MOUTH OF THE YSTWYTH
NEW YEAR, NEW PAPER
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WRITTEN BY IESTYN TUDOR
Welcome(back)toAberystwyth!The2024-25 academic year has begun in earnest. Whether youareaneworreturningstudent,weareall swept up in a wave of practical matters (funding, accommodation, a million daily tasks) and academic concerns (assignments, timetables, societies and so much more). But you ’vefoundthetimetoreadthiseditor’snote nonetheless thankyou!
The Mouth of the Ystwyth is a relatively young project, only founded in 2022. Very exciting developments are unfolding in our newspaper.Itisouraimtofillthegapleftby ourforebearerpublicationTheCourierandto help revive Aberystwyth University’s student media enterprise. There is so much potential here.
Reading your submissions is the most fulfilling part of editing this paper. The interconnected nature of small-town university life finds its clearest expression within these pages. Aberystwyth is a wonderfulanomalyinsomanyways.
ThisisaplatformforAberystwythstudentsto sharetheirvoices.Wearenotjustanewspaper.I would like to stress that, this year, anything goes (within limits). We accept written/visual submissions of all sorts. Our editors will help you with considerations like word counts and media law. News is only one crucial aspect of our publication. There is room for everything here. We accept local/national/international news stories, personal accounts, sports reports, society features, reviews, short stories/novel excerpts, essays, poetry, recipes, photography, cartoons/illustrations/paintings, and so much more!
These are monumental times. So much is happeninginourindividuallivesandtheworld atlarge.Journalism,art,andwritingingeneral will guide us through it all. This is a place for connection.Butatthesametime,itdoesn’thave to be that deep. Don’t feel too intimidated to submit.Thereisroomforeverythinghere. Enjoyourfirstissueof2024-25.It’sgoingto beabusyyear.Bestofluck.We’rerighthere.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTS
DAY OUT IN WALES
WRITTEN BY URVASHI VERMA
PHOTOGRAPH FROM FLICKR
While studying at Aberystwyth University, I enrolled on the Biotechnology for Business module, which included two field trips. A field trip is defined as a journey taken by a groupofpeopleoutsideoftheirnormalwork or study environment. The purpose for this excursioncanbeeducationalorleisurely.Since the module ran from February to May, the weather was pleasant for outdoor trips. The course coordinator, Dr Gordon Allison from theIBERSdepartment,scheduledbothofthe collaborative trips for us: one with Bangor University, and the other with Aber Instruments.
Our first trip, with Bangor University, entailed a journey to their institution located inBangor,Wales.Thereweresixstudentson the module and we were told to assemble in front of the IBERS building (now the Gwendolyn Rees building) at 8AM. It was a cool March morning with the sun shining brightandatemperatureofabout20C,when the Professor picked us up. He had rented a university minivan and drove us to Bangor. While driving, he told us many Welsh anecdotesrelatedtothespotswecrossed.For example,IwassurprisedtolearnMachynlleth wasoncethecapitalofWales!
On reaching Bangor, it was colder than Aberystwythandsurroundedbymountains.
The university had several different buildings. Our trip did not constitute the entire campus butaresearchcentreoncampus.Wetookatrip around the research area and were given tours by the centre supervisor and one other apprentice. We learned what the process of producing energy through willows is and how theuniversitymanagesitsfundingafterBrexit. On our return, we stopped at Anglesey for lunchandhadalookaroundtheravines.After the ravines, we walked a bit in the woods and tookpictures.Itwasaverymemorablemoment for all of us! The Snowdonia mountains were visible throughout our journey. When we got back on the road, the natural beauty of Wales wasvisibleeverywhere.
Thesecondtrip,withAberInstruments,was in Aberystwyth. Again, we met at the IBERS building and walked together to our destination. We were given a tour by the electronics engineer. He showed us the offices andresearcharea.Thisinstitutehasseveraljob openingsinITandelectronicsaswell.So,apart from gaining insight into their work, this trip openeddoorstojobavailabilitynearus!
Boththesetripswerefunfilledandincreased ourknowledge.Italsohelpedmeexploreanew destination in the UK. I enjoyed the scenic beautyonourwaythemostandwouldloveto visitagain!
PERSONAL ACCOUNTS
THINGS TO DO IN GREATER MANCHESTER
WRITTEN BY URVASHI VERMA
PHOTOGRAPH BY URVASHI
ImovedtoAshton-under-Lyneatthestartof August. I had lived in Wales for the past 2 yearsso,thiswasawelcomechangeofterrain. I have always liked the natural scenery of Wales and travelled extensively. The flat terrainofEnglandwasanewopportunityfor me.AfterIsettledin,Iinitiallywalkedaround thetowntoexplorethemarketplace.
TheAshtonmarketplaceisfunctionalsince the15thcentury.Themarketclosesaround6 pm daily and is the perfect place to buy and interactwithothers.Thereisatowncentreas well, having a garden in the middle of the square.ThePortlandBasinMuseumisagood heritage place for anyone interested in the historyofthetown.
Withtime,Irealisedthatthereisatramstop inAshton.Thenextday,IwenttotheAshton interchange and purchased a tram ticket to Manchester. Since, Manchester is a busy city, there are several stops. My purpose was to explore the city, so I purchased the ticket to Salford Quays. The tram ran on good speed andwasveryconvenient.
