CARDIFF TIMES
September 2024
Security and Peace of Mind
Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their loved ones eventually. But this will not happen for many unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased's share of the property it is fully protected for the
beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children's inheritance is protected. This last point can be of particular interest to couples who have come together but have children from different partners. A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the trust remain over the new property.
Westminster Law will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protection for you, your family and your assets.
35 years married; 36.5 years living together
by Wyn Evans
The Boss and I are in the Marches, Whitney on Wye, to be precise, four miles outside Hay on Wye. We are having a short break at an old Tudor house turned restaurant - the Rhydspence Inn. It’s expensive but lovely, and ya gotta push the boat out now and again, especially after thirty-five years of marriage! Both of us had been married before and had been in no rush to travel the same road twice, which goes some way towards explaining why it took us eighteen months to bite the bullet. First time around we’d both had big weddings: white dress, tick; church service, tick; big reception, tick; honeymoon, tick. So we felt we’d “been there, done that”.
This explains why we were ready one Saturday in August 1989 to ask - and answer - the question “shall we get married?” by doing just that. I rang the Registrar of Marriages on Park Place the following Monday and we were spliced the next Wednesday. The Boss was back in work on the Thursday. When we eventually booked some leave for our honeymoon, the kennels were full. Luckily, we had previously discovered a guide book listing hotels that accepted guests’ pets. Which is how we ended up in Alnmouth, Northumberland, with two puppies that needed letting-out in the middle of each night.
The good thing was that Alnmouth had a beautiful enough beach that it could be appreciated even beyond midnight. The less good thing was that we had to clamber up a couple of hundred stone steps to get back to our room.
Here in the Rhydspence Inn tonight, The Boss looked at the seven listed starter options and the seven more main course choices on the menu and challenged me to guess what she’d be ordering. I aced the challenge. For the record, she ordered mozzarella salad, followed by hake bake. I got her choice of dessert right too - a melty chocolate thingmy with coffee ice cream. It’s Nice to know that our 35 years have not been entirely wasted, lol!
Regular readers will be wondering where The Girl was whilst we were gallivanting in Whitney. She’d been invited up to Aberystwyth to stay over with a friend who also has Down Syndrome. They’ve known one another for ever and grown ever closer over time. It’s been a privilege to watch them developing. Of course, being teenaged young women they have many traits in common. However, it is impossible to predict how each will react to events and stimuli based solely on their having an extra copy of Chromosome 21, the marker for Down
Syndrome. As one would expect, given their ages (eighteen) both are influenced more by their age peer groups than by Down Syndrome. One thing they discovered in common, however, was a shared love of singing and dancing. And, how lovely was it to return home from Hay and find this message waiting for us:
“[Your daughter] is a person easy to loveamazing, clever, observant, helpful, caring, jolly, passionate, joyful, understanding. I think the girls, especially this summer had a blast. They both have a great sense of humour and enjoyed a good laugh. I’m amazed how both have figured things out themselves and the way of their interaction and..engaging”.
The Girl will soon be engaging in a new environment: 9th September is the start of term at Cardiff and Vale College and she will commence her Work and Life Skills course. She seems to be approaching it in a very level-headed fashion. Yes, she’s excited of course but she has worked out for herself how College will be significantly unlike anything she has experienced at school. I remember when I first went away to College thinking that I would have to grow up fast. The Boss and I need to support The Girl’s independent steps, letting her know that our home will always be hers and that we will support her if she decides to forge a whole new path of her own. As my friend Rob pointed out to me when his own three sons were going to Uni and establishing families of their own: “our job is to bring up our kids to be decent human beings who we have to let go of so that they can make their own paths through the world”.
business out of doors.
At the Rhydspence, The Boss was surprised to be woken by a very timid knock on the bedroom door. At first she ignored it but its insistent beat led her to open the door to the corridor: where she found yours truly, sheepishly, sleepily asking to be let back in. I had taken the wrong turning after using the facilities(1) and locked myself out. I remember wandering up the corridor looking for room number 7 but I remember also being asleep and thinking that I was in a particularly vivid dream.
Footnote (1).
Post Script: The Boss thinks that I should include the following little anecdote, which took place on the first night of our stay at the Rhydspence Inn. It sort-of hangs together with the rest of the article… I suppose! When we had our honeymoon in Alnmouth we had to take our puppies out in the middle of the night, as their training regime had moved beyond the use of newspaper indoors to doing their
I wrote ‘facilities’ because I didn’t want any squeamish readers to read the ‘toilet’ or ‘pee’ and be upset by a mental image of me in my PJs wandering around a hotel desperate for a pee; having already introduced into your minds a picture of The Boss and I in our PJs taking our puppies for a pee beyond midnight. Do you know how challenging it can be not to use the words ‘toilet’ or ‘pee’ when in fact that is what you are referring to? So: pee pee, pee, toilet, toilet, toilet and have done with it!
Noswei iau Calan Gaeaf
Halloween Nights
Hydref 29, 30 & 31 October 2024
5.30pm – 9pm amgueddfa.cymru
£14
y tocyn per person
Babanod o dan 2 am ddim Under 2s free
Sain Ffagan Amgueddfa Werin Cymru
St Fagans National Museum of History
amgueddfa.cymru
Mynediad am ddim | Free entry
Sain Ffagan Amgueddfa Werin Cymru
St Fagans National Museum of History
Rhaid archebu tocynnau o flaen llaw All tickets must be booked in advance
‘And Another Thing...’ Barrybados, Birds and Banking by Vince Nolan
The Current Mrs Nolan and I recently found ourselves taking the air at Barry Island having walked across from Cold Knap. We were sat at a “beachside café” (I really spoil that woman) and I noticed that a passing seagull had left a calling card on her sweatshirt. She quickly made off to the toilets and washed the detritus off but alas the gooey excrement had made its way onto her T shirt too. Nothing for it but to buy a replacement T shirt I thought (generous to a fault as you would expect). Trying to find a garment without Gavin and Stacey all over it was quite a challenge and a fitting testament to how popular that drama still is. So we settled on a Barrybados one instead.
Many cultures would have it that being pooped on by a bird is thought to be a surefire sign of abundance and prosperity coming your way. The odds of being pooed on in this way are apparently less than 1%, so many people buy a lottery ticket right after
it happens, so we did and won £11.90. Of course, the aforementioned garment came in at £12 so we weren’t that lucky were we. Furthermore, some low life then attempted to book a holiday using The Boss’s bank details. Not proving to be too fortunate at all was iit? Fear not Dear Reader because Karma intervened when we overheard a young lad talking to his Dad and he said: “Dad, there are more seagulls than eagles” which we thought was rather clever and explained the proliferation of Larinae poo. (Look it up, I had to).
This is rapidly turning into a She Who Must Be Obeyed column. Whilst not being a devotee of the recent UEFA European Football Championship, She casually commented that the next match was Turkey v Ostrich as opposed to Austria (although I grant you it is Österreich in German). An interesting concept. I would stick with Turkey as Ostrich is a bit more difficult to fit into the oven. I also think New York has gone to Her head (alright, it was fancy dress…. probably).
stopped and the bandages came off she told toes/Roman feet, hurrah (I bet you checked). have observed that the little toe has been
people who think that it is remotely acceptable to removing their human rights with a blunt
know whether you saw the story of a bloke
claim that you are providing a small oasis
given the recent propensity of “New Lifers” not to last more than a week after having
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In The Words Of by
September 2024
August! The Olympics came and went. For the first time, I didn’t watch any of it live, mostly it was clips on social media of the stuff that made me laugh or question sanity. I will leave it there. I had a lovely time on holiday. I hope you all got to do something to get some relaxation if you were taking a holiday.
