Categories

Useful links

Archives

Sponsored links

Latest Posts...

Dic Penderyn

Posted by welshblogs on May 12, 2006 9:38 AM

Dic Penderyn is a dedicated, no-nonsense, Welsh-as-you-like valley boy from Bargoed, now living and working in Tokyo. His main goal in life is to become the first president of an independent Wales, bringing peace, happiness, wealth and joy to all. In the meantime, read his reports on the weird and wonderful things happening in the Far East in Rice in Asia.

Boudica

Posted by welshblogs on May 12, 2006 11:22 AM

Boudica is coming face to face with the fact that 1. She’s not getting any younger and 2. Her children are leaving the nest. Dip into Mamgu’s Melting Pot to find out how she’s faring as she takes a deep breath, steps out of her comfort zone and gets back into the big, wide world.

Wilbach

Posted by welshblogs on May 12, 2006 11:27 AM

Never say rugger, urges Wilbach, because a real Welshman wouldn’t. Whether you agree or not, this Ben Elton lookalike is a passionate supporter of Wales’ premier sport. He admits he loves rugby more than is good for him – or his marriage – and is the proud owner of a T-shirt bearing the legend ‘The Forgotten Man of Welsh Drinking.’

Ian

Posted by welshblogs on May 24, 2006 11:05 AM

Celtic Crusaders are Wales’ ONLY professional rugby league club. They play their home matches at Bridgend’s Brewery Field and are attracting fans from the length and breadth of South Wales. Rugby League, says Ian, is the best sport in the world and if you’ve not watched rugby league live, he urges you to take a trip to Bridgend and see for yourself. Read his posts on Celtic Crusaders.

Matt Withers

Posted by welshblogs on July 14, 2006 10:50 AM

I'm Matt Withers, Political Correspondent for Wales on Sunday, and will be using A Change of Trouble to cast my wry eye over the comings and goings at the National Assembly on a daily-ish basis, along with what our MPs are up to in Westminster. All comments and ideas welcome regardless of your politics - this blog hopes to irritate all parties fairly equally. As for the name, it comes from a Lloyd George quote: "With me a change of trouble is as good as a vacation." He'd have made a great AM.

Welshkiwi

Posted by welshblogs on July 14, 2006 10:51 AM

Welshkiwi - originally from Aberdare - now calls New Zealand home. As well known for rugby and sheep as her homeland, New Zealand has brought her a new husband, a new house and a crazy ginger tomcat called Dewi. Read From Aberdare to Auckland to find out what being an ex-pat is really like and how odd it really is to celebrate Christmas in the heat of summer.

Andrew

Posted by welshblogs on August 23, 2006 11:20 AM

Merthyr Tydfil FC... where to start? Years of disappointment, lack of money, occasional TV appearances from the age of 7 - I've seen it all. Things are hotting up round Penydarren Park with the inclusion of a kind of reserve side (we're sharing some resources with Welsh league Merthyr Saints, including non first-team players!) Next season looks promising, so will no doubt end up in mid table. If I wanted glory I'd go support Chelski! Read He's not a Martyr

Robarob

Posted by welshblogs on August 23, 2006 11:26 AM

This 32-year-old spent his childhood in the Rhondda valleys and has since called Swansea, Cardiff, London, Sydney and Auckland home. Robarob's a Cardiff City and Welsh rugby fan and while he'll focus primarily on football and rugby he's promised to share his thoughts on anything Welsh and/or Kiwi that takes his fancy. Read Kiwi Veg here.

Mark

Posted by welshblogs on August 23, 2006 4:44 PM

As a student in Manchester - with Man City and Man United plying their trade in the top level of English Football - Mark is constantly pillared about the fortunes of the one and only team that he could ever contemplate supporting - Cardiff City. As a Bluebird he's been witness to the shocking and the sublime over the years. And as a Wales fan he'll be stretching his student loan to follow the team's progress abroad. Share in his enthusiasm for football in Wales by reading The Blue Dragon.

Tony

Posted by welshblogs on August 25, 2006 2:50 PM

A Cardiff City season ticket holder, Tony is a keen writer and often feels adrift from media protocol. He reckons there are plenty of other angles that could be covered but aren't. Having written for fanzines, he believes he can be stimulating, witty and thought provoking. See for yourself in The Lost Chronicles of Alan Latchley.

