Please Support Us to Make Swantv the Best

 Hi Swantv Viewer

 Here is Swansea we have UK news from several sources, the BBC, ITV, Sky being some. And we have the Regional news mainly broadcast from Cardiff but we have not had local, local news centering on the Swansea Bay Area broadcast direct from the centre of Swansea until now. 

There was Bay TV which was one of the 22 regional stations funded by the government and supported by the BBC but this lasted for a short time and didn't really live up to expectations. The station has been taken over by That TV. 

"That's TV" is a television company with about 10 local stations, broadcasting via Sky, Freesat and Freeview and even though regional news can still be found via these services, these channels simulacast the classic hits and television schedule of the national That's TV channel for most of the day. That's Television Ltd is owned by That's Media Ltd, which is based in the north of England and as far as we can see local news is usually in the form of zoom interviews. 

SwanTV by contrast is managed by Swansea Business people with a tv studio in the heart of the city in Orchard Street. Our videographers are fully trained and using the latest equipment to produce broadcast quality video. Programmes are produced in the studio or outside and none are zoom interviews accept in exceptional cases. SwanTV believe in working with local individuals, businesses and community groups to produce the best local material. 

We are looking for presenters, interviewers, videographers, writers and performers and we can offer experience and exposure but currently have no funds for wages. So if you want experience, whether 5 or 50 hours a month then we should be your first stop. Come and join us, we work in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Currently SwanTV is available online through any device with a free app available on both Google Play or Apple Store for your smartphone, but we expect to be able to broadcast through Amazon and Roku in due course.

We are now producing a weekly chat show together with interesting videos on anything local and we seek out stories and peoiple who can join us on the sofa to talk about their story. We aim to start producing other programmes over the coming months including sport, cooking, motoring and the cost-of-living.

We plan to have a weekly local news roundup and believe we will be in a position to start this before the Autumn. We will be seeking out presenters and if you think you are a future Fiona Bruce, Huw Edwards, Sian Lloyd or Nick Servini then contact us. You don't need experience, just a positive personality, we can teach you and we have tele-prompters to help you be professional.

The service we offer is free but we look to sponsors and advertisers to help cover the salary for our production team, studio and running cost which we beleive will be about £100,000 for the first year. You can also become a sponsor on our Patreon site for from as little as £3 a month, little more than the cost of a coffee today. With just 1000 sponsors then a third of our costs would be covered to bring you a continuing and improving service with programmes that you will enjoy. We will start this month to have additional material on the Patreon site to give you even better value. See us at  https://www.patreon.com/swantv. 

 

Remember, we are a not for profit organisation, unlike other media companies, owned by Swansea business people and nothing is paid to share-holders, all profits will be ploughed back into running the Station, investing in new equipment and support local community groups.

Look at the SwanTV website and you will see we are already making it happen. And thanks to your support, we will grow every month both in audience and content. So if you can help in any way please do so as advertiser, sponsor or supporter. Help us inspire the local community with our up-and-coming programmes. 

Enjoy viewing SwanTV

Mike Leahy

 

 

 

 

4theRegion Conference and Business Exhibition

 Hi SwanTV Viewer.

Last week we attended the 4theRegion annual Conference and Business Exhibition at the Swansea Arena. The attendance was high and the Conference covered a number of important local issues.

SwanTV had a stand and set up a recording studio where we interviewed Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Day, together with a number of stand holders. There were more than 120 exhibitors making up a very lively show. This was an opportunity for visitors to stroll around and find stands of particular interest to their business. 

We took along Capt Beany who will soon be having his own zany show on SwanTV and he spent the day talking to stand holders and visitors alike, many wanting selfies with him. He is very zany and will be presenting a show full of surprises. 

SwanTV is looking for positive stories about Swansea and surrounding area, the people and events. Get involved and tell us what is happening with your business, your community events and interesting people. Become a sponsor or advertise on a show. WE need your support to grow and become your local media centre. 