IgotoffattheSalfordQuaysstopandthere is a quay around 10ft from the stop. It is an idealplaceforkayakingasthewateriscalm. Goingfurther,thereisamillenniumbridge which connects Salford Quays to Media City UK.Thiswasbuiltin2000.Underthebridge,
VERMA
there is Media City shopping centre and boardingpointforManchestercitycruisetrip.I bought the ticket for the cruise trip as it was a goodwaytoexplore.Theticketcosts£12.
Wecansiteitheronthedeckaboveorinside the cruise. The trip lasts for 1 hour and covers mostofthesites.Themostremarkablebeingthe old Trafford stadium which is home to the ManchesterUnited!
The cruise takes us through a circular route, whichmeanswecomebackonthesamespot.It was an hour journey, and the weather was pleasant which added to the vibe of the cruise. Therewasabarinthecruisewhichenhancesthe experience - sipping on a drink while watching theworldpassby.Thecapacityofthecruisewas 30people,anditisrecommendedtobooktickets beforehand.
The cruise staff was very amiable, and they were acting as tour guides by describing all the monuments as we passed. An interesting fact which I came to know about was that many peopleinManchestercantracetheirancestryto Ireland due to sea route migration in the 19th century.Theamalgamationofmodernbuilding along with the conservation of heritage is what makesManchesterafavouriteamongsttourists. Afterthecruisetrip,Iexploredthestadiumon theoppositesideofthequay.Itmainlyrecords thehistoryoftheIrishliberationmovement.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTS
Along with the museum, there is a souvenir shopandcafe.
MyreturntramwasfromMediaCitystopto Piccadilly gardens. I changed at Piccadilly gardens to take a tram to Ashton. Next, I exploredasmalltowncalledMoseley.Ithasa serene beauty to it and is mostly residential. For Stockport, there are regular buses and trains from Ashton-under-Lyne. Mostly they are double decker buses and a single journey costs£2.
The most attractive feature of Stockport is the natural terrain of the town. There are a lot of pathways which are elevated and give a very mountainousfeeltotheregion.
InStockport,thetownmarketplaceisanarena around which shops are situated. It is like a shopping complex. Outside the Stockport interchange, there is a water body with ducks. Thereareseatingplacesaroundit.
Overall,Ifeel,thegreaterManchesterareaisa hiddengemfortouristslookingfora2-daytrip!
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
WILD WOMEN: THE CAVING EXPERIENCE
WRITTEN BY ELLIE KEVERN
PHOTOGRAPH OF ELLIE KEVERN
TAKEN BY POLLY JUDD
Ifyouweretohearthewordcaving,Ibetthe firstthreewordsyouwouldassociatewiththis sport are ‘dark’, ‘damp’, and ‘dangerous’. Whilst it is admittedly one of the more unusual extracurricular activities out there, justbeneaththeearth’ssurfacehidethemost spectacular scenes formed by the natural world.Nowconsideredbymanytobeadying sport,thestudentcommunityaroundtheUK has embraced this rare, atypical sporting endeavour and is trying to encourage more peopletogetinvolvedinthispotentially
life-changing adventure. Several young women, newtothesport,viewitinthesametermsasthe wildswimmingphenomenon:anotherincredible way to feel the rush of adrenaline and get that healthyhighwithfriends.
Asanewconverttocaving,Icanbeyourguide, showing you how caving can open up a new world to you too – testing your emotional and physicallimitsandrewardingyouwithasenseof femaleempowermentandfriendship.
FIRST CONTACT: YOUR INTRODUCTION TO CAVING
Butwheretobegin?Atfirstglance,cavingcan seem quite inaccessible. However, if you are a student, the CHECC website (Council of HigherEducationCavingClubs)providesalist of over twenty university caving societies ranging across the north and south of Britain and Ireland. Using this list, you can find out whether your university offers this opportunity. I have only recently discovered what our universities have to offer. With a guaranteed organised, safe, and welcoming atmosphere, it is the perfect place for your introductiontothecavingworld.
But what if you are not a student? Your first approachtoanundergroundexperienceshould be to contact a local caving or mining club. Depending on where you live, you may find yourself heading underground with a group of enthusiastsofferingbothexperiences.
YOUR FIRST TIME
The Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Brecon BeaconsandtheMendipHillsarekeyspotsto takeyouradventureunderground.Picturethis: nestledintherollinghillsandmountainsofthe BreconBeacons,justoutsideofthesmalltown of Penwyllt, is the South Wales Caving Club (SWCC).Here,Istartedmyadventureamongst thenumberofcomplex
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
caving networks ranging from beginner to advanceddifficulties.TheOFD2caveispartof the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave system (Cave of BlackSpring),whichisoneofthelongestand deepest cave systems in Wales. OFD 2 is renowned among caving enthusiasts for its beauty, geological formations, and challenging passages. It offers a range of experiences for cavers, from relatively easy routes to more demanding and technical challenges. Chandeliersofstalactiteshangfromtheceiling - crystalline icicles that glisten and hint at the ancientpastofthecavern:eachdripofmineralladen water connects you to another world. Hometo‘theTrident’(‘thelongeststalactiteof MainlandBritain’),OFD2transportsyouaway from everyday reality and concerns. Coupled with beautiful sights, you can also try your handatfreeclimbing.Testingyourlimits,you can traverse along the high walls, clamber up boulders and even try crawling through small tunnels. I can guarantee that your heart will race at the prospect. You may even back out, but that sense of achievement, once you ’ ve completedthetask,istrulyindescribable.
