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

Our Tomorrow is our Youth of Today

 Hi Swantv Viewer

Yes! tomorrow's success depends on the youth of today. We must nurture and encourage them. We all want the best for our children. Apart from what we can do and the wonderful teachers they are with daily, there is a huge network of youth support across Wales encouraging and teaching life skills through fun projects.

On Thursday I had the privilege of attending the annual Welsh Youth Work Excellence awards at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, attended by over 200 people, many finalists in the different catagories. Different segments of the ceremony were conducted in Welsh and English and an address was given by Jeremy Miles, MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language. Apart from the awards there was live music provided before the presentations by David Ingham and Erin Rolles: whilst Laila Woodward performed two original pieces she composed at the end on stage. Talented young artists showed their work,  Makenzy Beard and others organised by MAD, the music, art and digital community company in the High Street, Swansea. 

I was suprised to find how many individuals, groups and support units are involved with the youth in Wales and how diverse these are. Many involved in working with diverse and previously marginalised groups such as those who are disabled. The shift in attitudes over recent years, especially since the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act and later the Equality Act has had an enormous impact, making disabled people welcome, showing that they are are such an important part of our communities, and often with simple adjustments they can contribute in so many ways. 

It also struck me how the word "confidence" was mentioned time and time again in passing. Being confident is probably the most important personal trait leading to a full social and working life. How many are held back because they lack confidence and are anxious. So the many groups supporting youth may not list confidence building as part of their projects but whatever they are doing in bringing young peole together and listening to them or teaching new skills all will inevitably instill increased confidence. And this in turn witl reduce anxiety and help with many mental health issues.  

The awards were  wide ranging:

Digital Innovation with two finalists  Mindscape, Tanyard Youth Project;  "Nowhere to Go", Conway Youth Service and Sarah McCradle, Cardiff Youth Service

Equality and Diversity in youth work setting with finalists ; Mixtup; STAND NW Youth Zone; Stuart Parkinson, Deaf Hub Wales

Leadership with one finalist and winner David Williams, Torfaen Youth Service.

Outstanding Youth Worker finalists Andrew Owen, Leuenctid Gwynedd Youth, Carly Powell, Caerphilly Youth Service, and Lin Brackenbury, Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Wales

Outstanding volunteer in youth work setting finalists David Stallard, Mixtup, Kieran Saunders, CCYO, Lela Patterson, Swansea MAD, and Mahieddine Dib, EYST

Welsh language youth work finalists #FelMerch, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, and GISDA,

Youth work champions finalists  Heulwen O'Callaghan, Junior Leadership Project, Hannah Lewis, The Hwb, Torfaen, Karen and Jake Henry, VibeYouth CIC, and Nick Corrigan, Media Academy Cymru.

Demonstrating excellence in partnership planning and delivery at a regional/national level finalists Inspire, Youth Work in Hospital, and Ruth Letten, CONNECT, Adoption UK

Demonstrating excellence in partnership planning and delivery at a regional level finalists Wellbeing Festival, leuenctid Gwynedd Youth, Mick Holt, Flintshire Integrated Youth Provision, and Yarn Trail, Blaenau Gwent Youth Service.

A short video was shown about each finalist and the work they did, so inspiring. The enthusiasm and commitment that was shown is reflected in the thousands of young people who have been through these projects and benefitted. 

I was a guest with Karen and Jake Henry of VibYouth, whom I nominated for an award. Not everone who attended could be the catagory winner but it was obvious that every finalist was in effect a winner to have been chosen by the judges. And as Jake told me "Looking around I realise how well we have done to be here. It is an honour to have been selected as a finalist. We just go out and do our best in schools for the young people we work with, we do it to try and enrich their lives.."