 

 

 The conference covered different issues and one was an initiative to create a new creative network for Swansea was announced at this year’s Swansea Conference which was opened Swansea Regeneration Update.This covered exciting new visitor attractions, slick new office spaces and initiatives to attract new traders and were just some of the things discussed in the Swansea Regeneration Update at the Swansea Conference. Read on for some exciting announcements. Full details in the following link. https://www.4theregion.org.uk/swansea-regeneration-update-highlights-from-the-swansea-conference/                                 

There was a panel discussion that also explored the city’s cultural assets and how to make the most of them. Read on to find out more from the full report as follows: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/creativity-in-swansea-an-update-from-the-swansea-conference/

What are the challenges faced by local food producers, and how can we get more local food onto local plates? Here’s what our panellists at the Swansea Food and Drink Conference had to say. Here is the link: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/local-food-and-drink-our-report-from-the-swansea-conference/   

Here are just a selction of photos to give you a flavour of the day and to tell yoiu that next year is already booked.The Swansea Conference & Exhibition for 2024 is on Wednesday 27th March

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                            All photos kindly supplied by 4theRegion, with thanks.                  

 

 

 

 

Rant of the Week!

 Hi Swantv Viewers

It's nearly a month since I last wrote. I've been in hospital for a couple of weeks and now need a few days to recover. I had a pacemaker fitted about 7 weeks ago and all went well. Then it was discovered to be infected through the surface cut where it had been inserted. Most unusual I understand. So back to hospital to have it removed and then 10 days of strong intravenous antibiotics 4 times a day fror 10 days before a new one was inplanted. No I'm home and hoping this one is successful.

Meanwhile Gary Lineker was in conflict with the BBC over his comment "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". He was temporary  removed from his Match of the Day job because of political comment! We do have freedom of speech in this country and he is entitled to voice his views. It is not right, however, to compare anything in modern day Britain to the Nazi regime of the thirties and this is the grounds on which he should have been removed. He is paid a huge amount by the BBC. Is he worth that? I'm reading many comments on social media asking this very same question!! What do you think?? Or would he be better employed just promoting crisps.

The outrage that this episode has generated is extraordinary. I makes me wonder what the important issues of the day are: the NHS in crisis, cost of living, food banks and deprivation, sleazy members of parliament, being manipulated over Brexit and the fallout, the Covid issues of profit for memeber of parliament pals, police  and immigration, the control and what can be done to filter out those not genuine.

In addition I feel that we are afraid to speak our mind and of using the wrong word. Until recently we talked about men and women or being a person, now its being a human being, which I find strange. Does it really matter if we call women actors actresses for example? Is there something so terribly wrong being specific? Women, quite rightly want equal rights, equal pay, equal positions of authority, so being called an actress helps. 

That is my rant of the day. What do you think?

Keep watching our programes

 

 

Mike Leahy

 Hi Swantv Viewer

 Spent the previous week resting after second pacemaker operation. It has been a difficult few weeks and held up film production at SwanTV. But we are now back in the harness and ready to get started again.

Busy 7 days! last week I went to the Cardiff Millenium Centre to see the Peaky Blinder stage production. This was contemporary dance opening in the trenches of Flanders, a personal story unfolds in post-war industrial Birmingham as the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate and Tommy is intoxicated by a mysterious newcomer, Grace. Written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, with choreography and direction from Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, this captivating show matches dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatisation from the full Rambert company with a live band, specially commissioned music by Roman GianArthur and iconic Peaky tracks. 

With incredible dance routines from the large cast of dancers, a selection of music, some from the original TV series and some new together with the voiceover of poet  Benjamin Zephaniah: “You young men of the tunnelling brigade, you are all dead … condemned to a life without a soul.” And we’re off into the heavy chains and falling sparks of the industrial landscape of the Black Country, dominated by a grotesque factory foreman and women whose sharp elbows and quick marching steps demonstrate how invaluable they’ve been to the country while the men are gone. and the opening scene was off to a flying start, not in speed or grace but as tunnellers emerging dazed and defeated.

