tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33431383361715464272024-02-20T02:43:48.527-08:00An American in PowysAn American in Powyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289131907578521566noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343138336171546427.post-50372231134345067682013-05-09T03:29:00.000-07:002013-05-14T05:49:28.478-07:00Is there life without car?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Having recently given up my car after more
than 10 years of ownership, I've been mulling over why I already feel so
different. Is it because I'm looking forward so spending hundreds of pounds
less on transport than I did last year? Or because my carbon footprint is
suddenly looking so dainty? Or maybe it's the knowledge I'll no longer have to
manoeuvre the vacuum cleaner between the seat and the gear box, in an irritable
effort to reach that last piece of mouldy sandwich.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Actually I think it's more complex than
that – for while the benefits of going without a car are many, so are the
disadvantages. For one thing, I will truly miss the act of driving. Although my
little car would never have caught the notice of Top Gear enthusiasts, I
enjoyed feeling at one with it as I scanned the road ahead of me, keenly
cultivating my animal-like reflexes. My feet hovered over their pedals like
eagles poised to attack, as I practiced making ultra-smooth gear changes for
the comfort of my passengers. Indeed, I relished the ability to offer a lift to
anyone in need, giving something back for all the hitch-hiking I'd done in
younger days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Aside from the visceral pleasure of speed,
the car also offered a sense of self-sufficiency – a feeling that no matter
what happened, I would be ready. On weekends away, I'd bring running shoes,
hiking boots, wellies, "presentable shoes" – and all their related
items of clothing. The sense of adventure was palpable as we'd set off – who
knew where we'd end up? Swimwear, musical instruments, a bottle of wine, gifts
for hosts, a picnic for the journey . . . there was room for everything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Market days in the nearby town were a highlight
of the week, when I'd stock up on anything that caught my eye, with no concern
for weight or bulk. Sacks of potatoes, pumpkins, seasonal fruit – and why not
bring home a little apple tree? I was the crafty hunter-gatherer, bringing back
spoils for the tribe. And the road ran both ways: on my way in to town I could
drop off all our empty tins and bottles at the recycling yard, making space for
a fresh hoard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But things have changed, and I've got to
accept my new status. I'm no longer the carefree creature who "nips"
into town or down to the beach. That bionic woman with an engine and wing
mirrors, fearless rescuer of rain-soaked pedestrians, is no more. Suddenly I'm
just a girl with a bike – and a growing stack of empty cat food tins that will
soon need carrying down to the main road for recycling. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">If last year is remembered for its camping
weekends and spontaneous visits to outlying friends, this year may be the year
of increased intimacy with the bus timetable – not to mention the weather. On
dry days it will be pleasant to cycle the three miles to the market, but I'll
have to limit my purchases to whatever fits in the bike bags – and then if I
need to leave the bike while I run other errands, I'll just have to trust that
no one will be tempted to pilfer my unsecured loot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Yet despite the hassle of having to plan
ahead, the loss of freedom to visit farm-dwelling friends, and all the other
limits suddenly placed on my lifestyle, I feel a surprising sense of
anticipation. Surely it's not just the financial savings, although the money
will be a big help. A leaner body is another good reason, and I'm already
revelling in the challenge of using my own strength and stamina to get where I
need to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Yet deeper than this is a growing
conviction that we've got to start living on a smaller scale, start enjoying
the friends and family who live nearby, and start thinking about how we get
around – all of which go hand in hand with decreasing the amount of carbon
dioxide we pump into the atmosphere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Most people already know that cars pollute.
Many of us have already have made an effort to drive less and to share lifts.