Ponty Poster

Posted by welshblogs on September 12, 2006 11:25 AM

Pontypridd Rugby Club 'is a great old club, a truly family club, and a fine advert for Premier League rugby,' says Ponty Poster. 'Valleys rugby may have suffered during the past few years but our hearts (which are black and white) remain committed to the game. Our supporters turn out in force every week to cheer on our team which is a mixture of old heads like Chief and up-and-coming youngsters like Rhys Shellard.' Find out more in The Full Ponty

AJ Desmond

Posted by welshblogs on September 12, 2006 11:33 AM

The writer, AJ Desmond, has an unusual take on Wales and Welsh culture. He has written two novels and is in the process of writing a third. He also collaborates with the dangerously anarchic Slagg Brothers, a comedy writing duo from Blackwood. Wales, culture and Asperger's Syndrome feature heavily in his writing. He also sneeks oblique references of his other passion into his writing projects, his pedigree show rabbits. AJ Desmond will share the long and lonely path towards obscurity with his readers and hopefully make us smile. Read Planet Asperger.

Terry Phillips Football

Posted by welshblogs on September 22, 2006 11:03 AM

Terry Phillips, chief sports writer for the South Wales Echo, spends more time with Cardiff City than any other journalist. He watches youth, reserve and first team matches - and has done so for the last decade. Terry was with the Bluebirds every day during their pre-season tour to North America. Keep up to date with all the news from Ninian Park with Terry Phillips Football every day. Transfer news, interviews, team selections, match reports and much, much more. Manager Dave Jones and his Cardiff City team are driving hard in the Coca-Cola Championship - and there are big plans for the future with their new stadium and new training ground.

Bob Bank

Posted by welshblogs on September 25, 2006 12:01 PM

Bob Bank's love affair with the mighty Bluebirds at the theatre of pain began way back in 1975. Through the years he'll admit that following the City has at times been a tortuous process. Living in London the formation of the 1927 club took Bob's dedication to new levels and he followed the Bluebirds come rain or shine. Now back in Cardiff, Bob's living the dream of watching 'the greatest team in football the world has ever seen'. Read all about it in The Lower Grandstand View.

SuperDave

Posted by welshblogs on October 2, 2006 3:49 PM

Originally from Liverpool, SuperDave's ended up in Cardiff via London and various end-of-the world towns in the Medway area. He has an allotment 'because it seemed a good idea at the time' and because he resents buying tasteless vegetables from supermarkets that overcharge him and undercharge the supplier. Despite this, he's no nature loving green freak, (though he can be a bit smug sometimes) and in his spare time he plays football, take photographs and designs websites.. very slowly. To find out more read The Grapes of Roath.

Bear

Posted by welshblogs on October 9, 2006 10:36 AM

Carfiff born Bear started surfing at the tender age of 17 before moving to Queensland in 1980. Married with two children, Bear still meets up with a couple of the old 'Porthcawl' surf crew in Oz. While ill health has kept Bear out of the water for a few years surfing is still a hobby. Read Bear-in-Oz for his take on life in the colonies.

Paul Mac

Posted by welshblogs on October 9, 2006 10:36 AM

Paul has worked in the media industry for more than 10 years and more recently was the regional development manager for Wales and South West for Monster.com, the UK's biggest online recruitment website. He is often cited as a leading authority on the recruitment business and regularly writes on the subject, particularly from a marketing perspective. Paul is also finalising a Post Grad Diploma in Public Relations. He'll be writing about the key issues currently facing the recruitment industry on both a Welsh and UK-wide perspective in Gis-a-job recruiter blog.

Camper girl

Posted by welshblogs on October 25, 2006 10:53 AM

Camper girl is just wishful thinking as she gazes longingly at the cute vehicles she spots on the motorway, at the roadside and sometimes even on the big screen. It's not that she's even into camping! But her growing appreciation of all things to do with camper vans is fast turning into a passion that's leaving even her bewildered. Read Camper Van Confessional to find out more.

