Category: Readers Articles of Interest

What’s In The Headlines?

 

What’s In The Headlines?

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be like my brother. He is not older than me – in fact, he is a minute younger than I am. But because of his writing talent, and due to his impeccably hardworking nature, it always seemed as though he could do no wrong. His praise was (obviously, correctly) sung all over for his immense talent for creative writing. A talent it didn’t seem had also been passed on to his female counterpart. I tried my best, and yet it was ever more apparent every time I tried that I could not express such beauty and imagery through my words in quite the way he could always, and continues to be able to do. I thought I’d better move on to a different hobby and leave the writing to him – I tried everything; I was never exceptional at anything in the same way he was at conveying emotion through a story. That is, until I reached my final year of primary school and it seemed a door had opened to finally give me such opportunities as his natural talent had given my brother.

When you’re eleven, a shy child who doesn’t think they know enough about the world to question a teacher on such matters, you generally go unnoticed. Which – if you were anything like I was – was a great thing. I would get on with my dodgy story writing and hope I wasn’t laughed at for my ludicrous attempts at an enjoyable story.

I don’t remember how it came about, or how it was me who was chosen, but one day I was summoned into my teacher’s class, amongst a crowd of about seven others, and pitched an idea about the school newspaper. I hadn’t done much factual work, but what I can remember, this idea appealed to me. But then the strangest thing happened. I was recognised for once. For – believe it or not – my writing abilities, and was asked to be the sole Editor of the newspaper. Sgoop only ran for one edition, but it gave me a version of writing I somehow succeeded at. And by the time I’d made it to secondary school (after that same teacher had told my brother and I he wanted to be reading my brother’s tenth novel in front of the fire, with me reading the news on the television in the background) I had no idea for the first three years that eventually I’d be doing something like writing for the What’s On? and writing my first Welsh language article for Hacio.

Around Easter of 2016, I had launched my own blog. I read about Tavi Gevinson and the way she took the plunge and just wrote about anything and everything – it inspired me to do the same. I had gotten from being this shy girl who would never want to challenge the rules, to a (still quiet) girl who’d read enough to know she had an opinion. My blog was my first step to being where I am now.

As soon as I’d made my decision on my future career plan, it was go time. Once I’d finished my exams and I’d gone back to school, I was starting to work on a new project. Another school newspaper. But one that I this time, had so much more pride in. Because – although I had to make up an IT design (never really a strong point) – it was solely mine. Our next edition comes out at the end of term. If I didn’t think I would want this, I wouldn’t have put myself out to ask Hacio if they’d consider my work; I’ve never had enough self-confidence, and when I sent my article for the Welsh S4C-owned website, I had no hope that it would ever be published. Yet my first email back from the correspondent I’d been speaking to (after a few days, which felt like weeks, I might add) said that he’d liked the article and already uploaded it. A shock and a half for the person who continues to miss the mark on story-writing.

Journalism is a field which is probably stereotyped as being filled with cocky know-it-alls, and to be honest, I hope I don’t fit that mould. But I think it’s also about being different and having a talent for writing, and enjoying what you write. I’m not sure if you would call what I have talent, but I’m willing to work until it is.

I think I’ll probably always envy my brother. His work still continues to blow just about everyone away. But I think now, I have my own writing style. One which won’t be stepping on his toes (though, as he’s practically a genius at writing by this point, it might just be the one toe) and one which helps to define us even more defiantly as individuals.

I love my brother’s work. But I have stories of my own to write. And this time, I hope I’ve not missed the mark.

By Tirion Davies

 

 

 

Superman Got Nothing On Me

 

I recently saw Wonder Woman and in all honesty, these are the films we as women deserve. The notion that both genders were equally represented as being capable of looking after themselves, yet also being aware of their right to ask for help was inspiring; often feminism may seem like the belief that women ought to not ask for help lest they look weak, but this film expressed both genders’ right to ask for assistance when needed.

