His Dark Materials at Glynn Vivian Gallery (10 minute read)

 Hi Swantv Viewer

Today we filmed in the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. We looked at His Dark Materials and also visited a Mosaics Class that was running. 

The His Dark Materials exhibition has a cool selection of props and costumes from the BBC drama series and we had an uplifling tour with Gemma Mughini of the Gallery. You can see the video on the Main Page and Events Page too.

His Dark Materials is a World Building in Wales exhibition and The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is delighted to present, in partnership with Bad Wolf, IJPR Media and Screen Alliance Wales, a look behind-the-scenes of BBC and HBO’s multi-award-winning, His Dark Materials. The exhibition is open to the public and free until Sunday 23 April 2023. Opening hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Last entry 4:30pm but closed Mondays. I would certainly recommend this exhibition.

If you have not visited the Gallery before it is the large building down past the main police station and BBC studios on Alexandra Road, opposite the Old Library. I find that there is often a free kerbside parking space opposite the Gallery. It is only a short walk from the railway station or city centre.

The creation of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery was made possible when in 1905 Richard Glynn Vivian offered his collection of paintings, drawings and china to the city with an endowment of £10,000. The donor laid the foundation stone himself in 1909, but it was after his death that the Gallery was formally opened in 1911, with "great enthusiasm and gaiety".

Glynn Vivian's collection, like most private collections, was eclectic. By donations – including the Deffett Francis collection of prints and drawings and the Kildare S.Meager bequest of Swansea china – and by purchases the Gallery's holdings have become more representative of the range of European art, while remaining rich in the work of local artists. The gallery also presents loan exhibitions and events, and has an educational programme.

But returning to His Dark Materials. This is set in a multi-world reality, with the action moving from one world to another. The series is based on Philip Pullman's trilogy of the same name. It begins in an alternative world where all humans' souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. The series follows the life of a young girl named Lyra who is an orphan living with the scholars at Jordan College, Oxford, in a world governed by the Magisterium, a religious and political body. Lyra discovers a dangerous secret that involves Lord Asriel and Marisa Coulter, and is the subject of a witches' prophecy that she will change the world. In her search for a missing friend, Lyra also uncovers a series of kidnappings and a link to a mysterious substance called Dust, which leads her on a journey of epic proportions and ultimately to other worlds. The witches' prophecy also links Lyra's destiny to  Will, a teenager from our world, who is himself being pursued by figures connected to his vanished father.And now series Three is being screened by the BBC from 18th December.

There are some huge props from the production in the Atrium including two large bears, a selection of huge bones and a massive angel that I understand took 4 weeks to create. It is only when you see the scale of these props that you realise that much of the work was done in the studio and not digitally. 

 

  I was struck by the detail in both the costumes and props of all sizes. There is a selection of handwritten letters, each individually written: the costumes are made down to the last stitch, the materials used look authentic! The Gallery displays many of the costumes and many props including the alethiometer, the important instrument that guides Lyra through her famtastical journey. In addition there are several photographs taken during production and video clips taken during shooting.

Watch series three on BBC1 Sunday 18th December at 7.00pm or catch-up the whole three series on the BBC I-player. Go to the exhibition and the whole series comes alive.

Regards

Mike Leahy Swantv Community Interest Company Ltd 

SwanTV app now here! (5 minute read)

Hi SwanTV Viewer

We are flying! We now have an app on both GooglePlay and Apple Store. Please download and follow us, it's free and you'll keep up to date with everything happening in Swansea.

Since our re-launch in July we have talked to many businesses, community groups and individuals. Following this we have been playing around with the website at www.swantv.com to improve and give you the services you've asked for. Please look at our website and let us know what you think. If there is something you feel we should include then tell us. We are here for you. 

Another develpoment is that we plan to have a new studio in central Swansea where we can produce a variety of programmes. This will also be available for community groups or commercial businesses to make promotional, documentary or advert videos. Ask for details. We can supply videographers, editors and sound engineers to give you a quality product. Talk to us about your needs. WE have black, white and green-screen backgrounds. Watch for more details on this exciting project.