The wonderful dancers, supple bodies contrasting as they dance then in such precise unison that you had to look again. Costumes and sets ranging from depression to shimmering beads and a chase by dogs in brown leather, the dancers movements stretching our imaginations.

All in all this was a spectacular dancing show but I felt the storyline moved away from my expectations. Was Steven Knight's script badly interpreted by the choreographer? I lost the plot after a while and just enjoyed the spectacular of amazing dancers, beautiful costuming and fast changing sets. The live band on stage added a dynamic dimension that I really enjoyed. I would highly recommend this show.

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Then I saw the Glen Miller & Big Band Show at the Grand Theatre in Swansea with Kevin Cunningham and his  Moonlight Serenade Orchestra. This was a time to reminisce. And the right place to think about past times, this magnificent theatre  was opened on the 26th July 1897, by Opera Diva Madame Adelina Patti. It was designed by the architect William Hope of Newcastle and built by D. Jenkins, erected on the site of the former Drill Hall, Singleton Street. With just over 1000 seats in the main auditorium it is a theatre with a wonderful history and one wonders just how many famous actors have appeared there over the years and whether any have returned as ghosts feeling this was their home from home.

The theatre was fairly packed with not just those of us who remember this music but a younge raudience too. music from the  30's, 40's and a few from the 50's. Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug, Pennsylvania 6-5000 and String of Pearls are just a few of the numbers that shot band leader Glenn Miller to world stardom. Pieces from other band leaders including Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Count Basie not to mention songs made famous by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were featured in this 2 hour show which took us down Memory Lane and started our feet tapping.

If you have not seen any performance at the Grand Theatre then I would highly recommend a visit. There is such a wide variety of shows covering every type of live show imaginable. Being at a live performance is as inspiring and emotional as attending any sports match.

And if you, like me appreciate music from byegone days then Kevin Cunningham assured us he will be returning to the Grand Theatre next year. 

Lets keep Theatre alive. 

Keep watching SwanTV too

 

Mike Leahy  SwanTV

Busy Recording Week

 Hi Swantv Viewer

It has been a very busy week here at SwanTV. 

Sunday saw us at the rehearsals for Kipps, the Musical Theatre production that will be live at the Taliensin Theatre on the Swansea University, Singleton campus. This is being produced by the Cockett Amateur Operatic Society and is a far cry from the original Gilbert & Sullivan productions that they first produced. It was a vibrant lively morning with a very enthusiastic cast and we filmed some song and dance clips and short interviews. Live theatre died over the COVID pandemic when we all isolated and probably watched too much TV. 

It's time to get back into live theatre. It will support the theatres remaining open, it will support full-time actors, writers directors and producers, costume and set makers and all of those wonderfully talented people amateurs who want to perform on stage to make you laugh, cry and experience a full range of emotions. If you've not been to a live theatre show then I would highly recommend you give it a try. It can't be compared to a TV production of a show, like you can't really compare watching a sports match on TV or at the stadium, you don't quite get the excitement and thrill sitting on a sofa watching a screen.

Kipps is a re-write of the musical Half a Sixpence, which was on the London West End Stage in the early sixties. I guess younger viewers may not even know Tommy Steele but I remember seeing the show at the Cambridge theatre. And that musical was based on the book Kipps by H. G. Wells 150 years ago. He wrote War of the Worlds and The Time Machine, both which have been made into films and on TV. 

Monday evening we were at Matthew House in the High Street, the Church opposite the railways station to record the choir. The choir is a real mix of singers from all backgrounds who enjoy being together socially and also singing as a group. If you would like to try a session or join up then drop by the church where there will be someone to give you details and welcome you. 

