senate meeting of the

year, it was voted and agreed upon that the Students in the Red demonstration could only take place on Ffriddoedd Site.

When asked what effect this had on the day, Mr. Jackson answered, ‘It would have impacted quite considerably, but Senate’s reasoning behind this was sound - they felt that to shout about debt on the High Street, especially in the current economic climate, would have been detrimental to any future public support or opinion of students.’

Matt Ison

Did Carnage disappear in a puff of its own hype?

B

angor’s night of Carnage, held earlier this month on the 4th of November, came equipped with bacchanalian tales of excess from other parts of the country and rumours of near-legendary drunken exploits.

The fear that the Students’ Union and a number of students held, was that its arrival on Bangor’s doorstep would damage relations between Bangor residents and the student population, and also stretch security resources charged with handling students at the end of the night to breaking point.

The experience of those who attended appears, however, to have been largely positive. One psychology student who attended the Bangor night went so far as to call it “one of, if not, the best night I’ve had out in Bangor”. Another student, Sarah Staples, commented on the relative safety of the night in question, adding that the event “shows off Bangor students in a positive light”.

Nights held on the same week around other University cities were similarly

praised by a number of students nationwide for simply being a more organised version of the pub crawls that they often go to through student societies and other themed nights.

Notwithstanding, there was apparent concern for the same event that took place elsewhere the following week. For instance, as Carnage was scheduled for an appearance in Norwich on November 10th, emergency services were put on alert. Catherine Quinn, general manager of Norwich’s Varsity nightclub was quoted as saying, “It is very responsibly run and there are only four or five [Carnage events] that have happened that have been a bit shocking, which is hardly any considering the amount they do”. However, the implication from the event’s detractors is that this number could grow, with students attempting to outdo themselves in feats of drunken bravado.

Added to this potentially combustible mix of drink and impressionable students, are the overtly sexual nature of the events and its central “Dirty Porn Star”

themed Fancy Dress. Admittedly, this theme is largely related to the t-shirts and its provocative six-point checklist, but reports of bared breasts and extensive nudity (nationwide that is, Bangor appears to have been relatively well-behaved in this regard) are likely to attract a certain type of male bystander - as does coverage in Nuts magazine - and brings in another moral dimension to the event. Namely: is the crawl simply encouraging risky sexual encounters, and is it perpetuating female objectification?

It may be difficult to judge on the former – as this is largely down to personal responsibility - but on the latter point the event does appear to be guilty of playing up to chauvinist stereotypes.

With the event’s return rumoured to be occurring in February, Carnage’s potential problems and moral ambiguities have to be weighed up against the surge in popularity this event has recently enjoyed among Bangor students.

Stephen Davies

The Wheldon building: where life is one big party

T

his year for Children in Need, Psychology students went a bit creative.

The fundraising target was set at £1,300, and a a small selection of students and stadff promised they would dress up for the day if this figure was reached.

Although it was looking shaky for a while, they managed to hit jackpot and as such, all of the Psychology department got the opportunity to point and laugh at their colleagues and fellow pupils.

Among the fund raising activities which got them to the target, staff at the School have been auctioning their skills.

Head of School, Oliver Turnbull has auctioned an afternoon’s golf tuition, while other ‘gifts’ auctioned included cleaning a student’s kitchen, baking cakes and ironing. The fundraising activities were organised by Mandy Shanks, supported and encouraged by Hazel Frost and other staff and students at the School.

In addition, Storm FM raised £100 in a Children in Need hair shaving

and waxing event, which looked rather painful and has left Matt Ison, the station manager, really rather bald. All in all then, Bangor did Children in Need proud this year and Seren would like to extend a well done to everyone who got involved!

Patrick Stephens

Bangor’s Got Talent!

O

n Sunday 23rd November 2008, one of Bangor’s own went to Manchester to Audition for Britain’s got talent! Rachael Green, a 2nd year psychology student sang ‘Black horse and the cherry tree’ by KT Tunstall in front of the show’s producers. Myself, Rachael and Charlotte Edwards arrived at 10am

and after a quick wait, and some discussion over the fellow contestants, Rachael’s number was called out and the audition underway. Rachael taught herself to sing and play guitar only two years ago. We find out the result of her audition early next year! Watch this space...!

Bianca Murray

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COMMENT

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Bringing you the best in news, views,

Gay Times

by Emily Collins

L

ooking at some of the groups of people who have been unfairly discriminated over time – black people, women and currently Muslims – there is a recurrent theme; fear of the unknown.

Black people were once treated as slaves and white people were afraid of an unfamiliar skin colour, women were not allowed to vote and were treated as second class citizens.

Muslims are currently discriminated against because of the actions of a few extremists. Many people fear the Islamic religion and even those who ‘look’ like they might follow it.

I am not so naïve as to think that gathering every person with a fear or a grudge together and asking them to ‘talk it out’ would solve the world’s issues. However, I do think that women have many important opinions on matters outside of the kitchen which could have been positively influential on past events and I know for a fact that Islam actually preaches peace to its followers.

In addition to the aforementioned groups, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people are constantly misunderstood and misrepresented. Some people discriminate against LGBT people out of simple ignorance; because their parents said they were bad or because they heard a bad story once. I have even heard that some people are afraid to be around LGBT people in case an attraction occurs; apparently they feel that appearing attractive to another person is a negative thing! Some people are just so baffled by the ‘politically correct’ society nowadays that they feel it’s better to ignore than to unintentionally verbally offend someone.

I have one simple solution to the above: an LGBT amnesty.

Just like a knife or gun amnesty (when the police will accept your illegal weapons with no retribution) this event will allow you and all of your friends to come and ask whatever you like of our volunteers and we will answer as truthfully as we can, without getting offended, complaining or ‘telling you off ’.

If you’re unsure of some facts or if you want to discuss your opinions and discover what some LGBT people are like then you should come along to Main Arts Lecture Theatre on the 8th December at 7pm. For that evening, MALT will be turned into a ‘safe zone’ for your questions. There will be LGBT volunteers willing to answer anything you can come up with, and there may even be biscuits!

This event is intended to remove the taboos surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity, to stop the stigmas associated with it. I believe that if these things can be openly spoken about it will lead to understanding and then, hopefully, acceptance Anonymous questions can be emailed to LGBT.commitee@undeb. bangor.ac,uk or 07786200690 (start your message with the word ‘lgbt’)the address psu4a7@bangor.ac.uk) if you prefer, but you need to attend to hear the answers! I hope to see you there.

Emily Collins is LGBT Pride Campaigns Officer

Left Leanings A socialist perspective from Iain Dalton

Civil War in the Congo yet again

I

N THE last few weeks over 250,000 refugees have fled from North Kivu province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) near the border with Rwanda. This brings the total of internal refugees in the region to over one million.

Rebels in the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), under the control of ethnic Tutsi, Laurent Nkunda, have been advancing on government strongholds in the province – particularly the regional capital Gomu.

Although this conflict has only been major news headlines for the last few weeks it has been ongoing since Nkunda rebelled against the DRC army in 2004.

The conflict has been a disaster for the people of the Congo. Since the previous period of civil war began in 1998 over five million people have been killed, life expectancy is only 45.8 years in the country as a whole, and in North Kivu it is 43.7 years; 73% of the population are in poverty.

Additionally the region has seen large usage of child soldiers and North Kivu province itself is the worst area for sexual violence in the world -according to

United Nations (UN) 2007 figures there are around 350 rapes a month, although local figures suggest over 800 in April 2008 alone.

It is the country’s rich mineral resources (particularly diamonds, copper, zinc and coltan – the latter being used in mobile phones and computers) which have been fought over in the civil war with various companies backing warlords with arms to facilitate their plundering of the country. A UN report named 85 multinationals that it believed to be violating ethical guidelines – such as AngloAmerican, Standard Chartered Bank, De Beers etc.

But it isn’t just multinational companies. Regional powers are also in on the act. Zimbabwe, one of the backers of the Laurent Kabila regime, was granted concessions in the diamond industry for example; whilst Rwandan forces control some mines in the Kivu region that the country borders that are protected by the RCD it backs.

Imperialism and capitalism have devastated the DRC and it is ordinary people who are suffering. However, many journalists, international human right

groups and aid agencies are still calling for intervention by foreign troops. For example, Johann Hari in the Independent (30/10/08) suggests that UN peacekeepers will need to be kept in the region to ‘stabilise’ the country and that a coltantax should be created to fund this.

But MONUC, the current UN peacekeeping force, has over 16,000 troops in the country and is blatantly failing to stop the abuses. Indeed UN documents disclosed by Human Rights Watch demonstrate how UN peacekeepers in Congo took part in weapons trading with rebels and smuggling.

As with Iraq, what is needed to com-

bat the abuses of militias, rebels, government troops and ‘peacekeepers’ alike are democratic, working class-based defence organisations that can cut across the ethnic divides and build up the mass resistance of workers and peasants to both militia-backed warlords, multinational companies and the major capitalist powers.

It is only ideas such as taking the mineral resources into public ownership to use for the common good of society and not to fatten the pockets of warlords and big business, which can provide a way out of the nightmare for the workers and the poor in the DRC.

Freshers’ Hangover

What happens when the parties stop?

Although now after a few weeks back, I have come to realise that after Freshers week, there really is nothing to do in Bangor. I guess one of the reasons this impression is held by most of the Bangor students is because there is so much to do in Freshers week, only a hyperactive fresher can take most of it in. After 2 years of almost constant drinking, I find my liver complaining after just a few days of it.

Being sociable can be such a drag sometimes...

Obviously the surrounding areas of o now I sit here, part way through Snowdonia are amazing and offer everymy third and final chapter of unione something to do, but when lectures versity and I find myself rather unbegin and work mounts up, venturing fulfilled by the city of Bangor, again. After spending my summer in the amazing far from Bangor can be rather expensive on time and cash. Although we may be Llanfairpwll I could not wait for the fun bookworms when comparing ourselves packed University year to begin and movto the drop-outs we know back home, we ing back to the fun-filled Bangor after a year out in the sticks. And, just like many can’t be expected to read and work all the of you readers, I was getting more excited time, especially for three years or more...

On our weekends or free weekdays we all with every second that passed.

S

need and want something to do to fill our precious little time, and though we may be content with a pub-meal and a few drinks or more, not all of us can find that entertaining for long, (however I have met many people that could do that for an eternity.)

Anyway, to get to my point and it must be rather apparent by now, there is really not very much to do in Bangor, and it’s leading many people to too many hangovers, of different sorts. That which involves the consumption of alcohol and that which turns us students into unmotivated vegetables. I’ve personally chosen to destroy leeks in the hope I won’t turn into one.

With Theatr Gwynedd now closed, another source of entertainment is lost, and believe me, I’m not one to moan about this loss just because it has disappeared. I can honestly say I have been a decent customer over the past 2 years (after all I am a keen movie viewer & maker). It will now take a twenty minute train journey to get to the nearest cinema, and you may have noticed that the trains in Bangor don’t run all the time like many of the cities we have left to come here.

The high street is being taken over by

tattoo parlours and although I personally find tattoos extremely fascinating, they don’t entertain me unless I’m getting one done.

Another interesting point is; how often are there gigs in this city? Now I’m not expecting Phil Collins to hit Bangor any time soon but a decent venue couldn’t do any harm in bringing in a wider range of live bands on a more consistant basis.

Now, Llandudno may be a big city, but it hasn’t got the numbers, especially in students. Still, in the not too distant future, Pendulum and Enter Shikari are two bands of gracing the Llandudno Arena stage.

Would it not make sense to have a similar arena closer or in Bangor so the students of the university can spend their loans on the local community, instead of having to venture as far as Llandudno and Manchester to spend their money instead?

Ultimately, improvements in Bangor are coming - the new Students’ Union will be refreshing... unfortunately however, I won’t be here to see it.

Matt McCullugh

7

COMMENT

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

reviews and some blue suede shoozse

Lost in TranslatiÖn: experiences of a German in Bangor

Life, the universe and whatsitsface The world according to Joe Firth

WORRYING

W

W

movie…first time I got lost in Bangor I hen I was told by a friend that ended up at Hogwards. And honestly I would get the opportunity – I felt a little bit like being stuck in a to spend an exchange term slap stick comedy with myself being in Bangor the first thing I did was to scream out loud. Which was pretty the main character… Bangor might not be a big city but still was a little embarrassing as I was sitting on the train at the time. The second thing I bit confusing for me in the beginning.

So came that I was spending about did was look it up on the map; with half an hour standing in the cold air my friends reaction being “you’re in front of the street lights listening going to the UK, great, whereabouts? to the sounds but Baangohr? Nice…” embarrassed “I figured out that being unable to see the green light. Until silence - “where?”

Already on the everybody crosses I figured out that everybody is crossing train to Bangor I realised that my the street without the street anyway school English giving any atten- without giving any attention to the won’t do – I had no idea what to tion to the lights... lights… or cars. say when when the Perhaps some or cars” conductor told me of you remember the fire alarm at “cheers my dear!” the library on September 29th at after seeing my ticket. Coming into 10am. Well, that was me taking the Gwynedd I suddenly felt like driving through the Shire…you know this wrong door out. Which makes me think about the sense in putting the lovely little landscape where Tolkien´s Hobbits live. But cut – swap: next “Attention! Fire Exit!” door right next

people around me talking to each to the normal door. other either in Chinese or Welsh.

Soon after arriving in Bangor I had Shocked as I was I decided to take to realise that my “German” feeling for cold was not exactly the same as part in a Welsh class. I figured out that this would also help me to finally it is for the natives. How everybody remember my Welsh address and be looked at me when I entered a club able to pronounce it the right way. – and started to take off my scarf, I have to say, German tongues are cap, gloves, coat, sweater… I guess British people make up for their lack not made for this! I don’t think I will ever be able to make my throat use of warm clothes with having a lot of drinks. those “ll” or “ch” sounds.

But except for the “I guess British After all I cold way back home can say that it’s in the middle of the people make up for the little things night I just loved the atmosphere in their lack of warm that make the the pubs! You nearly difference for me. won’t find any pub clothes with having Sure, everyday life is not exactly in Germany, which I a lot of drinks” the same as in think is quite sad.

Germany, the A few days later I had to admit that my ‘languagearchitecture looks different and supermarkets are huge…still it’s problem’ was not in speaking not Europe and I got used to everything well enough everyday English…the pretty fast. problem rather was that somehow no one else would speak English.

