Cardiff Times - June 2022

JUNE 2022

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CARDIFF TIMES

PUBLISHER Cardiff Times

EDITOR Louise Denning FEATURES EDITOR Mark Denning SALES & MARKETING Beth beth@cardiff-times.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Wyn Evans, Vince Nolan, Sara John, Carl Marsh, Ralph Oates, Natalie McCulloch, Molly Dutton

EDITORS LETTER

Welcome Hi All, and welcome to our June edition.

This year seems to be flying by so quickly, we can’t believe we are half way through 2022 already! Talking of time going quickly, we celebrated our son’s 14th birthday last month, and it was interesting to compare his list of presents to a couple of years ago. This year it was an Xbox and money, when he was younger it was toys and sweets!

Another birthday to celebrate this month is Mark’s, although I am not allowed to say how old he is (let’s just say it is more than 50 and less than 52!) I think our daughter is playing cricket on the day of his birthday, so an ideal present for him really!

We were fortunate enough to get tickets for one of the recent Ed Sheeran concerts at the Principality Stadium, and what a show it was. It was so good to be able to watch a live concert again with no restrictions, and to see everyone having such a great time.

The beginning of this month we will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a milestone I think we can all agree is something special, and certainly will never be matched again in this country. There are a number of events in Cardiff and beyond to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, and June in general seems to be full of outdoor concerts, shows and special events, so get yourselves out there and see what our great city has to offer. We can’t wait!

Until next month, happy reading!

Louise & Mark

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4 4 4 CARDIFF TIMES

cardifftimes

In search of times and tunes past byWyn Evans To misquote Robin Williams’ Vietnam movie: “Good morning Penylan! I love the smell of bacon in the morning.” How are you all this fine sunny day? It’s the last Saturday in May and all roads are leading to a jam-packed programme of events for us this weekend.

Tonight is the Champions League final where my team, Liverpool, take on Real Madrid in Paris.

I kind of hope that Real don’t turn up but send doppelgangers Pretend Madrid instead. When I was watching the semi-final The Girl, my sixteen-year-old daughter who has Down Syndrome, wanted to know why it is that I support Liverpool when I live in Cardiff. I replied that when I was a boy, living in Lakeside, my dad used to take me to see the City at Ninian Park.

My hero was a local Cardiff lad, John Toshack.

He’d no sooner scored one hundred goals for Cardiff than Liverpool made a club record transfer bid of £111,000 to take him to Anfield in 1970.

For a twelve-year-old hero-worshipping boy it was a no-brainer that an appreciable amount of my fan-loyalty should follow Tosh up North. And thus I learned to support Liverpool and have done so now for fifty-two years. I suppose it is fair to say that Tosh was famous for his headed goals. To see him leap high and connect head with ball was a thing of beauty. Which was just 6 CARDIFF TIMES

as well, because his lengthy frame and angular body sometimes gave the impression that, on the ground at least, he had two left feet!

So that will be our Saturday evening entertainment accounted for. Tomorrow, we head up to NIAC, the National Indoor Athletics Centre, in Cyncoed. The Girl competes in the Trampoline and DMT League event. There will be six in her category and if she gets through to the final in November then a trip to Stratford Velodrome awaits. She’s up against some very good bouncers so all we can hope is that she does her best. She does tend to compete nervelessly and usually brings some colour of medal home with her. The Boss will need to be there two hours early as she is voluntarily officiating. Basically, this means she will be writing-up the judges’ scores, though not for The Girl’s class of course.

After my recent dose of significant Parky’s symptoms I temporarily stopped driving so as not to be a risk to myself or anyone else. Happily, I have made a good recovery and hope to be back behind the wheel soon, ably overseen by my GP and by the DVLA’s medical adviser. What this means however is that I shan’t be attending the NIAC event. The Girl is not at all distressed by my planned absence. Rather, she is very excited because rather than travel in early with her mam, she’s travelling in with her friend M in M’s mother’s car. Much more exciting! And that will be our Sunday.

Bank holiday Monday should be a blast for my daughter. Her local Down Syndrome youth group

are being taken to an outside education centre somewhere in the wilds of Gwent.

The instructions say they are to arrive in appropriate outdoor clothes with a raincoat and warm jumper or fleece and bring with them drinks and a picnic lunch. Back in 2019, when they last attended this day they did paddle boarding and swimming. I think this time will focus more on high and low ropes, crates, archery, fire-lighting and marshmallow toasting to finish. That should keep them busy!

The Girl likes to peruse the drafts of these articles. She usually gets bored and leaves the screen after a few paragraphs. But what I wrote, above, about the Tosh sometimes presenting as if with two left feet tickled her fancy. Laughing, she turned to me and said, “That’s just like you dad!”. Unfortunately, her assessment is correct. It was correct long-before my diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

The Boss and I used to practise our waltzing on Jesus Green in Cambridge, in preparation for one or other of the College Balls. I just couldn’t master it. Two left feet is right. Her poor feet have never been the same since. Fortunately, her reaction was good-humoured and generous, unlike our married friends C and J-L. They had joined Ceroc classes in Islington town hall and the floor was full of dancers, some proficient, some, well, not. As C later put it “I couldn’t take J-L kicking my ankles for a moment longer and ‘surprised myself by calling him a “******* ****”. The music was loud, I was louder!’ That probably stopped the dancers in their tracks!

For sure, I could never have appeared on Strictly. In fact, about the only stage-based activity that did suit me was eisteddfod singing.

It didn’t matter whether it was choral singing or the occasional solo but my reedy little soprano would pipe up more or less in tune and more or less in time. It didn’t matter whether I won or not, the taking part was enough. Which is just as well because my friend Aled always used to win the darn things. I remember singing John Hughes (Bardic name: Ceiriog)’s ‘Nant y Mynydd’ as if it was yesterday. There in the front row would be my teacher, sometimes it would be my mother, mouthing the words silently at me, all the

while pulling the weirdest expressions for me to emulate, to convey the emotions of the piece. (‘Eisteddfod mams’ is something I might one day return to here.)

Following this memory to its source came across a YouTube video from the 2021 Pittsburgh Welsh week. The American Welsh woman gives a good stab at reciting the poem in Welsh. The accompanying text tells us that it is a poem that speaks of the ’hiraeth’ of a young man who has moved away from home in search of Work; he pines for the mountains, stream, heather, breeze, and birds of home. (Here is the link for you to follow: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NCTB9U-MZ2Q) Last but not least, I struggled to find the tune we sang it to, but I found a recording of tenor Robert Rees singing Nant y Mynydd to ‘our’ tune. (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=CXIiMHKBHZQ&ab_ channel=RobertRees-Topic) Well, I must away. It’s a busy weekend here...!

CARDIFF TIMES 7

Cardiff Times June - Page 1 Editorial_Layout 1 20/05/2022 09:16 Page 1

JUNE AT ST DAVID’S HALL JUNE offers a bumper programme of diverse entertainment at St David’s Hall with barely a free date all month!

We start in style with multi-award winning duo Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita (Weds 1 June) as the acclaimed Welsh harpist joins forces once again with the Senegalese kora player to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their inspiring musical collaboration.

Famed for classics like He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother and The Air That I Breathe, The Hollies (Thurs 2 June) return on The Road is Long tour, while soul superstars Shalamar (Fri 3 June) are also back to Make It a Night to Remember! There are now very limited tickets left for Texas (Weds 22 June) as they revisit their classic debut album Southside, while also selling fast are the legendary George Benson (Sun 19 June) and Dionne Warwick (Tues 28 June). Plus, musical theatre royalty and two-time Disney princess Lea Salonga (Tues 21 June) sings the best of Broadway and the West End in Dream Again.

There are also six terrific tributes throughout June starting with Walk Right Back (Mon 6 June), which revisits the remarkable career of The Everly Brothers. Another nostalgic show celebrating an iconic duo is The Simon & Garfunkel Story (Thurs 30 June), while A Country Night in Nashville (Sat 11 June) recreates the sounds of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and more. Some Guys Have All the Luck (Sun 12 June) and Fastlove (Fri 17 June) reel off the hits of Rod Stewart and George Michael, while The King is alive in The World Famous Elvis Show (Sun 26 June).

As ever, there’s a healthy helping of captivating classical music. The BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales (Thurs 9 June) return with Romance and Revolution. Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra (Fri 24 June) mark the milestone of their 40th anniversary with a powerful programme featuring former BBC Young Musician of the Year, Martin James Bartlett. The next night Cardiff Ardwyn Singers and Rhondda Symphony Orchestra (Sat 25 June) share the stage for a sensational performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, while the Royal Welsh College Symphony Orchestra (Weds 29 June) return with a stunning finale of The Afro-American Symphony by William Grant Still.

For something a bit different, there’s the Bard of Salford Dr John Cooper Clarke (Fri 10 June) with an evening of razor-sharp poetry including extracts from his autobiography, I Wanna Be Yours. Elsewhere, Deborah Frances-White brings back the global podcast phenomenon The Guilty Feminist (Sat 4 June), while there are very few seats remaining for Joe Lycett (Weds 15 – Thurs 16 June) and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish (Thurs 23 June).

