Cardiff Times - March 2022

MARCH 2022

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EDITORS LETTER

CARDIFF TIMES

Welcome Welcome Welcome CARDIFF TIMES

EDITORS LETTER

CARDIFF TIMES CARDIFF TIMES PUBLISHER Cardiff Times

PUBLISHER EDITOR Cardiff Louise Times Denning PUBLISHER 07903 947594 EDITOR Cardiff Times Louise Denning FEATURES EDITOR EDITOR 07903 947594 Mark Denning Louise Denning 07758 247194 07903 947594 FEATURES EDITOR Mark Denning SALES & MARKETING FEATURES 07758 Beth 247194EDITOR Mark Denning beth@cardiff-times.co.uk 07758 247194 SALES & MARKETING Beth SALES & MARKETING beth@cardiff-times.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Beth Wyn Evans, Vince Nolan, beth@cardiff-times.co.uk Sara John, Carl Marsh, CONTRIBUTORS Michael Fogg, Kellie Williams, Wyn Nolan, RalphEvans, Oates,Vince Natalie McCulloch, CONTRIBUTORS Sara John, Carl Marsh, Jen Abell Wyn Evans, Vince Nolan, Michael Fogg, Ralph Oates, Sara John, Carl Marsh, Natalie McCulloch Michael Fogg, Kellie Williams, Ralph Oates, Natalie McCulloch, Jen Abell

EDITORS LETTER

Hi All, and welcome to our November issue.

It only seems like yesterday we were completing our last issue but

a month has moved Time reallymanaged does fly to by.enjoy Covid Greetings to one and on all. since.

We hope you’ve the seemsseason to be doing it's rounds in schools in Cardiff, especially at festive with loved ones and wish you a prosperous new year.

Welco

ourAll, daughter’s primary school, but luckily, we know of no-one who Hi and welcome to our March issue. is ill with the Thank goodness Hi seriously All, and welcome tovirus. our November issue. so many people As we reflect back on 2021, it would be remiss not to mention the

have received vaccinations.

passing of our longtime contributor Michael James. Michael cared February a record breaker but unfortunately It only seems like yesterday wewas were completing our last for issue but deeply for hiswas community which reflected in his articles many October is always a quiet month forus ustoinbeterms ofpeople. birthdays, a month has moved on since.

Time really does fly by.

Covid years.

His legacy will always inspire better not in a good way, as one storm a� er another celebrations just it's going out in This couldespecially be because seems to be or doing rounds in general. schools in Cardiff, at PUBLISHER we starting towe think about the chaos and non-stop activity our are daughter’s primary school, butnominated luckily, we know of no-one who Hi All, and that welcome to our N Also during 2021 were proudly for, and won, two ba� ered us.

Hopefully March will be a bit calmer, Cardiff Times is the month December and mentally preparing ourselves for a seriously illofwith theMagazine. virus.

Thank goodness soawards many people awards for being Best Achieving these will always certain celebration, or it could just be we haven’t been invited to have received vaccinations. plus its now offi cially Spring, so in theory our It only seems like yesterday be a great honour and could not have been done without our team of go anywhere! a month has moved on since tremendous writers. They are all unique and contribute something EDITOR weather should be makes ge�ng be� er! accessible October is different always awhich quiet month for magazine us in terms of birthdays, seemstotoallbe doing it's round completely the

Louise Denning

celebrations or just going outcelebrating in general.our This couldour be daughter’s because This month though, we'll be daughter's birthday. primary scho readers.

07903 947594 we are starting to think about and activity that Not sure what she wants to dothe or where she non-stop wants toseriously go is ill with the virus.

We were lucky enough tochaos manage to get abecause short is the month ofbrought December andon mentally preparing ourselves for -a vaccinations. have received she keeps changing her ideas to celebrate her big day Last year also themind struggle of trying to keep the magazine break last month which was great for recharging certainand celebration, it could just beMark we haven’t been invited sounds a bit likebeen herormum! (that was saying that by the to going it has tough.

Bookings from the hospitality industry FEATURES EDITOR go anywhere!

October is always a quiet mo way!). make up a eries huge part of our advertising, especially during the festive the ba� & just switching off from work, I Mark Denning celebrations season, but due to closures and the uncertainty of more possible or just going ou This month though, we'll be celebrating our daughter's birthday. we are starting 07758 247194 lockdowns, organisers have postponed events or to think abou And another celebration thiscancelled month the book launch of our thoroughly recommend it!isshows,

Not sure what had she wants towho do where she wants to goOur because the month simply haven’t the budget toor spend any money atis all. talented writer Sara John, not content with providing us withof December an certain or it coul she keepsischanging her mind on ideas to celebrate her and bigcelebration, magazine free so without funding its impossible to print an incredibly varied number of articles, has now turned her hand SALES & MARKETING This month marks the second anniversary ofI day thegoso anywhere! sounds a aher bit like mum! was start Mark that byallthe distribute magazine.

It will (that inevitably tosaying improve, can to writing ownher book.

Beth way!). any business struggling is, in there anddiffi try any new way fisay rsttoCOVID lockdown.

Anhang incredibly cult period month though, we'll be to create newleast ideasour if you can. goes to…….This beth@cardiff-times.co.uk Last but not thirdpossibly celebration the magazine

of metalented forcelebration sowriters. manythis people, itgone now seems that Notaof sure And another month is the book launch ourwhat she wants to and�our We have only and won best she keeps changing her min We’ve had some rather unpleasant events occur inproviding 2021 related to talented writer Sara John, who not content with us with magazine award.

It's great to be recognised after all these years. thanks to the hugenoteff ort the NHS, medical work, butwell we’re certainly giving inof to any if anything sounds ahand bit like her mum! (t anhuge incredibly varied of every articles, has nowdedicated turned herand A done to number each and one ofnegativity, our CONTRIBUTORS they have her spurred on to be development, more positive inwe 2022. way!). to writing own us book. research and vaccine can look inspirational writers, and a pateven on the back for us, sometimes all Wyn Evans, the hard work isVince worth itNolan, after all!

Keep smiling, keep dreaming and keep safe everyone. forward op� mis� cally to the future.

And another celebration this Last not least third celebration goes to……. the magazine Sarabut John, Carlour Marsh,

EDITORS LETTER talented and ourcontinue talented to writers.

We everyone, have only gone andnext won a bestwriter Sara John, w Please stay safe and until month,

EDITORIAL 029 2046 3028 ADVERTISING 07903 947594 EMAIL info@cardiff-times.co.uk WEB www.cardiff-times.co.uk EDITORIAL 029 2046 3028 ADVERTISING 07903 947594 EMAIL info@cardiff-times.co.uk WEB www.cardiff-times.co.uk

Michael Fogg, Kellie Williams, CARDIFF TIMES Happy Newaward.

Year! incredibly magazine It's greatof to wri� be recognised allanthese Finally, at the �me ng this,after Wales areyears.varied number happy reading.

Ralph Oates, Natalie to writing her own book.

A huge well done to eachMcCulloch, and every one of our dedicated and Welcome preparing to face inback thefor Sixus,Na� ons. This inspirational andEngland a pat on the sometimes all Jen Abell writers, Last but not least our third c the hard work is Mark worth it after all!

Louise & PUBLISHER is always the fi xture Wales looks forward to the Louise & Mark and our talented writers. We Cardiff Times magazine award. It's great to Please to stay and until next month, most, so good lucksafe to everyone, all the players and coaches, EDITOR continue Louise Denning A huge well done to each an happy reading.

07903are 947594all behind you! we inspirational writers, and a p Hi All, and welcome to our November issue.

It only seems like yesterday we were completing our last issue but a month has moved on since. Time really does fly by. Covid seems to be doing it's rounds in schools in Cardiff, especially at our daughter’s primary school, but luckily, we know of no-one who is seriously ill with the virus. Thank goodness so many people have received vaccinations.

FEATURES EDITOR EDITORIAL 029 2046 3028 hard work is worth it afte October is always a quiet month for us in terms ofthe birthdays, Mark Denning celebrations or just going out in general. This could be because we are starting to think about the chaos and non-stop activity that 07758 247194 ADVERTISING 07903 947594 is the month of December and mentally preparing ourselves for a Louise & Mark certain celebration, or it could just be we haven’t been invited Pleaseto continue to stay safe SALES & MARKETING go anywhere!

EMAIL info@cardiff-times.co.uk Beth happy reading.

This month though, we'll be celebrating our daughter's birthday. beth@cardiff-times.co.uk Not sure what she wants to do or where she wants to go because WEB www.cardiff-times.co.uk she keeps changing her mind on ideas to celebrate her big day sounds a bit 3028 like her mum! (that was Mark saying that by the EDITORIAL 029 2046 CONTRIBUTORS way!).

Wyn Evans, Vince Nolan, ADVERTISING 07903 947594 And another celebration this month is the book launch of our Sara John, Carl Marsh, Louise & Mark Follow us on Twitter @CardiffTimes talented writer Sara John, who not content with providing us with Michael Fogg, Kellie Williams, an incredibly varied number of articles, has now turned her hand EMAIL Follow usNatalie on info@cardiff-times.co.uk Twitter @CardiffTimes Ralph Oates, McCulloch, to writing her own book.

Jen Abell Last but not least our third celebration goes to……. the magazine WEB www.cardiff-times.co.uk and our talented writers. We have only gone and won a best magazine award. It's great to be recognised after all these years.