Pre-computer days when children would safely play out in the street or local parks, where youth clubs were the normal, where they can build up social skills with peers is not a bye-gone time. There are activities throughout Wales for young people of all ages and so traditions continue. Yesterday I went to watch my grandson play football against other local youth teams and saw the enjoyment he and his friends had, whether winning or losing. It was really cold with a wind blowing across the field and I stood wrapped up warm. The young players seemed oblivious to the weather and, after shaking hands with the opposing teams at the end of the matches were quickly coated and whisked away, probably for a hot chocolate drink and hot sausage roll, at least that's what we had!!

Take care and enjoy the weeks to Christmas. Your comments are appreciated. What do you think about young people today?

Mike Leahy SwanTV

 

 

   

The Swansea Community

 Hi Swantv Viewers.

Now its the beginning of December and Christmas is fast approaching. And for many this will be a time of reflection, reflecting on the past couple of years, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the crazy changes in government and shifting policies to bring the nation back on course again after the enormous spend out on furloughing, gas and electricity subsidies,

businesses that are floundering because of the loss of business over recent months, cost of utilities, staff shortages, stock shortages, raw material price increases, online sales competition, rent increases, to name a few obstacles.

We visited Swansea Market and talked to several traders so take a look at the video on www.swantv.com. Turkeys, the key to a good Christmas dinner for most of us but this year the bird flu has decimated the flocks. Turkey is still available but at a high price. But there are alternatives so maybe you want to be creative. Often there are about a dozen of us sitting down on Christmas Day and 3 are vegetarians so we have to have a selection. In Swansea market we saw the usual poultry plus game. There is a wide variety of cut meats, pork pies, lava bread and cockles for a true Welsh Xmas Day breakfast, local honey, marmalades and

lemoncurd, and more. watch the video. Support the local traders not just in the market but on the street too: if we don't support them during this time we might lose them. Amazon has become the choice for many but don't neglect those shops and stalls who have given such good service over the years. Loyalty seems to be slipping away and I think that's bad. 

Loss of loyalty started with the banks and insurance companies who gave new customers better terms than existing ones whom often found premiums hiked up. I feel we must look after each other now, and not just shops and their customers but in general. I read that something like 80% of bystanders will do nothing if they see someone attacked in the street or have an accident, collapse or are crying. I understand some may feel it isn't safe to take action, whilst others don't give a damn. Just think if it was you and nobody came to help you!!

So lets be loyal to local shops and businesses where we can. Lets look after each other like we used to do. Lets bring the Christmas spirit to life during December and on into the New Year. And Christmas is going to be tough for many so start talking to your elderly neighbours now, not on December 24th. Smile at others, smiles are infectious and your smile today might not just make someone feel better but they might smile at someone else and soon your single smile is echoing around the city . . . or further. And if you are struggling go to our website where there is plenty of help, no matter what your problem might be. Talk about it. click on the link here. 

Don't get stressed or anxious about Christmas preparations. It should be a time for families to be together, pulling together, sharing together.

 Mike Leahy  SwanTV

Beautiful Swansea & Gower Beaches

 Hi Swantv Viewers

Boxing Day used to be when many sat down to think about summer holidays and even book their hotels and flights. And Boxing Day is already racing towards us. It's been almost impossible over the last couple of years with the pandemic plus the difficulties with flights. But most of us are hoping that we can return to normal next year. But will that mean seeking out the sun away from the UK? I feel that many have now experienced again holidays in the UK and this year the weather has been exceptional. So will there be a divide between those travelling abroad and those staying in the UK?

We have all seen video or pictures of packed beaches, not just on the Costa del Sol but also in the UK, for example at Blackpool during the heatwaves this year. And this might be your heaven but the contrast with Swansea and Gower beaches could not be more different. 

You may enjoy being on your own square metre of sand, jostling your way into the sea,queuing for that ice-cream or, if you are out of the country, longing for a Britsh cup of tea. It might be very hot (although summers here are getting longer and hotter) and the food may be different, although I hear of visitors abroad who look for english food and beer. You may have had long delays or even cancellations at the airport or ferry.

