JPR Williams, Heavenly Singing & Mindless Vandalism

Go back to 1176 and you will find that the first ever Welsh Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle under the auspices of the Lord Rhys.

It is quite apt then that one of the biggest of the modern Eisteddfods in the west Wales region is Cardigan's Gwyl Fawr Aberteifi which has a long and proud 59 year tradition which helps make it so.

Heavenly Singing
Last night I had a very enjoyable time at the final evening of Gwyl Fawr Aberteifi 2011 where I could endulge myself in my love of Welsh music and in particular, Welsh choral music.

Because I am without hesitation, first and foremost, a Choir man. I adore listening to the Choir competitions more than I do the recitations or the solo singing performances (although I do greatly enjoy these as well). In the Gwyl Fawr, there are 4 choir competitions - for the youth, for women, for men and for a mixed choir. The winner of each then go toe-to-toe for the 'Choir of the Festival' trophy which is the one they all want to win.

Give me a choice and I will always go for the Male Voice Choir. There is something that calls out to my Welsh soul when I hear one in full flow and last night, it was a pleasure to listen to the 4 Male Voice Choirs that had come to compete and indeed had travelled some distance to do so.

JPR in his Welsh 70's pomp

Côr Meibion Y Machlud had travelled up from south Wales and amongst its ranks on stage last night was 1970s Welsh rugby wizard, JPR Williams giving it his all as was his way on the rubgy pitch. However, on this occasion, he and they came last!

In third were Côr Meibion Clwb Rygbi Treforys (Morriston RFC Male Voice Choir) who brought a staggering 60 members all the way up from Swansea to compete.

Côr Meibion Taf from Cardiff came a very respectable second but the clear and straightforward winners last night for me were our very own Côr Ar Ol Tri who were a good distance better than their south Walian rivals. Their win proved very popular in the hall as can be expected but unfortunately however, the overall Festival Choir award was given to the Ladies Choir Côr Merched Canna from Cardiff - never mind, better luck next year Côr Ar Ol Tri!

Mindless Vandalism
The evening certainly perked me up after the great anger and frustration that swept over me the evening before when I received a 'phone call from our CAB Bureau Manager at 10.15pm on Friday evening notifying me that there had been an act of mindless vandalism at the Bureau for the second time this year.

I broke off from watching The Kennedys and made my way down to the Bureau as Trustee Board Co-Chair to find that a brick had been thrown at one of the paines of glass at the front of the building. One of the local residents who always keeps an eye out for us, spotted this damage on his way back from the Gwyl Fawr on that evening and called our Bureau Manager.

We waited for the police to arrive and once they were gone, we cleaned up and made our ways home at about 11.30pm.

What greatly frustrates me is that someone decided to target the CAB - an organisation that exists to help people and to do good in society. Why, of all places in the world, target the Citizens Advice Bureau? I find it incredulous. As I've said, this is the second such incident in recent months - the last time a large plank of wood was forced through re-inforced windows and made a much greater mess than what we witnessed this Friday evening.

But whilst that original act was perpetrated in the early hours of the morning, this most recent mindless act occurred sometime between 6.30pm and 9.30pm - in summer time daylight hours. I just can't fathom and undestand the mentality here in doing what was done and at a time when they could so easily have been seen. Do these people have no shame? Well, they certainly are shameful in their actions.

So over the course of the weekend, I've seen to some degrees both the worst and the best of our area but I'm glad that it was the former that was followed by the latter because it at least means that I move into a new week in better heart than would've been the case had it have been the other way around.

The Welsh Rugby Union should sack Gavin Henson

I've really had enough of Gavin Henson.

I've blogged time after time after time on this site of my views on his commitment, or lack of it, to the Welsh rugby jersey through his various entertainment contracts but the news this week really takes the biscuit.

Having in my mind, acted as a petulant child in his dealings with his former clubs the Ospreys and Saracens, he then showed an unprofessional side to his nature that saw Toulon terminate his French contract - all this within the space of 12 months.

He's complained that he hasn't been given a chance over the last few years to pull on the proud red jersey of Wales but in my mind, he hasn't deserved it. If his priority is to go onto Strictly Come Dancing, then good luck to him. Let him carve out a new career in entertainment and see how far that gets him. But he shouldn't think that just because he's got a wonderful natural talent and flair that he can walk straight into the Welsh dressing room ahead of other players who have shown commitment and dedication to the cause and who really know the full meaning of wearing that famous red rugby shirt.