A huge well done to each and every one of our dedicated and

inspirational writers, and a pat on the back for us, sometimes all www.facebook.com/Cardifftimes the hard work is worth it after all! www.facebook.com/Cardifftimes Please continue to stay safe everyone, and until next month, Follow us on Twitter @CardiffTimes happy reading.

EDITORIAL

029 2046 3028 07903 947594 info@cardiff-times.co.uk www.cardiff-times.co.uk

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March CONTENTS 6 Seize the Day!

by Wyn Evans 8 MARCH AT ST DAVID’S HALL 12 Hannibal Lecter and the Magnet

by Vince Nolan 16 In The Words Of

by Carl Marsh 22 Celtic Cousins – Part Two

by Sara John

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by Lisa Pryce-Jones 32 A Big Night at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff

by Ralph Oates

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36 Protect Your Wealth

by Michael Fogg 38 Fashion done your own way

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SERVICING BRAKES CLUTCH DIAGNOSTICS M.O.T PREP

44 Raising awareness of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and the charity LATCH who give much needed support

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Seize the Day! byWyn Evans Storm Eunice blew her trumpet and our walls came tumbling down. Well, not exactly our walls, rather our garden fencing. The prior owners of our home had done a decent conversion job on the property, adding an extension to both sides of the house, putting in underfloor heating, creating a lovely kitchen/ living room, building a patio, and fencing the plot - front, back and sides.

The fencing however bore within it the seeds of its own destruction. Being double-panelled, ten foot tall and, at the back of the house being 30.6 metres long, there is a great weight of wood just waiting to be upended by a powerful enough wind. Well, the fence withstood Storm Arwen and even saw off Duncan; but Eunice was not nice, not nice at all. She teased and tested the structure, finding weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The weather worsened until, with a very unpleasing sneezing and wheezing, the woodwork crashed to the ground. Luckily, no one was hurt. But we are left with two lengths of double panelling - twelve foot by ten foot - laying half in half out of our garden and weighing far too much for me to shift even an inch.

6 CARDIFF TIMES

Naturally, our next task was to find a proficient fencing company. On first impressions, we have managed this. They came and quoted us to make a temporary fix prior to coming and replacing all of the remaining fencing at the back and sides later in the week. We’ve decided not to replace like with like but to erect a mere six-foot fence, letting in the light upon our vegetable beds and greenhouse.

Hopefully the new shorter fencing will also look less forbidding than the one Eunice destroyed – less like a stockade! So that’s been our excitement, the aftermath of which will continue into the half-term holidays.

Meanwhile The Girl, my fifteen-year-old daughter who has Down Syndrome, has had some success at the Welsh Regional Trampoline Championships. She scored another first place in the UK Inter-Regional Challenge Cup. She did what she had to to get through to the next stage by winning her group. The trampolinists have to compete across two programmes: set and voluntary.

Next time she hopes to do two forward somersaults in the voluntary programme.

Also, she is still learning something called the barani and also the backward somersault.

Her coach quite rightly will not allow her to do these in competition until she can be certain of landing them perfectly; she’s not there yet but, boy, does she work hard and I imagine it won’t be too long before she can introduce these into her routine too.

The Girl turns sixteen at the end of March.

How can I put this best? With every passing year, she becomes more herself. Traits and actions that were barely there when she was a child are now becoming pronounced characteristics.

She is determined, kind and hardworking, full of love and fun-loving.

These sixteen years have flown by and watching my daughter turn into this gifted, thoughtful, beautiful young woman has been the most rewarding experience of my life. And now she stands on the precipice of independence; another couple of years of education and then she’ll be looking at choosing a career, driving a car, having a relationship, starting a family. I have always believed that our job as parents is to bring up our children to know the difference between right and wrong, to be loving, and to prepare them for their own adulthood – ready to leave the nest and make their own journeys out into the world.

I imagine that I would find this ‘letting go’ a hard thing to do in practice whether or not my daughter had Down Syndrome; there’s a protective instinct in every parent after all. But I’d be lying if I did not admit to some fears. I am myself getting older and have Parkinson’s to navigate. What will this mean for my ability to be there for my daughter and for her mum, The Boss? Will the world be kind to my Girl? Will her typically developing colleagues look beyond her extra chromosome and see the loyalty and fun and love that The Girl has in abundance?

Will they accept her as an equal, with lots to give and something to say? If you are a parent of a typically-developing child... if you are a typically-developing child... are you open to taking that extra step and making The Girl your Friend and not just your friend?

Forgive this old man. Perhaps there is a link between the fence around my house coming tumbling down and these feelings of existential doubt? Perhaps it’s just the proximity of a significant birthday making me consider Time’s Winged Chariot drawing near? But if there is one message from this article this month it is this: Carpe Diem, seize the day!

CARDIFF TIMES 7

Cardiff Times March - Page 1 Editorial_Layout 1 21/02/2022 16:22 Page 1

MARCH AT ST DAVID’S HALL MARCH offers another typically diverse programme at St David’s Hall from captivating classical music to superb stand-up comedy.

The month starts in style with the Harps of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (Tues 1 March) celebrating St David’s Day at the National Concert Hall of Wales. Later that day sees the first of several hilarious shows this month as Josh Widdicombe (Tues 1 March) finally gets to perform in Cardiff after several reschedules. You’ll need to hurry though as only very limited tickets are now remaining, and the same can be said for Paul Smith (Weds 2 March), John Bishop (Sun 20 March), Ed Bynre (Sat 26 March) and Jimmy Carr (Mon 28 March). Katherine Ryan (Thurs 3 March) has already sold out, but as ever please keep a close eye on our website and social media for any late seat releases.

Meanwhile, our Cardiff Classical season continues as Christoph König conducts BBC National Orchestra of Wales (Thurs 10 March) through the epic journey of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. Plus, virtuoso pianist, Isata Kanneh-Mason performs as soloist with London Mozart Players (Thurs 24 March), while her sister Jeneba Kanneh-Mason (Tues 29 March) delivers a powerful programme of Bach, Mozart, Scriabin and Liszt as part our Spring Lunchtime Concerts. Another perfect way to break up your day is provided by Taro (Tues 8 March) with an early afternoon performance of Steve Reich master works by percussionists at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

Elsewhere, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra (Fri 18 March) resume their season with a tribute to one of the greatest composers off all time in Tchaikovsky Night. Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra (Sun 27 March) also return with a rousing repertoire featuring Beethoven and Brahms, while Sir Karl Jenkins (Sun 13 March) performs his most poignant work, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

There’s the usual healthy helpings of rock and pop. Francis Rossi takes Status Quo (Tues 15 March) on the road once again on the Out Out Quoing tour, and 10cc (Weds 30 March) reel off their biggest hits such as No.1 singles Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and I’m Not In Love. Spandau Ballet legend Tony Hadley (Weds 9 March) marks his 40th anniversary in the music business, while the remarkable voice of M People, Heather Small (Fri 25 March) is also back along with the BRIT Award-winning James Morrison (Sat 12 March). Texas (Mon 14 March) celebrate 30 years of their acclaimed debut album Southside. Plus, there’s the Grammy-nominated Joe Jackson (Sat 19 March) with a career-spanning set on his Sing, You Sinners tour, and ELO Again (Fri 4 March) - the ultimate tribute to Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra. If acoustic music is more your thing, we’ve got that covered too with one of the greatest fingerstyle players ever in Tommy Emmanuel (Sat 5 March), while Roots Unearthed returns to the L3 Lounge with the fantastic folk trio of Harley Kimbro Lewis (Tues 8 March).

One of the hottest tickets in town is Firedance (Sun 6 March) featuring Strictly superstars Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez. Starring G4 frontman Jonathan Ansell and Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall, Ansell’s Les Musicals (Mon 7 March) celebrates the very best of Broadway and the West End from Wicked to We Will Rock You. Last but by no means least is celebrity chef, James Martin (Thurs 17 March), who shares his top culinary tips via cooking tasks and demonstrations featuring some very special guests!

8 CARDIFF TIMES

Cardiff Times March - Page 2_Layout 1 21/02/2022 16:30 Page 1

TONY HADLEY 40th Anniversary Tour 09.03.22

ELO AGAIN Re-Discovery 04.03.22

LONDON MOZART PLAYERS feat. Isata Kanneh-Mason 24.03.22

HEATHER SMALL The Voice of M People 25.03.22

CARDIFF PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Tchaikovsky Night 18.03.22

JENEBA KANNEH-MASON Lunchtime Concert 29.03.22

HARLEY KIMBRO LEWIS Roots Unearthed 08.03.22

FIREDANCE Gorka Márquez & Karen Hauer 06.03.22

ANSELL’S LES MUSICALS Jai McDowall & Jonathan Ansell 07.03.22

SIR KARL JENKINS The Armed Man 13.03.22

TOMMY EMMANUEL + Jerry Douglas 05.03.22

BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES 10.03.22 CARDIFF TIMES 9

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‘And Another Thing...’

Hannibal Lecter and the Magnet byVince Nolan Quite by accident, the current Mrs Nolan dropped the top from the toothpaste tube down the bathroom sink plug hole. The waste trap was inaccessible so ever the former boy scout (prepared), I managed to retrieve it using ingenuity and a pair of long-nosed scissors. Having used my torchlit phone to light the way I found that a nail file had also taken up residence in the same place. When questioned, She told me that she thought she had dropped it on the bathroom floor and had then accidentally hoovered it up. Not a very plausible story I think you will agree and what that might have done to Hetty, our cleaning machine, I do not know.