The music news that was on - and still is - everyone’s lips the last few days is Oasis. I always knew this would happen at some point. Having seen the pair of them individually over the last few years a few times each, it just seemed inevitable seeing as the crowds always got more into the Oasis stuff than Liam or Noel’s newer solo works. So, next year, there really will only be two gigs that will not be beaten in Cardiff in 2025. And both are Oasis. July 4th and July 5th. Tickets will no doubt sell out pronto. And it’s a weekend, so the bars will be busy beforehand!
Interviews for this month are a mixture, to say the least! I have the guy who used to shout into a big telephone; a singer that hails from one of the US’s biggest girl groups from the 1970/80s; a YouTube star with a silly number of Subscribers; two brothers from Stoke who do a bit of dancing! And before I forget, an ex-teacher who is now one of the UK’s best up-and-coming comedians. I think that’s the lot.
Movie Review: A Quiet Place: Day One
This is the 3rd film, but more of a sideways step, as it doesn’t feature any of the cast from the previous two offerings. John Krasinski features only as a producer, of which there are four. For the earlier films he wrote, directed and acted in them. This latest film is all about the aliens and that first day of
Carl Marsh
invasion, with the plot centred in Manhattan, and how the US Forces try and contain the aliens on the island by destroying the bridges. Even though the movie was shot mostly in the UK, it’s impressive stuff, but when it comes to the biggest plot hole for me is the containment in Manhattan, but the whole world is being invaded! Maybe it was a short-term kind of thing they would do in the US, who knows?
The film’s two leads are Lupita Nyong’o and rising star British star, Joseph Quinn, who we’ll get to see in the new Gladiator and many Marvel films due over the next few years. Both are stellar actors and even though the film goes a bit flat at times, they keep the story afloat to the end. And once you’ve seen it, you’ll get my “afloat” reference. It’s a decent effort, but easily forgettable.
Movie Review: Deadpool & Wolverine
Now let me get onto reviewing the most expected superhero collaboration since Deadpool started berating Wolverine in the first movie via the fourth wall the movies are loved for. Some thought it would never happen, but seeing as both actors have known each other for a few decades, I think we all knew it would materialise on the screen.
For those of you who have seen Hugh Jackman’s last outing in ‘Logan’, you’ll know how it ends making any Deadpool collaboration a little bit of a conundrum. But…, this is superhero land, and anything is feasible… ok? A tag team ensures after a superhero fan’s dream battle. The rest is comedy gold, violence, a storyline with so many innuendos and references to other movie characters that you’ll only wish Deadpool 4 taps into some of them!
Enjoy September
Carl Marsh
Coming to the New Theatre in Cardiff on Monday, 30th September is British YouTuber, Max Fosh. With over 4 million subscribers to his YouTube channel and over 1 billion views to his videos, he's quite a popular chap! We chatted via Zoom video about his new tour, 'Loophole'.
Carl Marsh
I know people coming to the shows will be a good mix of those that watch your videos, and those coming along as the plus ones that maybe don’t watch your stuff. How will the tour flow then keeping the fans happy whilst creating entertainment for the virgin Max Fosh fans in attendance?
Max Fosh
So yeah, the show is called ‘Loophole’. And on YouTube, the videos that I make are all kind of about silliness and finding loopholes in life. And the live show that I’ve got is essentially just an extension of the YouTube videos that I make online, but just onstage. There’s gonna be a big screen behind me that will play videos to show different interactions, photos… and the way that I like to describe it, it’s like a funny PowerPoint presentation. It showcases various silliness that I’ve been up to is probably the best way to describe it. And it’s basically for anyone… you could have not watched any of my videos before and you still will enjoy it. We tried to make sure… and I say we as it’s me and my director.
We’ve written the show to make sure that it is tailored to anybody who has no idea who I am and to enjoy it.
So, it's kind of a bit of behind-the-scenes of a lot of things like when I competed in Mr. Universe via the loophole that I found. There's also a loophole that I found that I thought I would save for a live show that I don't think anyone has yet discovered, so I thought I'd do a live show about it.
Carl Marsh
That's good to know that because I know from when I've interviewed other certain YouTubers before, and then attended the shows, there were a lot of in-jokes that I didn't get as I was not religiously watching their material. For you then, it's a case of getting fans new and old in and up to speed on what you've done.
Max Fosh
Yeah, that's it as a whole as at the start of the show, it's just basically bringing everyone up to speed as to what I've been up to so the people who watch the videos can enjoy it, but those who have no idea who I am, they can also enjoy it. So yeah, it's meant to be as broad and accessible to everybody to enjoy as possible.
Catch Max Fosh: Loophole at the New Theatre in Cardiff, Monday 30th September
Interview with A.J and Curtis Pritchard
Words by Carl Marsh
As the blurb for the show goes, ‘Experience a night of pure entertainment as we transport you to the dazzling world of Moulin Rouge…’, and that is what this show will all be about. I chatted to brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard via that video link service, Zoom, ahead of the New Theatre, Cardiff show on Monday, 23rd September.
Carl Marsh
With ‘Come What May’, was it always the case that both of you were to be involved from the start, or was it one was asked first, then the other?
A.J. Pritchard
It was always both of us. Yeah, we were always going to do it together. What’s important for us is timing, to be honest. And to be able to do something together is fantastic. And we always say no to so many different tours and different things. Sometimes we might say to ourselves, “Why did we say no to that?” And then ‘Come What May’ came along. And ‘this’ is why we said no to that because this perfect tour is the ultimate tribute to ‘Moulin Rouge’ and other fantastic musicals. So, we get to add even more value to these songs that each person’s probably got a different emotional attraction to and we get to dance to a live band. Then there’s the outfits, the audience giving the energy; it’s really overwhelming and such a fantastic opportunity to dance to these global hits. Personally, my favourite theatre show is Moulin Rouge.
Curtis Pritchard
Yeah, I’ve got to admit it, it is a very good one and everybody can’t deny that.
Carl Marsh
So, it’ll be a show of massive songs from ‘Moulin Rouge’ and the like that will bring fans of the songs, shows and film(s) who will have high expectations. Surely that brings an element of nervousness to you as performers respectfully
performing those songs from what they love?
Curtis Pritchard
I’ll be nervous before going on for the first evening… and to be fair, I get nervous before going on for all the shows. I think nerves give you a bit of adrenaline and it gets you into the right mindset to rock ‘n’ roll. But, as of this moment, no, I’m excited to get going… you know, because some of my favourite songs are in it. ‘Your Song’, is perhaps one of my favourite songs to sing. ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ isn’t my favourite song because you’re not gonna catch me singing that one on my own around the house. [Laughs]
Carl Marsh
What can we expect from your performances in ‘Come What May’? Will it only be dancing, or are you acting too?
Curtis Pritchard
Solo numbers, big group numbers; there’ll be singing here and there. Presenting, acting, the whole lot to be fair.
A.J. Pritchard
Yeah, a bit of everything because sometimes when you go to a theatre show, you don’t know what the storyline is, or what the concept of what the music will be. Whereas I think because it’s so well known we get to add that value. Yes, we’ll be dancing. I won’t be singing… I will say that! Curtis will do one thing and I’ll be doing more of the presenting side. But what’s already there is so good and it’s quite nice to be able to come and see something and an adaptation a more - if I could say - a Strictly’fied version of them big group numbers and it’s really exciting to kind of build on something that’s so well known. I don’t think it’s like a nervous thing. I think it’s like kind of like you’re quite honoured to be able to do that as we all and that gives more value in rehearsal times. Okay? No, it needs to be perfect in rehearsal before we even get to show number one!
Curtis Pritchard
Well, hopefully, it’s perfect before the first show! [Laughter] Come What May - New Theatre, Cardiff on Monday, 23rd September 2024.