Last but by no means least are two shows in our L3 Lounge. The Roots Unearthed season continues with the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning trio Lady Maisery (Tues 7 June), and James McVinnie (Mon 20 June) resumes our contemporary nightmusic series with a mesmerising repertoire spanning the 16th century to the present day.

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Cardiff Times June - Page 2_Layout 1 20/05/2022 09:50 Page 1

SHALAMAR IN CONCERT 03.06.22

THE SIMON & GARFUNKE STORY

50th Anniversary Tour 30.06.22

CATRIN FINCH & SECKOU KEITA Echo 01.06.22

KENNY DALGLISH LIVE 23.06.22

DIONNE WARWICK One Last Time 28.06.22

BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA & CHORUS OF WALES 09.06.22

SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK

The Rod Stewart Story 12.06.22

LEA SALONGA Dream Again 21.06.22

FASTLOVE A Tribute to George Michael 17.06.22

THE HOLLIES The Road is Long 02.06.22

CARDIFF PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 24.06.22

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE I Wanna Be Yours 10.06.22

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Few know about the awesome locations only a car drive away from Cardiff. Wetsuits and helmets are provided, and experienced guides tailor the session to suit your requirements whilst keeping you safe and happy. Bring yourself, your family, and friends, and enjoy the beautiful Welsh outdoors.

Dave Wainwright is a very experienced, passionate, qualified guide and owner of Beezra Experiences.

To book a visit: Beezra.com or ring 01495 707999

CARDIFF TIMES 11

9pm – Deadline (Police drama) 10pm – Killer at the crime scene 11pm – Police Code Zero.

‘And Another Thing...’

– Inside the Force Oliver’s Army is Midnight not here to stay No wonder we have nightmares.

byVince Nolan

There may be 9 Million Bicycles in Beijing but there are only 4 Olivers in Caerphilly. Let me elucidate. The Leader of the Opposition and I were perfectly positioned in our local pub, The Story Tellers Arms, when one of the more “eccentric” staff members was having a discussion with a customer close by. I say discussion, the customer in question was giving “Oliver” a severe listening to. He claimed that everyone in Caerphilly knew him (which I could believe), because there were only 4 Oliver’s in Caerphilly (which I couldn’t). Utter nonsense as usual from Oliver Twit. According to the last Census, Oliver remained the most popular boys name in England and Wales for the 6th year on the bounce which, one assumes, included Caerphilly.

Same place, same person. A lady asked Big O or Oh Oh, as I like to call him, how large a glass of wine she should have because she was driving. His response: “I cannot advise you because if you take my advice and subsequently fail a breathalyser the police will hold me liable.”

No such luck we thought. The lady said she was not aware of this law (not on her own there then ) and would check Google. His response: “Google’s wrong.”

Staying with law and order She Who Must Be Obeyed and I love crime dramas and crime documentaries but one channel took the biscuit the other evening and served up the following: 8pm – Police Interceptors 9pm – Deadline (Police drama) 10pm – Killer at the crime scene 11pm – Police Code Zero.

Midnight – Inside the Force No wonder we have nightmares.

12 CARDIFF TIMES

Here All yo as pin break Stone

Befor illega longe

We fi Pisa i Italics Here is a game for all the family to play. All you need are some cocktail sticks to act as pins and a pack of well-known wheat breakfast cereal and hey presto, Stonehenge.

Before I got my life in order I used to host illegal parties and DJ at Stonehenge, but I no longer mix in those circles.

We finally know why The Leaning Tower Of Pisa is leaning. The architect pressed the Italics key by accident.

The Boss and I recently booked into our favourite hotel in sunny Appledore, Devon, for about the 30th time (I know, I spoil that woman).

We were embraced on arrival by our favourite staff member Michelle who handed us over to the new patronising Manager. She asked so many questions that I thought she was compiling a survey. She also specialised in stating the bleeding obvious like “There are the toilets.”

Really? With those two illuminated signs, next to the doors, who would have guessed? Then, payment in advance, which I strongly object to. Hardly going to do a runner from a hotel we frequently visit and having secured the booking with a valid bank card online! She then announced she would show us to our room.

We said we knew the way (and the stairs would

term heckler originated from the textile trade, where

convicted ofcertainly stealing mail at gunpoint guess but it would have caused a that majorwould be him back into the wild.08.00-10.30.

No harm served from I muttered loudly under my breath something wrong itcomb-out is called a typo.

So hemp if smacking kids law introduced in Walestoforheckle was to tease or flax or hand was on the 12 and the little hand on the 8! and was sentenced to death by diplomaticI say incident. …..well, until next door’s cat got 2022.

Whilst being welcomed by most something wrong is it called a talko? nsure that we had properly warmed up sincefibres. we didn’t wantmodern to pull anymeaning drinking The was coined in Dundee realised that our celebration coincided with to So: “Any of you awould number of subatomic particles right-minded people it us will of course bea minimum nothing Furthermore, a typo on the a headstone be Just beten clear: Did hear about urologist hanging.

He refused a pardon in 1833 Unfortunately, only six of turned up and of were required or the in thedue earlya carrying 19th century.

Aselectric the hecklers toiled indinner the Stereophonics and Tom Jones being a fractional charge, postulated TheBetween Nolan family penand had writ but bad news for the Cardiff under 14’s grave error? typos autocorrect We booked a table for ff. I engaged four old-timers who were inhad the sold bar (could have been the who was eaten by a bear?

He was a meteorologist ting, if I were illegally hunting for as building blocks of the hadrons.

Quarks at the Principality Stadium which its’ last and had to be humanely from President Andrew Jackson and Lederhosen Formation Slap Dancing Ensemble it’sone getting harder to post stuffwould these out days.

One the whether factory, of the team would read days’ big be the on the 6a tionedout ones from Taff Vale) and asked were them they fancied having a hand recycled.

Needing a quality have not directly observed but theoretical Citythe hotels.

The concerts then (meaty urologist, ohbeen please yourselves). uld I have questionable morels? who will the no longer be slapping each other as and tiny mistake and your whole post is constant urined. news the others would butt in with was executed after the Supreme Court our and free beer for the afternoon.

Fearing some kind of honey trap, they took replacement, I found on the interweb hand on the 7 and came dow predictions based on their existence have cancelled and weunless found athey Cityare centre hotel ofa their routines given The Leaderto of the and I were sitting in With upart callfor deer whowas has lost both vincing that myhurrah! offer genuine.

Cautiously, they agreed join us.

Picture the thing a specialist family run pen and aOpposition stream “furious debate.” been confi rmed experimentally.”

Oh £80, However, the fickleinterruptions finger The world has taken a down strange –please! at least match drinks.

Alas no vacant ruled he could turn itof iftwist he wanted special dispensation by our First Minister. shop an area ofI have Newport whichbe I scene, 5pm onasa for sunny ourinsocially distanced local, The Funky Furlough, g accident?

No eye deer.

And mesons and baryons, we could of fate (presumably the middle one),this then the parts I collated seem toinoccupy. been mind I have some quality put-downs our paying in advance so we was nothad familiar with.

Unperturbed, to.

No pleasing some folk. weekday evening at the side How long have you arthritis?”

“I don’t here all night. intervened and cancelled the offi ce lunch Saw this in a local pub on their specials board: reading about a proposal for the 2027 Rugby whencomics a lady close byused to us asked the Bar Manager hat when Trump dies, I will give which have to deal with modern day I used the satnav to find mycorner. way pub around entrance to the Brewery on us toand wander lonely as some clouds “We leaving Love Local champion local farms World Cup which will prevent anythe team in “but red I Grea have arthritis, Father,” the drunk said, but could notand locate the place.

I my if the toilets were still upstairs.

He of course say: “He is today how he was as hecklers: I was at the hairdressers the other day for folks a Brian Blessed Caroline Street where four the time it tried to around that the All Castle and its outdoor barfirst facilities and fisheries.” laudable butwarmed the shirts and green shirtsto playing each other to ensure wevery had properly upjust since we want pull any drinking read indidn’t the paper that the Pope does.” fire did a Google map search (other Continuing January scalping when the Jimmy Nail song pensioners who could barely until frostbite got the better offront us forced usand confiup rmed that they were but Ipeople thought towith beno atoat the a make-up and lying item on their menu was Mediterranean Olives. because colour blind often struggle returned tothis our hotel les. only sixinof us and turned aof minimum of ten were required products are available) but k.wearing theUnfortunately, other three “Ain’t Nohanging Doubt - She’s Lying” came on or thethe “What size shoe does your mouth take?” stand were seen onto back toina the hotelsame we did not need.

Much fun, but Overheard pub: “Every time we distinguish between the two.

Not criticising Staying with the drink, there has always the rope success.

I drove around the locale to dine, only to find four stra very stupid question.

I would have said something Tomlinson was off.

I engaged old-timers who were inthem the bar (could have been the wireless.

Totally unscripted, we, the Wales, masked ahow lamppost, for support, rather we quickly foundfour out that there is asay. limit to come here we come here.”

