Cardiff Times - December 2023

December 2023

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A death in the family

byWyn Evans

Last week, The Boss travelled northwards to see her family in Yorkshire. Her mum, Janice, had a stroke earlier this year and had since spent her time recovering and working hard at her physio and speech therapy. Post stroke, she remained in NHS hospitals and care facilities and she was looking forward to returning to her family home imminently.

Her speech had come on in leaps and bounds though her movement less so. A care package had been negotiated that would have involved a return to home supported by four nursing visits across each twenty-four hour period. Her partner, John, this week took possession of a new therapeutic bed and arrangements had been made to get Janice an electric wheelchair for use in the home.

In the light of such positive plans it was with trepidation that John told The Boss last Monday that the doctors The Girl, my seventeen year old daughter who has feared she was suffering from a second stroke. A Down Syndrome, stayed home with me last week. few hours later they updated us; Jan was not after The Boss and I had decided that I would not mention all suffering another stroke but did have pneumonia.

Nanna’s death and that we’d tell her together when The Boss travelled up on Wednesday. Whilst she The Boss got home on Friday. That was the plan was travelling, Jan’s lung, which scans showed had anyway. I got a phone-call from her early Friday an object on it, collapsed. She died before The Boss afternoon. She was phoning from Tamworth services reached the hospital. to tell me she had the mother and father of all Jan had three kids: Stephen who is married and lives in Ireland; The Boss; and her younger sister, Katherine, who died well over thirty years ago in her twenties, of Hodgkin’s Disease. Jan was an artist, potter and teacher and was in her mid-eighties when she died.

headaches. (“It was as if the road was shimmering as I looked at it.”) Clearly in no state to drive she booked in overnight at the services and slept for fifteen straight hours, which was the wise choice. She awoke Saturday morning free of pain and arrived home about 1130 hours.

After the obligatory welcome home hugs, The Girl asked her mum how Nanna was doing. The Boss explained the course of events and there were the expected tears of sadness. After a while The Girl ceased crying and told her mam that she had seen a programme on YouTube that suggested that when people die they get to spend more time with members of their families who had themselves died.

She continued: “...it means Nanna will now get to have more time with her other daughter, your sister, Katherine”.

The Boss and I have still to determine whether all three of us will attend the funeral and crematorium services. On the one hand she is playing the lead role in her Year 13 class production of Matilda and she is very much looking forward to getting into character. On the other hand this is a rite of passage moment and, as The Boss somewhat tersely put it: “What? Do you want the first funeral she ever goes

4 CARDIFF TIMES

I’m uncertain how many shopping days there are now until Christmas, twenty-seven I think. This means I will need to screw my courage to the sticking place and run the gamut of rough sleepers along Queen Street and St. Mary’s Street in a search for useful, necessary and creative gifts for my loved ones. It can be quite unnerving the length and breadth of Cardiff’s main shopping streets these days, Still, I disagree with those politicians who suggest that sleeping rough is a lifestyle choice. It’s not a lifestyle I would wish on anybody. When there is no room at the inn let us be thankful for those charities and agencies that work so hard to keep people housed and fed this winter.

A merry Christmas to you all!

to to be one of ours?”. By the time you all read this the services will have come and gone. I’m rather proud that my daughter put her Nanna’s death in the context of spending more time with her other daughter, Katherine. Ours is an agnostic if not an atheistic household, that does not much attend to theology or eschatology (the body of religious doctrines concerning the human soul in its relation to death, judgment, heaven, and hell). But given it is her first time dealing with such matters it reflects well on The Girl that she sees death in the context of spending time with people we have loved who have gone before us.

Still, tempus fugit and time stops for no-one. The Christmas break will be upon us soon. I mentioned a few columns ago that we have put in a vertical lift from ground to first floor, preparing for the day that my Parkinson’s turns the simple walk upstairs into an impossible hike. We have also taken an internal wall out upstairs and replaced it with translucent glass bringing more light into our landing. Both these pieces of work will be completed this holiday and it will be nice to get our house back. The lift bears an uncanny resemblance to the transporter bays on Star Trek’s USS Enterprise. One doesn’t so much start each new day as a beam into it!

CARDIFF TIMES 5

A KILIMANJARO PRESENTATION

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH UNITED TALENT AGENCY

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27/10/2023 14:55

Bringing light and hope for people in Cardiff this Christmas.

City Hospice’s annual Light up a Life appeal, which aims to bring light and hope for people in Cardiff in the lead up to Christmas by remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones, has returned for 2023.

Dedications for Light up a Life can be made all over the Christmas period as a meaningful way to remember someone special and to celebrate life.

Our virtual Star in the Sky enables you to leave a dedication and include a photo, if you wish, to remember those who are sadly no longer with us this Christmas. You will be able to view this on our website at any time until March 2024.

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1023311 www.cityhopsice.org.uk 02920 524150

Your kind donations help us look after our patients and families when they need us the most. Every donation made during Light up a Life will go twice as far, thanks to match funding by The Hodge Foundation who are generously supporting this three-month appeal. We’re grateful for all donations no matter how large or small.

To learn more about City Hospice

Scan me

All donations matched kindly by

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techniquest.org CARDIFF TIMES 7

‘And Another Thing...’

The Slow Cooker Ruined My Squirrel

byVince Nolan

Be fair, not a title you see every day and certainly not at Christmas. Let me enlighten you. The Sainted Mother-in-Law is a devotee of farmers markets. She recently pitched up at one which had a stall selling exotic meats which included zebra, ostrich and grey squirrel. The grey squirrel was selected and brought home for dinner. Alas the slow cooker lived up to its name and took about nine hours to warm the squirrel to a tepid temperature. Clearly it was too dangerous to consume and the lukewarm arboreal dweller was humanely recycled.

Staying with tales of Sciurus (from the Greek – one who sits in the shadow of his own tail), in a little town far, far away, there were three buildings which were overrun by squirrels— the town hall, the hardware store and the church. The town hall brought in some cats but after they tore up all the files and made a right mess, the mayor got rid of them and soon the squirrels were back. The hardware store humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free outside town. Three days later they were back. Only the church came up with an effective solution. They baptised the squirrels and made them members of their 8congregation.

CARDIFF TIMES

squirrels and made them members of their congregation.

Now they only see them at Christmas and Easter.

In other spiritual news, I spotted this banner outside a church in Barry. Since our Rugby Club at St. Peter’s is known as The Rocks, it seemed rather appropriate and timely.

Let’s talk about the written word, by which I mean our local press rather than all things ecclesiastical. No names, as I do not want to engage in a written war I would easily win, whilst sleeping. I normally scan news items on my phone to start the day. A harmless pastime, I think you would agree. Now I find that this particular organisation wants to charge me for their service and has started providing little more than a banner headline until I stump up the readies for the rest of the story. Oh please. Dealing with headlines only, throws up many opportunities and is a game you can all play at home. Real example: “Car Crash closes Abertillery High Street.” My follow up story: “Today, an

Just tohanging. beten clear: Didrefused youorhear about the urologist a pardon inpostulated 1833 ortunately, only six of us turned up and abeing of wereHe required theelectric inminimum thedue early 19th century.

As the hecklers toiled in the Stereophonics and Tom Jones a fractional charge, under 14’s t bad news forold-timers the Cardiff a carrying grave error?

Between typos and autocorrect Ig,engaged four who were in the bar (could have been the who was eaten by a bear?

He was a meteorologist if I were illegally hunting for at the Principality Stadium which had sold as building blocks of the hadrons.

Quarks Andrew Jackson andthe from President derhosen Formation Slap Dancing Ensemble it’sone getting harder to post stuff read these out days.

One the whether factory, of the team would days edout ones from Taff Vale) and asked were them they fancied having a Citythe hotels.

The concerts then have not been directly observed but theoretical (meaty urologist, oh please yourselves).

I have questionable morels? ho will the no longer be slapping each other as tiny mistake and your whole post is urined. news and others would butt in with constant was executed after Court and free beerand for the afternoon.

Fearing some kind of the honey trap, they tookonthe we foundfrom athey City centre hotel predictions based theirSupreme existence have rt cancelled ofa their routines unless given elephant escaped anare animal sanctuary not “House.”

The Leader of the Opposition and I were sitting in all deer who has lost both ingfor that myhurrah! offer wasHowever, genuine. the Cautiously, they agreed to join us.

Picture theit interruptions and a has stream of “furious debate.” fickle finger been confi rmed experimentally.”

Oh world taken a down strange –please! at leastWith he could turn iftwist he wanted ecial £80, dispensation byRoad our First Minister. in Nye Bevan causing traffic chaosruled for The scene, 5pm onasa for sunny ourinsaid: socially local, The Funky Furlough, ccident?

No eye deer. of fateour (presumably the middle one),this then And mesons and baryons, we could be the parts seem to occupy.

Iquality have been mind Idistanced have collated some put-downs eight commuters.

An eyewitness Now forI something lovely and seasonal. to.

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

“IRugby don’t intervened and cancelled thespecials office lunch here all night. aw this Trump inYou a local pub on board: reading about a proposal for the 2027 don’t see everyday butt.”