Just over the road in Newport’s The Riverfront, Dom Joly won’t be shouting into a large phone. Them days are long gone. Now a well-established and extremely talented travel writer, he brings his latest book, ‘The Conspiracy Tourist’ on tour. Having visited many places around the world, for the sake of often wacky far-out theories, it’s going to make for an interesting night on Sunday 29th September!
Carl Marsh
You start your book with you heading to Finland, just to see if it exists! I have to admit, I didn’t even know that a conspiracy existed where folk believed it was a made-up place until I started reading your book. And I’ve been to Finland!
Dom Joly
Ahhh, but did you? The conspiracist would say that you didn’t go to Finland. You landed in either Russia or Sweden and the people claiming to be Finns were crisis actors in a sort of massive ‘Truman Show’! That’s how crazy this is. But that conspiracy started on Reddit as a joke. And I think a lot of conspiracies have a kernel of something like truth, but then I think about 10% of people read it and think, “Oh, is that right?” And then they ran with it. And a lot of conspiracies are like that.
Carl Marsh
Exactly that! I mean, people try and create doubt, don’t they? Isn’t it something like say 90% would see a conspiracy theory as being completely bonkers, and then there’s the 10% that would go out of their way - like some did with The Sandy Hook School Shooting - to try
and prove it was real?
Dom Joly
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s really weird with conspiracies like that. I mean… essentially my favourite, and I’m going to quote myself here, but my favourite quote from my book is, “In the old days, every village had an idiot, but then they all went on the internet and met up!” And it’s kind of what happened. And it’s true… and the other quote that I love is by a guy who used to be Jimmy Carter’s Secretary of State, and he said “History is much more the product of chaos rather than conspiracy”. And essentially, bad things happen.
But as humans, we don’t like stuff like that happening. We don’t like chaos. We don’t like things happening randomly, and so we kind of like order. And what conspiracy theories do is they tend to kind of make things a bit more organised. And there’s a reason for things. And so it’s really weird, and if you look hard enough, you can find a pattern in anything. And so, it’s kind of reinforcing your own bias. But they would say that I’m doing that the other way around, you know, whereas I just don’t care about conspiracies. I’m interested in them. I think they used to be fun, and now they’ve got quite dangerous because they’re everywhere. But I’m not Mr. Conspiracy. My next book is called ‘Happy Hunting’, and it’s about the pursuit of happiness. I can’t wait to get off to that, because dealing with these people online is just insane. They had a whole afternoon dedicated to me in Huddersfield a month ago called “Who is Dom Joly?”; they did some deep diving and critical research, and they discovered that I had close ties to the militaryindustrial complex, which was news to me. I think my dad fought in World War Two. That’s the only thing I can think of. [Laughter]
Dom Joly: The Conspiracy Tourist will be at The Riverfront in Newport, on Sunday 29th September.
Interview with Kathy Sledge
Uptown Festival, Bute Park in Cardiff
Words by Carl Marsh
One of the 1970/80s biggest and best all-girl groups were Sister Sledge. Hands down. Now it’s time for Kathy Sledge to bring some of that “Lost in Music” vibe to Cardiff’s Bute Park for the Uptown Festival on the 15th of September. I had to ask Kathy via Zoom all about how she became mainly the lead singer in the group.
Carl Marsh
You were the lead singer on practically all of the songs, but how did that come about; there must have been some sisterly quarrels about who’d be upfront.
Kathy Sledge
I think it was with the producers and when they heard the signature voice that they liked, but you know, I always, for most of it, sang most of the hits… well, all of them really, but I think that comes down to the producer. They always know what they’re… I always look at producers as if they are visionaries. And they are! They know what the outcome should sound like, what they want, and what they’re producing. A lot like a director in a movie, where the actors may not know as they only deliver their performance, but only the director knows how they’re pulling this all together and how it works. So I think when producers of music hear what they want, then they choose that. So, it was a choice for most of it for Nile Rodgers and the late Bernard Edwards with the ‘We Are Family’ and ‘Love Somebody Today’ [album] projects, to Narada Michael Walden and George Duke. We worked with so many great producers. We talked about Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards the most because, of course, that was the most significant album we’ve ever done. And I always say that ‘We Are Family’ is a project as it’s an album and a song that just keeps… it’s a gift that keeps on giving. It just keeps coming back. It’s generational. And that makes me feel so special being a voice on a song that is always relevant.
Kathy Sledge is performing at the Uptown Festival in Bute Park, Cardiff, on the 15th of September.
Interview with Laura Smyth
Having had one gig in Cardiff this year, Laura Smyth is back with another one. Once a teacher who no doubt had to watch her language, she was the complete opposite of a comedian. She's performing at Glee Club on Sunday, 22nd September. We chatted via Zoom video to discuss why she's called this new show: 'Living My Best Life'
Laura Smyth
The tour is called 'Living My Best Life' which is a bit of a hashtag and it's a bit tongue-in-cheek about… I just poke fun at everything, to be honest. It's poking fun about living my best life and what that has come to mean.
It's very loosely themed, but also it's because I'm in my early 40s and I've come to stand-up [comedy] late from being a mum and a teacher, and all of a sudden I'm living my best life. [Laughs] I'm having this really exciting time with things where I'm in writers' rooms, doing voiceovers and adverts; doing tours for big names and touring the country and playing in clubs and just getting to play as an adult and that is the good stuff, way better than you know, going to the latest brunch spot [Laughter].
Carl Marsh
It must have been quite daunting taking that leap from leaving the teaching career to full-time comedian though.
Laura Smyth
Someone made a really funny joke when they said, "Oh, I'd leave the day job when the comedy pays me as much as the day job". Well actually, it's got to pay you double because you're doing that and earning, that you kind of want to make that leap. But I'd say teaching during Lockdowns and all the measures in place in school, drained a lot of the fun and colour out of teaching for me. I also was projecting and speculating all the big things that come off in comedy and I was making myself sick. So I just left. And I do find in life that it's the leap that's the hardest thing to do and that actually, the good stuff comes from the scary stuff.
Laura Smyth: Living My Best Life is at Glee Club, Cardiff on Sunday 22nd September
Derek’s fundraiser for Bowel Cancer UK
Running 60 miles, Cardiff to Swansea, over 2 days
by Derek Peaple
This year I reach the special milestone of my 60th birthday, something that many people unfortunately don’t get to enjoy. I’ve chosen to celebrate this occasion by raising funds for a very special charity, that is close to my heart Bowel Cancer UK, in loving memory of my Father-in-Law, John.
In order to try and raise as much as possible I’m drawing on the memories of my running past and challenging myself to go further than ever, specifically 2 ultra marathons in 2 days, totalling the 60 miles from Cardiff to Mumbles, Swansea, along Sustrans Cycle Routes 8 and 4.
The aim? To run 60 miles and generate £10 per mile for Bowel Cancer UK and raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer along with the importance of early diagnosis.
Bowel Cancer UK are the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.
They fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
They’re here to stop people dying of bowel cancer.
To donate visit Just Givinghttps://shorturl.at/eFEF6
Cardiff Times wish Derek the very best raising funds.
BUYS BOOTS. AND LEAVES
This is a story concerning one of the characters living in the village of Centrix where the residents are delightfully and completely themselves. It is probably a true story. – on the other hand?
Captain Bryce - Pryce was in a Quandary which, although Mr Chambers’ Dictionary clearly states the word ‘quandary’ has an unknown etymon, Captain B-P was pretty sure a ‘quandary’ was a very ancient name for ‘a laundry operating in a quarry’ and more properly spelt, in his mind, ‘quandry’. What is more it was generally quite a hot and bothered place in a part of the world that was hot and bothered to start with.
