Cardiff Times - November 2022

NOVEMBER 2022

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Welcome

EDITORS LETTER

Hi All, Welcome to our November issue. October has been the strangest of months. From funerals to politics, it’s been so topsy turvy.

It’s a difficult time for many financially at the moment, so we’ve been sharing a lot online to help alleviate the pressure of energy bills. There are grants you can apply for to get help if you need it. Also, Olio have an online app to help if you need food donations as well as asking for help with clothes and household items. There’s a wonderful charity called Pet Foodbank offering pet food to anyone who is struggling. @puffajones on Twitter recycles old bikes so could possibly help with second hand bikes for Christmas.

We’re all in this together so everyone should be there to help one another. Lots of famous faces are getting on board too such as Professor Green, rapper and mental health campaigner. He has pledged his support to help raise widespread awareness and encourage people to access the help they’re entitled to with energy bills. He has first-hand experience of the fear and anxiety an upcoming energy bill can have on families, having grown up with his grandmother, who struggled to pay household bills.

British music legends Squeeze, who are performing in Cardiff on 18th November, are raising funds for foodbanks. In addition to the donations to independent foodbanks from the EP, Squeeze

are also continuing their relationship with the anti-poverty charity The Trussell Trust. Throughout their tour Squeeze and their fans will once again be supporting the charity which provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty while campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. Finally, it’s our daughter’s birthday in November so we have a celebration to look forward to. She hasn’t told us what she wants to do yet, but going on the amount of new friends she’s made in high school, we may need to hire the Cardiff City Stadium for a party!

Have a great November folks.

Louise and Mark

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November CONTENTS 6 Civil Protest

by Wyn Evans 8 Coming up at St David’s Hall 10 These are Hands not Wands

by Vince Nolan 14 In The Words Of

by Carl Marsh 20 From No Business to Show Business and Back Again

by Sara John 26 A Brave Fighter

by Ralph Oates 32 Fashion Done Your Own Way

by Molly Dutton 34 As the Festive Season Approaches 36 Could You Help To Save A Life?

by Natalie McCulloch 39 South Wales Forgotten Trojan History (Part A) Bernard Jones 41 How to Hearing Aids Work?

by Viney Hearing

“Civil protest” byWyn Evans I have been arrested twice. The first time I was seventeen years old. A group of us from school had travelled to an Eisteddfod in Cardigan and had taken out a lease on a rental property in Aberporth for the week. On the first evening, we took umbrage at the high street being parcelled-up in union jack bunting.

Drink had been taken. Back then we were knee-jerk nationalists and did not have any worked-through and consistent political philosophy. We dismantled a few yards worth of the decorations and ran away with it, hoping to avoid the police who were hot on our heels.

Needless to say a couple of us were caught redhanded and arrested. My parents were telephoned and soon my dad was taking custody of me from the police cell.

I thought he would be furious with me but he was surprisingly measured in his response. We sat in the car and he asked me to explain what had been my thinking. It has stayed with me to this day that he wasn’t mad at me for being arrested. Nor was he disappointed because I had gotten caught. He explained to me how impressed he had been with campaigners for bilingual road-signs in the 1960s and 1970s. It’s hard today to remember that this was an issue back then. But it was very much a part of the sea-change in public policy which led to the Welsh Language Acts of 1967 and 1993 and the successful campaign for the creation of a Welsh-language television channel in the 1980s.

The Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542 had made English the only language of the law courts and other aspects of public administration in Wales, even though most of the population spoke Welsh and few spoke English.

The 1967 Act was the first alteration to this situation, but the Welsh Language Act 1993 was the first to put Welsh on an equal basis with English in public life(1). This stuff mattered. For example, when Plaid Cymru’s first MP was elected, in 1966, he was the first to attempt to take the oath in one of the United Kingdom’s native languages. (Permission was not granted until 1974.)

Dad told me about campaigners like Dafydd Iwan who used to let it be known what action they were intending to take and effectively issuing a challenge to the police to attend and arrest them. He told me that I needed to put together a political philosophy and to think about where and how my actions fit into that. Then he told me about Saunders Lewis, Rev Lewis Valentine and D J Williams, who on September 8, 1936 carried out

6 CARDIFF TIMES

what is recognised as one of the defining moments in modern Welsh history(2). The university lecturer, Baptist minister and school teacher set fire to a partly built RAF aerodrome, then calmly reported their actions to the police at nearby Pwllheli. They handed a letter to an Inspector acknowledging their responsibility for the damage done to the buildings at Penyberth. They were tried twice and were sentenced to nine months imprisonment. On their release they were greeted as heroes by 15,000 people at a rally in Caernarfon.

Dad did something else that surprised me: he asked me if I’d like him to drop me off back at the rental house in Aberporth and see out the week with my mates. I said “yes, thanks”, agreeing that no more drink would be taken that week. Dad then tore a strip off my mates that none of them had gone to the police station to wait for my release. And then he went home, leaving me with a lot to think about.

The second time I was arrested was at a ‘Peace vigil’ at the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall on Ash Wednesday. I was by then a member of a Pacifist organisation, the FoR (Fellowship of Reconciliation).

This was primarily a Christian organisation. (I was inclined towards that at the time. Today, I am an evangelical atheist and no longer a pacifist.) Prior to Ash Wednesday we had all come together in groups across the UK and burned objects that mattered to us. Then the officiants gathered together the ashes and used them to mark the sign of the cross on our foreheads at the start of the vigil. Branded in this way, a couple of hundred nuns, monks, various other religious, along with lay people like me, walked around and around the MoD building with, I can’t recall accurately, black chalk I think. The police had

been told to expect a peaceful demonstration and they formed a ‘ring of steel’ around the MoD, a policeman every ten yards. The demonstrators’ job was to get to the pristine walls of the building and write something meaningful and pacifist. So there we were like a giant game of tag; dodging and side-stepping the police, getting to the wall and writing our messages. I got as far as writing “P E A”... before I was arrested, the aim being to spell PEACE of course. The arresting officer, not entirely seriously I think, asked me what other vegetables I intended to write about.

consequences (a fine or gaol time). Since the aim was to end up in court and make a statement it was subsequently no surprise that charges were never taken any further and we protesters were denied the ‘oxygen of publicity’. I think we all got conditional discharges but I won’t swear to that nor guess what that condition was. As I say, memories fade, and I had a lot of other stuff going on too: divorcing Not-The Boss, finishing my degree, falling in love with The Boss, and preparing to get back to the world of paid employment.

I was bundled into one of the waiting ‘Black Marias’ and taken to, I think it was, Paddington Green station.

Finger-printed and processed I was put in a cell with scores of others, many of whom were nuns. A couple of hundred were arrested and charged with, I think – memories fade over time – criminal damage. It took a couple of hours before they started releasing us. There were members of FoR waiting for each of us and most of us waited outside until the last of our number was released.

But I took away from it all the frightening feeling of what it was like to be locked up and having little say in my own options. I remember also how glad I was that we live in a country and at a time when it was unlikely we’d be treated abominably by our gaolers; and how good it is that our friends and colleagues could wait outside for us without fear.

Evidently, I had learned lessons from my first brush with the law: I did now have a worked-through philosophy; I took ownership and responsibility for my actions; and was prepared for the possible

Footnotes: 1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsh_Language_Act_1967 2.https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dayactivists-torched-raf-bombing-15083548

With the Metropolitan Police now in special measures I wonder can the same thing be said today.

CARDIFF TIMES 7

Cardiff Times November - Page 1 Editorial_Layout 1 27/10/2022 21:19 Page 1

COMING UP ST DAVID’S HALL! INCREDIBLY, it’s Christmas again next month! Before all those festivities though, there’s plenty to get excited about throughout November at St David’s Hall.

As ever, we’re the place to be for the very best stand-up and you can see the stars of tomorrow as six young comics battle it out in the BBC Comedy Awards Grand Final 2022 (Tues 1 Nov). Hosted by Kerry Godliman, the judges’ panel features Fern Brady, Rosie Jones and Anna Thomas. The event is also the perfect preview to Cardiff being crowned the BBC City of Comedy 2023!

There’s also the usual healthy helping of awe-inspiring orchestral music. The Cardiff Classical Series continues with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra (Fri 4 Oct) joined by stunning mezzo-soprano, Jana Kurucová for an evocative evening of masterpieces including Britten’s Four Sea Interludes. The Belgian National Orchestra (Weds 9 Nov) deliver a powerful programme of Respighi, Mozart and SaintSaëns, while the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (Thurs 17 Nov) revel in an epic performance of Mahler’s Symphony No 9. Plus, John Wilson’s Sinfonia of London (Mon 28 Nov) presents an evening of spectacular showpieces in Broadway to Boléro including Walton, Ravel and Debussy, while former BBC Young Musician of the Year Martin James Bartlett plays Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

If heavy metal is more your thing, we’ve got that covered too with the legendary Saxon (Mon 14 Nov) on their Seize the Day tour with special guests, Diamond Head. Meanwhile, four of the UK’s most celebrated female singer-songwriters Beverley Craven, Judie Tzuke and Julia Fordham reunite as Woman to Woman (Fri 11 Nov) and this time they’re in a special collaboration with Rumer! There’s also sensational soul from The Stylistics (Weds 23 Nov), and Roots Unearthed resumes in the L3 Lounge with the spellbinding storytelling of folk troubadour Kathryn Williams (Tues 8 Nov).