I love how they were unafraid of giving Diana (Prince – Wonder Woman’s given name primarily on Earth) a romance; it seemed so real and because of their care for each other, a relationship which didn’t feel forced, which is often the case. There weren’t moments of ‘I don’t believe you’re strong enough’ from Steve Trevor, but rather ‘what do you need me to hold whilst you hit this man in the face’, which was an interesting and different dynamic to what we’re used to with the unsuccessful female-led superhero films of the past.

True to its setting, the fact that Wonder Woman is a woman played a major role – set in the height of the First World War, before the Representation of the People Act (which allowed women over the age of 21 the vote), it wasn’t an embarrassment to be saved by this woman – but rather an appreciation by all in the film that women of the time were in need of far more rights.

Director Patty Jenkins used the theme of love in the film’s climax as a driving force, and for once, the portrayal of her realisation got to me. Because it was unlike the usual forced-love-being-the-driving-force plotlines in these kinds of films – Patty Jenkins’ beautiful cinematography and Gal Gadot’s (Wonder Woman) stunning acting made sense for this to be part of the plot.

Of course there was the occasional derogatory comment, but it was great to see these comments such down for being derogatory in relation to the more-common-than-not ‘lads will be lads’ laughing attitude. And will all due respect – Gal Gadot truly is stunning; yet isn’t that another argument I’ve seen? Why is Wonder Woman so gorgeous – can’t she just look ‘normal’? I would argue that although this film is a giant leap for women, it’s unusual to see a ‘normal-looking’ woman in any role in a Hollywood film which doesn’t include them being the geek-turned-chic. A clear sign of change, yet an acknowledgement that change is still yet to come.

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anyone mention the character of Chief in such articles about the film, a Native American who helps Diana Prince, Steve Trevor and two others on their mission. He tells Diana Prince something about Steve Trevor along the lines of “the Germans took their land” whilst also mentioning “his people took mine” – a clear acknowledgement of an otherwise overlooked American past – the character of Chief being played

by actor Eugene Brave Rock, of Native American roots, I might add.

And what about Gal Gadot herself, the Israeli actress picked to play Princess of Themyscira – she mentions that between her winning audition for Wonder Woman and earning the role, she had only made films in Israel or those where she was unknown, prior to winning ‘Miss Israel’ and taking part in ‘Miss Universe’ as a teenager in the early 2000s. A ‘gamble’ some might state; one which most definitely paid off, however.

The same has been said about Director Patty Jenkins; that it was a ‘risk which paid off’ casting a female director to head Wonder Woman, with the expectation clearly being that a relatively unknown female director cannot make a film about a woman, for women successfully. This however being the same director who helped Charlize Theron to win her Academy Award for Best Leading Actress on Jenkins’ own debut film. In actual fact, far more ‘risks’ ought to be taken on female directors. Wonder Woman was incredibly shot cinematically, as well as its well adaptable themes. Next time, Hollywood – pull in the big guns. Give Patty Jenkins a call.

Wonder Woman truly is ground-breaking. The first successful female-led superhero film, which made $103,251,471 in the US alone on its opening weekend, and to also be interactive with today’s problems. I understand this post sounds like a review – and to some extent, it is. Because I think it’s important I document my beliefs of this film because this is a once in a lifetime kind of film. Hopefully, it’s only up from here.

Even so, Wonder Woman earns a solid 10/10 from me. We’ve glimpsed into the future with this film (figuratively, it is set within the Great War) – and it’s beautiful.

MAX BOYCE ONLY KNEW HALF THE STORY..

MAX BOYCE ONLY KNEW HALF THE STORY..

BBC Wales has recently started showing a series of programmes about Wales in the 1990’s and I wondered whether it might be of interest to relate some of my own experiences of working in Human Resources (H.R) during that period?

You might remember the Wales Development Agency and how it set out to attract Japanese investment into the Valleys during the 90’s? In fact, Max Boyce referred to it in one of his songs: “…….me Welsh-speaking Japanee”?