But so far there has been no coordination, no big vision for how we might make
a transition from a culture where 29% of greenhouse gases come from transport,
with 40% of this coming from private cars. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Rolling along in my fossil fuel-guzzler I sometimes
felt like a relic from the past: still here but facing imminent extinction. It
seems so silly, and even sad, to be sucking down the last bit of easily
accessible oil just to fuel shopping trips and Sunday excursions. I can almost
hear the disbelief in the voices of future school kids learning about the
history of energy: "You mean they used up millions of years' worth of oil
in 150 years? Why didn't they save some of it for us?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The epithets passing through their minds
would likely be unprintable when they realised that not only had we used up all
the juice, but by burning it so quickly we'd left a legacy of floods, droughts
and severe storms caused by the instability of a warming planet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">If future generations have good reason to
condemn us, will they also concede that we tried to correct our mistakes? I
think so, at least if they learn out about "Zero Carbon Britain," the
energy scenario developed by one of Europe's
longest-standing environmental centres. Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) has been looking into the hazards of climate
change and peak oil since the mid-1970's, and have been credited with bringing
renewable energy technology into the mainstream. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">These days CAT
maintains a think tank of experts whose sole job is to gather information on
the feasibility of avoiding catastrophic climate change. And the good news is
that they think it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> avoidable. With
a programme of "powering down" (reducing demand) combined with
"powering up" (making renewable technologies the norm), CAT says we stand a good chance of avoiding the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> dangerous climate change – that
is, if we can act now to prevent the earth's temperature rising by 2˚C or more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Much of their vision relies on convincing
government to make sustainability more of a priority: insulate homes, modernise
land use, harness more of the UK's
vast wind resources. But there's definitely room for us as individuals to help,
too. Home heating is the largest single culprit of emissions, so it's vital
that homes get better insulation and make use of appropriate renewable
energies. But the next biggest emitter is transport – of course it's up to the
government to improve rail infrastructure and town planning, but we have a role
to play too. If we can cut back on air travel and driving, we'll make a big
difference. That's something we can do now, while we look forward to cheaper
and more efficient electric vehicles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Of course, there are alternatives to having
your own car: car share clubs have become quite common in recent years; members
say it's liberating to have access to a car, yet share responsibility for maintenance,
insurance and parking costs. My nearest car share group is in the town 3 miles
away, so I suppose that system wouldn't be ideal for me. There are, however,
neighbours who might consider sharing their car, if it meant I'd be chipping in
for costs – it's definitely something to consider.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">No doubt there will be times when I'll
dream of owning a snazzy electric car (particularly when a downpour finds me on
my bike). I'm certainly not promising never to drive again. But I'm eager to do
my bit to cut carbon emissions now, and for as long as I can, by doing without
a car. Who knows – I might even enjoy it!</span></div>
An American in Powyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289131907578521566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343138336171546427.post-41747944958901123342010-07-29T02:46:00.000-07:002010-07-29T03:07:47.762-07:00My Journey to Official Residence<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqnr4P1CiwQfXmaONHT6yqHh_Ppx7dBlKR_v-j2lF5hRuv9t5mLfGBQNRHr5pzEpdy-55ZdSEsPFQqbBLds52lMfXpzS7fiCmOacG2UkL1iSBJNiqCoTJgf3MERiFeLmYwPIFgtFlAxo/s1600/life+in+uk+book.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqnr4P1CiwQfXmaONHT6yqHh_Ppx7dBlKR_v-j2lF5hRuv9t5mLfGBQNRHr5pzEpdy-55ZdSEsPFQqbBLds52lMfXpzS7fiCmOacG2UkL1iSBJNiqCoTJgf3MERiFeLmYwPIFgtFlAxo/s320/life+in+uk+book.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499263513305378018" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">In June I took the “Life in the UK” test, which is a prerequisite for applying for citizenship or indefinite leave to remain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Home Office offers a book that contains all of the information used to formulate the test, so I had been studying for a few weeks before driving up to Llandrillo College in Conwy to take the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were six of us in the room, and we learned afterwards that four of us had passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I treated myself to a cream cake in one of the many tea rooms in Rhos-on-Sea afterwards to celebrate, and began to think (in other words “worry”) about the next challenge: my application for “Indefinite Leave to Remain.