BRINGING WOMEN TOGETHER
Eventoday,weliveinsuchapatriarchalworld wherewomenstillstruggletogettheirfootin the door. In all sports, there is that tired perceived notion of weakness associated with our gender, but the sight of us tackling such arguably death-defying exploits often changes people’sminds.ExtraordinaryWomenLeaders in Speleology (EWLS) and Speleo Sisters Plus are two caving groups dedicated to uniting, supporting,andencouragingwomentobecome leaders in caving. Both of these all-women caving groups embody empowerment and feminism by providing a supportive and inclusive environment where women can explore their capabilities, conquer challenges, and break through societal stereotypes and expectations. In these spaces, we have the opportunitytocultivateleadershipskills,build confidence, and foster camaraderie with likeminded individuals, while also reclaiming traditionally male-dominated activities and spaces as our own. Through caving, women challengethenotionthatcertainadventuresor
pursuits are reserved solely for men, demonstrating that we are just as capable, adventurous,andresilient.
CONVERSATION WITH A CAVER
Ispoketooneexperiencedcaver,Aila,whotold meofthechangesthathavetakenplaceinthe caving community, making it more inclusive for women in practical ways. Aila has pushed formenstruationawarenessforallpeoplewho menstruate. She told me that when she first began caving, there was a lack of accessibility when it came to being on your period and underground. How do we handle the bleeding whilst being underground for hours on end? Followingthesequestions,Ailasaidsheputup asurveytoseehowlimitedaccessibilitywasand to gauge the collective feeling of confusion abouthowtohandlewhathappensnaturallyto your body every month. The feedback was overwhelming. It demonstrated a widespread problem and showed how, internationally, there is not enough information regarding the issue.Ailahassincewrittenanarticleoutlining these problems (you can see this in Descent 295)andwaystofixthisongoingissue.Shehas furtherplanstowritefortheCHECCwebsite tobothraiseawarenessandhelpwomenhandle their periods whilst caving. Since the publication of her article, she has already noticed a myriad of changes; lots of student caving clubs have taken it on board and have sharedinformationwithnovices.Severalcaving hutsacrossthecountryhavealsomadechanges such as putting sanitary bins in their toilets. One has recently installed a sink within the toilet for the purpose of assisting people in cleaningtheirmenstrualcups.
Ailafurthertellsmeaboutaconversationshe oncehadwithanoldermalecaver.‘Inmyday, womenwouldstayinthekitchen,’hetoldher. Aliafoundthisa‘laughableexperienceinsome ways because I knew his words weren’t representativeofcavinginthepresent-day,but it also made me determined to prove him wrong.’Ailanotesthatshehassincemetsome ‘incredible female cavers who are just phenomenal and inspire [me],’ and has also foundmalecaverswelcoming.
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
ThroughAila’sexperiencesandmyfledgling adventures in caving, I can see how empowering caving can be - giving women confidence and community. I have seen the strengththatbothAilaandotherfemalecavers
display, portraying caving as an empowering and beautiful experience for all of us to get involved in. It is the perfect environment for womentotesttheirlimits,safely.
AUVC: EXPLORING VOLLEYBALL
WRITTEN BY ANGEL GALLAGHER-DASSO
A new academic year brings a brand-new Freshersweek.Thisyear,Itookituponmyself to explore a new society. Far behind me were the days of reservedness and social anxiety. Soon, I would be reborn as an extrovert with unlimited social battery. A productive desire: meeting new people and becoming knowledgeableaboutalltheclubsandsocieties of Aberystwyth University. To start my journey,IinfiltratedtheUniversity’sVolleyball Club(orAUVCforshort).
Myfirstexperiencewiththeclubwasasocial event: ‘Anything But a Cup’. Boy, did the membersofAUVCbring anything butacup; JaegerBombsinpumpkins,vodkalemonadesin kettles, and rum in baby bottles... everyone’s choices were so creative. Every member of the society was incredibly friendly, a great laugh, and very welcoming! It was not necessary to drink a copious amount of alcohol to have a lovelynightout.
AUVC has a very welcoming attitude towardsanyonewitheventheslightestinterest in volleyball. For those not familiar with how toplay,orforthosewhojustwanttoplayfor fun,theirTuesdaybeginnersessionsareablast!
I sat in on this session and I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and low-pressure everything was. The sports cage had an adequateamountofspaceforthebusysession; there was enough room for two games of volleyballtohappenside-by-side.Thebeginner sessions are relaxed and casual, but there are more intense sessions on other days for those whoaremorededicatedtothesport.Aftermy experience,IfeltsowelcomedthatIconsidered buyingafull-timemembership!However,Ican hardlyjump,soIsettledonasocial-only
membership. With unique and classic themes each Wednesday, AUVC have so much to offer beyond volleyball. I excitedly await the next social,andtheoneafterthat, and theoneafter that. I eagerly anticipate future games, and the inevitablewinsAUVCwillcollectalongtheway! It’simperativethatImentionhowimportantit isforstudentstowatchtheirhomeBUCSgames! AUVCcanonlyreallyexhibittheirskillsinfront ofa known audiencewhenthegameisscheduled inAberystwyth.Themoraleandmentalboostthe physical support of their fellow students can bring them also goes a long way. This goes for ALL sports.