Jeff Rees

Posted by welshblogs on October 26, 2006 9:54 AM

Jeff Rees belongs to the Welsh Diaspora. He says: 'How Wales is viewed internationally and how Wales is marketed are issues not usually covered by the mainstream Welsh media, even though it is of vital importance for all our futures. This web log will focus on those issues along with looking at what's happening in other counties and how those events relate to Wales.
All comments and ideas welcome!' Find out more in Wales - World Nation

The Echo Editor

Posted by welshblogs on November 14, 2006 4:42 PM

I'm Richard Williams, editor of the South Wales Echo. I want to give you, our readers, a behind-the-scenes insight into your favourite newspaper, the stories we are working on and the characters that we feature. We cover everything that matters to you - the people, the places and the issues that count. We're big on sports and our world revolves around Cardiff City, the Blues and the Welsh national football and rugby teams. Life in South Wales is never dull and our newsroom is always busy as we work to give you the very best news, features and sports news from this region. The Echo is the people's paper and I want to bring you closer to the action .. as well as making sure that you're the first to know about what will be in tomorrow's paper. Read The Echo Editor

Ray Bold

Posted by welshblogs on November 20, 2006 4:41 PM

I was born in the south of England in the mid-70s on an airforce base and then moved to Wales a couple of years after to live with my grandparents. After being dropped into a Welsh language school with no knowledge of the language and a cracking North London accent I learned that Wales, the Welsh and their language were a pretty hard nut to crack. I was living at the time in Caerphilly and even though it was a love/hate relationship I still consider the 'Philly home. I still treasure the fact that I can speak Welsh and have a love for the country and the culture despite my occasional black moods and sarcasm when describing it. My main interests are politics, music and football. I also have a keen interest in political history, travelling and computing. Read Ray Bold's Review to find out more.

Paul MacKenzie

Posted by welshblogs on December 4, 2006 10:29 AM

Eco-vangelist is a blog devoted to talking about environmental and ethical matters that concern us all. I am a freelance journalist who writes articles covering green and organic living. After spending 10 years travelling up and down the roads of Great Britain as a salesman, I never considered the damage this was doing to the environment. So, when I changed career and replaced my car office for an office at home, I not only got cheaper car insurance, I woke up and realised that I - and you - could make substantial savings to our pockets and help the environment at the same time. Read Eco-vangelist to find out more.

Teacher in Antarctica

Posted by welshblogs on February 27, 2007 4:18 PM

Meet Joanne Hopkins, a 27-year-old English teacher at Cardiff High School, in Cyncoed. She has been chosen to go on the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica. She will be studying the effects of global warming and observing icebergs, whales, dolphins and penguins. Just before February half-term she waved goodbye to her pupils and joined the 15-day expedition led by the explorer Robert Swan. You can follow Joanne every step of the way by reading her blog Teacher in Antarctica.

Terry Phillips Ice Hockey

Posted by welshblogs on March 2, 2007 11:37 AM

Terry Phillips has been covering ice hockey since he came to Cardiff more than 10 years ago. He has followed the Devils home and away throughout that time. Cardiff Devils are one of the most successful ice hockey clubs in Britain and have also achieved success in Europe. They play in Elite League against teams from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including Belfast Giants, Manchester Phoenix, Coventry Blaze, Sheffield Steelers, Nottingham Panthers, Newcastle Vipers and Edinburgh Capitals. The Echo Devils play out of a new, temporary arena in Cardiff Bay - with the promise by Cardiff County Council of a new home to come. To find out more, read Terry Phillips Ice Hockey

Delme Parfitt Rugby

Posted by welshblogs on March 5, 2007 3:12 PM

Delme Parfitt is head of sport at the South Wales Echo and writes about all matters concerning Welsh rugby, particularly the national team and Cardiff Blues. Rugby's a 12 month game these days and Delme will bring you all the latest news and views as and when they happen, together with a few quirky tales and inside tracks. To read more, see Delme Parfitt Rugby.