She Who Must Be Obeyed and I just when a lady close by to us asked the Bar Manager when dies, Ithat willtheir give whichentrance comics have usedonto deal with modern day to the Brewery us toand wander lonely as some clouds have We leaving Love Local champion local farms World Cup which will prevent anytime. team in “but red I arthritis, Father,” thethedrunk said, became grandparents for first Jack iffacilities the toilets were still upstairs.

He ofother course “He it is today how he aswarmed hecklers: IStreet was at the hairdressers the day for my Caroline where four ey: time tried to around the Castle and itswas outdoor bar Also, IAll might consider paying for the news joined us and his parents Shannon and Tom densure fisheries.” very laudable but the first shirts and green shirts playing each other that we had properly up since we didn’t want to pull any drinking just read in scalping the paper that the Pope does.”

Continuing January when the Jimmy Nail song pensioners who could barely if those writing itlying could spell write proper a minimum few days ago in sunny New York until frostbite got the better of us and forced usand confi rmed that they were but Ipeople thought thisand tohe be ato earing make-up and front m on their menu was Mediterranean Olives. because colour blind often struggle . Unfortunately, only sixinof usor turned up a of ten were required or he other three “Ain’t Noahanging Doubt - She’s Lying” came on so thethe “What size shoe does your mouth take?” inin like.did Some recent and very real isof also fellow Scorpio, hurrah!

We are stand were seen onto back to aEnglish hotelsame we not need.

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

Not criticising Staying with the drink, there has always the rope very stupid question.

Ithem would have said something mlinson sme off.

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

Totally unscripted, we, the Wales, masked headline examples: “I was outto to pleased for and their wider family and ahow lamppost, for rather we quickly found out that there isswept asay. limit here we come here.”

You don’t of support, course but thisattached would affect been much snobbery to wine. like: “I don’t know d by the son of a good friend singers in the chairs and our masked stylists theme: see.”

We are not sure what they were swept could not be more proud.

It occurred to “This is what comes from drinking on an empty entioned oneswine fromone the Taff Vale) and asked them whether they fancied a much mulled can drink before falling than illumination.

An Canada, Ireland, Tonga, Russia,having Southus Africa tyrite sell-buy dates before Indeed, people make a living from it, out to see but it must have been good.

Then that Jack has been a very popular name inin all started to sway and sing to the music a over. afternoon they would and Japan.

This had me in mind of that quote when madam was a urology forbeer his Dad’s head.” tour and free for the afternoon.

Fearing some kind of honey trap, they took Soapin on a story about a business North Wales rhymes and stories over the centuries.

Let’s scene reminiscent from The Full Monty when butfrom I am making a stand because thewho supermarket on offer aeulogy Friday 3onvincing shops I that really BBC snooker commentator Ted of Lowe never…… remember. with us but we e the heart tospells say my was genuine.

Cautiously, agreed tolast join us.

Picture the “Which sportsa equipment.”

Can’t be havethey look: Jack be nimble, Jack be at quick. they alla started dancing inof the queue the rope famously said during one his commentaries: lockdowns.

I’m giving up wine, every day, all “I know where you were when they were handing les that would make the with Mark Dacey (on the leS) who is the dynamic CEO of oots and much of a call for that – Tennis Raquet…..

Jack Spratt could eat no fat.

Jack The Giant job centre.

Fortunately all sharp implements scene, 5pm onare a them sunny moved out to meant. Anyway, here is “And for those of you who watching in black A drunk who smelled like a Pope on afor nothing. month.

No wait, not it.minutes I’m giving there wenot go.whether You can thatthe Killer, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Little Jack brains out………getting an extra helping ofup. adand some doubt were downed forthat’s a is few short and then Itsausage does need mehave to suggest the uncanny and white, the pink next to the green.” seges. weekday evening at the side brewery got on a bus and sat the car park many This was followed by a headlinemouth.” about a Winewithout Horner, This is the House that Jack Built. every dayThe all month! further comment, just like in a musical, r for the journey home. rope down nextJack to a and priest.

Tomlinson or of vice versa. entrance to Brewery “University Lcturer” which made fascinating Jill went upmonths the hill to fetch a like pail ekyhad ago as aonof ale, (heenough was affectionately everybody went back to the their day job Interesting lyric we heard on the wireless the s nothing to (Ido withHow EUabout “Huge riredrunk's shirt was stained, his reeding know). water.

I don’t know what they did up there Two people out on a first date.

“Do you Caroline Street where four nothing had happened.

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

“Do you know, if you wore soundproof trousers consequence because of before his likeness e-buy to home school face was full bright major US road.”

One trip assumes thislocal butof now theyred have a direct daughter.

Jack the dates but a recent to my supermarket ction ofcloses the packaging answer for but that was very funny. like Merlot Tammy?”

“Yes, but you don’t Who would thought of which that combination? pensioners could barely once one of the chewed pencils one hear a word saying.” have been huge fireowned but onewould never Ripper…………..maybe not. lipstick and he had ahave half-you’re of who Covid19.”

Perhaps nperishables leader), involved a tripaImake light ofshould the that the following Monday.

In fact I or fruit and vegwould like Apparently many have including a poet called pronounce the “t.”

“Oh, Ok.” Looks at can tell. All this in one week of news.

If I stand were seen hanging onto bottle of wine sticking Shakespeare empty usedDave to his famous works. used Thewrite Leader of The Opposition andI He I were this is why do not run ales play France.

We Cox whom I have just “discovered”. these comestibles were paying for this drivel I would certainly One day a man approaches his wife and would make it to the car for the journey home.

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

It takes an inordinate amount of skill to sup hen it’s serious, “Is that real face or are you still celebrating outwaiter: ofyour hislistening pocket.

He opened “Two Merlots for me and Ammy.” to Michael Ball on the wireless. a lamppost, for support, rather Intellectual property rules prevent mebefore, be demandingwith my money back.on with says “Honey, I’ve levels never said anything to chew it so much that Istarted couldn’t whether itquoting was atell pub.

0th year relationship in-@me” 24 hours towas spare.

Waste must be astronomical. his and s, picked, He interviewing Donny Osmond who EU supply issues?

Closer inspec@on ofnewspaper the packaging the excitement. mum of tenpackaged, were required or Halloween?” than illumination.

An any of his work here but I encourage you to but I need to know.

I’ve noticed that of our Our friend Drthe H has trained her dog Daisy uple of minutes later, he asked theorpriest, "Father, what causes arthritis?"

A wife sent her played them home and had been appearing in panto at the London 2B not 2B. Staying with Bard, in days gone by, distributed around recent WalesOnline article bizarrely claimed look him up.

A real comedy genius hugely Accompanied byUK the Current Mrs Nolan, seven children, Jack looks different toand the fruit and veg like Tanzania and Argen@na.

So these Staying with food, I have been doing some research into what is no longer ma as off.

I engaged four old-timers afternoon they would aused by loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, and to bring herDoes a bottle ofhusband red wine.

No asurprise Palladium. was speaking about “Your bus leaves inDonny 10 minutes...

Be under it.” aquote romantic ernational weekends.

On at GPs were working 40 months anUK. hour refreshing. largely for protection purposes, we ventured others.

Jack have a different father o the shops and put on in order to attract women, I used to use this from the The list is endless but here is a small sample: Pringles (Belgium), Sm in the bar (could have been the which o@c climes, picked, packaged, taken tothat," the port or airport, your fellow man," the 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 phrase we into Hereford one recent Sunday was than his siblings?” ertime.

I have no doubt they are ridiculously text message.

She wrote: “Ifhim.. are sleeping, send Mike’s fiones rst), weThe didpriest, it in Taff the on the sell-buy date.

It Vale) Colman’s English Mustard (Act Germany), Terrys Chocolate (France) eading his paper. thinking about what had said, turned tofor the following: “Theatre isyou the only place where ioned the it’s night out and aOrange night offyou forand his Shakespeare’s Hamlet, III, Scene IV, line 82: Ia have also been reading Bob Mortimer’s Recent crossword clue: “Brush under the all veryfrom nice.but We happened into a“Well, smart ses then delivered to40 the shops and put he on the shelves with etched at present, months an hour? with She Who Must Be Obeyed the other he 18th Century Parliament) Sauce (The Netherlands).

Staggering.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come on so strong.

How long have you had can dream in public.

Your job as an actor is of skill to supply goods me your dreams.

If you are laughing, send me your aogised: bus to Dover, ferry crossing autobiography which also strongly gift shop which sold clever cards (witty and The wife says: “Yes, I admit it, he does.” carpet 5 and 4.”

The answer was “gloss over.” them they at’s overwhether three years an fancied hour. The only way day whilst she family.”

A drunk who smelled like a sipped a glass of very wine to deliver thatFunny, dream” which weand thought was don't have arthritis, Father," the drunk said, "but I just read in the paper that poignant proply speled) andhim. funny board games. recommend. clever, Picture the poor student trying to maybe learn English. o spare.

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

If you are eating, send me a bite.

If you are s.