I could not reach the file so had a brainwave.

I went to the internet of things and ordered a “super strong ring magnet” which I thought I might tie onto some string and lower it down the plug hole and thus capture the nail file.

Genius. I did a track and trace on the delivery of this circular, positively charged piece of rescue equipment. It was sent from Nottingham to Cardiff to a depot and then from Cardiff to Avonmouth to another depot before being dropped off at Nolan Towers. This magnet had travelled further than I do on my holidays.

Anyway, I tied string through the middle of it and carefully lowered it down the plughole.

12 CARDIFF TIMES

Of course, it caught on all the metal bits on the way down as it had been trained to do at Ninja Magnet Training School. One reassuring clang later and the nail file stuck to the magnet which I then carefully returned safely to the surface to be reunited with its grateful owner. Mission accomplished. She, by this time, had bought another nail file so my well-intentioned actions were in vain. So if anyone needs anything metallic rescuing from inaccessible areas, I am your man, depending of course, on where it is located and why.

I have since found out there is a regular newsletter snappily entitled “Magnet News” with updates and articles written about forthcoming technological advances in all things magnetic.

This makes watching paint dry seem positively stimulating. However, I am very pleased with our new “super strong fridge magnet.” So far we’ve got eight fridges.

Believe it or not, the very same day as the great magnet rescue I was making a liver casserole, (I know, I spoil that woman). I was using the slow cooker as The Leader of the Opposition had an evening class – Assassination for Beginners or some such thing and would require feeding on her return. I was in the process of cutting up the raw liver with our biggest and sharpest knife when my phone rang and simultaneously, there was a knock at the door. Not another magnet delivery I thought to myself and went to see who it was. I am not sure what the guy was selling but the look of horror on his face told its own story. Since I was “multi-tasking” I had inadvertently opened the door still holding a long sharp carving knife that was covered in blood from the liver. To lighten the mood I casually shouted after the fast retreating figure that I was just putting the fava beans on with a chianti, (in true Hannibal Lecter style) and spent the rest of the afternoon

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Picture theit interruptions and aOpposition stream of “furious debate.” who has an even larger dog.

Again, The world has taken a down strange –seems at leastWith ruled he could turn iftwist he wanted special dispensation by our First Minister. scene, 5pm on a sunny oky our socially distanced local, The Funky Furlough, a hunting accident? No eye deer. a decent bloke but has attracted a number of the parts I seem to occupy.

I have been this in mind I have collated some quality put-downs to.

No pleasing some folk. weekday evening atfrom theayou side How long have had arthritis?”

“I don’t Saw this in a local pub on their specials board: reading about proposal for the 2027 Rugby house calls the forces of law and order whencomics a lady close byused to usto asked Barmodern Manager decided that when Trump dies, I will give which have dealthe with day to the Brewery onwill “We Love Local and champion local farms entrance World Cup which any team in “but red I have arthritis, Father,” the drunk said, recently.

Next up, twoprevent parcel delivery blokes if the toilets were still upstairs.

He of course gy.

I will say: “He is today how he was as hecklers: Street where four exactly time itthat tried to and fisheries.”

All very butwarmed the first Caroline shirts and green shirts playing each other Yard)the to ensure we hadlaudable properly upjust since we didn’t want pullthe any drinking who spend more time to delivering parcels to their read in the paper that Pope does.”

Continuing pensioners who barely confiup rmed that they were but thought this todeliver be atoto make-up lying item on their menu and was Mediterranean Olives. because colour blind often struggle garage incould the dead of Ipeople night than they muscles. only sixinoffront us turned and a minimum of ten were required or the r.nt……….wearing I drank theUnfortunately, other three “What size of shoe does your mouth take?” stand were seen hanging onto Overheard in the same pub: “Every time we distinguish between the two.

Not criticising Staying with the drink, there has always the ropewho during a normal working day. Then very stupid question.

I would have said something men.”

Ricky visitTomlinson was off.here I engaged old-timers incustomers the bar (could have been the easons. a lamppost, for rather come we comefour here.” ou don’t say. were them of support, course but thisattached would affect Wales, we have another decent bloke who spends been much snobbery to wine. like: “I don’t know ecently asked by the son of a good friend theme: “This is illumination. what drinking an empty aforementioned ones from the Taff Vale) and asked themcomes whether they fancied having a than An from Canada, Ireland, Tonga, Russia,on South Africa most days washing and cleaning his girlfriend’s ritten about sell-buy dates before Indeed, people make a living from it, would andthey Japan.

Thisofhad me intrap, mindthey of that quote when madam was if I would write a urology his Dad’s brewery tour and freeforbeer forSoap the afternoon.

Fearing some kind honey took onhead.”afternoon even though ahestand doesn’t drive. Next cab butcar I am making because the o are mysome local on offer aeulogy Friday only 3supermarket shops I that really from BBC snooker commentator Ted of Lowe never…… remember. last with us but we I didn’t have the heart to say convincing my was genuine.

Cautiously, they agreed to join us.

Picture thewho off the rank is aduring familyone whoofdo not converse athe rope famously said his commentaries: lockdowns.

I’m giving up wine, every day, all “I know where you were when they were handing o perishables that would make at with Mark Daceyhere (on the dynamic CEO ofof us.5pm csavers, Boots and at all with any think they may beblack in scene, on a them sunny moved out to ewZoom whatcall he meant.

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

No wait, not it.

I’m giving up. the brains out………getting an extra helping of In fact I hadand some doubt aand witness protection Finally, ofdrugs Colleges.

Itsausage does not whether need me to suggest the uncanny the pink nextcar to the s.roup and weekday evening atgreen.” the sidea brewery gotwhite, on a bus and satisprogramme. the park many wrote: Wine every day all month! mouth.” few months ago we had a new couple buy the ittotoactor the Ricky car for the journey home. rope down next to a priest.

The Tomlinson or of vice versa. entrance to the Brewery u, butMike I have had months ago aonthe ourite tale, (heenough was affectionately Interesting lyric heard oneither the wireless house next door.we Not seen ofasthem since because it’s nothing to do with EU drunk's shirt was stained, his Two people out on a first date.

“Do you Caroline Street where four other day “Sports bra and a Maserati car.”

“Do you know, if you wore soundproof trousers and no cars on their drive.

Their house has not no direct consequence as Gaddafi because of his likeness don’t have to home school facelocal was full of bright red noser about sell-buy dates before but a recent trip to my supermarket inspection of the packaging like Merlot Tammy?”

“Yes, but you don’t Who would have thought of which that combination? pensioners who could barely I once owned one of the chewed pencils gone on the market, remains fully furnished and one would hear a word you’re saying.” lipstick and he had a halformer Libyan leader), involved a tripmake the following Monday. In fact I of Covid19.” Perhaps en highlight of the no perishables that salmost ofthe origin for fruit and vegwould like Apparently many have including a poet onto called is occasionally visited by an anonymous pronounce the “t.”

“Oh, Ok.” Looks atperson stand were seen hanging bottle of wine sticking Shakespeare used to write his famous works. used Staying with food, I asked Alexa, the empty this is “discovered”. why I He do not run to watch Wales play France.

We Dave Cox whom I have just entina.

Sothen these comestibles ether they would it to the car forwhat’s the home.

What is going under cover of darkness who takes away one journey day“Is leSthat on the sell-buy date.

It takes an inordinate amount oftheir skill to supply goo an MOT it’smake serious, your real face or are you still celebrating outwaiter: of his pocket. opened “TwoHe Merlots for for me andme Ammy.” aproperty lamppost, support, rather difference between light and dark soy sauce?

Intellectual rules prevent quoting to chew on it so much that I couldn’t tell whether it was a pub. veloped a with 20 year relationship withCloser in-@me post something.

Maybe withhis hours toorspare.

Waste levels mustit’s beus? astronomical. and started xotic picked, ing toaclimes, do supply issues? ofnewspaper the packaging along for theEU excitement. and minimum of tenpackaged, were required inspec@on or Halloween?” than illumination.

Andog any of hisDr work here but I encourage you to Our friend H has trained her Daisy A“Dark couple of minutes later, he asked the priest, "Father, what causes arthritis?"

A wife sent her hreading. side and played them home and 2B or not 2B. Staying with the Bard, in days gone by, or airport, distributed around UK soy sauce is used in Chinese cooking A recent WalesOnline article bi arrely claimed look him up.

A real comedy genius and hugely ofthe origin for fruit and veg like Tanzania and Argen@na.

So these Staying with food, I have been doing some research into what is no longer manufact visitit'swas off. engaged fourwith old-timers afternoon would Staying with the I Be wasunder busysurprise init.”

"Mister, caused

by Iloose living, being cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, andof they to bring her a bottle red wine.

No “Your bus leaves in 10neighbours: minutes... tothat add colour and flavour to months dishes.

Light isattract husband aquote romantic ndelivered French international weekends.

On GPs were working 40 an hour refreshing. to the shops and put on in order to women, I used to use this from the UK. The list is endless but here is a small sample Pringles ( elgium), the garden and our neighbour looked over the Smar@es (C who were in the bar (could have beenataken the @vated inan exo@c climes, picked, packaged, tothat," the port or airport, contempt for your fellow man," the priest replied.

"Imagine the drunk muttered.

He remember. never…… really, she’s a Bordeaux collie.

I was(France) sat and P ( ou w-whiff?

A phrase electromagnetic radiation within certain overtime.