But wouldn't it be nice to arrive refreshed after a reasonably short journey with no worry about long-term parking, being 2 hours ahead of a flight, worrying that the flight may be delayed or cancelled, sitting in a crowded plane? South Wales is just a car drive, coach or train journey away. So no passports, medical documents, no language difficulties. And if you arrive by coach or train Swansea is a waterfront city where you can walk to the beach in minutes from the city centre. For a really relaxing vacation there are buses to take you around the Gower and bikes are readily available to hire. 

There are now numerous hotels from the national chains to the more intimate private hotels where a real Welsh welcome awaits with real Welsh menus of delicious mouth watering locally produced food. And the guest houses, camp sites and caravan parks offer a huge selection of accommodation to suit every pocket.

Whether using public transport or driving, just pack up a hamper which you can make yourself if in self catering, pick up sandwiches, prepared salads and drinks and off you go. Find a quiet beach ( and there are many) park up and spend a family day. Don't want to take a hamper? There are many places to eat, great  restaurants and pubs serving delicious food made with local produce.

And the beaches! You want some fun as a couple or family or just alone. There are desserted beaches, vast arrays of soft golden sand and clear safe water. Many beaches have top awards for clean water and litter free. The catch? It's simple, many beaches are a short walk from parking and for many that's more than enough. But isn't it worth a 5 minute walk to be in such a haven!

It is becoming more common to have a number of shorter breaks too. So coming to Swansea for 3-4 days plus a weekend a few times might be a good way to make the most of the more days we all have from work now. For the holiday maker there is so much to see and do here from sitting on the beach, walking around the marina or cliff-top routes, seeing local cheeses, chocolate, pastries and other specialities being produced, visiting the many castles and other heritage sites, having a Joe's ice-cream or being in Wales's largest indoor market (and voted best indoor market in the British Isles) and tasting local cockles or a pastry. Joe's ice-cream is iconic and known across the globe, and once tasted never forgotten. There's also the Heritage Centre, archery, horse-riding and many other activities to enjoy.

And for entertainment there are the usual cinemas and don't forget the Grand theatre with it's varied productions, the Little Theatre and Taliesen Theatre on the Singleton University campus. And now the new Arena with a great line-up of shows. There are art galleries and museums. 

Swansea, the waterfront city offers so much. And because the city has a small foot-print you don't need a car, walking anywhere from the beach, marina or city centre is just a stone's throw. And now with the network of cycle pathways and the ease of hiring bikes you can enjoy a relaxed time.

So if you live locally explore those places you've not visited before or try those activities for new experiences. If you live away why not make Swansea a holiday destination next year. We'd love to see you.

ref: 

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/trip-advisor-swansea-things-to-21468028 

 https://www.visitswanseabay.com/

 

 

Low Cost Practical Inner City Travel

 Hi SwanTV Viewers

Sometimes the whackiest of ideas spawns a solution to a problem.

I've talked to many older and disabled people recently about the difficulties of getting around the city centre. Swansea is a compact city, and for most people walking from one side to the other of the city centre takes 10-15 minutes maximum, so quite accessible. But it takes longer from the railway station which so,me what isolated. And walking from the bus station can be quite a challenge for some.

The new Council Community Hub that is rising out of the old BHS store is central. Now this is a good thing, easy to get to for able-bodied people. But it is a challenge for many older and disabled people. I know from experience leading up to my bypass surgery how breathless I found any walk of more that 50 metres, and exhausting too. 

The obvious answer, well obvious to me at least, is to see if it is practical to run a land-train from the bus station, along Oxford Street, down Orchard Street to the railway station, turning round and running the route back again picking up and dropping of along the route but in particular along Oxford Street. This would encourage more people to shop there and make access to the new Council Community Hub easier. 

Run as either a free service or simple £1 fare. This could be collected as cash, through an app or with passengers purchasing a bulk ticket of say 5 or 10 journeys from the bus or rail station. I'm sure that the uptake would be sufficient to cover costs and would be a really beneficial service to the whole community.