I this was sitting next to At Here’s one for you: “Knock knock.”

“Who’s there?”

“LiKle old lady.” rewery tour and free beer for the brewery got on amuch, bus and sat “LiKle o and she said, “I love you so you rather good.

Oh yes it is. s."

Cards offered sensitive messages like “Merry The husband says: “Who is his father?” but enough about me.

In it he recalls a tale “Hello.”

Student – try it in a German accent: “If I ey were referring to Dr Who. In “Imy world this “I need you like Van Gogh needed stereo.” had no idea you could yodel.” drinking, send me adown sip.

If next you are me Offizis cer came Fearing some kind ofonto honey trap, pCustoms and weft).

Of Christmas.

Wishing you toI could acrying, priest.

The about having chronic flatulence asever asend child understand correctly, in zeaafifantastically rst place you know.

Icourt don’t know how live ould be like driving at 40 hours mile which I was reading about a case where the accused Thanks to my cousin Lawrence for this joke. fraught few days together” about wife says: You shirt are.” was texted the drink, there hasbut always been some convincing that my offer which was both embarrassing and atwork times tears.

IThe love Her husband back: “ as Just hold up your passports brushing benease your carpet and zen drunk's stained, his ould be quite slow not unlike trying towalked I or amwhat awas man ofyou awithout certain age soyou.” my does aswine well thare the related you.”

Itolerance said, “Isthreshold thatMoaning you or the Iyour into our local The Monet anit een doing some What do you callbar, a Frenchman wearing “Wishing you aresearch Christmas as relaxing as ery attached to wine.

Indeed, very painful.

During one particular attack he add shiny paint over it.

You British!” was described as “having murderous intent.”

I was Cautiously, they agreed to join us. the recent traffic carnage in Cardiff par@cularly when being asked to embrace new technology.

I was therefore I’m in the toilet, please advise.” egotiate along and count them and face was full ofon bright red talking?”

She said, “It’s me talking to the sandals?

Phillipe Flop!

Quickly by a I h Van Gogh sitting atyou the afollowed bar stool.

Finally, I wish all aend Happy and Peaceful lifein before However, our favourite the UK. The aactured living from it, butchildren.”

I am making alanessaw went to the Doctors who managed to “release ty Centre as they impose bike on the e scene, 5pm a sunny weekday She Who Be Obeyed suggested Iplease download anothing new app called what I writ: Christmas and remember there was “AIexa, please just wake me when it’s quite disappointed topoem learn that had to doWhat3Wo lipstick and hequotes had athat halfost me and said “Ion didn’t know Staying with word games, I completed aMust word wine.” shouted “Hey Vince do you want a drink?” emall of the lockdowns.

I’m giving up the pressure” forthis him.

He the Doctor sample: Pringles of us. et’s call her Dr are four stages in life: all over.”

I picked up a game called Sweary naviga@on aid which divides the World into 3 metre squares and gives each s the side entrance to the Brewery myNophone I correctly guessed asRoses saying: “Better an empty house than a empty bottle of wine sticking ay, all month. wait, that’s not Happy New Yearcan Dear Reader, the Year of the ortpuzzle and Ion haven’t got and one.”

I camping. with a), Colman’s English be red, Violets are purple.

Just Bingo.

Absolutely hysterical for when your combina@on ofFinally, three words.

I s@ll“No drivethanks, about a lot for business, believe it or atenant” blessing for the drink: God,good. ingot his one theevery they were looking for was with Dr Rword who ee that Street where four pensioners He shouted back: I’ve already Sainted Mother-In-Law was looking for car noisy which I thought was very up.

Wine day all month! out of his pocket. opened saying.

1) would Youthis believe in Santa Claus. friends and family gather house Ox. Apparently year is going toHe be lucky words to that effect.

Then, inatassured ayour Chocolate Orange Hadron as in the Hadron Collider.

Having no that this system be much more accurate than using our sat na goodness, sent the grapes, to cheer both surance now that her stunt driving days are Presumably this was in the days before the barely stand wereInseen hanging ear.” ing.

We recently 2)friend You don’t believe in Santa Claus. for Christmas. essence there arenews, no Finally, my David has lost his ID. his newspaper and started out on awhat first date.

“Do you this was really alllike about Isad decided with the Ox representing diligence, persistence of aclue War 2 prisoner of war Parliament) Sauce (The the first @me the other day and the unique three word loca@on I was looking er.

IWorld managed to find a reasonable policy, Doctors were working 40 months an hour. aare topSanta bathroom tip: Never leave your and Little fools will drink too 3) Yousmall.

Claus. numbers but an encyclopaedia of swear greatFinally, mppost, for support, rather than y?”

“Yes, but look itpinned. up.

I don’t wishforIpronounce hadront bovvered (see .ducked Atocouple ofyou minutes later, he asked the priest, "Father, what causes arthritis?" ote was rted it out and paid it.footwell She turn Now he iskindly just Dav. Are Lost!”

Design fault or user error? pile ointment next to your toothpaste! and honesty.

Not for going to be Trump’s year down into the 4) You look like Santa Claus. words.

Printed cards for in the players have Adios Amigos much and fools none at all. My round. n.

An they would Oh, Ok.” Looks at waiter: “Two what Iafternoon did there): “Any member of aand class of Hasta la great Vista. mbursed me with this immortal covering it's caused by loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, and differing swearwords on them the caller door.

Live Radio then is it? ed his coat and mine on top of subatomic particles are from quarksI Chums eremember. and Ammy.”

Yamas Chums Hasta Labank.”

Vista mail: “Thank you,numerous the that Monet isbuilt inSaxon the Hasta La Vista the drunk muttered. He calls fellow out Anglo expletives kpt knock.”

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

"Imagine that," and thus react through the agency of the be outdone we ocourse move, whilst we were both countered this with cross “There wasoffreally as the eager players them their H to has trained her dog Daisy toThe bring her amesons, bottle of red wine. No surprise who?” had nosure idea ddy reading his paper. priest, thinking strong force. hadrons embrace ho smelled anot brewery got need tocards. give“Ilike me a priceless impressionist I The am what the winner shouts about what he had said, turned to the gng uncontrollably.

The Customs note: “Please Bordeaux collie.

I was sat with She Who Must Be Obeyed the other day whilst baryons andtheir their many when card is full it’s a mean safeTrouble betto it iscome on so strong. How long have you had but thank you anyway.” dinting apologised: "I'm sorry, Ibut didn't and sat down next to aresonances.” priest. , did is I the thencount, wantedmissed to knowMike what a quark was. ?" shirt "I don't arthritis, Father," the drunk said, "but I just read in the paper that ’s washave stained, his face when people type ewe sohave my observed tolerance

ebright does."red lipstick and he had well as it used to pty bottle of wine sticking out of ed to embrace new .with He opened histhere newspaper and been the drink, has always

CARDIFF TIMES 9

Contains at least one RGB ColorSpace

10 CARDIFF TIMES

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CARDIFF TIMES 11

In The Words Of by Carl Marsh

DECEMBER 2023

Christmas is nigh. I hope everyone can enjoy themselves, stay warm, eat well, and not build up a colossal credit card debt to secure those latest gadgets for their loved ones!

As mentioned last month, I review more books from The Lonely Planet. Seeing as the snow sports period is upon us, albeit in colder climates, it makes sense to review Epic Snow Adventures of the World, and then for those that don’t like the thrill and chills of what the snow allows us to do, The Joy of Exploring Gardens could well be up your [garden] path!

Also, this month, my good friend, Stifyn Parri, has made a documentary airing on Friday, 1st December, on S4C, called Paid â Dweud Hoyw / Don’t Say Gay. I give a little review of it below.

On the remaining four pages are interviews with famous people that I hope you will know one or more of.

BOOK REVIEW

Epic Snow Adventures of the World - Lonely Planet (£24.99) I have fond memories of my ski holidays, all happening when I was in the Army, bar a few hours in an indoor ski slope in Dubai.

My trips were in Austria, Germany, and the odd ski declining an Italian snow-filled hill. All were vastly discounted, as is/was the norm in the Military. This new book by Lonely Planet opens up your eyes and mine to some locations around the globe that we wouldn’t know had snow, let alone skiing! Who’d have thought you could ski in Australia? Not me. Granted, there will be countries renowned for skiing, but those you - I’d say - not have heard of. I know that some will be aimed at the budget spender and some at those with unlimited budgets. It caters for all, does this book! And it’s not just about skiing. Dogsledding, telemarking, polar bear watching [avoiding!], skidoo riding, trekking, ice climbing… You name it, it’s in the book. No matter if you can’t ski or are interested in doing so, you’ll be impressed with what you can get up to in the snow.

TV REVIEW

Paid â Dweud Hoyw / Don’t Say Gay - On demand: S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms.