At the time, it was highly desirable to be able to add employment by a Japanese company to your c.v and I was lucky enough (as I thought then) to be recruited by a Japanese investor setting up a “green field” manufacturing operation in the Gwent Valleys. I was the first Brit they had employed and it turned out to be a steep learning curve and culture shock for all concerned.

I’ll skip over the initial period of working from serviced offices in Cathedral Road and the commissioning, recruitment, training and general liaison with everyone from the Secretary of State for Wales to the local milkman and just list some of the idiosyncrasies which you might find thought-provoking…….

The four Japanese who had been seconded to the U.K to set up the operation had obviously not had any briefing about British culture or working methods and were expecting an autocratic management style to work as well in Wales as it did in Japan. What they had not expected was the wit and wiliness of the Welsh workforce, coming, as they did, from a steel-working area. This caused endless frustration and annoyance to all concerned at the time, but with hindsight was akin to being part of a Laurel & Hardy film.

The Japanese M.D spoke no English (we employed a dedicated interpreter and bought English/Japanese dictionaries to point to) and was about 5’ 4” tall – with all the characteristics usually attributed to a “little man”. These are some of his best moments:

It was expected that the workforce would wear uniforms of white jacket and trousers and a navy blue baseball cap. This requirement was honoured more in the breach than in the observance and caused the M.D endless concern. However, we “early joiners” were told that safety footwear was not to be worn until the rest of the uniforms had been supplied. The baseball caps were to be made of the cheapest available material but managers should require the workforce to wear them to protect their heads.

British employees were only to use the Conference room for meetings if they used the end without windows as the part with windows was only for use by the Japanese. Similarly, visitors must be seated with their backs to the windows.

The Security Company were not allowed to have a Master key as they could not be trusted and the (British) Engineering Manager –a keyholder for day-to-day security – was not allowed on site at weekends to perform any maintenance work unless a Japanese person was also present.

Individual elements of a cleaning contract were approved by the M.D but, once consolidated into a single document were rejected as being too expensive. In a similar episode, the M.D personally negotiated rates with a distribution company. Two months later, the British Production Manager was required to find savings on these rates. The Production Manager was not allowed to put machinery in the front 15 metres of the shopfloor so that the M.D could stand at the front to see if everyone was working. On another occasion, the M.D was caught hiding in a cubicle of the Ladies toilet as he was checking that nobody was loitering after their lunch break.

The H.R function was expected to “police” all this despite having been told that employees wishing to learn to use company computer spreadsheets (as part of their job) could do so after normal working hours but without pay. The Travel policy, outlining daily subsistence allowances was to be kept secret and a training course for machine operators on a new piece of prime manufacturing equipment (which cost £80,000 including training) was vetoed as hotel costs for the two trainees was prohibitive. I was actually told “we do not provide training as we are not a charity”.

Perhaps the most notable idiosyncrasy – and the one which finally convinced me that it was time to move on – was the edict that in order to reduce the number of defects detected in parts supplied by the Japanese parent company they were no longer to be checked.

The other side of the coin, however, was the gently subversive attitude of the Welsh workforce. By and large these alien requirements (in every sense) were met with tolerance and amusement and the rather bombastic approach of the M.D seemed to invoke what can only be imagined as being similar to the “blitz spirit”. The highlight was possibly the occasion on which the M.D – who had refused to grit the car park due to the expense involved – slipped on the ice and fell heavily. This caused considerable merriment and a very un-PC voice was heard to mutter “there’s a nip in the air this morning”

It was always “good value” to listen to the Valley employees in the canteen. At the time, John West were running a television advert featuring a cartoon bear. The (deadpan) conversation went:

Employee A: Did you know that Keith thinks the John West bear is real?

Employee B: No. Where is Keith, anyway?