You don’t of course but this would affect and finally gave up so I called into a been much snobbery attached toknow wine. our table.

No need like: “I don’t ked by themulled son ofwine a good friend singers in the chairs and our masked stylists theme: “This is what comes from drinking on an empty mentioned ones from the Taff Vale) and asked them whether they fancied having a to worry much one can drink before falling than illumination.

An Canada, Ireland, Tonga, Russia, South Africa supermarket and bought a chicken sell-buy dates before Indeed, people make asing living from it, allthey started toThis sway and to celebrate the music in a shooed red-carded them and over. would and Japan. had me intrap, mind of that quote for tea instead.

To my when madam was dout write a urology forbeer his Dad’s ery tour and free forSoap the afternoon.

Fearing some kind of honey they took onhead.”afternoon scene reminiscent from The Full Monty when butfrom I am making aCustomer stand because of the al on offer aeulogy Friday yconvincing 3supermarket shops I that really navigational inadequacy I penned BBC snooker commentator Ted Lowe who care charm rol never…… remember. with us butand the heart to say ehave my was genuine. Cautiously, agreed tolast join us.

Picture the they they all started dancing inof the queue atwe the a rope this ode: “I went to the shop to buy famously said during one his commentaries: lockdowns.

I’m giving up wine, every day, all “I know where you were when they were handing hables would the Much fun and splendid beach all withthat Mark Daceymake (on the dynamic CEOscene, of Boots and job centre.

Fortunately all sharp implements 5pm on aIthem sunny alike pen but instead bought a chicken. moved out to he meant.

Anyway, here is leS) who is the “And for those ofthat’s who are watching in black A drunk who smelled ayou Pope on a month.

No wait, not it.

I’m giving the brains out………getting an extra helping ofup. see.

Iugs had some doubt whether were downed for a few short minutes and I didn’t fancy writing so I did some olleges.

It does not need me to suggest the uncanny probably killed her anyway). To be kind, and the pink nextcar to the andhave sausage weekday evening atgreen.” the sidethen brewery gotwhite, on a bus and satis the park many finger licking.”

Wine every dayThe all month! without further comment, just like in a musical, mouth.” car for thejust journey home. rope let’s sayorshe hadversa. more facial disfigurement down next to a priest.

Ricky Tomlinson vice entrance to the Brewery ave had enough of months ago aslike aonsince e tale, (he was affectionately everybody wentwe back to their day job Interesting lyric heard on the wireless the than an easily startled plastic surgeon’s waiting It occurred to me the other day that orchestras are tribute bands they e it’s nothing to do with EU drunk's shirt was stained, his I read with great interest and some surprise Two people out on a first date.

“Do you Caroline Street where four nothing had happened.

Lockdown has a lot to no room.

Her passing shot was that breakfast other day: “Sports bra and a Maserati car.”

“Do you know, if you wore soundproof trousers direct consequence afi because of his likeness ave to home school facelocal was full bright red music.

Mr Mozart can hardly into Albert Hall thatofpop Tory MP, Neilthe Parish, resigned afterand beinggive us a ell-buy people’s dates before but a recent tripI to my supermarket pection of the packaging would be served from 08.00-10.30. muttered answer for but that was very funny. likeof Merlot Tammy?”

“Yes, but you don’t Who would have thought of which that combination? pensioners who could barely I once owned one the chewed pencils one would hear a word you’re saying.” th lipstick and he had a halfcaught watching pornography in German the House of Covid19.”

Perhaps yan leader), involved a trip Kleine Nachtmusik now can he?

Apparently, 19 Century compose ghlight of the loudly under my breathmake that would when the Monday. no perishables that would thebe following Instand fact Ihave in for fruit and veg like Apparently many including a poet called pronounce the “t.”

“Oh, Ok.” Looks at ofwrite Commons whilst a debate was in session. were seen hanging onto empty bottle of wine sticking Shakespeare used to his famous works.

He used The Leader of The Opposition and I were big hand was on the 12 and the little hand on this is why I dohe not run supply Wales play France.

Wefriends known as journey “O“Is dethat Cologne” in face memory of his place of Dave Cox whom I have just So these comestibles Surprised he awake.

He“discovered”. claimed was ey would make itto tohis the car for the home.

What is going one day leS on the sell-buy date.

It was takes an inordinate amount ofbirth skill towhich T then it’s serious, real or are you still celebrating out ofyour his pocket.

He opened waiter: “Two Merlots for me and Ammy.” the 8! listening to Michael Ball on the wireless. aproperty lamppost, for support, rather Intellectual rules prevent me quoting neat.

In related news, Tesla just released a new brand of cologne.

It’s called looking for a tractor website.

One suspects he to chew on it so much that I couldn’t tell whether it was a pub.

20 year relationship withCloser in-@me” withhis 24 hours towas spare.

Waste levels mustOsmond be astronomical. and started mes, picked, packaged, Halloween?”

He interviewing Donny who with supply issues? inspec@on ofnewspaper the packaging or theEU excitement. minimum of ten were required or than illumination.

An any of his work here but I encourage you to was looking for Attract Her website. booked a table for dinner for when the Our friend Drthe H has trained her dog Daisy ofWe minutes later, he asked theorpriest, "Father, what causes arthritis?"

A in wife sent her dcouple played them home and hadhim been appearing in panto at the London 2B not 2B. Staying with Bard, days t, around UK Adistributed recent WalesOnline article bizarrely claimed A real comedy genius and hugely or fruitoff. and veg like family Tanzania and Argen@na.

So these Staying withhand food, I look have beenup. doing some research into gone what is by, no longer manu engaged four old-timers big hand would be on with the 6cheap, and the little afternoon they would 'swas caused

by Iloose living, being wicked women, too much alcohol, and The Nolan pen had writ its’ last and had to be humanely recycled.

Ne to bring her a bottle of red wine.

No surprise Palladium.

Donny was speaking about a it.”

“Your busrefreshing. leaves 10 minutes... under I was alsoinreading about obeseBe Irish dancer husband aquote romantic international weekends.

On that GPs were working 40 months anUK. hour d to the shops and put on on the 7 and came down for some pre-match in order to attract women, I used to use this from the The list is endless but here is a small sample: Pringles (Belgium), Smar@ re in the bar (could have been the exo@c climes, picked, packaged, taken to the port or airport, for your fellow man," the priest replied.

"Imagine that," the drunk muttered.

He never…… remember. former acting mentor of his who told him the Michael Fatley and it reminded me that I replacement, I found on the interweb thing specialist family runsend pen shop really, she’s a aBordeaux collie.

I was sat A phrase overtime.

I we have nono doubt ridiculously drinks.

Alas vacant tables despite our paying text message.

She wrote: “Ifhim.. you are pleft (Mike’s first), we did it in they the on the sell-buy date.

It are Colman’s English Mustard (Act Germany), Terrys Chocolate Orange (France) HP ostretched reading his The priest, thinking about what had said, turned tofor the posed the following tosleeping, the current Mrs following: “Theatre isquestion the only place where you entioned from the Taff Vale) “Well, it’s a night out and a night off forand his Shakespeare’s Hamlet, III, Scene IV, line 82: I have also been reading Bob Mortimer’s Recent crossword clue: “Brush the ouses then delivered to the shops and put he on the shelves with atpaper. present, but 40 months an hour? in ones advance sowhich we repaired to aunder pub around Newport I was not familiar with.

Unperturbed, I used the satnav to fi with She Who Must Be Obeyed the other m the 18th Century Parliament) Sauce (The Netherlands).

Staggering.

Nolan: think your mother apologised: "I'm sorry, Iferry didn't mean towas come onme so strong.

How long have you had can dream inyou public. job as would an actor is ntThat’s of skill to supply goods your dreams.

If“Do you are laughing, send meprefer your ay, athem bus to crossing autobiography which IYour alsosmelled strongly carpet 5Dover, and 4.”

The answer “gloss over.” the corner.

Great pub, great folks and a Brian ked whether they fancied over three years an hour.

The only way family.”

A drunk who like a could not locate the place.

I did a recommend.

Google map search (other are av whilst she sipped a glass of products wine something more Fred Astairish?” toRiverdance deliver thator dream” which weand thought was "Ito don't have arthritis, Father," the drunk said, "but I day just read in the paper that Funny, poignant clever, Picture the poor student trying to maybe learn English.

Blessed fire (roaring).

We returned to our hotel saris. spare.

Waste levels ot straight was to do would be to time travel so smile.

If you are eating, send me a bite.

If very you are I this was sitting next to him.

At Here’s one for you: “Knock knock.”

“Who’s there?”

“LiKle old lady.”

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itis?"

"I don't arthritis, Father," the drunk said, "but I just read in the paper that nk’s shirt washave stained, his face As we when people type age sohave my observed tolerance CARDIFF TIMES 13 of bright ope does."red lipstick and he had as well as it used to mpty bottle of wine sticking out of sked to embrace new ket.