Tuesday came around, St Valentine's Day and we met Capt Beany from Port Talbot in his colourful orange suit, tie and shoes. He shouted his way along the railway station platform and into town where he greeted people and presented them with orange roses. He certainly brightened up the day for some shoppers. Watch out for Capt Beany in future as he becomes a regular on SwanTV.

After a busy morning following Capt Beany it was time to walk to the Golden Bridge over Oystermouth Road where I met Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council. We went into the Arena and had a conversation in the auditorium about the regeneration of the city and the new projects recently completed or currently being build. The interview will be on the SwanTV website very soon. Watch out for it. And any comments will be welcome. I do think that Swansea has dramatically changed for the better in recent years and is a good place to live. You can be on the beach or in the countryside within 10 minutes from the city centre.

Wednesday started early preparing the studio where we were recording our first chat show. Our line up included Paul Evans the Safety Co-oprdination Officer for Swansea Council talking about how safe the city is now, in fact one of the safest cities in the UK. He spoke about the Purple Flag that Swansea achieved in previous years and which is up for re-assessment later this month. Later on Wednesday we filmed in Wind Street as you will read later.

Also on the show we had Capt Beany talking about his Valentine Day esacapade which will be included in the programme. He told us about the Eccentric Club in London and his award. He certainly is eccentric and this has probably helped him as he has constantly raised money for different charities around the area. 

And Finally we had cast members and the Assistant Director and Choreographer, Julie Hemmings, from Kipps the musical who talked anout their experiences and how the show is being prepared. We were fortunate in having Ashton Williams who plays Kipps, Natalie Edwards who plays Ann Pornick and Suzy Hambridge playing Helen Walsingham.   

I feel the show was a success and we are now editing it ready to be on the website in a day or two. This is our pilot show and I expected there to be some clitches but I feel you will find it a most enjoyable programme. We are looking for a name for the show that connects Swansea and a chat show. If you have an idea please send to ask@swantv.com.

Wendnesday Evening saw s in Wind Street talking to representatives of various agencies and groups who are concerned in making the night economy welcoming and safe, including doormen, taxi marshalls, the police, St Johns Ambulance, Bid, the landlords forum, rangers and the CCTV operators. All explaining what they do to make an evening in Swansea enjoyable and trouble free. Watch out for this film, soon on our SwanTV site.

And that rounds up the filming we have done. There were several hours work and now the editing is being carried out, and this is time consuming. So please bear with us for all of these programmes to be aired.

Thanks for reading this post. Keep watch SwnTV and do tell your friends. The app is available and is "swantv" one word. THis gives you the best smartphone experience and it is free.

 Regards

 

Mike Leahy, Direcor Swantv

NHS Experiences

 Hi SwanTV Viewer

I told you about my 3 NHS appointments I had last week. So at the weekend I wore a heart monitor to see if I still neded a heart pacemaker. I returned it about 9.30 on Monday and within an hour a hospital doctor called me and asked me to come to hospital immediately and check in a A&E which I did. There were three ambulances outside with patients inside., I booked into the reception annd explained I had been called by the Cardiac Dept. I had bloods taken within about 20 minutes and then waited an hour before being taken into a side room where an ECG was carried out. The nurse explained that they were waiting for a bed but within 30 minutes I was pushed in a chair the the CCU Department and allocated a bed. 

Nurses checked me and I was given several more tests. THe Department was busy with pacemaker fittings and each day they said they would try and fit me in. I was still waiting on Friday but they had me on the list for this afternoon. The blow fell! My temperature had risen more and I had a chest infection, so no pacemaker. And of course, being Friday no surgery until Monday. I just hoped I recover sufficiently by then. I wasn't clear of this infection despite a course of antibiotics until Wednesday. I had a light lunch, expecting to be called the next day but luck was on my side and I was wheeled into the lab during the afternoon. The small operation was successful and I was kept in overnight and checked out by the doctor next day. Now I am home and apart from having to take it easy for a week, not drive for a month and not do any violent activities for 6 weeks (Oh no! I was planning bungy jumping this week!!) I hope I shall be super fit again.

