Blogs

Another day, another megalith. This one is Pentre Ifan in Pembrokeshire.

A view, with artistic license, of Devil's Bridge in Ceredigion in central Wales. From Wikipedia: "The bridge spans the Mynach a tributaryof the Rheidol. The bridge is unusual in that three separate bridges are coexistent, each one built upon the previous bridge. The most recently built is an iron bridge (1901), which was built over a stone bridge(1753), which was built when the original bridge was thought to be unstable. The builders of the 1753 bridge used the original bridge (built 10751200) to support scaffolding during construction."

Latest News

Celebrations are in order yet again for Patrick McGuinness as The Last Hundred Days is placed on another two prize lists. The book has been long-listed for the 2012 Desmond Elliott Prize along with nine other debut titles including a best seller, Before I go to Sleep by S.J. Watson. The shortlist will be announced next week, followed by a winner announcement on June 29th at Fortnum & Mason, London. The Desmond Elliott Prize, which was set up in memory of the celebrated publisher and literary agent Desmond Elliott, is in its fifth year and the winner will be awarded 10,000. The Last Hundred Days is also on the shortlist for the Authors Club Best First Novel 2012. The winner will be announced on the 6th June at the National Liberal Club.

Hay Festival 2012 is upon us and there will be some of our fantastic authors reading, including Owen Sheers and Patrick McGuinness. For a listing of the all our author events click here

New Titles Out Now

Clueless Dogs by Rhian Edwards An astounding Welsh poet with performances that get you in the emotional gut Ian McMillan on The Verb , Radio 3. Clueless Dogs is the first collection of poetry by Rhian Edwards, the winner of the 2011/12 John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry and Audience Prize . Already a noted performer of both her songs and poetry, this book, full of verve and humour, confirms a startling talent. ISBN: 9781854115737 Paperback: 8.99

After Brock by Paul Binding Paul Bindings After Brock , is a story of Pete, a talented and intelligent schoolboy, though an outsider in both home and school life. One December night he meets Sam, an attractive and flamboyant boy, but something of a misfit with whom his infatuation is instant. They begin a tempestuous friendship seeking a world removed from the difficulties of home life: Sams alcoholic mother and Petes frayed relationship with his unappreciative family. ISBN: 9781854115683 Paperback: 8.99

The Flying Trapeze by Duncan Bush One of the most significant voices of his generation, a new book by Duncan Bush is an eagerly awaited event. The Flying Trapeze , his sixth poetry collection, is characteristically unsentimental, tough-minded, and fiercely lyrical. With many of the poems inspired by places he has lived in or travelled to The Flying Trapeze is never less than subtle, smart and true. ISBN: 9781854115942 Paperback: 8.99

Forthcoming Titles

Lightning Beneath the Sea by Grahame Davies The first collection of poems in English by Grahame Davies. Already well-known for his prize-winning Welsh-language poetry and fiction, and for his scholarly non-fiction, Davies brings an intimate, conversational tone, and a raised civic awareness to these poems. ISBN: 9781854115751 Paperback: 8.99

Poet to Poet: Edward Thomass letters to Walter de la Mare edited by Judy Kendall This book offers still more insight into the highly influential writer and poet Edward Thomas through his correspondence with Walter de la Mare: 318 letters from between 1906 and 1917, of which only three have been previously published. The letters provide new and crucial evidence about Thomass poetic processes, the start of his mature poetry and also show the mutual support the two poets enjoyed. ISBN: 9781854115805 Paperback: 14.99

Witch by Damian Walford Davies Witch by Damian Walford Davies is a striking portrait in verse of a small town in England struck by the Witchcraft panic of the 17th century. The poems in this collection are dark spells, compact and moving: seven sections, each of seven poems, each of seven couplets, are delivered by those most closely involved in the 'making' of a witch. ISBN: 9781854115799 Paperback: 8.99

Meet the Author

Poem of the Month

Parents Evening

We feel she may be cheating
at reading and spelling.
She has failed to grasp the planets
and the laws of science,
has proven violent in games
and fakes asthma for attention.

She is showing promise with the Odyssey,
has learned to darn starfish
and knitted a patch for the scarecrow.
She seems to enjoy measuring rain,
pretending her father is a Beatle
and insists upon your death
as the conclusion to all her stories.

Classic Xbox Original

This Weeks most sort after xbox game

This weeks most sort after xbox game has got to go to,Star wars Knights of the old republic 2 : The sith Lords.
This week we have seen it shoot up in price to over 15.00,not bad for a preowned original xbox game.Why,well there not alot of them around and its a good game,why sell it.So if you have one you dont use now's the time to sell.
www.ktsgames.co.uk

Looking for preowned retro games and consoles,alot of people still have them laying around the house.
They could be worth .
Collectors all around the world are looking for certain preowned games and consoles.There are many rare games stored in attics,garages around the world,and there owners are blissfully unaware of there value.
Almost all retro games and consoles are worth somthing and there is collector out the just waiting to buy games.