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CARDIFF TIMES 15

In The Words Of

by Carl Marsh

How are you all? This month, I have my usual first paragraph moan sadly aimed at a non-Welsh Labour collective. Who would have seen that coming? Well, as Ted Rogers used to say “Come on down”: Volvo cars. Firstly the dealership in Cardiff messed up my order in December 2021.

I ordered a new car, was given the keys at the collection, and cleared out my old car. Then I was told it was not AWD [All Wheel Drive]. So, they said to me in December 2021 that a new one was ordered. Fast forward many months, I heard that Cardiff Volvo had not renewed any Volvo contract, thus stopping them from selling new Volvos. So, in essence, Volvo Cardiff was no more. Swansea Volvo [I am not saying the name of actual dealerships] took the reign and order.

Fast forward to early May 2022, and I was told ONE WEEK before I was to pick up my new car that these very clever souls that my order had been cancelled at the build level! So, unless Volvo can make a car, ship it here, clear customs, and in 6 days. Well! I smell a rat. Let’s see what Volvo HQ says when they see this write up. I will keep you informed.

Events Have been a bit slow this last month, apart from a fantastic gig I attended last night in Cardiff. Male singer, possibly Britain’s best. Goes by the name of Ed something or other. Proper class.

of comedy cop film mainly in Icelandic. It is directed by Hannes Halldorsson, the ex-Icelandic goalkeeper from the last World Cup. It was he who saved that penalty from Messi. I loved this film, as it is a sendup of all the macho cop films I grew up on, but with the main protagonist battling against his demons because he is gay and thinks he has to be all macho. Please watch it. It’s hilarious fun.

The next film is called Jungle Cry. It is a true story about a group of Indian teenagers who came to Wales and won the junior World Cup. I’d never heard of it, possibly you either? It’s a heartwarming proper family film that is feel-good at its finest. I even interviewed Emily Shah, who stars in it…

INTERVIEWS Emily Shah: Bollywood actress. Need I say anymore? She stars in ‘Jungle Cry’. It was good to hear her tell me all about the weather we love here in Wales!

Maya Lane - is an up and coming talented young singer and songwriter. Sometimes you get to hear artists that may not be your cup of tea music-wise, but you still can appreciate the talent they possess. And that she does. One to watch out for. Trust me!

Have a great June; see you all next month,

Films

Carl Marsh

There are two that I saw for review this month.

The first is Cop Secret, a Naked Gun type

Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_CM

16 CARDIFF TIMES

YouTube - InTheWordsOf

Carl Marsh So, how come an 18-year-old - that you are - gets to class themselves as a self-confessed 70s dream child: I am a 70s child, brought up in that era?

Maya Lane I always try and find a way to describe this to people. I’m dyslexic, so I often get my words muddled up and lose my train of thought. For me, it’s like, when I was younger, I was brought up listening to a lot of different types of music, and from rock to reggae, pop to country, anything really, but the thing that stuck with me was 60s/70s country folk. So, from the age of eight to 11, I’ve always loved Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, and they’re like the 60s/70s icons. And I think that just continued as I grew older. I listened to more as I discovered more artists from that genre and era. I’ve just loved how, in the 70s, the fashion, the music, and how the people were pushing the boundaries. And while I’m obviously aware (that), it wasn’t a perfect time with racism, sexism and all the other things that were going on.

But I think that sort of free-spiritedness that was just carried through into the music and the fashion drew me in. The music definitely started off my love for the 70s. And then it’s expanded into everything, such as my clothing.

Carl Marsh And this obsession with that era has found its way into your songwriting, I presume?

Maya Lane Yeah, as I’m obsessed with storytelling lyrics. And that is definitely a big theme for the kind of music that I was brought up on and listen to, like artists such as Bob Dylan, who could just tell the most incredible stories through their songwriting.

So I always try and carry that through into my writing. I love

being able to listen to a song and having almost like a film playing in my head. As in that I’m hearing it, and can see it, as it’s very visual; having all (of) these amazing details, rather than just being like, one line, or something.

Carl Marsh You seem way ahead of your 18 years of age when it comes to this music industry lark. What was your journey into music that drove you to walk into a recording studio aged 16/17 to write songs with people very much well respected in that industry?

Maya Lane So, I have always known that I wanted to make music. And ever since I was very, very young, I don’t remember not knowing I wanted to make music. I’ve always been very determined and headstrong with what I wanted to do. I started guitar at age eight. And singing lessons at that age. I was in a really supportive type of creative school, which always did plays, shows and talent contests; things like that. So I would just play my songs at school, and then around the age of 11, I started to realise, “OK, this can be a job; people are doing this as a real thing”.

And I could see people playing at festivals and concerts.

And I was like, “Well, I want to do this. How am I going to do that?” So, from about the age of 12, I would every year sit down when it came to around October time and started pitching out to festivals. I would sit there on my family laptop and write emails to any kind of open mic, festival or gig. If I could find the name of any promoter, or the head of the festival, I’d be emailing them saying, “Hi, my name is Maya, I know I’m only 12, but I’m down to play on any stage, at any time”. I just wanted to play, and being 12, most of them were like, “What is she doing? No”. But, you know, I would email probably 150. And I’d hear back from five and ended up playing maybe three. But for me, it was the start of something, and they can all be small family festivals, yet it was just the start of performing.

CARDIFF TIMES 17

5/27/22, 1:06 PM

Final Print AD,ES,30-x-40_Playing-Rugby.jpg

Carl Marsh How was it filming Jungle Cry and the Welsh scenes, which was Winter here? Would that be one of the filming schedule’s most significant challenges?

Emily Shah Yeah, it was so cold, but the cold wasn’t the issue; it was trying to film and beat the sunset. So, we were kind of I’m on this race against time as we only had daylight from 8 am until 4 pm, which is very short and obviously a very short shoot day. So, that was the biggest challenge that we had. But we were able to get all the shots in successfully, and I don’t think we even went over. So, I think we wrapped on time.

Carl Marsh I agree it must have, and when people get to see in the film when the rugby boys from India are sharing a dorm room, it’s made to look so cold; I guess that was quite real because it would have been so cold?

Emily Shah Exactly, it was definitely freezing. They were in shock because these guys had never even left their village, let alone India! So for them to actually… I mean, they’d seen it in films and on TV shows, and things like that. But for them to experience it, they were like, “Oh, this is no joke”. But they were troopers. They were out on set all day, and you saw them in their uniforms, or short sleeves, shorts and just socks.

And they were able to sustain throughout the entire filmmaking process without complaining or getting sick; anything like that.

come out and compete, and even the Army and the Navy of the US also have their own rugby team.

So yeah, with that being said, it’s not a very dominant sport in America. But at the same token, I think it is growing and building its community, whether in the States or India.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bQEUA-_IAOCITD6lHeuq7KLpAzk05wCD/view

Carl Marsh Carl Marsh It’s a proper feel-good film. Was that one of the reasons which drew you towards the role, as I know you’re American, and maybe your knowledge of rugby only happened once you’d signed on for the project?

[Laughter] Emily Shah I’m really into American football. And I like to watch soccer, which is, as you guys call it, football. But rugby is not a popular sport in America whatsoever. We do have, you know, the Sevens tournament, and we do have a couple of pretty big tournaments in the US. And I was able to shadow a sports physio during the Sevens tournament in Denver, Colorado, which I hear is one of the bigger ones. They have all the different countries

18 CARDIFF TIMES

And with the storyline, I presume you didn’t know about the story? I had not heard of it, and I lived in Wales at that time!

Emily Shah It’s unfortunate because, you know, I thought, “Oh, it’s maybe because I’m just an American?” So, that’s why I’ve never heard of this story. But, when I went to India to develop the story even further, I realised that nobody in India had even heard of this. And one of the biggest reasons was that India won the Cricket World Cup that same year. So, all of the media attention and focus went on to that. And these boys didn’t get the recognition that they deserved for what they had worked so hard for. So I felt like it was our social responsibility to pick the story up and create it (for them).

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Blessings, Beddings and Weddings

by Sara John

“Come live with me and be my love And we will all those pleasures prove That hills and valleys, dale and field, And all the craggy mountains yield.”

Christopher Marlowe Marriages for opposite-sex couples have fallen to their lowest on record with religious ceremonies accounting for less than one fifth. Data for England and Wales analysed by the Office for National Statistics showed that in 2019 there were 18.6 marriages per 1000 unmarried men and 17.2 marriages per 1000 unmarried women.

Both figures were the lowest since 1862.

The number of opposite sex marriages has fallen by 50 per cent since its peak in 1972 as a result of couples choosing to co-habit rather than marry.

A very interesting statistic. We have always known however, and the need will no doubt continue into the future, that in order to maintain the continuation of our species, we need one of each gender.

That is a female one and a male one.

More to the point they need to have a relationship, with each other.

The relationship between the two, the he and the she, may be fleeting, private, continuing, public, or stretching across decades with annual celebrations. This has been the recognised or usual way of ensuring the continuation of our species since the times of the Old Testament.

20 CARDIFF TIMES

Nowadays, the coming together of two people, leading to the fulfilment of legal and traditional agreements, making public promises, the fulfilling of accepted customs, legal and traditional agreements parents, making public promises, feasting and drinking, music and celebration all are part of the wedding event to celebrate the Act of Marriage.