We’ve got three great guest speakers too with ‘The Supervet’ Noel Fitzpatrick (Thurs 10 Nov), Wales’ Grand Slam-winning rugby coach Warren Gatland (Weds 16 Nov) and Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don (Thurs 24 Nov). November is also a time for reflection as we commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflict, and this year’s Wales Festival of Remembrance (Sat 5 Nov) features performances from Kizzy Crawford, City Voices Cardiff and the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

From late November, the festive season is in full flow starting with Aled Jones & Russell Watson (Fri 25 Nov). There are also a couple of special Lunchtime Concerts to get you into the seasonal spirit in the Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choir (Tues 29 Nov) and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Festive Brass (Fri 2 Dec). Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra’s A Night at the Movies (Fri 2 Dec) and The Bootleg Beatles (Weds 7 Dec) always form essential parts of our December programme, while The Sixteen (Sun 4 Dec) are back with The Wise Men and the Star. Also making returns are the heartwarming family favourite Love Actually - Live Concert with Full Orchestra (Thurs 1 Dec), Strictly stars Aljaž & Janette (Tues 13 Dec) and The Rat Pack at Christmas (Mon 12 Dec). Then it’s time for our three breathtaking ballets Coppélia, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake (Sat 17 - Sat 31 Dec) to wrap up 2022 in style!

8 CARDIFF TIMES

Cardiff Times November - Page 2_Layout 1 27/10/2022 14:45 Page 1

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES 07.12.22

AN EVENING WITH WARREN GATLAND 16.11.22

THE RAT PACK AT CHRISTMAS 12.12.22

NOEL FITZPATRICK The Supervet 10.11.22

COPPÉLIA, THE NUTCRACKER & SWAN LAKE 17.12.22 - 31.12.22

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA ORCHESTRA 04.11.22

AN EVENING WITH MONTY DON 24.11.22

CARDIFF PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 02.12.22

ALJAŽ & JANETTE A Christmas to Remember 13.12.22

CHRISTMAS WITH

SINFONIA OF LONDON Broadway to Boléro 28.11.22

WOMAN TO WOMAN feat. Rumer 11.11.22

ALED JONES & RUSSELL WATSON

25.11.22

‘And Another Thing…’

These are Hands not Wands

byVince Nolan

The above statement caught my eye recently. I think it is a fab thing to say to somebody who is being overly demanding or unrealistic with what they are asking one for. I intend using it a lot in the near future (under my breath of course).

Talking of which, The Leader of the Opposition and I recently sallied forth (or possibly fifth) to the new Bristol Zoo known as The Wild Place Project. Highly recommend a visit even though it is a work in progress. 40 acres and a long walk but worth every step. The first thing we came across was a loaf in a cage. Apparently, it was bread in captivity. We also watched an antelope. We had never seen an insect run off to get married before. Aren’t animals clever though? We observed a deer writing with his left and right hooves. We think he was bambidextrous. Here’s a flavour of who lives there.

Staying with bears, what do Winnie the Pooh and Alexander the Great have in common? Same middle name.

Before I go any further, I wish to state that we are big fans of our Police who do 10 CARDIFF TIMES

an impossible job every day and keep coming back for more. However, I have been following Gwent Police (there’s a role reversal for you), who have discovered bones at St. Woolos Cemetery in Newport.

Must have been a quiet shift.

I have just read a very funny and modestly written autobiography by comedian Harry Hill. Highly recommend that too. At one point he talks about teenagers’ inability to be parted from their phones for more than five seconds. He says: “When I grew up the phone was not glued to our ears, it was glued to the wall!” How appropriate.

Let’s talk about the economy. Oh go on, you know you want to. We are of course all fed up to the back teeth with politicians of whatever party but I am more interested in how the current free-fall economy is affecting the Nolan Towers budget. She Who Must Be Obeyed and I recently travelled to a well-known Gower beach.

I know, I spoil that woman. Whilst not pushing the boat out (we don’t have a boat and the tide was out anyway), I purchased two coffees and two ham rolls from a beach café for £15! What is the world coming to I thought to myself, or words to that effect.

At a different catering establishment, the following week I noticed hot dogs for £6 each. I said to the guy: “You are charging an ill octopus for one hot dog” (sick squid) which was wasted on him but not on you of course. However, this morphed into £7.20 if you wanted onions and I could only imagine what the tomato ketchup might have added to the bill. I know times are hard but stop extracting the urine please. I suppose that the great thing about inflation is that if you

was messing about in his garden. A few forwe had been inspected and we were off tothree the first time theyears other day unique Inalready the early of theand US,the some acts Paris.

We repeated the people exercise word location I waspiracy looking forsmuggling was “You Are Lost!” of treason, and rebellion were on the fault way back.

Quite what would have happened flown in when the patio doors were Design or user error? forgiven.

My favourite involved a manthe flu spend the same on groceries as you always Hurrah.

On arrival we were offered if Customs had found Colonel Gaddafi stowing g man, the hunter, I used my instinctive Talking of intolerance, I amClub led towas believe that the George Wilson who have, arethe lighter to called at theRugby same time, albeit injointly a different away on a St.jab Peter’s bus is anybody’s d skillsthe andbags picked littleand guyeasier optrappingcarry home. arm.

She went first and then watched me term heckler originated from the textile trade, where stealing mail at gunpoint guessconvicted but it wouldofcertainly have caused a major back into the wild. No harm nased in him something wrong is from calledthe a typo.

Sojab if and less smacking kids law introduced in Walestoforheckle was bleed profusely Covid to tease oritcomb-out flax or hemp andI say was sentenced toisdeath bya talko? diplomatic incident. …………..well, until next door’s catTalking got most of Octopi, 2022.

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He refused a pardon in 1833 scles. Unfortunately, only six of us turned up and a minimum of ten were required or the in the early 19th century.

As the hecklers toiled in the Stereophonics and Tom Jones being due carrying a fractional electric charge, postulated but bad news for the Cardiff under 14’s a grave error?

Between typos and autocorrect till the Latin plural of Covid and Flu symptoms rolled into one, off. I engaged four old-timers who were the sold bar have been who(could was eaten bythe aharder bear?

He was meteorologist hwas hunting, if Ithe were illegally hunting for inhad at Principality Stadium which as building blocks the hadrons.

Quarks from President Andrew Jackson andthe Lederhosen Formation Slap Dancing Ensemble it’s getting toof post stuffaread these days.

One the factory, one of the team would out Octopus whereas ementionedout ones from Taff Vale) and asked were them then whether they fancied having a which was directly nice.

Iobserved understand there is days’ also Citythe hotels.

The concerts have not but theoretical (meaty urologist, ohbeen please yourselves). s, would I have questionable morels? who will the no longer be slapping each other asthe tiny mistake and your whole post is constant urined.

Octopuses is news and the others would butt in with was executed after the Supreme Court wery tour and free beerand for the afternoon.

Fearing some kind of honey trap, they tookon a pneumonia jab but mercifully, I am too cancelled we found a City centre hotel predictions based their existence have ofa their routines unless they are given wconvincing The Leaderto of the and I wereOh sitting in do youpart callfor deer whowas has lost both new-fangled plural me that myhurrah! offer genuine.

Cautiously, they agreed join us.

Picture theone. and aOpposition stream “furious debate.” young for turn that £80, However, the fickleinterruptions finger been confi rmed experimentally.”

The world has taken a down strange –please! at leastWith ruled he could itof iftwist he wanted special dispensation by our First Minister. scene, 5pm on a sunny version for you our socially distanced local, The Funky Furlough, unting accident?

No eye deer. of fate (presumably the middle one), then And as for mesons and baryons, we could be theI have parts I collated seem to occupy.

Iquality have been this in mind some put-downs to.

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

“I don’t younger dudes.

I hadn’t realised I was old Continuing the theme, I decided to read the intervened and cancelled the offi ce lunch here all night.

Saw this in a local pub on their specials board: reading about proposal for the 2027 Rugby whencomics a lady close byused to usto asked Barmodern Manager ded that when Trump dies, I will give which have dealthe with day entrance to the Brewery onwill leaving us be toand wander lonely some clouds enough to speaking in as Latin.

Mea culpa “Information for prevent User” leaflet we were “We Love Local champion local farms World Cup which any team in “but red given have arthritis, Father,” the drunk said, I if the toilets were still upstairs.

He of course I will say: “He is today how he was as hecklers: I was at the hairdressers the other day for my Caroline Street where four actly time tried to around the Castle and its outdoor barfirst facilities and fisheries.”

All very laudable butwarmed the shirts and green shirts playing each other Yard)the to (look ensure that we had properly upjust since we didn’t want pullCovid any drinking ititup).

Anyway, this Octopus was at the surgery forto the jab.

It appears I read in the paper that the Pope does.”

Continuing January scalping when the Jimmy Nail pensioners who could barely until frostbite got the better offront us forced usand confiup rmed that they were but Ipeople thought this to song be ato effects ……….wearing make-up and lying item on their menu was Mediterranean because colour blind often recently found in the River Taff at Olives.

Blackweir. have managed to capture allstruggle the side muscles.

Unfortunately, only sixinof us and turned aof minimum of ten were required drank the other three “Ain’t Nohanging Doubt - She’s Lying” came on or thethe “What size shoe does your mouth take?” stand were seen onto back to a hotel we did not need.