Employee A: Writing to Santa

Other “gems” included:

When a flock of sheep wandered onto the site: “That’s Ceri’s girlfriend looking for him”

I had to drive home. I was too drunk to walk

John has had an outside toilet built for his new house. He thought it would be nice in the summer

“XYZ Ltd” has got 140,000 employees”. Pause. “Think of the queue in the canteen”

This was more than 20 years ago, now – but I’d be prepared to bet that the BBC’s “Wales in the 90’s” series doesn’t tell this side of the story….

 

 

 

Songs for Teenagers

When you’re barely 17 it’s like the world seems to pass by in a blink of an eye. What feels like a few weeks ago becomes a year in Sixth Form land – and what feels like a year is only a matter of eternally long weeks. GCSE to A-Level is one of the biggest jumps I’ve found. The work is pretty much the same – practically 16 exams worth of work at GCSE feels equivalent to three subjects’ worth of work at A Level. But do you want to know why it feels as though it’s the biggest jump? It’s not necessarily because of the work; you become accustomed to that with a month or two. It’s not the lessons – that what free lessons are for, additional revision times when it’s impossible to find time to finish everything at home, even if you spend around 5 hours a night revising or doing homework.

The biggest jump is that now, thanks to GCSEs, you have an expectation of yourself; at least now I do. If anything, I compare my GCSEs to everyone else and worry about doing even better at A Level. Because once you’ve received those A*s or As at GCSE – those Bs you get at A Level seem like underachieving somehow. But really, they’re essentially equivalent to maybe even an A* at GCSE.

Everything’s based on grades at A Level I’ve found. ‘I believe you’ll get an A at the end of the two years’… but what about the A*? It’s as if I feel I have even more to prove now. To prove that I’m better than those 3 Cs and 1 B at GCSE, because now I’m taking the two subjects I got an A* in, and one of the 5 I got an A in. Because, for some reason, I feel as though that’s always worth mentioning. Because everyone around me got a minimum of 4 A* it feels like, and I was just stuck with 2.

It’s all more competitive. It’s not so much about the course you’ll enjoy the most, but more about the one that’ll help you to receive those desired grades. To get to that Russell Group University. To get that job. To be the best. Sometimes it feels as though you have to be the best at your A Level course to be considered good at the subject – despite the fact you’ve managed to survive an entire year, mostly maintaining the same grade. Yet – somehow

unfortunately – your heart drops a little every time you see that B. Because it’s not just one letter higher in the alphabet.

You hear in teen films that you should ‘enjoy these moments; because these are the best years of your life’ – and yet, also some of the worst. I’m not saying they’re wrong; being my age I’ve had some of the best times – times that make me belly laugh thinking about them. It’s just, these are American films. Where, it’s unlikely (from my limited knowledge) that they have too many important exams in the same way Britain does.

But the one solace I’ll always take from this time in my life is the fact that almost everyone around you feels the same way. And so, as you walk in to take that first exam, you can be safe in the knowledge that almost seven other kids from your class feel exactly the same way that you do. I realise I’m not in my final year yet, so to some this panic could be slightly premature. But if you’ve made it this far through the year without dropping out of Sixth Form, be aware that maybe we’re stronger that we think?

By Tirion Davies

A Guide to Year 12

 

And so the looming anxiety of exams re-emerges with a vengeance. For those doing GCSEs, trust me on this – A Levels are not easier ‘because you’re only doing four subjects’. Four subjects, with just as much work as the sixteen or so I was taking last year. More ‘free time’ – actually, that goes to study periods. But I’ve learnt a few news skills over this past year alone:

Card games – at the beginning of Year 12, without what you consider to be ‘too much work’, you spend your free lessons playing cards. You’ll learn new games such as ‘speed’ and the old classic ‘go fish’ with re-appear. Learn these games early on – procrastination is hard to maintain when just about everyone is stressed in February

Take subjects you enjoy – I learnt (only through my partial failure at Science and Maths at GCSE) that I only really remember something if I enjoy it, my case in point being, I could tell you all about Mao Zedong’s reign of China or how Saunders Lewis’ ‘Blodeuwedd’ is still important today or how Sheila Birling could have been a Suffragette in ‘An Inspector Calls’ but ask me how carbon aging works or how to figure out Sin, Cos or Tan and you’ll earn a blank expression from me.