He clearly recalled from long ago when he had been at sea, quandry establishments that had been operating in places such as Karachi, Rangoon, Formosa, Montevideo and Barmouth. When his ship had arrived at these exotic locations local tailors would often come to greet the weary mariners with offers of spun silk shirts, made to measure - within ten minutes! - for small sums of ready cash. Sterling naturally.
Then hordes of relatives of the aforementioned tailors who ran Quandries, would arrive offering washing, starching and ironing services for everything aboard ship that had got dirty during the voyage; sheets, shirts, ship’s cats, socks, sleeping smocks, soft slippers, silk pyjamas (captains for the use of) slip covers and sails. Then a few days later and just before anchors away these entrepreneurs arrived back on board with all the finished items over their arms, loudly demanding payment. Great consternation would ensue as many of the items returned clean and fresh would be in shreds and ribbons. They had been washed in the river pools using heavy stones from the quarry. Clean and totally ruined.
“Happy days” said the Captain to the sleeping bolster that was Pontius Pirate (ship’s cat, once an Able Sea Cat and now retired). Deeply into being pensioned off, Ponty spent a lot of time in his hammock. It was fixed up by the Captain fresh every morning, fabricated from a clean tea towel, its four corners tied to the four legs of an upturned kitchen chair. “Happy, happy days”.
Ponty, as his friends called him, had been a Leading Ship’s Cat, promoted long ago and with extra rations, after being merely Able - Bodied. And well furred. He had served for many years with the Captain, as they travelled around and around the globe running oranges to Iceland, cod liver
by Sara John
oil to Spain and coal to South America.
They had both been to every country in the atlas but only reluctantly ventured ashore and stayed, always when in port, within sight of the ship, never straying far into the hinterland. Nowadays Ponty spent a lot of his well-earned retirement thinking, snoozing, nodding off and actually sleeping.
In one of Pontius’ reveries he recalled the Captain and the first mate sharing a bottle of rum and comparing adventures. The often - told words of one story came back to him.
“We were running bibles to Bahrain out of Colchester, which was treacherous to begin with as Colchester was so far inland, but with that, a heavy fog came up the river, long before slack water and two tides away from the open sea”. Pontius remembered that the Captain always remained confident, (he modelled his behaviour on the much admired acting skills of wee Johnnie Mills, even though he was a lot taller). The Chinese crew knew they would soon be running the bibles back again!
Occasionally Pontius Pirate would rouse himself from his retirement and stroll down through the village to the Pwdin Bwthin, a homely cafe - inferior run by Mrs Jones Bone-Soup. In this part of the Celtic lands last names are in short supply so there are epilogues attached to the most popular surnames, this adds more information about which Mrs Jones exactly, you are talking about. The cafe-inferior menu, some would say eclectic in content, was according to Mrs Jones Bone-Soup firmly based on the premise of “waste not - want not”. Sample favourites included bloaters on toast, baked onions and chocolate sauce, herring pancakes, flounder fritters, sprats in vinegar, a lot of things with suet, tripe and turnips, and any recipes that used up stale bread, stewed lettuce and lentils. All washed down with rabbit wine or, when available dandelion tea for the less adventurous.
Mrs Jones Bone-Soup had been forced to get her husband, Mr Jones - Patience of a Saint to make and fix up a large notice. It was a clear warning that customers who had only entered the Pwdin Bwthin to escape the rain and the cold wind and then wished to consume their own sandwiches on the premises, would be dealt with in no uncertain terms. The terms were clearly laid out in large print. With basic line drawings for those who could see but not read.
Pontius Pirate frequented the Pwdin Bwthin because he was friendly with Brigadoom Jones - the - Ginger, to give him his full name, a large marmalade cat who had also spent his earlier life at sea but had been a very solemn kitten, hence his name Brigadoom. They spoke of trips to Alexandria, Constantinople, Llanelli, Lima, Havana, Swansea, Salonica, Briton Ferry and Shanghai.
Mention of Shanghai always made them laugh, as the Captain reminded his faithful Ponty. “Remember that shipmate who had once been treated by the rest of the crew, they had organised a whip round to pay for it, to a visit to the “Palace of Delights” on the old Port Road as a likely cure for his intractable hiccups. The poor man had spent his spare time such as it was, praying for the Almighty, the one who was ‘strong to save’ and ‘eternal’ to cure his hiccups and give him some peace and lasting relief. After his Tuesday evening visit, (it was 20% off on week nights,) his hiccups were quickly cured. But, as he had never before visited a ‘house’ offering such opportunities for acrobatic adventures with beautiful girls, - many of them much prettier than his ship mates he thought to himself. The only problem had been he had got his head stuck.
It took the bo’sun, three stokers, and a passing Padre with a length of stout rope to get him free. It was at least a week before he could put his own socks on again.
After he arrived at his home port he never went back to sea again. Home for good in Pwllheli, he had decided to open a greengrocers and marry the girl from the post office, carrying with him his belief, his new found belief, in the power of prayer, to the grave.
Leaving Captain Bryce-Pryce for a little longer, in his ‘quandry’ mentioned in the beginning of the story, a few words about his life and his world would be appropriate at this juncture.
Many years ago during shore leave in Genoa, he had visited a local dock side music and record shop in the hope that they would have in stock the (rare) Lita Rosa and Tito Gobbi long playing album, Songs for All Time Losers. “A rare request”, the proprietor explained to him in his rare Sicilian dialect (his mother had been Basque but he had been raised by his Finnish grandmother in Dundee) and therefore he was not that easy to understand.
Captain B-P prided himself, having spent a few years as a child at the Inward Bound School on Anglesey, that he could communicate with most people. This attempt to purchase a record was fast becoming an heroic failure and the Captain was about to make his excuses and leave just as he was being offered the last copy in the free world of the Maria Callas and John McCormac long - player, “Songs my mother had never heard of for ill - matched singers” when a beautiful lady entered the music shop. He stepped back in amazement.
Circumventing the difficulties of language and unfamiliar accents on both sides of the shop counter, the beautiful lady sang a few bars of a beautiful Italian aria, as a means of explaining the recording she wished to purchase. The record she wanted was produced at once! Then she hummed a Neapolitan love song and that was also found for her. Finally just as the Captain heard the port clock strike two o’clock the beautiful lady started to sing her third requirement. It was a Welsh lullaby. He could not believe his eyes, his ears or the time on his watch, then he realised his watch had stopped. He
hurried out of the shop and directly back to his ship.
He was just in time.
The ship was bound for Prince Edward Island. Which Prince Edward the Captain was not sure of, but he knew exactly where the island was situated. Apart from a cargo of pineapples, lard, pig iron and crude oil they also had seven passengers to transport who were travelling on to Briton Ferry.
The seven passengers wished to avoid the rigors of the journey firstly to Prince Edward Island then on to the Azores ferry, all change at the Isle of Man, change again at Ascension Island then straight on to Fort William, through the Caledonian ship canal, come out at the east end (of the ship canal), around through Scarper Flow, spending two nights in Skegness while they change engines and then down through Tyne and Humber turn to port for Dogger Bank (the only chance on the voyage to get cash), turn starboard at Thames and follow the coastline right around avoiding the option of the weekend sight - seeing and shopping stop off at Port Talbot. The seven passengers had travelled by ferry before and the journey had taken four years. They had all said, “never again”, it was “not worth it for two weeks in the sun at Aberavon”.
That evening, struggling to read his way through the Genoa Observer (overseas edition) in Italian, he saw a photograph of someone he recognised. It was the beautiful lady from the record shop with the fine voice and the long shopping list who was studying music and voice production at the Genoa Conservatoire. Meantime staying in her sister’s conservatory which may explain why so many of her expected letters and parcels went missing. Her name was Lady Miranda and she was coming to the end of her studies and would soon be returning home.
