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Mike: "Well Cardiff, which is my home city has reached a European Cup Final for the first time since 1996. It could be the first time a Welsh team has won a European wide Rugby cup. Three members of the band have cheered on "The Blues" at matches this year so it seemed right to support them for the final in France. "Allez Les Blues" is the result and is the official song of the Cardiff Blues Supporters Club. (In case you wondered, the places listed in the song are all the clubs within the Blues region) The supporters Club has asked for copies of the song to play at various events as well as on the plane going over!" If you cant physically be on the plane on May 23rd you can be there in spirit with a sixpack of S.A. and a copy of Allez Les Blues . The Blues will be playing Toulon at Marseilles on May 23rd in a bid to win the Amlin Challenge Cup and become the first Welsh region to to win a European competition. ( read more here ) We seized the opportunity to ask Mike about he bands future recording and tour plans:- Mike: "Yeah We've got "Mae Yma Dreigiau" coming out soon (Welsh Language CD bonus in English) Then in the Autumn an album of Rugby songs. We're playing in Spain in the summer hope fully Wales and Italy in the Autumn." Heres wishing every success to the Blues in Marseilles on the 23rd and to Here Be Dragons, one of Wales finest Celtic bands.
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Within These Walls by Patric Morgan
It was Julius Caesar who made the first moves to invade Britain, when in 55BC, he sent out a small expedition to explore the possibility of trade and wealth in this distant and legendary island. It wasnt until nearly one hundred years later however, in 43AD, that the Romans really well and truly got a grip on the island. Claudius sent 40,000 men to the UK, which provided the foundation for Roman rule for the following four centuries. The UK was never to be the same again. Roads criss-crossed the island, cutting through forests and linking habitable places together for the first time.
Towns and cities were also constructed, some of which can still be seen today. This can perhaps, best be demonstrated in the sleepy Welsh village of Caerwent, about 25 miles east of the Welsh capital, Cardiff.
Under its subtle and genteel meadows lie some of the best kept Roman ruins in Europe. Founded in 75, this was once a market town known as Venta Silurum. The Romans had reached the site in 47, by which time they had most of southern and central England under their control. But the Welsh proved a tougher nut to crack, the area being mountainous and ruled by four tribes. South East Wales was ruled over by the Silures tribe, described as having swarthy faces and curly hair. The Silures inflicted the greatest ever defeat on the Romans in the UK in 52, when they took apart a Roman legion and the scalp of the Roman general and statesman Scapula. In fact, it took the Romans over thirty years to bring the unruly Welsh to heed when Romanisation could begin to take place. The Romans had for years been using a clever trick of turning enemies into friends, usually by befriending the local tribe chief and bribing them with carnal pleasures. The Welsh it appears, were a little wiser to them.
By 200, the city had acquired a network of streets, with some twenty blocks and main public buildings. The population of the 44 acre site is thought to have been around 3,000 at its height. By 115, a Basilica Forum had been created, suggesting some form of self-government. Despite being one of the smallest Roman settlements in the UK, local legionary veterans were attracted to settle here thanks to its wealth.
Today, the village is a peaceful and unassuming place. Its layers of history can be found in the largely unexcavated fields that are encased in stone. The foundations of the city that once sat here lie largely untouched and guarded by grimacing stone walls, some of which rise over 5 meters. Small flowers now bud from them while farm animals chew at the cud, seemingly unaware of the history beneath their hooves.
The town itself is a simple affair. A main street houses a smattering of public buildings a church, a Post Office and the Coach and Horses Inn. Locals now gather here for their feasts at midday. Scribed on the blackboards are Todays Specials: Chicken Curry, Pie and Mashed Potato with gravy.
Two more fish and chips please. says the lady waiting at the bar. Its obvious from the casual slacks that shes wearing that shes expecting a hearty meal.