We have been visiting local events including the Togetherness at Christmas where over 500 christmas dinners were cooked and donated by KR Events and Catering at the Brangwyn Hall and the Sketty Cross Christmas Fair. We also did an interview with Thom at Matt;s Cafe in the High Street. And we have a heavy commitment for the coming weeks. As a Community Interest Company we are interested in supporting and taking with community projects. So if you are involved in one and feel we should attend, then please call us.

We are interested in music venues where we can film bands, singers and choirs. Are you an artist with interesting work then we want to talk with you. And we are looking for crafters too. 

Would you like to present a show? If you are confident and have a clear voice come for an audition. We shall be offering training so please don't think you aren't experienced enough. We can help you. Age is no barrier. well currently we'd prefer you to be between 18 and 99.   We have an auto-cue or tele-prompter like they use an the major stations, always for the news.

Out Community Support page lists all food banks and other support available locally. Are we missing something? Please tell us. You can leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

I now much of our content is not new but we are changing that almost daily now. And because we are the new kid on the block we are fluid and can change programme formats within a day if we feel that would benefit our viewers.

So please download the SwanTV app now a support us. The more viewers we have, the more content we can provide. All comments are welcome. Help us make this a success.

Keep watching

Mike Leahy Director SwanTV

Togetherness At Christmas

 Hi SwanTV Viewers

The Together at Christmas event is was held today at the Brangwyn Hall. We attended and interviewed several people including the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Mike Day, the Leader of the Council Cllr Rob Stewart, and Jessie Rice, director of J R Events and Catering who produced over 500 meals free for those vulnerable, isolated or at risk of homelessness guests.

It is wonderful that such an event was organised but sad that it is needed in 2022. We should all have a place to call home that is warm and with a pantry of nurishing food that will sustain us, good neighbours who keep an eye on us if we are older or disabled, and free from streess and anxiety. The event lasted for a couple of hours and there was musical entertainment on stage. Supported by Swansea Council and local agencies there was help at hand to show the many organisations
and benefits available, with tables lining two long walls. At the rear of the hall huge

quantities clothing and shoes were available, free of charge. Every effort was made to help anyone in need. And of course Father Xmas put in an appearance together with an absolute army of elves and other fairyland characters, bring laughter and enjoyment to the many guests. I talked with several of those enjoying the hospitality and was struck by the stories they told. You never know when you might be an a bad place and need such support. We are living in such strange times that we should realiuse how lucky we are and help others who needed it in any area of life.

If you have a neighbour who is alone, elderly or disabled spare some time to check they are ok and maybe share a few minutes to talk. Some older and house-bound people rarely see anyone apart from carers and can be very lonely.

So that was one end of the spectrum. The other end was the Zoom conference I attended this morning with 4 the Region, Swansea. This is a movement to co-create a happier, healthier South West Wales with a thriving economy that serves the well-being of people and the planet, who want to see the region leading the way in new ways of living and working, and new ways of organising our society and our economy, more visible, more accessible and more relevant to all those who live here.

Since the Welsh Government became the first in the world to put protecting the well-being of future generations into law, in 2015; and since Wales joined the Wellbeing Economy Governments Organisation in 2019, it’s fair to say that Wales is part of a global movement to

reshape our economies so that they work better for people and the planet.  

4 the Region want to see the region fully embracing the principles of the Wellbeing Economy and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act for Wales (2015), making sure the purpose of growing the economy is to serve the wellbeing of people and the planet, rather than an end in itself. South West Wales is

an amazing natural environment, a brilliant quality of life, caring communities… and the opportunity to make Wellbeing the unique selling point, the regional identity, andthe shared purpose. 

The conference heard from all participants and will prepare a report from this information. If you are a local business look up 4 the Region where you can join.

To fulfil this ambition will be a long-term goal changing minds and attitude. We must all work together looking after our community, the local shops and amenities, local people and jobs. The Thatcher times when we were self-centred has passed. A major change is necessary to over come the current cost of living and improve our wellbeing.  Don't forget to keep an eye on that neighbour and, if you can, give generously to local charities trying to help those in need over the Christmas period.