Captain Bryce- Pryce decided there and then she was going to be his Bride. He folded up the newspaper and put it in his sea chest along with his new presents and purchases, books of poetry, boxes of liquorice allsorts, seven spare compasses, charts of seas including Black, Red, Yellow, Caspian, Caribbean, Aral, Adriatic, Arabian, South China, Bering, Okhotsk, Japan, North and Irish plus descriptions of Conditions at Sea according to the ever reliable Beaufort Scale.
Meanwhile back to the present in the seaside village of Centrix in the beautiful village of Centrixshire, in the only Natural Coastal Park in all the land we find Lady Miranda busy preparing another one of her bestselling cookery books. She is in the warm kitchen of ‘Almacantar’ the house near the sea that she and the Captain chose together just before their wedding. Its name means ‘circle of altitude parallel to the horizon’. They have carefully avoided the conspicuous conservation rampant in some parts of Centrixshire, based, they agreed, too much on the Godswolds. Their marriage is most companionable, each day they find topics that simply do not need discussing. They understand each other so well. In effect they are ‘in concerto’.
The clock tocks gently. The stove humms. Ponty is snoozing. Recipes are being tested, rejected, adjusted and written up in hard cover notebooks. In ink.
Lady Miranda still has a fine mezzo, nay, some musical maestros, national and international would say, a fine soprano, but only when she fastens her stays a little too tightly, voice.
Lady Miranda, now retired from her former and formal career in the opera houses of the world, devotes herself to her passions and her interests: her cookery books, her music and her Captain. To date her publications have included; ‘Excellence with Eggs’, ‘Guaranteed Goulash’, ‘Superlative Souffles’, ‘Intense Cordials’, and her present opus, ‘Gwalia Deserta - Not a Book of Trifles’.
The Captain was equally content. He preferred to avoid cocktail parties with forty five strangers but was happy in the company of a neighbour, a ninety-five year old lighthouse keeper with an ear-trumpet. This elderly gentleman had retired to the village of Centrix, as lighthouses are notoriously inconvenient for the incontinent.
The Captain had described himself, in no more than five words as requested, as ‘A FRIEND AND NEIGHBOUR’ on the recent forms distributed by the Notional Women’s Organisation when they wanted information on eligible or illegible men in the village who may have been living independently, happily and quietly on their own and “shifting for themselves”!
Almost daily Lady Miranda dealt with the many questions vexing the Captain. Often she found solutions to his problems: from time to time a little detective work on her part provided the explanation for his many dilemmas.
This was certainly the case for the Captain’s current quandary.
Reluctant to disturb his wife’s calculations on ratios and quantities of arrowroot, honey, agar, gelatine, fresh raspberries and nectar he hesitated and decided to go for a little walk around the village in the warm afternoon sunlight.
The first person he met was his walking companion Duff of McDuff who was shocked to see his fine and normally athletic friend walking with a pronounced limp! Captain B-P said it was an increasingly worrying injury that appeared to be getting worse. Duff suggested that a visit to Doctor Corgi-Williams ap Hazard would be in order. Particularly as there would be some considerable disappointment if the Captain was not fit enough for the annual Festavalia Walk two weeks hence, when their mutual old friend Benjamin Ben-Becula was expected from, as expected, Ben Becula.
B-cubed as he was known at school was a man of many parts.
He was a fine scholar and mathematician, always, in the ways of the Gaels doubting the accuracy of the spirit-level (and hoping to catch it out one day); his old school, in the Western Isles had been well established
by the time the Vikings arrived and the young students study calculus and work with logarithms using Roman numerals to this day. Benjamin Ben - Becula was a fine and experienced sailor and a strong, reliable walker.
The Captain knew that both Duff and Benjamin shared a Highlander’s love of “wrapping themselves in a mist of vague anger”. Duff’s ancestor had famously said, “men who had lived under the same sky as the golden eagle did not willingly go to live in the Cowcaddens”. Benjamin had once explained, in a Pub Tinshed, in the north of the county where they know about these matters, that, “Gaels drink, it is said, to escape into ordinariness”.
This was the essence of the quandary that the good Captain found himself in. A tedious nagging limp and two tough walking companions who would never ‘surrender’.
The Captain hurried home. Walking through the garden and into the kitchen, again he was thwarted. Lady Miranda was on the telephone. She had been, on the telephone, he thought to himself, ever since sweets had come off prescription. Her voice rose dramatically to add weight to her narrative, “Related, so she says to the late Princess Royal, but if you ask me more times removed than Pickfords”. He went to check on Pontius Pirate’s water bowl. Lady Miranda’s voice followed him. “As I have always said, my dear, old money never wears turquoise” The Captain stroked Ponty who turned and stretched in his sleep. The Captain returned. “So then she said to me, she said, my dining room windows are, to be honest at least 368 inches wide, now who would be dishonest about their dining room windows?”.
Realising the Captain needed her undivided attention she quickly said goodbye to her listener and appealed to her dear devoted husband to explain what was wrong. In essence, he said that he had been wearing - in his new walking boots, he needed them to be comfortable for the Annual Festavalia Walk that he would be under taking with his two walking companions and for the last fortnight he had been in great discomfort. He was worried to death.
Now he was both lame AND worried to death.
His feet were very sore. One side of him was not in line with the other. He was listing seriously to port. Did he have some rare condition known only to one doctor in Archangel? Would he ever recover? Did he need an operation? If so what risks were involved? Would the operation be successful? What were the side effects? Would they give him an enema? Would the hospital bed be comfortable? Should he take some jigsaws with him? Duff had mentioned the great Dr Corgi Williams.
Dr Corgi Williams was a distant cousin of Lady Miranda. Lady Miranda knew all about him. He had done a joint honours degree in Latin and calligraphy at medical school and planned to become a doctor. He had failed - twice. However his mother had been to speak to the authorities and had insisted he had more than enough
marks, in total, from both examination sittings (and failings) to be deemed a pass, and anyway, it was not as if he was going to be attending to animals like his father, a truly wonderful man, a legend in Ceredigion to this day. (This probably, sweet reader, explains the unusual prefix of Corgi to his surname.)
Dr Corgi Williams had recently been in quite serious trouble for telling a patient that he had bad news and good news. The bad news was that it would have to come off. The good news was that his receptionist had finally said yes.
There was not going to be a visit to Dr Corgi Williams.
The most recent story to get into the papers about the good doctor was a report that both his hands had inadvertently got inside a young lady’s liberty bodice one very cold winter’s day during the worst of the recent fuel crisis. The young lady had attended the surgery with bunions on both feet that needed medical attention. Dr Corgi Williams’ mother claimed it was the patient’s own fault, she should have realised that her son, The Doctor, suffering from a heavy cold had become temporarily deaf and thought the patient had said “onions” not “bunions”. The Dr assumed heartburn, and was reaching over for his prescription pad still wearing his old reading glasses from before the war when the reported incident had occurred - the one confusing onions and bunions.
A simple enough mistake.
Lady Miranda set about using her considerable powers of persuasion to get all the facts of the matter from her husband, then, she would investigate and present her findings. Her findings would be final and incontrovertible.
Where did these new boots come from? she demanded. This was the first and most vital question. “Out of my sea chest in the shed”, came the reply.
“Where are these boots now?” “Standing outside the back door”, came the response.
“Let me see your feet please” asked lady Miranda most authoritatively.
“What you mean now, without my socks on?” “Yes dear, we are married you know, so it is perfectly alright!”
It was just as Lady Miranda had begun to suspect. One foot, the right foot was tender and sore but the left foot was swollen, red and very tender.