Contrary to popular belief, just because you don’t study the sciences, you’re not any less intelligent – I (somehow, by some miracle) made it into the Governments ‘Seren Network’ scheme, helping those who got certain grades at GCSEs earn a place at the highest-ranking universities. Funnily enough, despite you studying three Sciences and Further Maths, and myself studying English, History and Welsh, we’re both here. For different reasons. You can’t let someone assume that they’re better than you because of the subjects you excel at. Being able to explain human anatomy to impresses me – in the same way that my knowledge of American’s judicial system of the 1950s should impress you. You can still be of the same intelligence as someone and not study the same subjects because who knows, maybe the way you worried about your Maths exam was the same way they worried about their English exam.

Make an effort to speak up for yourself – I have a fear of speaking to people I don’t know, as if I somehow have to prepare what I say first, so that I don’t feel half as nervous stating things I’ve practiced. I continuously have this fear I may say something I’ll regret, so I tend to not say anything at all. Yet recently, I had the best week. Because I spoke to strangers without too much fear. I went to an event with my school (a Universities fair) and spoke to a representative of Cardiff University – alone -– and had an amazing conversation about the course I’m practically obsessed with by this point. The next day, another representative from Cardiff University came to my school to speak with us – on the very subject I’d love to study. And for once, I got the courage to stand up and introduce myself. And boy, did it pay off! I got some incredible advice, some sweet compliments on my current efforts to get to my end goal and a promise that I’d make a good impression that they would remember me. So, sometimes guys, talking to strangers actually works in your favour. It’s hard, I know trust me but try it,

because maybe it might help you.

I should probably go – I have A Levels to pass (hopefully, at least). Just one last thing: if you’re stressed that’s a good thing. Stupid, right? Nope – because stressing this much means that you actually care about doing well. Just know that you should never let anyone put too much pressure on you (and do NOT put too much on yourself), and just know that if you did the best you could and still end up disappointed, there’s nothing more you could have done, and it doesn’t make your grades any worse than anyone else’s. They did the best they could have done, too – you’re just better at some things than others, not everyone can be incredible at everything. Oh there’s the eighth (ninth?) point: you learn at A Level that literally no one is perfect – they’re all worried about the same things you’re worried about.

By Tirion Davies

Women Run The World

 

Recently, it was International Women’s Day, which means we get to celebrate women. This day was originally ‘International Women’s Working Day’, a day used when it made its first appearance in 1909 in remembrance of the 1908 strike of the International Ladies Garment’s Union. There was need for the women’s day because in Germany by 1914, women were finally given the right to vote.

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate being a woman and to remember all those before us did so that we may be where we are today. Without those incredible women in history (lest we forget the Suffragettes) I wouldn’t be able to voice my opinions – nor be educated enough to do so. The first recorded celebration of the day in the UN was in the ‘International Women’s Year’ in 1975. Since then, it’s been held every year on March the 8th across the world in the countries where women’s right are as equal as possible to men’s.

To me the day means I get to learn more about the women who have shaped the world to become the way it is today. From women forgotten throughout history, to women who grace our screens day in and day out; those that make a different affect the teenage population of girls in sometimes the best way possible. A woman doesn’t have to be a ‘role model’ to normal standards to be inspiring. That’s what International Women’s Day means to me. Despite only really celebrating it these past two years (unfortunately I was unaware of it), this day means I get to be aware of the inspiring women who made it acceptable for me to express my views.

But the day isn’t only about the women in the media or in history. It’s about the women you don’t always consider – the mothers who make life. The women in your everyday whose names you remember – because you remember it for a reason.

