Posted on August 27, 2010 Cardiff, Cardiff Council, Cricket (especially GCCC), Planning, Wales and the Welsh

Why we live in Cardiff: guest blog

This Guest Blog was requested by WeAreCardiff and appeared on their blog on August 27th 2010

Yes, I am still, frequently, asked the question by uncomprehending friends “why do you live in Cardiff?”. As a south Londoner (political history here), I migrated here via the very beautiful countryside of north Warwickshire.

My work as a consultant took me from the heart of England all over the UK, quite a bit of Europe and even North America. But I had a client in Cardiff that meant five years of staying almost every week at the Holiday Inn (now the Ramada); stays that included the delight of Michael Jackson’s suite. An artificial kind of “getting to know you Cardiff” maybe, but it planted a seed that led to me renting a flat for six months to work on a book.

Llandaff, one of Cardiff's many 'villages'

Then, much later, the suggestion to my partner that we try a year in a rented flat in Llandaff to see if we really liked Cardiff. A year after when we were being kicked out we had to decide: to relocate permanently or return to leafy Warwickshire. The decision was taken out of our hands when the house there sold and, on the same day we found a home in Pontcanna, we bought it. We didn’t know then that this was one of the most desirable parts of the city, and that we were surrounded by Welsh speakers and media personalities. As time went on, we met with like-minded immigrants, as well as delightful neighbours who had been in the area for 40 or 50 years. We tried, repeatedly, to improve our Welsh.

It took a while to get to know the extraordinary delights of the adjoining Pontcanna and Llandaff Fields

Llandaff Fields in Autumn

and the way they form part of the Bute Parks. The arrival of Dryw – black, four legged and a terrier explorer – accelerated our learning. However, we quickly discovered that many of the things we most liked about Cardiff were under threat. First it was Sophia Gardens – the city’s first public park – and the idea of giving a privately owned company a huge amount of public space in which to develop a commercial cricket ground.

Sophia Gardens in its glory days

The “Hit it for Six” campaign successfully fought off two major applications for development in this grade 2* parkland, but the promise of a “test match” and of some fleeting international exposure saw the council roll over like lapdogs and agree to the desecration of the park. An action that can never be reversed.

It became clear, sadly, that this was part of an ongoing process of degradation and development, usually claimed to be for “worthy causes”.

40 years of encroachment of the Bute Parks

Each of these individual uses may have seemed to have some merit, but taken together they have added up to a 40% removal of public space from one of the country’s most important historic landmarks. Sophia Gardens was effectively finally lost when the cricket stadium was built, but we all thought Bute Park itself was untouchable. The allure of money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and weaselly words of support from them, enabled the council to build a new access road to enable it to undertake public events more easily. A 5000 people petition asking for a moratorium on development in the Bute Parks was dismissed in a council meeting in seconds.

At this point anyone would question why they would still want to live here. Now, there is as much to get angry about in Cardiff, as there is to enjoy. As chair of Cardiff Civic Society, a charity not a political or single-issue campaign, I have a responsibility, not to be angry (well, not just angry) but to try to ensure that Cardiff’s historic past, and just as importantly, its future, is in the ownership of its citizens. Not, as so often seems, taken for granted by its politicians as their right to propose and dispose of at will.

We are coming up to an important time for those who make bad decisions: it’s the Welsh Assembly elections next year, council elections in 2012. It’s a good time to reflect on what has happened, and what we might want for the city in twenty years’ time.

Cardiff has the potential to be a fitting capital for the country where many of us still want to live. Indeed, it can and should be a world exemplar of many of Wales’ policies for the environment, sustainable economic growth, high standards of built design and caring for a remarkable and complex history.

It won’t be that in 2020 unless we, the people who have grown to love the place, make it so.

Picture by Adam Chard taken for WeAreCardiff

Peter sits on an access bollard by the new Bute Parks access road bridge: “its presence allows the noise, traffic and pollution of an arterial roadway into what was once one of the most preciously tranquil areas of the heritage park. The massive, industrial strength bridge (for 40 tonne lorries) has the design footprint of a monster and less subtlety than the second Severn crossing. It destroys something given in trust. It’s an irrevocable act of vandalism that history will join those who campaigned against it and roundly condemn as a folly of 21st century politicians seeking civic aggrandisement above civic duty.”

6 Comments Posted on August 22, 2010August 30, 2010 Arts, Cardiff, Funding, Wales Assembly Government

A Phoenix rises from The Persians

I cannot imagine that there are many who had the good fortune to see The Persians (background story) over the past two weeks, who doubted that we were present at one of the defining occasions of English-language theatre in Wales.

The cast of Mike Pearson's NToW production of The Persians

Even the London critics somehow managed to find themselves seated, not in West End luxury, but on a hard bench, clad in a regulation green poncho and exposed to the elements deep in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.

All have heaped praise on the National Theatre of Wales‘ sixth production in this year’s inaugural programme of The Persians, directed by Mike Pearson.

“They have scored a coup”, The Observer; “Pearson’s superbly imaginative and intense production, at once timeless and modern, has a rare, raw power. This is great theatre – and a thrilling mystery tour for its audience”, The Telegraph; “a production that is both minimalist and massive in its scope and marvellous in its realisation,” the Hereford Times; “what is impressive about Mike Pearson’s production is the totality of the experience”, The Guardian; “some of the finest creative talents working in Wales today… melded together to produce a unique and exciting drama, probably accompanies most artistically fulfilling production to date”, Michael Kelligan; “with the eery music, some wonderful acting and the amazing setting, this is another hit for National Theatre Wales”, Western Mail.

Yes it is all this and more. But for me, on quiet reflection, there is a story behind the production that I haven’t yet seen discussed.

The Persians represents in many ways a Phoenix like rebirth of one of Wales’s greatest theatre companies – Brith Gof. Firstly, director Mike Pearson, conceptual designer Mike Brooks and composer John Hardy were all key players in Brith Gof’s history. Richard Huw Morgan, John Rowley and Gerald Tyler are all actors who have worked often for extended periods for the company. So, as they say: they have form.

I was a trustee of the company when its Arts Council Wales funding was terminated in 2000. The company’s last grant was £52,500. We decided that Brith Gof – always much more appreciated outside of Wales than in it – should continue as long as we could find the money and the directors had the artistic ideas. Mike Pearson and fellow directors Michael Shanks and Cliff McLucas were eventually offered jobs with regular income. In the end, we had to call time in 2004.

It has been both instructive and rewarding to search the archives to see just how much Brith Gof has given to The Persians. Anyone who saw the Welsh production of

Brith Gof's "PAX" at St David's Hall, Cardiff

“Gododdin” (a remarkable film archive is here, persist with it, the video’s not great quality) in the Rover car factory, Cardiff in 1989, “PAX” in St Davids Hall in 1991, or, even Mike Pearson’s two-man show “In Black and White” with disabled actor Dave Levett in 1992, will see the theatrical connections. The use of extraordinary musical soundscapes originated with John Hardy and Mike Pearson’s work with Test Department in the 1980’s. John Hardy’s (interview here) creativity and musical inventiveness hasn’t lost any of its edge in spite of him being a much in demand composer for mainstream film and television (and still, thankfully, based in Wales).

In the last few productions by Brith Gof – such as Hafod, technology began to appear but hand-held video cameras had to be attached to the performers with trailing cables. In The Persians we have a chorus member with a tiny handheld wireless camera and the remarkable camera work of Pete Telfer projecting the live-action onto video screens. The integration of recorded segments of video is also an inheritance from the days when such things were much more technically challenging.

Some things in the Persians are different: as Mike Pearson explains in his interview with me working with a classic text – brilliantly translated by Kaite O’Reilly – was one of his self-set challenges. It was also in English, where much of Brith Gof’s work had been Welsh or bilingual. And whilst I have no idea what the budget of the production was, I imagine that the generous Arts Council Wales and Welsh Assembly Government funding to NToW (£3M over three years) gave the team a little more flexibility than they had in the old days.