Only a few weeks ago, he was given the opportunity to play for Wales again against the Barbarians. His was a mediocre performance and far from what we came to expect from him when he was in his prime. He was basically rusty and who can be surprised when he has had so little first match action in recent times? This lack of match practise is entirely his own doing. If he can not give 110% to his team, be it the Ospreys, Saracens or Toulon, then how in the hell should he expect to waltz back into the Welsh squad?

Henson could take an honorary degree in hubris his head must be so far up in the clouds.

Indeed, former Welsh captain Michael Owen, called the decision to select him again "embarrassing".

He said here: "It's a privilege to play for your national team. I think you've really got to earn that privilege and I just question whether Gavin has earned it in this instance".

"Warren Gatland and the coaches at Wales obviously rate Gavin very highly as a player. He's done some fantastic things throughout his career. But for me it sends the wrong message to the players in Wales who are striving, day in day out, week in week out, to try and get better and try and perform to get the opportunity to play for their country".

Too damned right Michael.

It didn't help that when lined up in readiness for the match against the Barbarians, whilst virtually the entire Welsh squad could visibly be seen singing the Welsh national anthem 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau', one of the few that weren't, was Henson. Does he not know the words? Does he not care to learn the words?

I'm sorry, but Welsh rugby union is the heart and soul of Welsh sport. The passion that comes from playing for Wales must be evident. Seeing the boys sing that anthem with pride is a sure sign of their commitment for the task ahead. If Henson can't be bothered to learn a few lines, then why I should I watch him play for my country?

The Bachelor

Now, it gets worse! This  BBC website article informs us that Henson is now to take the lead in a new TV dating show where he hopes to meet "the right girl". He will be 'The Bachelor' in a UK version of the hit US programme. Channel 5 said viewers should "expect flirting, bitching and heartfelt emotion" as 25 contestants compete to win his heart.

Well Channel 5, I don't know about flirting but I'll give you bitching and heartfelt emotion for free and by the bucketload.

If Henson wants to continue to posture like this, then so be it. But the WRU should have no hesitation in removing him from the preliminary World Cup squad for which he has been unbelievably selected.

The WRU say that "Gavin is fulfilling a work commitment which was in place before he was selected for national squad duty and doing so in the full knowledge of the Wales management team".

Well if that's the case, the WRU were bloody foolish to choose him in the first place if they knew of these commitments.

Until he really commits himself 110% to playing rugby, he should be nowhere near the Welsh team sheet and he should certainly not be anywhere near the preliminary World Cup squad - such places should only be reserved for those who actually show the passion, enthusiasm and commitment to play for Wales and who have that aim as their No.1 priority.

If Gavin Henson wants to go and play games, then the WRU should let him do so. He can then get on with his life and let the Welsh rugby boys get on with theirs.

The Nail in Gavin Henson's World Cup Ambition

I'm sounding like a broken record here I know, but what the hell is Gavin Henson doing?

Reports from France today point towards his possible sacking by his new club Toulon, having only played 2 games for the fashionable French club since his sudden move from Saracens back in February.

Gavin Henson on his Toulon Debut

I wrote here about Gavin Henson's problems before launching an additional tirade against him here when he dropped Saracens for Toulon after only 3 months and 4 appearances at the club.

Now, it would seem that having made only 2 appearances for Toulon, he is on the verge of being shown the door after a late-night skirimish with his own team-mates in a club after a match win against Toulouse. He was suspended following the incident.

The uber-latest news is that the WRU have summoned the Centre to a meeting to discuss his situation with Chief Executive Roger Lewis and Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland.

Whatever the up-shot of this discussion, it's clear that Henson's head is not in the right place. The question of whether he should be chosen for the World Cup squad is a dud one because if he isn't playing rugby for his club sides, then there's no way that he should be chosen for the squad - no matter how big a name he is.

It's a shame because he hasn't made the most of his potential and is wasting a prodigious talent. But then that's his problem more than it is Wales'. There are plenty of aspiring, hard-working Welsh rugby players who would give their right arm for an opportunity to play for a big-name club and their country.

Until Henson sorts himself out, he should be nowhere near the selection sheet for the Welsh squad. The great shame is that I can't see when in the near future this situation may change for the positive.

A wasted talent. Wasted.