I hope that more women look to Marie Curie or Katherine Johnson or Mae Jemison or Valentina Tereshkova or Rosalind Franklin for inspiration in the sciences. I hope that more women look to Sandra Bullock or Dorothy Dandridge or Katherine Bigelow or Frances Marion or Gina Rodriguez or Lucy Lui in film. For the aspiring Michelle Obamas and Theresa Mays. I hope that pop culture springs us more inspiring women. And I hope that they spring us more inspiring men too like Mahershala Ali.

International Women’s Day only confirms what I know. Being a woman has been tough but I’m thankful for those who have fought the battle for me, and can only hope that in my lifetime I can return the favour. I’m proud to be a woman, and hopefully International Women’s Day can make you proud, too.

 

Tirion Davies

 

 

 

 

 

Bath Half Marathon

 

BATH HALF MARATHON
FOR BLOODWISE

In the last edition of Whats On you may have seen my article regarding me and my girlfriend Charlotte running the Bath half marathon in aid of Bloodwise.

I am writing this to say both Charlotte and I took part and completed the half marathon on 12 March. Although it was tough we were cheered on by family and friends around the course and overall had an amazing day.

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone from the village who has supported us by donating to Bloodwise. It was this support, and the fact we were running to raise money to assist in research for treatment of blood cancer, that kept us going in the latter stages of the run.

Again thank you for all the support which has helped to raise £1778.00 so far. If anyone would still like to donate then they can online by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joeandlottie or by popping to 3 Grange Avenue and Andy will arrange the donation on your behalf.

Thank you so much.

Joe Page

 

 

 

 

Yet More Musings

PLAY HARD, WORK HARD

Cinema – An Appreciation

Films are a form of escape – whether you have nothing to escape or everything, it’s a way for us all to stop thinking about our problems and become engrossed in a story. The cinema is a way for film makers to express themselves or make a statement – I suppose I relate to that as that’s essentially what I try to do myself with writing. You see stories being played out and you fall in love with characters – whether they’re real people or not – because if it’s played out properly, a character is someone relatable.

Last year, the Oscar managed to produce a number of incredible and intriguing films. Most notable for me were films such as ‘Room’ (which earned Brie Larson a well-deserved Academy Award, but failed to earn Jacob Tremblay any kind of award) and Spotlight (earning Best Picture at those same awards); my two personal favourites of the year. Room was so powerful and it’s hard to believe anyone could have been in such a situation; yet I was hooked from the first moment. It was fascinating and heart breaking, but made such a statement it was hard to ignore. Although the cast was small, each and every person held an important role; that’s an impressive feat that isn’t too often found in such Hollywood films of recent years.

Spotlight was a film that although I hadn’t ended up watching in 2016 (rather, in early 2017) I thought was so brilliant. Perhaps it’s my secret love for a powerful true story, or maybe it’s because the story depicts a bunch of journalist doing something good (as an aspiring journalist myself, I can argue they don’t often earn a friendly depiction). Stories like the one in Spotlight make it hard to believe I’d never heard of it before the film was made. It surprised me I suppose that such a story had the capacity to be created in film form; people aren’t always as happy to open their arms to a controversial topic.

This year, however the Oscars gain more diversity yet the incredible films continue! Recently I saw Hidden Figures and it shocked me and annoyed me that I had never been taught about these women (despite not being American, one of my History GCSE modules was on America between 1929 and 2000). The same could be argued for Hacksaw Ridge – clearly important people in America’s history forgotten for either the colour of their skin or for being a conscientious objector. History is a topic I’m so intrigued by so these films with such interesting contexts mean so much more to me I suppose (I can’t decide whether it’s weird that a big part of my favourite films include the context?).

La La Land came a surprise – a musical is never something I can walk away from and not remember the words for the next month – but it was just how good it was. A big gamble that managed to pay off. Lion is another I’d love to see honoured at this year’s award shows. Despite being so in love with the cinema, I don’t often cry; not too many stories touch me in such a way I guess. But this was different – so far all of the films of 2017 have had me on the brink of tears, yet Lion managed to push me over the edge to the point of only seeing a blurry screen through tear-filled eyes.