The other pub around the corner, the Northgate Inn, makes the most of its historic gardens. Excavations at Caerwent have revealed remains and everyday objects from the post-Roman period. Metalwork, including elaborate penannular brooches and fastening pins, have been dated to the 5th-7th centuries. These days, a blackboard shows sign of competition. First to 13 it reads. Game and winner unknown.
Down at the Post Office, a small red post box sits squat in the wall. Its GR emblem reminding us that Elizabeth has not been reigning forever. Lambs with their mothers now frolic and graze in the grounds of the Basilica Forum.
Despite the thousands of feet that have once marched upon Caerwent, the Romans havent entirely left yet. Their legacy is reflected in the names of streets and buildings that make up this small but uniquely historic village.
Getting there:
By Rail: Nearby railway stations: Chepstow, Severn Tunnel Junction (bus connection to Caerwent)
By Car: Take the A48 eastwards from Newport or the A48 westwards from Chepstow.
Nearest Airport: Cardiff Wales (35 miles away)
Accommodation:
Coach and Horses Inn http://www.caerwent-coachandhorses.co.uk/
Nearby Attractions:
Historic Roman town of Caerleon
Celtic Manor, host to the 2010 Ryder Cup
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The Left Coast Eisteddfod will be held in Portland in the first week of October this year. Events cost money and the Eisteddod is no exception. The Meriwether Lewis Memorial Eisteddfod Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit which raises funds for this and other similar events. Our objective is to hold an annual Eisteddfod on the US West Coast with live competitions in poetry, story telling and other traditional ( and not so traditional ) bardic arts. Eventually we would like to inauguarate recognised Bardic chairs for some of these competition categories. Lovespoons are a traditional Welsh folk art. David Western and Laura Gorun are lovespoon carvers who have very generously donated their time to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in support of the Left Coast Eisteddfod. Every dollar you give buys you a ticket and a chance to win the spoon. Five dollars, equals five tickets, fifty dollars equals fifty tickets and fifty chances to win. This is David's second year of creation in support of this event and we are very grateful for his and Laura's generosity in sharing their work with us all. For a chance to win their spoon this year, click on the 'Donate' button in the right-hand column on any page on the AmeriCymru website and be sure to note that your payment is for the lovespoon. You do not need to be a member of AmeriCymru or logged into the site to do this and everyone will receive a PayPal receipt and an email of acknowledgement from the Eisteddfod organisers.Last years spoon, uniquely hand-crafted and valued at around $1000 is pictured on this page.
If you want to follow a step-by step account of the design and creation of this years spoon go to this blog:- http://davidwestern.blogspot.com/ The prize draw will take place at our 'Last Bard Standing' event in Portland on October 8th. More information about the event can be found here:- http://www.facebook.com/AmeriCymru?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=110551428972706&index=1 If you wish to enter the draw click on the 'Donate' button in the right hand column on this page Remember...every dollar you spend equals one extra chance to win this unique work of art. We are not necessarily looking for large sums. If everybody here gave $5 it would contribute enormously toward the success of the event. If you decide to contribute, we wish you pob lwc/best of luck in the draw.
Bendithion Ceri Shaw/Gaabriel Becket ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anyone wanting further information about attending, sponsoring, competing or anything else to do with the Eisteddfod schould contact us at americymru@gmail.com . We aim to answer all enquiries personally and in a timely manner.
