Blogs

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After travelling throughout Wale s on their week-long Big Welsh Busk, Warner Musics bright new signings Lilygreen and Maguire, both from the Newport area, were back in their hometown.

Friday morning saw them visiting Tredegar House, Newport, and busking at the amphitheatre in Caerleon.

Today was what I was waiting for said Jon Lilygreen, travelling through Wales was a wicked experience, but setting foot in my hometown was an absolute pleasure. A good bunch of fans turned up, including a mum and daughter who had travelled from Dorset. Our families and mates were also there and we got a guest appearance from 2 of my best mates. One of the most memorable things was the fact that it hailed. Hard but we still played through it.

From there they travelled to Cardiff where they set up camp outside Wales Millennium Centre. Some fans were there for the third day running.

Thats some dedication, said Jon Jon Maguire, a great number of people had turned out to see us there. They were mostly fans who had seen us on the Oly Murs tour. It was amazing to see them singing the words to all of our songs. A truly great day.

Friends Jon Lilygreen and Jon Maguire , have just released their debut single Come On Get Higher on the Warner Music label and will release their EP Aint Love Crazy on June 11 th 2012 .

The local duo has already built up a solid fan base after supporting X Factor runner-up Olly Murs on his recent arena tour of the UK and Ireland. They are also well- known within the South Wales' music scene: Lilygreen as a covers performer and Maguire as a local music producer and member of a rock band. They came together in 2009 when their talent was spotted by Warner Bros. Music who soon secured the duo with a lucrative record deal. Their debut album will be released later this year.

Lilygreen and Maguires tour started on Monday in Wrexham and their first busk was at Glyndwr University in the town.

Since then they have tr av elled to Bangor, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen , Swansea and Barry, Caerphilly and Caerleon, whe re they have performed on a beach , a pier, in castle grounds and various shopping centres .

For further information about the Big Wel sh Busk tour visit www.facebook.com/lilygreenandmaguire

An acoustic version of their debut single Come On Get Higher can be found here http://www.youtube.com/lilygreenandmaguire

Jon Lilygreen said we were so looking forward to these gigs, to pitch up at some fantastic locations and play in the open-air. We knew It was going to be quite a challenge visiting so many venues across Wal es, including a beach, a prom and a c astle and we were no disappointed. Our fans travelled from far and wide to support us and cheer us on . for the rest of the week.

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A duo that will make their mark in a very big way in 2012. The Mahogany Blog

www.lilygreenandmaguire.com

www.facebook.com/lilygreenandmaguire

http://twitter.com/lilygandmaguire

http://www.youtube.com/lilygreenandmaguire

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What I'm Reading

The Earth Hums in B flat by Mari Strachan

Gwenni Morgan can fly, in her sleep at least. With enough practice perhaps she will fly while awake. This is the story of her town, her family and the secrets that everyone knows, but no one talks about. Gwenni wants to be a detective and she will leave nothing be, until she can make sense of it. She wants to discover the whereabouts of Ifan Evans, the missing shepherd, and what's "dolally" mean and why did her grandmother go "dolally", and is Gwenni odd, as her mother says, and will she go dolally? And why is her best friend Alwenna, suddenly interested in boys? There is always a lot for children to learn, and the best part of a coming of age novel is the rediscovery of our own emergence from childhood and the first understandings of an adult world that makes little sense to the straightforward mind of a precocious child.

A small cast of characters keeps the town knit together. There is Gwenni and her Nain (grandmother) and Tada (father) and Mam and her sister Bethan, all of whom will also be caught up in the consequences of spilled secrets. Elin the teacher, is married to the lost man Ifan, and Nanw Lipstick is the gossip who knows everything and tells everything. Alwenna, Gwenni's best friend, cannot remain so, and must grow as well.

Told through Gwenni's voice, the story unfolds slowly through both a plot moving towards a conclusion, and through the slow and changing descriptions of the people and town as Gwenni sees them. The writing is straightforward and provides a nice foil to the matter-of-fact belief Gwenni has in spirits and in flying. The reader catches the warmth that Gwenni fells for her family and begins to feel the same. Every character is deserving of sympathy, while each portrait is unsentimental and evokes that period in childhood when the world opens up whether we are ready or not. This is a first novel, by Welsh librarian Mari Strachan, that succeeds admirably. Well worth a reading.

Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley has given his reaction to a new survey which claims that publicans in Wales back the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol.
Mr Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans Brewery based in Llandeilo, gave his reaction to the Western Mail newspaper today, but his quotes were heavily edited.
Here is what he told the Western Mail -
Minimum pricing is only one of the key issues that need to be addressed.
Supermarkets are far cheaper than pubs.
But the demise of the pub is also due to the fact that pubs have not moved with the times.
They should have upped their game to match the demands of the consumer.
Most importantly, they should now listen to what the consumer wants.
We have, of course, done this at Evan-Evans and the pubs we run in Llandeilo, Brecon and Cardiff.
As a general point in Wales, many pubs are more professional than in the past.
But many still do not provide what the customer wants clean, well-run pubs, with high levels of service and the ability of people to get good well-cooked food with strong local provenance.
It is a fact that in todays economy there is a general lack of disposable income.
This means that the customer is far more discerning than in the past. They only buy what they want.
Minimum pricing will not stop binge drinkers.
People who are determined to drink too much will always find a source of cheaper alcohol.
We need less bureaucracy, not more.
I am afraid to say that we are going to see a lot more pubs close before this is all over.
Mr Buckley was reacting to a survey undertaken for the charity Alcohol Concern.
A total of 77% of Welsh publicans, when asked whether they were in favour of a minimum of 50p per unit, said that they supported the idea.
The survey was undertaken in February and March 2012, prior to the recent announcement that a minimum unit price for alcohol will be introduced in England and Wales.
The UK Government is proposing a minimum price of 40p per unit, whilst in Scotland 45p per unit is being debated. The survey results show that many publicans in Wales would back a higher price of 50p per unit.
Results from the research also indicate that a large number of pubs in Wales are struggling, with almost half (48%) of respondents saying their sales of alcohol have decreased during the last year, and 61% of these expecting them to continue to decline over the next 12 months.
Most lay the blame at the door of supermarkets, whose cheap drinks promotions they say are damaging trade; and many believe that the introduction of a minimum price would create a more level playing field between publicans and retailers:
94% think that cheap alcohol sold in supermarkets is responsible for stagnant or declining alcohol sales at their premises, with a majority (56%) citing this as the main reason
91% believe that it is hypocritical that supermarkets are allowed to promote cheap alcohol when pub landlords feel tightly controlled.
One landlord who took part in the survey said: People are coming out to the pubs already drunk. Its too cheap in the supermarkets.
Another said: Cheap supermarket alcohol is one of the reasons our trade is falling. It would be a good thing if their prices were brought more into line with pub prices.
Prices of alcohol products are so low in the supermarkets that 22% of publicans admitted they sometimes buy their stock from there instead of the cash and carry, with nearly a third (32%) of publicans from free houses (those not tied to a brewery) saying they have sourced their alcohol in this way.
Mark Leyshon, spokesperson for Alcohol Concern Cymru, said: This survey shows that a large majority of pub landlords in Wales support plans for a minimum price per unit. A minimum price would set a baseline price below which alcohol could not be sold. This would leave pub prices largely unaffected, but would stop supermarkets and off licenses selling very cheap alcohol.

Theres a big chance coming up to beat the Governments controversial decision to slap VAT on static caravans.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 will showcase some of the leading caravans.
And its a really big chance to get ahead of Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne and his VAT plans, said show organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon, pictured above.
Its fair to say there has been a storm of controversy over the Chancellors plans, which were announced in the last Budget.
Caravan manufacturers are upset because they fear it will hit sales. Holiday park owners are worried it could also hit their tourism industry.
The big debate about VAT on caravans is still raging this week and there are plenty of lobby groups both inside and outside Parliament trying to get George Osborne to change his mind.
You cant help but feel that Mr Osborne has made his mind up, however.
In which case, this is the ideal time to get ahead of the game and invest in a static caravan which can deliver years of fun for families.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 is being staged at Carmarthens United Counties Showground from May 11 to 13.
It will showcase the very best in caravans and motorhomes, added Lois.
The Chancellors plan to hit static caravans with the standard 20 per cent rate of VAT will come into operation on October 1.
It could also have an effect on some larger touring caravans, to go along with the previously zero-rated static caravans.
A caravan that is designed and constructed for continuous year-round occupation will still be zero-rated, and exempt from the VAT, but all other static caravans will be taxed at the standard rate, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Touring caravans which are under seven metres long are already standard-rated, HMRC adds, but some of the larger models could be subject to standard taxing as well.
With a few months remaining until the new system is put into place, caravanners looking to buy a static caravan or large tourer should look to complete their purchase before October, so as not to pay the new higher rate of VAT.
HMRC estimates the new tax will impact around 50,000 individuals purchasing static caravans each year, a number that will of course increase if larger touring caravans are included as well. In total the government expects to make 45 million over the next five years from this tax.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show is celebrating its sixth year.
In terms of scale, its the biggest annual event at the showground and one which has appeal for all the family, said Lois Gibbon.
Visitors will get to see the latest in the caravan and motorhome industry, but there will plenty of other attractions, including a display of classic vehicles by the Towy Valley Vintage Club.
A major first this year will be the appearance of The Fly Heli Wales team, who will be offering breath-taking helicopter rides from the showground.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 runs between 10am and 5pm on May 11-13. Admission is 5 (concessions 4) with free parking. Four-night camping is also available priced at 30. For details contact Daffodil Events on 01570 470783.
Weblinks:
http://daffodilevents.co.uk/
http://daffodilevents.co.uk/caravan-motorhome-show/
Twitter: @daffodilevents
Facebook: Digwyddiadau Daffodil Events