You can keep up with AUVC on Instagram @aberunivolleyball.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANGEL GALLAGHER-DASSO
MOUTH OF THE YSTWYTH
BLWYDDYN NEWYDD, PAPUR NEWYDD
NODYN GAN Y LLYWYDD A'R PRIF OLYGYDD
YSGRIFENIDIG GAN IESTYN TUDOR
Croeso (yn ôl) i Aberystwyth! Mae blwyddyn academaidd 2024-25 wedi dechrau o ddifrif. P'un a ydych yn fyfyriwr newydd neu'n dychwelyd,rydymigydwedi'nlloriomewnton o faterion ymarferol (cyllid, llety, miliwn o dasgau dyddiol) a phryderon academaidd (aseiniadau, amserlenni, cymdeithasau, a llawer mwy).Ondrydychchiwedidodohydi'ramser i ddarllen nodyn y golygydd hwn serch hynny diolch!
Mae 'Mouth of the Ystwyth' yn brosiect cymharol ifanc, a sefydlwyd yn 2022 yn unig. Maedatblygiadaucyffrousiawnyndigwyddyn einPapurNewydd.Einnodywllenwi’rbwlcha adawyd gan ein cyhoeddiad blaenorol ‘The Courier’ a helpu i adfywio menter cyfryngau myfyrwyrPrifysgolAberystwyth.Maecymaint obotensialyma.
Darllen eich cyflwyniadau yw ' r rhan fwyaf boddhausoolygu'rpapurhwn.Maenaturrynggysylltiedigbywydprifysgoltrefibachyncaelei fynegiantcliriafofewnytudalennauhyn.Mae
Aberystwyth yn anomaledd rhyfeddol mewn cymaintoffyrdd.
Dyma lwyfan i fyfyrwyr Aberystwyth rannu eu lleisiau. Nid papur newydd yn unig ydym ni. Hoffwnbwysleisio,eleni,bodunrhywbethynmynd (o fewn terfynau). Rydym yn derbyn cyflwyniadau ysgrifenedig/gweledol o bob math. Bydd ein golygyddion yn eich helpu gydag ystyriaethau fel cyfrif geiriau a chyfraith y cyfryngau. Dim ond un agweddhollbwysigareincyhoeddiadywnewyddion. Mae lle i bopeth yma. Rydym yn derbyn straeon newyddion lleol/cenedlaethol/rhyngwladol, cyfrifon personol, adroddiadau chwaraeon, erthyglau nodweddygymdeithas,adolygiadau,straeonbyrion/ dyfyniadau o nofelau, traethodau, barddoniaeth, ryseitiau, ffotograffiaeth, cartwnau/darluniau/paentiadau,allawermwy!
Mae'rrhainynamseroeddanferth.Maecymaintyn digwydd yn ein bywydau unigol ac yn y byd yn gyffredinol. Bydd newyddiaduraeth, celf, ac ysgrifennu yn gyffredinol yn ein harwain trwy'r cyfan.Dymaleigysylltu.Ondaryrunpryd,nidoes rhaididdofodmorddwfn.Peidiwchâtheimlo'nrhy ofnusigyflwyno.Maelleibopethyma.
Mwynhewch ein rhifyn cyntaf o 2024-25. Mae'n myndifodynflwyddynbrysur.Poblwc.Rydynni yma.
CYFRIFON PERSONOL
DIWRNOD ALLAN YNG NGHYMRU
YSGRIFENWYD GAN URVASHI VERMA
LLUN: FLICKR
Wrth astudio ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth, cofrestrais ar fodiwl Biotechnoleg am Fusnes, a oedd yn cynnwys dwy wibdaith. Diffiniwyd gwibdaithfeltaithgydagrŵpobobltuallani’w amgylchedd gwaith neu astudio arferol, gall pwrpas y wibdaith hon bod yn addysgiadol neu’n hamddenol. Gan fod y modiwl wedi rhedegofisChwefrorifisMai,roeddytywydd yn ddymunol am wibdeithiau awyr agored. Fe wnaethycydlynyddmodiwl,DrGordonAllison o’r adran IBERS, trefnu’r ddwy wibdaith gydweithredol hyn i ni: un gyda Phrifysgol Bangor,a’rllallgydachwmniAberInstruments.
Eingwibdaithgyntaf,gydaPhrifysgolBangor, wedi cynnwys taith i’r brifysgol ym Mangor, Cymru. Roedd yna chwech myfyrwyr ar y modiwl ac roedd angen i ni gwrdd tu allan i’r adeiladIBERS(nawrAdeiladGwendolenRees) am8:00y.b.Roeddhi’nforetymherusymmis Mawrthgyda’rhaulyntywynnuathymheredd o dua 20C, pryd wnaeth yr athro casglu ni. Fe rhentodd bws mini i fynd a ni i Fangor. Wrth yrru,dwedoddwrthonnistorïauCymraegamy llefydd wnaethon ni pasio. Er enghraifft, dwi wedisynnuwrthddysguroeddMachynllethyn henprifddinasCymru!
WrthgyrraeddBangor,roeddhi’noerachnag Aberystwyth ac wedi’i amgylchynu gan fynyddoedd. Roedd gan y brifysgol nifer o adeiladau gwahanol. Nad oedd ein gwibdaith wedi cynnwys ardal y campws i gyd, dim ond canolfanymchwilargampws.Cymeronnidaith ogwmpasyrardalymchwilachawsomdeithiau
dan arweiniad goruchwyliwr y canolfan ac un prentis. Dysgon ni beth yw’r proses o gynhyrchuegnitrwyhelygasutmae’rbrifysgol yn rheoli ei chyllid ar ôl Brexit. Ar ein ffordd ynnôl,aethonniiYnysMônargyfercinioac edrychon ni o gwmpas y ceunentydd. Ar ôl y ceunentydd, cerddon ni yn y goedwig a chymryd lluniau. Roedd hyn yn foment cofiadwy i ni gyd! Hefyd, roedd mynyddoedd Eryriynweladwytrwygydoleinsiwrnai!Wrth i ni gyrraedd yn ôl ar y ffordd, roedd prydferthwchnaturiolCymruynweladwyym mhobman.