I’ll reiterate: the cinema is my escape. If you manage to make it into my room – unfortunately, I have a terrible lack of tidiness – you will see that I have almost a memorabilia wall. The wall is a pin-board filled to the brim with items I have accumulated over the years, including a bag from Bubba Gump and tickets to the Capital Building and Empire State building and even a booklet from the Smithsonian from my trip to America two years ago; numerous Taylor Swift polaroids; a couple of my numbers and certificates for various sports; a souvenir booklet from when I was in Les Misèrables; some Marvel cards and even tickets from trips to London. On a whole – these are (as the song says) ‘a few of my favourite things’. Yet, scattered amongst the memorabilia are cinema tickets, the tickets I’ve managed to save from being thrown away. Because these count as memories.

Films have been a part of my life since forever; the stories and characters manage to stay with me. I doubt that’ll change, but being in higher education it’s important to get the chance to escape every once in a while. In that case, I think I’ll stick with the cinema – a platform to express yourself is always incredible.

 

Tirion Davies

 

 

 

Preparing Body and Soul for thee Year Ahead

 

 

bodyetc

PREPARING  FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

 

ex07We probably all ate too much over Christmas and the New Year and some of us possibly drank too much alcohol as well. February is therefore, not surprisingly, the peak time for gym membership as individuals sign up in an effort to lose those extra pounds. The gloomy dark winter days are brightening now as we gain two more minutes of daylight each day, and we look forward to spring. Some people do suffer from these dark days of winter and that is understandable, but happily it is possible to take steps to improve the “well-being” you feel and it is not difficult.

So let’s consider looking after our body and soul for the year ahead, and let us begin with our bodies. Wenvoe What’s On has regularly carried articles about the joy of walking, and cycling. We all know that ex03exercise is an excellent way of keeping fit and healthy and shedding the odd pound. The gyms and fitness centres are there as well and the Western Leisure Centre in Ely is just over a mile from ex01Wenvoe. For those who need a private fitness centre the Copthorne hotel at Culverhouse Cross has a gym and pool and welcomes non-residents.

Linked with fitness is a good diet and this subject is covered in very many books. But it is easy to summarise the essential point which is that we should all eat a balanced diet; that is to say a daily intake of fruit and vegetables, high fibre from bread and cereals and dairy products with reduced fat. We should generally eat more beans and pulses with two portions of fish a week, and less red and processed meat. Take aways and ready meals are generally to be avoided except as a rare treat.

fruitThere are three foods which are particularly good for you. First – eat an apple every day. The old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is apparently Welsh in origin and it holds true today. As one of the most cultivated and consumed fruits in the world, apples are continuously being praised as a "miracle food". Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fibre. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Secondly the Mediterranean Diet which is largely based on vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, cereal grains, olive oil and fish is proven to give good health including a healthier heart. A recent study found that people following a Mediterranean diet had a 30% lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Details of this diet can easily be found on the web or in a book from Wenvoe librmuesiliary.

The third special food is Muesli which was developed by Dr Bircher-Benner a Swiss nutritionist who in 1900 developed a dish based on raw rolled oats and other ingredients including grains, fresh or dried fruits, seeds and nuts, and may be mixed with cow's milk, soy milk, almond milk, other forms of plant milk, yogurt or fruit juice. This was given to patients in hospital to speed their recovery. It proved a great success and is now mass produced and can be bought in supermarkets or made at home.

The last line in looking after the body has to be to ensure good sleep. People often find this more difficult as they get older. Exercise certainly helps, as does sleeping with some fresh air in the room; but if all else fails try a herbal tea like Camomile or “Sleepytime”, the latter is sold by Beanfreaks in St Mary Street and pretty much ensures a good eight hours.