She marched off to the sea chest in the shed. She had never before seen inside the chest, or inside the shed for that matter. But this was an emergency. She needed the final evidence in this mystery as she had just two weeks to get the Captain to fit and well status. He needed two matching feet for the Annual Festavalia Walk.
Gingerly opening the old sea chest that had been around the world more times than the Ancient Mariner she found a leather bag of dubloons, small jars of
caviar from Persia, pouches of poppy seeds from Afghanistan, olive oils from the Lebanon, and a box of unpolished rose quartz from German South West Africa. And a folded up newspaper. An Italian newspaper. With a photograph of her on the front page. She had no idea why the Captain had this newspaper in his sea chest. He had obviously treasured it for such a long time. How romantic, she mused to herself. Returning promptly to the present she quickly realised that she had to lay those fluttery thoughts aside for the moment, but planned to peep back in the sea chest at a future date.
Then she spotted what she had been seeking. An empty cardboard box.
The label stated, ‘Genuine Captain Morgan’s Pirate Boots, also good for just walking about. Hand Made. Accept No Substitute. Size Extra Large.’ ‘Sale offer - one for the price of two’ then underneath in smaller writing it said ‘Also most suitable for either left or right peg - legged pirates, Simply remove ALL the cardboard packing INSIDE the boots prior to wearing!’
She rushed back into the kitchen clutching both boots and the cardboard box. The Captain had decided to soak his sore feet in a big bowl of warm soapy water. “I have the answer” she said and ran to hug him.
“Look! lots of cardboard stuffing still left inside the boots, that is why they are so uncomfortable, much more in the right boot than the left! That is why you are listing to port HMS Kelly”
The Captain heaved a great sigh of relief, especially about the lameness, the possibility of an enema, a journey to Archangel in poor weather and the difficulty of choosing which jigsaws to take into hospital. His older favourites had some pieces missing - so they would never be completed.
All the cardboard was cleared away. The empty box replaced in the sea chest for old times sake. Lady Miranda decided it was best to say nothing about the pristine copy of a very old Italian newspaper but she felt a deeply warm glow inside.
As for the Captain, he thought tomorrow he might start his weather research for the annual walk. But today, he would concentrate on putting dubbin on his now, newly comfortable boots, while his feet, BOTH of them recovered.
Glad not to have been a pirate after all, he thought to himself.
Note
If you enjoyed this tale, more stories of characters living in Centrix can be found in the book, SEVEN TALES OF CENTRIX by Sara John, available through your local bookshop from the publisher y Llolfa Cyf, Ceredigion.
Childlessness – it’s not always a matter of time OR choice
“New house, new baby”
“You’ll be next”
“There’s plenty of time, you’re still young”
The list of ways that people suggest or imply that being a woman, of a certain age, without children, is something ‘to resolve’ OR ‘be ashamed of’ is endless. And trust me, as a childless woman in her late 30’s, I think I’ve heard the majority!
But, in the 21st century, where cultural norms, lifestyles and family structures are forever changing, surely such implications are outdated, painful to hear and inept to say the least?
According to the ONS (Office for National Statistics) in the UK in 2020 18% of women were childless at the end of their reproductive lives and 50% of 30-year-old women were childless. Alongside this, it is well documented that a woman’s fertility starts to decline in their 30s and that more women are now waiting until their late 20’s to early 30’s to have children (Hammarberg et al., 2017b; Delbaere et al., 2021). For many women remaining childless is a choice which they make and unlike generations gone by, this is a choice to be celebrated and respected. However, there may be many other reasons why women remain childless and not always by choice.
It is of course worth noting that it’s definitely not all about women either, men are faced with similar battles and challenges with childbearing. An estimated 7% of all men are affected by infertility (www.fertilityfamily.co.uk) which can be equally distressing, difficult to cope with and met with similar responses.
Career choice, lifestyle choice, lack of desire to be a parent, health issues, financial situations or lack of stable relationships may be some contributing factors to childlessness although the list goes on. However, for 1 in 7 couples and for thousands of single people, infertility is the distressing diagnosis they must face which can be a causal factor in childlessness.
According to the World Health Organisation (2023) around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility currently.
by Natalie McCulloch
Infertility is a medical condition which is characterised by the inability to conceive a child after 12months + of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It can affect anyone regardless of age or gender and can be heart breaking, distressing and earth shattering to all involved.
Possible reasons for infertility can include issues with health of the reproductive organs, issues with ovulation/ sperm production, mental health issues, trauma which may affect ability to have sexual intercourse or other medical complications.
In the modern age there are of course many wonderful alternatives to natural conception including adoption, surrogacy, fostering and IVF treatment but all of these can be challenging, complex, potentially not viable and fatiguing for all involved. And it doesn’t deduct from the fact that the person/couple are still infertile.
Being diagnosed as infertile can be an emotionally traumatic, lonely, frustrating and painful experience and something which, as a nation, is possibly not as widely recognised as needed currently. Rooney, J et al illustrated this beautifully by saying “Infertility is often a silent struggle” and go onto highlight the increased likelihood of depression, anxiety and suicidal intent experienced compared to their fertile counterparts.
Nearly 3 in 4 (71%) people battling infertility are burdened with feelings of failure (ONS, 2024)
The amount of support available for people experiencing difficulties with fertility can be overlooked but it is available and highly recommended. A GP would be the first port of call generally, but it is also worth noting that charities such as ‘The fertility network UK’ exist to offer support, advice and both online and in person help groups including one right here in Cardiff and via sites such as facebook.
On a personal note, I have always dreamed of being a mother, of having a child, and due to a history of anorexia and other medical complications I am having to face the fact that this is never going to be a natural option.
IVF also is sadly not an option for me due to the complexity of my medical issues which is of course further heartbreaking news. As I highlighted earlier, I face regular comments about my lack of children, I also
experience bloating at times which people mistake to be a baby bump and pass their congratulations to me (or even touch my stomach) to which I have to fight the heartbreak and relay that this sadly is not and is never to be the case.
I am extremely fortunate in that I have the most incredible support from my amazing dad, family, friends and incredible supportive loving partner and that his wonderful daughter is in my life. I also try and find solace through nature walks, the gym, writing and work which is so important to give me back a sense of self when my identity feels shaken by the new reality I face.
However, the heartbreaking grief, pining and feelings of inferiority/failure against colleagues/friends/family who discuss children or announce their joyous baby news are an ongoing challenge.
I am yet to honestly come to terms with my infertility but this in no way detracts from the joy I feel celebrating others happiness/children, but it’s a balance to acclimatise to and something I hope to as I progress through this next chapter of my life, look into options available to myself and my partner and embrace the incredible positives I have in my life such as being loved by wonderful people aforementioned, enjoying my job, being able to walk/talk/eat etc and embracing the role of ‘Aunty Nat’ I am blessed to have been given by so many wonderful friends.
My hope for this article is to:
•Raise awareness that sensitivity around people without children could be increased and assuming, let alone voicing, thoughts of everyone being fertile is inaccurate, unkind and hurtful.
•Raise awareness that being childless is not shameful/ selfish/your fault
•Reassure people that if you are also experiencing such heartbreaking loss of fertility battles, you are not alone and there are networks to reach out to.
•And (selfishly) engage in a little therapeutic output via my therapy (writing) myself in the hope that I may help one other person experiencing similar things.
Some helpful Resources
Fertility Network UK - who provide a number of fertility groups (across the country as well as online) that will give you the opportunity to share your story and get advice from others who are also trying to conceive/ experiencing fertility issues. They host regular free online webinars. Each session provides impartial help, support and understanding about its carefully chosen relevant topic. And have an array of help sheets and info online.
www. fertilitynetworkuk.org
OR 0121 323 5025 (HELPLINE) info@fertilitynetworkuk.org ***********
Foster Wales Cardiff - part of the national network of 22 Welsh Local Authority fostering services providing information, support and clarification on the process.