Roedd yr ail wibdaith, gydag Aber Instruments,ynAberystwyth.Eto,cwrddonni tu allan i’r adeilad IBERS a cherdded gyda’n gilydd i’r gyrchfan. Cawsom daith dan arweiniad peiriannydd trydanol. Dangosodd i ni y swyddfeydd a’r adran ymchwilio. Mae’r sefydliad hefyd yn cael nifer o swyddi yn adrannau TG ac electroneg. Felly, heblaw am gael mewnwelediad i’w gwaith, roedd y wibdaithhonwedidangosinipafathoswyddi syddargaelynyrardalleol!
Roedd y ddwy wibdaith yn llawn hwyl ac wedi gwella ein dealltwriaeth o’r pwnc. Fe wnaethon helpu i mi ddarganfod lleoliad newydd yn y DU. Mwynheais brydferthwch y cefn gwlad ar y gwibdeithiau'r fwyaf a hoffai ymweldeto!
CYFRIFON PERSONOL
PETHAU I’W WNEUD YM MANCEINION FWYAF
YSGRIFENNWYD GAN URVASHI VERMA
LLUN GAN URVASHI VERMA
SymudaisiAshton-under-Lynearddechraumis Awst. Roeddwn wedi byw yng Nghymru am y ddwyflynedddiwethaf,croesawaisynewidyny tirlun felly. Dwi wastad wedi hoffi'r tirlun naturiolyngNghymruatheithiaisynhelaetho’i gwmpas. Roedd y dirwedd wastad o Loegr yn gyfle newydd i mi. Ar ôl i mi setlo, cerddais o gwmpasydreiedrychogwmpasyfarchnad.
Mae’rfarchnadynAshtonwedibodaragorers y 15fed ganrif. Mae’r farchnad yn cau am tua 6yh yn ddyddiol ac mae’n lle perffaith i brynu pethauachwrddageraill.Maeynaganoli’rdre hefyd, gyda gardd yng nghanol y sgwâr. Mae’r Amgueddfa Basn Portland yn ganolfan etifeddiaeth dda i unrhyw un sy’n cael diddordebynhanesydre.
O fewn amser, sylweddolais fod yna gorsaf tram yn Ashton. Y diwrnod nesaf, es i i’r gyfnewidfa Ashton a brynais docyn tram i Fanceinion. Gan fod Manceinion yn ddinas brysur,roeddynaniferoorsafoedd.Fymhwrpas oedd edrych o gwmpas y ddinas, felly prynais docyni’rCeiauSalford.Roeddytramyneithaf cloiacyfleusiawn.
GadawaisytramynorsafCeiauSalfordacmae ynageitua10troedfeddoddiwrthyrorsaf.Mae hi’n lle cyfleus am caiacio os yw’r dŵr yn ddistaw.
Bellachlanyw’rBontMileniwmsy’ncysylltu CeiauSalfordgydaDinasCyfryngau'rDU.Caiff
hyn ei adeiladu yn 2000. O dan y bont yw’r canolfan siopa Dinas Cyfryngau a’r man casglu am y daith cwch o amgylch dinas Manceinion. Prynais docyn am y daith gan fod hi’n ffordd ddaiweldyddinas.Fegostioddytocyn£12.
Rydych nai llai yn gallu eistedd ar y dec uwchben neu du fewn y cwch. Mae’r daith yn cymrydawracynmyndheibioniferofannauyn y ddinas. Y man mwyaf nodedig oedd stadiwm Old Trafford sy’n gartref i’r tîm pêl-droed ManchesterUnited!
Mae’rcwchyncymrydniarlwybrcylchol,sy’n meddwl cyrhaeddon ni nol i’r un man. Roedd hi’ndaithoawracroeddytywyddynbleserusa wnaeth hyn cyfrannu tuag at amgylchedd y daith.Roeddynafararycwchawnaethgwella’r profiad - sipio ar ddiod wrth wylio’r byd yn pasio heibio. Roedd capasiti y cwch yn 30 person,argymhellwnfwcioeichlleoflaenllaw.
Roedd y staff y cwch yn gyfeillgar iawn, a wnaethant nhw actio fel tywysyddion taith yn disgrifio’rhenebionwrthinifyndheibio.Ffaith ddiddoroladysgaisroeddbodllaweroboblym Manceinion yn medru olrhain eu hachau i Iwerddon achos mudo ar draws y môr yn yr 19eg ganrif. Y cyfuniad o adeiladau modern ynghyd â chadwraeth etifeddiaeth yn gweld Manceinionynffefrynymhlithtwristiaid.
Arôlydaitharycwch,fewnesiymweldâ’r stadiwmarochrarallycei.Mae’nsefyllfel
CYFRIFON PERSONOL
cofnod hanesyddol o’r Mudiad Rhyddid Gwyddelig yn bennaf. Ynghyd a’r amgueddfa, maeynasiopcofroddionachaffi.
Roeddfynhramdychwelydwedimyndoorsaf DinasCyfryngauiGerddiPiccadilly.Newidiais yn Gerddi Piccadilly er mwyn cymryd tram i Ashton. Nesaf, wnes i ymweld â thref fach o’r enwMoseley.Mae’ncaelprydferthwcharuthrol ac mae hi’n ardal breswyl yn bennaf. I fynd i Stockport, mae bysiau a threnau yn dod yn rheolaiddoddiwrthAshton-under-Lyne.Maen nhw’n fysiau deulawr yn bennaf ac mae taith senglyncostio£2.