Stifyn Parri has described the experience of presenting this new documentary on S4C as similar to ‘coming out’ publicly as a gay person for the second time. Airing on 1st December, and to coincide with World AIDS Day - Paid â Dweud Hoyw The Joy of Exploring Gardens - Lonely Planet (£19.99) (Don’t Say Gay) - Stifyn discusses a troubling chapter in recent British history and the programme’s subject: Clause 28. It was Gardening is NOT my forte. I like to think it is, but who am I kidding… it takes me ages to mow the lawn, well, actually a law that was in force between 1988-2003 which prohibited finding the motivation to do it, I should say! Visiting gardens public institutions from teaching children and young people is something that I do like, and will often do, wherever I am about anything related to the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve known Stifyn for a few years, and I discovered many things in this in the World. Notwithstanding, a full appreciation of those closer to home and my own is a delight, even if I cheat and documentary I didn’t know he was going through while living and working in London. Clause 28 is shocking to hear about in get someone to come a few times a year to make it look presentable. This book features gardens - 60 of them, along these current times, yet it’s only 20 years since the cessation with 120 further ideas - all around the World. Each continent of it! This is a much-watch. And yes, it has English subtitles, in case you don’t speak Cymraeg. has offerings in this book, with Japan over in the Far East being my tip of the lot for destinations that I yearn to visit.

From what I’ve seen in this book, Japan knows how to curate a garden with finesse, making me want to visit even more than before. Even if you don’t wish to board a flight and fork out lots of money, this book will give you wanderlust and a Enjoy Christmas until next year! mindful escape into the tranquility a well-kept garden would allow anyone who appreciates it.

Carl Marsh Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_CM

YouTube - InTheWordsOf

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Interview with Adam Anders

Words by Carl Marsh And I didn’t change that approach with this movie because it’s a biblical story.

So, I think the challenge was, in the beginning, just getting people to believe… I wasn’t going to direct it. I wasn’t even going to write it in the beginning. I just wanted to do the music. Then, I decided that I was going to produce it. And then I was like: “OK, well, I’m going to try to write it since nobody wants to write it”. And in the end, I said, I’ll direct it. And when I said I’d direct it, the floodgates opened!

It’s probably what God was waiting for: me saying yes to directing it. [Laughs] Carl Marsh Did you ever feel any trepidation making this movie?

You’ve got to take some creative freedom with how the film pans out, as timelines and character descriptions won’t tally up with what’s in Scripture.

Adam Anders I think there are some timeline things that you know. I took some liberties; for example, it’s pretty much accepted that the Wisemen weren’t there when Jesus was born.

They started travelling when he was born, and the Star appeared. And that’s great, but it’s not a good movie if my comic relief shows up three years after the film ends.

ADAM ANDERS: It’s not so good. [Laughter] And I knew to make a family “It’s probably what God was waiting for: movie, you need certain things; the most important thing me saying yes to directing it.” is you need the kids to laugh. And it would be best if you kept them interested that way. So the comic relief, the Most people will know Adam from his time as the Three Stooges, were right there with the Wisemen. So I Executive Music Producer for Glee, writing and took that liberty, but frankly, I was very concerned about producing music for both established artists and it. Because when you take on biblical stories, you have a up-and-comers, including the Jonas Brothers, Miley target on your back. You’ll never make everyone happy, no Cyrus, and the likes of Selena Gomez, to name just a matter what you do. You make it for everyone; you make few. Yet he’s now ventured into the world of Directing, it for no one. And I knew that, but I was struggling with it. I and his first movie is as grand as you’d not expect a have a close friend, an Oscar-winning director, and I was first-time Director to take on. Journey to Bethlehem lamenting my struggle with him. He said, “Look, nobody’s is a musical retelling of The Nativity Story. And it’s gonna remember your movie. If the timeline is accurate.

They’ll remember it only if it’s great. Make a great movie. impressive.

Don’t worry about it. Trust yourself”.

Carl Marsh I know you had the idea for this movie over 17 years ago, You know, the main story, the main tent poles of this story are unchanged. I refused to do that. Because the story so what was the biggest challenge getting this idea from means too much to me. I don’t think it’s important if the its conception to the end product we see in the movie Wisemen were there when Jesus was born because every theatres? great artist in history has painted that scene. And they took that creative licence. So why can’t I? Indeed, the other Adam Anders thing I’ll say about that is at the beginning of the movie, a I think getting people to believe in it, first of all, and even when you look back, it’s like, number one, I couldn’t have true story inspired me. And I think it was vital for me to do made this movie five years ago. And I also don’t think the that. Because one it’s inspired by - it’s not a documentary.

And two, they didn’t dance and sing to pop music either. world was where it is now and ready for this movie five years ago. And you look at how good content is getting in I know this 100%. No, that’s not true. Maybe some other type of music but not pop music. the faith-based kind of world, and it’s funny; I don’t even think of it as a faith-based movie. It’s a Christmas musical.

Journey to Bethlehem is currently showing at the You know, that’s probably why I made it for everyone. I didn’t make it for Christians, and everything I’ve done has cinema, and it would make a great family outing to see at this beautiful time of year. always been for everyone.

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Interview with Paul Mullin

Words by Carl Marsh

PAUL MULLIN: “After the Grimsby play-off game, I thought I’d made the wrong decision.”

Whether you’re a Wrexham FC football fan, a fan of all, this club was bought by two Hollywood actors and Welcome to Wrexham on Disney+, or just a fan of could be seen as some whim purchase. [It’s proven not the two movie stars that own the club, Paul Mullin to be!] is a name you will know. Their star striker, who only a few days after I called his mobile, scored a hatPaul Mullin trick, it makes a change to speak to a player at the Yes, absolutely. It was a massive decision I needed to top of his game, instead of those that have retired. make. It was something that wasn’t taken lightly. To be Paul has a book out, and by having read it, it’s an in the position where I’d done so well at Cambridge, addictive read. And I don’t support Wrexham or have especially in the higher League, and things like that. ever seen the show on Disney+. I do like the film You’re looking to the future. You think the future will be stars, though! at a higher level, not a step back, but that was quite daunting, as I say in the book. Probably for half an hour Carl Marsh after the Grimsby play-off game, I thought that I’d made Before you signed for Wrexham, you asked your the wrong decision. But apart from that 30 minutes, it’s current club [Cambridge] for a pay rise of something been the best decision I ever made as something that like £500 a week, but they said no. Had they come was quite, what’s the word…? quite fortunate with the back and agreed, would you have stayed there, even if way it’s fallen the way it is. Obviously, there was a tiny Wrexham had come after you? bit of fear, and I was thinking, “Is this the right thing to do?” But obviously, I believed in myself and what Rob Paul Mullin [Rob McElhenney: Joint owner of Wrexham Football Yeah, that was before the thing with Wrexham where Club with Ryan Reynolds] told me on that phone call, I’d even spoken to them. So, if Cambridge had and I knew that we could get out of that (National) returned and said yes, I would have signed (a new League. And then I’d return to where I was when I had deal) with them. I loved it and was about to take my just been promoted out of the League with Cambridge. family down there, but Cambridge is not a cheap place I’d be at a club where nobody knows the ceiling. No to live [Laughs]. And so it was probably necessary one does. So, it’s something that excited me, and that for me to ask them for a wage increase, and I guess was obviously part of the reason, but coming home from their point of view, why they couldn’t do it. But, every day to my little boy was more so. It’s just the from my point of view, I also couldn’t sign without it, biggest factor in it. And that’s worked phenomenally, as but thankfully, it worked out to be the best thing that he’s progressed so much, and I’m so grateful for the ever happened. I think fate is probably a thing in life. opportunity to go home every single day and spend time [Laughter] with him and make him as happy as I can.

Carl Marsh My Wrexham Story by Paul Mullin is available in all Yet, perhaps, was there any hesitation or doubt going bookstores or can be downloaded to any reading to Wrexham, as you would be dropping down two device. Price varies. leagues, as Cambridge had won promotion from League Two with the help of many of your goals? After

14 CARDIFF TIMES

Interview with Kaleb Cooper

Words by Carl Marsh

KALEB COOPER: “Mate, I don’t want to offend anyone in Wales” Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime Video. Do I need to say more about this chap? He’s going on his first ever tour in between working on farmland. When I did my video call with Kaleb he had just jumped off a big muckspreader, and would be going back on it after we’d finished! So, for anyone that may think him working with Jeremy Clarkson is just for the cameras, think again!

Come rain or shine, he’s out working from a very early start as he pulled my leg as to why I’d only just woken up. [I was still getting over my jet lag from my US trip].

Carl Marsh So, Kaleb, you’ve got a busy few months coming up, haven’t you?

Kaleb Cooper Well, we’ve just finished harvest, which is really good. I’m really happy about that. And now I can turn to getting this book released, as well as then going on tour. I’m actually coming to Wales. I cannot wait to learn all the different places and how to say them. And it’s incredibly hard Googling them and not knowing how to say them. And I’ve just done the audio book, and trying to pronounce them things for the audio book is virtually impossible.

Carl Marsh Go on, give me an example?

Kaleb Cooper There’s one word, and I can’t remember what it is, I think it’s got a load of L’s in it.

Carl Marsh Llandudno?