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This could be called an illustrated Readers Digest of the Mabinogion. At 88 pages including illustrations, which are excellent, this is a small work. Some branches of the Mabinogion are done well if briefly, others are lacking. This collection of medieval Welsh tales was selected from the Mabinogion myth cycle. They serve as great examples of the old stories of the Celtic Gods who lived on the Island of the Mighty before the Romans and the Anglo-Saxons came. These gods were pushed into mythic status by the coming of Christianity and they live on in these tales. With vibrant Welsh names like Branwen, Bendigeidfran, and Cigfa, these male and female heroes of yesteryear encounter beautiful enchantresses, powerful kings of the underworld, and the magical cauldron of rebirth. These are powerful tales of an ancient time when giants roamed the earth and magic was afoot. They rely on familiar folk tale archetypes, but have distinctly Celtic elements that make them unique. The book was originally written for adults, and it includes stunning illustrations that include an artistically rendered nude image of a woman, but the tales themselves are accessible to readers and listeners of all ages. This book would be a good addition to any folk tale collection. Purchase here:- Tales From The Mabinogion Paperback: 88 pages Rating: 5 Stars Review by Bill Tillman
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Pope Benedict XVI wishes every success to the Mass in honour of Saint John Roberts in Cymer Abbey
By Ceri Shaw, 2010-05-13
| This promises to be a very moving and emotional tribute, says Archbishop Peter Smith, the Archbishop of Cardiff. Its a sad but undeniable truism that a genuine prophet is hardly ever honoured in his own country but Im hoping that this magnificent Mass will help make St John Roberts as famous in his native Wales as he is in countries like France and Spain. St John Roberts was born at Rhiw Goch farm near Trawsfynydd and it is believed that he received his early education from a monk at Cymer Abbey before moving to Oxford to study Law. On the completion of his studies he travelled to France and it was here that he converted to Catholicism. He moved to Valladolid in Spain where he trained as a Priest, and returned to London to care for the poor but was exiled many times by the anti-catholic authorities before eventually being sentenced to death in Tyburn on December 10th, 1610. He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970. 'Cymer Abbey is such a perfect location to commemorate the martyrdom of St John Roberts, said Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, Presiding Officer of the Welsh Assembly. This was one of the many institutions of the Order of the Cistercians which received so much support during the days of the Welsh princes from Llywelyn the 1st and 2nd. They helped develop fishing and sheep farming in Meirionydd and their eventual downfall was a major blow, both in spiritual and social terms. It was St John Roberts conversion to Catholicism which led to his being created the first prior of the Benedictine college St Gregory and the orders first martyr in Britain four centuries ago. Three choirs St Josephs Schola from Pwllheli, the Wrexham Diocesan Choir and the Newcastle Emlyn Choir - will be present under the musical supervision of Gillian Williams FRCO and, in addition, the Mass will attract a distinguished ecclesiastical presence including Monsignor Brian Udaigwe - First Consellor to the Apostolic Nuncio, who will be making a special journey from the Vatican to represent His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. On behalf of His Holiness Pope Benedict, Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, First Counsellor to the Apostolic Nuncio, wishes every success to the Mass in honour of St John Roberts in Cymer Abbey on 6th June, 2010. Monsignor Brian will be representing the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz at the Mass. We are delighted that the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain will be represented at the celebration by Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, First Consellor to the Papal Nuncio, says Archbishop Peter Smith, this will be a very special ecumenical occasion in which we will be able to celebrate the life and sacrifice of a very remarkable man. For us in Dolgellau says the towns Member for Parliament Elfyn Llwyd, St John Roberts is more than a local hero- he was a national and, indeed- as the tremendous interest this event has inspired tends to suggest- an international hero too. I am looking forward to attending the Mass and honouring his memory. In recognition of St John Roberts period of study in Spain the Mass will welcome inhabitants of the city of Valladolid together with representatives of the Abbeys of Belmont and Downside of the Benedictine Congregation (St John Roberts founded Downside Abbey in 1605). Non-ecclesiastical dignitaries will include the Mayor of Dolgellau, the Chairperson of Gwynedd Council and numerous local dignitaries. It is also hoped that a 100 year old replica of the Cymer Abbey Chalice and Patten from the National Museum of Wales will be on display on the altar during the Mass. Following the open-air Mass St John Roberts will be further honoured between the 15th and 18th of July with a pilgrimage from Wales to London where- on the 10th of December 1610 - St John Roberts was martyred at Tyburn. The highlight of this pilgrimage will be a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 17th July attended by the heads of all the Churches including The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams and The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nicholls. Both Archbishops will be addressing the event (Archbishop Rowan in Welsh and Archbishop Vincent in English) and all the Archbishops and Bishops of Wales, Catholic and Anglican, will be present. During the service, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas will unveil a newly-commissioned mosaic of St David and the Most Reverend Peter Smith will host a reception after the service. By recognizing and celebrating our religious heritage, says Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, we recognize also the unfortunate divisions and prejudices that lie within religions both in the past and in the present age. I am hopeful that we can come together in prayer and hope for greater understanding between communities and religious convictions- understanding which can benefit us all both today and well into the future.