Obviously there are many points to consider and some opposition but I feel a forward looking Local Authority would look at this proposition as a serious solution to the mobility problems for some people. And there would be no need to make provision for wheelchair users, so no expensive adaptations to carriages.

What are your views? Is this a good idea that will help many people and bring more business to shops in the city centre? You can comment here or send a video clip of your views to ask@swantv.com.

Mike Leahy  SwanTV

 

 

FREE Energy & Money Saving Stickers

 Hi SwanTV Viewer

SWITCH OFF!  That's not what you want to read on the first line of a blog!! No, I mean switch off lights when you don't need them. And we have FREE labels coming in a few days.

The UK government and utilities companies are talking about power cuts. And they are asking us to save electicity where we can over the winter months. As an ex-boy scout I remember their motto "Be prepared".

I remember vividly the power cuts in 1974. I was working in London and driving throughout Central, North and West London seeing customers. Those were the days when face to face meetings were normal and you could build up firm business relationships, knowing and trusting each other. This was before Zoom calls or even mobile phones. In fact to contact the office I had to find a public call box and insert money to speak and they contacted me by my pager which just bleeped to tell me to call them!!

The power cuts brought chaos in many ways to business. Some were unable to operate at all, such as restaurants where ovens and hobs couldn't be lit, many factories where machinery stood still, banks where newish computers stopped and customers accounts were suddenly not on screen. And one of the most difficult things then for me was driving through black street, sometimes unable to clearly make out kerbs (headlights were not as powerful as

todays). And in particular I remember driving through side roads in Kilburn which were badly pot-holed and I was unable to see some, so I bumped along, slowly. I see that they have tried removing traffic lights in the Netherlands and it is working well, speeding up traffic. But I remember the nightmare in London at night with no traffic lights.

But of course there were benefits for some businesses and opportunities for others. The company I worked for had offices and camping shops in Dublin. I remember we hired a 3.5 ton lorry and I drove to Liverpool, across to Dublin and the warehouse. Here we filled up with gaz lights and canisters to take back to London. It was winter time and the seas were often choppy. I found that my lorry was stowed on deck, rather than with the other freight lorries below decks. This was so that my vehicle could be cut loose and ditched overboard if there was a problem. Just imagine a load of gaz cylinders exploding on board a ferry!! I arrived back in London and the banks were lining up with cash to collect and take. I think this was one of the few times when the banks paid in advance.

But now everything depends on electricity. A power cut will mean none of these: lights, kettle boiling away, recharging mobiles and laptops, stair-lifts, microwaves, recharging electric vehicles, even putting fule in a petrol driven vehicle. So maybe prepare now. Some very basic things are camping Gaz lights and single burner cookers are inexpensive and can easy to use for continuous light and heating a saucepan, certainly a supply of  tea candles, keep mobiles charged and possibly get a power pack. Keep fuel topped up, at least sufficient for any emergency journey, make sure freezers and fridge doors stay closed. They say a full freezer will stay colder longer but certainly they will be ok without power for 4 hours. And have some exra layers of clothes handy because there will be no central heating for most.

But back to NOW! There are  some small things we can do with the dark nights here with a vengence. One is to switch off lights that are not in use. I know I often leave lights burning unneccessarily. It's too easy. Now one or two lights burning isn't going to make a huge difference to you or I short term but there is a saving long term. But far more important is that if we all switched of lights when we finish then overall there will be a big saving and it will help with reducing power cuts. So SwanTV have launched their "SWITCH OFF" campaign and are offering free labels for you to use.

These will be available from 20th October free of charge. Just become a supporter on Patreon click here https://www.patreon.com/swantv/membership and we'll send you a dozen plus other benefits you'll see there. We are looking for pick-up points too, where you can get these useful labels free in Swansea so watch this space.

And please keep an eye out for frail, old and disabled neighbours who might need a friendly hand. Talk to them now rather than leave till a power cut happens.  

Stay safe. Prepare with SwanTV. Get your FREE stickers now.

Mike Leahy  SwanTV

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