Kaleb Cooper That’s it! Landigno. Landum… [I laugh] Mate, I don’t want to offend anyone in Wales. [Laughter] Or any farmer at not

being able to pronounce: Landwingum. [Laughter] I’m not gonna do any more. So, I’m looking forward to it, and we go to Aberwistwiff [sic], Aber… ABBA…I can’t! I am just digging myself a hole. I may as well just get the spade and start digging!

Carl Marsh Your new book is now out: ‘Britain According to Kaleb: The Wonderful World of Country Life Book’. What British traditions have you discovered around the British Isles that have made you laugh the most?

Kaleb Cooper In Wales, and they do this every year. They race against a horse over mountains. That made me laugh. I can’t remember the exact name of it now, bloody hell! Anyway, they get together, and I’m sure in Wales there’s proper mountains and there’s probably some steep cliffs and they race the horse to see who can do it quicker. That made me laugh because bare in mind a horse has got four legs.

A humans got two. A human can get very worn out quite quickly, well I do anyway. And I’m chasing cows. I chase them, get them back in and I’m nearly bloody dead! But I just thought, you know what, how would you think of that?

Like why? That made me laugh. In terms of other things that made me laugh, is Cheese Rolling… Why would anyone want to go run down a hill? I say a hill but’s it’s not, it’s like a %$X£&!$ cliff. [I Laugh] You know, why would anyone want to do that? I don’t want to do that.

Britain According to Kaleb: The Wonderful World of Country Life Book is out now in all good bookshops. It can be purchased to be read on any reading device.

Kaleb Cooper is also on tour in Cardiff at New Theatre, Friday 23rd February 2024.

CARDIFF TIMES 15

Interview with Father Calvin Robinson

Words by Carl Marsh diverse set of views and opinions that differ to their own.

They’re not inclusive enough to welcome views that are different from theirs and are not equal in terms of giving my views equality. So, they’re hypocrites.

Carl Marsh Why don’t you think those offended can’t just switch the TV channel over or even off? It’s the same with the radio, too. And people don’t need to follow you on X [Twitter].

Yet, they don’t do that.

Fr. CALVIN ROBINSON: "Loyalty is important. I think it's underappreciated and under-recognised in today's society."

Recently employed by GB News, but no more, Father Calvin Robinson is quite controversial for some, but for others, he is just saying what they all agree with. Whichever side of the fence you sit when it comes to Fr. Calvin, you can't argue that free speech can't be enjoyed by us all. And he is not afraid to question everything, even if it meant losing his TV job.

Carl Marsh You are someone who must get so much abuse online and via emails/letters sent to you or even to the Bishops in the Anglican Church, whether that was for when you were on GB News or comments on social media.

How do you deal with it all?

Fr. Calvin Robinson Yeah, people complain all the time, sometimes directly to me, sometimes to my Church, sometimes to my Bishops. People complain often, but again, that lack of resilience comes back to it. People are not able to hear things they disagree with anymore. And I don’t ever try to cause offence. Sometimes people find the things I say offensive, but that’s quite often, to be honest, more likely their issue than mine. I’m trying, at least, to proclaim the Gospel and speak the truth as revealed through the Scriptures. That can seem scandalous to a modern world, but the so-called liberal progressives on the Left, the people that I would describe as woke, always talk about diversity and inclusion and equality, but they’re not diverse enough to take on board a

16 CARDIFF TIMES

Fr. Calvin Robinson It’s not about them. This is the truth of the matter. These people that really, really cannot stand… these people that hate myself, or what I’m talking about and people like me. They complain to get us cancelled, and that’s not because they cannot stand what we’re saying. Although they cannot stop what we’re saying, they don’t want others to hear it. Because they know that if the truth is exposed, people will see it, they’ll listen to it. However, what the woke lobbyists are passing as truth is a lie. It’s twisted truths. And most people see that it’s not true.

Carl Marsh I need to ask you about GB news and its self-proclaimed title of the ‘Home of Free Speech’, yet it’s not turned out to be like that. And Ofcom certainly made sure of that.

Before you were made to all go [GB News staff] on whatever Ofcom training or meetings they made you go on, did you see the writing on the wall many months before these took place?

Fr. Calvin Robinson Interestingly, I Tweeted that I was in an Ofcom training meeting, not thinking, “Yeah, I think this is what all broadcasters have to do”. And I got told by my boss to take the Tweet down, and I very rarely delete my Tweets. And that was a moment of, I’m going to have to think, do I? Do I go along with this or not? Is this an element of free speech?

Or is this an element of something serious, like not bringing the company into disrepute? How would that be the case? I’m just showing that we would go to our training and take it seriously. I didn’t understand why they wanted me to delete that Tweet at the time. But it was part of a broader conversation, and we were all being asked to redo our Ofcom training because of the whole Mark Steyn situation because they were petrified… the company is petrified of Ofcom. And it’s a great shame because it does hamper what they can do. But, yes, I saw the writing on the wall a long, long time before that.

Fr. Calvin Robinson is still very much active on X, YouTube and various other platforms. Also, he’s to be found in his Church. And will be seen doing many interviews with Alternative Media Platforms.

SUN 4 FEB

Tue 30 Jan 7.30pm

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Sun 18 Feb 7.30pm BOOK NOW: 0343 310 0041 newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR GRANDAD? “Kept out of the way most of the time!”

(Part two)

In Part One the question in the title was raised by children who were interested in what their grandads had done during World War II. In my case my one Grandad had been working on the land and was therefore in a ‘reserved occupation’ which although without a uniform was making an equally important contribution to the war effort: He was fighting, like many others, on the home front. What follows are some more examples taking us through the alphabet of answers to some of these grandchildren’s questions.

N NAAFI

. Which stands for Navy, Army and Air Forces Institutes. This was the organisation which provided all three services with a cafe type place on the camp in which to have a cup of tea and a snack (at a small charge).

It was also used by servicemen to present entertainments often staged by the boys themselves.

The Americans serving in this country brought local people they were trying to impress, gifts from their PX Stores which were well stocked with countless riches, many of which were by now, long forgotten in Britain. Tins of peaches from California, tins of pineapple from the West Indies, even household utensils which had become very scare (a much used word during W.W. II). Also much appreciated by local residents were bars of chocolate, chewing gum, Hershey bars, candy (American for sweeties) and of course cigarettes and nylon stockings.

The British Naafi had none of the above!

Normandy. In June 1940 J.B.Priestley paid a moving 18 CARDIFF TIMES

by Sara John

tribute to the Little Ships which had performed such heroic deeds at Dunkirk, “Our great grandchildren when they learn how we began this war by snatching glory out of defeat and then swept on to victory, may also learn how the little holiday steamers made an excursion to hell and came back glorious”.

I can add no more to that except to recall ten years ago or so driving back to Cardiff on the M25 on a very hot day, all of a sudden, I was surrounded by very loud shouting and hooting and blowing of trumpets. I drove a little faster and found myself surrounded by vehicles transporting some of the Little Ships which had returned from the French coast for the 50th Anniversary celebration. Many of them had notices nailed on them to say how many times they had crossed the channel, there and back again, and, how many men they had brought back. By this time, I had tears running down my face. If you are asking why this made me weep it was because the “little ships” were heart-breakingly little. They looked like children’s birthday presents. And there were so many of them.

Norway. If you are enjoying this nostalgic article then

can I introduce you to the (once top secret) tale of the Shetland Bus. By the 1940’s Norway was occupied by the Germans and the Norwegians were trapped and running out of essential goods including medical supplies and armaments for their freedom fighters. Something had to be done. A group of experienced seafarers, who knew only too well what the North Sea might have in store for them, especially in the Artic winters, decided to run a supply line between the most northerly group of Scottish islands, the Shetlands to the inlets and fiords of the western coast of

Norway. The small fishing vessels transported foodstuffs, animal feed, tools, equipment, cigarettes, fuel and people to Norway and on the return journey they carried refugees.

Many such journeys were undertaken successfully by seamen who risked their lives in hurricanes, fog and darkness crossing the North Sea. It was, of course sheer madness but it provided a lifeline and most of all hope. This secret mission became known as the ‘Shetland Bus’.

This was a collaborative effort between the British Government and the Norwegians, a heroic mission which became a saga. Recognised later by King Haakon who awarded special medals for all those involved in the operation.

No wonder Churchill referred to the Norwegian People as, “My Brave Norwegians”.

[If this somewhat little known tale interests you then I would suggest you send for “The Shetland Bus” by David Howarth, from The Shetland Times Ltd, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, ZE1 0EP.£ 7.99. You will not put it down until you finish it!]

New (Billy) and Tom Flavin. 338,000 men were

evacuated from the bloody sand and blood- stained waves of Dunkirk. One hero was Billy New of Whitchurch Road.

He was shot down in the channel and swam for three miles before a minesweeper saw him and threw him a rope. Before Billy could get aboard, the vessel was attacked from the air, but, the mine sweeper took evasive action and towed Billy along by the rope in its wake. He was eventually hauled aboard.

Another was Tom Flavin who, after being wounded in the Battle of Flanders, a mate came to his aid and carried him on his (recently liberated?) bicycle to Dunkirk. He lay on the beach for two days, among the wounded, the dying and the dead. And survived.