Images of Cymer Abbey by Jeffrey L. Thomas |
David Western & Laura Gorun's Left Coast Eisteddfod Lovespoon Blog, 16 April 2010, "Re-Arranging Things"
By gaabi, 2010-05-11
My immediate thought when I saw Dave's drawing with the knotwork tied in with the eagle's tail was that the knotwork would make a lovely central part of the spoon. I share Dave's appreciation for the message that Celtic knotwork conveys - forever and Celtic heritage, among other things. Cymru am byth! (Wales forever!) Seems like a good central message for this spoon! I made several different drawings, arranging, re-arranging, changing sizes.... all sorts of things.
Here is where I arrived:; 
I am still unsure about the top half- I like the idea of vinework wrapping around the flat frame-like part. I still was unsure of how I wanted to do flowers, or if we should even try a couple daffodils instead, but moving the knotwork into the middle would leave room at the top for Dave and I to do something together. Also, above the knotwork, I added a little twist that I seem to do in a lot of my designs. I thought it might be a good transition from Dave's style to mine. I also drew a couple simple vines, still tying the knot into the eagle's tail, and behind the frame, also into the wing. Before I went too far working on ideas for the top, though, I wanted Dave's thoughts about moving the knotwork into the middle. If he likes this, and doesn't miss the cirle in the middle too much, then we can work on the top part next. We'll see what Dave thinks...
- Laura
David Western & Laura Gorun's Left Coast Eisteddfod Lovespoon Blog, 13 April 2010, "Knots"
By gaabi, 2010-05-11
For anyone new to this, lovespoons are a traditional Welsh folk art. David Western and Laura Gorun are lovespoon carvers who have very generously donated their time to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in support of the Left Coast Eisteddfod, a Welsh performing arts festival for the west coast of North America. Every dollar you donate through the blog buys you a ticket and a chance to win the spoon. Five dollars, equals five tickets, fifty dollars equals fifty tickets and fifty chances to win. This is David's second year of creation in support of this event and we are very grateful for his and Laura's generosity in sharing their work with us all. For a chance to win their spoon this year, click on the donate button on the blog or in the right-hand column on this page under the Left Coast Eisteddfod Competitions button and be sure to note that your donation is for the lovespoon. Reprinted with permission from David Western's blog , all material 2010, David Western --
Wow!! After going through Laura's flurry of excellent ideas, it looks like we will be spoiled for choices idea-wise!Any one of the drawings she has come up with could form the basis for a marvelous lovespoon design so I've photocopied them all and am looking to see which design elements jump out at me and which don't.
I am very drawn to the eagle Laura has drawn with its wing wrapped dramatically around the top section of the spoon. I love the idea of the eagle appearing in our design as it is the symbol of America and it will go nicely with the Welsh dragon. Since the spoon symbolizes the merging of cultures, the dragon and eagle are very logical symbols, but I'd like to figure out a way to merge Laura's more realistic looking eagle into some Celtic knotwork as I have done with the dragon.
I also feel there is a section above the central circle which feels a bit too 'light'. To give this section a bit more weight without having it become overwhelmingly heavy, I want to utilize a nice pattern of Celtic knotwork.