Ceri's out of town until Sunday, working south of us in the fine town of Eugene, Oregon, hasn't been able to get wifi to do the blog and has become saturated with sufficient guilt to ask me to fill in. Poor, trusting foo -- oops, soul.

Eugene, Oregon

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

For details of how to sponsor Ceri, see this post

I'm proud to report that he's still at it, even on the road and he'll give us reports on exactly how much running he's done there. Eugene is a gorgeous place for a run and, of course, the "running capitol of the world," home of the invention of the waffle-soled running shoe and Nike, hometown of author Ken Keseyand the University of Oregon:

Cappuccino Girls featured on BBC Radio Cymru Stiwdio
18:03 Thursday, 3rd May gyda Kate Crockett

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/ console/ b01h0w5h#freshSignin=true

Reprinted with permission from David Western's Lovespoon Blog , 2012 David Western, all rights reserved.

Laura here - Dave let me have a whirl at the blog this week. After Jen's lovely "Tree of Life" design , Chris' inspiring "Celebrate Your Roots" theme, and David's beautiful integration of them both with the addition of some of his fantastic knotwork, it's about time I start contributing something, anyway, I think. I believe when Dave left us last week, he mentioned I'd be trying to come up with some kind of "magic" to lend to the overall form of the spoon. Hmm. No pressure, though... Ha.

I wish I could just come back with something as finished and beautiful as everyone's done so far, but, well.... I like to think I'm not completely insane. Realistically, I knew it was probably time for a step back. After the initial discussions with Dave, my task was to go away and work on a general framework that would include 4 balls in a cage made of roots, growing out of a bowl, then reaching up to form a handle that would include Jen's tree of life with some stuff Dave was going to build up around it, and possibly some other element topping it all off. In the midst of this discussion, Dave had also sent over a rough sketch showing me that we were on the same page with our thoughts of an underlying very organic root/vine framework - whatever shape it may be. We talked about this very modern, organic look, but also talked about "Celebrate your roots" hinting at tradition. Before I even had a chance to get to my drawing board, Dave came back with the lovely rosette we saw in last week's blog, so I had that to keep in mind, too. I asked him its size, which helped me start thinking scale, and right away, to be cautious about letting the size get away from us.

So, with all these thoughts in mind, I taped together two large pieces of tracing paper, some print-outs of the rosette at different sizes, and sat down at the drawing board. Hmmmm.

....

Well, I had to start somewhere, so I started with the bowl. I think I drew about a dozen bowl shapes, but finally arrived at one I liked well enough at least to move on. Then, I started drawing some roots growing out of it, coming together to begin to form a cage. I had lots of thoughts about caged balls, definitely about how the cage will be organic and irregular, and NOT with straight bars, like a normal cage, and I thought about proportions of all the parts and all the mechanics of it.... then started to draw it, when I quickly realized that drawing something organic really can't be sketched - because nothing is left to the imagination like you can do with regular and geometric shapes. So I'll really just needed to draw an example, not necessarily a final drawing here. So I drew roots up from the bowl to the base of the cage, then erased them and drew them again, then erased and re-drew, ..... several times... And about now, I also became overwhelmed with questions, many coming from the compulsive planner in me, and suddenly I was stuck. So here's the beginnings of a root cage coming up from a bowl just to give Dave an idea for the direction I had in mind, but I really haven't even begun to draw in the complexity of the cage that I have in mind, though it may give you an idea of where I'm going with it:

It's probably less obvious here because I've erased about 20 versions, but I was lost in the details. I needed to get back to the overall framework, but how to get on with that? Hmm... then all the questions kept popping up in my head again, like - Who would be carving what parts, because that could affect proportions a lot, and did Dave have any great desire to carve the caged balls? - that could be REALLY fun, so if he wanted to do it, I didn't want to take it from him. And what dimensions could we work with, and how small did he think we could get this rosette, with it still big enough for him to be comfortable carving it, because I was mapping out some proportions and it could get really big? and did he have something in mind for the top of the spoon, because I couldn't really think of anything? And did he have some kind of wood in mind, because this will be a big one, and could we get a big enough board? And who would carve the bowl? And I shared an idea I had for keeping the design unified by having each of us take a couple passes building out the root/vine/foliage framework - so what did he think of that? And did he have thoughts for any other elements he'd want to include? And who would carve first this time? I think I even mused over a rough schedule.... I'm sure there was more... Dave patiently indulged my incessant questioning, and, after some discussion, here are the resulting framework sketches I sent him - keep in mind, the circle is the rosette you saw last week, the bowl is smooth and solid, the narrow part above it is a root cage with 4 balls, and everything else (for now) is an unspecified density of loose, organic roots/vines/foliage:

You may notice, these are all symmetrical. I did actually try some asymmetrical shapes, but didn't come up with any that were good. I don't know if that's because I just couldn't come up with any (sometimes you just don't have the muse for these things, when other times you do), or if perhaps I just still had that "roots" hinting at "tradition" idea that Dave mentioned still in my head. Regardless, I asked Dave if any of these appealed to him, and he liked the second one, so that's what we'll use. Progress! Yay!