Meawhile I cannot sing the praises of the staff loud enough. On the first ward there were 4 nurses to 8 patients, high dependancy but I moved on Wednesday to a regular ward and there were two nurses on duty on each shift. They were so willing and nothing is too much trouble. During the whole two weeks the nurses are constantly cheerful and working. I didn't realise, or

had forgotten just how much they do during a shift. There were several student nurses on the ward and they were all given responsibilities under watchful eyes of the nurses and instructed on the practical work managing patients. 

I was particularly impressed by 3 events. One nurse in particular spent extra time and patience with the students explaining not just how by why procedures were carried out: secondly by a doctor who also spend at least an hour on the ward just talking to undergraduate doctors, explaining and answering questions, despite obviously being on a busy schedule: and thirdly a student nurse who had been on the ward the previous day but was in a different area. She went out of here way to come into the ward and talked to each patient for at least a couple of minutes in a really personal way, showing real interest in each of us. I saw it was going the extra mile that makes a good nurse or doctor. 

Time now for the Welsh Assembly to sort out the pay disputes and a plan to make the NHS work again. Nursing was just a vocation, now it's a profession, not charity workers.

I watched The Apprentice a couple of times and feel this is sadly dated and repetitive. Same Wannabys, just more exotic destinations. But I don't think that cuts it. Same cringing

comments by the fired candidate as they leave. Same projects. Same format during the final choice of which of the three to fire. And all the candidates look like they came from the same mould. And finally we see the early morning call "The cars will be outside in 20 minutes" and they all appear impeccably dressed, hair and make-up a shade to perfect. If these are selected as the best of the bunch I hate to think what the rest are like. Time for a shake-up? What do you think?

If you want to present your own show on SwanTV let us know your idea and we'll see if it fits in with our plans. We are interested in crafts, gardening, cooking, comedy, music, sport.

Meanwhile good viewing

regards

Mike Leahy

 

 

Positive thinking, polish up your profile, staying safer and the NHS - again. (5 minute read)

 Hi Swantv Viewer          

Be Positive    Kiwi Shoe Polish   Safer Swansea Neighbourhood Watch   NHS                                                                                                                             

 All I read about in the papers and see on the news is negative. So how does that make you feel? Particularly at the moment? Christmas, the happiness of being with your family, good food, not working was an uplifting time. Now January is here, cold, windy and wet, so no wonder we are all feeling low and wondering how the future will pan out.

Well it is time to be positive.  And here are 5 ways to make yourself have postive thoughts:

• Every morning over coffee write down 3 things that you are grateful for, and these could be quite simple. For example the sun is shining, you are going to enjoy a happy evening with your partner or family, someone smiled at you, you achieved something no matter how small.
  
• Go for a brisk 10 minute walk or do some exercises that make you breathless. This will increase your heart rate and will make you feel good about yourself. Do this every day.
• When you are dressing look in the mirror, smile and think how good you look. You could write "Super Star" on the mirror so you see it when you look at yourself!
• Stop watching the news or reading depressing newspapers. They make their money through sensational articles and bad news. 
• Try to do a simple Act of Kindness every day, if possible. Simple things like help an elderly or blind person across the road, talk to someone maybe at a bus stop or when you are queueing in a shop - just smile and comment on the weather or something that has happened and add "How are you today". There are a lot of lonely and unhappy people everywhere today. When you fo an Act of KIndness you cheer the other person and you will feel better too.

I see the shoe polish company Kiwi will stop selling in the UK because demand has dropped. Kiwi was originally an Australian company and the name was decided as the native flightless bird of New Zealand where the owner's wife came from. The polish was favourite with the

Australian and British armies, whose soldiers always presented in perfect uniforms and highly polished boots, and still do today.. 