Y nodwedd fwyaf deniadol am Stockport yw’r dirwedd naturiol y dre. Mae yna lawer o lwybraugydaguchderaugwahanoliroiteimlad mynyddigi’rrhanbarth.
YnStockport,mae’rfarchnadynganolfangyda siopauyneiamgylchynu.Maefelcanolfansiopa enfawr. Tu fas cyfnewidfa Stockport, mae yna gorff o ddŵr efo hwyaid. Mae yna lefydd i eisteddo’igwmpas.
Arycyfan,dwi’nteimlobodardalManceinion Fwyafynlleoliadbendigedigargyfertwristiaid sy’nedrychamdaithdrosddauddydd!
CLYBIAU A CHYMDEITHASAU
MERCHED GWYLLT: Y PROFIAD OGOFA
YSGRIFENNWYD GAN ELLIE KEVERN
LLUN O ELLIE KEVERN GAN POLLY JUDD
Petaech chi’n clywed y gair ogofa, dwi’n betio mai’rtrigaircyntafybyddechchi’neucysylltu â’r gamp hon yw ‘tywyll’, ‘damp’, a ‘peryglus’. Er ei fod yn un o’r gweithgareddau allgyrsiol mwyanarferolsyddargael,mae’nsiŵr,ychydig odanwynebyDdaear,cuddiwchygolygfeydd mwyaf trawiadol sy’n cael eu ffurfio gan fyd natur.Bellachyncaeleihystyriedganlawerfel camp sy’n marw, mae’r gymuned myfyrwyr o amgylch y DU wedi cofleidio’r ymdrech chwaraeonbrin,annodweddiadolhonacyn
ceisio annog mwy o bobl i gymryd rhan yn yr antur danddaearol gyffrous hon. Mae nifer o ferchedifanc,sy'nnewyddi'rgamp,yneiweld yn yr un termau â'r ffenomen nofio gwyllt: ffordd anhygoel arall o deimlo'r rhuthr o adrenalin a chael cymaint â hynny'n iach gyda ffrindiau.
Feltröedigaethnewyddiogofa,gallaffodyn dywysydd, gan ddangos i chi sut y gall ogofa agor byd newydd i chi hefyd - gan brofi eich terfynauemosiynolachorfforola'chgwobrwyo ag ymdeimlad o rymuso benywaidd a chyfeillgarwch.
CYSWLLT CYNTAF: EICH CYFLWYNIAD I OGOFA
Ond ble i ddechrau? Ar yr olwg gyntaf, gall ogofa ymddangos yn eithaf anhygyrch. Fodd bynnag, os ydych yn fyfyriwr, mae Gwefan CHECC (Clybiau Ogofa'r Cyngor Addysg Uwch (yn Saesneg)) yn darparu rhestr o dros ugainoglybiauogofaprifysgolsy'namrywioar drawsGogleddaDePrydainacIwerddon.Gan ddefnyddio'rrhestrhon,gallwchddarganfoda yw eich prifysgol yn cynnig y cyfle hwn. Dim ond yn ddiweddar yr wyf wedi darganfod yr hyn sydd gan ein prifysgolion i’w gynnig. Gydagawyrgylchtrefnus,diogelachroesawgar gwarantedig, dyma'r lle perffaith ar gyfer eich cyflwyniadi'rbydogofa.
Ondbethosnadydychchi'nfyfyriwr?Dylech gysylltu â chlwb mwyngloddio neu ogofa lleol am y tro cyntaf i gael profiad tanddaearol. Yn dibynnu ar ble rydych chi'n byw, efallai y byddwchchi'nmyndodanyddaeargydagrŵp oselogionyncynnigyddaubrofiad.
CLYBIAU A CHYMDEITHASAU
EICH TRO CYNTAF
Mae’r Ddyffrynnoedd Swydd Efrog, Ardal y Copaon, Bannau Brycheiniog a Bryniau Mendipynfannauallweddolifyndâ’chanturo dan y ddaear. Dychmygwch hyn: yn swatio ar fryniau a mynyddoedd Bannau Brycheiniog, ychydigytuallanidreffechanPenwyllt,mae Clwb Ogofa De Cymru (CODC). Yma, dechreuais fy antur ymhlith y nifer o rwydweithiau ogofa cymhleth yn amrywio o ddechreuwyr i anawsterau uwch. Mae ogof OFD2ynrhanosystemogofâuOgofFfynnon Ddu,sefuno'rsystemauogofâuhirafadyfnaf yngNghymru.MaeOFD2ynenwogymhlith selogion ogofa am ei harddwch, ei ffurfiannau daearegol, a'i lwybrau heriol. Mae’n cynnig ystod o brofiadau i ogofwyr, o lwybrau cymharol hawdd i heriau mwy heriol a thechnegol. Mae canhwyllyr o stalactitau yn hongian o ' r nenfwd - pibonwy crisialog sy'n disgleirioacynawgrymugorffennolhynafoly ceudwll: mae pob diferiad o ddŵr llawn mwynauyneichcysylltuâbydarall.Yngartref i’r‘Trident’(‘stalactithiraftirmawrPrydain’), mae OFD 2 yn eich cludo oddi wrth gwirionedd a phryderon bob dydd. Ynghyd â golygfeydd hardd, gallwch hefyd roi cynnig ar ddringo.Ibrofieichterfynau,gallwchgroesiar hyd y waliau uchel, dringo clogfeini, a hyd yn oed geisio cropian trwy dwneli bach. Gallaf warantu y bydd eich calon yn rasio yn y gobaith. Efallai y byddwch hyd yn oed yn ôl, ondmae'rymdeimladhwnnwogyflawniad,ar ôl i chi gwblhau'r dasg, yn wirioneddol annisgrifiadwy.
