Editors Note

by | Feb 15, 2024 | Editor Note | 0 comments

Editor’s Note

Spring is in the air and there is so much to celebrate and enjoy as the season begins.  St David’s Day is March 1st, and Welsh people all around the world will pay tribute to the patron saint of Wales. Festivities can include wonderful Welsh food, a rich fruit cake called bara brith or laverbread, a luxurious seaweed dish.

Schools, libraries, and bookshops will celebrate World Book Day on the 7th of March. This year’s theme is The Great Big Footy and Booky Quiz. It’s always a fun celebration usually marked with fancy dress competitions and activities based around storytelling. Children can obtain a £1 book token and choose a free book. 2024s-1-books (worldbookday.com)

 

In the UK, Mother’s Day falls on the 10th of March this year, so be sure to celebrate your Mum and make her feel special. Many local retailers are happy to work with you and create a bespoke gift for the special mother in your life.

The first day of spring is officially the 20th of March 2024, so look out for all the daffodils and tree blossoms in your local neighbourhood. Easter celebrations occur at the end of this month, with Good Friday on the 29th of March. Then the clocks will go forward in the early hours of Sunday the 31st of March, essentially giving you an hour less to consume all of those Easter eggs!

Happy Easter!

 

gemma waugh

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR – AUG / SEPT 2023

by | Sep 14, 2023 | Editor Note | 0 comments

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR – AUG / SEPT 2023

If you’ve just got past the A-level rollercoaster ride, welcome to the enigmatic realm of the “year out” – a magical time filled with possibilities, uncertainties, and a touch of existential pondering.

 

As I approach this mysterious interlude, I have found myself wondering, “What does the future hold for my progeny?” Will he seize the opportunity to embark on daring adventures, exploring the world like Indiana Jones in search of buried treasures? Or will he transform into a hermit, retreating to his bedroom, binge-watching every show on every streaming platform known to humanity?

To prepare him for this coming year I am trying to instil a few good habits in the hope that my son’s ability to fend for himself will become the norm. His cooking skills have marched on in a way I never envisaged although some gourmet dishes whipped up out of random ingredients found in the pantry and freezer have both impressed and terrified me!

He’s not yet so keen on getting a part-time job even though I have impressed on him how it will massively increase his life skills. But he has reservations about how serving lattes or folding shirts like an origami expert will teach him patience and how to deal with difficult customers without losing his cool.

Of course, as his friends embark on their own journeys, there has been a tinge of FOMO. To counter this, I have gently reminded my son that his friends won’t be the sole creators of cherished unique experiences. When he reunites with his old school friends, they will all have a plethora of adventures to share.

I know he will also be pondering life’s big questions. Who am I? What do I want to do with my life? He may not find the answers and as I pointed out to him, some of us oldsters we are still contemplating them! Now is a chance to explore, learn, and grow like never before. So, here’s an aside for all those post A-Level warriors; just remember, embrace the uncertainty, laugh at the absurdity – it’s all part of the incredible adventure we call life!

Editors Note

by | Apr 10, 2021 | Editor Note | 0 comments

We have so much to be grateful for

Not long after the government roadmap was announced, I took a stroll around my local shops and was excited to see the obvious signs of stocking up. It’s lovely to know that our shops will once again be open. The anticipation is palpable particularly with regard to those offering personal services such as haircuts and beauty appointments; although I have resigned myself to another month of untended locks and grey eyebrows as others, equally desperate for expert help after months of trying to DIY, were far more canny than me and booked their appointments as soon as 12th April was announced!

As we move forwards, I hope we will reflect on what this last year has shown us about our strength when we pull together as a community. We have seen many people volunteer their help for a myriad of things ranging from delivering medicines to cooking meals. Our local independent businesses have adapted to provide online shopping and home delivery in order to support customers. We’ve also had the chance to connect with neighbours who we were barely on nodding terms with previously and accepted help without questioning why it’s been offered.

Overall my takeaway has been “life is precious and we must not take the things we dearly love for granted.”

Be kind to each other – and until next time keep safe!

 

PS: In case of interest the week of 3rd to 9th May 2021 has been designated International Screen Free Week. During this time both parents and children are encouraged to unplug from their devices for a day, or a week, or just for a few hours daily and use the opportunity to do something else – read, go for a walk, bake a cake – whatever it takes to enjoy the analogue world for a change! More details and resources are available at screenfree.org.