While Celtic knotwork is almost unheard of on historical lovespoon examples, it has been embraced by modern lovespoon carvers to represent the notion of eternity or eternal love. This is especially so when the knot is circular or is 'enclosed' with no beginning or ending to the knot. For our spoon, the notion of eternity as it relates to the emigration of the Welsh to North America is an apt one. the Welsh have been here since the earliest European arrivals and hopefully will remain here as long as there is a North America! I don't know if Laura feels as strongly about it as I do, but for me, things like this lovespoon and the Left Coast Eisteddfod it is being made in support of, vividly illustrate that despite being the 'forgotten Celts', the Welsh have made and continue to make vibrant contributions to North American culture. I should mention that this spoon is being designed and crafted to help raise funds for the Left Coast Eisteddfod which will be held in Portland, Oregon on October 03-10, 2010. This will be the second year for this annual event and an exciting combination of online cultural competitions and live events in Portland. Please visit: http://americymru.ning.com/page/the-left-coast-eisteddfod-2010 to learn more. Your donation to the Left Coast Eisteddfod will earn you a chance to win this spoon, so even if you don't want to enter the competitions, you could still win a very lovely prize!! 
So, with a nice Celtic knot in mind, I selected Laura's eagle crowned spoon with its little cascade of flowers. The lower body of the eagle merges into the knotwork, but its upper body remains pretty realistic. I changed some of the framework around and utilized some of the bottom section of the frame to create the origin of the knot. The knotwork has nicely filled in some of the 'empty' spaces, but I now am not so happy about the central circle. Originally, I had hoped that it would become the focal area of the spoon, but I'm not so sure about it now. It will be interesting to hear Laura's views on whether or not she likes the knotwork and where she thinks we should go with it next!-Dave
| Jeff Jones is a former Welsh amateur footballer; a Boys Clubs of Wales international in 1979. The same year he scored a hat-trick in the final of that seasons Welsh Youth cup final. During a long and undistinguished football career in the game he played in every position on the pitch and has occupied every position off the field of play from club chairman to programme editor. Park Life The Best Bits is a collection of the funniest articles from the RTB Ebbw Vale FC match programme edited by Jones, and despite the club being so far down the football pyramid they were almost on the Sphinx! Park Life proved an award winning match programme completing a hat-trick of Gwent County Programme of the year wins and was also voted best in its category (level 3 and below) 3 years running in the Welsh Football Magazines Programme of the year wards. Three times in its 6 year history the programme was named in the top 5 in Wales finishing 3rd Twice this in the overhaul category, beating programmes printed professionally by clubs playing at the highest levels of Welsh football. Park Life ran from 2003-2009 though Jones continues to write humorous articles in the Welsh Football Magazine on a monthly basis. Ebbw Vale, made famous by politician Aneurin Bevan can also boast Oasis manager Marcus Russell as famous sons, as well as former world number one snooker player Mark Williams and rugby internationals such as Clive Burgess and Ian Watkins. Jones used his match programme to share numerous stories of his struggles with football teams at the lower end of the football pyramid though also used an array of fictional characters to air their views on professional football at a world level, so there is something of interest for any football fan amongst the pages of his book. Contact details Email address: Jeff1961@btinternet.com Book ISBN number: 9781449073886 Check out the web site at www.jeffjonesbooks.co.uk
Park Life The Best Bits Includes
Never one to sit on the fence we at Park Life asked some well respected footballing figures to help sort out this mystery from yesteryear and having received no replies from anyone made the following ones up!
Ron Atkinson
Spotters badge Clive! For me it was handbags, the big fella should not have been anywhere near the wall, he should have been hanging around the back stick.
Ill tell you another thing for me Clive. The big fella went down far too
Kevin Keegan
I tell Ya...I, I When you say that about professional soldiers not being able to put him back together again. Were bigger than that I..I..Ive kept quiet for too long, but I tell Ya hes gone down in my estimation!