What is Gavin Henson's Problem? Answers on a Postcard Please

Only last month I wrote here about my exasperation at the Welsh enigma that is Gavin Henson.

At the time I was hoping that Warren Gatland would reject calls to name him in Wales' 6 Nations Squad. As it happens, days after I wrote that blog post, he was injured and was automatically ruled out of the tournament so the decision didn't have to be taken.



Henson signed for Saracens on October 28th - he left
them yesterday on February 2nd. Where's the respect?



But his decision today to move to the fashionable southern French club of Toulon, after barely 3 months and just 4 appearances (only one of which was a start) for Saracens after his controversial move to London from the Ospreys just beggars belief.

Yet, I was under the impression that he was dedicated to his family and that his move to London was made so that he could be closer to his children. Am I missing something?

Clearly I am because unless Charlotte Church has moved to France away from the gaze of the roaming paparazzi then the only recognisable British face that Henson will find on his arrival will be that of Jonny Wilkinson.

There is so much to question when it comes to Gavin Henson. To me, all he wants is the glamour and the attention. The showboating has no place in the Welsh national team and unless he changes his ways which I very much doubt, then I don't how how he could fit back into a future Welsh squad.

As we face England in the opening encounter tomorrow, I know one thing for sure. We have a better chance of winning without Gavin Henson.

In which case, I suppose Saracens should breathe a sigh of relief.

BBC Wales Rugby Adverts at their best - Wales Vs England? Bring It On!



My Welsh Hero in the 1990s -
Neil Jenkins

 Tomorrow sees the start of the 6 Nations. Wales play England in the opener and it should be a great beginning to the tournament.

Over the past 20 years, since I can remember, the championship has always been built up for me with the quality of the BBC Wales and S4C adverts running up to the big kick-off.

2011 is no different. Here is S4Cs stirring advert for tomorrow's match. No proud Welsh patriot could fail to be stirred by the sight of Barry John, Phil Bennett and Neil Jenkins pulling on that famous red jersey.

The melodic sound of Cerys Matthews singing Ar Hyd Y Nos is the icing on the cake.



Mind you, this is one in a long line of memorable Welsh BBC rugby advertising.

Here for example, is a cartoon advert during 'The Great Redeemer' Graham Henry's time in charge. Note also, the Stereophonics cameo. It was time then, for Henry's Heroes.



Indeed, here's another.



But anyway, less of that.

Because for all it's worth, as Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics said...

C'MON CYMRU!

A word of warning for Bob Crow - Don't mess with us Welsh Rugby fans

The on-going dispute between the RMT Union and Arriva Trains Wales took another dramatic, ridiculous twist yesterday when the former turned down a 12% pay increase over 2 years for its train drivers from the latter as reported in today's Western Mail.

If accepted, Arriva state that the offer would've taken the basic rise of an Arriva Trains driver up to £39,117 for a 35-hour four-day week. The RMT Union however claim that in all actuality, the rise is closer to 8% with an extra 2.5% in addition by making it compulsory for drivers to work occasional Sundays.

Either way, the offer in the current difficult economic circumstances nevertheless looks more than generous.

The annual average pay in 2010 for a Teacher for example was £31,852, for a Nurse was £26,184 and for a Social Worker was £25,712. So an increase in pay to the upper £30k pay bracket for Arriva Train Drivers at this moment in time should not be sniffed at.

RMT Strike on Wales Vs England Day
The RMT members voted to strike in protest on December 28th and of the 600 Arriva Trains drivers, some 120 are members of the RMT Union. Of those we are told,  52 decided to strike. But because it's unlikely that drivers from other unions will cross the RMT picket-line, Arriva's entire rail operation on the day of the strike is likely to be affected.

So, what day have the RMT Executive and leader Bob Crow opted for to strike? For maximum impact, quite incredulously, they have chosen Friday, 4th February to do their deed - the day of the opening Six Nations Match between Wales and England in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

It is likely that some 20,000 fans will be using the rail to travel to the game and whilst First Great Western and Cross Country services should remain unaffected, this will nevertheless cause great inconveniance to many rugby and sporting fans.

Don't mess with the Welsh Rugby fan Bob
The Western Mail's editorial today hit the nail on the head. It said:

"...strikes are generally doomed to failure unless there is at least some degree of public solidarity with the cause of those taking action. A society gripped with unemployment, inflation and rising prices, and hit this week with yet more dire economic data, will struggle to find sympathy for a group of already well-paid train drivers offered a rise of a mere 12%.