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Having lived and held a work permit in the UK for five years, I was eligible to apply for this long-term residence permit, which would remove conditions from my stay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It would allow me to work in any job, instead of only as part of the music duo “Ember,” as specified on my work permit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It would also free me from the need to apply for more visas or work permits, as long as I was never absent from the country for more than two years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So I compiled my application, with evidence of my work, finances and continuous time spent in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I also asked for letters of support from my employer, and from some of the theatre and festival organisers who have booked Ember in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For good measure I rounded up a selection of reviews and publicity about our music from over the years, to show how very busy we have been. . . and finally I made sure I had the £1095 in my account to pay for the application!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The people in the Cardiff public enquiry office were very friendly, and after I handed in the application and paid the fee they advised that I go look around the town centre for a couple of hours, as it would be more pleasant than hanging around the small, crowded waiting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So I took their advice and found the high street, with plenty of shoe shops to keep me occupied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And, in fact, I did find a couple of contenders for summer sandals, but decided it would be bad luck to buy myself shoes before I knew the outcome of the application.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After two hours, they still hadn’t rung my phone to ask me to return, but I couldn’t face any more shopping so I returned to the dreaded waiting room, and asked the security man to tell someone I’d returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After a while a man came out and asked me a question about my application.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a scary question, as it seemed to imply that my time in the UK may not have added up to five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I answered the best I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He went back behind the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This happened three or four more times over the course of an hour or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My heart was wildly fluctuating, and I could see the other applicants in the room looking by turns exhausted and fearful, but then remarkably poised when they were approached by an officer holding their papers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Eventually there was only one other person sitting in the waiting room with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She and I took turns standing up and walking over to look out the window at the typically grey and uninspiring street scene below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I happened to be sitting when my officer, whose name I never learned, walked out and handed me my folder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“You’re all done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’ll get your passport in the post with the sticker in it within five days.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was very matter of fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was so relieved and grateful, I shook his hand vigorously and thanked him, which seemed to amuse him somewhat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then I caught the bus back to the station, in time for the 5:43 train back to Machynlleth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I walked to my platform, I recognized a woman I’d seen in the waiting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was just settling into a seat in the cafe, and pouring herself a glass of white wine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had already bought myself a celebratory can of Guinness, which I opened as soon as the train began to move.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When I arrived home several hours later, there were big yellow letters in the window spelling out “HOORAY,” and the unmistakable sound of the gramophone playing some lovely smaltzy 1940’s jazz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Paul appeared from the conservatory with a bottle of wine in his hand, poured me a glass and then grabbed me for a waltz until the music stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cat was there too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were all very happy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Since then I have felt much more grounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s made a difference to my state of mind, knowing that I can stay here as long as I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once or twice I have felt worried for a moment, about nothing in particular, and then had to remind myself:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t have to worry about that any more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had been weighing on my mind for a long time, as I feared they might find some reason to turn me down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m very grateful to have been accepted as a permanent resident, and might even consider applying for citizenship, when I’m eligible in another year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy-mtU_AbRefRiCQivZbtQEOPW7L5ZLBXrOyKaJTNvriYvKKxJCS45kTcQ2mmQRZVgZbix8paqo0IP477Xa4M84uZxiFnMEEr0NJ3z_7q6mBjSoroNmhcuvJs860JPMvkxEDI1A9zaxQ/s320/DSC09868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499264999956106338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Paul and me after our traditional "river walk" on Solstice</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyMQPpBB1daj1_jWvklsddR2lpfnyFc9aIX575l8Q2BEkoejDDpm5O8euCXCarGaPgyEP1CuiqJQSZWJDltHWOiyfVYk2XbcH5ohbMs_qXxHJgHdZ6toLc7eeQiDQgGqUpoRSyTVHcrY/s1600/DSC09862.