For me then, there is much satisfaction in seeing how 15 years of theatrical development in Welsh theatre could have such a stunning, successful and critically acclaimed rebirth. Many theatre companies throughout Europe owe a debt to Brith Gof. I am glad that the National Theatre of Wales, albeit by a kind of proxy, and The Persians has been able to honour it so well.

Footnote: there have been some excellent comments that add to my story and, rather than take the credit for knowledge that I didn’t have, I ask that you click on the comments, if you haven’t already done so.
Good news that the archive may get a new life too!

1 Comment Posted on August 13, 2010August 22, 2010 Politics

My political groundings – a guest blog

This Guest Blog was requested by Cardiff East and appeared on their blog on August 12th 2010

I had no idea when I was in my middle teens that there were people who didn’t know about politics. At school, after a quick brush with kings and queens, even then coming to the conclusion that they were of little use, we moved on to British Social and Economic History. By 15 I knew about the Chartists on Kennington Common (which I walked on every day to school), the difference between a Luddite and a Leveller, and the importance of the antislavery movement and the suffragettes.

Kennington Boys School, Hackford Road, Brixton, London

If my post war, run down, Victorian housed, but inspirationally teachered school wasn’t designed as a socialist nursery, it certainly managed the task well. What gave us all such a practical grounding, and even more importantly, a desire to be involved in, politics? I was recently asked to reflect on the impact of my school and began to think that it was something to do with the extraordinary mix of teachers – all men of course – in that period just ten years after the Second World War.”

There were a few, almost past retirement, who’d kept the school going during the war, still wearing black gowns, and bemoaning that, even in Brixton, we didn’t learn Latin, and insisted on good handwriting. (Thank you for that!). There was another group who had taken the fast track teacher training course after serving in the war among whom were two Battle of Britain fighter pilots, one with facial surgery scars that constantly reminded everyone of his contribution to a civic society. And then there was the new blood, unsullied by tradition or war service, and fired with egalitarian ideas and ideals.

On reflection this was perhaps a unique mix of teachers who shared an absolute passion for education through which we would become active, involved, and intelligent citizens. What was extraordinary, was that this was not a grammar school in Westminster or Harrow, but a secondary modern in a deprived part of south London.

We were taught to have a voice. We had a school Parliament that met regularly. I still have some of the school magazines that we, the pupils, produced on a duplicator (see Wikipedia for explanation of this). For three years running I led the school’s debating team which won most of the Rotary Club competitions across London.

Not surprisingly, with such a good grounding in how government worked, many of us at 14 and 15 became involved in politics.

Hugh Gaitskell

I watched, too young to be a conference delegate as Hugh Gaitskell passioned, “There are some of us, Mr Chairman, who will fight and fight and fight again to bring back unity and honesty and dignity, so that our party with its great past may retain its glory and its greatness”.

I was a steward – with arm bands – at the massive “Let’s Go With Labour” rally that took over Battersea Park and its funfairs built for the Festival of Britain just a few years before. Here Gaitskell addressed the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen. Months later he was dead. And in Scarborough in 1963, this time as an official delegate of the Southwark Labour Party, I first heard Harold Wilson.”

By then I had began to work in local government at first for Southwark Borough Council as a junior, very, clerk in the health department. In those days the Chief Medical Officer personally assessed the fitness of every member of the council staff. My job included carrying the pee bottles that were an essential part of a checkup. The red brick, Victorian, council offices were immediately opposite the terraced house in Walworth Road where we met as Southwark Young Socialists. That house now is called John Smith House and was for many years the Labour Party HQ.

Dame Evelyn Sharp is acknowledged as one of the most outstanding and formidable Civil Servants of her day. Dame Evelyn was the first female Permanent Secretary and she received equal pay ten years before other women in the Civil Service.

More experience in local government as a junior committee clerk in planning was a prescient move it now seems. Soon however I got my taste of “real” government in the Information Office (as it was so quaintly called) of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government run by Dame Evelyn Sharp, or the Minister – depending on which view of history you take – Richard Crossman.

Richard Crossman, politician, author

In the 1960’s there was an absolute division between the civil service and the politicians. As a press officer our only function was to provide information. The notion of massaging the news simply didn’t exist. That didn’t mean not trying to get the best publicity for the ministry’s work, but it did mean avoiding at all costs anything that smacked of media manipulation or massaging a minister’s ego.

I happened to share a grand office that faced onto Whitehall itself. Two rooms along were a team of people, some arriving for work in the early hours of the morning, who hand cut the press clippings from national and local newspapers that would enable me to write the minister’s daily press summary. Nine copies, carefully typed on a manual typewriter, with no means of alteration, had to be ready by nine o’clock: or else. I never discovered what “or else” actually meant.

Because of my job role, I did actually get to meet the Minister. On one occasion he even sent for me, an event that sent his private office and my boss, and his boss, into a civil service spin. I had, apparently, upset a reporter on The Times. After crossing the acres of carpet to his desk Crossman asked me what had happened. I explained it had been late as I answered the phone to an irate reporter demanding information that couldn’t be given since, at 6:15 pm the Registry, where all files lived, was already closed. I told the journalist I’d get the information the next morning, and thought that was that.

Crossman explained that, without knowing anything of what had happened, he had told the editor of The Times that if his reporters upset his press officers he would simply stop speaking to the newspaper. Conversation ended, I crawled out, humbled. You don’t forget that kind of leadership.”

Working there I was lucky enough to have friends in other departments including Number 10, the front door of which I crossed on many occasions – delivering packets for more important people! I knew that the politicians of that era were dedicated, principled and very hard-working. So what might be different today?

Certainly a blurring of the distinction between the public civil servant and the politician. Spin doctoring on taxes? We now have it, for better or worse.

Scrutiny of our politicians? Almost certainly less than 40 years ago. Not least because we have had generations who didn’t have the kind of grounding in how to engage in civic life that I, and I’m certain much of my generation, had.

John Profumo, Secretary of State for War before his sex life brought down Macmillan's government in 1963

I know how local and national government works, at least in principle. I sat in the House of Commons, for example, during Macmillan’s Profumo Affair speech when an exhausted prime minister tried to save his rotten government. That bit might sound familiar, but the speeches were different, the people were different. The next day there was extensive verbatim coverage in newspapers of record: no 24-hour rolling news bites and instant ‘expert’ analysis to make up our minds for us. We were given the means by which to make informed judgements and reach opinions based on some historical understandings, and of course our own political views.

My father became a councillor in that 100% Labour run rotten borough I had worked for. I was to leave London and Labour; the party several times, as principles got thrown out with bathwater. But I became an enthusiastic founder member of the SDP and stood several times in local government elections with “Liberal Support”. But unlike my dad, I regarded narrowly failing to win council seats as a good result!

Moving to Wales 15 years ago I’ve had to learn much about politics. Those history lessons about nationhood came in really useful. There is so much to admire and take from Wales’ unique cultural perspective. There is also much to depress: the tribalness of politicians who say they deplore just that very thing; the lack of competence in public life; the dissonance between citizens and their elected representatives.”

As a nation, we have some extraordinary aspirations: for examples, a carbon neutral country, to have our own distinct education system, and a determination to safeguard the culture of Welsh and English speaking Wales. But to me, it seems to be a place that still has to discover for itself those virtues that are so obvious to incomers. And to set those standards and aspirations in public and political life that I so took for granted in my teens.

The South Wales Echo – 27th July 2010 – recommended Peter D Cox as one of five tweeters to follow on Twitter. The other four were Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Fry, Geraint Thomas and Your Cardiff.

1 Comment Posted on July 30, 2010 Cardiff, Cardiff Council, Planning, Victorian Society, Wales and the Welsh

A personal view – looking forward to Cardiff 2020

This is a longer version of the article published by MyCardiff

The Bay: Cardiff's attempt at a Barcelonaesque vibrant waterfront, with graceless, industrial estate architecture that is already dated, worn and well past its sell-by date.