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

Not criticising Staying with the drink, there has always the rope Not a native of these shores nor of which is some achievement.

This note very stupid question.

I would have said something n.” cky Tomlinson visit was off.

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

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

You don’t of support, course but thisattached wouldwe, affect been much snobbery to wine. freshwater rivers so a bit of a mystery as to particularly helpful, I think you like: “I don’t know tly asked by themulled son ofwine a good friend singers in the from chairs and our masked stylists theme: “This is illumination. what comes drinking on anwill empty aforementioned ones from the Taff Vale) and asked them whether they fancied having a agree: much one can drink before falling than An Canada, Ireland, Tonga, Russia, South Africa how it got there.

An escaped pet perhaps?

“This Covid vaccine contains two different n about sell-buy dates before Indeed, people make a living from it, all started to sway and sing to the music in a over. would andthey Japan.

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

Fearing some kind honey took onhead.”afternoon types of messenger ribonucleic acid.

The reminiscent from The Full Monty when butfrom Iscene am making a stand because thewho local supermarket on a Friday eyidn’t only 3 shops I really BBC snooker commentator Ted of Lowe never…… remember. last with us butatof we the heart to say eulogy somehave convincing that mywildlife offer was genuine.

Cautiously, they agreed to join us.

Picture the Been a week for stories in Wales. they all started dancing in the queue the a rope one encodes the Spike protein the original famously said during one his commentaries: I’m giving up of wine, everyhanding day, all “Iisknow where you were when they were erishables would make the oom call with Mark Dacey (on the leS) who thelockdowns. dynamic CEO of vers, Boots and I justthat read the banner headline “Pigeon jobstrain centre.

Fortunately all sharp implements scene, 5pm onare athe sunny moved them outencodes to what he meant.

Anyway, here is of the virus and other “And for those ofthat’s who watching in black A drunk who smelled like ayou Pope on a month.

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Itsausage does not whether need meApparently to suggest10 the uncanny and white, the pink next to the dofdrugs and weekday evening atgreen.” the sidethen version.”

Glad we cleared that up brewery gotOmicron ondowned a bus and the car park many Wine every day all month! without further comment, just like in a musical, mouth.” the Ricky carpigeons for the had journey home. rope died after having been caught down next to a priest.

The then.

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“Do you Caroline Street where four nothing had happened.

Lockdown has amedical lot to no other day: “Sports bra and aconsequence Maserati car.”

“Do you know, ifbright you wore soundproof trousers direct Gaddafi because his likeness n’t have to home school massacre was anbut indiscriminate and face was full of red out sell-buy dates before a recent trip to brutal my local supermarket orwould pharmaceutical training asking which r inspection of of the packaging answer for but that was very funny. like Merlot Tammy?”

“Yes, but you don’t Who have thought of that combination? pensioners who could barely I once owned one of the chewed pencils which one would hear a word you’re saying.” lipstick and he had a halfslaughter of many people.

Must have been of Covid19.”

Perhaps er Libyan leader), involved a trip vaccine we have had.

Once informed, he highlight of the most no perishables Monday.

Instand fact Ihave origin for fruit andthat vegwould like make the following Apparently many including a poet onto called pronounce the “t.”

“Oh, Ok.”hanging Looks at were seen bottle of wine sticking a quiet news day.We Shakespeare empty used to write his famous works. used The Leader of The Opposition and I were they will without failjust inhale loudly and this is why I He do not runsay I watch Wales play France.

Dave Cox whom I have “discovered”. na.

So these comestibles er they would make it to the car for the home.

What is going one journey day“Is leSthat on the sell-buy date.

It takes an inordinate amount of skill to supply goods “j MOT then it’s serious, your real face or are you still celebrating outwaiter: of hislistening pocket.

He opened “Two Merlots for me and Ammy.” to Michael Ball on the wireless. a lamppost, for support, rather wouldn’t have had that one, like we had a Intellectual property rules prevent me quoting to chew on it so much that I couldn’t tell whether it was a pub. ped a with 20 And year relationship with withhis 24 hours towas spare.

Waste levels mustOsmond be astronomical. and started c aclimes, picked, now a packaged, poem what I writ in-@me” which explains He interviewing Donny who do EU supply issues?

Closer inspec@on ofnewspaper the packaging ong for the excitement. dto minimum of ten were required or Halloween?” than illumination.

An any of hisDr work here but I encourage you to choice and they know any better.

Our friend H has trained her dog Daisy ding.

A couple minutes later, he asked theorpriest, "Father, what causes arthritis?"

A in wife sent her de and played themaround and ouroffeelings towards the current mindhadhim been appearing in panto at the London 2B not 2B. Staying with the Bard, days irport, distributed UK A recent WalesOnline article bizarrely claimed A real comedy genius and hugely igin for fruit and veghome like Tanzania and Argen@na.

So these Staying withwomen, food, I look have beenup. doing some research into gone what is by, no longer manufactured visitit's was off. engaged four old-timers afternoon they would ster, caused

by Iloose living, being with cheap, wicked too much alcohol, and to bring her a bottle of red wine.

No surprise Palladium.

Donny was speaking about a “Your bus leaves in 10 minutes...

Be under it.” numbing level of reality TV “talent” we are all husband a romantic rench international weekends.

On that GPs were working 40 months anUK. hour refreshing. ivered to the shops and put on in order to attract women, I used to use this quote from the The list is endless but here is a small sample: Pringles (Belgium), Smar@es (Canad o were in the bar (could have beentaken the tothat," ed in exo@c climes, picked, packaged, the port or airport, tempt for your fellow man," priest replied.

"Imagine theformer drunk muttered.

He remember. never…… acting mentor of his who told him sat the really, she’s a Bordeaux collie.

I was being asked to stomach: whiff?

A phrase overtime.

I we have nothe doubt they are ridiculously text message.

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

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“Who’s there?”

Turning to more serious matters, the contempt for your fellow man," the priest replied.

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Trouble painting but thank you anyway.” man apologised: I didn't mean to come on so strong. How long have you had a busand and sat down"I'm nextsorry, to a priest. the bus, did is I the thencount, wantedmissed to knowMike what a quark was.

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"I don't arthritis, Father," the drunk said, "but I just read in the paper that earthritis?" drunk’s shirt washave stained, his face As we when people type tain age sohave my observed tolerance CARDIFF TIMES 11 sthe fullPope of bright does."red lipstick and he had ork as well as it used to alf-empty bottle of wine sticking out of ng asked to embrace new pocket.with He opened histhere newspaper and been Staying the drink, has always

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11/10/2022 17:04

In The Words Of

by Carl Marsh

‘Tis the month of fireworks, although being an animal lover and owner of three dogs, three cats and two horses, it can be a bit stressful for them. We do our utmost to keep them calm at this time of the year, as it seldom is just the one night that fireworks are being let off. I wish you all a pleasant night if you’re into this sort of thing, and I send you all my love and respect if you’re - like my family and I - having to make sure it’s passable as a slightly noisy time for our fur family members.

INTRO RANT Politics - perhaps a rude word to use these days as you and I are surely disheartened and fed up with all this ‘merry go round’ nonsense that the Conservatives have been forcing onto our ears, eyes and patience these last few months!

Granted, all MPs are the same, regardless - in my opinion of whichever Party they represent. However, I am yet to find any MP that ‘properly’ listens and represents the common man or woman. Prove me wrong? I won’t vote again. And this new guy running the UK Government wasn’t voted in by the electorate, neither was the person before him that only lasted a few weeks. It’s a mockery—a farce.

IT MAKES YOU THINK WHAT NEWS THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN BURYING WHILST ALL THIS PANTOMIME HAS BEEN GOING ON!

REVIEWS Where do I start? There is a saying that you can wait ages for a bus, then suddenly two or three come at once. This is the case for me right now. In a break from tradition, I need to use a whole page following this one to highlight what I’ve done, so expect a little review of Bob Dylan; the first birthday of The Parkgate Hotel; then the opening night of ‘Tir a Môr’ at voco St David’s in Cardiff Bay. INTERVIEWS The World Cup commences! I can’t wait to see Wales play against England in the same qualifying group. Granted, one on paper - should beat the other, but the other has a nation’s pride and support behind them that won’t criticise them if they fail. So I wonder which will prevail.

With the World Cup in mind, I needed to get some football connection, so I did. England’s best football song for any/all tournaments is the David Baddiel/Frank Skinner/Lightning Seeds piece: Three Lions. I spoke to the latter [Ian Broudie] about his new album and upcoming tour, and perhaps a bit about the football and England’s Lionesses. He is performing at Tramshed on November 18th at 7:30 pm. Support is by Badly Drawn Boy, who I interviewed a few years back and can vouch that he’s a stellar support act worthy of filling the venue on his own!

Have a great November, be careful out on fireworks night, see you all next month,

Carl Marsh Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_CM YouTube - InTheWordsOf

14 CARDIFF TIMES

I am a firm believer that you treat people the way you expect to be treated. Never look down on anybody. Always be professional, humble and polite. But, of course, plenty of clowns like to think they are better than others, and in the ‘Entertainment World’, there are aplenty.