O Observer Corps

. “The eyes and ears of the R.A.F”, as it was known. It was part of the major strategy put into action before the onset of the full fury of the Blitz began. Those who manned the posts were essentially searching the skies in order to provide an early warning system of approaching aircraft. In Cardiff the control room of the Observer corps was at Ely Rise where the Fairwater Conservative Club now stands. Two different “alerts” were in use as warnings. A yellow alert was given by an air raid siren. Employees were expected to carry on working at this stage. The Red alert warning encouraged everyone to take cover in the shelters. During the war years between June 1940 and May 1944, Cardiff was put on red alert 585 times.

The ROC continued in existence long after the war.

Overlord. Preparations for the liberation of Europe by

the invasion of France began at least one year prior to what came to be, and ever will be remembered for eternity as

D-Day. Codenamed OVERLORD it started with covert visits to the Normandy beaches in 1943 by Lieutenant Aubrey Waters (later a resident of Llandaff). By D-Day 78% of the supplies for the American forces were passing through the docks of South Wales. The volume of work exhausted the existing dockers alone. They were joined by black and white American troops who worked alongside British servicemen. Training was also underway for servicemen to be ready for the operations after D-Day. Two years before Operation Overlord the most dramatic arrivals at the docks were American ‘sea trains’ from the USA. The first arrived in November 1942 with each vessel carrying 52 railway engines together with their tenders and rolling stock. Heavy shore cranes lifted these giants weighing 100 tons each onto lines alongside the dock. After the invasion they went to France to replace engines destroyed by allied bombing or by retreating Germans.

Wounded American servicemen often with horrific injuries were brought back to Creigiau station, usually in the early hours of the morning. Volunteer ambulance drivers, many of them women, met the trains and took the injured men on to the US hospital in Rhydlafar. It came to the attention of the commander of the hospital that the drivers were often out all night and were unable to obtain any refreshments.

He immediately gave instructions that after duties were completed they were to be given a hearty American breakfast in the officer’s mess.

P Pre-Fabs

. The serious housing shortage at the end of the war was partially solved by building pre-fabricated houses of sheet steel lined with plywood. They were built at a cost of £550 each and “it took three days!!!”. Over a thousand were erected in Cardiff, half of them imported from the States. They were very well designed, cosy, convenient and lasted much longer than was originally planned.

Q

Queen Street. During the war Queen Street in Cardiff was still a busy street filled with tea shops and window shoppers. Department Stores such as Evan Roberts, Marments, and Seccombes were a big attraction, and popular shops such as Boots the Chemists, Woolworths and Littlewoods were also busy. Cinemas and pubs (mostly only with male customers+ abounded).

Queuing. One of the most necessary activities of

the War years. To purchase any item required the hopeful shopper to stand in line, as the Americans have it, and wait and wait and wait, patiently. When it was your turn to make your purchase it was often too late because they had sold out! One also queued for entry to the cinema, the public conveniences, sporting events, busy tea shops, the theatre and concerts. Music lovers queued at the Olympia on Sunday evenings when the big band concerts drew capacity audiences. Joe Loss was there in June 1942. On another

CARDIFF TIMES 19

occasion the legendary Glen Miller provided a wonderful evening for American servicemen and local people alike.

enough for all” seemed to be the watchword of the Ministry of Food.

Best of all, it was said at the time, by visitors, “the Yanks”, and travellers from other lands found that Welsh culture was making an impression on them which many of them claimed would stay fresh, in their memories for ever. When trains were delayed at Queen Street station, the waiting crowd (of locals and regulars) would sing to keep spirits up and the Americans loved to listen and join in. An even deeper impression was made on those servicemen who came to Tabernacle Chapel in the Hayes. The magnificent harmony of the congregation often moved these young men, far from home, to tears.

Whatever you needed (a warm coat) or wanted (fabric to make your wedding dress by Easter Saturday) or wished for (fresh fruits for a beloved invalid) had rapidly disappeared from the shops. Coupons had been distributed for the purchase of footwear, clothing, not hats strangely, knitted items although most families had a “really good knitter to turn to”, as long as you were able to provide the yarn, - usually by undoing, carding and washing a previously well worn jumper.

There were no ‘sweaters’ in those days apart from the ones worn by working fishermen.

R Radio.

Or ‘The’ Wireless as it was better known, perhaps that sounded more respectful for the most important item in the home. There were unmissable broadcasts including the one o’clock news, the six o’clock news and the nine o’clock news. Children were not permitted to speak during these programmes as they were too important. But the whole family would gather round the set. Families would settle down to listen to; Popular music, classical music, children’s hour, Womens’ Hour, Workers’ Playtime, variety shows, discussion programmes, quiz programmes, drama serials, plays, specialist topics discussed by experts included agriculture, gardening, economics, politics and other relevant issues.

Rationing. Rationing started slowly. Petrol was rationed from 22 September 1940, food rationing was introduced slowly from the following January. Meat rationing began in March. People who were comfortably off started to stock up on non-perishable items. Tins and jars of this and that.

Poorer people often made their own jams, they pickled many vegetables in particular items grown by themselves in gardens, on the allotment or even on waste ground. (Well after the war, I was always surprised to see a jar of pickled walnuts on the Sunday night supper table along with cold meat, and battered sliced potatoes revived by the hostess from lunchtime and always most welcome). During the First World War there had been reluctance to introduce rationing.

After three years of indecision the country had been on the verge of famine.

On January 8 1940 every person was required to register with a retailer for their rations of 4ozs of butter, 12oz of sugar, and 4oz of bacon. This was just the beginning of rationing. Other essentials that everyone had been used to shopping for were soon added to the above list.

Bread was not rationed except for a short time in 1946.

Fish became very expensive. Game was available only to the wealthy, but, suddenly rabbit became available and affordable. Vegetables were never rationed but onions were in very short supply. Bananas completely disappeared as did all imported fruit. Do not ask about tins of salmon! “Just

20 CARDIFF TIMES

Rationing continued well after the war until the mid-fifties.

Resistance and survival. The Land Army provided a vital new labour force in the battle to feed the nation. Most of the recruits came from the Valleys, the Vale and other townships in Glamorgan. Some women actually worked underground in the coal mines, showing that they would tackle anything! Women worked on farms, digging and planting, in forests, looking after animals, delivering heavy horses of their babies, some very large and powerful cattle also, mending roads and learning about engines, machines, conveyor belts and how to fix things.

My Grandfather also helped!

PS. I forgot to mention that both men and women were directed into a particular occupation, and, if they were absent or late for work that was considered to be “a criminal offence”. They were punished and taught a lesson.

S Spitfire Fund.

In August of 1940 the Lord Mayor of Cardiff opened a Spitfire Fund to raise money for building more and more Spitfires (yes! they are worthy of a capital ‘S’). Each Spitfire cost £6000 to build. Scrap metal was collected and put to good use. Organisations and ordinary people donated railings, saucepans and other scrap so that all-together over one ton of scrap metal was collected in Cardiff. Of course, that process went on all over the country.

People felt they were making a practical contribution if only in a small way.

Severn Tunnel Junction. This was a most important railway junction which during the War was maintained and open every day to traffic. Prewar, there had been no business through the tunnel on a Sunday as that day was reserved for maintenance. Not so after 1939.

It was the main delivery route for goods arriving in Cardiff and district ports, from the USA, all part of the “Lend Lease arrangement resulting from The Atlantic meeting that had taken place between Roosevelt and Churchill.

T Telegrams

. Telegrams, useful though they were at that time, as a faster means of communication than the post, were often unwelcome. Families with a close relative serving in the armed forces dreaded the sight of a telegram boy. It was likely to be bad or very bad news. Telegram boys as young as fourteen often learned to be thoughtful and considerate enough to seek the support of a neighbour before handing over the telegram.

Trolley buses Trolley buses were first seen on the

Cardiff streets in 1942. A plan had been in place for some time to replace the electric trams with trolley buses. Both vehicles did not require petrol but they did cause chaos when their ‘antennae’ became entangled. A favourite spot for this to happen was the foot of St Mary Street close to the statue of the Marquis of Bute. Two vehicles coming unstuck and not “on line” and getting tangled up with each other often looked like two rare beasts in a science fiction film made on a very low budget, fighting each other for the kingdom of lower St Mary Street.

U U boats

One of my favourite stories of World War Two was told to me years ago over a pub lunch with a retired work colleague who really had a tale to tell. It is the story of a fairly hair-brained idea that bore, over the subsequent years, wonderful fruit including the birth of the United Nations.

The full story is recounted in a book by H.V. Morton called ‘Atlantic Meeting’.

I mention it under “U boats” because, at that time in the early war years they were causing untold damage and misery to Britain’s War Effort when we were going it alone. Mr Churchill wanted a face-to-face conversation with Mr Roosevelt. And, as it happened, my lunch chum was a young midshipman on the Prince of Wales and HE WAS THERE at this time.

