Hello everybody and welcome to the Welsh Wizard's recall on what is happening in our fair Principality of Wales.
I understand that this is read by people, from all corners of the globe, so it might be a good idea to locate Wales for those who have'nt heard of or know it location.

Picture if you will the Island of the United Kingdom, Great Britain ,same place. On the left there is a bit that sticks out, looks like a pigs snout. This is not meant in anyway derogatory, it just is. This is Wales. Simple isn't it.
Some say that the Welsh are the Irish who couldn't swim, getting away from the Roman invasion of c55BC. The Welsh were brought into the fold of England about the time of the Norman invasion c1066. So the Welsh/English hostilities have been going on since these times. Still goes to this day, especially on the Rugby pitch.
The English were very glad to have the assistance of Welsh Bowmen at various battles throughout the ages, especially at Agincourt and to bring the Scots into line.

The Welsh National Costume has only been used since the 1800's, designed by an English lady. Of course Welsh coal had been the backbone of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800/1900's.

So what is happening in our little corner of this great little Country. The Summer this year was on a Wednesday, so I'm told. Not very good, but enabled us to get around and occasionly in shorts and T-shirt.

The local paper is full of local Schools/Pubs etc raising money for the National Appeal for "Children in Need". This does get the local communities to band together to try and out- do the neighbouring Schools in Totals raised for this very worthy cause. This Year, Nationally, I think they have raised about £13m, not all moneys received as yet, so could go higher.

The Local County Council has sent a form for all residents to complete. This forms gives 3-4 choices on the make-up on the County Council. e.g. With Mayor - without Mayor - with Mayor and Council elected by residence - with Mayor and Council elected by Mayor. I think that is how it works. They have put into force the latter, until they learn different. Typical, that's the only one, we the Residence, do not have any say in who governs us. Jobs for the boys/girls.

The Welsh Assembly, that tier of local government that was not voted on by the VAST Majority of Welsh residence, has decided that Monmouthshire, our little bit, will pay the lions share of taxes to keep the Country going. Perhaps we should vote to go back to being English again.

After a fun filled month spent with local families, the 18 children from Chernobyl have returned home to Mogilev, Belarus. During their stay they were taken on various trips, Weston-super-Mare, where some stripped and went for a swim, sooner them than me, also into the Forest of Dean.
The highlight was a Concert where the children put on a show in "Thanks" for their hosts and helpers.

As the Christian Festive Season is near upon us, may I, on behalf of all who live in the Principality, wish those who celebrate Christmas, a joyous time and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Take Care, We Care.
MERRY CHRISTMAS