So - Next, he was beginning to have a flurry of ideas for more elements to build around the rosette, and he'd need a cleaner, more refined version of the frame to work with, so I sent him one - and I thought it might be useful to also see the rosette in different sizes and positions. I'd printed it out, now, in sizes ranging from 4.5 to 7 inches, looking at it in relation to tools, etc., and decided it looked too small any smaller than 4.5 inches, and probably looked best between 4.5 and 5 inches, depending on what else he'd put around it. Anyway - So here's some of that thought process, in pictoral form.

That's a 6" ruler there, to give you some perspective... Then, to try out different sizes, in different places....

Oh, and I sent him a nice, clean blank one, too, so he can place the rosette exactly where he wants it.

I think the next step is to actually build out some detail here in the bottom half, while Dave plays a bit more with these ideas he's got to build more around the rosette, and then we'll hopefully have two parts we can start to figure out how to integrate soon. I can see us getting very carried away with this one... this is going to be fun!!! You'll definitely want to get lots of tickets for your chance to win this one!

Llanelli firm Melin Consultants has embraced the Groundwork project which aims to help youngsters find work.
Melin has recruited 17-year-old Callum McDonald to the team based at The Beacon in Dafen, Llanelli.
Groundwork is an innovative project and we are an innovative firm at Melin, said Melin director Jamie Best.
Groundwork is a project working on a number of levels, helping people and organisations make changes in order to create better neighbourhoods, to build skills and job prospects, and to live and work in a greener way.
Part of the Groundwork project enables firms to recruits youngsters to give them hands-on experience in the workplace.
Its an exciting project and one which can be very rewarding for the firms taking part.
It is particularly rewarding to see youngsters respond to the challenges of the workplace, gain experience and, hopefully, create meaningful routes into sustainable careers.
Carwyn Jones, AM, First Minister of Wales, said the Groundwork project had been at the centre of change in Wales, enabling regeneration of people as much as places.
He added: This continues to resonate directly with the approach to regeneration taken by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Mr Best said he was delighted with his first Groundwork recruit, Callum McDonald, from Llannon.
It is great for us to play some small part in helping local youngsters take those first tentative steps in the world of work, he added.
Callum, who went to Maes yr Yrfa school near Cefneithin said he was thoroughly enjoying his spell at Melin under the Groundwork project.
Its great experience and Im thoroughly enjoying the work, he added.
Weblink:
http://www.wales.groundwork.org.uk
http://www.melinconsultants.co.uk
Twitter: @melinconsult
Facebook: Melin Consultants Ltd
LinkedIn: Melin Consultants
Photo above:
Jamie Best, director of Melin Consultants, with Groundwork trainee Callum McDonald.

Visitors to the South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 will get the chance to take part in a free prize draw.
The show is one of the biggest events of the year at Carmarthens United Counties Showground, running for three days from May 11 to 13.
Up for grabs will be

• A portable 'Outback Omega 200 Charcoal BBQ' (worth 170) donated by Leekes and DiscoverCarmarthenshire.com
• 50 voucher from Ennis Caravans
• 25 M&S voucher from Daffodil Events

The first prize of a portable BBQ is part of the campaign to promote Carmarthenshire BBQ Week, which is running from June 29.
Carmarthenshires first ever BBQ week will be running throughout Junes Whitsun Half Term holiday, taking in the two Bank Holiday days for the Queens Jubilee
There will be a launch event in Carmarthen on June 2, with demonstrations by celebrity chefs, childrens entertainment and workshops, local produce stalls, local live music and lots more. There will be another event at Pendine on June 4.
For information visit carmarthenshirebbqweek.co.uk
Carmarthenshire BBQ week should be a very exciting event, said caravan and motorhome organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon, of Daffodil Events.
Fortunately, visitors to our show will be able to see all the latest ranges of BBQ equipment and accessories. It will definitely give you plenty of ideas for that summer BBQ.
Lois added: In terms of scale, the caravan and motorhome show is the biggest annual event at the Carmarthen showground and one which has appeal for all the family.
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.
This year, in addition to our regular trade stands, there will be stands selling static holiday caravans, trailer tents and specialist camping tents.
The best way to enjoy the event will be to book yourself in and stay on site, but there will be plenty on the showfield to also interest day visitors.
There will be local caravan and motorhome firms at the show, along with some from further afield - Swansea, Bridgend and even Devon!
There will be a great choice of makes, models and budgets in caravans and motorhomes. There will be models to suit everybodys pocket.
The event aims to link with Carmarthen town centre and those attending are being encouraged to use the park and ride service from Nantyci into the town centre to take advantage of the shops and attractions.
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