It is interesting to examine the history of human relationships, not just marriage in all of its different types and variations.

Firstly, there is the business of actually ‘meeting’, meaningfully by design or just accidentally! Very often circumstances play a big part in the development and possible future of the relationship.

The majority of people intending to get together ‘sometime vaguely in the future perhaps’ realise when meeting someone new that they have a great deal in common; background, location, shared interests, shared friends, hopes and aspirations for the future, similar ages, working at the same place and for the same company. Enjoying a close friendship feels ‘right’.

It was meant to be, they will explain when asked.

We had never met previously, but we felt so comfortable, and familiar, and with so much in common. On that first evening we did not stop talking!

Deciding ‘this could be the one’ can, of course be quite different for people of

other cultures. More so if two cultures, his and hers are involved. But parental approval, especially if from different backgrounds and points of view, is normally valued and may well play a greater part in the final outcome than is recognised during the early stages.

In some parts of the world, it appears, the more traditional, long-established families may well make all the ‘arrangements’, for what we call, ‘an arranged marriage’.

These arrangements may appear strange, to us rather than the ‘some enchanted evening’ scenario.

Working in the past with young women from other cultures and discussing this very issue, I was pleasantly surprised to hear support for arranged marriages, frequently from women who are ‘first in the family’ to attend university. I recall being told that their own choices would have soon proved ‘totally disastrous’. This comment was frequently followed by loud laughter and pulling funny faces!

Sociable families from all walks of life, hopefully, allow the first found friendships of their sons and daughters to blossom while also suggesting other candidates along the way. Then usefully offering views and assessments on these ‘suggested suitors’ within calm family discussions, probably with much pooh-poohing and more loud laughter.

Looking back to past times, there were other alternatives to a straightforward him plus her ceremony, law abiding and with appropriate public celebrations, gift giving and feasting.

The New Marriage Act came into force on April 1st 1899 when Wales was a deeply

rural country with no substantially sized towns. There were many, many small to medium farms, or smallholdings, many of which hardly provided a living for the family. The properties were isolated, with few opportunities for improvement. They were widely spread across the landscape.

Inheritance laws then favoured the splitting of farmsteads after the death of the father amongst the sons, ensuring the inheritance such as it was, shrunk for each generation. Although I must add that in central Wales there was also the established practice of youngest son inheritance. The older sons would be financed for their futures by their parents.

When father passed away the youngest son stayed on the property with mother, and the pattern went on to repeat itself, with the youngest son, possibly at last taking a wife and having a family.

Each hamlet might still have a Parish CARDIFF TIMES 21

Church even if there was hardly, any longer a parish. These ‘livings’, often gifted generations back in the past, had fallen far from their intended purpose.

Most of Wales had changed little from pre - Reformation times, and I recall reading recently that up until the First World War, Parish Churches that were still active deep in the countryside, if only on a part-time basis, still might have a painting of the Holy Mother in the entrance porch which would be acknowledged with a bow and with a curtsy on entry. The vicar of one such church, at the time asked innocently, “What harm is there?”

Naturally, local people were being somewhat influenced by the rigorous Religious Revivals, the most widespread and successful being those of the work of the Methodists. Whatever your own belief system prior to the New Marriage Act mentioned above, your planned marriage could only take place in an Established Anglican Church by an ordained Minister.

Very, very slowly successful applications were made for Marriages to be solemnised in non-Conformist chapels.

This took a long time in changing.

My own maternal grandparents were married in 1900 in the Welsh Baptist Chapel in Hannah Street in Porth, Rhondda. The chapel held hundreds but is no longer standing. The chapel had been very quick off the mark to gain this rare status as a fine and legal place of marriage. However, the Rhondda was bursting at the seams (of coal as well).

Many of the incomers now settling in the valley were not members of the Anglican Community but wanted to marry, and, in their place of worship.

In the meantime, what to do?

22 CARDIFF TIMES

These were or are some of the options; Save up forever to pay for the everincreasing costs of what had been known as a Horse Wedding or a Pony Wedding.

That is a very respectful affair with ‘all the trimmings’ including festive items for the animals who would be also taking their part in the event. The costs from the local Parish church - if there was one included fees for the use of the building, the ceremony, the organist, the choir and probably legal fees for registrations. The marriage could then take place following the reading of the Banns.

It was not unusual in both the rural areas of The Highlands and Islands of Scotland to ‘Bide a’wee’ (to stay awhile). In Wales it was called ‘living tally’. George Borrow, the writer and academic mentions in his

works that ‘tally’ comes from the Romany language and means just that, ‘living together without ceremony’.

These were marriages by repute and were considered legal if the couple presented themselves in public as man and wife. No ceremony. No fuss. Just us.

A little more formal was the event, simple and from the bride’s home, of Hand Fasting. Friends and neighbours would be invited to gather for food and drinks and to witness publicly the parents tying together the hands of the Groom and the Bride usually with string! They had the blessing of the community to live together for a year and a day. If the year went well, they were considered married. If they decided there were problems that could not be solved they would part amicably.

The scope of this topic has continued to surprise me since I began to find out more and more. It was interesting to hear from independent women, well-educated and ambitious, on the subject of being one of two, three or even four wives.

These were women I met when travelling abroad, lecturing and running courses.

They explained to me something that would never have crossed my mind. If some of these ambitious young women wished to go to University they needed their father’s blessing and financial support. If they agreed to marry and be what they described as a junior wife they would have both independence (within cultural boundaries) and financial support from their considerably older husbands.

and Broadcasting in a variety of Commonwealth countries. During one late night discussion the subject of women’s roles in the changing world, and the interface with national cultures, came up for discussion. We moved on to the topic of ‘more than one wife’ as a number of the delegates were adherents of Islam.

One man, a quiet gentleman who was the Editor of a well-known newspaper, was encouraged by one of his colleagues into admitting, “Yes, I have four wives.” When I asked how did that work out for him, he replied quietly, “I just try and keep out of it.”

Moving back to the report by Dr James Tucker UK, head of health and life events at the ONS suggests that ‘the decline in opposite-sex marriages is a likely consequence of increasing numbers of men and women delaying marriage, or couples choosing to live together rather than marry, as a precursor to marriage or as an alternative’.

For those in the northern hemisphere who still wish a traditional wedding, August is the most favoured month to marry.

You can make your ‘day’ choice from the traditional rhyme to identify the best day of the month; Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the worst day of all, Thursday for crosses, Friday for losses, Saturday the best day of all. Not surprisingly recent statistics show that Saturday is the favoured day.

Some years ago I was running a course for ten or so gentlemen who were in senior positions in Journalism CARDIFF TIMES 23

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Circle of Fifths

Butetown collective come together to spark a shift in how we talk about death in new National Theatre Wales show After losing his uncle during the COVID 19 pandemic, film and theatre maker Gavin Porter, like many others, felt adrift when social distancing, “stay-at home-orders” and limits on the size of in-person gatherings changed the way friends and family could gather and grieve. He felt compelled to pick up his camera and start collecting stories on the different ways in which lives are celebrated in death and the importance of traditions and rituals. Taking to Twitter he asked people to share what songs they would like played at their funeral. The response included everything from Abba to The Abyssinians, Gil Scott Heron to Nat King Cole.

Now Porter and a Butetown collective of musicians and artists, including Cardiff legend Anthony ‘Drumtan’ Ward, are turning those stories into a new National Theatre Wales production, Circle of Fifths. Opening in June at the Dance House in Cardiff, the show is an immersive experience that combines film, music and theatre to create a live documentary performance.

“It’s a subject close to my heart” Porter says, “I think a lot of people will connect with it on many different levels. We’ve all lost someone, we all grieve, and this show will hopefully spark some conversations about death and loss.”

In the planning of the show, music became a powerful thread for Porter, not just in the ways it can make us feel, but how it can unlock unexpressed emotions and connect us to each other. The production takes its title from a piece of music theory that organises pitch into a sequence. Jazz musicians sometimes disrupt this sequence to create new musical pathways. It’s in this disharmony and discord that Porter draws parallels with the impact loss has - as a fracture in the rhythm of our lives.

As well as Drumtan, the musicians and artists Porter has brought together include singer, producer and multiinstrumentalist Kiddus Murrell, musicians Francesca Dimech and Rose Beecraft Music, and performers Wella and Maureen Blades - who also happens to be a funeral arranger.

Gavin Porter has worked with National Theatre Wales on a number of projects over the past decade. He was a filmmaker on The Soul Exchange during NTW’s very first year and worked with The Agency here in Cardiff, putting young people at the heart of developing projects and businesses with a social purpose. He later joined TEAM, NTW’s community engagement network, and in 2013 became Creative Associate, working on De Gabay, an award-winning play by Somali poets from Butetown, and The Big Democracy Project. Porter has always put people front and centre of his work, with his home community of Butetown being a constant source of inspiration. He’s spent many years telling untold stories through his documentaries, but Circle of Fifths marks his first major theatrical work.

