And they're off ...

And so it begins.

The elections period is now underway. I can now officially say "VOTE SPENCER FOR DEPUTY PRESIDENT" ...

It's been an interesting two weeks. I've drafted, re-drafted and finalised next week’s speech (A speech you will be able to listen back to on this site), have completed my poster designs and have produced a campaign website.

It's been hectic but I wouldn't be standing for election if I didn’t enjoy it!

For those interested, my website can be found at www.votespencer.co.uk

Yet again the candidates showed their huge respect for each other and the elections period by sharing a drink together this evening.

This is unique because usually the first things candidates do is run around Bangor putting up posters. Instead it was decided that in the spirit of fair play we should all enjoy each others company over a drink in the pub.

There really is a positive spirit amongst the candidates and it makes the whole experience even more enjoyable!

Tomorrow I'm off to support the University’s Clubs in the annual Varsity against 'Aber.' Fingers crossed Frodo will be lifting the cup come the end of the evening!

I'm off now to finish making promotional material and to upload my campaign video to the internet. All being well I'll also put a copy on here.

Frasier: A valentine for Niles ..

Five minutes of pure comedy gold ...

Down Under ...

A quick message to my mum in Oz ...

The weather here is lovely! Just as nice as it is down under I'm sure ... !

A case of Deja Vu ...

After persistent nagging from family members and from friends no longer in Bangor (Miss Hobbs!), I've managed to access my blog again so that I might continue my random mumblings regarding life as a student in Bangor.

I cannot believe how quickly the last 12 months have passed. It seems like only yesterday that I was challenging Sam in the '07' Student Union elections and now 12 months on I find myself preparing for another campaign.

This year though, it’s all a bit different. With the recent Governance Review of the students' union taking place it has meant that job roles and titles have changed. This in turn has resulted in the creation of a 'Deputy President'.

Its role as described in the elections handbook:

Shall perform the role of president in their absence.

Shall liaise with the University regarding student welfare.

Shall be responsible for overall communication with the members.

Shall co-ordinate the writing, printing and delivery of all Union publications.

Shall be responsible for the upkeep of the content of the Union website.

Shall be the sabbatical liaison with the Student Advice and Representation Centre.

Shall work with the appropriate external bodies on behalf of the membership on matters concerning welfare.

Shall work with the President regarding the Union's responsibilities for the course representative system.

Shall monitor the Presidents holiday entitlement and leave.

So as you can see, a fair bit to do! A greater emphasis on Communication, the chance to tackle welfare issues I've come across as a Warden and the challenge of implementing the changes set out by the review has really motivated me to run for the position.

I'm hoping my time as a Student Warden, my year managing Storm FM and my degree in Marketing will put me in good stead over the coming weeks.

And what a few weeks it’s going to be! I’m up against friend and colleague Emma Dodd, the former Editor of SEREN. Emma and I have been friends for a few years and whilst it’s a shame we should have to run against one another, I know that we will bring the best out of each other.

We both care about the Union and both have plenty of Ideas of how the union should run and what direction it should take etc. More importantly I know that we will both endeavour to fight a clean and positive election.

There are also some excellent candidates running across the board for other positions. AU and UMCB both have 3 candidates contesting the position whilst societies has 2. The position of president has only one candidate but knowing that person I'm sure he wont take it lightly! He'll want to cause as much debate and interest in the elctions as the rest of us.

What ever the final results its going to be a truely memorable election period.

At present the manifestos and speeches have been submitted, promotional material is near completion and we have just a few more days before campaigning can officially begin.

I'm excited and I can't wait for it all to start (again) !!

I'll keep you all updated with events over the coming days and weeks and fingers crossed for a different outcome to last year!

The Blog Is Back!

It's been a while but the blog is finally back!

Lots going on so more to follow over the coming days ....

So tired ...

My body clock is all over the place at the moment.

So far this week I've been up in the morning until 2:30am - 3:00am and last night 4:30am.

It means that when I do wake up and get into the day, Im often groggy and irritable. Or the other extreme is that I'm finding I sleep through my alarm and not waking up until midday at which point most of the day has been and gone!

I think I'm going to have to use the Christmas Break to sort myself out.