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyMQPpBB1daj1_jWvklsddR2lpfnyFc9aIX575l8Q2BEkoejDDpm5O8euCXCarGaPgyEP1CuiqJQSZWJDltHWOiyfVYk2XbcH5ohbMs_qXxHJgHdZ6toLc7eeQiDQgGqUpoRSyTVHcrY/s320/DSC09862.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499267221503226418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">the river (alright, so it's more of a stream)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->An American in Powyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289131907578521566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343138336171546427.post-40763784312936226272009-12-06T12:54:00.000-08:002009-12-06T13:13:07.712-08:00Arts in Transition Conference, 2 December 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFehFh_qkCKdNGtjiSzUa70Zae06g0InZpO9mcxxEEG7jlmRr04_Sk8RVkepnWeNdTH3lOKzH84UJBd2WtCOr81zz02ctK0hwNErXoGfJXxuVAZoFGV8ir4WC4wo6lztXCdgg3J_vc6E/s1600-h/cat+logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFehFh_qkCKdNGtjiSzUa70Zae06g0InZpO9mcxxEEG7jlmRr04_Sk8RVkepnWeNdTH3lOKzH84UJBd2WtCOr81zz02ctK0hwNErXoGfJXxuVAZoFGV8ir4WC4wo6lztXCdgg3J_vc6E/s320/cat+logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412233144775176178" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow is day one of the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like others around the world I am crossing my fingers that the conference will result in a treaty appropriate to the danger level we are facing.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">Of course we all know that crossing our fingers won’t do much, and that’s why we can be grateful for organisations like <a href="http://www.cat.org.uk/">Centre for Alternative Technology</a>, located here in mid-Wales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Centre was founded in the the mid-seventies as a reaction to the fuel shortages of the time, and these days the staff continue to track climate change science, while working to spread the word about how policy and individual behaviour may need to shift in the coming years.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">To this end, the creative minds at C.A.T. are always finding new ways to engage the local community, a recent success being the “Arts in Transition” conference, held December 2n<sup>d</sup> in a wing of the new education building.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my capacity as a songwriter, I was pleased to be among the local artists invited to hear a series of short presentations by C.A.T. staff, with plenty of time in the schedule to discuss the issues with the specialists, and with the artists in attendance.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">BBC-commissioned radio playwright <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j16kt/Afternoon_Play_Getting_to_Zero/">Sarah Woods</a> facilitated the meetings, beginning with an acknowledgment of the difficulty artists face in forging a path between “finger-wagging and the hippie viewpoint,” when trying to portray relevant modern issues.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">Long-term staff member Tanya Hawkes pointed out that in Wales sustainability is an integral part of politics, more than in the rest of the UK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is also the encouraging fact that other countries such as Norway, Iceland and Costa Rica have been making ambitious pacts amongst themselves, thereby getting a head start on the global treaty process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So all is not doom and gloom!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">Although I was only able to attend the morning session, I was stimulated the event, and by the presence of so many motivated local artists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As far as I could tell it was quite theatrical bunch, but there were also a number of visual artists, many of whose work I had previously enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Some of my favorites:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.artsconnection.org.uk/news.htm">Pippa Taylor</a>, wood sculptor<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://meriwells.co.uk/">Meri Wells</a>, ceramic sculptor<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://toomuchneverenough.co.uk/">Caitlin Shepherd</a>, illustrator and textile designer<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"> Local film-maker Pete Telford covered the conference, and has posted an article on his <a href="http://www.culturecolony.com/news?id=1104">Culture Colony</a> website with photos and details of the presentations.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanks to C.A.T. for an inspiring few hours; I have great hopes for the ability of artists to draw climate change into our collective conscience. Now lets cross our fingers for Copenhagen. . .</span></span></span></p>An American in Powyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289131907578521566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343138336171546427.post-76588739512080965772009-09-25T06:25:00.000-07:002009-09-25T06:33:10.039-07:00Dysgwraig dw i! I'm a (Welsh) learner!