I we have no doubt they are ridiculously text message.

She wrote: “If you are sleeping, send ticular trip (Mike’s fi rst), we did it in the one day left on the sell-buy date.

It Colman’s English Mustard ( Germany), Terrys Chocolate Orange fence (not the missing ones of course) and returned tostretched reading Thebut priest, thinking about what had said, turned tofor the aforementioned ones from the Taff Vale) “Well, it’s night out him.. and a 82: night offsaid: for his Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act III, Scene line Ia have also been reading Bob Mortimer’s UK warehouses then delivered to40 the shops and put he on the shelves with atpaper. present, months an hour? portion ofhis the electromagnetic spectrum.” with She Who Must BeIIV, Obeyed the other mes from the 18th Century “What are you doing?” said: “I’m putting Parliament) Sauce (The Netherlands).

Staggering. man and apologised: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come on so strong.

How long have you had eand amount of skill to supply goods me your dreams.

If you are laughing, send me your hioned way, a bus to Dover, ferry crossing whichwho I alsosmelled stronglylike a all our asked them they That’s overwhether three years an fancied hour. The only way dayautobiography family.”

A drunk Cheers. whilst she sipped a glass ofsaid: wine“Really? plants alphabetical order.”

She arthritis?"

"Ito don't have arthritis, Father," the drunk said,smile. "but I just read inin the paper that poignant recommend.

Funny, and clever, 24 spare.

Waste levels ething not straight was do would be to time travel maybe If you are eating, send me a bite.

If very you are n onhours to Paris.

I this was sitting next to him.

Atso ere’s one for you Knock knock.

Who’s there? iKle old lady. having atobrewery tour and free beer for the brewery got on a bus and sat I don’t know how you find the time.”

“Oh that’siKle old lady and she said, “I love you so much, you the Pope does." but enough about me.

In it he recalls a tale “Hello.” they were referring to Dr Who. In my world this Nolan Towers is located in a Cul-de-Sac, which “I need you like Van Gogh needed stereo.” mical.

I had no idea you could yodel. drinking, send me a sip.

If you are crying, send me aafternoon. uniformed Customs Officer cameofonto Fearing some kind honey trap, om the warp and weft).

Of down next toI could atopriest. easy,” I said, “It’s right next the sage.” about having chronic flatulence asever aThe child know.

Icourt don’t know how live be for likeCul-de-Sac. driving at 40Ithours a mile whichabout iswould French, was not terribly I was reading a case where the accused Staying with the drink, there hasbut always been they took some convincing that my offer which was both embarrassing and atwork times I love Her husband texted back: “ as and said: “Just hold up your passports drunk's shirt was stained, his would be quite not unlike towalked I trying am awas man of tears. awithout certain age soyou.” my doesor aswine well it used to onfused with related flattering when I slow looked up the meaning of you.”

Itolerance said, “Isthreshold that you the Iyour into our local bar, The Moaning Monet and d, I have beenthe doing some research Our other neighbour’s 4-year-old has been much snobbery attached to wine.

Indeed, very painful.

During one particular attack he was described as “having murderous intent.”

I was genuine.

Cautiously, they agreed to has join us. negotiate the recent traffic carnage initCardiff par@cularly when being asked to embrace new technology.

I was therefore I’m in the toilet, please advise.” nd I will come along and count them and this French closed sack.

One wit as “a face was full of bright red talking?”

She said, “It’s me talking to the I heartene saw Van Gogh sitting at for the end on a bar stool. ad to). nger manufactured init,they the UK. The learning Spanish many months. still people make a living from butimpose I am making went to the Doctors who managed toHe “release City Centre as bike aweekday lanes on the Picture the scene, 5pm on a sunny She Who Must e Obeyed suggested I download a new app called What Words. Th dead-end street” or “a road leading nowhere.” quite disappointed to learn that this had nothing to do lipstick and hequotes had aI the halfto me and said “I Pringles didn’t knowup can’t say “please” though, which think is poor shoutedwine.”

“Hey Vince do want a drink?” stand because of lockdowns.

I’m giving the pressure” foryou him.

He Doctor here is Charming. arest small sample: of the us. rike ofturned ours, let’s call her Drthese Despite unhelpful descriptors, naviga@on aid which divides the World into metre s uares and gives each s uare a evening at the side entrance to the Brewery for there is our neighbour as four. saying: “Better an empty house than a who empty bottle ofrich wine sticking wine, day, all month.

NoEnglish wait, that’s not Happy New YearFinally, Dear Reader, the Year of the ded a every passport and I haven’t got one.”

I camping. with es (Canada), Colman’s we have some unusual neighbours whomHe nocar combina@on of three words.

I s@ll drive about a lot for business, believe it or not an Finally, a blessing for the drink: God, in his alking out with Dr R who on Caroline Street where four pensioners shouted back: “No thanks, I’ve already got The Sainted Mother-In-Law was looking for noisy tenant” which I thought was very good. built himself ayear small ice rink. to I asked if I could one it. I’m giving up. Wine every day all month! out of his pocket.

He opened Apparently this is going be lucky hy), spiffi ng”doubt orChocolate words to that effect.

Then, a youOx. Terrys Orange feel the same about us. driving Toingive assured that this system would be much more accurate than using our sat nav. I use goodness, sent the grapes, to cheer both insurance now that her stunt days are Presumably this was in the days before the have a go.

He said, “It will cost you a pound.” who could barely stand were seen hanging ear.”news, my friendhis dio presenting.

We recently Finally, sad David has lost ID. newspaper andhis started some we simply polite Two people out on a first date.

“Dowant like the Ox representing diligence, persistence eminiscent acontext, War 2 find prisoner of war (Houses ofof Parliament) (The theneighbours rstwith @me the other dayaand theworking uni ue word loca@on I too was looking for was over.

IWorld managed toSauce a you reasonable policy, Doctors were 40 months an hour.

That’s cheapskate Ithree thought. great and small.

Little fools will drink onto a lamppost, for support, rather than Merlot Tammy?”

“Yes, but you don’t pronounce who do not make nuisances of themselves but reading.

A couple of minutes later, he asked the priest, "Father, what causes arthritis?" where a note was pinned. sorted it out and paid for it.

She in turn kindly Now he is just Dav. Are ost Design fault or user error? and honesty.

Notgreat for going be Trump’s year story, Mike ducked down into the footwell ggering.

Adios Amigos much and foolsto none at all. My round. illumination.

An afternoon they would the "Mister, “t.” are “Oh, Ok.” Looks at waiter: “Two Hasta la Vista. happy to sayby good morning.

Not interested reimbursed me with this immortal covering Adios Amigos it'shis caused loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, and at foot of door.

Live Radio then is it? me and I piled coat and mine on top of Merlots for me and Ammy.”you, Hasta Lanot Vista inemail their personal circumstances and wantI Chums never…… remember.

“Thank the Monet is in do the bank.” ou: “Knock knock.”

“Who’s there?” contempt for your fellow man," the priest replied.

"Imagine that," the drunk muttered. He d.”

Not to be outdone we old him not move, whilst wethis were both course countered “Therethe waspicture, really toofto go into their houses.

Towith complete Our friend Dr H has trained her dog Daisy to bring her a bottle of red wine. No surprise Little old lady who?”

“I had no idea returned to reading his paper.

The priest, thinking about what he had said, turned to the A drunkthere who smelled brewery gotand we no need to give me aapriceless are only 10like houses on our impressionist road dthe to laughing uncontrollably.

The following note: “Please really, she’s a Bordeaux collie.

I was satCustoms with She Who Must Be Obeyed the other day whilst painting butdown thank you anyway.” and apologised: "I'm Ithe didn't mean to come on so strong. How long have you had on man a bus and sat next to a priest. are number 16 which is sorry, where madness ked the bus, did the count, missed Mike

begins. no particular order, are some "IIndon't have arthritis, Father," the of drunk said, "but I just read in the paper that Thearthritis?" drunk’s shirt was stained, hishere face As we when people type certain the age sohave my observed tolerance wasthe fullPope of characters: bright does."red lipstick and he had ot work as well as it used to a half-empty bottle of wine sticking out of being asked to embrace new his Staying pocket.with He opened histhere newspaper and been the drink, has always therefore heartened when She CARDIFF TIMES 13 started A couple of minutes later,Indeed, muchreading. snobbery attached to wine. eyed suggested I download a new he people asked the priest, “Father, what make a living from it, but causes I am making a Words.

This is a navigation aid arthritis?”

“Mister, caused by loose stand because ofit’sthe lockdowns.

I’mliving, giving up

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CARDIFF TIMES 15

In The Words Of

by Carl Marsh

Ritchie is known, but with this being a remake of the French film “Cash Truck”, I don’t know how much he wanted or could have amended his version as I have not seen the French film. It’s a good film, worth watching, just not as good as I wanted it to be.

Four Stars INTERVIEWS

It’s been a hectic month with interviews aplenty.

Most of these are future offerings for you to peruse, such as cricket legend Phil Tufnell, rugby’s James Haskell and natures Steve Backshall. Keeping busy has made the days go quicker, as we all know that this time of year isn’t the best, to say the least! I am hopeful that the storms have not caused you all not too much of an issue. With myself living by the coast and rural, it’s been an exciting time chasing stuff around my property that was meant to be static, heavy, and free from flight! At least the seagulls have been kept out of our skies or from pinching chips.