Bob Cypher

Posted by welshblogs on March 9, 2007 4:01 PM

Bob Cypher, a long-standing journalist with the South Wales Echo, takes a broad view of the world in Blogdotcom. In it, he promises arguments, controversies, internet and computer-related news, views, websites and reviews of soft, firm and hardware. And if that isn't enough, he's throwing in athletics titbits and people's top 10 songs for good measure. To find out more, read Blogdotcom.

Megan

Posted by welshblogs on March 16, 2007 12:39 PM

Megan is half-Welsh – but it’s the wrong half. She’s young – but only at heart. She’s angry, inspired, baffled, heartbroken and amazed by this life she’s ended up living. The hive of bees in her bonnet you’ll be invited to inspect include: ‘Welsher-than-thou’s; Bratzy girls; terminally middle-aged people; ‘Me Me Me’ man; helpless females; da yoof and the tragically planned obsolescence that is motherhood. 'Just living is heroic,' she says. 'It’s boring and terrifying at the same time. I deserve a medal, and so do you.' To find out more, read Crashed in Cool Cymru.

Hannah Harris

Posted by welshblogs on March 19, 2007 10:29 AM

Hannah moved to the land of the hotpot (Lancashire) three years ago from South Wales to pursue her dream of being a journalist. Now, three years on, she's in her final few months of a journalism degree. Somehow, in all that time, she hasn't lost her beloved accent which regularly gets mocked by her classmates - but she's very proud to be a Welshy in England. Hannah will be writing about the run-up to the final few months of her degree, the stress of her exams and about her work experience on her local paper. To find out more, read Lil Miss Welshy In England.

Neil (Jock) Greer

Posted by welshblogs on March 29, 2007 12:50 PM

Jock writes: 'A by-election was called in the ward where I live. After a newspaper plea for more candidates, I said to my wife: "Someone, somewhere has got to do something better than what we are getting now." And so I entered the world of politics. I got spanked - but I was excited to bursting. I licked my wounds and sat down and put the top 10 issues into a newletter and went back round the doors taking up the issues, helping people. So here I am today standing as an Independent candidate at this year's Assembly elections for Merthyr and Rhymney. I could write a book on life's pains, ups and downs, but I genuinely just love people.' To find out more read: Taking issue


Becky Davies

Posted by welshblogs on April 2, 2007 10:28 AM

Rebecca Davies has tried everything to give up smoking. From patches to plastic cigarettes - and even hypnotherapy - the 32-year-old Echo reader still hasn’t been able to ditch her 20-a-day habit. But from Monday, 2 April - as the nation goes non-smoking - Royal Mail worker Becky has pledged to quit her 13-year habit for good. In The Reluctant Quitter she shares her rough ride to smoke-free heaven with you.

Robguv

Posted by welshblogs on April 16, 2007 3:32 PM

Originally from South Wales, Robguv currently works as an English teacher in South Korea. As the title suggests, this 26-year-old will be blogging about the quirks and charms of life in a distant land. A big football fan, he'll also be giving insights into his homeland - Wales. He's also keen to stimulate debate and make people think about things in different ways. Want to find out more? Then read Land of Quirk and Charm

Election Eye

Posted by welshblogs on April 19, 2007 10:23 AM

Been promised the moon on a stick lately? You could well be the victim of Wales' politicians' latest craze: campaigning. Separate the truth from fiction with the help of the Echo's political team as the 2007 Assembly election gets into full swing. In Election Eye we're profiling the politicial battles where you live, analysing the parties' stances on the issues that matter and providing regular updates from the campaign.

Dennis Coughlin

Posted by welshblogs on April 23, 2007 3:19 PM

Some may consider Dennis to be a cynical old man, however he prefers the description of an old romantic who's constantly disappointed. He's interested in most of the contentious topics such as politics, religion and sport, and is not afraid of expressing himself if so moved. He's lived in Cardiff all his life except for the five years in the RAF in his youth, and recent stints teaching English and travelling in Asia and South America. Expect some worldly wisdom in the Peter Collins' Fan Club.