DOD Â MERCHED YNGHYD
Hydynoedheddiw,rydymynbywmewnbyd mor batriarchaidd lle mae menywod yn dal i gaeltrafferthcaeleutroedynydrws.Ymmhob camp, mae’r syniad blinedig hwnnw o wendid sy’ngysylltiedigâ’nrhywedd,ondmae’rffaith einbodni’nmyndi’rafaelâ’rfathorchestiony gellir dadlau eu bod yn herio marwolaeth yn amlynnewidmeddyliaupobl.MaeArweinwyr Merched Eithriadol mewn Speleology (EWLS ynSaesneg))a'SpeleoSistersPlus'ynddau
grŵp ogofa sy'n ymroddedig i uno, cefnogi ac annog menywod i ddod yn arweinwyr mewn ogofa.Mae'rddaugrŵpogofamerchedhynyn ymgorffori grymuso a ffeministiaeth trwy ddarparu amgylchedd cefnogol a chynhwysol lle gall menywod archwilio eu galluoedd, goresgyn heriau, a thorri trwy stereoteipiau a disgwyliadau cymdeithasol. Yn y gofodau hyn, mae gennym gyfle i feithrin sgiliau arwain, magu hyder, a meithrin cyfeillgarwch ag unigolion o’r un anian, tra hefyd yn adennill gweithgareddau a gofodau a ddominyddir gan ddynionyndraddodiadolfeleinrhaini.Trwy ogofa,maemenywodynherio'rsyniadbodrhai anturiaethau neu weithgareddau wedi'u neilltuo ar gyfer dynion yn unig, gan ddangos einbodniyrunmoralluog,anturusagwydn.
SGWRS GYDA OGOFÄWR
Siaradais ag un ogofwr profiadol, Aila, a ddywedoddwrthyfamynewidiadausyddwedi digwydd yn y gymuned ogofa, gan ei gwneud yn fwy cynhwysol i fenywod mewn ffyrdd ymarferol. Mae Aila wedi gwthio am ymwybyddiaeth mislif i bawb sy'n menstru. Dywedodd wrthyf pan ddechreuodd ogofa am y tro cyntaf, roedd diffyg hygyrchedd pan ddaethynamserbodareichmisglwyfacodan yddaear.Sutydynni'ntrinygwaedutra'nbod o dan y ddaear am oriau yn y pen draw? Yn dilyn y cwestiynau hyn, dywedodd Aila iddi drefnu arolwg i weld pa mor gyfyngedig oedd hygyrchedd ac i fesur y teimlad cyfunol o ddryswch ynghylch sut i drin yr hyn sy'n digwyddynnaturioli'chcorffbobmis.Roedd yr adborth yn aruthrol. Roedd yn dangos problem eang ac yn dangos sut, yn rhyngwladol,nadoesdigonowybodaethamy mater. Ers hynny mae Aila wedi ysgrifennu erthyglynamlinellu'rproblemauhyn(gallwch weldhynynDescent295)affyrddoddatrysy mater parhaus hwn. Mae ganddi gynlluniau pellachiysgrifennuargyfergwefanCHECCi godi ymwybyddiaeth a helpu menywod i drin eu misglwyf wrth ogofa. Ers cyhoeddi ei herthygl, mae hi eisoes wedi sylwi ar fyrdd o newidiadau; mae llawer o glybiau ogofa myfyrwyr wedi derbyn y peth ac wedi rhannu gwybodaethgydadechreuwyr.Maesawlcwt
CLYBIAU A CHYMDEITHASAU
ogofa ar draws y Wlad hefyd wedi gwneud newidiadau fel rhoi biniau glanweithiol yn eu toiledau.Maeunwedigosodsincynytoiledyn ddiweddarermwyncynorthwyopoblilanhau eucwpanaumislif.
Mae Aila yn dweud wrthyf ymhellach am sgwrs a gafodd unwaith gyda ogofwr gwrywaiddhŷn.‘Ynfynyddi,byddaimerched ynarosynygegin,’meddaiwrthi.RoeddAlia yngweldhwnyn‘brofiadchwerthinllydmewn rhaiffyrddoherwyddroeddwni’ngwybodnad oeddeieiriau’ncynrychioliogofaheddiw,ond roeddhefydynfyngwneudi’nbenderfynolo’i brofi’nanghywir.’MaeAilaynnodieibodhi
ers hynny wedi cyfarfod â rhai 'ogofwyr benywaidd anhygoel sy'n anhygoel ac yn fy ysbrydoli[fi],'acmaehihefydwedicaelcroeso ganlaweroogofwyrgwrywaidd.
Trwy brofiadau Aila a fy anturiaethau mewn ogofa,gallafweldpamorrymusolygallogofa fod - gan rhoi hyder a chymuned i fenywod. Rwyf wedi gweld y cryfder y mae Aila a merched ogofawyr eraill yn ei ddangos, gan bortreaduogofafelprofiadgrymusolaharddi bob un ohonom gymryd rhan ynddo. Mae'n amgylchedd perffaith i fenywod brofi eu terfynau,ynddiogel.