The majority of February for myself has been glued to the TV screen watching the Winter Olympics in China. It was impressive once I’d gotten over the amount of fake snow and locations next to industrial chemical plant areas. I am hopeful that other nonendemic snow nations can hold the Winter Olympics in the future, using the technology that China implemented. Then again…

I don’t want to mention anything Welsh politics wise this month, as it’s pointless - a bit like Welsh politics!

REVIEWS - FILM Wrath of Man - Amazon Prime Who doesn’t like a Guy Ritchie film with the actor that starred in Ritchie’s first two movies, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch”: Jason Statham? Wrath of Man might not be set in the UK and dark comedies like those mentioned above, but it’s more like “Heat” and carries itself well. Action is the order of the day, which we get plenty of. I would have expected some twists and turns for which Guy 16 CARDIFF TIMES

There are two bands with new albums - one being a debut - and also touring in Wales for you this month, one being Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard (BBB) and the other, The Skinner Brothers. BBB are playing gigs at Clwb Ifor Bach (April 17th - two shows the same day!), and The Skinner Brothers are playing on March 17th at the same venue. I chatted to both the frontmen of the two bands, that being, Tom Rees and Zac Skinner, respectively. The debut album by BBB has been expected for a while, whilst the new album

by The Skinner Brothers could possibly be classed as a debut, as this is more of a mainstream release.

So I’d get both, then go and see the gigs.

Have a good March, and fingers crossed normality may be upon us soon, Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_CM Facebook - @InTheWordsOf YouTube - InTheWordsOf

Interview with Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s: Tom Rees Perhaps Cardiff’s best kept secret, but no more!

The debut album is here. The band have gigs (two) at Clwb Ifor Bach on the same day: matinee and evening shows. Now they have just been announced as one of the support acts for the Stereophonics gigs at the Principality Stadium in June! A band about to explode on the scene even more! I got time with the lead hombre, Tom Rees.

Carl Marsh Your band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard have just announced their first major UK headline tour – what can fans expect from you on the night?

Tom Rees I’m a big fan of packing as much energy as possible into such a small format so probably lots of noise, me flipping my fins about like an emperor penguin, amps dying halfway through the show, sweat bleeding into my eyes and making them all bloodshot and Ethan screaming “1, 2, 3, 4” - stuff like that.

transformed, wilfully or otherwise, into sweet bliss after the show. Seeing that many people just at a show for us was a wild feeling. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but usually I get the feeling that we’re doing our own thing and that’s cool - and if a couple of people come along then that’s super cool - but Cardiff Castle was something else.

Carl Marsh Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s debut album ‘Backhand Deals’ will hit shops in spring 2022. I am curious to know what is that title all about?

Tom Rees There’s of course a lot to say about any debut record, but I think most succinctly it’s an amalgamation of the band we have transformed into since our first EP, since being kids really. Sonically, visually and performatively, I hope it shows a sense of growth and maturity, though who knows, it could still just be silly rock music. We came up with the album name when we were all playing Monopoly online during lockdown and Ethan kept musing that he’d love to play physically because then you can get away with a bunch of backhand deals. We named it that as a joke but then it kind of informed the writing process for the record, what the contextual content of the songs revolved around etc.

Carl Marsh Tell us a bit about your previous single ‘Crescent Man vs Demolition Man’ – the subject matter deals with your fears for your hometown of Cardiff doesn’t it?

Tom Rees

Carl Marsh In 2021, you recently headlined a big outdoor show at Cardiff Castle, the first Welsh live music event following lockdown – how did it feel to finally get back on stage after all that time?

Tom Rees As it was our first show back it was most likely 70% anxiety in the first instance, but I have this theory about anxiety before a show insofar that I believe the more anxious I feel prior to a show, the more euphoric I feel after it - so that 70% anxiety was

It seems a little fickle: ‘Fledgling rock fanatic sticks it to the man with rock song about political injustice,’ but you’ve got to write about something, right? We’ve seen a number of music venues and other independent venues die away in favour of private developments of multi-storey-high-risemoney-printers for private landlords and the situation is so dark at the moment that there’s really only one street with properly equipped music venues on it now. Cardiff Council seem obsessed with allowing private developers to decimate the cultural soul of our city, and more so seem to enjoy watching it happen - like a voyeur, but with city planning.

The new album Backhand Deals is out now. Please also catch BBB at Clwb Ifor Bach on the 17th April.

CARDIFF TIMES 17

Interview with The Skinner Brothers - Zac Skinner With my cards on the table - and some of you will be aware - I know Zac, as I became a fan and mate since I was introduced to his music early last year.

The band is playing in Wales again at Clwb Ifor Bach on 17th March. The band also have a new album out called Soul Boy II which could be classed as their real debut, but for new and hardcore fans, you can always check out that first release to see how the band have improved.

Carl Marsh With this new album and headline tour coming up, do you now feel like you guys have made it?

Zac Skinner You’ve probably seen it more times than me, but I see bands - I guess - at another level up than us. And you sort of see it happen right in front of your eyes sometimes, like a band will release something, and suddenly they’ll be the hot news of the week. You see it happening and think, “How do I get that then?”.

I feel like we’ve been bubbling for quite a long time, and it sort of felt like we were there with the ‘Iconic’ EP, which is when we last had a private chat. That was the first release with the new management, but you don’t know what to expect. When’s our time when everyone goes, “They’re the ones for the minute”. [Laughs] Carl Marsh I don’t know, but I know what you mean. But it’ll just happen, mate. You’ll just wake up one day, and it’ll all be happening with all the money rolling in! [Laughter]

Someone just said to me that I’d got the blue tick, and I thought: “Oh yeah. Is that a wind-up?” So, I got it, and nothing changed! [Laughter] There was no great big bundle of money at the end of the rainbow.

But, people will look at it and think, “They must be sound, they must be good”.

Zac Skinner Carl Marsh The money! [Laughs]. I was thinking then that you’d say that I’m gonna wake up one day and say something like Liam Gallagher just reshared me on Twitter. That’s what I was thinking!

Do you find that you can devote a lot of your time to the music, as I know you are pretty [very] active on your socials?

Carl Marsh

Zac Skinner

I am sure you’ll be ok with the album coming out; loads of blue ticked stars will flock to it on the social media platforms and reshare it. Just wait and see.

Zac Skinner That doesn’t do anything as I just got the blue tick (a verified icon on social media platforms) the other month; it just appeared one morning, and I was like, “Oh, that’s great”. They [Twitter] didn’t tell me.

18 CARDIFF TIMES

Sometimes I try and fight to make the music - all the time - and balance my time. But, it’s quite a difficult period [album promotion], and I think you can’t balance your time well. I mean, I can’t go anywhere.

I literally have no time; I use every single hour in the day. And I still ain’t getting paid! [Laughs] The new album Soul Boy II is out now. Please also catch The Skinner Brothers at Clwb Ifor Bach on the 17th March.

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Celtic Cousins - Part Two

by Sara John Last month I made some observations regarding the Welsh and the Scots, cousins within the Celtic nations, who share similarities but also demonstrate differences.

I have more to add!

I bumped into a number of kilted Scots walking to Llandaff Railway station on the Saturday morning, of THE GAME between Wales and Scotland as they were clearly going to catch the train into the city centre.

Nothing surprising about that you may think. But they were with an equal number of locals, wearing more red items than they would normally put on all at the same time. All clearly with a common purpose, sharing jokes, laughing and generally messing about. Morning of the match. A magical time, equal amounts of worry and excitement.

On both sides.

Will the good humour last the day? Yes, it will.

Does it matter who wins? It does, but not so much for the Wales v Scotland or the Scotland v Wales games. Maybe winning is more critical for the other games in the Six Nations Internationals?

Welsh voices singing it as it had never been sung before.

A number of people confided in me that they went as much for the singing as for the game. Multiply that a few times for the games in the Principality Stadium.

I recall years ago when Bill McLaren was commentating after the Welsh Anthem was sung with great gusto and total conviction saying, “They must have been able to hear that in Treorchy!”

Frequently mentioned to me when we lived in Edinburgh was the tearful joy of the Scots when the Welsh sang Flower of Scotland full-pelt and full-hwyl at Murrayfield.

Apart from a serious regard for education, the written word, honesty, fair play, poetry, storytelling, an enduring respect for the past and as Robbie Burns wrote, recognising that, ‘a Man’s a Man for al’ that’, we share much else.

I know and clearly remembered what it sounded like. I have been there and I witnessed it first hand.

Both the Welsh and the Scots have their own distinctive language and speech patterns.

It went like this, first the Welsh anthem, none of the Scots join in, they just listen to the music and language of heaven. Then, to the visible surprise of the Scots, some of whom may be at Murrayfield for the first time, the lone piper up on the roof of the stadium (the Scots, especially in Edinburgh, do nothing by halves) plays the first few bars of “Flower” and the Welsh are away with the angels again. The first time I was there, I noticed the Scots standing nearest to us with tears running down their faces totally unable to sing their own anthem, Flower of Scotland, because of the sounds of the choir of twenty to thirty thousand

Perhaps the Welsh are fonder of using twenty words when one word would have sufficed? The Welsh also repeat information in a slightly different form just in case the first transmission failed. This is said by some scholars to be ‘leftover’ from the early Medieval period when Norman French was gradually replacing, merging, and taking over (there you are - I’m doing it now) from Saxon and early English.

22 CARDIFF TIMES

Some might comment that the Welsh are well known for voluble speech: speech that is musical, fluid, loquacious.