For me, when it comes to reviews, I will be fair, as you will all be aware. I don’t do fake reviews or sprout the usual lacklustre tripe that certain “reviewers” do to keep getting invited to whatever soirée is happening. I may have ruffled a few feathers, but c’est la vie, don’t expect me to tell fibs to my readership. Just don’t. Honesty is my mantra. If I find it good, then I will write it. If not, well…

I did two food/hotel events back-to-back on the same night in the following review order: The Parkgate Hotel - Cardiff It was a fantastic spectacle to be invited to The Parkgate Hotel to celebrate its first birthday. So popular that anybody that was respected around Wales for media/corporate reasons was invited, as the PR person stated that they had more people coming than planned! A live band in one room, a DJ in the other. It’s an immense and elaborate venue next to the Stadium on Westgate Street. Brilliant for corporate, gigs and the like. My only gripe is that there is no large-scale car parking onsite apart from that tacky NCP multi-storey car park across the road. I left the venue around 7:45 pm after trying a few food samples brought out to try. It looks impressive from what I tasted and saw on the menu. I want to try the food properly at some point, even stay over. I do rate this place highly. Happy Birthday to The Parkgate Hotel!

Tir a Môr at voco St David’s, Cardiff Bay This was a more relaxed and cosy affair, as the invite list was about a quarter of that was in attendance at the last event at The Parkgate Hotel. So selected indeed that I didn’t know or recognise a single soul at this one, then again, at The Parkgate Hotel, I only recognised three or four people that I personally knew, that’s in addition to a Welsh actor that had been on a few things like ‘Stella’; ex-sprinter Jamie Baulch, and current Welsh boxer, Joe Cordina.

This place is fantastic. As you can see from the pics, it’s primarily a seafood affair. And the service is pure class. We arrived late, which was noticed by the Maître d’, who, after we’d been there for 15 minutes, brought us mini samples of five things from the menu without any input from ourselves.

Then she offered oysters! I had always wanted to try. I did.

They have an acquired taste, and some people chew them! I just swallowed them. Ha! I am a wuss! All in all, superb views of the Bay, amazing music, drinks, staff and food. This is a must-visit and one I am going to come back to!

Bob Dylan - Live at the Motorpoint Arena It’s not often such musical royalty comes to Wales. I was invited to witness somebody who, at 81 years old, still controls the room. Bereft of any talk between songs, Bob Dylan has always said he lets his music do the talking and that he did. I had maybe the best seats in the house, ten rows back and centre on. It felt like I was in a small venue, as it was quite a stripped-back affair with no flashing lights. The man and his ultra-talented backing band nailed it. This could well have been Bob’s swan song when it comes to touring the UK. I am so glad I got to witness it with my daughter.

Carl Marsh Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_CM YouTube - InTheWordsOf

CARDIFF TIMES 15

Performing at Tramshed on November 18th, The Lightning Seeds have been around for decades, but as it happens, Ian Broudie reminded me that he’d not had an album out for more than a decade and a half! The new album is as good as any I have heard in a long time. It’s called See You In The Stars and is available now.

Carl Marsh After listening to your new album, I know the fans will appreciate the wait, as I know you can’t rush things of this quality, but why did you leave it for 15 or 16 years?

Ian Broudie – The Lightning Seeds I think after the last album that I did, I sort of stopped The Lightning Seeds really and started producing. I was working with a couple of unsigned bands, and all that developed into something, and then I did my solo album, which was very simple, and just done very quick. And it wasn’t The Lightening Seeds. And I’m not writing like the fella from The Lightning Seeds even though it’s me; it just didn’t fit the bill. So, when I signed to that record label, I had several new songs. And they were very much like, “We don’t want it to be a Lightning Seeds album”. And I hate it when I allow myself to be influenced, so I tried to turn them into a Lightning Seeds album, and they ended up neither one thing nor the other. Some people liked that solo album; some didn’t. I felt a lot of anxiety putting it out.

I felt like I just wasn’t sure that I wanted to do anything much after a few things happened in my life over that period. And I suppose the period after you’re famous as well (comes into it). After that, it makes sense that you know what you’re dealing with and figuring out where your life is. And I had a lot of bereavement in the family. It was just a strange time, and I found I was writing differently.

And to use a football pun, I’d gone from the Premier League down to the Football League, you know, below the Championship, and then I gradually started thinking that if I’m going to do something, I want it to be great.

Various people came into the band, and I managed to get what I think are my favourite people in my favourite band at the moment. And then I started writing a little bit more. I had a couple of songs that I thought, well, these are actually good songs that do feel like Lightning Seeds songs, and then I received kind of encouragement from friends who helped me because not that I’d sort of forgotten how to do it, but I didn’t have the mechanism in place to make it happen. Then when I’d recorded a couple, I quite liked them. Then it stops being an abstract idea. You think, “Oh, I like these. I would like to play these people who like my music”, and everything grows from there. I’ve never had a plan. I’ve never had a master plan for my career. I’ve bumbled around, messed it up, fallen over, got back up, and it seems like that’s what happened here.

Carl Marsh Three Lions came out 26 years ago, and I bet you’d never in a million years thought it would be in that same amount of time the women’s game has gone from hardly even an amateur level to where it is now for England to be winning

16 CARDIFF TIMES

the European Championship over the men’s teams, even though that song was released for the men’s team in 1996, and here we are in 2022?

Ian Broudie - The Lightning Seeds I would never have thought about the women’s game at that time, but I couldn’t honestly say I expected us to win it (back then). [Laughter] I’d be lying if I thought we would.

And I still feel that way! I mean, that’s what the song is about, really, hope, living in hope. And to be honest, the song is about fans. One of the things I loved when it came out in Euro 96 was the Dutch fans were singing it, and the German fans were too. It’s just a song about losing.

It’s funny about supporting a team or sport, isn’t it? You know, it’s sometimes when you’ve lost, and you’re back on the motorway, and you’re at some service, they’re like very precious memories and everyone’s drowning in their sorrows. So it’s a funny dynamic. But I’m certainly still thrilled that the song is still around after this length of time. I loved the Lionesses because it was so much more different than the Premier League guys. It was just so honest, wasn’t it? They were just so joyful when they all ran into that press conference and started singing ‘Three Lions’. That was lovely—that summed up the whole tournament.

The Lightning Seeds - Tramshed November 18th 2022

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CARDIFF TIMES 19

From No Business to Show Business and Back Again!

by Sara John

The middle of August was when the ‘A’ Level results were posted to households with students and their families eagerly awaiting the postman’s visit.

I thought that these results, would be meaningless for most people, including, I decided, the Education Department Staff at the local council offices. Could these results perhaps be “lying around” in an office ready to be posted? Should I call in? Could I have a peep before they go? I was very eager to find out now my results rather than waiting for the postman so that I could take the next steps. And also get a good night’s sleep!

With nothing to lose except another night’s sleep, a lot of well laid plans (no mice involved, mice did not want to go to Art School, as I did although they possibly kept application forms for Catering Colleges handy). The well-laid plans previously devised had required a great deal of plotting and promising. The plotting involved reading up reviews of Art Exhibitions, in case I was successful in my examinations and would be called for interview at Art School; the promising was to reassure my parents (that I could “always teach” which I had no intention of doing as in no thank you, never, not for me).

That justification was only a very small part of what I featured in my prayers, which also included a vow to cut off my hair and join a Religious Order as long as I could go to Art School first! Please Dear Lord.

I decided to go to the local Education Office, and just ask, nicely if I could have my A level results right away (now please, please, please.) In those days the Education Departments were situated in a Victorian building called, not Offices, but Chambers in Llewelyn Street, Pentre, in the Rhondda. As I entered the premises, they appeared to be very dark and gloomy, and on the shady side of the street. It felt as though the building had been deserted, and subsequently haunted, by generations of spirits of past officials, typists, clerks, and others who would never again see sunshine. Or the sunny side of the street. I could smell the ink in squelchy Victorian ink pads. Black of course. Stephens’ Radiant Blue was out of the question. I began to hear the clackity-clack-ding of typewriters, fuelled still by gas I decided, as I ventured through the open door and down a dark and gloomy corridor that appeared to have no end.

What if the answer to my request and enquiry is “No, you cannot”. I had a ‘brief’ explanation of why the urgency was so important to me ready if required. A 20 CARDIFF TIMES

young man appeared out of the gloom, nice shirt white of course, neat navy suit, plain specs and asked if he could help me? I decided to take a chance and set aside my ‘brief explanation’ which would have put his bedtime back considerably (it had not an iota of truth in it, the explanation that is, but was of decent length and might make a short story one day).

I decided to start with an apology for using up his time, smile but look worried (not too much) and appear more than a little nervous. He said it was not a problem to help me and I could have a copy of my results to take away (I thought to myself that only mattered if there were any results. What if it was just a blank piece of paper?). I answered all his questions, name, address and so on and he said that he had just been dealing with that location. The information was on the counter in front of him!

He passed me the precious information and I read the very brief details in a single glance! I thanked him profusely, read them again and walked across the road to the “sunny side of the street”, a popular song of the period. Opening that single page with very sparse details filled me with relief. I had gained A level Art and done well: meaning that I had three A levels (one with distinction) to complement my ten O levels.

I had already applied to Cardiff Teacher Training College around Easter time that year, as a backup plan. I went for interview and was offered, and accepted, a place there.

Now I faced a dilemma. With my better than I dared hope results I felt confident that, at least I would achieve an interview at the Art School if I applied under their Late Entry system. My main interest, was dress design and I had designed and made many garments for my local and Cardiff customers. I had taken these garments along to a local photographer and I ‘modelled’ each one for him to photograph. I mounted them in a folio with sample fabrics, notes and other details just in case I won an interview.

