Regarding my regrets – I did not have a sudden realisation that I regretted not learning Welsh. I was not even hit by a revelation that I am proud to be Welsh. Similar to many of my compatriots who are far from home (I have, of course been much farther than Hampshire) I am surroundedContinue reading “Old TV drama recalls the passions of youth”
Category Archives: My blog
Gwalia Deserta XV
The poem on which the folk song The Bells of Rhymney was based by Idris Davies (1905-1953) O what can you give me? Say the sad bells of Rhymney. Is there hope for the future? Cry the brown bells of Merthyr. Who made the mineowner? Say the black bells of Rhondda. And who robbed theContinue reading “Gwalia Deserta XV”
My real regret – I don’t speak Welsh
I have one great regret in life (having lived for nearly 71 years) – I did not concentrate on learning Welsh 60 years ago. Personally I blame my teacher at Rhyl Grammar School. She was too pretty. I blame my Latin teacher for my failure to master Latin for the same reason. Beauty in theContinue reading “My real regret – I don’t speak Welsh”
My mate the Marmite Man
There are people (including politicians) who are loved by some and hated by others. Yet the majority don’t care one way or the other. Jeremy Corbyn, as we know full well from the media hype, is not one of these. He is like Marmite – you love him or you hate him. Love is maybeContinue reading “My mate the Marmite Man”
Not all lessons can be taught in a classroom
Now what was I saying when I so rudely interrupted my tales of a hardworking hack? I remember now, myself and my fellow journalism students were trying to cope with the trauma of a class “day out” to a psychiatric hospital – or mental asylum as it was called at the time. I know thatContinue reading “Not all lessons can be taught in a classroom”
It’s the little things in life that make you smile
There are times when you can feel down; or feel sorry for yourself; or just feel angry about something you can do nothing about. I’ve been through all three today and it took the smallest of incidents to cheer me up. It was the delivery of . . . Well let’s just wait a momentContinue reading “It’s the little things in life that make you smile”
Let’s start again
Day 2 The weather outside may be frightful but in the house it is more delightful. Not really that frightful, I must admit, more a bit dull, damp and cold, but definitely more delightful inside. This morning I was reading a tweet Michael Rosen sent out last night. Last year he was one of theContinue reading “Let’s start again”
So this is 2021
I woke feeling quite bright and cheerful this morning – after all it was not just a new day, it was also a New Year. This was 2021 – goodbye 2020. I wished my darling wife Marion and my dear son David “Blwyddyn Newydd Dda” (Happy New Year to those who don’t speak Welsh) andContinue reading “So this is 2021”
I’ll be back
December has not been the best of months but I intend to return to action in the New Year (tomorrow). It has been a difficult time for us all and many have found it harder because they have been separated from family and loved ones who would normally be there to offer support. Our sonContinue reading “I’ll be back”
Razor sharp and lasts generations
There have been many shortages during the Covid 19 chaos, some you might expect but others very curious. We all know toilet rolls became scarce – after all if you’re going to be stuck at home for months you want to be sure you can keep your nether regions clean. Bread flour, in fact allContinue reading “Razor sharp and lasts generations”
Robin's Nest 