A close relative comes to mind, a man of fewer words than I. Sometimes it is just the one word, “long-winded”, and a brief reminder that, yet again I had gone off at a tangent.

who had been the topic of their whispered conversation, claimed that her family were related to that of Bonnie Prince Charlie. We muffled our laughter.

On the other side of the Welsh border if you get on a bus or train it is accepted behaviour that you sit as far away as possible from any other passengers.

Country bus conversations in Wales always need an ‘opener’. Here are a few of the more popular ones if you ever need to use them;

In Wales, you are expected to do the exact opposite. If you cannot bring yourself to sit next to a solitary occupant, you sit in front of them and swivel round to start a conversation. It is expected. And welcome.

Although my husband and his walking companion boarded an almost empty bus in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire and enquired of the only other, elderly, passenger if the bus was going to Tenby?

“No, No, No,” came the reply, “I don’t know, I never go further than this next stop.”

Sitting, some years ago, in a single-decker, busy bus going to the Centre of Edinburgh there were two very Edinburgh ladies sitting behind us. As the bus slowed down to a stop, one lady, prior to her departure, confided to her friend that, Elspeth,

“Going far then?”

“I thought for a minute that you were Muriel Williams Ty Bach from school” “That was bad news about Dai Top Field wasn’t it?”

“I heard sugar is going back on ration” “Isn’t awful for those people in Cwmgwyn” Once you have made a start do not be surprised if, at the next stop, another passenger boards the bus and joins in the conversation. The same thing can easily happen at a bus stop, then a group conversation will emerge.

In Welsh answers will always be long-winded.

CARDIFF TIMES 23

Question; Do you want a cup of tea?

Answer; Oh yes please I’d love a cup of tea, nothing to eat mind, I had a good lunch, well, good for me, I often skip lunch altogether see, I always cook in the evening though but sometimes, if Geraint is working late, it’s goodness knows what time…………

In contrast in Scotland, I overheard two men talking in a bookshop in Edinburgh obviously meeting up after a length of time.

Question; How is your father?

Answer; Still dead. (Pronounced ‘Deid’) Articles in the Scottish press nowadays tell of many Scots signing up to learn Gaelic. There are far more opportunities for children to learn it as part of their general education than even a decade ago. A recent headline in the Sunday Times said that, ‘Primary School success revives the future of Gaelic. This year 400 pupils have joined the Primary One intake at Gaelic medium units where higher levels of attainment have impressed parents’.

We discussed the same situation arising with Welsh and I mentioned that I had been told there was no exact word in Welsh for confidential.

There are still no secrets in Wales.

Everyone is related through kinship, birthplace, marriage, chapel, workplace, school, college, university, street or village, choir, football, rugby, and evening classes. Layers and layers of networks. Information is the only currency that matters. Information needs a germ of truth but not too much. Giving away no names but plenty of clues.

It is generally accepted that personal affairs, private information, condition of your health, state of your marriage (or anybody else’s), decisions about relationships within your family and so on should be in the public domain and everyone else should have a point of view on each topic.

Professional expertise, medical, religious, psychological, legal or financial is seldom sought or regarded.

Of course, most Welsh people (nowadays including as many women as men) consider themselves to be very knowledgeable team selectors and tacticians for important rugby games.

In Scotland and with the Scots themselves the TRUTH is very important.

Scots are discomforted by there being four gospels with three telling differing versions of the same story.

In conversation with a Highlander and Gaelic speaker, I was corrected when I asked about the percentages of Gaelic speakers. He explained you do NOT speak Gaelic. You HAVE the Gaelic.

Or not. But recognising that I was unfamiliar with the language he quickly added that, “However, I would describe the language as a shadowy concept.”

He reminded me that many English words were having to be utilised within Gaelic to keep pace with technology and so on. He gave a surprising example; there was no word in Gaelic for bath.

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In Wales, the truth is more of a kaleidoscope of opinion, an overture to an opera introducing disparate themes, including mystical legends and shadows at dusk seen in a walk in the forest.

The Welsh were relieved to hear about the copy of St.Thomas’ Gospel among the Dead Sea Scrolls. There is never just four versions in Wales of any story.

Lloyd George, accused of telling fibs in the House, replied that what he had said “had been true at the time”. The Welsh are often disappointed with only one version of the truth.

In Scotland Truth and Godliness go together.

They tell it like it is and if that offends then too bad.

Living in Wales with a Scots-born husband I frequently feared he would find himself in trouble for being too outspoken. The worst happened to him when he was sent off by the referee at a football match. He was not playing. He was a spectator.

A popular epitaph in Scottish cemeteries must surely be, ‘He Woudna Tak Tellin’. (“He would not take telling”).

When asked why he came to Wales, husband would often add, “I came to add another surname, I understand there is a serious shortage of surnames in Wales.”

Wales is more matriarchal. You are more likely to hear, “Dewi is such a lovely boy, just like his Mam.” The Welsh and the Scots are both noted for their hospitality, concern for others, helpfulness to strangers. The cleanliness of their homes and guest houses and their generous, if sometimes not too adventurous catering, are all welcomed by visitors.

The Welsh, I am afraid have to go further and I must add something about the D.W.Q. which stands for The Direct Welsh Question.

Frequently asked of newcomers, travellers, visitors (even next door’s visitors), it adds to the valuable currency called information.

The DWQ must be gently put, it has to sound totally inoffensive, the Welsh ‘question-asker’ will probably put her head slightly on one side and look a little concerned. Glancing from the Lady to the Gentleman who are being scrutinised, and back again. The local (and on behalf of the entire community) questioner might say, Question (the Direct Welsh version) “Married, are you?”

Answer (with a slight whiff of shock) “Oh yes” Question (barbed and deadly) “Happy are you?”

I have explained many times that although we are a little short on surnames, everyone has one, even if it is the same as the man living next door.

And, AND, we have other names; pet names, familiar names, and true baptismal names.

Many people have Bardic names, stage names, occupational names, patronymic names or names of references to places of birth or residence. This is all to confuse the enemy and identify who you are in the community.

In Scotland (in particular the Highlands and Islands) there was and still is a romantic, rigid, unique Clan system. Sharing the Clan name as your surname, defines who you are. Mc or Mac as a prefix means ‘Son of’. The culture is more patriarchal than Wales, you will often hear the words, “I knew his father,” as a recommendation for a young man.

So there you have it.

Two different histories, cultures, and developments but a close band between the two Celtic nations. Where else can we see two rival sets of supporters sharing their experiences, and spending time with each other afterwards despite the result of a rugby match? ‘Apres Match’ extends the event even further, and there is always plenty of singing.

All too soon it is travel back home time.

Time for farewells.

“See you next year if that is alright with you?”

“You will be most welcome in Edinburgh, as usual!

Oh! by the way, do not forget to bring lots of Welshcakes!!”

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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

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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 31

A Big Night At The Principality Stadium In Cardiff

by Ralph Oates

The heavyweight division over the years has produced a number of fantastic boxers, world champions like Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Floyd Patterson, Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and many more. Fighters who thrilled the fans and in turn often filled the sporting pages of the various newspapers who covered their bouts.

At this present time, the heavyweight division continues to turn out heavyweights that capture the imagination of the public.

Joshua was no stranger to Wales, in his fourth professional bout on 1 February 2014 he met Dorian Darch at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff and won when stopping his opponent in round 2 of 6. His second Welsh appearance had taken place on 28 October 2017 at the Principality Stadium whereupon he defeated challenger Carlos Takam in defence of his Super WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles stopping him in the 10th Stanza of a bout set for the duration of 12 rounds. Takam had put in a brave and stubborn performance before being halted by the Briton.

While Takam was no pushover Parker looked So it was a big night for to be a much tougher boxing on the 31 March task for Joshua. The 2018 and a big night for WBO champion was Cardiff, since Anthony keen to add Joshua’s Joshua the reigning titles to his own to Super WBA, IBF and become a unified world IBO world heavyweight titleholder. Parker was champion was meeting the first boxer from his the WBO heavyweight country to win a version king Joseph Parker of the world heavyweight from New Zealand, in a championship, so he unification contest fight is assured of a place which was staged at the Anthony Joshua. Image courtesy of Philip Sharkey in the history books of Principality Stadium. It is his nation. The title had always a massive event come into his grasp on to stage a world title bout at heavyweight and 10 December 2016 when he met Andy Ruiz for this fight was no exception. Both men were the vacant belt at the Spark Arena in Auckland undefeated, Joshua having a resume of 20 and won a 12 round point’s decision. Ruiz, bouts and Parker a slate of 24. This looked a very underrated boxer, made Parker dig like being a compelling encounter between two down and fight every inch of the way in this skilful ring operators. At that moment in time, contest. The home fighter was aware that he the WBC world titleholder in the division was had been in a tough battle with his opponent American Deontay Wilder who was nicknamed at the completion of the bout. Parker then The Bronze Bomber and also undefeated in 40 made a successful first defence of the crown bouts. The weight division was seeing exciting on 6 May 2017 against Razvan Cojanu, the times with a number of interesting characters venue being the Vodaphone Events Centre in coming through the ranks to ply their trade.

Manukau City, once again securing a 12 round 32 CARDIFF TIMES

point’s decision. Parker then came to the UK on 23 September 2017 to make the second defence of the crown and outscored challenger Hughie Fury (cousin of Tyson Fury) over the duration of 12 rounds at the Manchester Arena to keep the championship and prove that he was a worthy titleholder. On that occasion, Fury lost his undefeated record which then stood at 20 bouts. This had been Parker’s first fight on British shores, but he was used to boxing overseas since he had previously fought in Germany and America.