“Having come up through NTW TEAM,” he says, “I’ve always been interested in how the skills I’ve honed through my documentary work, and interviewing hundreds of people, could be transferred into a theatrical space. It’s been great working with stage designers and technicians to realise this.”

This will be the fourth National Theatre Wales production in the last year that explores the theme of grief. Shon DaleJones’ digital lockdown show Possible, Petula directed by Mathilde López, and the Jones’ Collective short film FRANK, all grappled with the subject in their own unique way. “So many people have been bereaved over the last two years,” says NTW’s Artistic Director Lorne Campbell, “in the shadow of this shared experience, this show draws on our many traditions and stories to celebrate all that connects us in the ways we grieve death and celebrate life.”

Currently in rehearsals, Porter is excited for audiences to see what they’re creating; “I’m really happy with where the show is heading. It’s a total 360-degree experience, designed by Jacob Hughes, with performers, musicians, real life stories, and film, all coming together to create something really unique. I think my uncle would be very proud.”

Circle of Fifths will open at the Dance House, Cardiff, on Saturday 18 June and will run until Sunday 26 June. Tickets are available from nationaltheatrewales.org.

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Fashion Done Your Own Way

by Molly Dutton

Hello, lovely readers. What a fabulous start to the summer season we have had; the weather has been beautiful, summer shades are slowly making their way into shop windows and life is finally starting to truly take off. In my absence, I have temporarily moved to London to explore the world of fashion and styling in the big city and, during my time there, I have learnt an awful lot that I hope to bring to my articles in the magazine. This month, I am going to share with you some thoughts that I have towards one of the most prestigious fashion exhibitions in the world: the Met Gala. Now, prior to this year, I had a very vague understanding of what this event consisted of, and an even vaguer understanding of what the themes and designers contributed to the overall popularity of the gala. However, this year I have paid close attention to every artist, celebrity and designer that has graced the red carpet and I have rather a lot to say on things. It can be argued that this year’s Met Gala may have been the most controversial and there’s nothing like a bit of drama to start a conversation.

It would be rude for me to delve into such 28 CARDIFF TIMES

a huge topic without providing a little bit of background knowledge, especially since this event holds so much power in the fashion industry. The Met Gala began in 1948 and was formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit. The event is a fundraising gala intertwined with the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute in New York (very fancy I know).

Unsurprisingly, the whole thing is arranged

by Vogue and it takes an awful lot to receive one of the desired invitations, with many well known actors, models and singers missing out on the opportunity to attend. With the invite comes the responsibility of truly matching the given theme in order to demonstrate the best of fashion. Past years have seen the likes of Blake Lively, Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian donning the most incredible designs on the prestigious red carpet.

Speaking of the Kardashians, they caused quite a stir at the gala this year, encouraging many mixed opinions towards their outfit choices. Just to clarify (as it is very rarely obvious), the theme of the 2022 Met Gala was ‘Gilded Glamour and white tie’, which was a follow on from last year’s theme which was ‘In America: An Anthology of fashion’. Now, I don’t know about you, but I would have absolutely no idea where to start with either of these themes. However, I do believe that this year’s theme has a lot of potential, particularly given the fact that there have been many period dramas this year for inspiration. You might be wondering how Kim Kardashian created all this drama, especially since the theme seems relatively uncontroversial. When

the famous reality star stepped foot on the red carpet (with their new beau, Pete Davidson nonetheless), I am certain a gasp would have been heard from within the crowd of reporters as she made a very bold decision. She wore the dress that had been chosen for Marilyn Monroe when she sang ‘Happy birthday Mr President’ to JFK. Whilst I do believe that Monroe can be closely linked to this idea of glamour, I am unsure what to think of this decision.

You see, social media commenters have mostly suggested two reasons why it shouldn’t have been chosen: firstly, why should Kim Kardashian be the one to wear this famous garment? And secondly, how does this tie in with the theme? Many people associated gilded glamour with the regency era and were therefore very disappointed when this era of fashion wasn’t represented. To add to this, a lot of people felt that it was disrespectful for someone of great wealth like Kim to adorn a garment owned by Marilyn Monroe whose life was filled with hardship. I believe the question as to whether it was appropriate or not will remain unanswered for a long time.

specks of blue and icy tones, taking inspiration from Manhattan’s architecture, with special reference to the Empire State Building. The bow on the beautiful dress opened to reveal the blue train that was designed to resemble the constellations in the design for Grand Central Station, which paired with the seven-tier crown, inspired by the Statue of Liberty. In my eyes, no one could top this complete dedication to America; an appropriate match for the theme this year.

I will always dream of attending the Met Gala (I would have to get invites for mum and dad too, of course). I believe that fashion should be seen as an art form and should be celebrated through exhibitions such as the Met Gala. Designers are given the ultimate opportunity to show off their designs and wow the crowds. You never know, if I’m lucky, next year the theme might be ‘University Fashion: An anthology of flares and Primark accessories’, and then I’ll be in luck!

It would not be the Met Gala without Blake Lively. The queen of all things ‘on theme’ has never failed to impress when she steps foot into the red carpet. This year, the actress arrived arm in arm with her subtly dressed husband, Ryan Reynolds who really did let her outfit do the talking. At first glance, the dress was a gorgeous, copper, embroiled ball gown; a look that was accelerated by the matching gloves and luxurious jewels.

However, whilst this initial impression would have met the theme already, it was the second display that held the crown.

The dress then transformed to feature CARDIFF TIMES 29

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In Search of the Physicians of Myddfai (Meddygon Myddfai) Discovering a medieval Welsh medical tradition In 1861 the book The Physicians of Myddfai: Meddygon Myddfai by the Rev. John Williams ab Ithel and John Pughe provided the Welsh reading public for the first time with a description of the Myddfai Tradition (Traddodiad Myddfai), the remedies and medical philosophy of a family of 13th century Welsh doctors from the lands of Carmarthenshire.

150 years further on the author returns to Myddfai to discover this tradition. Who were these doctors and how might they have acquired their medical knowledge?

What were the remedies and their medicinal value? And what of the doctors’ legacies? Remembered also are their legendary origins, born to the Lady of the Lake (Merch Llyn y Fan Fach), a magical story that weaves its way throughout the book.

This personal odyssey builds on earlier writings telling the complete story of the famous family of doctors and their remedies.

The author was a consultant paediatrician and Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff.

Llanerch Press ISBN 978 1 861431 73 8

How Medical Education came to Wales This is the story of how medical education came to Wales towards the end of the nineteenth and the early decades of the twentieth centuries. It is among the finest of the legacies of the Physicians of Myddfai (Meddygon Myddfai), the thirteenth century family from Carmarthenshire.

This absorbing history begins from the time the Romans left Britain in the fifth century. From the Renaissance into the twentieth century there was a relentless growth of medical understanding across Europe, centuries which also saw Wales’ literary and religious traditions develop. With huge changes in Welsh society consequent on the nineteenth century agrarian and industrial revolutions there would be great improvements in Welsh education culminating in the latter years of the nineteenth century in the establishment of the federal University of Wales and within which in 1893 would be born, in the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Wales’ first medical school. In 1931 it blossomed, despite Mabinogion-like intrigues and jealousies into the Welsh National School of Medicine. It changed its name in 1984 to the University of Wales College of Medicine which grew to become an internationally recognised all-Wales institution for clinical medical education and research which embraced all the health care professions.

But this is not the end of the story…

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NATHAN CLEVERLY A BOXING TALENT

by Ralph Oates

Nathan Cleverly made his professional debut on 23 July 2005, outpointing opponent Ernie Smith over the duration of 4 rounds at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh Scotland. Cleverly, who was born in Caerphilly on the 17 February 1987, showed good skills in the bout which duly suggested he had a promising career ahead of him. Before the year ended the Welshman added a further two winning bouts to his resume.

Cleverly opened his 2006 account at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester, Lancashire with a 4 round points victory over Jon Foster in a bout which took place on the 4 March. Cleverly gave a good solid performance against his opponent to once again confirm that he was a fighter who could reach championship status in due course. The winning sequence continued for Cleverly over the months which followed. Then on 19 April 2008 he participated in his first contest abroad against American Antonio Baker, the venue being the Thomas & Mack Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada USA. The Welshman produced the goods to win an 8 round points decision. The connoisseurs of the sport were now keenly watching his progress with ever growing interest.

On 10 October 2008 Cleverly had a major test when he faced former British & Commonwealth light-heavyweight king Tony Oakey for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight title. Oakey was a very experienced fighter who came into the ring with a resume of 29 bouts, winning 25, losing 3 with 1 drawn. It had to be wondered if this contest would see Cleverly lose his undefeated record which then stood

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at 12. However, at the Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool the Welshman remained unbeaten when he won the crown with a 12-round points victory. The first defence of the title came on 12 December 2008 at the Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes, Cheshire against Douglas Otieno Okola of Kenya, who came with a record of 19 fights with just 1 defeat. Cleverly impressed by knocking out his challenger in round 4 of a scheduled 12. A second defence of the championship came against another fighter born in Kenya, Samson Onyango who had a decent fight record consisting of 21 bouts with 18 victories and 3 defeats. The bout took place on the 13 February 2009 at the Oasis Leisure Centre, Swindon in Wiltshire. Cleverly had an early night when he stopped his challenger in the opening round in a bout which was set for the duration of 12. In his third defence of the Commonwealth title Cleverly met Billy Boyle from Sheffield who came into battle with a slate of 13 fights with 12 victories and 1 defeat.