Bettina Heller Like sitting in my business class with

BUY, GET, HAVE, OH YES IT MUST BE CHRISTMAS!

I

t’s that time of year again folks – Christmas. Love it or loathe it, you can’t avoid it. It’s only November and yet the unsuspecting population are already being bombarded with (not so) subliminal advertising, encouraging even the most miserly to part with their cash for this year’s must have gadget.

Why lament so? One would imagine being used to this advertising bonanza, being accosted with what to buy, where to buy, when to buy, how to buy. So why complain like a broken (but must have – it’s 50% off ) record? Because every year, it gets progressively worse.

Not to mention earlier – who cares if it’s August? Put your 6ft snow effect up – you probably paid enough for it.

And every year that it does, spontaneity and generosity is sacrificed in lieu of consumerism.

Let us consider the year. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, even Easter, orchestrated and executed by the card and gift industry. There’s barely a minute to breathe without another ‘holiday’ or ‘event’ set to drain your purse. Wouldn’t you prefer someone buying you a present just because they felt like it, not because Mr. Hallmark said they should? But woe betide you if you don’t buy anything; you’re just a penny pinching prude if a present isn’t

flash or expensive enough. Even more disturbing is receipt culture - including the receipt for people whose present ‘didn’t fit’.

But it’s not just presents. Inside the house, outside the house, windows, doors, gardens, cars, streets, work, pets (that might be stretching it, maybe) – all must be decorated brand spanking new every year. It would be far simpler just to pin the money to the walls – it would save time for a start.

Saddest of all though, is the effect that this ‘buy, get, have’ mentality is having on the next generation. Ask the average five or six year old why we celebrate Christmas, and their response would probably be something to do with celebrating the life of the man who invented the Wii. That said, there are those who greatly enjoy and benefit from Christmas. Mr. Stuart Rose et al, please step forward. Celebrities being paid a bundle to act like idiots in the hope it flogs a jumper, please step forward. And just watch their piggy little eyes swell up while tills ring non-stop, as brainwashed Britain buys buys buys.

Liz Stevens

orried? You should be. You’re probably too fat or thin, languishing in thousands of pounds of debt, drinking too much alcohol and spend too much time in front of a computer screen. And that’s only things that affect you . You should also be worrying about the fact over 200 thousand people go missing in Britain every year, there’s only 3 Chinese yangtze turtles left and Mrs Dobbins can’t afford to feed her cat. That’s before you even start worrying about Ray. Throughout everyday life there’s cause to worry too, in the shower you smother yourself in all those cleaning products which contain chemicals that are apparently safe but does parenethenol sound like something you really want to be putting in your hair? Better eat breakfast, otherwise you won’t concentrate all day, but then bear in mind some cereals have a carbon footprint the equivalent of driving 5 miles. And frankly, if you are driving, you might as well be shooting polar bears.

At least when you’re sleeping you can’t worry about anything, yet if you sleep too long you’ll die young, too little you’ll wear your body and brain down.

However fear not this being the modern world, there are countless companies out there to ‘help’. Insurance companies

Get one of those squishy balls to relieve your anxiety... Forget it, you’ll probably end up with a repetitive strain disorder play on our fear of accidents, even if they’re highly unlikely. Extended guarantees on products means we don’t have to worry about breaking our gadgets. Vitamin pills means we just need to pop 5 a day to prevent certain malnutrition.

Of course worrying itself isn’t exactly healthy, in fact it can be deadly. Excessive anxiety can trigger the ancient response system fight or flight, and as worrying doesn’t necessarily involve doing either of these, anxiety levels build like magma in a bulging volcano, eventually you implode.

And that won’t be a pretty sight.

So what can you do to avoid defragmenting yourself? Perhaps take a holiday to some exotic destination and lie on a beach. Wait, that involves getting on a plane, allowing plenty of time to worry if that shifty looking bloke next to you is going to hijack the plane. Perhaps escape the modern world and live with an Amazonian tribe. Well, you’ll probably bring in some Western disease and kill most of them off. Get one of those squishy balls to relieve your anxiety and distract your thoughts. Forget it, you’ll probably end up with a repetitive strain disorder.

No, worrying is good. If Louis Pasteur wasn’t particularly worried about people dropping dead from diseases he may never have come up with vaccines. Like with most things (excluding chocolate) moderation is key, worrying just a little won’t harm you. However, if you are chronically worrying please don’t implode next to me, I don’t want to have to worry about washing my clothes.

8

LETTERS

December Issue

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

DEAR editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk ...

Since our first issue this year, you guys have been getting in touch with emails and Facebook messages, so here are a selection in all their glory!

od thing!

Why YES isn’t always a go

can be educated could live in a world where we t is a wonderful idea that we life and for free! Unfortunately good a for up us ng setti ee, well, get a good degr g to be as simple. re such things are never goin we live in the real world, whe y were able to vote ersit Univ or Bang of ents stud On the 16th November the been put forward by student finance. A petition had in a referendum concerning problem with the rst fi the s show This signatures. the Socialist Society of a 150 that a petition fact the , ents stud with around 9,000 the referendum; in a University be proposed by under 2% of can ents stud e thos all of that will affect the lives s. ulou ridic student population seems General Meeting s to have been left to the first Any debate on this issue seem known. Why this ly wide was issue the time the first of the year, which was about could have come and rate meeting, in which anyone debate was not left to a sepa the importance of with cially espe g, s a bit confusin put questions to both sides seem to the General close too wed m seems to have follo the issue at hand. The referendu e an informed decision. mak to time gh enou ents stud Meeting also, not giving the SU follow a who missed it, proposed that The referendum, for those fees and privatisation up top ng raisi nst agai nd defe “Campaign to Defeat Fees” to of universities.

Union for this. They I do not blame the Students’ I would just like to qualify that ies to be bent to polic their h , but had to sit and watc did all they could on the issue the will of the Socialists. and contradictions. campaign was filled with flaws The manifesto for the “Yes” all student fees, all at and debt ent stud all ping dum Firstly the manifesto proposed without the dumping ugh economic crises as it is, once! This country is going thro cheque. the up pick to one orities, with no quality, of debt on the banks and auth we should have “Free, High that osed prop o ifest man ity Secondly, the ld be able to get the high qual wou we way no is e Ther .” publicly funded education money alone. Universities ic publ on oses prop o ifest higher education that this man tax payer’s money dy, without having to rely on are struggling with money alrea to fund them. n was even more ” campaign, the “No” campaig Aside from the flaws of the “Yes t annoyed me mos has that t even ence. This is an students the flawed, in that it was not in exist ed deni has n paig of an actual “No” cam about the whole affair. The lack invalidated the referendum, has so and issue the on ce ability to make a proper choi the General Meeting m had not been so close upon in my opinion. If the referendu y. ibilit poss a a “No” campaign may have been of the Student n was voted in, with only 4.2% Unfortunately the “Yes” campaig people voted that bet safe a bly . It is presuma d for the vote community turning out to vote so and nd, reha issue properly befo without having considered the pocket full of dreams. y for free and get we could all come to universit It is a wonderful idea that elves lucky enough ours d idere cons not have we our degrees. But it seems that degrees. My Mum at university, studying for our already, with the fact we are despite what the h”, lunc free a as no such thing always taught me “There’s Socialists may believe.

I

Yours sincerely, Peter Cox

Note from Editor: The Students’ Union General Meeting is a forum for all students to attend, raise issues and ask questions. Both the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns were in attendance (the ‘No’ campaign consisting of Wes Streeting, President of NUS and Ben Gray, President of NUS Wales) and there was an hour of discussion around all aspects of the referendum.

I

Bishops and the like...

really enjoyed reading your artic le in the Freshers’ Issue of Sere n about the election of the next Bishop of Bangor (‘Ho ly War!’). It was well informed and accessibly written.

Given this, please excuse me for making one of those really hair-splitting comments which must drive press edito rs up the wall. Your article says that “The Church in Wales is no longer part of the Anglican Church in Britain” This is not correct. The Church in Wales became CONSTITUTIONALLY SEPERATE from the Church of England (largely against its own will) in 1920. We are how ever, very much part of the wide r Anglican Church, both in Britain and around the world.

Each provincial or national Chur ch has legal autonomy but is bound into the worldwide ‘Ang lican Communion’ by a shared history and faith.

Why am I banging on about this - what possible differenc e could it make?! I am keen to avoid any impression that we are a closed or breakaway faction. On the ground here in Bangor the Anglican Chap laincy on Princes Road (and the Church in Wales churches in the city) are open not just to people from Wales - or inde ed just to Anglicans. You will find people from every corner of Britain and from all over the world at our services and other events.

Revd Kenneth Padley Anglican Chaplaincy (Church Hostel)

A rememberence rant

O

Remembrance n Sunday the ninth of November, I attended the annual pleasant service and Service in Bangor Cathedral with a few friends. It was a war veterans, it was good to see a cross-section of people there, including groups and various and women and men service active , elderly people, students Deputy president) from the representatives (including our very own SU President and the rain outside at the local community. Many who attended the service then braved was good to see so many War memorial to observe a minute’s silence. I thought it most important dates on people honouring what should be considered as one of the

the calendar. of the Armistice which However, two days later, on the actual ninetieth anniversary wearing poppies and no ended the First world War, not one of my lecturers were a minute’s silence, but one minute silence was scheduled for 11 am. We did have disappointed with this. it had to be requested by one of the students. I was very g over, I think that some Even though my lectures were in the process of swappin was, firstly, announced arrangement should have been made to make sure the silence out. carried actually and secondly, time that a member of I also heard from a friend who was in the library at the e that there would be staff came in to the room a few minutes before 11 to announc time to begin. I was glad a minutes silence and then again to tell them when it was found out that, despite the to hear that at least someone was on the ball, but then a group of students in the silence, the ing announc in staff the of s intention good to look up exactly why the library continued to talk through it. These people might like they should have enough then for, is it what aware already are silence is held. If they the silence. It is one respect for the people that fought for their freedom to observe not to stay quiet then minute out of your life and if someone is disrespectful enough shown at the Cathedral it is a pretty sad state of affairs. It’s a shame that the respect on Sunday could not be found elsewhere in Bangor.

Yours Sincerely, Dave Lewis

SEREN ON THE MOVE

Sometimes Seren ventures out into the wild. See if you can spot yourself...

9

UNION

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

A day in the life of a

Sabbatical Officer

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK

www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/did-you-know

FACT:

#

2

Vikings use skulls o d the f their enemie s as dr in vessels king

Spencer George Deputy President

Morning

Unlike Rob I don’t don my trainers and go for a run, instead I don my dressing gown and watch BBC Breakfast to catch up on the latest news headlines before heading into the Union. Bright eyed and bushy tailed I start my day off by reading through the copious amount of emails received over the weekend whilst sipping a cup of tea provided by the lovely ladies in the Advice Centre. A quick catch up with the other Sabbatical Officers is essential before usually heading off to a meeting of one sort or another.

Afternoon After making time for a spot of lunch (Either a sandwich from M&S of spaghetti hoops on toast) my afternoons are usually filled with catching up on paper work and because of my open door policy I usually get a number of students visiting to discuss various topics. I like to think it’s my endearing personality that attract students to my office rather than my tea making ability.

Although I’m assured it’s actually the other way round! I also make time in the day to pop down and see Pearl and Jackie in the shop and purchase the best chocolate bar known to man, the Wispa!

Evening Like most of the sabbs I often don’t leave the SU until late evening, catching up on minutes and agendas or attending meetings such as SU Senate or University council. Most Tuesdays I can be found presenting the SU Quiz in the Basement (8:30pm onwards!), otherwise I like to head home, grab some food and relax in front of the TV. That’s if I can get access to the remote!

D

ark was the night, cold was the ground when Senate last met on a chilly Tuesday in the first week of November.

After granting Mike Goodwin, Director of Estates and Facilities speaking rights, he gave a comprehensive presentation that put the proposed Arts and Innovation Centre at the head of a tenyear strategy for the estate. Mr. Goodwin stressed the provisional nature of the concepts and designs shown on the night but among the most eye-catching were proposals to link up auditorium space between the theatre and the lecture halls through the medium of a moving wall.

An increase in civic space was also put

FACT: Eve

A few words from Spencer George (again)...

C

hristmas, for many, is about kicking back, relaxing and finding chance to socialise with friends and family. Whether its Christmas dinner in your halls of residence, a get together in the pub or a night out on the town, Christmas offers the chance to have a good time, look forward to the new year and forget about the hours of coursework you’ve endured in semester one.

For the majority of students Christmas is also a time to drink and be merry. A glass of mulled wine here, a drop of sherry there, what harm could it do? Most of the time, not a lot.

Nonetheless there will always be the minority that will use the festive period to drink excessively. As a result, some students may lose their inhibitions and this can lead to all sorts of potentially harmful situations. Abuse, fighting and lewd behaviour are just a few examples. However the ramifications of these actions often stretch far beyond the individuals involved. Whether its neighbours who are disturbed late at night, the police officers having to break up fights or the nurse in the A&E department having to cope with a higher level of patients, their actions can often affect a large number of people.

Over the next few weeks the Students’ Union, in conjunction with the University will be running a ‘Sensible Drinking’ campaign to highlight to staff and students the consequences of excessive drinking during the festive period and beyond.

Through various medium including Storm FM, Seren, our own website (www.bangorstudents.com) and a postcard distribution funded by Gwynedd Council, we hope to raise awareness to this issue.

We are not telling staff and students to become tea total and give up drinking over the Christmas period. We are simply encouraging them to know their limits, be a conscientious drinker and to not let their pleasure be somebody else’s pain. For more information and to get involved with the campaign please email spencer.george@undeb. bangor.ac.uk

FACT:

r y year £25 bil li spent o on is n alcoh ol in the U K

FACT:

The No r word fo wegian r hango ver transla t e s as ‘car pen in the h ters ead’

Up to o ne in th r adults are at r ee isk of alcoho l relate d disease liver

FACT:

Fizzy m ixed drinks are abs orbed quicke r into t he bloods tream t han shots.

FACT:

Alcoho l is est ima to be re sponsib ted le for 33,000 death UK eac s in the h year

SU SENATE Here’s what happened at the last one: forward, a measure that could potentially link to the War Memorial. Concerns ranged from those over the soundproofing of the building; to whether or not the four-floor lift system presented a real improvement for disabled access at the SU, and how long students would have to put up with a temporary shelter as nightclub.