Joshua, a former Olympic gold medallist at Super-heavyweight at the 2012 games, had stormed to the top becoming the British & Commonwealth king and WBC International champion before capturing the IBF world heavyweight title in just his sixteenth fight at the O2 Arena in Greenwich London, easily knocking out holder Charles Martin of the USA in the second stanza of 12 on the 9 April 2016, and then in his first defence against Dominic Breazeale he retained his crown in round 7 of a contest scheduled for 12, once again at the O2 Arena. Eric Molina was the next to step inside the ring with the British fighter in an attempt to win the title and failed when stopped in the third stanza in a contest set for the duration of 12.

Joshua then added the vacant WBA Superheavyweight belt to his collection and also the vacant IBO crown when defeating former world titleholder Wladimir Klitschko in round 11 on 29 April 2017, the venue being Wembley Stadium.

So on the night, when considering the credentials of Joshua and Parker, the fight fans looked to be in for a fistic treat between the two highly skilled boxers. Make no mistake, Joshua had to be favoured to take the win when the dust had settled, be it by points or an inside the distance victory. However, there was always the chance that an upset could happen and Parker could spring a surprise and in heavyweight boxing, anything can happen.

Boxing history confirms that very fact.

bouts proven to be an exciting fighter, often ended his bouts with his explosive punching.

The tension could be felt in the air prior to the start of the contest, the two big men looked set for an epic battle. So to some degree, many were disappointed in what they witnessed on the night. There were very few fireworks during the course of the encounter, both men were cautious of each other, eager not to lose their concentration and fall foul of a blow which could end matters and bring their respective title reign to an end in an instant. There was a great deal riding on the contest and in turn a great deal of pressure for the two fighters.

At the end of the 12 round bout Joshua was given the decision on points. It was the first time that Joshua had travelled the full distance in a world championship contest. Joshua could now look forward to even bigger fights looking at that moment to a possible meeting with Deontay Wilder in a bout for the undisputed title. For Parker, he had to rebuild his career and hopefully come again and hence become a big player in the division.

However, since the Joshua- Parker bout the heavyweight landscape has changed dramatically. Joshua has been on a rollercoaster career-wise, losing and then regaining the titles only to lose them once more.

At this present time, Joshua is waiting for his return with Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine, who took his world titles on the 25 September 2021 by way of a 12 round point’s decision, and Wilder lost the WBC crown to Tyson Fury on the 22 February 2020 when stopped in round 7. At the time of this article Fury is due to defend his title against Dillian Whyte, the winner hopefully will meet the victor of the Joshu-Usyk return bout. This would of course be for the undisputed world title. Early days yet but it would really be something special if the Principality Stadium was the venue for the eventual undisputed world heavyweight championship contest.

That night in Cardiff the two men squared off with the many spectators in attendance cheering them on. Joshua had in his previous

CARDIFF TIMES 33

34 CARDIFF TIMES

Protect Your Wealth

by Michael Fogg

You can only make a Lasting Power of Attorney whilst you have mental capacity, allowing you to make arrangements now for the possibility that you may lose mental capacity in future.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney. You can choose to have one or both types of power which are: Property and Financial Affairs As its name suggests, this LPA deals with issues involving your money, accessing your bank account, paying bills and if necessary, the sale or management of your property.

In the last few months, I have had a significant increase in clients asking me what a Lasting Power of Attorney is. This month, therefore, a short run-through of this and (hopefully) you’ll be better informed at the end of the article.

We are living longer, but not always in perfect health.

Around 1 in 3 of us will develop dementia, but anyone may suffer a stroke, accident or serious illness which can take away the ability to make our own decisions without notice.

How would your family cope in these circumstances?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document allowing you to appoint one or more people (Attorneys) to act for you in the event of you being unable to act for yourself. Once appointed, your Attorneys are empowered to make decisions on your behalf and act in your best interests.

36 CARDIFF TIMES

Health and Welfare The Health and Welfare LPA deals with issues involving your medical, welfare and care needs. This may include the selection of a care home and the type of medical treatment you receive including, should you so wish, the ability to consent to or refuse life sustaining treatment.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a powerful and important document that you must give very careful consideration to how it is prepared and when it may be used. Mental incapacity can strike at any time, so make sure you are prepared and give your family the peace of mind that arrangements are in place should this happen to you.

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CARDIFF TIMES 37

Fashion done your own way

by Molly Dutton London Fashion Week is well underway, with brands such as PrettyLittleThing making their debut on the runway. As many of my readers will know, fashion week is one of my favourite sources of inspiration as it allows brands to exhibit the best of their collections, whilst demonstrating the ethos of each of the fashion houses.

Whilst I feel extremely passionate about the implications of fast fashion brands, it is somewhat refreshing to see the appearance of more affordable collections on the London runway. PrettyLittleThing has been the source of much debate across social media platforms this week, after the brand made its debut into London Fashion Week with Creative Director, Molly Mae, at the forefront of the show. 22-year-old Molly Mae was controversially appointed to be the Creative Director of PrettyLittleThing last year which sparked big conversations surrounding the power of influencers in current society.

The public has demonstrated very mixed opinions, acknowledging that, whilst the show expressed great levels of diversity through its models, the brand itself still fails to recognise the poor wages given to its workers. With conversations surrounding the runway show filling my Twitter feed, it seemed only fair to explore the brand of PrettyLittleThing from all of the different angles. The runway show was located at the Londoner Hotel, with many influencers present in the audience to support the Love Island star in her fashion week debut.

Let’s begin with the runway collection itself before delving any further. The collection really explored the neutral and subtle colour palette that is so widely associated with PrettyLittleThing; baby blues, beige and chocolate brown were right at the forefront of the new clothing items. Faux leather 38 CARDIFF TIMES

and snake print had a very big presence throughout the show, with many coats and shorts showing off this trend focus. Molly Mae herself wore one of her favourite pieces from the collection to the after-party; a nude, snake print, leather jacket along with a matching skirt.

As a young teen growing up, PrettyLittleThing was the best thing I could get my hands on. It was one of the only places that provided affordable, trendy clothes that could be worn to birthday parties, day trips and anywhere else that I could think of when I was younger.

Amongst my friendship group, all of their collections were extremely popular and became the topic of many conversations. I have always had a personal connection to all of the items that I’ve purchased because the brand played such a huge part in my ‘growing up phase’ (I say this as if I’m

not still in this phase). For many girls like myself, PrettyLittleThing was a reliable and consistent place to buy our clothes from, and it’s almost as if it grew up alongside us.

Despite loving this brand for a long time as a teen, it hugely lacked in body diversity on its website which was something that has been brought up in the press for many years.

However, in the London Fashion Week Show, they made a positive change to this and expressed a much greater awareness of diversity in terms of both racial and body diversity.

UK blogger, Tess Daly also made an appearance at the show, reflecting PrettyLittleThings’ aim to represent all individuals, including models with disabilities. Their acknowledgement of diversity must be noted when analysing the catwalk as it has played a huge part in the current success of their collections and also shows the development of the brand’s social awareness as a whole.

Now comes the difficult part. Whilst I have always loved their clothes and the way that they have developed according to my style over the years, PrettyLittleThing has not existed without its fair share of controversy and problematic behaviour. It is important to note that, at this stage, the problem does

not always lie directly with the brand itself, but instead with Boohoo Fashion Group, of which PLT is a part of. At the event on Wednesday, protesters gathered outside of The Londoner hotel to express their anger towards the brand’s wage scheme that provides its workers with extremely low pay in order to produce their affordable products.

Another issue that has arisen amongst the other problems is PrettyLittleThings’ contribution to the current climate crisis. They have been under fire for this for many years due to their mass production methods that allow them to keep up with the fast-fashion trends. Amongst the protesters was fellow Love Islander Brett Staniland who appeared across many news platforms explaining the damage that the Boohoo Fashion Group has contributed to the Image courtesy of global crisis of Charlota Blunarova climate change.

PrettyLittleThing has revolutionised the fashion industry in both positive and negative ways; showing the power that developing fashion brands have in the modern world, particularly on social platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. The London Fashion Week show has also paved the way for online fashion platforms to stand amongst high-end fashion houses on the runway.

CARDIFF TIMES 39

A multilingual stage space odyssey is coming to Cardiff We sat down with the creators of PETULA to find out more…

This month, Wales’s two national theatre companies, National Theatre Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, are teaming up with August 012 to bring a brand-new production of French playwright Fabrice Melquiot’s extraordinary play, PETULA, to the Sherman Theatre. This multilingual adaptation features a script translated by celebrated Welsh writer Daf James, that combines Welsh, English, and even a little French.

The show for young people is the brainchild of Director Mathilde López. Born in France, Mathilde trained at Central Saint Martins, London and has directed work for some of the best theatres and festivals across the country. She lives in Grangetown, Cardiff, with her family and is Artistic Director of August 012 where her work is bold, brave, and a little bit bonkers.

“I love delving into the incredible world of Melquiot and especially with such a brilliant team of actors and theatre makers. It’s a joy to wrestle with the magic and horror of being a teenager and explore these fragile times in all their beauty, absurdity and complexity” said Mathilde.