The contest took place on the 22 May 2009 at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London. The Welshman’s career continued to travel in an upwards direction when he halted his opponent in the second stanza.

Next up came not only another defence of the Commonwealth crown but a bid for the vacant British light-heavyweight title. The man standing in the opposite corner was Danny McIntosh from Norfolk.

McIntosh had competed in 10 bouts all of which he had gained victory. However, against Cleverly he suffered his first defeat at York Hall when stopped in round 7 of 12 in a bout which took place on 18 July 2009.

(McIntosh went on and captured the European lightheavyweight title at a later date).

On 9 October 2009 once again at York Hall, Cleverly went back into action, putting his British & Commonwealth titles on the line against Courtney Fry who had a resume of 15 fights consisting of 13 wins and 2 defeats. The championship belts remained with Cleverly when he stopped Fry in the 8th stanza of 12.

The next step in the career of Cleverly came on the 13 February 2010 when he stepped into the ring at the Wembley Arena in London to contest the vacant European light-heavyweight title against Italy’s Antonio Brancalion, who really knew his way around the ring after having 41 bouts, winning 32, losing 7 with 2 drawn. A win for the Welshman would put him in sight of a world title shot. Cleverly did not disappoint, he

Nathan Cleverly being lifted after a victory. Photo by Philip Sharkey. stopped the Italian in round 5 of a scheduled 12. first time when meeting challenger Aleksy Kuziemski of Poland. The bout took place at the O2 Arena in Cleverly’s next opponent was Germany’s Karo Murat Greenwich, London. Kuziemski, who had a resume who was undefeated in 22 contests and had every of 23 fights, winning 21 and losing 2, was stopped intention of keeping his perfect record intact. Likewise,

by Cleverly in round 4 of 12. The next challenger the Welshman who was yet to meet with defeat having came from the UK, that man being the British and won 19 of his previous bouts was also determined Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Tony to continue with his successful run. At the LG Arena, Bellew from Liverpool, who was undefeated in 16 Birmingham, on 18 September 2010 the pair met in bouts. This looked like being a tougher contest for a WBO world title eliminator which was scheduled for Cleverly. At the Echo Arena in Liverpool the champion 12 rounds. The fight was duly won by Cleverly when retained his title after a hard-fought contest by way of Murat retired in round 9 of 12. The Welshman was now a 12-round point’s victory where both men had their making waves on the world front, it was now accepted resolve tested to the full. by many that he was a real threat to the top men in the division.

Cleverly put on the gloves again on the 25 February 2012 to defend his crown against American Tommy On 11 December 2010 Cleverly was matched with Karpency, who came with a record of 24 fights, 21 Nadjib Mohammedi of France for the vacant WBO wins, 2 defeats and 1 draw. The event took place at Interim world light-heavyweight title. Mohammedi the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff and the Welsh fans had a resume of 24 bouts with 23 wins and 1 defeat. left after the fight was over feeling more than pleased.

Like Cleverly, the Frenchman realised that this fight Their hero had retained the title with a 12-round was a big opportunity, a chance to really make a points victory. For his next defence Cleverly travelled statement. The bout, which was held at the Echo Arena overseas to the USA and at the Staples Centre, in Liverpool, saw Cleverly box his way to a 12-round Los Angeles in California, knocked out home fighter point’s victory. Soon after the Welshman was promoted Shawn Hawk in round 8 of 12. The Welshman was on to full world champion. course for even bigger fights in the future which would obviously mean bigger purses.

On 21 May 2011 he put the WBO title on the line for the

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On 20 April 2013, at the Wembley Arena, Cleverly put his title on the line against Robin Krasniqi from Germany. The challenger came with an impressive record consisting of 41 fights with 39 wins and 2 defeats. The bout went the full distance of 12 rounds and while Krasniqi made a worthy attempt to take the championship, he was outpointed by Cleverly.

Everything was going well for the Welshman who was proving to be a good champion, but his next defence was fraught with danger. He was to face a man who was a real threat to his reign as titleholder. Russian born Sergey Kovalev, who was nick-named Krusher, was a fearsome puncher who came with an undefeated record of 22 fights with 1 drawn. The home fans at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff hoped that Cleverly, who entered the ring undefeated in 26 bouts, would turn back this man and hence keep the title. However, the challenger’s reputation as a dangerous man proved true when he took the championship on 17 August 2013 by way of a stoppage in the 4th stanza of 12. This was of course a massive setback for the Welsh warrior.

After a period of time Cleverly resumed his career and it was decided that he would move up a division from light-heavyweight to the Cruiserweight poundage. On 17 May 2014 Cleverly returned to the Motorpoint Arena and crossed gloves with Guyana Shawn Corbin who had a slate of 21 fights with 17 wins and 4 defeats.

The contest was for the vacant WBA Inter-continental cruiserweight crown which the Welshman won when he stopped the visitor in the 2nd round of a bout set for 12. On 12 July 2014 the title was defended for the first time by Cleverly at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. The challenger from Argentina, Alejandro Emillio Valori, who came with a slate of 19 fights winning 15 and losing 4 was not able to add to his win column. The challenger’s interest in the bout came to a close when he was halted in the 4th session by Cleverly.

In his next outing Cleverly took on old rival Tony Bellew, an opponent whom he defeated in 2011. Since their last meeting Bellew had challenged for the WBC world light-heavyweight title against the holder Adonis Stevenson in a bout which took place in Canada. The bid for the crown failed when Bellew was stopped in round 6 of 12. Cleverly was now meeting a man whose record stood at 25 fights with 22 wins 2 defeats and 1 draw. The bout was held on the 22 November 2014 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and Bellew gained revenged when he outpointed the Welshman over 12 rounds. (Bellew went on to eventually capture the vacant WBC world cruiserweight championship on 29 May 2016 when he stopped opponent Ilunga Junior Makabu of the Democratic Republic of Congo in round 3 of 12).

On 30 May 2015 Cleverly graced the ring once more when he met Czech Republic born Thomas Man at the

34 CARDIFF TIMES

O2 Arena in Greenwich London. During his career Man had put together a record of 22 bouts with 13 wins 8 defeats and 1 draw. This was a routine assignment for the Welsh fighter, and it came as no surprise when he won easily, stopping his opponent in the 1st stanza of 8.

It was off to the USA for his next bout on 16 October 2015 whereupon Cleverly challenged Andrzej Fonfara for the WBC International light-heavyweight title. The Polish-born champion was a tough battler who had a record of 31 fights consisting of 27 wins 3 defeats and 1 no contest. A win here would provide the Welshman with the opportunity of getting another shot at a world title. At the UIC Pavilion in Chicago the two men gave the spectators value for their money. The pair slugged it out in an exciting bout which went the full 12 rounds, at the end of which the points verdict went to Fonfara who retained his title.

Cleverly returned home empty handed but an unexpected golden chance was presented to him on 1 October 2016 when he went to Germany to challenge Juergen Braehmer for the WBA secondary version of the world light-heavyweight crown. The bout took place at the Jahnsportforum, Neubrandenburg. The champion was an experienced fighter with a fight record revealing that he had participated in 50 fights winning 48 and losing 2. There was no doubt that Cleverly was up against it and the odds of him pulling off a victory in the 12 round bout were very slim. However, in round 6 the title changed hands when Braehmer retired from the bout giving Cleverly the win. This was a wonderful moment for the Welshman whose career had been given a massive boost by this win.

On 26 August 2017 Cleverly made the first defence of the title against former WBC world super-middleweight king Badou Jack, a Swedish born fighter who came with a record of 24 bouts 21 victories with 1 defeat and 2 draws. The fight took place in the USA at the T Mobile Arena, Las Vegas in Nevada. The scheduled 12 round bout finished in round 5 when Jack stopped Cleverly in round 5 to take the title. This was the end of the road for Cleverly and he later announced his retirement from boxing. A sensible move since there was little to gain from continuing in the sport.

To his credit Cleverly had been an excellent fighter during his time in the ring, he had taken part in 34 bouts winning 30 and losing 4 of said fights. The Welshman had won major championships like the British, Commonwealth, European and world titles, a remarkable tally. Outside of boxing Cleverly had graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc in mathematics, which will serve him well in life. Nathan Cleverly was a great addition to the long list of boxers that Wales can be more than proud of.

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Ed Sheeran Wows Fans at the Principality Stadium Ed Sheeran is one of the UK’s most talented singersongwriters, selling over 150 million records worldwide.

Having been a huge fan since the release of his debut album ‘+’ in 2011, we were excited to attend his concert at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 28th May. The atmosphere surrounding the stadium was ecstatic with stalls selling merchandise and fans getting their faces covered with fancy glitter shapes. Due to concerts being sold out so quickly, three performances took place over a period of three days. Even bars were putting on Ginge Cocktails in celebration of Ed coming to the city. A great marketing strategy we thought.