World Exclusive Interview Shep the Blue Peter Dog
I immediately became friends with Stan Bowles he passed me a ball and said hello show us your pedigree chum! With you in the side we can Winalot! Stan would bet on anything and one day he was playing keepy uppies and said there's nothing I cant do with a ball! I replied I bet you a tenner Ive a trick you cant do
Youre on mate he cried. So I sat down and licked mine and said you cant do this!
In off the post!
Letters Page
* With all this talk about a credit crunch why dont we all move to that place called jeopardy, because apparently there are
Yours Bryn Picca
* A man in the pub told me that Englands Theo Walcott is so young that he was not only awarded with a cap but also a satchel
Yours Barry Island
Touch! Ed
Film Night Wales
Stuck for a DVD to buy for Christmas? Check out these Welsh titles
Trefforest Gump The Lost BoyosAn American Werewolf in Llandudno Huw DaresWyns Dai Hard Evans Almighty Meet Dai Idris Jones and the temple of Dyfed The Wizard of Oswestry Treasure Barry Island The Eagle has Llangynidr The Golden Cwm by pass The Good the Balla and the Ugly Doctor Dai Little The Magnificent River Seven Haverfordwest Was Won Saving Private Ieaun Independence Dai The Welsh Connection The Bridge on the River Wye Lawrence of Snowdonia The Welsh Patient Ian Rush Hour The King and Ira Look Back in Bangor Dial M for Merthyr Dai another Day A Rhondda world in 80 Dais Caerphillydelphia Merthyr on the Orient Express Ponty Pythons Life of Bryn A Fishguard called Wanda Daddy Dai Camp Where Eagles Aberdare From Rassau with Love
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| "You cannot be a true Mabinogi fan without reading this book " The Ninth Wave is a retelling of Pwyll, Lord of Dyfed from the First Branch of the Mabinogion. Jones paints a world in the future where planet earth is out of oil. The horse is the preferred mode of transportation, sailing ships rule the seas and centralized governments have failed. Cars, trucks & vans are all roadside relics many of which are now inhabited. Wales is ruled by cantrefs (like our counties), which are inherited or won by conquest. While this Mad Max setting is intriguing, it seems slightly unpolished or needing more thought and attention to detail to make it work. However, there is enough here to make an interesting tale as long suspend your disbelief and ignore the awkward parts of it. When Pwyll drives, his mint condition saved and stored Bentley convertible on a tour of sacrifice while using its last tank of gas. The climax being to drive into a lake on another Lords property as a peace offering, yes that is what I said! (Here my lip trembles) I got out my hanky, well I will spare the details just saying it ended up wet and snotty. I have sat on this review for some time now, hoping to gain a more unbiased view of the work. In rereading the original tale of Pwyll, you find a young Lord who meets the Lord of the Otherworld. He swaps places with him for a year and a day including total shape shift of bodies. Slays (only a human can kill a god) the only competing Lord of that realm. Kills the suitor of the woman he wants to marry, has a son, son is kidnapped, wife is blamed and punished. Son is restored as a teenager and Pwyll rules happily ever after. Briefly an awkward paced fast then slow tale, deserving more space for a retelling. Jones by the nature of the assignment follows the same path but does not take enough space to fully develop the tale, as should be. The old tales involved a Geis a magical binding or prohibition laid upon central character of the tale. Geis are behind the mythological tales in folklore, but now writers do not use Geis. A Geis would place a hero into legend, but now we must build a mighty saga to do the same. Considering that, Seren wants only novella length tales this is still a fine story. By explaining the limitations set for the task and then having my wife read the book her experience was thus. Struggled through the first half of the book not being a fantasy or science fiction reader, and then enjoyed the slower paced second half. There are pleasant surprises such as the return of the surfing son with a talent for leadership. The landscape of desolation will give you the shivers. You cannot be a true Mabinogi fan without reading this book.
Buy the book HERE
Review by Bill Tillman
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