The link with U Boats is as follows. Travelling from Newfoundland back to Britain Mr Churchill was on board The Prince of Wales battleship when he spotted a large number of British vessels traveling across the Atlantic in broad daylight. He was told there were seventy-two assorted vessels carrying fuel, foods, tools, and many other precious items. As part of the new lend/lease agreement the USA were lending us and leasing to us items we could not obtain.

The provision ships were manned by crews of the Merchant Marine escorted by The Royal Navy. The convoy was quickly overtaken by The Prince of Wales and Mr Churchill was beside himself with delight. The boats of the convoy’s deck were covered with cheering sailors who, reading the signals could hardly believe they were waving to the Prime Minister returning from the most important and most secret mission of the War so far.

Please, pleaded Mr Churchill to the Captain of the Prince of Wales, may we go around the convoy one more time?

[The book of this adventure is still in print and it is easy to purchase a secondhand copy via Abe books or Amazon.]

U

Utility quality. In 1942 The availability of utility furniture and other domestic items was standardised making it slightly easier for unfortunate families who had been bombed out of their homes to make a fresh start. Supplies were also made available to couples who were getting married and setting up home together or families who were expecting a child.

A similar process was applied to clothing and footwear. The label on utility goods was later applied to household goods.

There was just one single standard for electrical goods, kitchen utensils, and sheets and blankets.

V VE DAY On Tuesday 8th May 1945 Cardiff celebrated Peace at Last. The streets were filled

with smiling people, laughing, dancing and singing.

Frequently with complete strangers. The bells of St John’s Church rang out non-stop. Bands were out in town and the music was echoing all around the streets. It was over. At Last. But most people fully realised that life would never be quite the same but, at least, the lights were on again.

W Women It should be remembered always that women played a most important part during

the war years. Not only did they serve in the armed services by way of the ATS, WRENS and WAAF but also formed the WVS and the Land Army. In addition, they worked in munitions factories and many other industrial units while also undertaking the principal role in maintaining family life.

Although many of these pioneers gave up their jobs after the war, as returning servicemen were given priority. Nevertheless, it could not be denied that they could when required carry out roles hitherto reserved for men. It was an early indicator on the road to equal opportunities for women in the world of work.

World War II As for the aftermath, it is back

now to Grandad who explained to me as a young child that in 1945 there had been an air of optimism throughout the country, especially after the end of the war in the east. There had been much to look forward to including: the end of rationing, a National Election (which turned out to have a surprise or shocking result), Mr Beveridge’s long- awaited report on social welfare, plus major plans for free health care for all, and a growing clamour for the Nationalisation of the Coal Industry.

Grandad appeared to see ahead to a better future which he felt was shared by most of the population at that time and I think it turned out that he was more right than wrong.

CARDIFF TIMES 21

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The oil can be used as a night treatment, worn under makeup, on its own for a natural glow or placed to the neck and chest area. The oil absorbs well into the skin and leaves a natural glow. One of the key ingredients is Rose-hip Oil which has a calming soothing effect. Your skin is left feeling smooth and nourished. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it.

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The Jo Cox Foundation and The Great Get Together

by Natalie McCulloch

Throughout her time as an MP, the late, Jo Cox, remained passionate about actioning the statement she once made:

“I will not live in a country where thousands of people are living lonely lives forgotten by the rest of us”.

She was an active and unwavering enthusiastic campaigner and advocate for social change throughout her life on various topics, one of which was loneliness.

Following her tragic passing in 2016 her family and friends set up “The Jo Cox Foundation” which channels the energy and determination generated by Jo’s life and tragic death into practical efforts to make change on the issues that she was passionate about, including loneliness.

Jo rejected the idea of division and famously declared that “We have more in common, than that which divides us” which formed the groundwork for the ‘Jo Cox foundation’ campaign “Great Get Together”.

mismatch between the quantity and quality of the social relationships that we have, and those that we want’.

Loneliness can affect anyone and is considered by many to be one of the largest public health challenges we face.

Experiences of loneliness can vary, but its effects can be profound and wide-ranging on our mental, physical and social health and wellbeing. For example:•Loneliness can increase the risk of early mortality by 26%.

•Loneliness can put people at greater risk of poorer mental health, including depression.

•Loneliness is associated with elevated blood pressure and acute stress responses.

•Loneliness is associated with sleep inadequacy and dissatisfaction in the general population.

A recent study estimates the cost of severe loneliness at around £9,900 per person per year, due to its combined impact on wellbeing, health, and work productivity.

As the darker evenings approach and festive season begins the “Great Winter Get Together” which runs between 12-15 January 2024 aims to prove that winter doesn’t have to be lonely and that meaningful connection and community focused events are beneficial and possible nationwide.

There are different types of loneliness.

Did you know that In 2022, 49.63% of adults (25.99 million people) in the UK reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always. How amazing would it be to counteract this and strive to bring communities together!

•Existential loneliness – a ‘feeling of fundamental separateness from others and the wider world’.

So, what is loneliness?

•Situational loneliness – only occurring at certain times like Sundays, bank holidays or Christmas.

According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport ‘this is a subjective, unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship. It happens when there is a 24 CARDIFF TIMES

•Emotional loneliness – ‘the absence of meaningful relationships’.

•Social loneliness – a ‘perceived deficit in the quality of social connections’.

•Transient loneliness – a feeling that comes and goes.

•Chronic loneliness – feeling lonely all or most of the time.

It is important to acknowledge also, that feeling lonely is not necessarily the same as being alone. Some people can spend lots of their time on their own and still feel content. Others may be surrounded by people but feel disconnected from them and lonely.

One of the main aims of the Cardiff Network is to work together to create compassionate, wellconnected communities where everyone has mutual respect, understanding along with a sense of identity and belonging.

Experiences of loneliness can differ in their intensity.

This can change from moment to moment, over different durations of time, and in different contexts.

The More in Common Network is a collection of groups and partnerships across the UK who champion Jo Cox’s powerful ‘more in common’ message to bridge divides in their communities.

Jo Cox recognised that loneliness can affect anyone, from the elderly to new mums, or refugees to the recently bereaved and that it can vary in type for example it may be situational, transient or emotional.

So what is a Great Get Together and how can it help?

Anything can be a “Great Get Together” provided that it brings people together in a positive way to celebrate Jo Cox’s ‘more in common’ message. It may be a coffee morning, a craft workshop, group walk, community choir practice or community food sharing for example. Ultimately, the possibilities are endless.

The Network meets regularly online for peer support, and have an annual Share and Learn event.

All groups and partnerships in the Network aim to: •Bring people from all backgrounds in the community together.

•Celebrate what we have in common.

•Promote mutual understanding and respect.

•Build a stronger community where everyone has a sense of identity and belonging.

In terms of how they help, the statistics speak for themselves: •65% of attendees felt inspired by their participation to volunteer at a local project having attended an event.

If you would like to find out more, or get involved, why not get in touch with the Cardiff Network at Cohesion@cardiff.gov.uk

•97% of attendees said that attending a Great Get Together positively affected their health and wellbeing.

Or sign up to updates, or gather more information on the Jo Cox Foundation website:

•100% of attendees felt confident that they knew some or lots of people locally after attending a Great Get Together; an increase of 19% from the previous year.

https://www.jocoxfoundation.org/our-work/strongercommunities/great-get-together/

So, is Cardiff involved in this amazing project?

ABSOLUTELY! In fact, of the 57 events across Wales in this year’s Great Get Together in June – 63% were in Cardiff.

The More in Common Cardiff Network which arranges the Great Get Togethers alongside other events, was formed in June 2022 after a Great Get Together launch at the Senedd. Following this, a hugely successful community launch ran in the heart of Grangetown, with communities sharing food, having fun and doing activities together.

“I will not live in a country where thousands of people are living lonely lives forgotten by the rest of us”.

Jo Cox CARDIFF TIMES 25

26 cardiff-times.co.uk

Hybiau a Llyfrgelloedd Caerdydd

Cardiff Hubs and Libraries

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Access great reads at home for free Do you know someone who has difficulty getting out of the house? The Cardiff Hubs and Libraries home delivery service brings books to local residents who can’t make it to a library.

Whether this is due to illness, disability or living in residential care, the service is on hand to take books into the community and make the pleasure of reading available to all.

download free digital books and audiobooks onto your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Staff will contact you in the first instance to discuss your needs and reading tastes. Once you’re up and running, you can reserve your favourite books online or by speaking to staff, and have them delivered as soon as they become available.

People at all stages of life can have periods where they There’s a great range of books, from the latest can’t get out and about, and the home delivery service thrillers to cosy winter reads, all brought direct to your is there to help – it’s entirely free and covers the whole doorstep. of Cardiff.

Pick the books you’d like to read, or have a selection chosen for you by knowledgeable library staff, and the home delivery service will call every three weeks to top up your reading pile!

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If you know someone it can help, spread the word so that even more people know they can access great reads at home for free.

To find out more about the service, simply give the team a call on 02920 871333 or email OutreachLibrary@cardiff.gov.uk.

Donations needed to help homeless hounds have a ‘paw-some’ Christmas Festive frolics are afoot at Dogs Trust Cardiff as the team deck the halls in preparation for its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 9th December and Sunday 10th December.