Fostering Enquiry Line 029 2087 3797
Email FosterWalesCardiffEnquiries@cardiff.gov.uk
https://cardiff.fosterwales.gov.wales/ ***********
National Adoption Service - who promotes and supports best practice in adoption across Wales. For those thinking of adopting or simply wanting more information.
adoptcymru.com
0300 666 0006 wales@adoptionuk.org.uk
***********
Wales Fertility Institute - based at the University Hospital of Wales where they undertake outpatient, diagnostic andrology and semen freezing and WFI-Neath, based at Neath Port Talbot Hospital where they undertake the full range of IVF treatments.
email admin.wfi@wales.nhs.uk
www.thefertilityinstitute.co.uk
Cardiff 01639 862698 | Neath 01639 862698
With more than 35 different traders under one roof it is easy to while away an entire afternoon at this welcoming destination - you can even enjoy a coffee at the onsite coffee shop.
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.
Interview with Former Professional Boxing Referee Martin Williams
This month I had the pleasure to interview former professional boxing referee Martin Williams on the subject of boxing.
Ralph Oates
In which year were you born?
Martin Williams 1968
Ralph Oates
Where in Wales were you born?
Martin Williams Mardy Street, Grangetown.
Ralph Oates
When did you first take an interest in boxing?
Martin Williams
When I went to the Prince of Wales boxing club in a school in Holmsdale Street when I was 10 years of age.
Ralph Oates
Have you ever boxed in any capacity?
Martin Williams
Yes, I did kick boxing for channel view Kick Boxing Club under Ray Wonnacott and Chris Raven.
Ralph Oates
Have any members of your family ever boxed?
by Ralph Oates
Martin Williams
Not to my knowledge.
Ralph Oates
Which do you prefer amateur or professional boxing?
Martin Williams Professional boxing.
Ralph Oates
When did you first become a referee?
Martin Williams
I was an inspector first from 2009 and was then asked by Ron Pavett director at the British boxing board of control if I would consider being a professional referee. I was a trainee from 2011 until 2013.
Ralph Oates
Can you remember the first bout you refereed?
Martin Williams
The first bout was Kevin Maddox v Robert Studzinski at Newport centre on Saturday 23 February 2013. It was a 4 rounds super middleweight contest. It was the Professional debut of Maddox. Maddox was down twice and I stopped the fight in the first round.
Ralph Oates
Who is your favourite modern-day boxer?
Martin Williams Oleksandr Usyk.
Ralph Oates
Who is your favourite old-time boxer?
Martin Williams
Sugar Ray Robinson the former world welterweight and middleweight champion of the world.
Ralph Oates
Who do you feel was the best boxer to hold the world heavyweight crown?
Martin Williams
Muhammad Ali, the first boxer to win the world heavyweight title on three separate occasions.
Ralph Oates
What in your opinion was the best world heavyweight title fight to ever take place?
Martin Williams
The Muhammad Ali v George Foreman world heavyweight title bout which took place on the 30th October 1974.
Ralph Oates
Who was the best fighter you refereed?
Martin Williams
Joe Cordina who outpointed Lester Cantilland over 4 rounds at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on the 28 October 2017. This was on the same card where Anthony Joshua defended his IBF, IBO and WBA world heavyweight titles against Carlos Taken of France winning by a stoppage in round 10 of a scheduled 12.
Ralph Oates
Over the years there have been a number of boxing commentators on TV who was your favourite?
Martin Williams
Reg Gutteridge and now Barry Jones.
Ralph Oates
What was the last fight you refereed?
Martin Williams
It was Lloyd Germain who outpointed MJ Hall over 4 rounds on the 30th November 2019 at the Ac-tive Living Centre, Pontypool.
Ralph Oates.
How do you feel about women boxing?
Martin Williams
It has progressed immensely, and I now really enjoy it. Jane Couch needs a lot more recognition for what she did to pave the way. The way the BBBoC treated her was awful.
Ralph Oates
There are four major world boxing organisations, WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO do
you feel that boxing would be better with just one organisation?
Martin Williams
Yes, one true champion at every weight. The number of belts available now is ridiculous.
Ralph Oates
How do you feel about there being so many weight divisions in boxing?
Martin Williams
There are benefits of more weight classes as fighters don’t have to drain themselves so much but personally, I feel there are a few too many.
Ralph Oates
Looking back at the history of Welsh boxing who in your opinion was the best boxer produced in Wales?
Martin Williams
Joe Calzaghe who retired from professional boxing with a 100% record being undefeated in 46 bouts.
Ralph Oates
Do you have a favourite boxing film?
Martin Williams
Raging Bull which was directed by Martin Scorsese and starred Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta
Ralph Oates
What changes if any would you like to see made in boxing?
Martin Williams
Women doing the same rounds and times as men.
Ralph Oates
What plans do you have for the future?
Martin Williams
I retired 3 years ago and bought a farm in Bulgaria and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Cardiff Times would like to thank Martin for taking the time to give his views on the sport of boxing.
We also wish him and his family the very best for the future.
Study an evening class at Cardiff University
Cardiff University provides hundreds of part-time courses for adult learners to enable you to achieve your ambitions. Whether you would like to improve your CV, challenge yourself, learn something new, keep your mind active, make new friends or progress to degree studies by enrolling on one of our Pathways to a degree – we have the course to suit your needs.
We have a brand new home! You will find us at 50-51 Park Place (in front of Cathays Train Station). Our newly refurbished building provides comfortable and modern teaching facilities to both inspire and support you in your studies.
We are running in-person teaching and online classes to fit in with your busy lifestyle. We are also offering free courses with the support of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER formerly HEFCW). More information about the Student Fee Waiver and eligibility can be found on our website.
Every year we receive positive feedback from students:
“The course was very engaging - I loved every session. I received valuable advice from industry professionals in how to pursue opportunities as a writer. It was the steppingstone I didn’t know I needed into taking myself a bit more seriously as an aspiring author, and made the publishing industry as a whole seem more accessible.” Emma, Creative Writing student
“The Pathway gave me the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream of studying a degree. It was such an amazing experience learning about our political, social and cultural history. And I still worked part-time and looked after my family.” Sian studied a Pathway to a degree in History and graduated this year with a BA History.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn
029 2087 0000
learn@cardiff.ac.uk
Ewch ati i ddysgu rhagor, cyflawni eich dyheadau, rhoi hwb i'ch CV a gwneud ffrindiau newydd.
Rydyn ni hefyd yn cynnig Llwybrau at radd ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd.
Does dim angen cymwysterau blaenorol arnoch chi i astudio'r rhan fwyaf o'n cyrsiau.
www.caerdydd.ac.uk/dysgu
ffôn: 029 2087 0000
Improve your knowledge, achieve your ambitions, boost your CV and make new friends.
We also provide Pathways to a degree at Cardiff University.
You don't need previous qualifications to study most of our courses.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn tel: 029 2087 0000
WE’R E ROLLING AG AIN
Now heating up
Cardiff, St David’s
Cowbridge Music Festival
Cowbridge Music Festival is proud to unveil plans for its 2024 Young Artist Programme, which showcases the remarkable talents of Wales’ emerging musicians.
This year’s Young Ensembles will be the Cardiffbased Bute Wind Quintet, and RWCMD graduates Quartet Draig.
Speaking about the programme, Festival Co-Artistic Director Rosalind Ventris comments: “We believe in providing a platform where promising artists can flourish, learn, and share their artistry with a wider audience. Through our Young Artist Programme, we offer performance opportunities, masterclasses, coaching sessions, and mentorship to empower these musicians with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their musical careers. We are also proud to showcase their exceptional musicianship and invest in the future of classical music.”