He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. Harold Wilson, Prime Minister for a total of seven years and 279 days

The city is embarking – again, after an abortive start on Plan One – on the major exercise of deciding what it wants to be like in the future, stretching until 2026. And the “Local Development Plan” also has to explain how we are going to get there, no easy task. Mine’s easier: I have been asked for an opinion: “what would I like Cardiff to be like in 2020?”; I don’t have to be restricted by annoyances like projected population growth, a disintegrating environment, and the collapse of the market economy as we have known it. The future slate is clean, it can be what we want.

This kind of question usually predisposes that the future necessarily means change (bad) and that we don’t like – and should get rid of – what we’ve got.

On the first supposition, I am firmly of the Harold Wilson school of change: 40 years of working with organisations, managing change in its many disguises, has proven to me at least: change is inevitable, without it you die (institutionally, organisationally, physically – in the case of buildings and people).

What’s important is how you manage the change, whether you feel as an individual you have some control of the process. The most life-changing events can be managed, enjoyed, embraced, if one feels involved, a part of the event, not just a swept up bystander with others making the running. It follows then, that to welcome a new vision of our city, we must be an active part of that change, not let others – politicians, property developers, bankers – pursue their own agendas to their own benefit. For the reshaping of a city, we need its citizens to have the biggest, loudest, most effective voice.

When I ask people to name Cardiff’s great buildings the list is usually the same: the Stadium, the Millennium Centre, the ….. and the list runs out.

Well, for my money, I endorse every users’ perception of the Millennium Stadium as one of the finest in the world – as an experience. As a visual delight it fails: it’s in the wrong place, it can only be seen as the engineering feat that it undoubtably is from places few people go (try a boat on the river). It has absolutely no connection with its environment, its place. We can admire its existence, that doesn’t mean we have to pretend that it’s a great addition to the built landscape of the city. It is not.

And the Wales Millennium Centre fails to reach the highest goals of a landmark building for not dissimilar reasons. Compare and contrast it with a Stirling Prize short-listed building by Zahad Hadid the architect who was run out of town by vested interests, a rabid national newspaper (no names) and petty minded parochialism of the nastiest kind. The WMC is – like the Stadium – a huge success for what it does, not what it is. We are, like obedient pets, grateful for what we have. But as, presumably grown up sentient human beings, we have a right to be disappointed in what should have been.

As for the past: I have a developed aversion to bulldozers, perhaps it was living in Birmingham in the 60’s seeing a ring road carve the heart out of the city, or working in Plymouth and experiencing the – probably well-intentioned – razed city centre, flattened in a way Nazi bombers hadn’t completed and covered, with no doubt scarce resources but limited imagination, a post-war vision of concrete inhumanity and greyness. Cardiff has mostly escaped such wholesale slaughter of its heritage, though the city council continues to plunder the assets of its heritage parklands, school playing fields and public spaces.

Mostly it’s the industrial past that has gone. The dock lands have been barraged to make a feeble, Barcelonesque imitation of a waterfront. Where there were industrial buildings we now have a sweeping motorway of urban road (with more traffic lights than any other road in the world I am certain) going from nowhere, to nowhere, and lined by some re-used buildings, but largely identikit housing of the worst kind.

The growth of Cardiff as a city is so recent that most of its heritage buildings are Victorian. Thankfully, organisations like the Victorian Society, have helped to ensure that this heritage has largely been kept intact. The Cathays Park civic buildings complex is something of which every person should be proud. Just remember that it, and the city’s other fine buildings and parks, were built from the profits generated by the labour of those in the coal field valleys. We need to consider how to best repay that debt: how much of the future of Cardiff 2020 should actually be in the city itself?

What of this past should we try to emulate in 2020 and beyond? I think this city is most successful when it is like a village: a core of public buildings and open spaces, shops, services, places to work and live. All within walking or cycling distance. I live in Pontcanna which has exactly that and more. Guess what, it’s desirable (for which read expensive). There are other places like it, and together they make Cardiff a set of connected villages around the core of the city. That’s what has happened, perhaps we should make more of it, more like it. The future means thinking about those areas of Cardiff that have been developed without thinking about some of these key essentials, or where we may be trying to remove them – taking away existing green spaces for schools for example. Everywhere, and everyone, has a right to the best built environment even if we failed to provide it in the first place.

Where necessary housing development takes place we should be ensuring that the developers meet the real social cost of their schemes. I don’t mean just a cheque for so-called “106” schemes. I mean properly designed developments to include public spaces, properly maintained, with viable transport in place, and public services. If that means building a school, health centre, bus stops, cycle paths and shops before the houses, so be it. For too long developers have reaped the benefit (profit) of the housing boom, largely at a direct cost to the wider community in providing (often badly as a result) the infrastructure for living that is needed.

We will certainly see fewer people in 2020 commuting to work: carbon reduction will necessitate this, the development of technology will facilitate it, profits will drive it. We all know cars will be used less, we just don’t like doing it. In Copenhagen 36% of traffic is bicycles, it’s a target figure that Cardiff could match, with a fitter population and a more pleasant place as bonuses.

And by 2020 much current building may well be at its replacement lifetime: the shocking housing developments we are now throwing up will have a short life span thankfully. We need better designed communities that are sensitive to the environment of a “One Planet, One Wales”, and meet the needs of real people. No more reduced size furniture to fit reduced size living spaces. Sixty years ago we built homes fit for heroes, now we should build homes fit for people.

Perhaps, and perhaps this is wishful thinking, we could be building a city that looks like the 21st century and not some pastiche of the past, or gerry-built identi-kit factory warehouse architecture that we seem to have excelled in recently. This would demand that we take as much concern about the aesthetics of the future of Cardiff as we try to take in conserving its past. Excellence is not necessarily more expensive. But it is the bedrock on which our forefathers built Cathays Park and if, in the future, we want our great great children to admire our efforts, this is one big lesson to learn from the past. Excellence is a word to be attached to few modern buildings in Cardiff today. We must do better.

So in the future much could be just the same: fine heritage buildings, magnificent heritage parks: a place where heritage lives. But only if w what e take robust steps now to ensure that happens. The pressures to destroy nearly always outweigh those to conserve.

To be more demanding we must be more involved, stop letting others decide. In an era where public disenchantment with ‘the powers that be’ is rife, where politicians think election is a ticket to power not responsibility, where consultation means being told will happen, it is difficult to be heard and feel that a voice has an impact.

I want Cardiff 2020 to be the best of what we have, and the very, very, very best of what we can have. We can have that, but only if we first have a voice extolling a vision of a future for its citizens and not vested interest.

Peter Cox moved his management consultancy business to Cardiff after emigrating here 15 years ago: it became a Wales Fast Growth 50 Company. He was a board member and trustee of Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre for seven years and its chair for two, putting in place its recent, £3.5M, RIBA award winning, refurbishment. He is now chair of Cardiff Civic Society which has recently prepared a response to the Cardiff Council plans for a new Local development Plan. He writes here in a personal capacity.

Posted on July 22, 2010June 22, 2026 Uncategorized

Archive Tweets: July 2010

Sat Jul 31 20:07:34 When friends say we have some steaks, home grown tattoes, beans and a hot BBQ, what’s not to say yes for? Food miles almost zero. Yes, Good.

Sat Jul 31 15:29:49 RT @RepublicStaff: Delusional Charles believes he was born into his position to save the world from the oiks. http://bit.ly/afqbHR | D’Oh!

Sat Jul 31 15:26:54 S4C Authority plotted to get rid of CEO claims http://ow.ly/2jera Pretty normal, nasty corporate stuff, usually by weak board

Sat Jul 31 11:37:38 .@mawimedia shd ask @drywsdad about iPad – his is umbilically connected so it must be good 🙂 (I’m the iPad widower)

Sat Jul 31 09:37:03 RT @MattRosser: I sincerely hope the @southwalesargus don’t let this story drop! http://ow.ly/i/2W2p | Less good news from yesterday!

Sat Jul 31 09:36:01 Ymerodraeth nearly 2 million hits http://ow.ly/2jaUd and opens Newport Transporter Bridge. Good thing all round. http://ow.ly/2jaTx

Sat Jul 31 08:45:01 Still fiddling with my new Apple Magic Trackpad. Death of Mouse? Probably, much nicer for thumbs.