In looking after the soul – this does not necessarily mean going to church – though that can certainly be part of it. It is a matter of seeking spiritual well-being. This includes connecting with others – friends and family or even through sport and club membership. It means keeping active and getting out and about, and possibly learning a new skill or hobby or taking up adult education such as an evening class. Finally there is the need to “give” whether as a volunteer or just as a simple act of kindness, and always be mindful of the needs of others whether family – friends or strangers. These things together should bring nourishment to the soul.

 

 

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Further Musings of A Political Teenager

 

PLAY HARD, WORK HARD

2016:- A Summary. Welcome to 2017!

Aexamst the beginning of January 2016, I sat my first Year 11 GCSE exams which let’s just say hadn’t exactly gone to plan. I was too worried about my failure to gain my sought after marks in January that it spooked me. For the first time in my life, I fully understood how much harder I needed to work. By April I had done my Grade 7 Acting LAMDA examination, earning myself a Merit in my penultimate grade. By my May birthday, my looming exams were finally upon me, the two years of course work finally leading up to the real things. I won’t lie – they terrified me. Honestly, at some points I’m surprised I didn’t go insane, yet quickly enough by late June I was done.

The rest of June and July came and went; a holiday and quality time with my family a staple for the summer. Late July and early August meant another holiday with cousins – which luckily went off without too many hitches (no one ended up in the hospital, so I’m counting it as a win!). Then came the day – Results Day. Even the name sounds intimidating, and I still have a few years left of suffering…

Yet I was okay. My exam results weren’t all what I was hoping for – yet there’s no way I could have complained. Passing all of my exams, with 2 A*s and 5 As to show for as just a few of my results was a highlight for sure. The worry was over and the delight at my GCSEs was able to fully sink in

September meant a new start – Sixth Form. As hard as it seems even now (I was unfortunately too overwhelmed for 4 subjects, deciding now that 3 A Levels would be more sensible for me) I’m glad I’ve embarked on the journey – you can see my English Literature and Language clearly come into play! ;P – it means the chance to study subjects I enjoy, and gain hopefully a place in a University studying subjects I also enjoy. You’ll hear me complaining non-stop about being tired and overworked (I just looked and it seems I may have 7 exams in the Summer…) but I feel I needed this experience to gain further insight into what I’d like to do – and where I’d like to do it.pubspeak

November meant a new role as part of a Public Speaking team through the medium of Welsh. Despite our surprise, we managed to make it to the South Wales final and were lucky to receive the chance to speak in a Cardiff Government building.

December came with its own challenges: being sole Editor of the School’s newspaper meant more overworked hours with the excitement of people not doing their work on time! *hint the sarcasm, people. Yet it came with its rewards; it meant a newfound respect, not necessarily from those in the school – I feel like the older students didn’t want to impair their ‘cool kid’ demeanour – but further for myself. I complained to hell and back, yet I surprised myself yet again with the amount of work I was willing to do – almost three months of no work over the summer makes you forget how hard you really did work – and also how much I cared. The first issue was finally released and I could go back to being the overworked student again rather than an extremely stressed editor for the rest of December. I received my certificates for my GCSEs and did my Grade 6 PAA Musical Theatre examination, filled with fear – and me having to sing a song all alone; ‘When You’re Good To Mama’ from Chicago nonetheless! Musical Theatre gained me a Distinction and Christmas and the New Year made me reflect on 2016.

Despite its universal issues, personally 2016 has been an eye-opener. It’s shown me that working hard really does get you further in the world. It’s also unfortunately taught me that I write far too much in essays… perhaps that will be my New Year’s resolution? But no, I don’t think it is.

I believe that maybe my New Year’s resolution is to take less for granted and to give myself more credit. I’m too easy to reconsider my achievements as flukes. I highly doubt I will turn into a narcissist within 2017, but perhaps a little more acknowledgement of what I can achieve may be the key to a happier Tirion this year.

Happy New Year to you all – whether you stick to your New Year’s resolutions or not, I hope you make the most of the year ahead.

Tirion Davies

 

 

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