Festival Co-Artistic Director Joseph Fort adds: “Each year, our Young Artist Programme brings fresh and exciting talent to the forefront. We are particularly excited to announce Bute Wind Quintet and Quartet Draig to programme this year, both of whom represent the bright future of classical music in Wales and beyond. Supporting young musicians at the start of their careers is incredibly rewarding. We look forward to working closely with these artists and helping them to achieve their full
potential through our comprehensive programme.”
2024 Young Ensemble: Bute Wind Quintet
Based in Cardiff, this multi-award-winning ensemble promotes contemporary and underperformed chamber music, delivering an uncompromising artistic image to a range of audiences. In addition to their festival performance, the quintet will receive masterclasses from renowned musicians and mentorship in areas such as stage presence and the business aspects of a musical career.
2024 Young Ensemble: Quartet Draig
Quartet Draig formed in 2020 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, won the Albion String Quartet and Bridgewood & Neitzert chamber prizes. They’ve performed at the Wigmore Hall (Cavatina Competition, Musicians Company Competition) and were Junior Quartet in Residence at the 2021 ESTA Conference. From 2021-2023, they developed creative programming at Saxon Barn with concerts on various themes to engage broader audiences.
Cowbridge Music Festival’s Young Artist Programme is supported by Mauve Cymru.
For more information about the Cowbridge Music Festival and its Young Artist Programme, visit https://cowbridgemusicfestival.co.uk/
Big Cardiff Tidy 24
For two weeks this autumn, the Big Cardiff Tidy will be taking place across the capital, led by Keep Wales Tidy, Love Where You Live and Cardiff Rivers Group.
From 21 September to 6 October 2024, you can join events hosted by some of Keep Wales Tidy’s Litter Picking Hubs, River Taff clean ups by partner organisations, and even meet up with Litter Champions to see how it’s done.
The event aims to host events in different areas across the city, bringing people together in the name of a cleaner Cardiff.
Everyone is welcome to join, whether that be community groups, Litter Picking Hubs, individuals, business, schools, or anyone else interested in taking part.
For more information, head to: www. keepwalestidy.cymru/events/big-cardiff-tidy/
Sparkle Walk returns 27th September 24
A charity walk will allow memories of loved ones to sparkle and shine as it returns to north Cardiff for a fifth year this September.
City Hospice’s Sparkle Walk, a night-time 10km walk, will see supporters stroll from Insole Court, Llandaff to City Hospice, Whitchurch and back. At the 5km mark, participants will have the chance to leave a heartfelt message for a loved one in the hospice’s memory garden.
Walkers will also be able to highlight their loved ones throughout the route by personalising their specially produced Sparkle Walk t-shirts. The walk is suitable for families, friends, colleagues and children over the age of eight, though anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
The funds raised by the Sparkle Walk will support the work of City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital. In addition to providing care and services including welfare advice and complementary therapies to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses, the charity offers counselling and support services for their patients’ families.
For further information visit: https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/ upcoming-events/sparkle-walk-2024/
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Dream Doors celebrates 25 years with £250 voucher giveaway
Local kitchen makeover company, Dream Doors, recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, and they’re asking their followers to submit their favourite family recipe, or memory in the kitchen over this time.
The company have seen kitchen trends and popular styles change over the past 25 years, but one thing remains the same is that the kitchen space is the heart of any home. This campaign encourages customers to reminisce on their favourite times, with one lucky winner being gifted a £250 food shop voucher to recreate their favourite recipe.
Dream Doors began trading in 1999 and now has 90 showrooms nationwide, with their Cardiff showroom opening in 2011, after finding a gap in the market for affordable kitchen makeovers that caused minimal disruption to the home. By simply replacing the doors and drawer fronts, Dream Doors allows you to completely revamp your space, for up to 50% less than a fully fitted kitchen. Avoiding the unnecessary removal of the cabinets allows for their fitters to be in and out in as little as 2-3 days, meaning customers can be enjoying their new kitchen in no time!
Dream Doors also have a commitment to sustainability, providing kitchens that benefit both the homeowner, and the planet. By actively encouraging customers to reuse their existing cabinetry, and ensuring all materials removed are disposed of responsibly, Dream Doors Cardiff are making every effort to reduce the impact to the environment made by the kitchen industry.
Do you have a memory to share?
Visit the Dream Doors Facebook page to enter!
Why not visit our showroom 146 Whitchurch Rd CF14 3NA to see how you can start your kitchen makeover journey. There you can view a wide range of kitchen doors styles and colours, as well a selection of modern appliances, storage solutions, and lighting options, to complete your kitchen makeover.
Choosing a Dream Doors Kitchen cannot be easier, and our team of experts will be with you every step of the way.
Contact: Dream Doors Cardiff, 146 Whitchurch Rd, CF14 3NA 02921 321077 Cardiff@dreamdoors.co.uk
NEW CARDIFF FERTILITY CLINIC FROM LEADING
A new fertility clinic run by leading West Country fertility treatment provider Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) has opened at Infinity Healthcare’s Ash Tree Clinic at Cardiff Gate and is already providing local fertility advice and diagnosis for people in Cardiff struggling to have a baby.
The new clinic provides initial specialist consultations and diagnosis of why it may be proving difficult to conceive, with follow up treatment – if required taking place at BCRM’s state-of-the-art clinic at Aztec West in north Bristol.
The Cardiff clinic is run by Dr Valentine Akande, a consultant gynaecologist and fertility expert with more than 20 years of specialist experience who has personally helped several hundred fulfil their dream of having a baby. He also has an outstanding international reputation, has organised and chaired numerous conferences, and gives lectures both locally and internationally.
Valentine Akande said: “We are so pleased to launch our Cardiff clinic and look forward to helping create families for people who are having difficulty conceiving naturally.
“We treat heterosexual couples, single women and same-sex couples, and BCRM consistently has the best IVF success rates in the south west of England and Wales, making us one of the top fertility clinics in the UK.
“Initial consultations and diagnostic scans to find out why it might be proving difficult for someone to conceive a baby will be carried out in Cardiff.
“Then if patients need any surgical procedures, such as egg retrieval or embryo transfer, they will attend our Bristol clinic which is very easy to access: close to the M4/M5 junction north of Bristol and with plenty of free parking.
“This depends on the nature of
www.fertilitybristol.com
BCRM: ‘Passionately changing lives and building families through a skilled and compassionate team of experts’
The South West’s longest established fertility clinic, now provides expert fertility assessment, advice and treatment at a location near you.
To book a consultation appointment at BCRM Cardiff, located at Infinity Healthcare, Cardiff Gate, CF23 8RW Email: Contact@BCRM.clinic or Phone: 01172591159
Embark on your parenthood journey with us!
the fertility challenge a patient is facing - some issues may be resolved after an initial consultation with me.
“Once a pregnancy is established, follow-up appointments will be with the patient’s usual GP or their local maternity hospital.”
The most recent data published by the UK's independent regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), revealed that for women aged under 38 BCRM provides the highest chances in Bristol of having a baby with IVF or ICSI treatment, per embryo transferred.
BCRM Cardiff is located at Infinity Healthcare, Cardiff Gate, CF23 8RW
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* Broken Glass
* Replacement
* Misted Glass
* Replacements
* Faulty/Broken Hinges
* Locks, Handles
* Pa�o Door Problems
* Draughty/Leaking
* Windows, Doors
* Conservatories
* Ca�laps, Le�erboxes
* New Door Panels * Stained Glass Repairs and Replacements * Glass/mirrors of all types cut to size
* uPVC New Windows/ Doors Installed
* Upgrades to Locks and Handles
* Fascias, Gu�ering, Clading
* Coloured Composite Doors