One of the last concerts I attended in Cardiff on a large scale, was Michael Jackson’s, with Kim Wilde as support act back in 1988. Although the experience was memorable, I couldn’t help thinking it was pointless attending a live concert when you spend half the time looking at a screen because the act looks like a tiny dot in the far distance. However, on this occasion the stage was centralised giving fans a good view of the act no matter where you were situated. To add to this, the stage slowly rotated giving fans equal views of the setting.

Two support acts got the crowd going prior to Ed’s appearance. One being a talented female artist by the name of Dylan and other Maisie Peters. They’re certainly great artists to look out for in the future.

The countdown for Ed’s appearance lit up the large screens surrounding the stadium. With the excitement came Mexican waves from a thrilled audience. The demographics consisted mainly of young women but looking around there were many families with young children, young men, young and old couples and elderly family members, which is testament to Ed Sheeran captivating fans of all ages.

assistance. A huge cheer and applause came from onlookers showing gratitude towards his good nature.

Ed mixed up a medley of his songs, one being an up-tempo version of ‘Beautiful People’ which showed off various styles of his music.

The lighting and stage setting was spectacular. If a song was up-tempo the colours were bold and bright and for heartfelt ballads the screens projected simple shades and images; a perfect complement to match each genre.

As the evening unfolded the show stepped up a gear.

‘Castle On The Hill’ got the fans back out of their seats again and as soon as the crowd heard the opening lines to ‘Lego House’ onlookers went wild with excitement.

The emotion from the crowd when Ed sang ‘Dancing In The Dark’ and ‘Perfect’ was truly mesmerising. The stadium roof was open and the sky began to dim. Tiny lights flooded from mobile phones resembling stars flooded the stadium and onlookers sang and swayed in time with the songs. You could feel the outpour of love from fans. A truly remarkable experience to witness.

Ed teased the fans with what we thought was the final song of the night. The crowd began to plead with him to come back on stage. Within minutes the stage setting elevated once more. Ed appeared with a quick change into a football top. Nothing fancy which I admire about him. He then went on to sing three final songs. Which brings me on to his closing song ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’. What a showstopper! He burst into rapping; colours exploded on the screen. His manner seemed fired up sending out a clear message. It’s certainly one song I shall not forget.

The whole experience was euphoric. A night I shall not forget.

The countdown ended, a cylindrical cover surrounding the stage elevated, the crowd roared as Ed kicked off the show with an electrifying version of the song ‘Blow’. This got the audience high and out of their seats. Bursts of colourful smoke exploded into the air and off went several fireworks. A great start to warm up the already thrilled onlookers.

The engagement Ed had with the audience was genuinely captivating. He spoke of first starting off as an acoustic singer-songwriter and not feeling good enough to make it in the music industry. His lucky break came in 2009 when a song of his featured-on Olly Murs first album. Ed has gone on to write for A List Artists including the likes of Justin Bieber with the very catchy tune ‘Love Yourself’ which Ed sang faultlessly on the night. To add to his likeability, in the middle of singing ‘A Team’ (Ed’s breakthrough single in 2011) he stopped mid-song to ask two men to chill out and not fight, then later asked the crowd to make way for someone needing medical

CARDIFF TIMES 37

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Raising Awareness of EDS

by Natalie McCulloch

Can you imagine waking up in pain each day? Or the impact of chronic pain on day-to-day living? For those living with Ehlers Danlos syndromes (EDS), this is an all too frequent occurrence. EDS is a group of hereditary disorders affecting the connective tissues of the body which can cause joint, muscle and nerve pain as well as joints dislocating, headaches, and chronic fatigue. Living with such symptoms, as you can imagine, presents challenges and difficulties alongside the potential for anxiety and isolation.

One young lady who is familiar with these effects is Kye, 15, who was diagnosed in 2021 with EDS and has experienced pain and anxiety alongside this. For Kye, her anxiety predated the diagnosis and has been exacerbated by it.

Thankfully for Kye, she has found a way to balance this anxiety, in the form of Lily, who is a 1.5 kg cloth body, newborn styled reborn doll. Kye reports: “Lily helps me with my anxiety as when needed I can hold and look after her to calm me down, like support pets, Lily is there when I need support and comfort, I can dress her, sing to her put her to bed and so forth, however unlike a support animal she can be left without the worry of her safety and wellbeing.”

Reborn dolls were originally used by grieving mothers to help with loss but has slowly been introduced to help others with a range of mental and physical health problems. There are many different types, from hard plastic to silicone, and premature to toddler, all catering to different needs.

EDS cannot be cured so learning to live with it and control the symptoms is paramount to a healthy, functional lifestyle.

There are evidenced benefits to the right kind of support, exercise, physiotherapy and pain management techniques, however, finding what works for you as an individual is essential. For Kye, these dolls were her lifeline and she would encourage others to look into accessing one. “My best friend had one, I did my research following this, that’s how I decided it was the right strategy for me.” Kye would encourage people to be prepared to potentially face stigma from having the dolls as some people just see a ‘teen or adult with a doll’ and don’t see that for the many people who own one, they are so much more!

Research into therapy involving dolls is largely surrounding those with a diagnosis of dementia. Reported benefits included increased smiling, increased interaction and decrease in challenging behaviour. Although there hasn’t been much research done involving other conditions there is first-hand evidence from Kye and her friend who have both found the therapy in these dolls.

For more information please log onto: www.rebornbaby.org.uk Reborn Dolls UK - Realistic Lifelike Reborn Baby Shop https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndromes/

Kye explains: “From a young age I was flexible but prone to twisted ankles and wrist injuries. One day in ice skating rehearsal I reverse dislocated my shoulder and relocated it myself. After countless doctors’ appointments and a couple of A and E visits, a nurse said to me, ‘When having EDS of course you would be able to do that’ and I was confused, it turns out she was right, and I got my clinical diagnosis. While this was going on my dad left and I was constantly dismissed

by GPs who believed I was a clumsy child with growing pains making it out to be more than it was, these combined led me to having depression and anxiety. I was struggling with social activities and a lot of self-worth issues, my future had been ripped out from under me but my friend, Mylo, suggested that I get myself one of the dolls so I can stop working on the future and focus on the now, to stop thinking of other people’s opinion and take a moment out. While I still struggle with my health, Lily helps me deal with all of it.”

Unfortunately, there is a lack of specialist support for those with EDS and waiting lists for those with anxiety and so finding resources that work for each individual is so important.

Kye tells CT mag that, “Lily is there when it gets tough and helps me. On days I’m stuck in a wheelchair she sits with me and if I am stuck in bed I read to her. I have other friends who have reborn dolls to help with their mental health, we go on day trips together.”

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Reiki Healing

Japanese healing technique Reiki has been used for almost a century to help with a wide variety of physical and psychological issues

by Lisa Pryce-Jones

Reiki in small groups. The Reiki 1 course enables you to give yourself Reiki and to also help your friends and family. Some courses are taught jointly with David Muzzlewhite. Lisa and David are both very experienced healers and became Reiki Master Teachers in 2019 when they trained in Japan.

During the training they visited the birthplace of Reiki (Mount Kurama), palaces, shrines, ancient Zen gardens, learned how to write the Reiki symbols in a calligraphy class and travelled to Tokyo, passing Mount Fuji, to pay respects at Dr Usui’s resting place.

Reiki is a healing technique (also called energy healing) where the therapist can channel universal energy to the recipient which activates the body’s natural healing processes, balances the energy body which then impacts positively upon the physical body.

It works on the physical, mental and emotional level at the same time. Most clients describe their session as being extremely relaxing, peaceful and feel energised following it.

Reiki was founded nearly 100 years ago by Dr Mikao Usui in Japan. It is not based upon any belief or faith and is offered all over the world. It is a non-invasive complementary therapy that works alongside conventional medicine and can be used safely by people of all ages, including pregnant mothers, new-born babies, surgical patients, the frail, the elderly and in fact in any situation.

Healing can either be done by touching non-sensitive parts of the body or distantly (sending the healing from a distance) which is just as effective.

In addition to offering one to one Reiki healing sessions at her Newport practice Lisa also teaches

Many hospitals and hospices offer Reiki too. Lisa and David are both trained to work in hospital and care settings and with permission of the surgeon can offer healing pre, during and post-surgery too.

To find out more about how Reiki could help you just get in touch now to arrange your free telephone consultation.

Lisa Pryce-Jones Hypnotherapy & Healing www.hypnotherapyandhealing.co.uk Lisapryce-jones@outlook.com 07427 451992

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CARDIFF TIMES 43

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School stops for summer, learning doesn’t have to

Er bod yr ysgol yn gorffen dros yr haf, gall y dysgu barhau

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the summer to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.

Mae rhaglenni mathemateg a Saesneg Kumon yn parhau trwy gydol yr haf i sicrhau bod eich plentyn yn dysgu ac yn datblygu ei allu yn gyson.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

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