About Wales
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The Secret Ballot
The Secret Ballot The secret ballot is something I think we all take for granted nowadays, whatever our political leanings or even if we feel that “whoever we vote for the government gets in”. However, we don’t have to go very far back in time when the secret ballot was but a dream in some people’s vision for a more democratic future. Troad Allan (Lock out). This Unitarian chapel became famous in 1876 as the congregation were locked out of the chapel and the graveyard for three years. The landlord, John Lloyd, Alltrodyn was a Tory and he felt that the minister Gwilym Marles Thomas, who incidentally was Dylan Thomas’…
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A Special Bandsaw
My bandsaw is like no other. I was so lucky to get it and appreciate it every time I use it. It is thanks to Huw that I have it. He spotted it when it had been dismantled from its old job and saw the potential and restored it for me. Everyone who uses a bandsaw is admiring or even slightly envious when they see it. This bandsaw is the machine I would find hardest to replace if anything went wrong with it. So what is so special about the bandsaw? What makes it so usable to me is the size of the table and the throat. The throat…
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Santes Dwynwen
Santes Dwynwen is the patron saint of lovers here in Wales and the day Santes Dwynwen is celebrated is the 25th of January so I thought I’d share her story. Santes Dwynwen was the beautiful daughter of a Welsh King Brychan Brycheiniog who lived in the fifth century. Brychan had lots of children it seems (possibly 24), many of whom became saints (bit of a popular pass-time back then, it seems). Dwynwen fell in love with Maelon and he with her but it was not to be. Exactly what the problem was is a little unclear and history becomes legend. Probably her father wasn’t willing or had already promised her…
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Commissions 2
Commissions come in all shapes and sizes. I enjoy the challenge of making replacement turnings for people. Most of my work is free form – I can choose what shape I want. Bowls, pots, vases, tea light holders. they are all things that give me the chance to look at a piece of wood and make the best I can from that particular piece of wood. If there is a rotten bit in the wood I can change the shape, it doesn’t matter. So it is good having the occasional challenge of turning something exactly like another piece. Since the original was turned by someone else there is also the…
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Physicians of Myddfai
The Physicians of Myddfai were very real people even if their mother was a legend (see my ‘Lady of the Lake’ blog). Welsh Herbal Medicine by David Hoffmann says “Rhiwallon and his sons first became physicians to Rhys Gryg who gave them rank, lands and privileges at Myddfai. Their fame soon spread and their services were in demand throughout the country. The descendants of this ancient family continued to practice medicine in Wales without a break until the middle of the 18th century, when the last lineal descendant died in 1743. The late Rice Williams M.D. of Aberystwyth, who died in 1842, appears to have been the last of the…
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Lady of the Lake
The Lady of the Lake is a fascinating legend which can be traced back to ancient times. The Lady of the Lake is said to be mother of the Physicians of Myddfai whose manuscripts include work on medicine ie. herbs as well as anatomy, physiology, surgery and pathology. The farms named are still in existance. This version of the legend is taken from “Myths and Legends of Wales” retold by Tony Roberts and available from Abercastle Publications. A farmer who died fighting for Welsh freedom at the end of the 12th century left a widow who then farmed at Blaensawdde near Llanddeusant. In time her stock increased and she had…
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Laburnum in Ceredigion
Laburnum hedges turn great swathes of this area yellow in May. Some roads become golden tunnels. Field after field are surrounded by branches dripping with Golden Chains. I don’t know that it is true but the story that I was told when I was young growing up in this area is that the Laburnum came here in the 1860s from Spain. It was used as ballast and was then used as cheap fencing posts. It took root. There are many hedges where the Laburnum trees are about 9′ (3m) apart which is just the right distance for fencing. Ceredigion was one of the last areas to be enclosed (the process…