Following this, Katie Dalton, Women’s Officer for NUS Wales, spoke up about the proposed NUS Reform, which would be referenced at Extraordinary Conference (more on this later). She spoke of how NUS Reform had been on the agenda since the April 2007 National Conference and that any reform would have consultation and a desire to break away

from bureaucracy at its heart. Admitting that budgets had not been accounted for properly and staffing had previously been misguided, she announced an improved Trustee Board proposal. Through the announcements of five ‘Focus Zones’, it was announced by Ms. Dalton that these zones would provide greater specialisation in terms of NUS action. To this end, the Autumn Extraordinary Conference (12th November) would provide a platform to raise issues for female and minority students.

Up for discussion next was the provision of minibuses that was taking place on the night of Carnage that night. Some senators present raised the issue that pro-

vision ran counter to previous efforts to distance the Union from association and may put volunteers at risk. The overriding consensus however, was that the provision should be an exception to uphold as paramount the safety of the significant numbers of students attending the event.

From this, policy motions were passed that put forth Union support for the Fairtrade Society’s attempt to inculcate Bangor as a fully Fair Trade University as well as a motion promoting the selling of Organic Fairtrade Clothing on Union premises. Following this, Alex Gordon was elected as Welsh Affairs Committee Deputy Chair.

Senate then sounded the first blast

of the trumpet against the monstrous regiment of Policy Lapses. Of the forty motions put forward only three (the NUS Wales Communications Policy, the Postgraduate Representation Policy, and the Radio Station Broadcast Policy) were kept. The remainder were lapsed, but some, such as the Closure of Gwynedd Museum Policy, were lapsed due to irrelevant details in the Motions themselves, but are likely to return at future Senate in subtly re-drafted formats.

People were thanked for their contributions… and we’re out.

Stephen Davies

10

FEATURES

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

ROSTRA

A

Conservation, Gambia style!

DO HAMLET

new semester means a number of things for the various clubs and societies of the Students’ Union, new members, new challenges to face and new teams to compete against; for ROSTRA a new intake of students and a chance to host performances of classic English theatre.

ROSTRA are Bangor University’s oldest drama society and are well known throughout the University for their high standard of performances and diversity of both comic and tragic play choices. Members of ROSTRA are not only actors but are involved in many different roles within theatre, such as directors, set and costume designers.

ROSTRA hosts a variety of performances throughout the academic year, including regular appearances at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival, I had high expectations of the performance.

Hamlet was no exception to their stellar reputation of performances, hosted over two nights in JP Hall the second of their performances of this academic year promised to be nothing short of the dramatic sensation that ROSTRA is known for, and I was most certainly not disappointed.

The piece was staged in a very modern way, minimalistic in terms of costume and set, however I felt that this worked really well as it made for fewer distractions for the audience and allowed them to focus on the performance. For example the idea of putting the character playing the

ghost of Hamlet’s father behind a curtain and shining a spotlight on him was absolutely genius. For an amateur dramatic production the standard was very high, particularly impressive were the characters of Hamlet and the grave digger (random I know but he injected some well needed humour into the piece.)

For those in the audience like I who were very familiar with the story of Hamlet, ROSTRA’s adaptation of this was one of the better I have seen. Despite a fairly professional performance the one element missing from the performance was something fairly simple, a programme! I felt it would have been nice to know who was playing which character and to give recognition to those who worked behind the scenes.

The performance itself was excellent, showcasing a wealth of talent within the society, even though Hamlet’s sword snapped in the middle of the duel, and the body of Polonius being dragged off stage by his feet. Moments that probably weren’t meant to be humorous but were perceived by the audience to be that way. In short a good effort by ROSTRA to communicate a classic piece of literature to a modern audience, though tragic the original text may be, parts of this performance implemented a certain level of comedy that made the overall piece all the more enjoyable to watch.

Bianca Murray

T

his Bonfire Night you may have been down at Dickies Boatyard watching fireworks wrapped up with scarves and jackets. However, 16 Zoology & Conservation students were out studying in Gambia. Between the 1st and the 8th of November, second-year students studied local wildlife and visited local community projects. This opportunity was part of an optional module to see how conservation works in practise.

Everyday at 6:30, the students woke up to travel around Gambia and visit conservation centres and parks. Several farms and organisations were also education centres. A reptile farm was in order to educate Gambians about snakes. Asset,

an organisation to help Gambians develop small businesses, and GIG (Gambia Is Good) taught men good farming practises as women in Gambia normally do the manual work. These centres also taught the students how existing community projects are run.

According to one of the students, Lucy Ferris, Gambia is a popular conservation destination. The 20 year old also said that Gambia was also good for studying hundreds of species of birds. Tanji Bird Reserve is just one of Gambia’s parks where someone can study these birds. Bijilo Forest Park, Abuko Nature Reserve and Matasuko are homes to a variety of birds, primates and insects.

It wasn’t all work as the students were able to take in Gambia’s culture through presentations of traditional dances, music and storytelling. Even though breakfast was early, they were able to eat outside by the pool with temperatures in the high 30s.

Miss Ferris chose this module because it “sounded like an amazing opportunity and it was different to any of the other modules” as it was more hands on. The eightday trip cost £600 and has only been running for two years. It is worth it however as Miss Ferris commented that it was “amazing all-around”.

Frances Birkett

Christmas for a quid (or two) Do-it-yourself festivity

year again. Christmas trees e’ve arrived at that time of r celebrities are flicking on mino ar, appe to g are beginnin all over the country, and ches swit light s glorified Christma fortune on presents for ll sma a d everyone is preparing to spen for students that isn’t but are; le t peop friends and family. Well, mos d to “get creative” and give force are we ad, Inste n. optio really an – on a budget. thoughtful, considerate gifts

W

Chocolate Instead of opting for the Ferrero Rocher like you do every year, why not unleash your inner chocolatiere and make your own box of delight? Gather a load of tasty ingredients that can be covered in chocolate (nuts, dried fruit, pieces of toffee, wafers, marshmallows etc.)

Buy some milk, dark and white chocolate. Melt in a bowl over some hot water and dip your ingredients into the choc, one by one, using a skewer. Place them on grease-proof paper.

Add drizzles of chocolate for decoration and leave to cool! Once your chocolates have cooled, you can put them in a box of your own design for a really personal, sweet present!

Gingerbread Men Instead of the usual pair of socks this year, why not try baking something special for Dad or Grandad? Gingerbread men are delicious and really quick and easy to make. And, once they are baked and cooled, you can decorate them to your hearts content! Biscuits and cookies have the same mouth-watering effect and are sure to impress.

Salt scrub Got a sister who loves to pamper herself?

Surprise her with some home-made salt scrub. You may need to buy a pretty jar to keep it in (or wash out an old jam jar – I’ll leave you to decide that one!). All you need is sea salt, baby oil, the scented oil of your choice and water. Mix a cup of sea salt with half a bottle of baby oil. Add water to create a malleable texture and then add as much scented oil as you see fit! Mix it up, pop it in the jar and hey presto – a gorgeous and thoughtful idea that will put The Body Shop to shame!

Romantic ideas Those of you who are romantically involved with someone are generally thrown into a panic as December approaches however, the best option is often the cheapest. Try making a scrapbook with photos of the two of you, tickets from dates at the cinema, and written anecdotes of times you have shared.

Alternatively, you could make a CD with their favourite songs on it, and play it when you are with them, possibly over a homemade meal of student favourites such as pot noodles or spam.

Not only will you be saving money by making your own gifts, it shows that you have really took the time to do something special. Your family and friends will be well impressed and as long as everyone is happy at Christmas, that’s all that really matters. After all, it’s the thought that counts and perhaps they are the pressies that will be remembered in a year to come!

Megan Tapper & Kirsten Kennedy

B to e su pr do re ou d, me kid s!

11

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

A Make-Up Shake Up

What are we really putting on our skin?

W

omen have used make-up for centuries. Millenniums, even. In the Victorian era, women would apply thick white lead based paint to the face to achieve the pale and delicate look deemed ‘fashionable’ in the era. Looking back to those so obviously dangerous regimes today, people say “They didn’t know what they were putting on their skin in those days!”. But do we really know what toxic nasties may be hiding in our own beauty regimes?

Shockingly, many of the most-used products contain carcinogens, which are known to cause cancer My Nanna was right when she told me that once you start using make-up, you always will. I can’t even leave the house now without at the very least a bit of mascara and bronzer! A survey by New Woman magazine in 2006 revealed that British women spend £3,000 a year on beauty products and treatments, with 81% of women wearing makeup every day. British women are the

largest users of make-up in Europe but I bet most of us wouldn’t be able to name one ingredient of our favourite moisturiser. We don’t really know what we’re putting on our faces.

Worryingly, there is a whole host of legal but dodgy chemicals used in even the most popular of brands.

As we gradually get more and more aware of the nasties in our beauty products, more women are switching over to organic products.

But, not all products that claim to be organic, actually are. Rachel and Joanna Kelly are sisters who started their own business, Earth Mother, a store in Ramsbottom which stocks only certified organic products.

“Many of these products are just labelled that way, they aren’t 100% certified. All of the products we stock have the official stamp of approval, completely organic and safe.” says Joanna.

Shockingly, many of the nations most used products contain carcinogens, which are known to cause cancer. One of the key ingredients to avoid, are parabens.

Parabens are preservatives that were introduced in the 1920s and are used in all kinds of products, including food, shampoo, cosmetics even baby products.

Other avoidable ingredients include ‘Parraffin Liquidem’, a lubricant emolioum found in many moisturisers and creams that is a

cheap petrochemical by-product, “It just creates a barrier, it doesn’t have any benefits for the skin at all.” and ‘Phalates’ a group of chemicals used in nail polish and hairspray used to create the ‘film’ effect, which are “detrimental to skin and disruptive to the hormones” according to Joanna.

Each of us uses, on average, between five and fifteen products a day from shower gel, shampoo, soap, concealers, mascara, lipstick, perfume… the list goes on and so do

Many products are tested individually, but not when they’re mixed together.

They become... a toxin overload

the toxins. The skin absorbs 70% of what is topically applied to it, that includes nasty ingredients. Though there may be legal guidelines on how much chemical is added to each product individually, as we continually apply more and more of them to our bodies, it’s unknown how much damage this is doing when combined.

“Many products are tested

individually, but not when they’re mixed together. They become paraben cocktails, it’s a toxin overload.”

So, how can we ensure that we stay beautiful and also healthy?

As not all products that claim to be organic actually are, look for trusted brands that bear official stamps of approval, for example the Soil Association symbol. The Organic Pharmacy website, www. theorganicpharmacy.com, provides a list of chemicals, and their harmful properties, found in our make-up bags and bathroom cupboards. The key is to read the ingredients list on products and look out for them.

But what about the impact on your bank balance? “Organic products are not always more expensive.

Perhaps the most quality, certified products may cost slightly more, but even some of the most expensive, designer products on the market contain the very same chemical toxins as the cheap stuff. Detoxing your make-up bag doesn’t have to be expensive at all”, says Joanna.

As more is discovered about the benefits or organic products, more are becoming available on the high street for example, organic choices include Dr Hauschka, Korres, REN, Origins and websites such as www. soorganic.com, www.thorganicsalon. com feature ranges of the best brands

Megan Tapper

FEATURES Paramount Comedy on Tap

F

or most students, Tuesday is usually a pretty boring night of the week, you’re either still suffering the effects from Time or gearing up for Octagon or Trash on Wednesday.

But there is something to brighten that dreary night spent sitting in your room, and it wont break the bank either. Paramount Comedy Night in Academi. Hosted on the last Tuesday of every month Paramount Comedy on Tap has been a staple event within Bangor Students’ Union for many years.

Comedy on Tap brings to its venues the brightest new comedians from across the British Isles; but not only do they showcase up and coming comedians they also search for the Nation’s Funniest Student, a competition that offers a prize that money just cant buy; an opportunity of guaranteed gigs with Off the Kerb Productions and the chance to develop your very own comedy sketch with Paramount Comedy. Previous winners have performed at prestigious comedy events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Comedy Store in London.

As a regular at Comedy on Tap for me the nights are always a success.

The comedians are sharp and witty, even when there are hecklers in the audience, most of the stand ups are able to work them into their act, making it all the more hilarious.

So when you’re sitting at home staring at the four walls wondering if the pub is a good idea, get yourself down to Academi, and for £3.50 enjoy a night of quality entertainment with the possibility of a surprise performance from a well known comedian from the British Comedy Circuit. But if you think you can do better, post your clip online at www. paramountcomedy.com who knows we may have the next Dylan Moran or Alan Carr in our midst.

Charlee’s Fashion Fix W

ell guys, it’s that time of year again...Christmas is approaching, and loans are rapidly running out! I have now got to the point where I will go without food only to save up those copper coins for a drink in Rascals! But it seems that not all students will be suffering this Christmas. Upon my wanderings I came across some students who caught my eye. (Poor things, I do apologise for running after you-or scaring you!) These students seem to have no worries about the current credit crisis, and are still happy to shop at their favourite shops, from Topshop to Burton. This gave me a new idea for this issues article, I think it’s fantastic that the students I nabbed care about Fashion and want to look good, but even me, a complete shopaholic (yes I admit it) needs to cut down on the spending, but this doesn’t mean we can’t look fashionable! First of all let me introduce you to my victims and where they like to shop...

Notice how they ALL have chosen top high street shops?! I asked them how much the maximum they would spend on an outfit and they told me it would be around £50. Now I’m sure this is pretty normal to the rest of you as clothes are

not as cheap as they used to be!

I have a confession, I am a bit of an impulse buyer and once I fall in love with something, I have to have it! To cut a long story short, a belt, Dress and Necklace and £200 less well off later, I was a happy girl! But looking back I could have played it better! Now my new FAB idea was to show you some designer clothes and then show you how to get them for less than half price! So, pick your favourite designer shop, I’m a sucker for Miss Sixty. Pick your Item, and then look on the websites of high street shops and search for a match.

No more skinnies!

I can’t tell you how happy I am to announce that Skinny Jeans are finally OUT of fashion. No more do we have to hold up our trousers when we bend over, or be paranoid that there might be a hole in the crotch area. So tuck into those Christmas Turkeys! Flares are back and there back with a vengeance! Bring on the soggy jeans in the wet whether!

A big thank you to this issue’s models, and who knows...Next time it could be you!