Could I risk turning down my place at Teacher Training College, here and now, in August, in advance of risking a Late Entry system application in mid-September at Cardiff School of Art, thereby leaving me with no backup plan.

However, it seemed wrong to sit on one offer, at Cardiff Teacher Training College when there were probably

other applicants very eager to go to study there. It was a popular choice for would-be teachers and likely to be over subscribed.

On the other hand the Art School in The Friary, Cardiff had no knowledge of me and might think I was unreliable, lived some distance away, not worth seeing and wondering why I had left it so late to apply.

Two solutions came to me as I floated down the main road, singing silently, grinning with satisfaction and weightless with relief. First thing tomorrow I would visit my beloved Art Mistress who lived a short distance from my home. I was sure she would help me with my dilemma.

In fact, I also had the makings of a second backup plan.

I had all the equipment at home, (I was an only child living with my parents in a nice roomy house) to set up on my own if I had to. I already had a fair-sized number of regular customers, I had also made a lot of dresses for little girls as well as their mothers.

The next morning, I visited my art teacher at her house and she was delighted with my examination results and advised me to write at once to the Training College to withdraw my application. Secondly, she offered to write to the Art School - she had studied there herself - recommending me as a potential student. Within a few days the Art School had sent me a prospectus, application forms and clear instructions of what to take

with me when I attended a day of examinations and interviews two weeks hence! I confirmed that I would be there and spent the next two weeks on serious preparations. The day of entrance examinations and interviews was a very long day.

Everyone there was very welcoming, and it was so NOT like school. The atmosphere was Friday afternoon/last day of term/in the art room. There were about sixteen of us, boys and girls, some who were quite a lot older had already completed degree courses elsewhere. We were each interviewed by at least three if not four lecturers, which included part time lecturers who were well known professional artists or art historians themselves.

We were told it would only be a few days before we would hear the results of the day’s work, we were thanked and sent off home to relax and recover!

Two days later The Letter arrived. I ripped it open. I had been offered a place there!

The risk taking/praying/preparation/worrying/insomnia had paid off. I would enjoy the next three years; I decided and learn as much as possible. I could not stop thinking that come September I would be “An Art Student”. Then “everything would be alright. And it was!

It was a very good time indeed.

Cardiff School of Art had a fine reputation and was proud of the fact that it was a “school” not a college. We CARDIFF TIMES 21

students were actually ‘taught’, not let loose to discover stuff, slowly if ever, for ourselves.

At the end of three years, I had learnt the theory of colour, life drawing skills, perspective, painting, ceramics, pattern cutting, dressmaking, sketching clothes, construction methods including using lathes, power tools, soldering, welding, jewellery making, printing, photography, processing and so much more. As in school we had a timetable and NOT as in school, no one was ever late for lessons!

The three years sped by.

There will be another article soon on “being an art student in Cardiff in the early sixties, with not being welcome in most cafés, especially those with tablecloths. Meantime finding and wearing flared jeans from the one and only source, growing your hair and/ or your beard as appropriate, smoking Disque Bleu cigarettes and deliberately carrying a paperback copy of anything by Jean Paul Sartre. Seeking obscure music by Thelonius Monk in Spillers Record shop in the Hayes. Eating peas and chips for one shilling and threepence in British Home Stores (every day for lunch) and hoping you had the four pence to finish off with a mug of hot chocolate!”

At that time after Art College, the Sixties were well established as rationing, shortages, queues for salmon or sausages were a thing of the distant past.

However, I started to feel something inside me that was familiar. The same sort of anxiety I felt when I was leaving School and facing a different world. A chilly feeling. Not being comfortable within myself.

Would I find paid employment? Would I be eligible for Unemployment Pay? I had paid no National Insurance.

Should I have gone to Teacher Training College when I had the chance? What was I to do, I could not risk conveying too many of my concerns to my mother.

Possibly she would go outside with a loud hailer to let everyone know and also take an advertising space in the Western Mail Saturday edition.

My dilemma this time was also settled by someone I knew but not very well, and someone I was yet to meet.

This is what happened.

Course and another two weeks on Church Embroidery.

We also had tickets for a Dance at The Water’s Edge, in Barry which was a popular venue for dances, in those days, and with an orchestra! Catherine had friends attending who were locals and regulars and I was introduced to one man, very pleasant, good humoured and well mannered called Huw. Now was Fate intervening for me? Why? you are asking. Because, because he worked for BBC Wales.

This was the BBC channel for Wales that had previously been Channel 13. The organisation was growing, there were vacancies in the Design Departments and Huw asked if I was interested. Was I interested? Was I? Yes! I was. He gave me the details of the person to contact.

Little did he know this would be my ‘front door key’ for my next twenty-five years.

I contacted the ‘contact’ and was invited to appear for interview, not, at this stage for filling a vacancy but to work on what they referred to as a Casual Contract. The BBC offices at that time were in Park Place in town prior to the Big Move to the as yet “not quite ready” award winning building in Llantrisant Road, Llandaff.

I was early, I was nervous, I was eager. I was familiar with the programmes BBC Wales were making. They included television dramas, (Sunday evening network slot) family-based weekly serials, wonderful music programmes with the BBC Welsh Orchestra (a few years later to be extended, courtesy of the Welsh Arts Council, to full Symphonic strength). Popular variety shows, much comedy, pop and folk music. Major events were covered along with daily news, sport, discussion and talks programmes.

At the BBC offices I met a nice man called Mr Tidball, surprisingly (to me) a Cornishman. He knew, I soon realised, all about the programmes mentioned above, but as he explained his job was to find out about what I had been doing, had done, had to offer, and my academic achievements and my ‘attitude’ to working long hours, working under pressure in a team and my ability to stay calm and solve problems.

One of my chums in Art School was Catherine, she lived in Cardiff and through local connections had the offer of design work starting in September, working actually in Cardiff. Her immediate future was assured. However, we both decided to use our vacation time to learn more.

It seems I had been seen as “suitable”. In no time at all I was in a television studio assisting on a live Pop music programme in a big converted church packed with broadcasting equipment, engineers, programme makers and artistes. It all felt quite wonderful, challenging but magical. I had been truly lucky. I cannot tell of twentyfive years within my space allocation but a few tasters for future stories take us around the country.

In those days there was a wonderful Summer School run for four weeks each year in Barry Teachers Training College. There were twenty or so arts and crafts related courses on offer, all tempting and free to residents in Glamorgan. We were both accepted and enrolled. We would attend the two weeks offered on the Millinery

Waiting in the restaurant queue one hot day in Pebble Mill in Birmingham was a warning to me to keep my distance! We were all squashed up waiting for our orders to be fulfilled and someone behind me shouted, ‘Move along’. I did so but the man in front of me, busy talking to another customer, did not. My arm was

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pushed into the back of his arm which was holding his tray. He was a large gentleman in a very expensive sample of the best in English tailoring. “oh! I am terribly sorry”, I wailed, convinced I had broken my arm, but rendered speechless when I recognised who may have injured me! It was Henry Cooper, himself! He was made of concrete.

Working in Television Centre I pressed the button to summon the Scenery lift to go up a few floors. Quite legal. The doors opened and the entire cast of Dad’s Army, all in costume and makeup were inside. The very cockney character was first with, “Ello darlin’ fancy a”– I was gone by then!

A makeup lady who was a good friend, let’s call her Wanda, and I were doing a light entertainment extravaganza in Rhyl Sun Centre. It was very hot weather. Rod Hull and Emu were running through their act on stage mid-afternoon in rehearsal, well prior to the real show due to start at 7-30pm. The arena seating was full. Wanda was a very striking blonde who very professionally responded to an unplanned call from the floor manager to appear and deal with a very hot performer and a very naughty Emu. Rod went on with his lines and moves as part of his performance to warm up the audience. However, as Wanda walked a fair distance and then up and onto the stage, Emu with his mouth hanging open was alternating with looking at her and shoving Rod Hull, who was very cleverly pretending not to know what was going on in the ribs.

As she approached Rod with her magic cool-you-down chamois cloths Emu took his chance!!!The audience were already in hysterics by now realising what they were enjoying was off the cuff and, what shall I say, “Not of broadcast quality”.

Emu was sizing up his next move, he chose his moment, he aimed for the second button from the top and with his beak pulled open Wanda’s pale blue button fronted (well it had been button fronted a bit earlier on) BBC Makeup Dept. overall. The audience were beside themselves. Rod Hull had that innocent expression of “What is going On?” Actually, it was off not on! Wanda was in tears and fled partly undressed. The audience were convinced it had all been planned beforehand. It certainly had not.

Working in Broadcasting was not like that all the time, just some of the time, Thank Goodness.

However, that was only the beginning. Later, I was fortunate to work with a lot of people I never thought I would actually meet. These included Tessie O’Shea, Ken Dodd, Richard Burton, Gayle Hunnicutt, Clifford Evans, Ryan and Ronnie, Max Boyce and Kenneth Griffiths. Sir Geraint Evans, Stuart Burrows, Dame Margaret Price and Kenneth Bowen.

So there was lots more to come.

CARDIFF TIMES 23

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Join Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel in a brand new adventure this Christmas Audiences aged 7+ will be transported from Edwardian Cardiff to the magical fairy tale world of the Brothers Grimm this Christmas.