AUVC: YMCHWILIO PÊL-FOLI
YSGRIFENNWYD GAN ANGEL GALLAGHER-DASSO
Maeflwyddynacademaiddnewyddynmeddwl Wythnos-Y-Glasnewyddsbon.Blwyddynyma, penderfynaischwilioamgymdeithasnewydd.Y cyfnod o fy mhryder cymdeithasol a swildod ym mhell du ôl i mi. Cyn bo hir, byddai’n trawsnewidimewnibersonallblyggydabatri cymdeithasoldiderfyn.Fynod:cwrddâphobl newyddadodynwybodusamdanopobclwba chymdeithas yn Brifysgol Aberystwyth. I ddechraufysiwrne,edrychaistuagatGlwbPêlFoli'rbrifysgol(neu,ynfyrrach,AUVC).
Fy mhrofiad cyntaf gyda’r clwb oedd digwyddiad cymdeithasol: ‘Unrhyw beth ond Cwpan’. Mam fach, wnaeth aelodau AUVC dodacunrhywbethondcwpan;JaegerBombs ymmhwmpenni,Vodkalemonadesyndegellau, a rwm yn boteli babanod... roedd dewis pawb morgreadigol.Roeddpobaelodo’rgymdeithas hynod o gyfeillgar, doniol, a chroesawgar tu hwnt! Nad oedd hi’n angenrheidiol i yfed lot mawroalcoholigaelnosonarbennig.
Mae gan AUVC agwedd croesawgar tuag at unrhyw un gyda diddordeb mewn pêl-foli. I’r rhai ohonoch sydd yn anghyfarwydd ar sut i chwarae,neui’rrhaisydddimondeisiaubach o hwyl, mae’r sesiynau dechreuwr ar Ddydd Mawrth yn fendigedig! Es i i’r sesiwn yma ac mae’rsesiynaudecreuwrarDdyddMawrthyn
fendigedig!Esii’rsesiwnymaacroeddwnwedi synnu ar ba mor hamddenol a pleserus oedd popeth.RoeddganyCawellChwaraeondigon oleamysesiwnprysuryma;roeddynadigono leamddwygêmobêl-foliiddigwyddochr-ynochr.Mae’rsesiynaudechreuwrynhamddenol ac yn anffurfiol, ond mae yna sesiynau mwy dwys yn ystod yr wythnos am y rhai sy’n fwy ymrwymedigi’rgêm.
Mae’rClwbPêl-Foliynmyndigemaugoiawn hefyd, wrth gwrs. Tra fy mod yn ysgrifennu'r darn yma, mae’r tîm bechgyn heb gael eu maeddu - gyda buddugoliaethau anferth dros Brifysgol Sir Gaerloyw, Prifysgol Gorllewin Lloegr, a Phrifysgol Sba Caerfaddon. Mae’r atmosffer positif yn bresennol trwy gydol y gymdeithas. Mae pob aelod mor gefnogol o’i gilydd. Dwi dim ond yn gallu dychmygu'r teimlad o hapusrwydd ym mhob un o’r chwaraewyrarôlpobbuddugoliaeth.
Arôlfymhrofiad,teimlaisroeddygymdeithas wedi fy nghroesawu ac ystyriais brynu aelodaeth lawn-amser! Er hyn, nid wyf yn medru neidio llawer, felly penderfynais brynu aelodaethamydigwyddiadaucymdeithasolyn unig. Gyda themâu unigryw a chlasurol pob DyddMercher,maeganAUVCllawerigynnig
CLYBIAU A CHYMDEITHASAU
gan AUVC llawer i gynnig tu hwnt i bêl-foli. Dwifethuarosamydigwyddiadcymdeithasol nesaf, a’r un ar ôl hynny, a’r un ar ôl hynny. Dwi’nedrychymlaenatgemauynydyfodol,a’r buddugoliaethauanocheli’rtîm.
Mae’nbwysigtuhwntifyfyrwyrdodiwylio eigemauBUCSynAberystwyth!Maedimond
yn bosib i AUVC dangos eu sgiliau o flaen cynulleidfa gyfarwydd pryd mae’r gemau yn Aberystwyth. Gall yr hwb i’w morâl o’i chydfyfyrwyrmyndymmhell.Maehynynwiram BOBgêmchwaraeon.
GallwchcadwlangydaAUVCarInstagram @aberunivolleyball
LLUN: ANGEL GALLAGHER-DASSO
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY TATHAN WILLIAMS
(HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER FOR MOTY)
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
DOYLE WALKER
BY PENELOPE BENTHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SHANE POWYS
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ASPEN THORNE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ASPEN THORNE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY EVA SNAPE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY EVA SNAPE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY EVA SNAPE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY EVA SNAPE
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CONTRIBUTORS EDITORS
Angel Gallagher-Dasso
Aspen Thorne
Doyle Walker
Ellie Kevern
Eva Snape
Iestyn Tudor
Penelope Bentham
Shane Powys
Tathan Williams
Urvashi Verma
Ellie Kevern
Fresno Rhys Thomas
Iestyn Tudor
Kate Stepanova
Melaina Pellin
TRANSLATORS
Dylan Davies
Iwan Thomas
FRONT PAGE COLLAGE
(LEFT TO RIGHT DESCENDING)
1: Doyle Walker
2: Penelope Bentham
3: Shane Powys
4-6: Aspen Thorne
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