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD THROUGH

This issue A isling Mcken na kindly invited us to witness the hub of festive joy th at is her Ffr idd site bedroom.

THE

STUDENT

If you have tr affic cones g alore or mess to imp ress get in to uch! editor@seren .bangor.ac.u k

KEYHOLE

Going Up Seren Mugs

ol or Graffiti isn’t co clever, kids

Hand painted by us for you! Get your own for £2, guarantees the best brew you’ve ever had.

Swearword puns How many do we have in this issue? It takes the Ffridd.

Yes this tree is real and no her warde n doesn’t know it’s ther e

Kaiser Chiefs

A bathroom Christmas present

Is this you? Do you know who it is?

If so, then get in touch and you’ll win a HANDPAINTED SEREN MUG! What more could you want? editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk

Last Month ’s W inner :

Just when you think its safe to listen to Radio 1 they’re back with a brand new single!

Great.

Spam Emails

Inbox full of spammers, spamming because of the unacceptable levels of spam.

George

Lorenti

Spotted!

...here she is with the first ever Seren mug !

SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD

SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD

The guide to a student Yuletide C

hristmas is a time for goodwill to all mankind, unless you live in one of those families when at Christmas the embarrassing <insert relative here> turns up, drinks too much and decides to tell you stories about the sixties and that time they met <generic celebrity here> at a disco in London. Or instead of freaking out due to being stuck at home with the family (despite how much you love and adore them, grate on you when you’re in close proximity for too long) use this handy guide to maximise your Christmas and help you enjoy all the festivities.

Firstly, appreciate the time spent

at home. Your parents may be annoying ringing you while you’re partying hard and not working at university, but they care and that 200 quid you needed for a course trip because you spent all your money on a games console didn’t come from nowhere. They bailed you out so you owe them. The least you could really do is be pleasant, don’t take their lovely money for granted! (You shallow individual, you) Food. There are always tins of Celebrations, Roses and other various packaged Christmassy goods that wont last until the next yuletide, so mum will give them to

you. Twiglets, sweets, crisps, Coke with Santa on the bottle. These savoury snacks and bottomless tins of dairy fudge should see you well into February!

Booze, (for those of you who don’t drink replace with the equivalent in J2Os) essentially your parents will be having parties, but they don’t normally drink (not by our standards anyway) so they buy the 3 for a twenty quid boxes of Stella or Carling. Guaranteed there will be a box spare and will be given to you so you can take it back to university, thanks mum and dad! Relatives, don’t annoy them.

They send you care packages

and give you money at Christmas, which enables you to enjoy life frivolously throughout January until you hit a poverty stricken February. So whatever you do be charming, smile and pretend those socks from Aunty Mavis are the best thing since sliced bread.

All that’s left to say is Merry Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza or whatever holiday you celebrate and make the most of fresh clothes and home-cooked food, ‘cause in January its back to Bangor for hard work... or partying, your call!

Tom Panah

Dwight McCarthy

They a ffe on a da ct your life ily basi s, b do you really k ut enough now about t hem? toilets

Bangor’s unsung heroes!

By Rhodri Barker

Got any ID love?

h: mont

B

ouncers, it seems, generally get a bad rap. The image of the uptight, heavy-handed meathead is one which regrettably persists amongst the general public. But really, these men and women aren’t out to ruin your night. Quite the opposite, as I found out during a night manning the doors and dance floors of Academi.

In fact, they’d prefer it if you didn’t call them ‘bouncers’ at all. The term is seen as outdated, a hangover from the days when men were employed purely as ‘muscle’. “‘Bouncer’ will always stick, unfortunately, but we prefer ‘door staff’”, says Paul Maclean, head doorman at Academi. The ‘door staff’ of today are a much more professional outfit, highly trained and legislated (“rightly so”, as Paul points out), and with their own regulatory body, the Security Industry Authority. The industry has even adopted management-speak: door staff are engaged in ‘customer care’, ‘damage limitation’ and ‘conflict management’.

That’s not to say that any of the doorman’s charm has disappeared. There remains plenty of banter and I lose count of the number of times customers rub Paul’s head (must be good luck, I guess).

The affection is clearly mutual. Paul, who also works in security at the University, speaks fondly of the students: “Certain people in Bangor can be very narrowminded, but here you’ve got people from all over Britain. That’s why it’s great to work in that environment.” Tonight, that culture mainly involves drinking VK and dancing to Sum 41, but it’s heartening to see genuine bouncer-student appreciation.

It’s in the doorman’s interest to make sure you have the best possible night, and that’s exactly what they do. According to Paul, ninety-nine per cent of this involves ‘customer care’; directing people to

an e l c a M Paul mi’s e d a ty i r Ac u c se f o d hea

This

or bars, helping to find lost items, or dealing with injuries (Paul himself witnessed the terrifying stairwell fall at Trash). You know when you’re ‘the sober one’ and all your friends are crying/puking/falling over/talking complete rubbish? Remember how annoying that is?

Imagine doing it most nights of the week, but your friends number five hundred. “If a fight starts, you’ve not done your job”, says Paul, emphasising the pre-emptive element needed for effective security. At the first signs of trouble, door staff will move swiftly and inconspicuously to nip it in the bud. “As a doorman, you’re somebody’s dad, you’re a social worker, you’re a policeman, you’re a vicar – during the night I’m wearing all of those hats, trust me”, says Paul.

Of course, sometimes things get more serious. Paul told me of his worst experiences: “When the rave scene first started, you had a lot of rival drugs gangs bidding for control of the Octagon, and they’d turn their anger on the door staff; our vehicles were getting smashed, we were getting followed home.

One night, a group of guys from a certain area appeared outside the Octagon mobhanded, they actually had a machete with them.”

His proudest moment is no less scary: “Outside the Octagon one night, I saw a guy drop to his knees out of the corner of my eye. He hadn’t been in the club that night, but I went over, and the guy was in a pool of blood. They reckon he’d lost two pints of blood, after he’d been smashed against a car headlight. The side of his face was hanging off. The paramedics said if we hadn’t acted as we did, he would have died from loss of blood.” Keeping a dying man alive – customer care doesn’t get much more extreme than that.

Birthday:

10th February

Hometown:

Kidderminster

Studying:

History

Year:

Second

Music:

A lot of metal and rock

Films:

American Beauty Ironman Serenity The Notebook

Groups:

I hate walking up bitch hill, Jeremy Clarkson should be prime minister The anti-daily mail coalition, Bangor history students – we may be geeky but at least we do a real subject.

Tom’s acceptance speech...

“

Cool!

I’m honoured to be Seren’s friend of the month! It’s good to know the government’s money is bein g well spent and all my hour s of watching Scrubs and Holly oaks have finally paid off!

”

Fancy a bit of this? Add us on Facebook to be in the running next month!

SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD

14

December 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 Women’s Rugby and Medieval Reenactment All photos of Willow in action taken by Helen Waller

Medieval y b g u Reenactment R s Women’ rise to the tenders I decided to ly all girls Rugby con offer in like on st es lea ieti y’s soc rsit of ive ge Un e ran erhaps one of Bangor out a few of the wid sion. ses ing try ter of tas tor, by edi Rug s by the I went to the all girl challenge set to me no muddy scrums, the bull by the horns ce ng bbi hen n Gra sio y. ses rsit ive ter Bangor Un ing during the tas p two balls on the ent it was not rain ball skills (always kee To my disappointm sion we learnt basic on the Rugby field ses t g jus inin not tra s the son g le les unfortunately. Durin lls which are valuab ski ich I grasped or g wh klin of tac e non and ) f, slip a hal hand...oops Freudian for about an hour and ics only realised in bas and the es ng rul rni to the er lea ver I was at a loss we but in life as well. Aft Ho e. gam by an actual Rug nce. It mastered, we play k and run forward. girls Rugby experie t we had to throw bac ghly enjoyed my all the last second tha dsi y topless). in hin ght I thorou pla d s ise lad bru by and Rug d ing kle Battered, tac people (and watch ping fit, meeting new is a great way of kee

P

T

he first rule of medieval re-enactment is that you do not talk about medieval re-enactment, the second rule of medieval re-enactment is that you do not talk about medieval re-enactment and the third rule is that there are no rules.

I received quite a shock when I discovered that medieval reenactment was actually about sword fighting and not about dressing up, I began to feel slightly unnerved when an email from the medieval reenactment secretary stated that he looked forward to fighting me and am now getting slightly curious as to why the societies suggested by the editor involve incredible risk...

I never thought that my youth spent as an air-cadet would come in useful again; I thought even less that it would come in handy for a session of medieval re-enactment; however we started off the session with some knee-bending with a stave (marching with a big stick). This seemed relatively harmless, despite the fact that we were preparing for battle, but someone did get hit on the head with a big spear.

Following this we had a civilised tea break and I was dressed up as a skirmisher (warrior in a big hat), seven stone heavier from a chain vest and metal gloves I commenced my lessons in sword fighting looking somewhat like a hobbit. During my lesson of sword fighting I learnt not to hit the opponent on the head. This was followed by another tea break after which everyone battled amongst themselves using pick axes, swords, knives... however I have been urged by the medieval re-enactment society to state that this society does not promote violence at all.

The holes in the floor were also apparently caused by the flower arranging society who also use the community centre.

“I commenced my lessons in sword fighting looking somewhat like a hobbit”

“I only realised in the last second that we had to throw back and run forward”

After people had been bashed across the face or head and I had only lost one limb we ended our three hour medieval re-enactment session. I found it really fun, if not somewhat dangerous and I received a very good reception from everyone in the society and would thoroughly recommend this society, particularly if you suffer from stress...

15

UPDATE t Moulin Rouge Nigh

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

fish net tights s, corsets, feathers, of suits, bowler hat ended Student att o wh one magine a room full any course this is what of. With the and high heels. Of have been a part ’s SIN night would gor r twist on doi Ban bou ing eer nch unt Fre a Vol Rouge, the night put , to a ulin erie Mo ling of y me sex the raunchy ranged from demi. The costumes was spectacular and e tum the ever-faithful Aca cos ry eve cane, each and nce Club floor length cape and a great night. The Da od for what was to be and the ne, ryo eve by d definitely set the mo oye s enj club the night, which wa the ing dur got y de’ pla ala dis rm a Ma did dy tune for the night ‘La me the ar pul -po always down and dirty. rmous bouncing and getting year raising an eno successful than last re mo s wa B projects such SV The night the s ard tow £880 which will go Out and ‘Splat and Splodge’, as children’s club’s a few. Each e nam to G RA About, Tea Party and so any t in peoples lives and project plays a par eived. rec ully tef gra is p extra hel is needed to everyone Lastly a BIG thank you after the night and on , ore bef who helped reciated by app re we rts and their effo everyone who attended.

I SVB Project profile: Tr ust clean c a B 16th, National h ch arday en Satu Be

O

the November Clean Beach project leaders took a group of volunteers on a mission rather different to that which they are used to. No sand, no sea, no rubbish? What were we thinking? we Instead, chopped down invasive from Rhododendron taking over the beautiful mountains of Snowdonia.

Since many hundreds of native Welsh plants ish species has driven out the years ago the fast growing Turk rt. The plant was gele Bedd in te Esta wyn near Crafl that covered the mountains

by Manor but has near a of ens Gard planted in the supposed to stay where it was inate. germ to ty abili due to its superior quickly covered the local area g replenished and that’s where bein is site t Trus onal Nati a Craflwyn Estate, now bow saws in hand, in. A group 11 strong went with we, Bangor University, come ping these GIGANTIC chop t abou t wen kly quic and not the usual litter pickers, day around a lovely warm fire. beasts down and had a great of leaving the sea us Beach Cleaners are thinking that had was fun h So muc back the roots of bring to t Trus with the National air a bit more often by working be organised, still will ns Clea forgetting ours, Beach North Wales.But, we won’t be e. so we hope to see you ther

CWPAN NADOLIG 5-BOB-OCHR 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL XMAS CUP

07/12/08

10yb/am, Maes Glas £1 y person Gwobrau i’r ˆ buddugol tim

£1 per person Prizes for the winners

ˆ Cofrestrwch eich tim ymlaen llaw drwy anfon e-bost at Enter your team in advance by emailing

rob.samuel@undeb.bangor.ac.uk www.myfywyrbangor.com www.bangorstudents.com aupresident@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

What can clubs and societies offer me?

What do clubs do?

Clubs & socie ties play a vi tal role in al to get stuck lowing you into the socia involved w l scene and ith your St become ud en all every clu ts’ Union. b & society Best of is open to everyone; absolutely whether an amateur ph proficient ac otographer, tor, rugby veteran or novice, ther e’ll be somet climbing hing that ap peals.

What do societies do?

Clubs are part of the Athletic Union; whether you’re looking to compete or take part purely for recreational purposes, then you’ll find som ething to suit you! Many of our clubs compete regularly against other university teams on Wednesday afternoon s, whilst others enjoy our unique location at the foot of Snowdonia National Park. Club activities provide social opportunities, a chance to meet new people and perhaps make friends for life.

How to join...? check out the orstudents.com and Get on to www.bang in touch with them get n the bs, clu and lists of societies ernatively you t details listed. Alt through the contac cht (Societies He Tom to ak spe and can pop into the SU sident) and Pre (AU uel Sam or Rob and Events Officer) n. ctio dire t in the righ they can point you

e of the Athletic Union So you’ve taken a fancy to som ty societies? Whilst spor nonthe t clubs but what abou there are over 35 e, scen ting the AU sets the spor wide-range of activities societies at Bangor offering a for you to get involved with.

16

MUSIC Snow Patrol -

A Hundred Million Suns

A

Hundred Million Suns for me has been one of the most anticipated albums of 2008. Still riding high on the success of their two previous studio albums Eyes Open and Final Straw this album had a lot to live up to. With Eyes Open selling 4.7 million copies and Final Straw going four times platinum in the UK, as well as the established success in the UK the band have also enjoyed widespread success in the USA with the song ‘Chasing Cars’ being featured in a number of big American dramas such as Grey’s Anatomy which earned them a Grammy nomination.