<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Autumn is with us, and like all good children, I’m back in class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Have just begun my second of year of intensive Welsh language, taught by the inspiring Sue Evans, of Penegoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I must admit I was originally skeptical about learning from a non-native speaker, but within an hour of class, it was clear she could explain the ins and outs of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Cymraeg</span> as well as any native speaker -- perhaps even better, with the experience of having learned it herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sue is a natural comedienne, and laughter is a big part of the class; I find this eases the frustration when those stubborn, aging synapses refuse to fire.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Faint o bobl sy‘na yn y dosbarth?</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "> </span> </span>How many people are in the class?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Mae ‘na bymtheg person yn y dosbarth</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are 15 people in the class.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yes, it’s rather large, for a language class.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But how can you exclude someone who comes along with a sincere wish to learn?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I can see it’s not easy.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oh well, wish as luck as we delve into this beautiful and mysterious ancient Celtic language.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And as we summon up courage to use it in the shops and cafes of Machynlleth!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></p><p></p>An American in Powyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289131907578521566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343138336171546427.post-47412129932024896882009-09-22T02:52:00.000-07:002009-09-22T05:03:26.547-07:00Otley Folk Festival 2009Otley! A playground for folkies one weekend each September, and Em and I were pleased to be part of the program, after a couple of years away. Aside from the obvious thrill of playing on stage at festivals, we really value the chance to sit down and hear some of the other bands. We definitely lucked out this time, as the organizers had booked a range of great talents -- many of them women, I'm pleased to say.<div>Some observations on what I saw and heard:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.mawkin.co.uk/">Mawkin Causley</a></span>. Of course I'd heard the name many times in recent years, and had been mildly titillated by the soft-core porn they handed out as promo material at Cambridge Folk Fest last year. I had also heard Jim Causley sing with Devil's Interval, but was curious to see what "folk's boy band" would get up to. And on this sunny Saturday afternoon, the boys didn't disappoint. </div><div><br /></div><div>Variety was the name of the game, with different combinations of the five musicians on and off stage, playing a mixture of driving tunes and sweet ballads. Causley's voice surprised me again with its depth and maturity --and it was so English to my ear -- very refreshing, as I've just come back from the States. They played a quite funky version of "The Cutty Wren," a melody I'd previously known as belonging to the incredibly driving revolution song "Ned Ludd" by activist group <a href="http://www.seizetheday.org/">Seize the Day</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Causley also insisted on singing a song about "summer girls," an elaborate description of a particularly lovely lady amongst many. One can't help feeling it's a bit out of context, as he seems more inspired by men in chains, but he shrugged off any confusion at the end of the song by explaining it was about Dylan Thomas' life. Perhaps it was the sailor aspect that had originally appealed to him.</div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight came near the end of the set: an original tune that started out with just fiddle and button accordion. It began with a pronounced French flavor, and as it progressed the grace and courtliness of the tune put me in mind of Baroque chamber music. After a heavenly minute or so of this unusual, elegant stuff, the bass player and guitarist stepped back on stage and join in. At first just a few gentle chords. . . and they were off . . . with another great jig. Enjoyed it very much; will try to catch them in the evening next time, as I'd bet they'd be more warmed up. And as they claim to be a boy band, could we hope for a few more dance moves?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.annashannon.co.uk/">Anna Shannon</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. She's a statuesque woman with big, shiny 80's-era hair. But close your eyes, and she's a voice from war-time Britain: a somewhat desperate hawker of black-market goods: brandy, and a little salt for your meal. "Sweet Home," the next song in the set, offered more room for the softness of her voice to emerge. Throughout the set I was struck by the overall fluidity, and her ability to move from the tough nasal tones of Marianne Faithful, to a more tempered, honey-like quality. Always perfectly intoned, and with a steady, subdued guitar as her base, Shannon is an inspiring performer. Exploring the consequences of infidelity in "Velvet Green" with a sinister intensity similar to Lal Waterson's "Midnight Feast," Shannon drew the set to a very satisfying close. I must say it's encouraging to see a woman old enough to have grown children playing a main stage festival slot; I'm just surprised I never got to hear this award-winning songwriter before now.</span></span></div>An American in Powyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09289131907578521566noreply@blogger.com0