Sat Jul 31 08:00:10 Today in 1943, Paris, one-year old Louis Fride was deported on convoy 58 with his mother and 1000 others. Only 28 survived Auschwitz.

Sat Jul 31 07:40:02 .@ClareBalding1 – Guardian story about her PCC complaint, the ST and the ‘shit’ (Pressie’s word) Gill. Nice lady. Well done.

Sat Jul 31 00:27:08 RT @stephenfry: Hurrah for @clarebalding1 – I know few people more capable of laughing at themselves, but cruel meanness can’t stand

Sat Jul 31 00:18:54 RT @johnprescott: @clarebalding1 Heard you’re taking AA Gill and STimes to PCC. Good luck. Gill’s a real sh** | OMG! I agree with Pressie!

Sat Jul 31 00:15:54 RT @atkinsc99: wikileaks “has blood on its hands” apparently. unlike the generals and politicians who sent the soldiers to war

Sat Jul 31 00:13:46 .@ed_walker86 You shd know surely? Never, ever, ever, go M6 north of B’hm on a Friday. That’s why they built a Toll Road. 😦

Fri Jul 30 20:15:56 Discover from blog http://ow.ly/2j1JT that Cllrs Cowen and Clrr Robson are far from ‘independent’, they’re married! 🙂 I never! #cdfcouncil

Fri Jul 30 20:08:32 RT @Splottdad: @peterdcox – lol, so he’s got some redeeming features then! 😉 | If you look hard enough, yes even though a #ConDem (um ..?)

Fri Jul 30 19:01:06 RT @Splottdad: £5k inc in allowance for ldr of Barnet Council, staff get 0%. Don’t get ideas Rodney! | @rodneyberman declined pay rise!…

Fri Jul 30 18:48:30 .@emmaboulton thanks for the article RT. Awesome website too http://ow.ly/2iZmJ If I need Drupalling, know where to go – Penarth!

Fri Jul 30 17:09:33 UK Govt to stick with security ridden IE6 http://ow.ly/2iW2T Great news for hackers. And why not a free browser upgrade away from Gates’ ?

Fri Jul 30 17:06:29 Into the breach at S4C http://ow.ly/2iVXv CEO is now apparently a three-day week job

Fri Jul 30 16:20:40 RT @mathtalfan: Probing the deafening silence around S4C’s crisis http://bit.ly/bkFfal Long, discursive and still no light

Fri Jul 30 14:59:46 #cdfcouncil leader @rodneyberman too late at licensing hearing http://ow.ly/1qMn02 Didn’t know rules!

Fri Jul 30 13:01:37 New Blog: A personal view looking forward to Cardiff 2020 – This is a longer version of the article published by My… http://ow.ly/18mcjo

Fri Jul 30 12:45:04 IWA lecture at Eisteddfod 3rd August 1pm celebrates Paul Robeson http://ow.ly/2iKOX Free – once you’re on the Maes!

Fri Jul 30 12:25:02 .@gomezadams Excellent food/service. Do you use VoucherCloud 20% off, may not be on Friday but worth looking eh?

Fri Jul 30 12:12:55 RT @JonMorganAM: Constituents who run Hayes News shop in Cardiff. Object to WAG plan to ban tobacco displays. I agree | Well, I don’t at all

Fri Jul 30 11:47:34 Well done Newport Council for bringing heritage vandal to heel http://ow.ly/2iKOg Golfers’ eyes will be spared sight of wrecked farmhouse

Fri Jul 30 11:41:23 88 question survey by #cdfcouncil http://ow.ly/2iKEt Long, flawed, mostly useless self-serving but might give hints of future services cuts

Fri Jul 30 10:22:16 Chance to sign the Six Bells Disaster memorial book http://ow.ly/2iJfX and see the finished sculpture – Saturday and all next week

Fri Jul 30 10:19:02 .@joniayn @hrwaldram Chocolate cupcake fest? When, when? Can we do again next week .. purleeese?

Fri Jul 30 10:16:16 RT @roathcardiff: PHOTO: Beautiful blue flowers, Roath Park http://ow.ly/20asm

Fri Jul 30 07:12:32 Leaner S4C revealed http://ow.ly/2iGsu and a lot more control by Authority. http://ow.ly/2iGtP Always a mistake for a board to micromanage

Fri Jul 30 06:53:19 UK Gov scraps search charges http://ow.ly/2iGci – and the money to run the service comes from where? Increased Council Tax, closed parks?

Fri Jul 30 06:46:51 Good background on S4C debacle http://ow.ly/2iG7w via @MattRosser Come on S4C, speak to us. Silence is rude and stupid and harms the case!

Fri Jul 30 06:41:16 Nice @GdnCardiff mention of my Cardiff 2020 blog for YourCardiff http://ow.ly/2iG3s or direct here http://bit.ly/c9UJiT #cdfcouncil #cardiff

Fri Jul 30 06:34:09 New ethics complaint #cdfcouncil Neil McEvoy as #Plaid select him as Cardiff West Assembly Candidate. Uh?Does Plaid want to win? #onlyasking

Fri Jul 30 06:27:50 RT @thebestofPR: Not sure about who to use on next batch of leaflets – Why not Try Copyprint http://ow.ly/2iFRj| Useless web site! pr #fail

Fri Jul 30 06:23:40 Big Welcome as Newport Transporter bridge re-opens http://ow.ly/2iFPl

Fri Jul 30 06:16:38 .@cardiffblogger Upper Crust’s 20% off card make them more palatable! http://ow.ly/2iFGF Send for one, it’s free

Fri Jul 30 02:00:34 RT @philipmossop: London and Paris: a tale of two bike-hire schemes

http://gu.com/p/2tfxm/ip | Compare, Cardiff #cdfcouncil #fail

Fri Jul 30 01:55:56 RT @Drywsdad: Tut only in the Daily Mail http://ow.ly/2iChl | The iPad users survey – absolute twaddle, crap. Love my iPad owner.

Thu Jul 29 21:16:21 RT @guardiannews: Public sector cuts: Welsh first minister looks for answers at local level http://bit.ly/bzyOZK | Great, right idea 1st Min

Thu Jul 29 21:12:23 Charity founded by Conservative Defence Minister ordered to cease by Charity Commission http://ow.ly/2ixk7 too close to Tories.

Thu Jul 29 17:20:23 .@speedupdating Oh do tell

Thu Jul 29 14:44:08 .@cardiffblogger Thanks for the nice RT. Wd be delighted if you’d start the comments: http://bit.ly/c9UJiT

Thu Jul 29 14:00:58 RT @yourcardiff: Guest post from @peterdcox as part of our Cardiff in 2020 series: http://bit.ly/c9UJiT | Long vers later on personal blog

Thu Jul 29 12:35:04 Since 2005 in Wales, 642 ECT on patients “not capable of understanding nature and likely effect of treatment” http://ow.ly/2iaBk #justsaying

Thu Jul 29 12:05:44 Sauna, spa bath, swim pool, steam, gym ( for him) and lunch: pamper day! Yes! Bannatyne’s Solihull. I like.

Thu Jul 29 10:23:18 RT @Drywsdad: http://yfrog.com/n6dd9mj Bannatynes mens changing room notice | true, I was there!! LOL

Thu Jul 29 10:20:02 One for the diary: Llandaff City Open Doors 17-19 Sept. http://ow.ly/2iand Lots to do – plan a day. #Cardiff

Thu Jul 29 10:00:02 Jersey wants its weather on BBC http://ow.ly/2iatk And what about the maps showing Ireland (north and south) as places?

Thu Jul 29 09:06:08 Wales still bottom of pile for BBC News http://ow.ly/2ibf2 This is a “better, but still bad” story. What’s so hard about this BBC?

Thu Jul 29 08:25:04 The “acting councillor”, the “councillor acting up”, “hamming deputy leader”, all these? Confused http://ow.ly/2iaws #cdfcouncil Cllr McEvoy

Thu Jul 29 08:07:40 If you need to print from your #iPad, you need to know this http://ow.ly/2iae5 reviews of Apps

Thu Jul 29 08:02:59 RT @todayspolitics: Dutch pulling out of Afghanistan this weekend http://ow.ly/2ia9T Aussies to take over. When UK out of there?