They are without a doubt one of the most successful bands to come out of Northern Ireland, rivaling success of bands like Ash. For any Snow Patrol fan this album is most definitely not a disappointment, still characterised by their trademark style their third major studio album manages to have a different edge to it. The first single taken from the new album ‘Take Back the City’ is

not what most people would associate with the band, however this is much the case for most of the album; songs like ‘If There’s a Rocket Tie Me To It’ is very much classic Snow Patrol of slow ballads like ‘Chasing Cars’. But other tracks such as ‘Please Just Take These Photos From My Hands’ and ‘Disaster Buttons’ see the band branching out of their comfort zone and producing some quality songs that will without a doubt have earned their places firmly on their set list for their upcoming UK tour starting in February. From me this album gets 10/10, five stars and everything else in between. Songs to skip to are ‘Take Back the City’ and ‘Take These Photos’, for more of the Snow Patrol you’re used to try ‘If There’s A Rocket’. So folks if you only ask for one album this Christmas, A Hundred Million Suns is definitely the one to ask for.

Bianca Murray

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Girls Aloud -

Out Of Control Y ou’re gonna make me make me love you - yeah you are!

Girls Aloud return with their fifth studio album Out Of Control and show us why they’re still the biggest girl band currently around, and rightly so. You’ve heard ‘The Promise’, you know: went to number for a few weeks, possibly the catchiest song of the year and best song on the album, but that doesn’t mean the rest is rubbish.

‘The Loving Kind aka Call The Shots part two’ features glistening vocals and a laid back feel, a song you could relax to yet maybe even dance to. ‘Love Is The Key’ kicks off with a male church choir and then Sarah’s voice kicks in, full of attitude and smart vocals, with another catchy chorus that’ll have you singing it forever. ‘Untouchable’ is stolen by Nicola, often overlooked by other members; it’s hard to dislike her voice which is soft, beautiful and very addictive. ‘Live In The Country’ has been described as being Drum ‘N’ Bass. It’s not. Dodgy lyrics and weird farm animal noises means this is the weakest song on the album.

However this is a little distraction from what is an excellent album, all five members proudly show their pitch perfect voices over addictive pop tunes, and the 60’s feel in some songs works wonders, a definite buy and a well deserved number one album.

Aaron Wiles

Razorlight - Slipway Fires R

azorlight’s Johnny Borrell is no stranger to hyperbole, his criminal record including claiming to be a better singer/ songwriter than Bob Dylan and declaring himself a genius. However, behind all the pomp and arrogance on show you have to admire Razorlight’s capabilities displayed on their first album, full of ripping guitar and catchy numbers such as ‘Stumble and Fall’, which placed them as a firm favourite with the indie crowd. Indeed their second album proved they were no one trick ponies offering mature if more pop orientated song writing, shifting over a million copies to boot. So it’s with much anticipation that Slipway Fires arrives, with one early reviewer (one J. Borrell) stating “it’s sounding f***ing brilliant!”.

The album opener ‘Wire to Wire’ displays a further removal from previous albums than perhaps expected, although this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The mixture of melodic piano and the desperate cry of I’ve been looking for someone to believe in/Love me, again and again certainly make for a striking and profound opening.

After the first two slow burners we get a welcome shift of pace and reminiscing of the band’s indie roots appears to be in evidence with the riff laden ‘You and the Rest’, one of the highlights of the album,

Stereo

Decade

with the next track supporting this thought. However ‘London Trash’ returns to unusual waters and an odd Clash hybrid, which leaves you feeling that something is slightly lacking, a theme that resonates throughout the following tracks.

This is an album at war with itself, you want to like it, but it presents you with too many problems and contradictions. For instance whilst apparently seeking to be original and innovative it adopts too many styles of times bands gone by. The indie edge which established them so well is gone for the main part despite some gems in ‘You and The Rest’ and ‘Burberry Blue Eyes’, but even these tracks sound watered down. Songs which contain great melodies are tainted with lines about a hot-bodied girlfriend who helps me spend my cash and other questionable lyrics.

Slipway Fires is not a terrible album, but everytime it looks like waking you up it seems to fall short, indeed ‘The House’ sees the album end with a whimper. This could’ve been the album to propel Razorlight to greatness, you feel it wants to be an album like U2’s The Joshua Tree, but in the end it leaves all but the ardent fan longing for the old simplistic catchyness of ‘Rip It Up’ and co.

Liam Randall

A

fter sticking it out for well over ten years now at the pinnacle of post-Oasis Britrock, Stereophonics have decided to mark their glittering career so far with a ‘Best Of’ collection, entitled Decade in the Sun. The compilation includes hits from all six studio albums released by the band since 1997, plus two new tracks that manage to stand up next to the countless huge anthems included, if only just. As an owner of the whole Stereophonic’s studio back catalogue, I was pleased to hear pretty much every big hit I could think of by the band, and for anyone who has been living under a rock for the last ten years or so, this album will definitely suffice in introducing you to the band’s sound and their best known tunes from over the years. You definitely can’t accuse this album of not doing what it says on the tin, and in this respect this undoubtedly is the definitive Stereophonics ‘Best Of’ if you’re looking fundamentally at the band’s success in the charts and their most memorable tunes.

The album kicks off with ‘Dakota’, Stereophonics’ only single to reach number one on the UK charts, and again fans who have followed the band since their early days may be disappointed that their Best Of should begin with a post-Stuart Cable song, as the long departed original drummer played a vital part in shaping the band’s sound and cementing them as one of the biggest acts in the UK; however Cable is deservingly well represented throughout the rest of Decade in the Sun, with all but six

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17

MUSIC

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Leadbelly Chairlift – Does You Inspire The Blues and Much Much More You C

S

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his trio from Brooklyn set out to make music for haunted houses so not surprisingly their debut album has a bit of a creepy feel to it, but that’s definitely not a bad thing.

The first single ‘Bruises’ is known for the catchy chorus I tried to do handstands for you which shows the poppy, upbeat side to the album.

‘Evident Utensil’ is another happy one with good lyrics and a beat which will have your head bobbing as you listen to it. Songs like ‘Don’t Give A Damn’ and ‘Territory’ have an eerier feel and ‘Earwig Town’ is enough to make you squirm. You can hear undertones of The Cure and 80’s pop throughout and generally the album has a warm,

electronic feel about it.

On their MySpace they cite ultraviolet, fantasia and sitting on the floor as influences which gives you some idea of the bizarre and playful attitude of the album. It’s definitely a good start and the band made an appearance on a 6 Music hub session as well as being featured in The Guardian, possibly because of its accessibility. It’s not a hard album to get into, especially if you like Yeasayer, Camera Obscura, Voxtrot or Lykki Li.

Georgia Mannion

phonics

“...the ambience and heavy production clashing strangely yet brilliantly with Jones’ voice...”

The two new tracks manage not to sound like fillers in between the medley of hits they are up against, and whilst ‘My Own Worst Enemy’ arguably doesn’t pack as much punch as ‘More Life In A Tramps Vest’ or ‘The Bartender And The Thief’, ‘You’re My Star’ is up there with the best Stereophonics ballads, the ambience and heavy production clashing strangely yet brilliantly with Jones’ voice.

From their unlikely rise to stardom beginning in the small village of Cwmaman in South Wales, Stereophonics show with Decade in the Sun that they are undisputedly one of the defining Indie bands of the last ten years; let’s hope they still continue to add to their impressive back catalogue with further studio releases in the future.

Jack Sexty

la Albssic Rev um iew

background that makes his music so full of it. On some of his lesser known tracks the only instrument present is his moody deep voice.

It is however his unique, delicate underwater-like slide tone that really bends my ear drums. Tracks Like ‘CC Rider’ and ‘You Don’t Know My Mind,’ would seem so timeless if it wasn’t for the poorer recording quality they had back in the nineteen hundreds.

Any wannabe blues guitarist of today should definitely listen to the multi-talented, slightly mysterious and dangerous Leadbelly and embrace his music, but not so much his lifestyle...

Hell! give him a listen even if you’re not. You won’t be disappointed.

Tom Durkin

Christmas Songs

in the Sun

of the twenty hits included being from his time in the band. Despite the fact that ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ and ‘Superman’ (tracks six and seven), couldn’t be more different, Decade in the Sun still flows effortlessly despite numerous instances of unusual track listing, bound by Kelly Jones’ raw growl that he applies eloquently both to the band’s straight-up guitar anthems and their more mellow moments.

ometimes I drift into some of the more obscure realms of musical history, and root through the cracks and crevices of old blues from as early as twentieth century America. This is how I came across Huddie William Ledbetter, known to his peers as ‘Leadbelly,’ who is one of my favorite all time blues and slide guitarist from this period.

Admittedly, it’s not often that I do spare the time to even begin to look into the past of an old not-so-well-known musician, but with a nickname like Leadbelly, I could hardly resist. Legend has it, that his name was coined after being shot in the gut as many as three times, but still lived to tell the tail. A somewhat different type of character from the front men of today’s indie orientated music scene don’t you think?

Other interesting anecdotes and urban myths about the artist include him murdering several people and also being released from jail from a murder sentence after serving only seven years, because he wrote a song to the prison guard, pleading for his release. There is no question though, despite all the shards of bullets that he may have had in his stomach, Leadbelly sure did have a lot of soul.

Sometimes I feel that in a way, it is this dark and rather harrowing

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hristmas is only a few weeks away, not that I’m countingof course…so is it ok to listen to Christmas music yet? If you’re anything like me you’re too poor to spend much time in shops these days so you’ve narrowly escaped the onslaughts of Cliff Richard, Slade and Wizzard thats been going on since early September.

Starbucks have cracked out their gingerbread latte and there are more xbox game adverts on TV than ever before it seems. Maybe it is time to prepare for the build up? The obligatory and traumatic shopping trips, spending time with doddery relatives, being force fed Christmas cake (“Mum I don’t like marzipan! Aaah!”). If ‘White Christmas’ does to you what it does to me (convulsions and nausea) then you need a completely new soundtrack to get you through the next few weeks of inevitable glad tidings and good will to all men (even Russel Brand and Jonathan Ross).

Georgia Mannion Twelve alternative festive tunes for an easier Christmas: ‘Merry Christmas’ – The Ramones

‘Its Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ – U2 ‘Better Days’ – Goo Goo Dolls ‘Little Drummer Boy’ – Lou Rawls

‘Winter Wonderland’ – Diana Krall ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ – Surfjan Stevens ‘Alan Parsons in a Winter Wonderland’ – Grandaddy ‘I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day’ – Pedro The Lion

‘Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto’ – James Brown

‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ – Coldplay

‘God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ – Barenaked Ladies & Sarah Mclachlan

‘Silent Night/7 O’Clock News’ – Simon & Garfunkle

Justice - A Cross The Universe Right now Justice seems to be doing to dance music what the punk movement did to guitar music, except a whole bunch more stylish (though both feature leather jackets). The live CD half of this CD and DVD package is well worth it if you are a fan of french electro have enjoyed the similar live mixing heard on Daft Punk’s Alive 2007. It does as much justice (pun slightly intended) to the atmosphere of a real Justice show as an audio recording can possibly achieve. Their frantic overdriven DJing style makes things exciting and big tunes like ‘We Are Your Friends’ and ‘D.A.N.C.E.’ bring the fun into their mashed-up set. The DVD is not actually a video version of the concert but a documentary of their 3 week tour in America earlier this year. Heavy drinking, sex, mansions, fights, guns, police, and even Las Vegas weddings all feature, so if you thought it was just rock bands that got up to all the crazy antics then Justice prove that DJs can do it even better.

It’s interesting, cool, a little dark, confusing, excessive, and you won’t be able to take you eyes off it.

Kitsune Maison Compilation 6

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hen you’ve exhausted every mp3 blog on your favourites list but still can’t stop trying to find amazing music that no-one has heard of yet (someone is counting the indie points, right?) then trust Kitsune to sort you out with a truckload of it with every new compilation they make. Last time around you may have been lucky enough to have heard Foals and Crystal Castles months before they hit the front pages of the NME so rest assured some of the talent here is destined for recognition soon.

Personal highlights include young Ladyhawke-in-waiting La Roux, the ever amazing Digitalism, a very dancable song from We Have Band (my bet on whats going to be everywhere in the near future) and the post-Alice Glass pixalated candy sweetness of HEARTSREVOLUTION.

Lee, x.

18

FILM Quantum of Solace

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Eastern Cinema A Bittersweet Life

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uantum of Solace is the 22nd Bond movie picking up half an hour after the end of the previous film (Casino Royale) and essentially follows Bond (Daniel Craig) on his quest to avenge the death of Vesper Lynd. This was an interesting change of direction for a Bond movie, being the first time one film has had a direct link with another.

Craig is a great James Bond as we saw in Casino Royale and they are developing the franchise in an interesting way. To start off with, the opening car chase is exhilarating.

The camera angles make it fun and exciting to watch-although at times (such as during a later foot chase scene) the constant flicking between one angle and another can make it hard to follow what’s actually going on. The rest of the action in the film is intense and gritty. Director Marc Forster’s style has been widely (and rightly in my opinion) compared to that of the Bourne films-the fight scenes are fast and hard-hitting, even more so than Casino Royale, but there is an interesting change of style during a shootout at a concert which was very stylish and a nice

change of pace for the film.

Performances from the leading characters were all solid. I was pleasantly surprised by the main villain, Dominic Greene, played by Mathieu Amalric, his war cries during the final fight scene are entertaining and should be listened out for! Judi Dench was excellent as always and Craig and Olga Kurylenko, the new bond girl, were convincing but did lack the on-screen chemistry that Craig shared with Eva Green in Casino Royal.

All in all, I found Quantum of Solace very enjoyable and liked the fast pace and gritty style, although the ending seemed to be rather abrupt and not as well-rounded as previous offerings. Bond purists may not enjoy this film but if you are like me (thankful we no longer have to put up with ridiculous gadgets) I think you will like it. It has a good blend of storyline, incredible action scenes and stunts, and also good performances by the whole cast.

Daniel Craig has proved he was a great choice for this role.

un-Woo (Lee Byung-Hun) at first glance, is an everyday hotel manager, but within the first five minutes of meeting him we soon realise he is in fact an enforcer for the local mob and a very efficient one at that. The story goes that his mob boss Kang is seeing a younger girl, Hee-Soo, but suspects her of infidelity so assigns Sun-Woo to watch her while he’s out of town to see if she is indeed a dirty little harlot , and if so, for him to “take care of it”. Of course it wouldn’t be much of a film if our antihero chose to follow orders and we’d be finished within a half hour so naturally he takes pity on the girl and her fancy man, thus kicking off all kinds of events which include, but aren’t limited to, having his former mob friends and boss out to kill him.