A dark and surreal comedy adventure, the story follows teenager Pwdin Evans who is pushed to breaking point by his ridiculous parents, step-parents and teenage worries. He escapes by launching himself into space in search of answers and his missing cousin, Petula. The production will touch on the struggles of blended families, bilingual households, body image and relationships – topics with which many young people and adults in Wales will no doubt identify.

With Mathilde at the helm, it will also be one fantastical, visual feast, as she reveals; “Our set is made up of many different levels. We are trying to create outer space with platforms, ball pits and thousands of black balls. It’s going to look spectacular. The costumes, lighting design and video screens add bursts of colour and really bring the design to life. We’ve just started rehearsals and the cast are busy exploring.”

40 CARDIFF TIMES

Dewi Wykes. Photo by Jorge Lizalde

Dewi Wykes will play the role of Pwdin Evans, while soul-folk jazz singer Kizzy Crawford will play the part of Petula alongside Tom Mumford, Sion Pritchard, Clêr Stephens and Rachel Summers as Pwdin’s parents and step-parents.

Petula is the second co-production between National Theatre Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. Arwel Gruffudd, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, added: “It’s great to once more co-produce with National Theatre Wales, and to collaborate again with playwright Daf James, who brings his playful brand of theatre to this colourful and surprising project. We’re glad of the opportunity to present a production where both the English and Welsh language share the stage in a way that reflects the real-life experience of people in Wales today, and of young people in particular – although the play often takes us to a world far removed from our earthly reality!”

To make the show as accessible as possible - and to ensure audiences don’t miss a single line - the production team are building digital, on-stage translations into the set. There will also be a BSL performance on 16 March, a Welsh audio described performance on 18 March and an English audio described performance, with English to Welsh live translation of the script, on 19 March.

Young people are at the heart of the production with a panel of young advisors feeding directly into the creative process. Artistic Director of NTW,

support their wellbeing, and maybe even inspire the next generation of theatre makers.”

As well as building these new teams to advise on the show, tickets for under–25s are just £10. You can find out more at www.petula.cymru But what can Welsh audiences expect? Mathilde explains;

Lorne Campbell. Photo by Craig Conner

Lorne Campbell, said: “Building new audiences for theatre in Wales and making it relevant to more people, especially young people, is essential. Engaging, consulting and empowering young people as part of the theatre-making process not only enriches our work, it also generates new creative pathways to

”Well, firstly, it’s going to be funny! Also, I hope it will be really touching. Difficult at times even.

You don’t see many shows that talk about real families on stage, not some fantasy family, but a family composed of complex relationships and challenges. And that’s what this show is all about - how we’re all so amazing, but also totally ridiculous.”

PETULA will premiere at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, from 12 - 19 March. It then heads out on tour to Aberystwyth, Bangor, Llanelli, Milford Haven, Newport, and Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon.

The production is suitable for young people 12+ and adults. For more information and tickets visit shermantheatre.co.uk

Ist day of rehearsals. Photo by Elin Cain

CARDIFF TIMES 41

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Raising awareness of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and the charity LATCH who give much needed support

by Natalie McCulloch 2020 was a year of uncertainty, medical mayhems and crisis for the nation with Covid 19 taking the world by storm and our population being pushed to extremes, and 2021 followed suit. One area which was undoubtedly pushed to extremes was the NHS with workers facing treacherous circumstances like never before and doing incredible things to help keep our nation safe.

Similarly, families were facing challenges, being separated for long periods and facing crisis’, redundancy and isolation from loved ones. It’s safe to say it’s been an epoch like no other! One family who knows this all too well are the Barkers from Barry. Grandparents Jo and Jason worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic for the NHS, supporting Llandough hospital on a full-time basis whilst also supporting their first grandson, Issac and his parents, through a life-threatening battle of their own.

Issac was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood/bone marrow, at age 14 months. Since then he has undergone chemotherapy, blood transfusions, steroid injections and theatre procedures. A challenging time made more extreme by the restrictions and hurdles put in place by the pandemic.

Jo told me, “Issac, my grandson, is our first and words can’t express how much this boy means to us. We adore and love him so much and we’re so proud of him, he is a very strong sunshine, and has coped so well, nothing bothers him and is always smiling.”

Now, 18 months later, the families’ journey continues as they prepare to support Issac, who is currently at home with a 24-hour pump, as he undergoes his bone marrow

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transplant in March 2022. Alongside this they are climbing Pen Y Fan to raise money for, and awareness of, the charity, LATCH, who helped support them throughout this journey.

Jo explained: “Having a grandchild so poorly, as you can imagine, has been very difficult especially through lockdown as well. I haven’t been able to do duties that grandparents do…we can’t take him to nursery, we can’t have him sleep over. His immune system drops so low and we have to be very careful. It can be very upsetting as a grandparent as through lockdown I felt my son, Issacs’s dad, was alone as we couldn’t be there for them, they had to stay in hospital day in and day out and we as grandparents couldn’t go into hospital and take over to give them a break. All these things are just so upsetting for us as grandparents and for Issac, also it’s been very tiring and a long road for his parents.”

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a rare type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). It affects approximately 790 people a year, adults and children, and is the most common type of leukaemia that affects children, with 85% of cases affecting children happening in those younger than 15. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. In a child with ALL, too many stem cells become leukaemia cells which are not able to fight infection very well. Also, as the number of leukaemia cells increases in the blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may lead to infection, anaemia, and easy bleeding. Signs of childhood ALL include fever and easy bruising, Petechiae (flat, pinpoint, dark-red spots under the skin caused by bleeding), painless lumps in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin, and loss of appetite. A doctor should be consulted if you are concerned that a child is experiencing any of these symptoms.

In times of such stress and turmoil we all need someone to turn to, that’s where LATCH steps into action!

LATCH (Llandough Aims to Treat Children with Cancer and Leukaemia with Hope) supports the children and their families who are being treated by the Oncology Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Wales.

Their mission is to make life easier for children and their families so that they can give their all to their treatment without letting anything else get in their way. With a catchment area of Chepstow to Aberystwyth, resulting in approximately 70 new cases diagnosed annually, this is no easy feat!

LATCH recognise that having a child diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia comes as a devastating blow and that the months or maybe years of treatment and ‘the unknown’ can take its toll on families. Caring for a child during treatment is hard on all the family. Finances are often a worry as parents will often have to take time off work to support their child. Family relationships can suffer too, as the emotional pressure takes its toll and everyday life is turned upside down.

When a child has been diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia, the chemotherapy treatment can last from six months to three years depending on the type. Follow up treatment and check-ups mean that a child who has been diagnosed with cancer will be under medical supervision for over 5 years.

This is a long and tiring road for the whole family, but, thanks to charities like LATCH, not one they need travel alone.

LATCH is most well-known for its on-Site Family Accommodation at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff which aims to support families to stay together during their child’s stay in hospital. This is an undoubted lifeline especially for those travelling from as far as North Wales to receive treatment.

Time and time again, families stress that LATCH lifted them when they needed it the most and, in many cases, stopped them from buckling.

Jo recounts: “LATCH has helped so much giving Issac’s family breaks when needed and the support is incredible, the love and attention they give Issac is absolutely amazing.”

Obviously being able to provide these incredible avenues of support mean that funds are required. LATCH needs to raise on average £700,000 a year to cover the costs of supporting families. With no paid fundraisers they rely heavily on the hard work of volunteers and remain proud to have one of the lowest management expenses for a charity in the whole of the UK. It’s only thanks to individuals and organisations up and down the country that help raise vital funds that these services have helped, and continue to help, countless families across Wales when they are most in need.

Jo and Jason are really keen to raise funds for LATCH through braving the heights and weathers of Pen Y Fan on March 9th 2022 at 12pm. Donations really do make a huge difference and they encourage anyone who is able to, to consider supporting the charity to help families in a similar situation.

LATCH provides an array of invaluable services including: • A vital Social Work Service there to provide practical, emotional and financial support in a confidential environment.

• A range of financial Support through grants – this can be for travel, food, even rent in some cases. When a child goes through cancer or leukaemia treatment, families often face higher heating bills for example, and many parents have to give up work to care for a sick child. Last year alone, over £300,000 was awarded to families in the form of financial grants.

• Emotional Support for Parents and siblings in the form of counselling and alternative therapies, support groups, as well as one to one session.

• Much needed treats and get-togethers for the parents such as pamper days for the mums and golf days for the dads. Being with people in a similar situation often helps and just doing something different can act as a much-needed tonic.

• Holiday grants or the option to use their three caravans, and provides a number of excursions for children to Lego Land, Build a Bear and other venues to provide a touch of normality or a well needed escape from ongoing treatment.

•

Benefits Advice

•

Advocacy

•

Signposting

•

Ward-based family Support Workers

•

And much more!

Did you know that?

• During treatment, a child may need to use a specialised buggy to help with mobility. LATCH provides specialised buggies at a cost of £250 each.

• LATCH provides on-site family accommodation so that families can stay together during treatment. To run and maintain this facility costs £30,000 per year.

• LATCH will often fund medical equipment for the Oncology Unit. New infusion pumps for chemotherapy costs £5000 each.

• LATCH spends on average every year £700 replacing and updating computer gaming consoles to keep the children occupied on the ward.

• To provide two family support workers who help the families in the afternoons, early evening and weekends costs LATCH £30,000.

• After the emotional and disruptive time in hospital, LATCH gives all families a grant of £500 a year to put towards a well-deserved holiday.

So, as you can see, every penny is money well spent!

If you do feel able to support LATCH in any way please log onto: www.latchwales.org

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