Thu Jul 29 07:56:16 RT @huwstephens: on BBC Radio Wales talking about independent record shops. @spillersrecords opens in #Cardiff today! | Welcome back Sillers

Thu Jul 29 07:54:15 .@jamieandlouise Lol – you exhaust me ….. still on holiday … we’re off to a “Pamper day” in Solihull where Radio Wales doesn’t reach 😦

Thu Jul 29 04:40:38 So why has S4C boss quit? http://ow.ly/2i7qG Press fails to tell us the story. S4C issues three line statement: insulting to its viewers.

Thu Jul 29 04:37:50 Animals can imitate human movement says research http://ow.ly/2i7oX Dryw fails to make tea. Bad dog.

Thu Jul 29 04:31:34 Heritage Awards to include Cardiff’s Animal Wall http://ow.ly/2i7jJ but £1M doesn’t go far …

Wed Jul 28 21:25:03 Toy Story 3: quite brilliant. Lots of man-sniffing. Much too grown up for the grandchildren. Loved the short too.

Wed Jul 28 17:45:41 RT @johannhari101: Bull-fighting banned in Catalonia. | Bravo Catalans, we salute you

Wed Jul 28 08:58:17 @Rodneyberman refutes suggestions he shd resign as @cdfcouncil Leader http://ow.ly/2hD0c following selection rebuff. Well, he wd, wdn’t he?

Wed Jul 28 08:16:29 Peter Davies, loses Wales environmental scrutiny job but looks on the bright side http://ow.ly/2hCmZ Hope justified. Bad #ConDems decision

Wed Jul 28 08:12:37 RT @llandaffnews ‘Jolly’ local filmmaker documents Llandaff http://ow.ly/1qKkNc

Wed Jul 28 07:50:44 .@ed_walker86 and you can cope with the bill. Garages always cost £300 more than they say/you think. It’s the law.

Wed Jul 28 07:49:20 .@Big_Blue_Bike LOVE IT – using a push bike to deliver bits to make cars go! Messes my brain in a lovely way. ‘Plane parts next?

Wed Jul 28 07:45:39 @gomezadams LOL I only watch when it’s on for someone else …. wish Pobl y Cwm was better a the moment ..

Wed Jul 28 01:20:51 RT @KatieWEPR: Eastenders is just so frigging amazing at the moment | Amazingly dull, bad, stupid. Plots and acting at best Am Dram. Fastfwd

Wed Jul 28 01:14:08 RT @mathtalfan: So, where’s the logic in cutting funding to the arts? http://bit.ly/bjkzDw | It’s absurd. It’s stupid. If’s #ConDems

Tue Jul 27 10:44:18 RT @ed_walker86: Looks like broadband speeds are still too low and people are being ripped off: http://bit.ly/doaceK | yep!

Tue Jul 27 10:43:04 Congrats to Newbridge Hall on its Lottery funding http://ow.ly/2h63U Now the hard work!

Tue Jul 27 10:39:51 RT @libcon: Why is the government protecting the Pope from arrest? http://bit.ly/bxlVv5 | Seems a good question to me

Tue Jul 27 08:11:15 Job sharing AM’s? http://ow.ly/2h3oY Anyone want to stand for half of Cardiff West or Central? (see my comment).

Mon Jul 26 15:17:56 RT @JohnLDixon: Just attended code of practice refresher session *sounds of stable doors flapping behind me* | Love it!! #stupidscientology

Mon Jul 26 15:09:15 RT @themanics: Youtube link to the new single that was played for the first time this morning #manics http://ow.ly/2gDYt | It rocks, JDB!

Mon Jul 26 14:59:11 RT @davidchivall: Gosh. The Tories are axing everything. Soon the UK will be nothing but a collection of motorways and private houses.

Mon Jul 26 14:54:53 RT @Drywsdad: http://yfrog.com/hqcxmj | Holiday pic … nice one, but where’s Dryw?

Mon Jul 26 14:50:14 Is this the begining of the end for LibDems as a party? http://ow.ly/2gD5o The new #ConDems for permanent coalition?

Mon Jul 26 14:12:47 RT @thejimsmith: The ideological war on sense continues with abolition of UK Film Council; which makes400% return on its investments in film

Mon Jul 26 14:11:30 RT @mikeheyworth: DCMS announcement (http://is.gd/dJSif) suggests major changes ahead for the heritage sector in England | Wales?

Mon Jul 26 11:56:19 Commented on #RodneyBerman must go blog http://ow.ly/2gwza Interesting idea, taking responsibility for failure (first admit it)

Mon Jul 26 11:21:11 @manicstmania only, how to hear???

Mon Jul 26 11:10:31 RT @JonMorganAM: Blog post on the future of Cardiff’s Council leader #lameduckberman http://ow.ly/2gvwk | in RT’ing, just sharing a thought!

Mon Jul 26 09:32:49 @bendigedigfest Of course bilingually.

Mon Jul 26 09:18:23 #Cardiff transport supremo seem to think making money on fines is the answer to an integrated transport plan http://ow.ly/2gtxs #fail again

Mon Jul 26 08:55:16 Who told me being on holiday, house sitting meant dead heading and watering at 7am (bird noises off and blackbird worming)? Free? D’Oh!

Sun Jul 25 18:20:13 @jamieandlouise decamped to Warks to house sit and water thirsty garden. In pub with beers. Woofs from Dryw and cheers from himself

Sun Jul 25 06:31:53 #Cardiff: Shark swallows surfer http://ow.ly/2gbfB . No kiddin dudes!

Sun Jul 25 06:24:32 RT @houghhough: Unbelievable queues @JFKAirport immigration over a 1000 people – took over 1&1/2 hrs | Need to keep quiet, they’ll deport u!

Sun Jul 25 06:22:26 RT @joefrohlinger: OMG. British girls undergo horror of genital mutilation despite tough laws | Society | The Observer http://bit.ly/dBCycD

Sun Jul 25 01:58:03 RT @TheFuckingQueen: Like father like son. Complete and utter liabilities. http://ow.ly/2g9fN | Now, that wd be your medals?

Sat Jul 24 13:15:51 RT @CardiffBiz: What a week for #Cardiff Lloyd Webber, Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas have all visited Cardiff | So, I’m the only one yawning?

Sat Jul 24 12:16:54 @Adrian1Robson LOL there’s @CllrJohnDixon (#stupidscientology fame) @JohnLDixon his alter ego and John Dixon, ex chair Plaid who doesn’t Twt

Sat Jul 24 12:12:02 But, maybe @rodneyberman will be grateful if LibDems get hammered in #ConDem backlash might keep his seat #cdfcouncil even if not leader

Sat Jul 24 12:09:43 RT @WalesOnline: Berman misses:Howells fights Cardiff Central assembly seat http://ow.ly/2g0en | Ouch: nicking boss’s turn?

Sat Jul 24 10:16:33 Llanishen resevoir, the scandal continues as US conglomerate given permission by Environment Agency to drain http://ow.ly/2fZfl #cdfcouncil

Sat Jul 24 10:09:10 Give Crowne Plaza in Birmingham top review after last week’s visit http://ow.ly/2fZbr Top tip: often cheaper than budget Express chain

Sat Jul 24 07:55:51 RT @wmjohn: Respect / kudos to Barry, Archbishop of Wales http://bit.ly/ajQ2y3 | Canterbury, a Welshman remember, please note

Sat Jul 24 07:15:02 #ConDems pull plug on high speed rail to #Cardiff and S Wales http://ow.ly/2fWPi No votes for them here so don’t get investment. Right then!

Sat Jul 24 05:03:54 @JR_Physio Knees subsiding, Tig booked for nxt week when return. Meantime I hobble down the aisle at wedding (friends, of course!) on crutch

Sat Jul 24 04:40:45 RT @liberalsmithy: Nigel Howells has been selected as the LibDem Assembly Candidate for Cardiff Central | #cdfcouncil #greenergrass maybe!

