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. 

THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE

overnments are fundamentally supposed to look after the people they serve. I've previously voiced my profound disappointment in our current Labour government's initial proposals for welfare reforms, seeing them as a wanton attack on the most vulnerable in society.

CEI NEWYDD: MORE CYMRU AND CARAVANS

t's with a heavy heart that I leave this place, a place so deeply embedded in my soul that a piece of me feels torn away and remains here. I dream of the day I can truly become one with this land that I hold so dear.

What truly enhances the second part of our stay is the delightful fact that we've extended it by an extra two days this time.

CYMRU, CELTS AND CARAVANS

ei Newydd is my favourite place on the planet. My time here is simply the best; it's where I find my deepest relaxation. And so, the eagerly awaited moment has arrived—it's time to be here again.

This visit is a special one, just Morticia, Magnus, and me.

RITUALS AND ROTATIONS

treus, our grandson, celebrated his first birthday this past weekend. It's truly incredible how quickly time has flown, and how much the little lad has grown and developed in just one year.

We marked this special milestone with a joyous gathering of family and friends, combining his birthday celebration with his naming ceremony.

CAR DREAD & 8-BIT DREAMS

ust recently, a heavy cloud has hung over me, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down with a relentless force. As I mentioned before, the looming prospect of a significant car repair bill has felt like a constant threat. Well, this week that anxiety finally materialised.

THE FIVE-YEAR SHIFT

ive years. Five long years. That's how long we've endured a shift pattern designed not for efficiency, not for our well-being, and certainly not for the people we serve, but for one thing: cost-cutting. Remember the promises? The whispers of change? Well, after half a decade of empty air and hollow rumours, a new rota has finally landed on our desks.

And, as with most things in life, it's a mixed bag.

BETRAYAL OF THE VULNERABLE

his week, the government unveiled proposals to overhaul the welfare system, with a particular focus on those with illnesses and disabilities. In my opinion, and that of many others, these measures represent a deeply damaging attack on the most vulnerable members of our society.

WIGGO WIGGO WIGGO

radley Wiggins is arguably one of the most recognisable sportsmen and pro-cyclists in the UK. A multi-medal winning Olympian and the first britton to win the Tour de France.

JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL 2025

orvik Viking Festival, Europe's premier Viking event, has become a cherished annual tradition for us. Having attended for the past three years, Morticia and I were excited to delve deeper into the festivities this year with an extended two-night visit. 

THE END OF LIVE CYCLING...

ne thing everyone knows about me is that I love cycling. I'm on my bike most days, and the Grand Tours are a sacred event. The thrill of the race, the beauty of the course, the sheer grit of the riders – it's pure theatre. The Tour de France, a free-to-air treasure in the UK since the 80s, has always been accessible to everyone. But the curtain is about to fall.

AWKWARDLY SOCIAL

oneliness is a significant and often overlooked challenge in today's society. Many individuals find themselves increasingly isolated, with social interaction primarily occurring through digital devices. While technology offers connectivity, it can't fully replicate the richness of face-to-face human interaction.

However, real-world engagement is essential for our well-being. The disconnect from genuine human contact can leave many feeling ill-equipped to navigate social situations and cope with the demands of interpersonal relationships.

THE GATE-KEEPERS

ocial media has undeniably become a cornerstone of modern life, offering both significant advantages and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, it facilitates connections between loved ones separated by distance and fosters communities around shared interests. However, the platform also harbours its share of negativity. 

Online bullies, known as trolls, inflict emotional distress, while phishers exploit the digital realm to deceive and defraud users. Moreover, the rise of 'gate-keepers' — individuals or entities who  attempt to control, manipulate and suppress.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

appy New Year. 2025 is here, we are a quarter a way through the century. Time is something that rages past and we can't control the speed in which it travels.

So, Yule is almost over for another year and soon "normality" will return.