But before we get onto that, let us talk about Sun-Woo, he is a fascinating creature. He is unarguably cool about everything, see bar fight and road rage, he gets the job done without breaking a sweat and casually walks off. He’s always alert. For an action flick he is uncharacteristically

well developed (by Western standards, anyhow), and then it all comes to a head when he’s about to follow the boss’s orders but takes a split second to realise that he is in fact about to kill just a couple of kids.

This new found sympathy and humanity is both his redemption, after years of no-questions-asked killing, and simultaneously his damnation.

It is time for the big fight. He gets buried alive to show him his boss means business, and when he digs himself out it is only to show him further that the boss wants to give him another chance. But he has seen how easily they disregard people if they make one misjudgement so vows to take them down. His burial and subsequent escape is a mud-drenched rebirth of Sun-Woo. Director Kim Ji-Woon shows real flare behind the camera. The imagery of Korean cinema has always appeared so much more sharper, as well as visceral. The use of classical music against an otherwise distressing event is employed yet again without growing

old. And the humour of Korean film, as black as ever, is married yet again, perfectly with the harsher tones of the movie. The direction is accomplished, borderline cheesy but seeping with undeniable style.

And as for the action? Well it’s as relentless as any other Korean film you’ve seen to date. The martial arts are impressive and a nice change from guns and explosions of most action epics, while Lee Byung-Hun, obviously a natural for it, relishes in showing off his skills. The amount of blood and screams will satisfy even the most cynical of action film lovers while provide an injection of originality and freshness into a genre so overrun with mediocre efforts.

Richard Laba

DVD Review

Matthew Cox

Body of Lies

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hen actor Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott first collaborated in 2000 on ‘Gladiator’ the result was widely regarded as huge success. However, subsequent collaborations ‘A Good Year’ and ‘American Gangster’ haven’t been nearly as well received with the latter mainly receiving acclaim for the presence of Denzel Washington, rather than Crowe. Their latest film together, Body of Lies is the latest in a long line of Hollywood movies with themes relating to the war on terror, and considering that virtually all of its predecessors haven’t struck a chord with mainstream moviegoers, the big question is whether this film is any different, the answer definitely a no.

In the current climate, films such as this are really not what casual moviegoers want to see, and this film isn’t going to change anyone’s mind about that.

Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a deep cover CIA agent based in the Middle East whose job is to track down terrorists on ground level. His boss Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) is based at Langley where he monitors all ongoing operations from afar, taking all the credit for their successes. When a new terrorist begins orchestrating attacks against civilian targets throughout Europe, it is up to Ferris to track down those responsible. However, Ferris finds his operation being compromised at every corner, as Hoffman is carrying out his own side operations. With time running out before more attacks are carried out, Ferris finds that he can’t trust anyone, least of all his

deceptive boss who is thousands of miles away. Thus, Ferris sets about on his own to track down the terrorist but Hoffman seems to be one step ahead all the time.

One thing that must be remembered when going to see ‘Body of Lies’ is that it is not a popcorn movie. Those who will appreciate it are those looking for a film that will make them think, as this film is very intelligent and thought provoking with a very complex storyline. The intricate plot is too over-complicated and the various plot strands don’t come together in a wholly satisfactory way. Also, while the film has a lot to say, it is all presented in a very messy and incoherent manner, so much so, that only the most watchful of viewers will pick up on everything that is going on.

The film is also too long-winded and slow-paced, severely lacking in the action department, with only a couple of action sequences to speak of and then only very brief ones, even though they are well-staged and very thrilling while they last.

The saving grace of the film comes from the acting, with both Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe delivering completely convincing performances of entirely believable characters, even though it is DiCaprio who really steals the show. It’s just a shame that the overall film isn’t up to the quality of their acting.

Robert Mann

Mamma Mia!

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o, the eagerly anticipated “Mamma Mia” hit the big screen this year and left centre stage, packing out cinemas with people all ages singing along. If you were a “Super Trouper” and went to see the film you would have noticed all the golden oldies reminiscing of their younger days as “Dancing Queens” while the new kids on the block were simply falling in love with the likes of Dominic Cooper and Pierce Brosnan. Such a variety is rare to see these days; you wouldn’t catch your Grandma in the recently released “Zak and Miri make a porno” now would you? If you’re one of those softies that are in love with the film before you’ve even seen it because you love musicals or adore ABBA, then you’re in for a treat.

The film centres around Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) a twentysomething in a search to find her real Dad so he can give her away on her wedding day. This is a problem

however as Sophie’s Mum (Meryl Streep) had many affairs before her birth. It turns out her father could be one of three men. Enter the three men; Harry (Colin Firth), Sam (Pierce Brosnan) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgard). Unsure who the real “Dad” is, she invites them all to her Greek island begging the question “Does your Mother know”. Much to her dismay, she doesn’t.

From this point onwards the film basically runs around in circles, leaving us to question who can be the real father on so many occasions that by the end we don’t really care.

A song then comes along to wake us up again and rekindle that plastic grin that will actually appear at times during the film. Don’t get me wrong it is an enjoyable film, with its heart in the right place, but “When all is said and done” it doesn’t pull much out of the ordinary.

Directed by original stage show director Phyllida Lloyd, you can

expect all the cheesy dancing and acting that you would see in a theatre performance. She does well with what little talent she has working with the big name stars, as half of them look like they’re wondering why they are in a film like this? Especially Pierce Brosnan.

The film does run nicely and there’s never a moment where I felt it was “Slipping through my Fingers”, particularly with a song breaking out every 5 minutes, but that’s just “The name of the Game”.

“Take a Chance on Me” when I say that in order to enjoy the film you’re going to have to be one of those softies that really likes a chick flick every now and again…. luckily I do. I really enjoyed the film and it left me with a big smile on my face as it will undoubtedly do to you as well.

Sam Evans

Christmas Film Special 19

FILM

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

The Family Man

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ack Campbell (Nicolas Cage) has to make a life changing decision at an airport with his college girlfriend Kate (Tea Leoni).

Does he take the road to London to begin a wealthy and luxurious career or stay in New York to live a life with Kate. He chooses London and on Christmas Eve, thirteen years later, we catch up with him living life as a lonely, though super rich Wall Street investment broker.

He enjoys his life of money making and one night stands with any glamour model he so chooses.

On waking up Christmas Day morning, Jack finds himself not in his penthouse suite, but living in New Jersey suburbia with Kate and two kids frantic to open their

Christmas presents.

Naturally Jack freaks out and runs out of the house and is bemused that he doesn’t own a Ferrari. He drives to work in a people carrier to find he doesn’t have a job on Wall Street and people he knows don’t know him. What Jack is experiencing is a ‘glimpse’ given to him by a guardian angel (Don Chealde) to show what life would be like if he had stayed with Kate those thirteen years ago.

The Family Man is very much a modernised ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and better in my opinion. It has the latter’s charm, warmth and poignancy and career best performances from Niocolas Cage and Tea Leoni. There’s also great

supporting turns from the ever reliable Don Chealde and Jeremy Piven as Cage’s best buddy. The film is really carried by Cage’s performance whose transition from heartless business man to devoted family man is entirely convincing.

The Family Man is a great change of pace for director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour Triolgy) who brings pace to proceedings and doesn’t give the film an over sentimental feeling. The ending is poignant but hopeful and is a perfect climax to a sweet, witty and thoroughly entertaining Christmas fantasy.

Mark Varley

The Long Kiss Goodnight Die Hard

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or me, Die Hard is a great Christmas movie; an iconic action film that continues to be an influence to the genre and also one that propelled Bruce Willis to international stardom. The thrilling set pieces always knowingly reminds you that it’s all happening during the merry season and, for me, is the reason why Die Hard should be an essential watch at Christmas, if ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ isn’t your sort of thing.

You all know the story by now I’m sure but nevertheless, in a nutshell: Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles is taken over by terrorists with only

the quick wits of New York cop John McLane (Willis) holding them back as he takes them out one by one.

Amidst the blood, bullets and explosions lies a witty screenplay that gives even Alan Rickman’s villain of the piece Hans Gruber some memorable one liners. Alan Rickman’s scene stealing performance and the film’s tongue in cheek tone is what makes Die Hard such an entertaining thrill ride that still stands proudly on its own after twenty years as one of the finest action movies ever made.

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ike Die Hard, Renny ‘Cliffhanger’ Harlin’s actioner is a rather violent, but an exciting and explosive treat set at Christmas time.

Samantha (Geena Davis) is living a comfortable lifestyle in the suburbs with her husband and daughter.

Trouble is, Samantha suffers from amnesia after a serious car accident. It’s not long before the past she can’t recall catches up with her. From

Again, like Die Hard, The Long Kiss Goodnight has a tongue in cheek tone and witty script from Lethal Weapon writer Shane Black. All in all, whilst not in the same league as Die Hard, this underrated film will please those who like non stop action. Plus, anything with Samuel L Jackson is always a bonus.

Mark Varley

Andy Peterson

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lf is Ferrell’s only successful comedy that children can enjoy as well as the funnyman’s usual target audience of teenagers and adults. Elf follows Buddy (Ferrell) who, as a baby in an orphanage, climbs into Santa’s sack one Christmas and is taken back to the North Pole. Here, Buddy is raised with elves and now as a thirty something, makes toys in Santa’s workshop. Problem is, Buddy is not aware that he is different to his fellow elves. He’s well over six feet tall, can’t stand in the showers and has a tiny bed. Making all the toys up there, you’d think his fellow elves would have made him a bed by now!

Only now does Old Saint Nic decide to send Buddy to New York where his father lives.

Most of the film’s comedy comes from extended montages in New York City following Buddy getting used to the new surroundings. This may sound clichéd but Will Ferrell puts through a charming and hilarious performance which makes these scenes funnier

here on Samantha is teamed up with private eye Mitch (Samuel L Jackson), to find her real identity. We know quite soon that she may be a Government assassin, but it’s not clear why she is wanted dead by multiple agents and old enemies giving her chase.

It’s all really silly, but moves at a breakneck pace and the explosive action is delivered with exuberant energy from Harlin.

ELF than expected. Highlights include him crossing the road without the assumption that he may get hit, a great moment on an elevator and a brilliant confrontation between Buddy and a businessman who is a dwarf but who Buddy believes is an elf. A great comedy fight ensues.

Elf has charm, wit and warmth that not many Christmas films can achieve nower-days. Elf should go down as a modern Christmas classic.

Dan Jones

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full protest by his mother, has his sights set on one particular C h r i s t m a s present: “a Red Ryder carbineaction 200-shot range model BB gun air rifle.”

However how do you convince both parents, and your school teacher for that matter, that wanting an air rifle for Christmas is a good idea and that there is absolutely no danger of “shooting your eye out”?

Needless to say he is constantly warned by his mother and teacher that this will happen!

Narration throughout the film is provided from the perspective of an adult Ralphie, looking back over the fond memories of a childhood Christmas. The film

A Christmas Story

hink back many years to a Christmas when you unwrapped the present you’d been hoping to find under the tree. Maybe it was a new bike, computer console or board game. Bob Clarke’s 1983 festive comedy, set in 1940s America, centres on one family’s preparations for the big day.

Nine year old Ralphie, with full support from his father and

perfectly captures the contrast between Ralphie and his younger brother’s excitement at Christmas to that of the stress and hard work of their parents.

There are many classic scenes such as the father’s determined ’attempt’ at decorating the tree, family meal times, unwanted presents on Christmas morning, the Christmas dinner turkey being eaten by next door’s dogs and the family trip to the shopping mall to visit Santa: “You’ll shoot your eye out kid” is the answer a dejected Ralphie gets after having told Santa that he wants an air rifle for Christmas. If you want to see a fun, clever and witty Christmas film that all can enjoy then ’A Christmas Story’ is the film for you. It’s available on DVD and should not be missed!

Will Dangerfield

20

BOOKS

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Top books for

Christmas this year N ow we all know that it’s getting to that point of the year were we have to start trolling around all of the shops trying to find those all important Christmas presents for the family and friends, and as we know, help is always needed at this time of the year. So here are a few book ideas for Christmas presents:

For the car nut:

For the chef:

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his year the must have cooking book is the latest from Jamie Oliver: Ministry of Food. This cooking book is inspired by Jamie’s mission to get all of the UK eating more healthily and learning to cook better food. From the basics that we all know and love, to new and exciting recipes, this book is perfect for anyone who enjoys some kitchen action.

For the soppy one:

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he best book this Christma s for anyone who loves their cars is the latest and greatest from none other than the king of cars , Jeremy Clarkson. His latest book, For Crying Out Loud, is already being dubb ed as his best ever. So if you know the perfect person who loves their cars , sarcasm and reading exactly how Brita in should be, this is perfect.

Peter Pan

by J.M Barrie

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eter Pan is considered by most people to be a “Children’s Classic” rather than a legitimate adult book. However after finding myself part of a discussion in the pub between 6 post-graduate students where Peter Pan was the main topic of conversation, I thought it more than deserved a mention.

Many people are introduced to Peter Pan by the various adaptations that have been produced ranging from Disney to my personal favourite of Spielberg’s Hook. Yet many people (including myself until recently) haven’t read the book that the story originally comes from.

The magic begins when, whilst chasing his shadow one night, Peter flies through the window of the Darling’s nursery. While there he meets Wendy, John and Michael Darling, teaches them to fly then takes them to Neverland. Readers are asked to close their eyes and they will be transported to Neverland, where Peter lives with his band of ‘Lost Boys’ who battle the Red Skins, fight pirates, and are friends with the mermaids that live in the lagoon.

The novel follows a series of

great book this Christmas for the romance lovers is the wonderful and uplifting new novel by Maeve Binchy, entitled Heart and Soul. This is for all of those who love to curl up on the sofa, in front of a roaring fire when all the awful weather ransacks the outside world. A warm and very funny novel, this is the perfect gift for your mothers or sisters, or even you.

Cat’s class ics adventures in the dangerous world of Neverland varying from saving Red Indians to fighting pirates.

Overlooking the blatant sexism and racism of writing of this period, Peter Pan hasn’t dated, it’s still a great idiosyncratic, escapist fantasy story where anything could happen and probably will.

You may wonder why I’m recommending you read a ‘fairy story’ and whether adults would want to read about a boy fighting pirates; but the story is captivating as you are an outsider looking into this magical world... and there is a part inside every one of us that will never grow up.

Cat Prince

“An alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do”

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ot my words, but those of Wales’ national poet, Dylan Thomas, whose accent and poetry were deemed “inseparable”.