As a lad I remember having to polish my fathers, my two sisters and my own shoes every evening ready for the next day. My grandfather had a green apron he wore just for polishing  his shoes. Now most people wear trainers and leather shoes are only worn on formal occasions by a minority. I guess they are more comfortable! I recall going into Clarke shoe shops and standing on an x-ray machine so the shop assistant could decide on the correct size and width. It was said that this helped feet to grow well and not be deformed. Trainers have soft coverings so this is not so relevant.

Polished shoes were associated with dressing smartly. My shirts were always ironed as were my trousers with a straight crease down front and rear. I wore a suit, shirt and tie for almost all my working life and still do on special occasions. I till feel that it is important to start my day with a shower and shave, dressing appropriately for what I am doing. It is strange for me to hear of some home workers staying in pyjamas and dressing gown for the morning, or even whole day. Call me old fashioned but I still feel that I am more efficient when dressed. 

Today I had a talk with Paul Evans of Safer Swansea, whose responsibility is to promote safety in Swansea and combat crime. One of the things we discussed was Neighbourhood Watch, something I am very interested in. Around 1987 I formed a group in Watford  and eventually signed up more than 80% of the residents on the Tudor Estate where I lived. I remember producing a monthly printed newsletter (the internet was in it's infancy then) and we had monthly meetings in the local pub where the landlord gave us free use of the first floor

meeting room. He did that because many members bought beers in the bar to drink during the meeting. 

The interesting thing is that we did watch out for anything suspicious but we also informed the neighbours of any area problems, a fallen tree, accident that closed a road and so on. We also knew which neighbours were vulnerable because they lived alone, were elderly or disabled and were able to 

 We had no mobile phones but a regular system where one person called 5 people who in turn called another 5 each and these call more so that information was passed quickly. An interesting additional benefit is that you will often be able to reduce your home insurance premiums if you can show there is an active group in your street by as much as 10%.

The days of knowing all your neighbours in the street have sadly passed in most places, especially large towns and cities, but that shouldn't stop you from wanting to keep yourselves and others safe. It's never been a question of nosy neighbours but just being alert. Neighbourhood Watch is not peering out through the curtains to see what is happening but merely being alert. Let's make Swansea safer than it already is, let's deter criminals and ensure everyone  You can see that I am passionate about Neighbourhood Watch and believe it is good for everyone in the community and we will be promoting this during 2023 on SwanTV. 

And back to the NHS. I've been so very lucky. 3 letters arrived on Thursday with appointments for various tests and scans that my hospital consultant has arranged for me. And I hear of
people waiting longer than ever, long ambulance queues waiting to discharge patients into A & E, and then long delays whilst waiting to be seen by a doctor and treated, patients fit and able to be discharged from wards being detained because there is no care plan in place either whenthey are sent home or in a care home, care homes being unable to take more residents because of staff shortages.And a high percentage of doctors and nurses leaving the NHS whilst replacements are not coming forward to be trained. It is pretty obvious that governments have failed miserably over the years in training, offering decent salaries and building sufficient new hospitals or updating existing buildings and equipment.  Promises have been made by governments over and over by both Tory and Labour and now it is time for action.

In Wales Mark Drakeford and his merry men should now take action and use the powers they asked for and received from Westminster, one of which is the power to increase taxes. Yes life is tough but if the NHS declines further then life will be yet still tougher with longer waiting for operations, the exudus of more staff, no-one wanting to train as a doctor or nurse, and possibly the only solution then being to use private health facilities. Lack of investment now will be a heavy burden on many and in fact will mean that they won't be able to afford treatment at all for their ailments. In Australia it cost up to £580 to call out an emergency ambulance, imagine that charge here plus hospital care charges. We have to be realistic and, despite the cost-of-living crisis we should realise that the NHS is the backbone of our way of living. We have dropped from offering the best health care to way down the line. Nursing now is not just a calling but a profession that should be treated as such. Remember clapping outside our doors? Does that mean nothing now? The next person needing an emergency ambulance or hospital care might be someone close to you, a family member, close friend. How will this crisis affect them . . . and you?