Almost half of the public (47%) get most of their legal knowledge from TV programmes, films, magazines, newspapers, and online.
Thats the result of an online YouGov survey commissioned by QualitySolicitors Redkite, the biggest legal firm in South West Wales.
The survey found that people in Wales rely more on the internet for most of their legal knowledge than any other region in England and Wales, with 27% citing it as their main source of legal information.
A further 24% of people in Wales rely on TV programmes, films, magazines, and newspapers for most of their legal knowledge.
Books ranked last as a source with just 2% - the lowest across all regions in the UK.
The results follow the UKs first televised sentencing in a criminal court.
During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, David Gilroy was sentenced to 18 years in prison for murdering his former lover and colleague, Suzanne Pilley, 38.
The initial decision to televise proceedings prompted prominent QC, Brian McConnachie QC, vice-chair of the Faculty of Advocates Criminal Bar Association, to note that the public get most legal knowledge from TV drama.
QualitySolicitors commissioned research from YouGov to find out if this was true.

QualitySolicitors Redkite managing partner Luke Smith, pictured above, said: Only 9% of the British public said that most of their legal knowledge came from legal experts, which goes to show how far removed consumers are from the legal profession in the UK.
At the moment, 47% of British consumers are relying on TV programmes, films, magazines, newspapers, and the internet, for legal knowledge which, although entertaining, can result in confusion.
Whether televised court proceedings will change this or not, legal processes must change to help make legal information and advice accessible to all.
QualitySolicitors aims to revolutionise legal services, giving people local advice they can trust with the reassurance that comes from a single, national brand.
The chief executive of QualitySolicitors Craig Holt explained: We want to make going to your local solicitor as simple and straightforward as going to the supermarket, and tackle peoples apprehensions about seeking legal advice, which can seem a daunting and stuffy process.
QualitySolicitors mission is to provide consumer-friendly legal services through expert, leading local law firms - not unqualified staff in remote call centres.
The legal team at Redkite beat off stiff competition to win the right to represent the new legal super brand QualitySolicitors in Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
We remain your local solicitors for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, said Mr Smith.
Our very strong identity, with staff who care passionately about the community and the people of West Wales, stays very firmly in place.
But the new branding will give us benefits throughout the region by being part of the biggest new brand in the legal market in the UK.

The history of Redkite
Redkite was established in 2011 through the merger of two long-established law firms in South West Wales Lowless & Lowless and Morris Roberts.
Lowless & Lowless was formed in 1898 and, since its centenary year, saw significant expansion which included the acquisition of a number of practices including Paul Settatree & Co, Walter Williams Solicitors and Rogers-Haggar.
Morris Roberts was formed on the 1st of April 1999 following the merger of two established Carmarthen firms, Morris Lloyd and J C Williams and Roberts.
The team at QualitySolicitors Redkite can be contacted on 01267 239000 and 01437 763332 or through the website at www.qualitysolicitors.com/redkite
The firm has 15 partners and a total headcount of 120, with seven offices spread across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The survey:
This press release is based on research conducted by You Gov. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2125 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th - 23rd April 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

About QualitySolicitors:
Launched in 2010, QualitySolicitors is a group of law firms across the country working as part of the QualitySolicitors brand. Only one firm per local area is selected to become a QualitySolicitors partner. Customer feedback forms an integral part of the selection process.
QualitySolicitors national network of lawyers consists of 350 branches across England and Wales, including 150 Legal Access Points in WHSmith stores. QualitySolicitors is on course for its target of expanding to 1000 locations by the end of 2012.
QualitySolicitors lawyers are experts in their fields dealing with both consumer and SME legal matters. QualitySolicitors offer a personal, local service but with the assurance of a recognised national brand.
QualitySolicitors CEO is Craig Holt and Saleem Arif is the COO.
Web address is www.qualitysolicitors.com
In 2011 QualitySolicitors secured equity investment from Palamon Capital Partners, a private equity house with a 700m fund
QualitySolicitors recently launched a multi-million pound, national campaign, designed to shake up the legal world and help make solicitors services more accessible to everyone. The 15 million campaign, which is the largest in the history of the legal profession, kicked off with a 90-second TV advert screened in a primetime slot during the live final of ITVs Dancing on Ice, on 25th March. 8,000 more adverts will hit TV screens over the coming months and a new website, featuring 300 video testimonials from clients explaining the services that QualitySolicitors offer on the high street, will also be launched in at the end of the month.
To see the a advert in full, go to - http://youtu.be/4knygiE7aAE