This is the last commissioned piece I wrote for a national newspaper. I completed it before breakfast on March 24th, 2020, the day the first lockdown started. It was never used. Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere in the world, still magnificent and solid, from the centre of Cardiff to placid West… Continue reading
Posts tagged Wales
Pinot Cymru – raise a glass to the vineyards of Wales
I wrote this two summers ago – and I take no crdit for being prophetic. ‘Rugby and male voice choirs may still rule the valleys, but maybe they will toast success with a crisp local rosé or an elegant Pinor Noir in the future.’ And this week (July 6, 2021) a “deliciously fresh” red wine,… Continue reading →
So wise, so young – Gareth Jones, Journalist.
My father gave me my name in honour, and memory, of the great Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, who was murdered one day short of his 30th birthday by bandits in China in 1935. I’ve written a monograph – click here – which briefly outlines his life and describes a flight he took with the electioneering Hitler… Continue reading →
Just how easy is it to give up the plastic bag?
If you’re looking for some rare good news, even if it’s only small and symbolic, before the climate change talks in Durban this week, I’ll offer you this. I stood outside a Tesco Extra hypermarket in Swansea last weekend while on a visit to Wales, waiting for my wife to do some quick shopping. After… Continue reading →