SwanTV is your local TV station and we want to hear your views. Want to come to our studio and have your say? Record yourself on your smartphone and send us a copy but use it landscape and not portrait please. 

Keep watching

Director Swantv Community Interest Company Ltd

Swansea in 2023

 Hi SwanTV Viewer

Wishing you a very happy, successful and healthy year ahead in whatever you do. Let's put last year to bed and move on . . . the only way is onwards and upwards.

The old tradition of New Year Resolutions is not so popular now as it was when I was a kid. Then everyone made them but like today they were quickly dropped. And it is estimated that about 80% are dropped by mid February at the latest. I believe it is better to make resolutions any time of the year, be specific but don't be too ambitious and track how you are doing So good luck if you make New Year resolutions to get fit, lose weight or give up smoking.

We all want a better future and here is my wish list for our local Swansea community. Will we see any of them mature this year? What do you think? Do you have anything to add to my personal list? These are some ideas I have been thinking about in recent weeks that might make a difference to us all in the coming year.

Local NHS. We are all complaining but that doesn't fix anything. What can we do to help ease the strain on doctors, hospitals, nurses and ambulances? I feel we should all take more responsibility for our own health, safety and wellbeing. So eating a healthy diet will keep your body working well and may stave off building up extra fats. Taking some regular exercise: they say 10 minutes getting your heart beating harder and faster, even fast walking,  3 or 4 times a day will make a noticeable improveent if you've not been exercising at all. And you can do that anytime, no need for changing into special clothing or visiting a gym.

Don't call the 999 Emergency Services unless you have a life threatening or serious injury. There is plenty of help for minor injuries and medical problems. Try dialling 111 where trained staff can help and advise you (incidentally for emergencies dialling 112 is the same as 999 but can be used from a mobile phone too). Did you know pharmacists are highly trained and can give you advice and in some cases can now prescribe drugs, so ask at your local chemist.

And of course, if non-emergency then you should try your doctor first. I understand that many surgeries arrange a phone call appointment first where the doctor might want you to visit the surgery immediately after speaking with you. Some surgeries are booking doctor appointments 2-3 weeks ahead which is obviously not good if you are really suffering, and that has to change. Unfortunately that delay can result in the patient deteriorating and suffering stress and anxiety. The difficulty in speaking to a doctor or having to wait is causing some patients to either call an ambulance or visit A & E. And this means longer waiting times for all.

And finally we need more First Responders across the city and county. First Responders are volunteers who are trained by the ambulance service and who can handle mainly minor injuries. When a 999 call is made the operator can decide if the call warrants an ambulance and if not will call a local First Responder who will immediately visit the patient, administer first aid or decide an ambulance is required. With sufficient trained volunteers the call on ambulances coud be drastically cut. An added bonus is that having a trained first aider in the family or workplace can deal with emergencies without even a 999 call being made. Qualified First Responders must be capable and car owners, they should be paid which might increase numbers. A network throughout Swansea would be a real community asset and take some strain off the NHS.

We all clapped the NHS and nurses during the pandemic. Now they need our support for more money, although the high rate they are seeking should be less. Higher salaries might encourage more new nurses. Mark Drakeford is blaming Westminster for not providing extra money to pay these increases but he asked for and has been given authority to raise extra taxes in Wales. He is refusing to do this despite a high percentage of the population saying they would willingly pay a little more if the NHS was improved. What do you think? A small increase from everyone wold make a big difference.

