What is this blog for?
I guess I’ve lived a rather disrupted life-path and thinking about how to explain myself and who I am, I need to indulge in presenting myself almost as two people.
My Great Grandfather was a Blaenavon bootmaker. I discovered in adulthood that he was on the board of the Workmen's Hall; which in remarkable coincidence, I myself am now too. But over time, my family drifted away towards Abergaveny (Mardy), Pontypool, Newport then to Barry.
I grew up just outside Cardiff, though more often back in Blaenavon for caving, mountains and fell-running, leaving school in 1983 before heading off to University to read physics. From there I returned to Wales, changing tack inspired by my outdoor loves to study geology and physical geography.
My path led me to graduate from University College of Wales, Cardiff in 1989 from where I moved on to begin my PhD in Edinburgh University – researching the dating of climate change using explosive volcanic eruptions similar to the at which caused the 2010 ash cloud of Eyjafjallajökull. (It doesn’t take much to pursuade me to attempt to say this notoriously named Icelandic volcano; because to me at least I sense a certain similarity between the sounds of Icelandic and of Welsh.)
My drivers and themes concern:
Green agendas Climate change, conservation and sustainability, and promotion of wales as Beacon for sustainability
Labour Party campaigningWorking for social inclusivity and equity and community well being.
Disability: rights, welfare and supportWorking for social inclusivity.
Youth development, outdoor education, and life-long learning Working for social inclusivity.
The way to my heart is to find an enthusiast. If you have an enthusiasm then the chances are we’ll get on very well because finding a passion, an enthusiasm and a sense of curiosity in others is a surefire way to get me on board and working in harmony with you and your cause to a common goal.
An elderly friend of mine I once said to me in his eighties that he tries "never to let a day pass without learning something new" – wise words for a full and joyous life that I try to live by, working with people in being open to learning is my way of being.
Some articlesJubilee Sailing TrustFrontline (Physiotherapy magazine)Disability Labour