The Power and Responsibility of Voting

Navigating Disenchantment in Modern Politics   One of my core principles is the belief that I am privileged to have the right to vote, and therefore, I should and must exercise this right. This principle is underlined by the premise that if I don’t vote, I have no right to complain about what happens next. […]

Redefining “Dis-” Words: Challenging Perspectives on Disability

redefining dis words

The Power of Language in Shaping Perceptions Every syllable, every prefix carries weight, conveys meaning, and shapes our perception. For many, the prefix ‘Dis-’ might seem innocuous, but for individuals like myself living with a disability, its implications are profound, often laden with unconscious negativity. Consider the array of ‘dis-’ words—disabled, disillusioned, disappointed, disenfranchised. They […]

After 24 Years Have I Cracked It?

After 24 Years Have I Cracked It?

Well Almost…. I honestly thought I had found the winning formula for surviving the anniversary of the train crash.  However, maybe there is still some tweaking to do.  Since being afflicted by PTSD I have had a healthy respect and, hopefully, a more informed attitude to mental health issues. Anyone suffering, to whatever extent they […]

Renovation Horrors – Tales from Wales (Part 8)

New home discovered...

Having bought my ‘Chocolate Box’ Home in October, by the end of 2021 I looked back with some frustration mixed in with a healthy dose of annoyance. From all the surveys I had undertaken this beautiful 1840’s cottage needed some TLC and sympathetic improvement but that was it.  Once completion had happened I was soon […]

Visiting Anglesey? Here’s a few of my favourite places to see

Map of Anglesey

A lot of us in 2021 are going to be considering a break in the UK rather than a trip abroad.  Luckily, for me I moved to live on Anglesey last year so haven’t got far to travel to visit some beautiful scenes and interesting attractions.  If you are planning on a visit to Anglesey […]

Culture Shock – Tales from Wales (Part 7)

Culture shock!

Tricky Transitions I had thought that settling in to my new location would be relatively easy. In reality, it has taken me longer than expected to acclimatise… Moving 5 hours Up The Road It is over seven months since I moved from the Oxford area up to North Wales. With my new location being just […]

‘Chocolate Box’ Home Discovered – Tales from Wales (Part 6)

New home discovered...

With the housing market in the North of Wales going bananas, I had resigned myself to renting on Anglesey for quite some time. People have been buying houses as soon as they come on to the market, sometimes even before viewing them – just grabbing them on the particulars spec. There have been price wars […]

A Quick Loiter in Llandudno – Tales from Wales (Part 5)

Llandudno and Great Orme

The Search Continues After several months in North Wales, I’m still searching for a permanent home and a local Asian grocery! Next on my list of places to try for the latter was Llandudno – a town made momentarily famous during the lockdown for its most unusual visitors… Revealing Hidden Treasures After a week of every foul […]

And So The Quest Begins – Tales From Wales (Part 4)

My new home!

The dream that brought me to Anglesey Now that I’m feeling a little more settled and organised in North Wales, my thoughts are turning again towards the quest that brought me here… Where Do We Goat From Here? In 2019, when I decided to move to North Wales, it was to realise a dream I’ve […]

A Bimble in Bangor – Tales from Wales (Part 3)

Bangor cathedral in February '21

Off to Bangor Seizing The Opportunity Taking up residence in a new area during a pandemic and lockdown was never going to be an easy proposition. I want to explore, discover, and generally scout around. But of course, this isn’t allowed during these constrained times. My one respite…  Getting Out For Provisions As someone who […]