Fri Jul 23 20:16:40 Wedding rehearsal for tomorrow (friend’s) where I’m reading. Discovery http://ow.ly/2fP58 Butes’ mausoleum, Prichard arch, lively vicar. Fun

Fri Jul 23 05:06:39 As he walked onto conference stage 3500 people stood, cheered, many in tears. He didn’t need words http://ow.ly/2fqPm Happy retirement Tutu

Fri Jul 23 04:43:16 Of course Welsh and English should be the official languages of the country. What’s so hard about that? http://ow.ly/2fqv8

Thu Jul 22 20:58:05 RT: @manicspostcards. Re-tweet to enter a competition to win tickets to an extra special Manics show in London on 5th August! #manicscomp

Thu Jul 22 13:27:03 RT @Adrian1Robson: Full Council I am told that members of the stds & ethics ctte will be watching today! | leader “childish behaviour” alert

Thu Jul 22 13:24:46 He did it, we can prove says CPS, yet PC (allegedly) Simon Harwood walks scot free after Tomlinson death http://ow.ly/2f1bC – slowly, again?

Thu Jul 22 13:23:21 RT @DaranHill: RT @cymruyfory: Referendum question misleading, says Sir Emyr Jones-Parry | http://ow.ly/2f0SL I agree – plain obfuscation

Wed Jul 21 17:48:36 .@aliguana Love it! But I burst everytime I have to spend hours (I mean hours) remaking a bloody form to fill in

Wed Jul 21 17:03:05 Why do public bodies (WAG inc) insist on downloads in Word which are over elaborate and don’t render properly. RTF or PDF not Microsoft pse!

Wed Jul 21 16:51:24 RT @roathcardiff: PHOTO: The derelict burial chapels at Cathays Cemetery in Cardiff http://ow.ly/20b6r

Wed Jul 21 16:33:26 #MIFI report 3.uk worked v well back from Brum on Severnside route: hopeless via Bristol Parkway. When works is brilliant on train.

Wed Jul 21 16:27:48 RT @Drywsdad: Deserves 5 stars ?http://ow.ly/2eAhg You could love Newport after this (well, almost 🙂 )

Wed Jul 21 12:14:40 .@wmjohn of course if we got travel 30% plus travel by bike like Copenhagen then we would need more dedicated bike lanes too

Wed Jul 21 12:13:14 .@wmjohn research suggests more Shared Space, fewer accidents, better behaviours and improved travel times – see, well much Europe really

Wed Jul 21 11:36:56 .@wmjohn I am not sure that there shd be places where cyclists in #Cardiff shdn’t go (Shared Space and all that) If I bike am I a Chav?

Wed Jul 21 11:21:28 RT @john_rostron: pedestrianised cardiff’s st marys st. Just nowhere to lock up your bike. http://twitpic.com/279rcf | oops #cdfcouncil

Wed Jul 21 10:40:05 @JR_Physio Tig”s no?

Wed Jul 21 09:16:27 RT @ed_walker86: Hack & hackers day, how we used data to track bobbies on the beat: http://bit.ly/9Cn7DS #hhhliv | Bobbies in Cardiff soon?

Wed Jul 21 09:10:59 @JR_Physio thank you James. Does he do needles too?

Wed Jul 21 09:10:03 RT @IWA_Wales: the new policies for England will have consequences for Wales: http://bit.ly/aBE3tu | Argument for Independence methinks. Now

Wed Jul 21 09:00:52 Western Mail owners upset over criticism http://ow.ly/2emLc Question: wd their excellent hyperlocal stuff have happened without competition?

Wed Jul 21 08:57:15 RT @themabiblogion:Why is that BBC newsreaders learn to correctly pronounce names of places in N Korea but can’t with places in Wales? |Gd?

Wed Jul 21 07:35:02 Last few days of #cdfcouncil audit period when you can inspect accounts? http://ow.ly/2bJDQ Ends 23rd July

Wed Jul 21 07:03:09 .@EyeOnCardiff Appreciate your thoughts: but we need people, resources, time and energy to combat the political machines/inertia/power

Wed Jul 21 07:00:51 RT @DaranHill: RT @bbcwales: Politics: Housing powers devolved to Wales http://bit.ly/anb44Z. » Hallelujah! | ‘Bout bloody time

Wed Jul 21 06:58:58 @JoshHalliday sound like the deadly Twitter is busy syndrome

Wed Jul 21 02:48:27 Tassered in the groin – ouch http://ow.ly/2ehsy Glad not this Peter Cox (wrong age at least, I wish!)

Wed Jul 21 02:39:08 .@JohnLDixon Nicely done on Newsnight #stupidscientology – loved the ‘allegedly” interjections. Expect #cdfcouncil to ‘clarify’ Tweet rules.

Wed Jul 21 02:08:21 .@bengoldacre Try “iSaidWhat” silly name gd app lets u edit sound samples

Tue Jul 20 20:18:45 B’hm ‘Ikon in the 1970’s’ http://ow.ly/2e8OM show a stunner: joy to see old faces and great artists. Brum in the 60/70’s rocked

Tue Jul 20 20:15:23 RT @guardianeco: Exclusive: Sustainable Development Commission to be axed to save £ http://bit.ly/dq7tdQ | Wales outpost next?

Tue Jul 20 20:10:52 .@EyeOnCardiff I wish I shared your optimism: no doubt it >could<, on present form it’s just a hot air political aspiration devoid of plan

Tue Jul 20 20:00:05 Cafe Rouge off Brindley Sq Brum #fail overpriced, poor portion – starter, greasy main. Bread charged for. Yuck wine (not house). Avoid chain

Tue Jul 20 14:58:57 4 UK cities in world’s top 75 Innovative Cities: http://ow.ly/2dY8x 7 more UK ones make Global 256 Index. #Cardiff? No where.

Tue Jul 20 14:52:17 @JohnLDixon very good luck (?) I just hope we’re not all wrong and those stupid people can’t put a hex on you 🙂 #stupidscientology

Tue Jul 20 14:39:34 RT @GdnCardiff: RT @yourcardiff: Cardiff councillor to go on Newsnight discuss Scientology comment: http://bit.ly/a7CC7U #stupidscientology

Tue Jul 20 12:15:02 RT @davidcornock: Cheryl Gillan: Barnett Formula coming to end of its life and govt wants “fair funding formula” | eventually, weasel word

Tue Jul 20 11:51:47 Scientology IS stupid. Shame @JohnLDixon is caght up http://ow.ly/2dRrG Expect ombudsman to be sensible though

Tue Jul 20 11:50:33 RT @davidcornock: Cheryl Gillan confirms Parliament and National Assembly different constituencies 2015 – “decoupled” | hang on to seats eh?

Tue Jul 20 11:39:54 Brains cleanup in #Cardiff, good to see business with a sense of social responsibility for the city http://ow.ly/2dRbm

Tue Jul 20 09:00:27 Where have Welsh train announcements gone at #Cardiff Central? Only generic ones. Broke, finger trouble or policy?

Tue Jul 20 06:33:28 .@DailyWelshWords Far from sunny in Cardiff

Tue Jul 20 06:32:08 Miracle: as soon as I send @Hootsuite_help a tweet bemoaning 8hr lapse the feed returns! The Power of Tweeting!

Tue Jul 20 06:27:47 @houtsuite_help I’ve been without a feed this past 6-8 hrs – still Twitter’s fault?

Mon Jul 19 20:41:07 It’s massive! http://ow.ly/2dDjX It’s Big, It’s Blue, it’s @Big_Blue_Bike Good luck Ben

Mon Jul 19 20:29:42 .@speedupdating but where is the OUTRAGE? We pay, whatever.

Mon Jul 19 20:27:01 So, whatever way the bill’s picked up we pay £1.4M so Nancy Pants William does have to rough it in the Mess! http://ow.ly/2dCTe #republic

Mon Jul 19 19:46:45 @jr_physio Ok then .. name of a brilliant masseur,/acupuncturist to replace the lamented Steve Jones who retired. Cardiff, of course.