The organisers of the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races are appealing for competitors to get into the London Marathon spirit.
"We want this year's event to be fun, fun, fun," said race publicity officer Robert Lloyd.
"With that in mind, we are encouraging as many people as possible to wear fancy dress.
"A quick look at the TV pictures of the London marathon was enough to show how much fun people can have while raising valuable cash for charity.
"We want this year's event to be as colourful as possible. This is an Olympics year and we want to make the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races as memorable as possible.
"Businesses are also being encouraged to add a splash of colour to this year's race by wearing corporate colours."
Runners of all ages, shapes and sizes are being encouraged to take part in the races next month.
The event, which has been held in the town over the past 30 years, will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7.
"This is the 31st running of the races and we are hoping for a bumper turnout," said race organiser Noelwyn Daniel.
"We are asking local sporting teams, organisations, pubs and clubs to consider entering teams.
"There is a special 'relay' entry which allows the fun runners to complete one lap each of the three-lap main course route."
Mr Daniel added: "The beauty of the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races is that they take place in the heart of the town centre, affording great opportunities for spectators to cheer on the runners."
Organisers are also working closely with the Sports Council for Wales to help promote a wheelchair athlete event.
The event has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years with many local groups and organisations benefiting.
Schools are being contacted and visited by race organisers to encourage the pupils to sign up for the event.
There is the main 5k fun run and a series of junior races.
The junior races cater for school years two to 10.
The senior fun run has categories for males and females aged under 40 and 35, and veterans groups for older age groups.
Everyone who completes the course gets a medal.
Timetable -
10:00 Primary School Girls Years 1& 2
10:15 Primary School Boys Years 1 & 2
10:30 Primary School Girls Years 3 & 4
10:40 Primary School Boys Years 3 & 4
10:50 Primary School Girls Years 5 & 6
11:00 Primary School Boys Years 5 & 6
11:10 Secondary School Girls Years 7 & 8
11:20 Secondary School Boys Years 7 & 8
11:30 Secondary School Girls & Boys Years 9,10 & 11
11:40 MINI FUN RUN 6 years & Under (may be accompanied by an adult)
11:50 Wheelchair Athletes & Hand cyclists
12:00 Presentation of Trophies to all 1st, 2nd & 3rd in all categories. Medals to all who complete the course.
12:15 5km FUN RUN
Race website -
http://www.rasusymaer.org.uk/

The first Carmarthen Bay Film Festival kicks off next week with a special charity screening of the classic comedy film Grand Slam.
Macmillan Cancer Support will benefit from the event, which will be held at Parc y Scarlets on Tuesday May 1.
Special guests will include Glyn Lloyd Evans, Maldwyn Novello Pugh and Josephine also known as Dewi Pws Morris, Sion Probert and Elizabeth Morgan.
The evening will feature a question and answer session with the stars and will be held in The Quinnell Lounge, Parc y Scarlets.
Tickets are on sale, priced at 10, from Parc y Scarlets ticket office - call 0871 871 8088.
The charity screening will be a scene-setter; for the main festival, which will start on May 8, running through to the weekend of May 12-13.
Weblinks
http://www.carmarthenbayfilmfestival.co.uk

One of the best-known bakery firms in South Wales has appealed for support from the public against the so-called pasty tax.

New web site for me in which to also advertise my book e-published with Amazon.com., "The Way It Is" and soon to be another book just finished that I will also add - "Hello Past".

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Follow the whole nine yards here (a 95 part series) :- Half Marathon Blog

Why I am running:- West Coast Eisteddfod Bryn Seion Church

For details of how to sponsor see this post

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I noticed that I have written a good deal on the subject of quitting smoking and a number of people have offered advice on the subject. I also recall blogging on the subject of knowing the course in advance and launching a Kickstarter appeal for the sponsorship drive.

SO..here is the plan. Over the next two days ( both of which are free days for me ) I will:-

1) Embrace the frozen fowl i.e completely quit smoking by sheer application of will power ( my ant like prowess in this department may be somewhat of an impediment ). I will call upon Gaabriel to bear witness on Tuesday night that I have indeed been nicotine free for 48 hours

2) Tomorrow I will set up an Indiegogo or Kickstarter appeal for $1500 which is the total amount that we will be looking to raise in half marathon sponsorship. This is not the total amount that we need for the event BUT other funding will come form other sources, particularly the spoon appeal.

3) On Tuesday I will tour Sauvie Island and we will present a full pictorial record of the trip on this blog. That way both you, dear reader, and I, will 'know the course'

Gaabriel wrote a brief description of the island for this post:-

Sauvie Island, a mass of land larger than the island of Manhattan, is a bit north of the city of Portland, bounded on one side by the Columbia River, which separates Oregon and Washington state, on another by the Willamette River, which runs through the city of Portland, separating it east and west, and empties into the Columbia to join its rush to the sea a few hours west. It's an idyllic site, about half farms and half wildlife refuge, with public beaches, including one clothing optional.

The island is very popular with picnickers, hikers, birdwatchers and bicyclists and hosts fall pumpkin picking and the annual Halloween pumpkin trebuchet, in which one or more farms erect a trebuchet which shoots the largest pumpkins they can find at an abandoned car.

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She has assured me that all this is "lots of fun" and threatened to take me birdwatching and kayaking there on the river.

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Another linocut, this one of Carreg Samson and a night sky. An east view of the stones with a west view of the landscape (I think). I've got a license and I'm gonna use it!