Stay safe 

Mike Leahy  SwanTV

Contact: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/

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/

 

 

On Your Bike

 Hi SwanTV Viewer

I know that bikes are important, not just in helping us towards a greener environment and saving money  but also in giving us that exercise that we all need to keep fit and live longer. And most cyclists ride with care and obey the Highway Code to keep the rest of us safe. Cycles are integral to out transport system and should work in partnership with motor vehicles, each having due care and attention to others. I was shocked to read yesterday that a third of drivers thought that cycles should be banned from public highways. And seven in ten of the drivers questioned said cyclists should have insurance. The findings come from an online survey of more than 12,000 UK motorists by data collection firm Yonder who asked 12,500 motorists. What do you think?

I am becoming very wary of those mavericks who ride through traffic lights, on pavements and undertake on the inside of both moving and stationary vehicles, mainly in cities. Twice in the last 7 days I have narrowly missed being hit and possibly knocked down by cyclists on pavements. The first occasion they overtook me as I walked along, almost brushing against me as they passed, and at some speed too. They rode ahead, crossed at a pedestrian crossing, still riding, and sped down on the opposite pavement. The second time I stepped out of a shop and a bike wizzed by on the relatively narrow pavement, almost knocking me over, the cyclist turning his head and shouting "Watch out where you walk!" And this on a pavement!

The Highway Code states emphatically, in Rule 64 that “You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement”. It also advises that cyclists “take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room”. I can understand that children ride on the pavement and that is probably safe because they are smaller than pedestrians and going slowly. And also where pavements are deserted and there are no doorways or gates opening onto them. But city centres are different, often crowded, mothers with young children, older people who are slow and who have poor eye-sight and hearing. 

And I understand that many cyclists might feel threatened by motorists on busy roads where there are cars parked kerbside and roads may have potholes or uneven surfaces. And some vehicle drivers are either careless or menacing as they pass too close. I've noticed that some drivers seem to think this is a game, as is driving through puddled roads and splashing pedestrians (which is also illegal!). And cycling on roads in the rain must be difficult when visibility is poor and cars are spraying surfacewater as they pass.

There are many cycle routes now throughout the Swansea area and these are increasing year on year, making cycling safer. And the Local Authority must be applauded for this but the problem locally seems to be Swansea inner city and main roads leading there. The only cycle lane I have noticed has been outside the Grand Theatre and this is two ways in a one-way street. Theatre goers leaving may not notice approaching cyclist and I feel this is a hazard. 

Visiting Bristol I was amazed that there are cycle lanes throughout the city. And they are very busy plus e-scooters are licensed  and these are heavily used. I was surprised that none were using the pavements and all obeyed traffic signals. The scooters all have a registration number and I undestand that users get a discount if they wear a helmet and can be fined if caught using pavements (there must be adequate CCTV to pick this up). As a pedestrian I felt quite safe on pavements, and everyone safer, cycles, pedestrians and motor vehicles are all separated. Could this be an answer in Swansea? Cycle lanes and e-scooters! 

And finally should cycles be registered, have a warning bell that is used and carry insurance? I can't remember the last time I heard a cycle bell. Bikes are silent so riders should use their bells sparingly where necessary. 

With the volume of cycles, insurance would probably be reasonably priced, must be worth considering. I've seen cyclists with cameras on their helmets, presumably to catch motorists breaking the law, driving too close or in case of an accident. So they have a record of registration numbers. With cyclists they can just disappear in a flash, drive through red lights, on pavements, without lights or dangerously but we have no way of identifying them. A good solution might be to show the number on a hi-vis vest that the cyclist wore. This would both identify them and make them more visible. 

So what do you think? How can we improve safety for all raod and pavement users? Should the police or local authorities take more positive steps to stop racing cyclists on pavements? Cars that threaten cyclists? Introduce more safe cycle lanes? Introduce registration numbers? Introduce local e-scooters? Maybe a media campaign. Are the rcent changes in the Highway Code appropriate and well thought through? Lets make it safer for all. 

Mike Leahy SwanTV