Mon Jul 19 09:50:35 RT @vardra: The severnlink fastcats are being moved in Swansea docks. Are they sold already? | Perhaps a journo cd find out?

Mon Jul 19 09:49:53 . @cardiffcouncil couple of screen grabs enroute

Mon Jul 19 09:45:03 @chefbennett01 Really bored with mugs retweets…..

Mon Jul 19 09:42:58 @JayneCowan for which you deserve a GOLD STAR

Mon Jul 19 09:34:22 .@vardra We all throw away enough clothes to keep the ‘charity’ con men companies in business in seems – check the bag, take to the shop!

Mon Jul 19 09:32:45 Sorry, couldn’t resist a comment to Houlihan’s excellent #cardiff lecture http://ow.ly/2dh8L @AmgueddfaCymru Raises flag. Leaves!

Mon Jul 19 09:03:54 RT @paulsq: See Jobs is top of the @mediaguardian Power 100. That’s what I think it said; I was tightly holding the paper with my left hand

Mon Jul 19 09:01:27 .@aliguana Interesting that the competitors don’t say Apple’s statement is wrong though, just lots more hot air pr. Too much all round!

Mon Jul 19 08:43:24 Museum lecture, #Cardiff, correct link http://ow.ly/2dgkF Sorry for finger trouble. Thanks @aliguana

Mon Jul 19 08:41:20 .@aliguana oops …. better sort that sharpish. Thanks.

Mon Jul 19 08:27:03 Blog/link to National Museum of Wales director’s leaving lecture: http://ow.ly/2dg4k Essential reading for every politician indeed all Wales

Mon Jul 19 08:07:34 @vardra how many were bitten (stock or humans)? And what about all the working dogs owners took? Poor decision doesn’t improve with ageing!

Mon Jul 19 07:45:01 RT @vardra: Hope everyone going to the Royal Welsh Show has a fantastic time | We haven’t been since Dryw was banned http://ow.ly/2df05 2003

Mon Jul 19 07:40:01 RT @mediaguardian: Peter Mandelson deal cost the Times about £350,000 http://bit.ly/bD7vu9 | And I can’t read a word. Thanks Murdoch. Really

Mon Jul 19 07:30:05 Did you notice #cdfcouncil advertising the audit period when you can inspect accounts? http://ow.ly/2bJD3 Ends 23rd July

Mon Jul 19 07:20:02 RT @grantshapps: I’m looking at axing the intrusive Place Survey save councils £15m http://bit.ly/dn328n | Another ‘only England’ kiteflying

Mon Jul 19 07:15:01 White men run Uk’s media. Good? Discuss. http://ow.ly/2deKX And as for being called Julian, don’t even go there.

Mon Jul 19 07:05:02 British author of book about Singapore’s death penalty is arrested. http://ow.ly/2deDz Faces jail for exposure of country’s state murder

Mon Jul 19 06:52:13 @joeyanne will you will be writing about focus group today? Where?

Mon Jul 19 06:35:37 Apple compares attenuation on phones http://ow.ly/2deAW or “How to hold your mobile properly”! iPhone4 no worse than others it seems

Sun Jul 18 19:10:54 RT @artistsmakers: If you’re in Worthing, please check twittens, parks, backs of shops for Aaron, 13, who’s missing – let me know if you do.

Sun Jul 18 18:21:00 BBC picks up the absurd Willy Windsor story http://ow.ly/2d60u if he wants to play at flying machines he shd pay. Endex. (We probably have)

Sun Jul 18 17:34:53 .@eggynewydd The very same, sadly

Sun Jul 18 16:02:42 .@speedupdating glimpsed in teco garage. Scandalous. Shd buy him a Winnibego or something (or not) I always stay in the Mess, why can’t he?

Sun Jul 18 16:00:45 Excellent analysis of the terminal decline of Western Mail http://ow.ly/2d4sz no longer even buy Saturday’s for houses/tv. Dead in the water

Sun Jul 18 15:50:35 Beechtree Inn, Culverhouse, #Cardiff mediocre food in a posh service station ambiance #fail

Sun Jul 18 13:17:15 .@Claire_S hope you’re visiting Ikon in Brum – see recent Tweet

Sun Jul 18 13:16:08 Highlight of next week: special lunch B’hm ‘Ikon in the 1970’s’ http://ow.ly/2d2vb taking me back to my involvement in this great gallery

Sun Jul 18 12:11:20 .@speedupdating 🙂 I’d love to know what you’re talking about, but it’s behind a paywall. And I haven’t bought ST for 30 years, at least.

Sun Jul 18 10:40:02 The top 5 hashtags I’ve used: #cardiff, #cdfcouncil, #fail, #chapter, #apple. So many fails!

Sun Jul 18 10:39:51 RT @darrenwaters: At the awesome Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff. Blimey, it’s changed in 10 years! Great breakfast | Glad you approve :)!

Sun Jul 18 10:20:19 Newport Council faces legal challenge over city centre http://ow.ly/2d159 Judicial review moved to #cardiff. One to follow

Sun Jul 18 10:07:21 RT @speedupdating: The best welsh story in today’s Sundays front of the Sunday Times |Either you tease, or it’s a viral plot to make us buy!

Sun Jul 18 09:27:38 RT @RainObservation: #Cardiff: No precipitation. Posted at 9:7:2 Sun Jul 18, 2010 | Yes, and why’s the washing wet then? #fail methinks!

Sun Jul 18 09:26:51 RT @nathanwoolls: Where’s the best place for a veggie Sunday lunch in #Cardiff? Indian Vegetarian Food Studio Penarth Road ***** cheap too

Sun Jul 18 09:24:38 Welsh National Opera world class, Terfel & Co exemplary. Meistersinger on tv http://ow.ly/2d0GD and radio http://ow.ly/2d0GT 5 hrs to thrill

Sun Jul 18 09:20:47 Love Wordle, so here’s a Tweets one http://ow.ly/2d0Ff Seems I’m quite a parochial tweeter … #cardiff

Sun Jul 18 08:53:17 RT @WelshAlienNYC: Chavin Henson naked in the NOTW. http://ow.ly/2d0wx | What’s he got to hide? A rugby ball when doesn’t play much? Colour?

Sun Jul 18 08:49:33 If any man on the planet deserves to have a Happy Birthday it’s Nelson Mandela http://ow.ly/2d0vi Penblywydd Hapus o Gymru

Sun Jul 18 08:45:07 RT @helpmeinvestig8: Help investigate: How much are Local Councils spending on advertising with local papers http://bit.ly/bCNnbf

Sat Jul 17 21:34:29 . @stephenfry Started listening on radio. Then reprised on tv. Saving Acts2/3 for another day. Better conducting than even first night Brill

Sat Jul 17 21:31:05 .@RichardBratby Catch it on Radio 3 iPlayer (maybe also tv too) It’s worth it – they are performing brilliantly.

Sat Jul 17 21:29:02 .@CURZONPRODUCT but David Soar a) sings beautifully b) has beautifully written part c) looked amazing on platforms and costume in the show

Sat Jul 17 21:25:46 .@EyeOnCardiff Every delivery we have from #HDNL is a #fail. Have told Amazon not to use them – they say they can’t! D’Oh!

Sat Jul 17 16:13:28 .@JohnLDixon just saw you note re maps site and cdn’t agree more. The data is great, implementation, rubbish.Crying out for good app.

Sat Jul 17 14:25:18 .@JohnLDixon cheers – nice to see so many on the case …. and if u cd just manage a nice little iPhone App … 🙂

Sat Jul 17 13:17:30 @cdfcouncil here’s the bus maps error message (takes ages to come up btw) http://ow.ly/i/2Fvy

Sat Jul 17 10:01:52 .@wmjohn Update, more unpaid for testing: the map based searches don’t work in 3 flavours of browsers. Lists do and now updating #cdfcouncil

Sat Jul 17 09:54:01 Developers needn’t fret. #cdfcouncil’s Affordable Housing Policy http://ow.ly/d/4YB is a ‘flexible’ ‘target’ and for 2011 is 91 units

Sat Jul 17 08:53:14 Decided to go by bus so the live timetable http://ow.ly/2cMsR is broke #cdfcouncil #fail – 2 in 1 day .. oh dear! they’ll feel unloved again

Sat Jul 17 08:39:18 . @beicio was there coverage of meeting? Links? Wd like to post. Cheers – Agree btw, all self-evident to anyone except #cdfcouncil maybe!