"These people should be grateful that they have jobs, not to mentiion the offer of any kind of pay rise. They should certainly not be targetting the enjoyment of Wales' loyal and enthusiastic rugby followers in a bid to line their pockets.

"It is about time that they accept the generous offer rather than risk creating chaos on one of the biggest nights of the year for Welsh sport".

Don't Take the Proverbial
There isn't much bigger an opponent for us Welsh than the English at Rugby Union. But if Bob Crow and his 52 voting strikers don't back down, Welsh rugby fans may well have found themselves a new opponent to challenge.

Bob Crow is a bully-boy tribalist who gives the Trade Union movement a bad name. If this strike on February 4th is carried out, he'll only be making more Welsh rods for his own back.

How do you solve a problem like Gavin Henson?

A friend of mine commented to me last week that whilst I've been writing a good amount around my love of various sports, I haven't yet touched upon rugby. He was quite right and that is certainly an oversight on my part.

So on reading today's Western Mail, I found myself compelled to give my thoughts on the enigma that is Gavin Henson.

'That Kick'

He shot to prominence of course with that incredible penalty winning kick that gave Wales our first victory over the English in 6 years and propelled us towards our first Grand Slam in a generation back in 2005. I remember it well - my University friends and I were sitting in the back of Yr Hen Llew Ddu in Aberystwyth with my friend Chris saying as the penalty was awarded that we should kick for a line-out as it was too far from the posts for Stephen Jones to kick it. I and a number of the boys reminded him in no uncertain terms that young Henson had the capacity to kick the ball some distance and that we should take the chance of scoring the points. The rest of course is history.

He's gone on to be a member of 2 Grand Slam winning Welsh teams after the heroics of 2005 were wonderfully repeated in true Welsh style in 2008. He hasn't however appeared in a World Cup and despite his undoubted talent, he's had a propensity to be his own worst enemy and has driven many of his own countryfolk to rile against him.

Henson the Celebrity

His marriage to Charlotte Church, his tan and good looks were always going to put him on the front pages as much as they were the back, but the feeling is that he has squandered a prodigous sporting talent along the way.

His bust-up with the Ospreys has been incredulous. After a 21 month period out of the game, he turned his back on the Welsh region that had stood by him in what can only be described as a fit of pique as he decided to put space between himself and his estranged wife.

During his absence from the field he made the ill-judged decision to accept a daft offer from the WRU to be their 'poster-boy' in helping to launch the new Welsh rugby kit last September. This not unreasonably did not go down well with his Welsh team-mates who saw a struggling colleague taking the limelight from those who were grafting on the pitch for their country on  a more regular and consistent basis. This will only have added to the changing room hostility that more senior members will recall after revelations he made in his 2005 book chronicling his first Grand Slam year.

Strictly Losing the Plot
His high profile appearances on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing at the end of last year put him back in the media spotlight at the same time that he brought to a fraught end his relationship with the Ospreys as he made a move across the border and to the capital to join Saracens.

He did well to reach the semi-finals of the dancing competition at a time when Welsh rugby fans and many in the rugby world questioned his priorities.

Well, he's now made matters worse this week with another media gaffe by stating in an interview with BBC sports editor Mihir Bose on the one hand his concern that he won't make the Welsh squad for the Six Nations Championship this spring and then on the other exclaiming how his Strictly exploits gave him a greater feeling than winning a Grand Slam with his country.

He said: "To get a standing ovation and to get to the semi-finals was a great feeling. It tops any rugby moment, even winning the Six Nations".

Yet, having made only one start for Saracens since his move, he admits that he's concerned that he's not getting enough pitch time to give himself a chance of making the Six Nations squad. He knows that if he is to make an appearance in his first World Cup this autumn then a place in the Six Nations really is imperative.

He stated: "I need to be starting for Saracens to be in the Wales squad".

Well where exactly do your priorities lie Gavin? If winning the Grand Slam for Wales strikes him as being a lesser achievement than competing in a vanity competition on TV, then shouldn't Wales boss Warren Gatland concentrate on choosing the players who truly understand and respect the importance that comes with pulling on that red jersey?

Former Welsh players Bobby Windsor, Mervyn Davies and Gareth Edwards have all hit back with their surprise and anger at these comments and who can blame them? AsWindsor said: "You have got to have boys in there giving 100%. There is no 'i' in team and the trouble with him him is that he is the 'i' ".