Hannah McPake will reimagine the famous fairy tales, creating a spectacular new Christmas show full of songs and laughter, performed by an exceptional group of actor musicians and directed by Joe Murphy.

The cast will include several Sherman Christmas favourites. As well as writing this year’s show, Hannah McPake, who recently delighted audiences as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, will return to the Sherman’s Main House stage as Mum / Snow Queen.

James Ifan (A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland) will play Jacob Grimm / Prince Charming, and following his role last year as Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, Keiron Self (My Family, BBC) returns for his seventh Christmas production at the Sherman as the Narrator. Completing the cast will be Lily Beau, Katie Elin-Salt, Kyle Lima, Bethzienna Williams and Sarah Workman.

Cardiff, 1913. Christmas Eve. Stevie’s mum is a Suffragette, fighting for the right to vote. But Stevie just wants to fit in. Meanwhile, in the Grimmdom, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel are waiting for their Happy Ever After.

But when a storm transports Stevie to this magic land, things begin to change. None of the stories are happening like they were supposed to. Will everything end in disaster? Or can Stevie save the Grimmdom and find her own Once Upon a Time?

The Sherman wants to ensure that the cost of tickets is in reach of as many people as possible. Tickets are priced £16 - £27. Two adults

and two children can see Tales of the Brothers Grimm from under £50.

Children and under 25s can see the show for half price. The Sherman also run a scheme, Pay What You Can Previews, which will allow audiences to pay how much they are able to for Tales of the Brothers Grimm on 26 and 29 November.

CARDIFF TIMES 25

A BRAVE FIGHTER

by Ralph Oates

Not all boxers become champions, that is a fact of life.

Often there is no fairy tale ending to their stories, not a Rocky Balboa type finish for the underdog in the fight game. Many do not find glory or riches in their endeavours inside the ring. Nevertheless, said boxers can and do make a valuable contribution to the sport. They are often brave and give their all in battle and are appreciated by the fans for doing so. Such a fighter was Roy John who was born on the 13th of October 1947 in Abercynon.

John would step into the ring with anyone and was not a fighter who cherry picked his opponents. He would share the ring with the very best the division had to offer. John however was not fated to win a title during his career. That wasn’t because he lacked ability, he had a great deal of that. In boxing it can be a matter of timing and to that end John was a little unlucky since he was around when there were outstanding fighters on the domestic front. He was a tough competitor who would give the man in front of him a testing time and was well respected by all in the sport.

John got his professional career underway without any ballyhoo on the 15th of June 1967 when he outpointed Dervan Airey over 8 rounds at Ninian Park in Cardiff. It was not an explosive fight, but it was a nice start in the paid ranks. However, his second outing didn’t go so well.

In a bout which took place on the 28th of June 1967 at the National Sporting Club in Piccadilly, London, John was stopped in the 6th and final round by James Bevan.

A disappointing result but that’s the way things happen in the hurt game. At first sight it seemed that John would emerge the victor in this bout, which only goes to show in boxing there is no sure outcome. John shook off the defeat and was back in action on the 26th of July 1967 at the Afan Lido Sports Centre in Aberavon and duly put his name back in the win column when he stopped his opponent Jimmy Briand in the 6th stanza.

It was time to enter the ring once more and on the 14th of September 1967 John ducked between the ropes at the Grosvenor House in Mayfair, London to confront his latest opponent, Clarence Cassius. After six entertaining

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rounds John was declared the winner on points. The pair met again on the 22nd of October 1967 this time the venue was the Hotel Metropole Sporting Club in Brighton, Sussex. Once again, the two provided the fans with a good night of boxing over the duration of 6 rounds of which John emerged the victor. John pulled on the gloves and embarked on his next assignment which took place at the Afan Lido Sports Centre at Aberavan on the 28th of November 1967 against Jack Powe. John added another win to his resume when he received the verdict on points after 6 rounds. On the 7th of February 1968 at the Crossways Merthyr Mawr, John met for the third time Clarence Cassius whom he had already defeated twice.

This looked like being another win for John. However, it proved third time lucky for Cassius when he took the decision on points after 8 rounds. This was a defeat which was a little unexpected but that’s boxing.

On the 8th of April 1968 John was back to his winning ways when at the National Sporting Club in Piccadilly London he outscored Larry Brown over 8 rounds. John won his next four bouts before he suffered his next defeat and that came against Dick Duffy at the National Sporting Club, Piccadilly in London on the 28th of October 1968.

John departed from the ring losing on points over 8 rounds. On the 27th of November 1968 John was back in action at the Sophia Gardens Pavilion in Cardiff. On this occasion he was contesting the vacant Welsh Area middleweight crown against Carl Thomas. Both fighters performed well in a pleasing bout which saw John losing on points over 10 rounds. This was of course a disappointment for him since like all fighters he wanted to win a title and this championship would have seen him elevated in the British rankings. Not for the first time John had to regroup and put the setback behind him. It was time to go back to work and on the 24th of June 1969 he stepped into the ring at the National Sporting Club, Piccadilly in London to do battle with Maxie Smith. After 8 tough rounds John emerged the victor after gaining a points decision.

On the 22nd of September 1969 John secured another win when he outpointed opponent Geoff Shaw over the duration of 8 rounds at the Broadway Sporting Club which was situated in Manchester, Lancashire. On the 15th of December 1969 the Welshman stepped between the ropes at the National Sporting Club, Piccadilly to box Lloyd Walford who was a very ring wise fighter and looked like a hard night’s work for John. At the end of 8 rounds it did indeed prove to be a hard night for John.

Walford had his hand raised in victory after gaining a points decision. The Welshman bounced back with a win on the 4th of March 1970 when he travelled to Solihull in the Midlands and stopped opponent Dave Hawkes in round 7 of a scheduled 8. Then it was back in with Lloyd Walford on the 23rd of March 1970 in the hope that he might gain revenge for his previous defeat against this opponent. However, it was not to be, the fight took place

in Manchester, Lancashire and once again John lost an 8 round points decision.

On the 23rd of April 1970 John met Ray Brittle in a bout made for the duration of 8 rounds but once again met with a defeat when disqualified in the 4th session. The next port of call for the Welsh fighter was South Africa where upon he met Kosie Smith at the Ellis Park Tennis Stadium in Johannesburg on the 15th of August 1970. This was a tough assignment and a win for John looked very unlikely in the 10 round encounter. The contest concluded in the 6th stanza when John was knocked out. Being the ultimate professional, the Welshman shook off the defeat and soon got back in the ring. It was that man Lloyd Walford once again, who was coming out of the opposite corner at the National Sporting Club Piccadilly in London.

The two faced off on the 12th of October 1970 and this time John secured a win when he stopped his man in the 8th and final round. The 11th of November 1970 saw John in action once again, this time crossing gloves with Guinea Roger at the Midlands Sporting Club in Solihull, in the West Midlands. The Welshman won when the fight was stopped in round 7 of a scheduled 8.

John laced up the gloves on the 11th of January 1971 and at the National Sporting Club, Piccadilly once again shared the ring with Lloyd Walford for the fourth time, Walford duly boxed his way to an 8 round points decision.

The 16th of March 1971 saw John put his name back in the win column when he outpointed Phil Matthews over 8 rounds at the Empire Pool, Wembley in London. For the second time the ever busy John fought Guinea Roger on the 24th of May 1971 winning on points over a scheduled 8. The venue for the bout being the Anglo-American Sporting Club, Mayfair in London.

On the 11th of September 1971 John once again fought in South Africa outpointing home fighter Arno Prick over the duration of 10 rounds at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

In the months which followed John engaged in a further four bouts winning one and losing three.

On the 24th of October 1972 a big opportunity came the Welshman’s way when he was matched with Johnny Frankham in an eliminator for the British light-heavyweight crown. Frankham was the firm favourite going into the bout in a fight which took place at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London. However, the Welshman provided a shock when against the odds he outpointed Frankham over 12 rounds. (In the fullness of time Frankham would go on to win the British light-heavyweight title).

On the 13th of March 1973 at the Empire Pool, Wembley in London, John challenged for the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles against holder Chris Finnegan. This looked to be an interesting match up. Finnegan had taken the titles from another Welshman in the shape of Eddie Avoth on the 24th of January 1971 the venue being the Grosvenor House, Mayfair in London, by way of a stoppage in round 15. Finnegan was a class boxer who had won a gold medal at middleweight in the 1968 Olympic games which had taken place in

Finnegan on the left with his hand raised in victory John on right. Image by permission of Derek Rowe.

Mexico. Finnegan was coming into this fight after losing his previous two bouts. On the 26th of September 1972 Finnegan was knocked out in round 14 of 15 when challenging for the undisputed world light-heavyweight title by the great American champion Bob Foster. Then on the 14th of November 1972 Finnegan lost his European crown when he was stopped with a cut eye by Germany’s Rudiger Schmidtke in round 12 of a contest scheduled for 15. Both bouts had taken place at the Empire Pool in London. It had to be wondered if the two defeats against Foster and Schmidtke had taken something from Finnegan. Could it be that John was getting in with the champion at the right time. Would John take the titles back to Wales? Despite the previous defeats Finnegan had suffered he was the favourite going into the battle.

John as usual gave it his all and in so doing gave Finnegan a hard night, showing that he was a worthy challenger for the title. After 15 rounds, the decision was given to Finnegan who showed his quality in retaining his titles.