With just a few weeks to go until the South Glamorgan-based rehoming centre hosts the much-loved festive event, staff are on the lookout for donations of chocolate, sweet treats, toiletries, trinkets, and bottles for its tombola, pre-loved doggie accessories and Christmas decorations.

At the event, which runs from 11 am to 4 pm, both the furry and the furless among us can have a ‘pawsitively’ jolly time meeting Santa Paws in the Grotto and revealing their Christmas wishes at £2 for the entire family.

There’ll be craft and gift stalls to help you fetch that perfect present for your four-legged friend or that extra-special

human. Plus, they have a ‘barking’ good tombola, a raffle, and games for your entertainment!

If you are able to help, please send or drop off any donations to Dogs Trust Cardiff, Nettlefold Road, Cardiff, CF24 5JQ. Entry and parking are free on the day.

GEMMA PRICE DIRECTOR OF BOXING PRETTY Ralph Oates

by Ralph Oates

Have you or any members of your family ever boxed?

Gemma Price No. Ralph Oates You are a Club Development officer at Llanrumney Phoenix Boxing. What does this position entail?

Gemma Price

In this month’s column I have interviewed Gemma Price with regards to her views on boxing.

Ralph Oates In which year were you born?

Gemma Price 1982

We are lucky enough to be lottery funded so being in the boxing club is my full-time job. Within my role I establish new partnerships, design and deliver interventions, deliver mental health training and support to our local community, secure funding for projects and much more. We work with children who are at risk or have been excluded from school. We run a project with homeless people as well as many other organisations and partnerships. We have a very open door policy and will help and support anyone who needs us.

Ralph Oates When was the club first formed?

Gemma Price 2008 Ralph Oates

Ralph Oates

You are a founder and Director of Boxing Pretty how did this come about?

Where in Wales were you born?

Gemma Price

Gemma Price

Boxing Pretty was set up on the back of a life experience I went through. Domestic violence isn’t spoken about as much as it should be. I wanted to create a safe and empowering space for women to share, talk and get fit using the power of boxing. I spent a lot of time being very angry and boxing saved my life, there is no doubt about that. I wanted other women to have the same chance to change their lives. The group was set up in 2012 and still to this very day we train every Tuesday evening together.

Cardiff Ralph Oates What attracted you to boxing?

Gemma Price Boxing has always been my favourite sport ever since I was about 8 or 9. I remember waiting up for my Dad to get home to watch the big heavyweight fights in Vegas so always thought there was something special about the sport.

30 CARDIFF TIMES

Ralph Oates

You are also the Community Committee of Welsh Amateur Boxing. What does this position entail?

Gemma Price Within this group we talk about community matters and how best Welsh Boxing Clubs can be supported. Being on the ground and in a club all day every day, I know first-hand some of the issues that may arise. Welsh Boxing has a dedicated member of staff to help with Community based issues. I’m also the Southern Division Welfare Officer so help clubs with all safeguarding and welfare issues they may have.

Ralph Oates What changes would you like to see in amateur boxing, if any?

Ralph Oates Who is your favourite old-time boxer?

Gemma Price Not so much old time but former undisputed world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

Ralph Oates Do you have a favourite boxing film?

Gemma Price You cannot beat the Rocky films with Sylvester Stallone.

Ralph Oates Do you have any hobbies?

Gemma Price

Gemma Price

More opportunities for talented young boxers to develop. As coaches we want the best for our boxers, so to have more development opportunities would be great. This is starting to happen slowly, so it’s a start.

I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies!! Being at the boxing club all day, then with our amateurs every evening, most weekends are taken up with amateurs competing. I also sit on the Welsh Area Council with the British Boxing Board of Control, I’m also an Inspector with the BBBof C, so if I’m not at an amateur show I’m at a pro show. I do like going to the gym and swimming. I also love books so tend to read a lot.

Ralph Oates Do you have a favourite weight division?

Gemma Price Heavyweight Ralph Oates In the professional rank’s women box two-minute rounds. Do you feel this should be increased to three?

Gemma Price Yes in the amateur’s, women do 3 minute rounds – can’t see why they don’t do it in the pro ranks.

However, 2 minute rounds are fast, and action packed!

Ralph Oates In the professional ranks women’s world title fights are scheduled for ten rounds. Do you feel they should be increased to twelve.

Gemma Price 10 rounds are adequate and fast paced. You also need to work hard in the rounds to make the biggest impact.

Ralph Oates What are your future ambitions?

Gemma Price To have the best boxing facility in Cardiff. I’d also like to help and support both pro and amateur boxers with their mental health and wellbeing.

Ralph Oates What’s the best advice you have been given with regards to boxing?

Gemma Price Train hard, fight easy. Also, you can’t out train a bad diet!

I would like to thank Gemma for taking the time to take part in this interview which was really interesting and to wish her every success in the future.

CARDIFF TIMES 31

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Samaritan's Purse Launches The Big Shoebox Challenge: 100,000 Gifts for Children in Need Samaritan’s Purse has launched The Big Shoebox Challenge to pack an extra 100,000 shoebox gifts for children in need around the world. Every single shoebox gift represents one child who may never have received a gift before.

The charity is calling on people up and down the country to go online and pack a shoebox gift, or even two, to bless a child this Christmas through their Operation Christmas Child project.

Their online platform, Shoebox Online, allows you to select which age group you would like to pack for, and then you simply choose your gifts such as fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, add an encouraging note, and make your donation. Samaritan’s Purse will then pack and send the gifts to a child on your behalf.

The Christian organisation believes that each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since the early 90s, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

For more information about the Operation Christmas Child project, and The Big Shoebox Challenge, visit samaritans-purse.org.uk/occ.

Last year, across the UK, the project collected over 250,000 shoebox gifts. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2022, the ministry sent nearly 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

CARDIFF TIMES 35

36 CARDIFF TIMES

‘THE CHOSEN’ GLOBAL RED CARPET PREMIERE SET FOR 22nd JANUARY 2024 IN LONDON LEICESTER SQUARE Historical drama The Chosen has announced its Season Four Global Red Carpet Premiere in London on Monday 22nd January, 2024. The event will take over Leicester Square and will be joined by cast and crew members from the hit show. This promises to give fans a night to remember.

Fans will then have the chance to watch the first episodes of Season 4 in cinemas across the UK starting Feb 1, 2024. Fans will also be able to get hold of exclusive Season 4 gifts at the brand-new UK-based website: www.thechosentv.co.uk.

After the full-season in cinemas concludes, The Chosen will announce the debut on popular streaming platforms like Amazon and Netflix, and on TheChosen.TV. Clashing kingdoms. Rival rulers. The enemies of Jesus close in, while His followers struggle to keep up, leaving Him to carry the burden alone. Season 4 promises to deliver where last season’s emotional walking on water finale left off.

What began as a pioneering crowd-funded project has now evolved into a global sensation with more than 10 million social media followers.

Due to the efforts of the Come and See Foundation, The Chosen is on pace to be the most translated series in history, as the first three seasons will soon be available in 50 languages with plans to subtitle in more than 600.

The Chosen is a testament to the power of independent production, with Dallas Jenkins serving as writer, director, and producer. Lionsgate is the show’s global television distributor.

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Return to the classroom in 2024.

Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University provides short term and part-time courses for adults.

If you want to boost your CV, earn credits towards a qualification, keep your mind active or learn for fun, we provide a wide variety of subjects starting throughout the spring. We want to encourage those who have been away from education for a while to feel confident and empowered to learn.

We also offer Pathways to a degree for those who wish to progress to undergraduate studies.

You will receive support and encouragement every step of the way.

This year we will be providing in-person teaching and online classes to fit in with your busy lifestyle. Every year we receive positive feedback from our students. Read Scott’s story here: “After having children at an early age and not doing well at school, I thought mediocre jobs were my future until retirement. I had never thought about returning to studying before this as I thought there was not much support, emotionally and financially, for mature students with children, but I was wrong about that.

“I was in my first online lesson in 16 years only six weeks after I first made contact. I completed a Pathway, and I am now studying a BSc in archaeology.

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CARDIFF TIMES 45

Contains at least one RGB ColorSpace

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48 CARDIFF TIMES

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CARDIFF TIMES 49

WELSH DIVING Gift Vouchers Available

NEW ADVENTURE! Why not try a new hobby this spring by learning to scuba dive?

bubbles illustration: @upklyak/freepik

Welsh Diving is a PADI Five Star Scuba Diving School and Instructor Development Centre.

We provide courses from complete beginner to professional dive instructor. From ages 8 years to adults For more information please contact: kmartin@welshdiving.co.uk m 07753 691794

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Sponsor our Oakfield Oldies today!

For just £1 a week, you can give an older dog a second chance.

Not only that, you’ll also receive a fun welcome pack and three exciting updates from one of our Oldies in the Centre every year!

And all whilst helping us to look after over 11,000 other dogs in our care every year too! That’s a lot of love to give!

Scan the QR code to sign up or fill out the information below to be sent a Sponsor form.

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