A drinking session with him would likely prove fatal, but the prospect of curling up by an open fire with a copy of his poem entitled ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ could only be delightful. This poem expertly captures post-WW2 Britain. “The [then] greatest living poet in the English language” reminisces about his own childhood Christmases of a “little world” wherein Christmas for children was far less commercial than any of our generation remembers; the “useless presents” of the 1950’s are alarmingly similar

to our cracker prizes of today!

Radically, he emphasises the repetitiveness of the season, a far cry from Dickens’ “God bless us every one!” stance. He does, however, beautifully describe what every child does want on the 25th: a white Christmas. Thomas paints a masterpiece in words. Using fantastic imagery, he highlights the verisimilitude of both a fire and a cat spitting.

So when you’re blaming other people’s drink problems for the long wait at the bar this Christmas, remind yourself of this article’s title!

Rosie MacLeod

The Model Wife E

very fairy tale has the enchanting beginning, wonderful middle and the happily ever after, however Poppy soon realised her fairy tale only had a good beginning, if you can call it that. After many years of working as a model, work dries up and Poppy is forced to take a job at the local café so she can pay her rent. This is where it happens, where she meets her prince charming, Luke Norton, the local anchorman for the Seven Thirty News.

He was perfect in Poppy’s eyes; good looking, kind and loving; he only had one downfall, his wife and children. After many promises of leaving his wife, Luke manages to woo Poppy, but all goes wrong when she falls pregnant and Luke wants her to have an abortion.

by Julia Llewellyn Many arguments and tears later, Luke leaves his wife and moves in with Poppy. Life seems perfect for a while, until the first Mrs Norton, Hannah, decides to take revenge, through her article in the paper, entitled ‘My Ex and the Bimbo’.

This leads to a number of tales told and Poppy finally decides she needs a life and gets her own column. But does this spell disaster?

Will Poppy and Luke get their happy ever after?

Or is Luke still having affairs, even after he left Hannah for Poppy? This is the perfect feel good story, with a number of twists; you’ll still be guessing about what will actually happen until the last page.

Emma McColl

Seren recommends...

Chocolat!

W

e all know that a nondescript box of chocolates is enough to turn any tough cookies into squabbling children. Joanne Harris’ best seller, Chocolat, melts the themes of society’s expectations and the difficulties of self restraint into one rich, irresistible recipe; think Hansel and Gretel coated in a thick layer of social critique.

The first day of Lent in the fictional French village of Lansquetsous-Tannes, sees the arrival of a mysterious single mother, Vianne, a kitchen witch, who sets up a chocolaterie, La Céleste Praline, (The Heavenly Praline) directly opposite the Catholic Church. The religious overtones in her choice of its name are no coincidence, but a direct jibe and this theme of Christianity versus Paganism thicken the plot. The very sober, absolutist curé is vexed by the arrival of this enterprise which goes against everything the Church and society stand for: It is owned by a secular spinster who dares to trade on Sundays, and its tempting nature is enough to

by Joanne Harris

render redundant his preaching Lenten abstinence.

Instantly, Vianne is disliked in the village; her business, compared to the sinful gluttony of ancient Rome, is accused of bringing disorder and her family situation is branded “illegitimate”.

As a riposte, the calm Vianne uses the magic of chocolate to wean the parishioners off petty morals consistent with society’s restrictive expectations, and onto a new open-mindedness. Her business becomes an enchanted support group. There, mercilessly scapegoated gypsies are accepted and a beaten wife finds the courage to leave her re-offender husband, new attitudes which the curé vehemently condemns.

However, the early hours of Easter Day reveal he is not the whitest truffle in the box after all!

Interpretable as a parody of Eve and the (somewhat healthier) apple, this confrontation of bitter societal hypocrisy has a very sweet aftertaste.

Rosie MacLeod

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TRAVEL

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

I

fat man in a red t’s that time of year again. A e, eating our food suit is breaking into our hous our living room and unloading his sack all over ? love to not t’s .wha floor… ie, not even this But for the true travel junk from venturing them stop will ay festive holid I have included all you for So d. further in the worl your travel juices an article hopefully to get y weather and give flowing over this cold and frost in Britain. Also, as ing freez to e nativ alter an you European City; this promised, is a review on a I am sure that after and ce choi the is issue Prague a cheap flight over take to t wan reading it you will to this amazing city.

Happy travelling!!

Stef

A Snapshot of Cologne: A Christmas Dream

O

pen air ice-rink, fairy lights, mulled wine, music...and to top it all off...snow. Sounds like a dream Christmas. Something Cliff Richard would have sung about back in 1988.

But no. This is a typical December day on the banks of the river Rheine.

Every year, the northern German city of Cologne plays host to its world famous Christmas markets. Drawing in thousands of visitors from all over the globe, it certainly has plenty to offer anyone who visits.

The markets themselves offer a huge range of handcrafted goods, ranging from paintings to candles and even boomerangs! Along with that goes the traditional German dishes, including hot cherry waffles, and curried sausage.

For anyone with a historical or ar-

I

chitectural eye, there is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. Built in the Gothic style, it boasts one of the tallest spires in Europe, and is open to the public for tours.

Traditional German hospitality means everything will be taken care of. Drinks, food and hotels are a plenty. But don’t for a minute think that you will be spending all your savings on this one trip, because for just over a hundred pounds, you could have a weekend in a hotel, and a ferry over (if you drive). If not, then don’t worry. The nearest airport, Köln-Bonn, is only a short taxi journey from the city. Again, with flights from only £35, there will be plenty left for you to spend over there!

Prague: A City with Everything

E

astern Europe is become an ever more popular holiday destination for holiday goers. From the beaches of Bulgaria to the streets of Slovenia, it is stead fast becoming the norm to visit these places rather than the traditional Spain, France and Italy. And if your thinking of venturing off to Eastern Europe there is one place I would say that should be top of your choice; Prague. The capital of Czech Republic, it is situated about 20km southeast of the modern city airport; Ruzyni.

Flights fly daily with Bmi Baby from Manchester and Birmingham to Prague for as little as £24.99 returns. From Liverpool you can fly with flyglobespan from £29.99, so getting to Prague is easy and cheap.

Once there in the centre of the Czech Republic you will be amazed by everything Prague has to offer. It is a modern, vibrant city which still holds its heritage close to its heart. From the buildings to the bars there will be something for everyone to experience about Prague.

Accommodation is reasonably cheap, although prices are starting to increase with the popularity of the city as a short break or holiday destination. With a wide choice of hotels to suit all price ranges you will easily find somewhere to stay. Hotel Axa, Hotel Central, Hotel Lunik and Hotel Belvedere are all priced at about £130 for three nights stay, depending on time of year.

If you want something a bit more extravagant then The Crowne Plaza Prague, on the outskirts of the city, is your best choice. With only a ten minute tram journey to the centre, you can get a little bit of heaven for a reasonable £80 a night for a standard room. However if money is is on a budget then Prague has a good choice of cheap and friendly hostels that would be perfect for your stay. Hostel Alia, Hostel Strahov and Hostel Vesta are all within the city centre and would provide you with a pleasant stay.

You will never be lost for things to do in Prague. The Castle, situated on top of Petrin Hill, it is the largest ancient castle in the world. The walk itself up Petrin Hill is something amazing as you look over the entire city, or you can even jump on the cable car that takes you right to the top. A sight not to be missed is the famous Charles Bridge. With its 30 gothic statues, the bridge is lovely to walk across day and night and look up the Vltava River and onto the lights of the city.

If castles and bridges aren’t your thing then Prague has a growing shopping district and rising nightlife. From the street markets selling antiques and traditional Czech tapestries, to the designer heaven of Pariska Street; with the likes of Dior, Dolce and Gabbana and YSL on choice. The new town does come alive at night with bars and restaurants busy with locals and tourists alike. Even the nightclubs are slowly rising in popularity for all who visit the enchanting city.

Prague really is a place you can visit anytime of year but if you are into your music then The Prague Spring International Music Festival might be something different to experience. For the most picturesque time to go then you must go in winter. Although very cold it does have a tendency to snow and lie for days. There is nothing more amazing than walking the streets of Prague with snow on the ground, bright blue skies, and the sun shinning through.

Prague really is a must go on any travellers list, and hopefully you now see that you really need to visit the magic that is Prague.

Stef Black

Christmas with a twist

Don Kelly

Planning on camping in the USA?

f like me, you spent your summer working without a holiday you probably thought it was the most boring eight weeks of your life.

Well my fellow students fear not because I have an answer: Camp America! Every year, 7,500 people take the opportunity to work in the USA in summer camps for children that cater to every need. A wide variety of choices are offered from sports, arts and crafts and faith based camps. You can choose to stay for nine to fifteen weeks of your summer; and now for the question everyone wants to know; how much? £500. As Simon Pegg would say how’s that for a slice of fried gold?

A large number of the staff working in the Camp America offices have been to camp themselves and through the application process. As I am currently applying I have to say there is no question too big or small to ask them; I have honestly never dealt with nicer or more helpful people in my life. The online application is very effortless; plus the benefit of completing it online is that over 900 camps across the States can access your file 24/7 to see if you are right for their camp.

There are a multitude of different roles you can perform within the camps. To give you an idea of what the

experience was like, here’s what a few of the participants from last summer had to say about their experiences at Camp America: Alexandra Harkness “Words cannot describe how much I miss Camp and everybody I met there. It truly was one of the best times of my life and I really cant wait to return next year!

Jonny “Thanks Camp America! They sent me a certificate and a golden rubber chicken in the post for being a top ten forum poster and blogger! Im so proud!”

So there you have it, an amazing opportunity to work abroad, meet new people, gain new skills and have a cracking good time. I have my interview for Camp America in two weeks time so wish me luck! If you are interested in becoming involved visit www.campamerica.co.uk for more information.

Bianca Murray

W

ell the first semester is almost over and everyone is heading home for the holidays. We’ll be slipping on our snug pyjamas, filling up on sweets and probably watching a Muppets Christmas Carol, all from the comfort of our living room sofa. But what if there is an alternative to that type of Christmas, what if it’s not all about the tree and the turkey, but rather having a slightly different type of festive celebration.

The traditional types of travelling you do at Christmas are usually visiting your Gran and Granddad. However we don’t have to be limited to a car journey 2 miles down the road.

Whether it is shopping in Manhattan, skiing in Switzerland or lounging on a beach in the Canaries, there is a travel destination that’s sure to make your Christmas more memorable than ever before.

Going away at Christmas is become ever more increasingly popular.

Many just want to get away from the busy Christmas shopping and all the hustle and bustle of the festive season; you have to admit, sunning it up in Spain does sound slightly more appealing. Although we all love our Christmas dinners and sitting next to the tree to open our presents like we were five again, that shouldn’t put you off going away for Christmas.

Visiting somewhere at Christmas will be completely different that at any other time of the year.

In New York you will be dazzled by an abundance of festive lights, Christmas displays like no other and an ambience to the city that can only be felt at this time of year. Shops take their window displays to the Christmas extreme, The Rockefeller Centre has one of the largest trees in the city lit up in all its glory, and if you’re lucky enough for it to snow, you can bear the cold and take a stroll through Central Park; which really is at its prettiest.

If a cold city break Christmas isn’t for you then how about spending December 25th on a beach in Tenerife in temperatures of 28 degrees. Although many places such as the Canaries and mainland Spain do not celebrate Christmas to the same extent as we do, so you’re unlikely to eat turkey for your festive meal, the idea of drinking Margaritas while in a bikini by the side of a swimming pool does sound slightly tempting.

Christmas is all about tradition but maybe it would be best if we started our own little traditions, like jetting off to the sun for two weeks, or visiting a different state of America each year just to see how Christmas is really done. Sometimes it’s not all about the turkey and the presents but rather just having some fun doing something different, that’s where real festive spirit comes from.

Stef Black

22

SPORT

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Rugby League team top of the table The Season so far: Tensions were high before the opening game at Chester, given that two matches had already been postponed due to waterlogged pitches, and it showed as the home side took the lead in the opening few minutes.

Bangor gifted Chester their score on the back of two penalties but this merely awoke a sleeping giant as the visitors soon ran riot.

Bangor’s Captain Danny Wright, in usual fashion, bulldozed the home defence and scored four tries; helped along by Luke Donovan who scored twice through a crumbling defence. Thomas Mottram, in his fifth playing year for Bangor, scored twice and added four conversions whilst fellow centre Will Varley recorded his first hattrick for the club in the second half. Chester kept fighting ‘till the end as rugby league is relentless and quit is no option. Bangor’s Ian Skinner finished with two tries, fresher Nick Brown and Man of the Match Rhodri Davies also scored once during an impressive debut performance at full back.

Max Bracken slotted over two conversions of his own to leave the end result at 14-72.

Liverpool University travelled to Bangor with a reputation as large as a student’s debt. They had already been involved in two hard fought matches against teams of considerably more calibre than Chester so this is where the Welshmens first real test would surely lie.

Bangor dominated possession with a formidable display by the forwards with Danny Wright, Gethin Francis and Liam Morton all running their weight. Will Varley opened the scoring for Bangor followed by a superb short pass by Max Bracken that sent Chris ‘Wolfie’ Thompson through out wide to score his first try for the club in his second year and his delight at scoring really lifted the team.

Liverpool were not to be taken lightly however and they were capable of toughing it out too with powerful surges down Bangor’s right sided defence that kept them in the game. The half time score was 10-4 in Bangor’s

favour but the second half would see their defence work as hard as their first half attacking display.

Tom Garland tackled relentlessly in the heart of Bangor’s defence and the newcomer earned his Man of the Match award for his efforts. A nail biting finish saw Bangor repeatedly gift Liverpool possession and conceded a try but thankfully they had the grit and determination to hang on for the close 14-10 win.

Next for Bangor was a scenic trip to Aberwystryth. Bangor’s day started in unlikely fashion when the team kit was left behind resulting in the emergency trip to Sports Direct to purchase a set of Welsh international rugby union shirts! (Pictured above is the Bangor team in their full ‘international’ strip).

Bangor, off focus at the kick off, let Aber take advantage of their ill discipline with only a fine last ditch tackle by Tom Garland saving the day. Bangor’s Thomas Mottram claimed two tries and eight conversions to take his match tally to 24 points. Man of the Match Will Varley completed a hat trick and Luke Donovan continued his hard work in the forwards with two tries.