In his next outing on the 1st of November 1973 John travelled to Denmark to cross gloves with former European light-heavyweight and middleweight king Tom Bogs a proven world class operator. The chance of a victory seemed remote for the Welshman. The contest duly took place at the K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, Denmark. The fight went it’s full course of 10 rounds with John giving a good account of himself. Bogs was given the decision on points but had to work hard to get the win. John was back in the ring again on the 21st of November 1973 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The opponent was Maxie Smith a fighter whom John had previously defeated on the 24th of June 1969 by a points

CARDIFF TIMES 27

decision over 8 rounds. It looked as if the Welshman would repeat the win, but it was not so, Smith scored a decision on points over the duration of 8. After a period away from the ring John was back on the winning trail again on the 20th of January 1975 when at the National Sporting Club, Cafe Royal, Piccadilly in London he boxed his way to a points decision over the duration of 8 rounds with opponent George Gray. Another visit to the National Sporting Club on the 10th of February 1975 against Bob Tuckett proved to be a setback for the Welsh fighter when he lost by a disqualification in round 5 of 8. Roy should have got revenge when on the 2nd of April 1975 at the Double Diamond Club in Caerphilly in Wales he outpointed Tuckett over the scheduled 8 rounds. John scored another victory at the Double Diamond Club on the 29th of September 1975 when he outpointed Jean Claude Capitolin over 8 rounds.

On the 12th of November 1975 John returned to Caerphilly when once again at the Double Diamond Club was matched with Tim Wood. This was an important fight since it was a final eliminator for the British lightheavyweight title. John boxed well to earn the 12 round points decision. However, a second crack at the title did not materialise for John. (Tim Wood eventually went on to win the British light-heavyweight crown.) After

an absence from the ring John returned on the 16th of June 1977 to outpoint George Gray over 8 rounds at the Leisure Centre in Ebbw Vale. Then on the 19th of October 1977 at the Coronation Hall, Kingston in London he drew over 8 with opponent Eddie Fenton. It would of course have been better had he secured a win over Fenton.

On the 5th of January 1978 he packed his suitcase and set out for Denmark. At the Randers Hallen he met with defeat when Mustafa Wasajja stopped him in round 5 of 8. This proved to be the last contest for John who later decided to quit the sport.

During his time in the paid ranks John boxed abroad on 8 occasions: South Africa (twice), Italy (twice), France (once), Netherlands (once), and Denmark (twice). The Welshman left boxing with a record of 43 bouts; winning 25, losing 17 and drawing 1. At another time, another era, John may well have been able to have added the British title to his name. However, John always gave value when inside the ring and proved to be another good addition to the ranks of Welsh boxing.

Sadly, Roy John died on the 12th of February 2007.

John catches Finnegan with a straight left. Image by permission of Derek Rowe.

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Fashion Done Your Own Way

by Molly Dutton

With Halloween on its way out (which makes me extremely sad), there is the joy of the festive season just around the corner. Christmas lights, subtle festive songs and colder temperatures are already sneaking their way into our lives so we might as well embrace them. I have never been the queen of organisation however I am rather fond of the whole gift giving experience; especially when it involves my family and friends. You may have been very well prepared this year and selected all your gifts already, but if you’re a little bit more like me, I hope that we can sort through this together. It is very important for me to note that Christmas can be an extremely hard time for many people and this will be true for even more families and individuals as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

There is nothing more special, in my opinion, than quality time spent with those who you love.

Whether you spend it playing monopoly with the family, cuddling your best mates or just having a nice dinner and a glass of wine on your own, it should be seen as a very special occasion.

As the self- proclaimed queen of shopping (yet another attempt to shield one of my pricier habits), I felt that this month’s article should be our very own “Cardiff Times Gift Guide”. I typically read these a lot once the festivities begin and yet, usually I read them far too late to actually purchase the items mentioned. This year, we are being organised together and racking our brains for the best buys that won’t break the bank.

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It only makes sense that I categorise my gift guide so that it doesn’t become completely confusing. I have some wonderful friends who deserve the absolute world however I can’t quite achieve that just yet so my current ideas will have to suffice. Hampers are always a great idea, especially if you have a smaller budget.

Now I’m not talking about a huge champagne and cashmere filled basket, but more of a personalised collection of your friends’ favourite things. Home Bargains provide the loveliest of baskets, from a subtle grey to a vibrant baby pink; the perfect base for your gift bundle. They sell for around £4.50 - £10 depending on your chosen size. For my girlfriends, I then tend to sprint to Primark to go and get the next items as you can really rely on them for affordable, fabulous products. My typical bundle tends to contain fluffy socks, false lashes (or nails, whichever they would wear more), Christmas pjs or a nice warm blanket and then their favourite chocolate. These can be as affordable or expensive as you like and you can mix and match any gift that you think your friend would love. After my Primark stop off, Boots is always my next point of call. I usually rummage around for some body lotion, body spray or even a body scrub to finish the hamper. Once again, you can choose whether to select branded or unbranded, or you could just miss this part altogether! A little finishing touch I like to add is a few hot chocolate sachets that just neatly slot in. You can recreate this for your boyfriend, girlfriend, boy besties and even family members.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas guide without something for your mum and the ladies in your life. This can be quite a difficult one, particularly if you want to treat them but have a smaller budget. The good thing about the current high street is that you can harness luxury for half the price which makes it a lot easier to spoil those leading ladies. I always think a candle is a good way to start. Asda have a beautiful collection of candles in luxury black and white packaging; my mum loves the pomegranate or the vanilla scent. I also do love to buy something slightly quirky when I’m looking for presents.

One of my favourite ideas, inspired by the gorgeous Stacey Solomon, is the gonk. I know you’re probably either jumping for joy right now or thinking, what on earth is a gonk? A gonk is a funny looking bearded gnome that is usually rather cuddly and cute.

You can purchase these in many garden centres and stand-alone shops, usually in different themed outfits of varying colours. Maisymoogifts.co.uk sell the loveliest collection, including little versions to hang on the tree. If you have a slightly larger budget, the jewellery company Coeur-de-Lion sell the most beautiful watches to gift to your loved ones. My very own watch contains gorgeous jewels in different colours, creating a rainbow across the hours. Prior to this purchase, I had never really owned my own watch but it feels so special and

individual; a present that could be cherished for a long time. This wonderful brand also produce bracelets with the same colours as the watch, creating a delicate yet fascinating combination on your wrist.

For the younger siblings, cousins or any youngsters for that matter, cuddly animals are always the way to go. Crafty as Hook, an online crotchet company on Etsy, create the most perfect crotchet gifts that can be enjoyed by all ages alike. With a great selection of big, small and keyring sized items such as bees, ghosts, elephants and vegetables (yes, you heard right), the gifts are so personal. It really does make a difference that each item is made with so much love (and they’re super affordable too)!

A final note on my first festive article of the year, and an important one; gifts for the dads, grandads and any other man that means a lot to you. A beer pump is quite literally the coolest thing you can buy as a Christmas present.

Whilst it does push the budget quite a bit, it is such a worthwhile gift and can be used so often.

The Phillips Perfect Draft at home beer pump is unbelievably exciting. So, don the festive hats, get the Bublé on and let’s get Christmas shopping!

CARDIFF TIMES 33

As the festive season approaches it may seem we are surrounded by people with coughs and colds.

But can we really avoid getting sick without shutting ourselves out from the outside world?

Eat healthy Vitamin C, zinc and selenium are all important in regulating the immune system. Ensure you are getting enough Vitamin C from foods such as papaya, strawberries, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, red pepper, cabbage, peas and parsley.

Zinc another essential micronutrient can be found in tofu, lentils, oysters, chicken and red meat.

Higher levels of selenium are thought to boost the immune system. Selenium can be found in foods such as brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, sardines and mushrooms.

Step outside and supplement Vitamin D is also essential in helping to regulate the immune response. Our main source of Vitamin D is from the sun so stepping outside for 15 minutes every afternoon will help avoid deficiency. Try including foods high in Vitamin D into your diet such as salmon, eggs, fortified milks and cereals. Consider also taking a daily supplement containing 400 IU of Vitamin D in the winter months when there is less sunlight around.

Sleep Most people need around 6-9 hours a night of sleep. Studies show that people who sleep less than 6 hours a night are 4 times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the cold virus than those who get at least 7 hours and take longer to recover. In fact, even after 1 night of poor sleep our natural killer cells which fight off infection are reduced by 75%.

So what can we do to help improve our sleep?

Get out for a walk in the morning for natural daylight and exercise to regulate your circadian rhythm and enhance the quality of your sleep.

Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks after mid-day and keep alcohol to a minimum. Keep away 34 CARDIFF TIMES

from electronic devices at least 90 minutes before bedtime to minimise blue light exposure and consider using blue blocking screens or glasses in the evening if you must use them.

Instead adopt a wind down routine such as reading or listening to a book or maybe some light yoga.

Get moving Moderate exercise of 30-45 minutes a day can more than halve your risk of catching the cold or flu and reduce your risk of developing severe symptoms. However, any exercise such as walking has been shown to increase our white blood cells and natural killer cells which play a key role in fighting off infections. Government guidelines recommend adults should do 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week plus 2 muscle strengthening sessions a week. Don’t overdo it though as more than 60 minutes of strenuous exercise can make you more susceptible to colds and flu.