Stop Talking and Start Playing
Henson has got to stop playing himself off as the victim. He talks himself into trouble and he angers and frustrates a rugby mad nation with every word. His comments this week will only have added to the fire.

Henson divides the country like few others in his chosen field. Yes, he's a skilled and talented player who, on top form should play a part in the coming tournament and in the World Cup later this autumn. Yet, his very presence in the changing room could stir up more discontent and trouble than it's worth.

Should Gatland choose him for the squad which opens it's campaign against England next month? On current form, no.

But the question must be asked, should he be considered to wear the jersey at all? Henson himself talks a good case for the negative.

How do you solve a problem like Gavin Henson?

Cardigan's First XV (A Cardi Rugby Poem)

This excellent poem was published in the Cardigan Tivy Side Advertister last week.

In it, author Ron Waldron reminds us of the battle between Lord Rhys and the Normans and envisages, with a rugby analogy, which 15 Cardigan residents would be best placed to lead that battle if ever it were repeated.

It is very much a poem for 'Cardis', as the names are all local to us but I was pleasantly surprised that I was included at Number 9 - Scrum Half!

I've put a note at the bottom of the poem to explain who each individual is - it makes the poem read even better when you realise how Ron has cleverly put it together!

Cardigan's First XV

Though rugby's now much cleaner

I thought it would be right

To start up front with Melfydd George

In case they pick a fight.

And when as fists were flying

Things got from bad to worse

His fellow prop from Oernant

Could remember them, in verse.

Then, Dai Pen-lan as Hooker

The wizard of the sums

And also when it's added up

As asset in the scrums.

And then there's Father Seamus

Who'll wear the shirt with pride

He's reckoned to be harder

Than Willie John McBride.

And Wynford's pleasant manner

Would drive opponents mad

He'd smile and play, he'd charm the ref,

And he's also Deiniol's dad.

You need that something special

To play at number six

And that is why I'm tepmpted

To put Catrin in the mix.

A fast and clever flanker

Can make the others play

And here again we're lucky

For Llwyd is Tony Gray.

At number eight there's Gwynfi,

A mountain of a man,

It's taken us nine hundered years

To knit his Cardigan.

Behind the pack it's vital

To have a young Mark Cole

He's always there in every picture

And always on the ball.

At outside half Wyn Lewis

Conductor of the band

For he can set the tempo

Just with a sleight of hand.

At centre, to block channels

Lyn Jenkins has his say

And he'll have the guts to tackle

Big boys who'll come his way.

Still fresh from last year's trimpuh

Ceri Wyn would leave them dead

Crash tackling in the centre

Blue basin on his head.

And on the fringe, Aneurin

A spirit bold and free

A finisher with vision

And a touch of artistry.

We've got in Colin Phillips

A winger ready made

And with the battle over

He could pick up some trade.

And there would be no conceding

Our prospects would be fine

While there's an Adams-Lewis

To guard the language line.

So should the Normans try again

To win at Banc Y Warin

The Arglwydd Rhys in this lot's blood

Once more would send them packing.

Ron Waldron, Cardigan

NB

Melfydd George - A 'larger than life' Cardigan Town Councillor and former Mayor.

Emyr Oernant - Another 'larger than life' local farmer and poet.

Dai Pen-lan - Another 'larger than life' retired local personality and accountant.

Father Seamus - Well regarded retired Catholic priest and local historian.

Wynford Jones - Well liked Cardigan Town Council Clerk and also father to Welsh rugby international player Deiniol Jones.

Catrin Miles - Current Deputy Mayor of Cardigan and a Ceredigion County Councillor.

Llwyd Edwards - Local architect and a Cardigan Town Councillor. A twice Mayor of Cardigan.

Gwynfi Jenkins - 'Father' to the Town Council and a 3 times Mayor of Cardigan.

Mark Cole - That'll be me!

Wyn Lewis - Local farmer and conductor to local National Eisteddfod winning choir, Ar Ol Tri.

Lyn Jenkins - Local farmer and businessman who has a reputation for taking on the authorities.

Ceri Wyn Jones - Local Chair and Crown winning National Eisteddfod poet (Blue basin meaning his crown).

Aneurin Jones - Famed local artist.

Colin Phillips - Well known local funeral director!

John Adams-Lewis - A Cardigan and Ceredigion County Councillor. A twice Mayor of Cardigan.