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
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?
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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 […]