Written by Dr Vanessa Kerai, special interest in Lifestyle Medicine.

COULD YOU HELP TO SAVE A LIFE?

by Natalie McCulloch

In the UK alone at least 12 ‘healthy’ young people will die every week from heart conditions they didn’t even know they had.

Leading heart charity, Calon Hearts, is on a mission to make these shocking figures a thing of the past by aiming to reduce this number and aspiring for a future whereby nobody in Wales dies prematurely from heart disease.

Calon hearts believe that no family should lose a loved one to a heart condition that could have been detected and managed.

To succeed in their mission Calon hearts need your help and support to put in place more lifesaving strategies into our Welsh communities.

If you feel inclined to know more, try and answer these 3 simple questions: 1. Would you be confident to deliver lifesaving CPR or use a defibrillator in a time of need?

It’s estimated that 74% of people in the UK don’t know CPR or are unsure how to do it. Part of Calon hearts vision is to deliver FREE CPR and defibrillator training in Wales. So far, thanks to the support of trained paramedics, doctors and nurses, they have trained nearly 8000 people in CPR, placed nearly 20,000 defibrillators, and screened nearly 7000

36 CARDIFF TIMES

hearts in the UK in settings such as schools, sports clubs and communities. Their aim is to ensure people can act confidently and without hesitation in an emergency. If you feel you, or your community could benefit from a session, please do get in touch with them today! You never know when you may need these skills!

2. Do you know where your nearest defibrillator is?

In an emergency, each minute that is wasted reduces the chances of saving that life by 10%.

Accessibility to a defibrillator is key to saving a life, so knowing where one is, is key. Calon hearts mission is to ensure that nobody is further than 100 meters away from a publicly accessible defibrillator in Wales. Calon Hearts have placed nearly 20,000 already but they need your support to place more defibrillators into Welsh communities, do you know somewhere that could benefit?

3. Have you had a heart screening or heart health check recently?

Calon Hearts, through its charitable heart screening programme, has already established the benefit of screening, having identified many people with life-changing and life-limiting cardiac conditions. The campaign is backed by former Wales Captain Sam Warburton who is backing the campaign as he falls under the age bracket and is most at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. You can book a place online to get your heart screened alongside getting some advice and tips on how to maintain a healthy heart.

Were you surprised by your answers? Do you feel you could do with an extra boost to your lifesaving skills. If so, please use Calon hearts services to educate yourself and save others.

• I f you fancy doing something a bit more unusual, why not check out the array of events at https:// www.calonhearts.org/events/ where you’ll find everything from meeting Santa Claus to an evening with Ceri Dupree and delicious charity lunches.

Now is the ideal time to take steps to help your heart and save a life. The important knowledge and actions that you take now could help to make a huge impact.

So why not log onto: https://www.calonhearts. org/ to find out more about how you can make a difference to yourself and your community.

As with any charity, In order to fund all these lifesaving skills and strategies and save lives, they need your help.

There are so many ways you can get involved, even from the comfort of your armchair!

• If you’ve had a clear out recently in work or at home, and have found yourself with bags of unwanted clothes, Collect My Clothes Wales can come and collect them at no cost to you, and for every ton of clothes donated, they receive £250 • To make a monetary donation you can Log onto https://www.justgiving.com/calonheart or call them on 029 2240 2670 CARDIFF TIMES 37

This Christmas let’s Light up a Life and remember loved ones with City Hospice City Hospice’s annual Light up a Life campaign, which remembers and celebrates the lives of loved ones, has returned for 2022. There are several innovative ways to get involved and support City Hospice this Christmas.

Join the hundreds of stars twinkling in the Cardiff skyline this Christmas and leave a dedication in memory of a loved one on our virtual ‘Star in the Sky’. With no restrictions in place this year, remembrance and fundraising events will take place including our annual Christmas Remembrance event on Thursday 01st December in the grounds of City Hospice which is free to the public.

Donations made during the Light up a Life campaign will go twice as far, thanks to match funding by The Hodge Foundation who are generously supporting the campaign.

As part of Light up a Life, supporters can donate a day of vital nursing care providing by our clinical nurse specialists during the month of December and have it featured in our Donate a Day Advent Calendar.

This is open to individuals, schools, businesses and community groups who may wish to support City Hospice this Christmas. Donating a Day of nursing would be the world to us at any time and even more so at Christmas.

Find out more at www.cityhospice.org.uk REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1023311

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South Wales Forgotten Trojan History (Part A) Bernard Jones is an Author & Historian from South Wales.

He has spent almost 40 years researching the Trojan War because the Welsh nation always asserted their descendancy from Troy. Sadly, this history was removed from the school curriculum throughout the land, in our so-called ‘modern age’. As a result, large portions of our nation are unaware of our ancient and illustrious past.

Bernard’s research has resulted in two ground-breaking books that confirm the veracity of these ancient histories. In particular, Trojan exiles came to South Wales 3,000 years ago, settled in the areas between Gwent and Glamorgan and founded towns that are known to us today.

But, more about this later.

The Trojan War was the greatest catastrophe of the ancient world, but the truth about it has never been established – until very recently. Decades of research has finally resolved this 3,000-year-old mystery. Homer, in his epic the Iliad, tells us all about the Trojan War. Incredibly, the geography of Homer’s Bronze Age world was found not to be in the Mediterranean or Aegean but in Britain! Bernard’s research confirms the location of the Trojan War and the Bronze Age city of Troy. As a direct result, his discoveries verify the authenticity of the Trojan-British history, a history that goes back to such early times that many historians cannot believe it to be true.

course Aeneas married Lavinia and the Trojans built their new city and it was called Lavinium. This city is in Britain.

As you may have surmised, if the Trojan War took place in Britain then Aeneas’s voyage must have taken place in the western oceans.

This is correct – and is the subject of Bernard’s second book. On his incredible journey Aeneas came to South Wales and met Andromache, the widow of Hector. He had played the greatest part in defending Troy but was killed by Achilles. When Troy fell, Andromache and other Trojans were taken away as slaves.

Later, she married Hector’s brother and they built a replica of Troy just outside Cardiff. The original citadel of Troy was called Ilium, or Elai in Welsh. Elai is the same as Ili in Latin, and Ely in English. (Just a clue to whet your appetite). More to follow in the next edition!

The Trojan-British history begins immediately after the Fall of Troy, and the genealogy of the ancient British kings extends all the way back to Aeneas, a prince of Troy.

Aeneas survived the war and led his people in exile to found a new Troy.

His voyage took seven years before he brought his fleet to rest. Here, he was received honourably by Latinus the king who, because of an oracle, pledged his daughter Lavinia in marriage to the Trojan prince. In due

CARDIFF TIMES 39

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Here at The Pumping Station you will find so many wonderful examples of clothing, jewellery, antiques, furniture and home furnishings from the Victorian era right through to modern day, there really is something here for everyone.

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How do Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids are used to HELP people with hearing loss. They are normally the best option to help Aid Untreated Hearing Loss and help restore some quality of life.

Hearing aids are now Digital, they contain at least 1 microphone to pick up sound, a computer chip that amplifies and processes the sound and a speaker that sends the signal to your ear. Some have batteries and others are rechargeable. Modern hearing aids can also connect to your smart Phones and TV’s.

Do I need Hearing Aids?

If you suspect, you have a hearing loss you should receive testing and correct treatment from a qualified Hearing Aid Audiologist. People with Untreated hearing loss have higher levels of brain atrophy (degeneration) and Auditory deprivation, resulting in a higher chance of developing an earlier onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you have a loss in both ears, it’s Always important to treat BOTH ears. If you went to an optician, you wouldn’t receive a monocle would you? Your hearing is equally as important.

How do Hearing aids work?

Hearing aids are custom programmed to Aid your unique pattern of hearing loss – Called an Audiogram.

There are two types of hearing loss – conductive (through the air, possibly the Ear drum, Bones or Eustachian tube) and sensorineural (some of the tiny hair calls in the inner ear are damaged) The Surviving healthy hair cells pick up the

sound delivered by the Hearing Aid and sends the information to the Brain. The Hearing Aid can only AID what hearing you have left. It cannot repair or replace these damaged hair cells. So, unfortunately you will not hear perfectly again. It takes patience, rehabilitation, a few weeks of acclimatisation and good support from friends and family.

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One of the most common reasons of communication breakdown is poor speaking etiquette. This could include, sloppy speech, obstructing visual cues, talking from another room and not facing each other.

Although unintentional, they are easily rectified.

• Speak clearly – DO NOT SHOUT • Keep hands/objects away from face • Do not chew gum • Stand close (5ft) facing hearing aid wearer • Good lighting, but not in front of window • Avoid conversations from another room The MOST important thing you can do however, is be patient. Remember Hearing Aids do not correct your hearing; they aid what hearing you have left.

While they may hear your voice, clarity and speech understanding may still be difficult. There maybe things you need to repeat, rephrase, simplify or write down. Frustration is inevitable but imagine how the hearing aid user feels every day struggling to hear.

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A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your health, finances, care or living arrangements, should you become incapable of doing so yourself.

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I gael canfyddiadau ymchwil ar astudiaeth Kumon, ewch i kumon.co.uk. Telerau ac amodau’n berthnasol. Mae’r ffioedd yn amrywio. Canolfannau sy’n cymryd rhan yn unig. Cyfeiriwch at eich canolfan astudio leol. Yn amodol ar argaeledd.