TEACHING US TO SUCK EGGS

My career has involved countless training courses, with their utility varying wildly between the truly beneficial and the utterly pointless. What has become a consistent and peculiar trend, however, is the escalating requirement for mandatory retraining on the entirety of our role. Just two years ago, this mandate required three days away from daily business; now, I find myself committed to a five-day programme.

SOUL REPLENISHMENT AND A STORMY FAREWELL

aluably, our time here, however finite, proved perfect. The mission of relaxation was a success, only slightly undermined by a foolish, self-inflicted work distraction that slipped past my rule of communication blackout. The week delivered so much joy that the heartache of leaving was hard, as always, but every moment was utterly worth it. The sudden, blustery turn in the weather at the week's close perfectly reflected our feelings, yet with every ending comes the beautiful certainty of another trip—and we are already planning for next year.

THIRD POSTCARD FROM THE CEI

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ritics might suggest a third visit to the same quiet harbour town in one calendar year is predictable, but to me, this unprecedented return to New Quay/Cei Newydd is less about habit and more about pure necessity. I take all the stick for my unwavering loyalty, letting the judgement wash over me entirely because the deep connection I share with Cymru, and this specific stretch of the Ceredigion coast, is where my heart truly lives.

GOOD NEWS AND A LEAP OF FAITH

arely do I have good news to share. For me, the daily struggle and the mundane routine are the norm, especially this year, which has been a particularly challenging one so far. So to be able to say this gives me immense pleasure...

​Last week, my youngest daughter, Rags, passed her driving test!

ENGINE LIGHTS TO VIKING FIGHTS

ightmares aren't always about monsters and darkness; sometimes, they're about an engine light flickering on for the fifth time. The last year we spent fighting with our old car felt like an endless cycle of breakdowns and stress, leaving me with a sense of dread that just won't go away. It’s seriously impacted my mental health, and it’s made me wonder: can you get PTSD from a faulty car? On the positive side, I've had more days off from work now, and I even had a great day out last weekend.

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PATRIOTS AND FLAG SHAGGERS

nlike some, I've never been one to get misty-eyed over a flag. The St George's Cross, the Union Jack, any of them – they just don't stir any deep sense of national pride within me. That isn't to say I'm unpatriotic or a traitor, but the idea of 'my country, right or wrong' has always felt strange. I'm just a bloke who doesn't quite get the whole national pride thing.

OUR NEW CAR ADVENTURE: FROM FIAT TO THE FUTURE

elivering us to work, school, and taking us on holidays, the car is an undeniable cornerstone of modern life. For me, however, this functional role has always been the extent of its purpose. I've often lampooned those who lavish so much affection on these mechanical steel boxes, a habit born from observing our society's over-reliance on these four-wheeled chariots. It's a peculiar phenomenon to see people treat their cars with more devotion than they show to other people.

PENBLWYDD HAPUS MIKE - WELSH LEGEND

enblwydd Hapus to a man who holds a truly unique place in not just our lives, Mike is truly a Welsh legend. He's not just a friend, but family in every sense of the word. It was an absolute honour to be invited to join his nearest and dearest for this special celebration. With our bags unpacked at our familiar caravan park, just a stone's throw from their house, the stage was set. Let the festivities commence!

END OF AN ERA - TOUR END

our de France isn't just a sporting event; it's arguably the premier annual spectacle in the world, and that's no exaggeration. Its truly monumental global reach is underscored by a reported cumulative television audience of 3.5 billion viewers annually*. This places the Tour as one of the planet's most-watched sporting events, frequently ranked second only to the FIFA World Cup. Each year, the race is broadcast in approximately 190 countries by around 121 different television channels, collectively delivering over 4,700 hours of TV coverage.