Aber managed two tries of their own to set the final score at 6412. Special praise must go to Tom Garland and Nick Brown who, in their first year at Bangor, showed their dedication to the team by catching (very) early trains from back home to return especially for the game and returning afterwards.

Captain Danny Wright gave his account of the season so far: “I’m really proud of the whole team; of all the commitment and heart that the lads have put into Bangor Rugby League. Playing teams like Cheshire shows how much guts and determination a team needs to win and we’ve got it in heaps!

I’ve never been prouder to captain such a brilliant group of lads and here’s to maintaining our 100% record and winning the league for a third time!”

Will Varley

A word from the AU President

A

s we approach Christmas the sports season is well underway. There have been competitive matches galore on Wednesday afternoons, with all the teams putting in strong performances. It really is great to see the passion and enthusiasm all the club members show on fixtures day! As well as Wednesday afternoon fixtures we have a number of clubs competing in local competitions, and have also been sending teams away to weekend championships, such as the BUCS Swimming Championships and the BUCS White Water Racing Championships. Again, Bangor Students’ Athletic Union had strong representation in all of these events – and from what I’ve heard everyone has had loads of fun too!

Obviously I can’t forget the non-competitive clubs, who have also impressed me this semester. Bangor University Mountaineering Society (BUMS) have been growing hugely as a club, and are going from strength to strength. Similarly our other outdoor activities clubs have also been attracting lots of members and creating great opportunities for people to try something new, and sometimes unique, whilst at Uni here in Bangor. If you want a full list of clubs visit www.bangorstudents.com/au.

All that’s left for me to say really is have a great Christmas, and I hope you are looking forward to the Athletic Union’s healthy living week to be launched at Serendipity 2 on January 30th. Their will be lots of activities for people to enjoy throughout the week, including a POOL PARTY (how cool!!) so make sure you keep an eye out for the posters and check www.bangorstudents.com! Oh, also don’t forget the 5-a-side football Xmas cup on Sunday 7th December. If you want to enter a team email me at aupresident@undeb.bangor.ac.uk.

Merry Christmas!

A little big thank you

L

adies Night at the Menai proved a huge success on November 10th and thanks to the women of Bangor we raised nearly £1000 with money going to the Rugby League Benevolent Fund Charity which helps severely injured rugby players cope with their disabilities.

Will Varley

Homophobia in Sport - will it ever change?

G

raeme Le Saux had excellent track record in his chosen profession of football. During his eighteen years in professional football he played 400 matches and gained 36 international caps. He also has a wife and two children, yet he suffered abuse from opposition, fans and even team members as a result of incorrect rumours that he was gay. It is easy to see, from this example, why Le Saux has dubbed homosexuality ‘sport’s last taboo’ (2008). Being openly homosexual or bisexual in sport is not widely accepted; discrimination is evident from all parties; the media, fans and other players. It can destroy an otherwise booming career and compromise a player’s focus.

There has only ever been one publicly gay professional football player - Justin Fashanu – and his story includes being banned from team training, being disowned by his

“There has only ever been one publicly gay professional football player and his story includes... suicide” brother and ultimately his suicide.

In contrast there have been many high-profile lesbian sports people such as the tennis players, Martina Navrátilová and Billie Jean King.

Both of these women were extremely successful on the court and currently actively fight for LGBT rights.

So why is there such a lack of support for gay and bisexual men in team sports? Individuals such as Chris Morgan (power lifter), Nigel Owens (Welsh Rugby Union Referee) and Orlando Jordan (Professional Wrestler) are successfully ‘out’ as well as excelling in their respective careers. As Ian Wright – former Arsenal and England striker – said in 2006: “Homophobia is unacceptable in an office so should not be advocated on a football pitch.”

In a recent interview a local gay footballer in Bangor, who wishes to remain anonymous said, “[Football Clubs] go on about equality, but at a professional level it doesn’t take much for opposing teams to use homophobic abuse. I have heard a few comments off the pitch.” When asked if this would discourage him from continuing the sport he replied,

“it wouldn’t stop me. I enjoy playing the game so no matter what people say I will continue to play.”

So, perhaps it is mostly the “bantering” element of team sports that proves too malevolent for some gay and bisexual members.

English rugby star (and Sunday Times Number One Gay Icon) Ben Cohen stated, “my impression is that it would be fine to be able to "come out" in rugby. Most rugby players are cool about it and think that people should be allowed to live their lives how they want to.

After the first bit of banter, things would calm down.

We all take banter all the time about different things.

This is the 21st century; the players and fans would Now, be more interested in his standard of playing.” But is ‘banter’ going too far when it gets so personal? Le Saux said, “If you look at anything, whether it is racism or homophobia or whatever, as if it is just a laugh that can be a very serious issue. I'm all for a good laugh but when you offend someone and you are damaging relationships then it goes way beyond being a laugh.” Perhaps finding the line between traditional sports-banter and offensiveness is the key.

Ian Roberts managed an eightyear career in Australian Rugby League after ‘coming out’ as gay in 1995, the same year that Mianne

“Perhaps finding a line between traditional sports banter and offensiveness is the key” Bagger transitioned from Male to Female prior to forging a successful golfing career with the Women’s Golf Association and playing in both the British and U.S. Women’s Open.

Both faced almost equal amounts of acceptance and discrimination and Mianne Bagger explains, “As much as my main focus is on golf, controversy and media focus tends to be a part of my life and golfing career, and is something I need to balance.”

what would Colleen say?

As far as policy is concerned, almost all professional football and rugby clubs have an antidiscrimination policy in place; Manchester City even signed up to the Stonewall Diversity champion’s programme, which promotes good practice regarding sexual orientation in the workplace.

The Football Association's director of Corporate Affairs, Simon Johnson says, “The FA is leading the way on tackling homophobia in football and our work is becoming recognised across Europe. Abuse of any such nature can now be tackled by the FA via sanctions and potential bans".

Perhaps it will only take a few more ‘out and proud’ high-profile people to convince those abandoning their sporting dreams that they are able to brave the gauntlet of professional sports whilst staying true to themselves. Maybe once the world of sports sees that a person’s sexuality or gender identity does not affect their skills then the changing room ‘bantering’ and opposition abuse will cease. Then professional sports will finally catch up with the rest of the working environments to become a welcoming place for everyone.

Emily Collins

23

SPORT

December Issue 2008

www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Bangor University Riding Club start 2008/09 at a gallop!

T

he Bangor University Riding Club successfully ran its first ‘funday’ on Saturday 22nd November. Organised under the Student’s Union ‘Give-it-ago’ scheme, the day was aimed at beginner, novice and nervous riders who wanted to try horse riding for the first time or else get back into the saddle. The day was held at Gadlys Farm Riding School in Caernarfon and activities included a grooming and tacking up masterclass, a horse riding lesson and gymkhana games in the field.

Despite the Welsh weather not being at its best, everyone enjoyed themselves and got stuck in. No one went home empty handed – all participants received a rosette for their hard efforts.

This year Sharon Smithurst and myself (Ellie Sutcliffe) have taken over as captains of the club and our aim is to create a fun and friendly club that welcomes riders of all abilities – from those who have had their own horse and competed at a high level, to people who have never sat on a horse before and would like to “give-it-a-go”! We are very lucky in Bangor as we have the beautiful mountains of Snowdonia

and the stunning beaches of Anglesey on which to ride, and we offer mountain and beach riding, as well as lessons, fundays and competitions, all at subsidised rates for Riding Club members. We also have two teams entered into the BUCS competition league this year and training, organised by our team captain, Alice Gadsby, is going well.

We are a very friendly and sociable club and we meet every Sunday night at 6pm in Rascals bar (Upper Bangor). So come along and see us on Sunday, have a drink, find out more about what the club has to offer, book a ride, or simply come and have a chat with likeminded people who won’t switch off after five minutes of “horsey talk” like your partner or parents do!!!

Pictured above with their rosettes are the participants of Bangor Riding Club’s ‘give-it-a-go’ funday, with the 2008-09 club captains, Ellie Sutcliffe (far left) and Sharon Smithurst (far right)

Ellie Sutcliffe

A Remembrance Day to forget for Bangor F.C

B

angor City Football Club’s clash with Rhyl on Remembrance Day was marred by fan violence during the first half of the top of the table encounter. The fact that the match was played on November 11th did not matter for the fifty or so ‘fans’ who brought shame on Bangor F.C as a mass brawl broke out on the terraces.

North Wales Police inspector Steve Williams confirmed: “We attended a large scale disturbance between rival fans where 50 people were allegedly fighting.” One eyewitness, who wished not to be named, gave a more accurate account of the events: “There was a bad atmosphere from the start and the air was thick with tension. The trouble started as coffee was being thrown around and a drum belonging to a Rhyl fan was kicked; once it kicked off things got out of hand very quickly, and it was lucky that no-one had a knife or some glass, because someone could have been very badly hurt.”

Security was heightened for the fixture, but stewards and security had to sort out the problem before the arrival of the police. Inspector

Williams added, “As soon as the police arrived, the disturbance was quelled.”

Indeed that is often the case once the police arrive.

There were no arrests and one fan was allegedly injured but with Rhyl set to return to Farrar Road for a Welsh Cup fourth round match on January 31st, FAW chief John Deakin is taking no chances, “I think games played behind closed doors should be considered.” Deakin went on to say, “I’m absolutely appalled really that amongst a relatively small group of people (709 spectators attended the match) a number of them can’t behave themselves and spoil the occasion for everybody.”

Unfortunately football violence is often the downfall of the British game and it now looks to have rooted itself in North Wales.

Will Varley

Success in Women’s Fencing

I

n my first year I was elected Women’s Team Captain not because of my skill (I’d never fenced before University) but because I was the only female student in the club. I’m now in my third year, coming to the point where I have to train someone else up to take over the position, and it’s absolutely amazing how different the position of Women’s captain had become.

Bangor University Fencing club’s reputation has grown a lot in the last few years and, with our first women’s entry into BUCS this year, I feel that we’ve really cemented our respectability. We are currently placed second in the league, winning four matches to one loss (against Liverpool 1st) which, considering four of our six fencers are homegrown, and having only started fencing at Bangor, it really shows the heart and dedication that everyone is putting in. We’re also lucky that several experienced fencers have joined the club in the last couple of years, helping us both in matches

and in coaching. Whoever becomes Women’s Captain next year will be inheriting a team brimming with potential. I wish them the very best of luck. (Pictured here are the Bangor fencers).

Kevanne Sanger (Women’s Fencing Team Captain)

Sports Personality Of The Year arrives once again

S

oon to arrive on our TV sets for another year is that pre-Christmas shindig and “pretend-you’re-mates” schmooze that is the BBC Sports Personality of The Year 2008. It’s been a bumper year for British sport, most notably through storming performances at the Olympics and Paralympics, and though the preclusion of a domestic team at Euro 2008 has no doubt made it harder to single out footballers for the plaudit, there has still been a wealth of individual achievement in a variety of forms from sailing to tennis and even gymnastics, courtesy of Louis Smith, the first black man to win a Medal in Olympic gymnastics.

So, who deserves to take home the plaudits for the year? And on what criteria should the decision be made? Should the award belong to athletes who have pushed their sport forward in a purely physical sense: among them Andy Murray? Those who have gone out of their way to raise the profile of British sport and facilities? Or should we credit instead the consolation prizefighter; true ‘characters’ of sport such as last year’s runner –up Ricky ‘stand-up routine’ Hatton? (This of course leads to the circular question of how best to define the nebulous concept of British sport’s ‘spirit’, often embodied in the plucky loser. Stand up Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards).

As the great Queens, NYC hip-hop trio Run DMC once proclaimed, ‘It’s Tricky’, and the pundits often tend to shower with praise the biggest tangible success stories and tag them as early favourites. Top of this list, arguably, is youngest-ever F1 champ Lewis Hamilton, whose dash towards the end-of-season finale in Brazil with runner-up (and home favourite) Felipe Massa, provided more heart-in-our-throat moments of sheer drama than a DVD boxset of Wacky Races (Who were your favourites?, mine were Lazy Luke and Blubber Bear in the Arkansas Chuggabug).

Hamilton’s story has the muchneeded human element (the metaphorical near-miss of the ’07 season and the physical equivalent

in Japan this year, the victory shots with his proud mum) and no-one denies the sheer physical toll of tearing around Silverstone et al, though we should perhaps detract points for the entire emissions output of F1 racing having a carbon footprint the size of India.

In a different field entirely, Welsh swimmer David Roberts capped a world-record breaking year in freestyle events with four Gold Medals at the Paralympic Games, ensuring a tally of eleven Golds in his Paralympics career total, and providing a euphoric pivot upon which BBC coverage rested.

Just a few weeks earlier, Chris Hoy was putting the exclamation point on a successful week of indoor track cycling winning a trio of Gold Medals at the Olympics, to add to

physical achievements. For this and more, both candidates deserve strong consideration.

Along with Hatton, England rugby-union fly-half Danny Cipriani’s ‘laddish image’ – a bust-up with team mate Josh Lewsey, dating Kelly Brook - has given him a number of column inches away from his dayjob and has ensured he meets the personality side of the equation.

Love him or hate him, at least he provides a talking point. But… not to let the question go begging, who is the smart money on? Well, if I had a crisp tenner to spare, I’d pop down to Ladbrokes and place it on a certain Ms. Adlington. Hopefully though, the awards will be a celebration of the range and diversity in British sport. Should be fun, especially if me and Hatton* are there in the same room. *Seren is in no way attempting to initiate conflict with Messr Hatton, unless it’s being screened on Sky Box Office and we receive at least 25% of the profit.

“Perhaps detract points for the entire emissions output of F1 racing having a Stephen Davies carbon footprint the size of India” successes by female counterparts Victoria Pendleton and Rebecca Romero, capitalising on the shift in the fulcrum of power from French cycling to British cycling that had begun at the World Championships earlier in the year. Away from his bike, Hoy has proven a spirited and ebullient advocate for encouraging cycling in the UK. Nicole Cooke’s role has been markedly similar, the Olympics Road Race champion, in a recent Observer interview put forth an eloquent case that women’s cycling offered a visual spectacle the match of any male equivalent contest, while responding admirably to the preconceptions of those attempting to stir up a rift between indoor/outdoor cycling in camp GB. Both athletes have displayed stoicism and a formidable intelligence that will prove invaluable for British cycling in the long-term as much as their