The Egg Chaser

Posted by welshblogs on April 27, 2007 12:49 PM

I am a freelance writer among other things, living in Wales, with an unhealthy obsession with Welsh Rugby. For the last few years I have been afflicted with recurring dreams revolved around the politics and people of Welsh Rugby, as well as the dark arts of the game itself. Questions such as; Where is the Number 10 factory in the valleys and will it be relocated in Poland? And did the people of Ponypool believe it when Graham Price scored? My therapist has suggested a blog to alleviate these symptoms or at least inflict them on an unsuspecting public. To find out more, read Talking Rugby Balls

Pengam

Posted by welshblogs on May 16, 2007 10:40 AM

'It's quite difficult to book a table for dinner in south Wales with a surname like mine,' says Dan Jones. The 25-year-old Welshman is currently living in Cairns, Australia , where it's hot. Really hot. He has an incredibly close family whom he loves dearly so moving to Australia was really hard for him. 'On the plus side, I have a beautiful wife-to-be by my side who I will be marrying later this year' he says. His key interests are music, his guitar, extreme kite flying, mountain boarding, travelling and web-surfing for useless information. He's travelled around the world three times and loves travelling and everything that goes with it. Read Time's Running Out to find out more.

Paul Potts

Posted by welshblogs on July 11, 2007 8:26 AM

If anyone had told Paul Potts this time last year that he'd one day be stopped in the street by adoring fans, begging him to sing for them, he'd have laughed. If they'd told him that millions of people around the world would be posting messages on the Internet, describing how moved they had been by his performances and asking how they could get hold of
his debut album, he'd have thought they'd gone barking mad.

But those seemingly ridiculous pipe dreams are now a reality for this quietly unassuming 36-year-old who, thanks to his victory in the finale of ITV1's talent show Britain's Got Talent, has become the most famous former mobile phone salesman in the country! And with his debut album released on Monday 16 July - the fastest ever album release in history - the hysteria surrounding Paul will only get more fevered.

In his blog, Paul Potts, an incredible journey - EXCLUSIVE to icWales - Paul will be sharing his thoughts on his meteoric rise to fame and giving an insight into the busy schedule of a star-in-the-making.

Chris Wathan

Posted by welshblogs on July 13, 2007 9:49 AM

Chris Wathan is soccer writer with Wales' only Sunday national newspaper. His brief with Wales on Sunday sees him monitor the goings on with John Toshack's international side while keeping his finger on the pulse of all the Welsh Coca-Cola league clubs. Read The Goal Post to find out more.

Paul Ryan

Posted by welshblogs on July 30, 2007 10:50 AM

Paul grew up in Cardiff, but has also lived in Swansea and Aberdare. Despite spending half his life away from the Principality, he still regards South Wales as 'home'.

He met his wife, Sally, while working in London's financial district and like many people they became disenchanted with the weather, commuting and occupations. So in March they relocated to the coastal town of Calpe, on Spain's Costa Blanca. They renovated a villa which they have let to Scandinavian holidaymakers of dubious personal hygeine. Renting the house has meant a further move, to the Jalon Valley, a rustic wine-growing region a few miles inland, that is almost completely colonised by elderly, ex-pat Brits.

They have have a nine-week-old son, Alfie, so their lives currently revolve around a constant routine of feeding, nappy changes and sterilisation.

In stark contrast to his previous career, Paul maintains gardens and cleans swimming pools for a living. To the dismay of his friends back home however, he has not seen any naked women during the course of his new employment. To find out more read Who ate all the paellas?

Joanna Davies

Posted by welshblogs on August 28, 2007 11:42 AM

Joanna is a journalism major at Auckland University of Technology, completing her final semester. She moved with her family to NZ about 11 years ago, and has found herself stuck somewhere in-between the Kiwi and Welsh cultures. Although she feels a little lost about where she fits in, she still supports Wales when they play the All Blacks and believes she's an expert on the things New Zealand and Wales have in common. To see if she's right, read Taffy in NZ.

Welcome to Welshblogs

Posted by welshblogs on August 28, 2007 11:42 AM

We've rounded up an assortment of Wales' finest to share with you their visions of Wales. We have soccer nuts, rugby fanatics, the young and the not-so-young. All with something to say - and now with the means to say it.

Our bloggers come from all walks of life and while not all of them are in the Principality, it's Wales and the Welsh that they're passionate about.

If you'd like to write your own Welshblog then email icWales and tell us why you'd make a great addition to the blogging team.