Wellbeing of All. When I was young something that was never mentioned . . . wellbeing and mental health. How things have changed for the better. Our wellbeing is the fountain of life. If you feel that people around you at home and work care then you will feel good in yourself.. Wellbeing centres around connecting with others, too many people are isolated or lonely and that isn't just people living alone. You can be part of a family or in a busy workplace and feel lonely. Connecting with others means talking to those around you, being interested in them (for if you are interested then they will surely be interested in you). Listening properly when having a conversation. It was said that the best conversationalists are listeners. Your wellbeing can be improved if you are active, not just physically active, walking, swimming, the gym: but active in the community, getting involved and not standing on the sideline. I mentioned listening, well taking notice improves wellbeing, taking notice of what is happening around you, the changein the seasons, the colour of leaves on the trees, the waves lapping against the shoreline. 

The poem line "What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare" is very relevant today. We are all in too much of a hurry but how much of our busy, busy life is important.  Be alert to what is happening and how the people around you are reacting. I was eating out with my family a couple of weeks ago and looking around noticed many diners on other tables were looking at and typing into their mobiles, not actively taking part in the table conversation. They might as well be eating alone!! 

And keep learning. Once jobs were for life but now we change jobs regularly and new work skills become necessary. Likewise we should keep learning new social skills: take up a hobby, widen your interests. There are people in their seventies and eighties starting degree courses, opening new businesses, travelling and meeting new people. And finally, giving improves our wellbeing. It makes us feel better. And giving has a ripple effect. You give to someone and they will give something different to another person. Do small acts of kindness  . . help that blind person across the road, carry that bag for the older frail person, pay for an extra coffee in a cafe that has a sharing table where peolpe can find someone to talk to if they feel lonely or sad. Not you? Come on give it a try and you'll see and feel the difference. And if you see someone in trouble don't look the other way or cross over, go and help. It might be you next time.

Equalling up . . .  getting around in the city. I'd like to see a land-train travelling from the railways station, down Orchard Street, across towards Castle Gardens and along Oxford Street, turn down by Wilko and stop at the entrance to the Quadrant Shopping Centre before turning round and retracing the route back to the railway station. This would greatly help older and disabled people get around the city easier and make access to the new Community Hub and Library so much easier when it opens, and justifies the £15m estimated cost. It would also improve access to the Train station where I see many people struggling along the HIgh Street with cases and large bags.

Safety of all residents is paramount and I believe a bigger Neighbourhood Watch presence would make a substancial difference to actual and perceived safety. There are groups within Swansea but many areas are not covered. The benefits are high including reduced home

insurance costs and knowing that a scheme will deter thieves and give you some peace of mind. 

The biggest reason people cite for not wanting to be involved is that they associate Neighbourhood Watch with nosey neighbours spying on them but nothing is further from the truth. SwanTV will be looking at some successful local schemes and helping anyone who wants to be involved. It's all voluntary and you don't need to give up any of your time, just be alert, aware of strangers in your area, and things that look amiss. Keep watching SwanTV for more information.

Swansea is alive with creative people. There is a thriving artist community. We should be nurturing this and looking to make another bid as the City of Culture based on the local creatives. Some years ago I was ready to set up an artist quarter on Sundays similar to

Bayswater Road in London where dozens of artists display their work. I talked to the Council Leader at this time and it was going to be around the Little Theatre and Pumphouse area. Could this be a future possibility? We also discussed a live busker area such as found in
Covent Garden where quality acts could perform. This could be at the small amphitheatre next to the LC Leisure Centre. This hasn't been used since the eighties to my knowledge but it is a perfect setting and with webcams set up sreaming live this could be a world-wide internet attraction. Covent Garden used to have regular Monday morning auditions so that the quality of performers was to an acceptable standard, acts where given a particular time slot and it was smooth running. This would bring in acts from outside Swansea as well as local ones. I guess it runs the same now.  

So those are a few of my thoughts on making Swansea even better in 2023. Some are minor and others larger projects but all will have an impact on our community. We shall be following these up through the year. There is no point in talking without action. If you have any comments please write below or contact us direct at ask@swantv.com giving your name and contact number. Help us make SwanTV the local online TV channel.

Have a successful 2023 in everything you do, stay safe and keep healthy. And don't forget to download the Swantv app.

Mike Leahy SwanTV