Sat Jul 17 08:15:02 OnYerBike #cdfcouncil more: iPhone App costs -shd be free if you subscribe; web http://ow.ly/2cMat down, 0845 phone costs #fail Catch bus!

Sat Jul 17 08:10:02 Wow, Beicios at Llandaff Fields. http://ow.ly/i/2Fg0 Go to town? No spaces at City Hall (move em around) exp 2 join, 54 bikes #cdfcouncil

Sat Jul 17 08:05:51 .@artistsmakers Ah! Bless! Subtle colour choice though, cd be worse

Sat Jul 17 08:00:02 People, Place and Corporate Services Department at WAG has 380 (expensive) staff http://ow.ly/2cM4U Defensible? Try me …

Sat Jul 17 07:50:01 RT @mediaguardian: Zac Goldsmith clashes with Jon Snow on Channel 4 News http://bit.ly/cmgp8e #Condems personified I thought. Devious, Nasty

Sat Jul 17 07:28:25 Owain Glyndŵr to rise again http://ow.ly/2cLWo Cadw plans for better recognition at key sites.

Sat Jul 17 07:24:54 .@stephenfry Did you see in #Cardiff, if not in for a surprise: thrilling, stupendous great prod. Interest to see/hear at Prom #meistermole

Fri Jul 16 14:53:28 .@eggynewydd do let us know when. Worth getting up early for (maybe?)

Fri Jul 16 10:02:16 .@ed_walker86 and aren’t you most of the SW Echo’s staff too? LOL

Fri Jul 16 09:56:31 Don’t be a problem parker #cdfcouncil doesn’t seem to be working http://ow.ly/i/2E2f Llandaff High Street

Fri Jul 16 09:47:26 Rhythm Method music group – u won’t encourage me to buy by sticking over vital bus info http://ow.ly/i/2E20 #fail #Cardiff

Fri Jul 16 09:25:02 RT @yourcardiff: Council to lock leisure centre users into memberships: http://bit.ly/clDphb | See my comment (if not struck down ..)

Fri Jul 16 08:12:04 Comment on WalesHome blog about hospital vending machines: my experience at UHW, Cardiff http://ow.ly/2cinw

Fri Jul 16 07:30:02 “New Theatre to now be considered among the top 5 Theatres in the Country” according to #cdfcouncil http://ow.ly/2cf7A – do they mean UK?

Fri Jul 16 07:10:02 Could Cardiff have a new local tv station by 2011? http://ow.ly/2cekV

Fri Jul 16 07:00:03 Speak from beyond the grave: Deathswitch http://ow.ly/2cefo send loved a last message, email bank codes – have last word with nasty one?

Fri Jul 16 06:45:01 Value of Ashes to Cardiff: prediction June 2009 £116M http://ow.ly/2cfhA , report to #cdfcouncil says £3,577,000 http://ow.ly/2cfhB Compute?

Fri Jul 16 03:46:27 .@ed_walker86 you don’t get away unnoticed – see … look forward to hearing/seeing results (#cdfcouncil accounts maybe)

Thu Jul 15 20:09:19 Excellent example of nonsensical, superfluous street clutter http://ow.ly/2c68Z via @yourcardiff

Thu Jul 15 13:50:04 RT @dxMADE: Good design ‘priceless’ in new era of community-driven development says minister http://ow.ly/2bPyH | For England only?

Thu Jul 15 13:15:21 Maestro Charles Mackerras will be missed in Wales http://ow.ly/2bQKP he brought wonderful insights to WNO especially his recordings

Thu Jul 15 13:12:42 RT @GdnCardiff: Spotted new free-b bus replacement -the electric minibus – outside County Hall http://twitpic.com/25hdgb OOh Err

Thu Jul 15 10:55:02 RT @civic_voice: Broadband Indust Day: may we have your broadband without so much damage to our streets #bduk #dcmsmedia http://ow.ly/2bM0L

Thu Jul 15 10:25:02 Off for 2nd of 3 Synvisc injection in knees. Expensive, v painful, but then so’s arthritis! Anyone any experience/efficacy/side effects?

Thu Jul 15 10:23:52 . @hrwaldram Sorry, gowned piccie more important than any #cdfcouncil mtg IMHO! Try to enjoy today though!

Thu Jul 15 10:19:01 RT @egrommet: Right shall pop down to see which of last year’s #CJS mob are here for the pre graduation drinky | Have on 4us (virtually)

Thu Jul 15 10:06:20 Hugest congrats from all of Cardiff to Hannah Waldram @GdnCardiff @hrwaldram who Graduates today http://ow.ly/2bMn2 Expect gowned piccie!

Thu Jul 15 10:00:03 Massive drop in Welsh programming for tv http://ow.ly/2bLJe Majority unhappy about range of coverage – including me.

Thu Jul 15 09:22:19 Good news: #cdcouncil rejects use of Llandaff Fields for car parking by UWIC http://ow.ly/2bLGZ Success in campaign to save heritage parks

Thu Jul 15 09:19:36 Apparently, BBC News held a ‘debrief’ on its Moat coverage http://ow.ly/2bLD0 be interested to know outcomes. 24 hr news sucks #justsaying

Thu Jul 15 08:22:40 RT @juliandobson: I wish people wouldn’t tweet links to stuff that’s hidden behind a paywall. What’s the point? | Except to annoy

Thu Jul 15 08:15:53 Guardian coverage of Pontcanna Pine planning consent decision http://ow.ly/2bKAD #cdfcouncil

Thu Jul 15 07:58:32 RumneyRec campaigners ask 10 questions of #cdfcouncil leader @rodneyberman http://ow.ly/2bKi3 We’ll tweet link to answers if there are any.

Thu Jul 15 07:45:05 RT @WorkingWordPR: Early morning interviews at BBC for @ecrimewales summit 500 delegates on way to Celtic Manor | Clearly nec to meet there?

Thu Jul 15 07:43:21 .@wmjohn Campaigns depend on people starting them ….

Thu Jul 15 07:31:58 Excellent background and update on Vulcan Pub Campaign – why Cardiff needs to keep it http://ow.ly/2bJNV Not over though …

Thu Jul 15 07:20:49 Did you know this is when Cardiff Council’s Accounts are open for inspection? http://ow.ly/2bJzx Finishes 23rd July so hurry! #cdfcouncil

Wed Jul 14 23:15:57 RT @themanics: “Manics plan album launch gig in London” http://is.gd/dseZK #manics

Wed Jul 14 20:32:06 @jamieandlouise enjoy

Wed Jul 14 20:30:12 @cardiffcouncil PS also – you shd do address complete from postcode

Wed Jul 14 20:29:29 @cardiffcouncil Yeh .. Mandoforms on steroids! Works gd on Safari/Firefox on OSX 10.6.4 (What magic?) Still v boring form btw and no logo.

Wed Jul 14 20:02:01 Twitter API is busy message is getting boring. Please change even if you can’t fix Twitter.

Wed Jul 14 20:00:02 RT @Drywsdad: Anybody know a guy who’d like to date a sassy attractive intelligent educated 80yr old ?pls RT | Do I know such a person?

Wed Jul 14 19:55:48 Worlds’ biggest still-life will close 60km motorway on Sunday with banquet for 200,000 http://ow.ly/2bxE6 Mad. Wonderful. German.

Wed Jul 14 19:00:25 Somehow missed the tremendous news of big Big Lottery Funding for NoFitState Circus http://ow.ly/2bv8C Congrats – see in Cardiff soon?

Wed Jul 14 18:08:23 .@Adrian1Robson Thanks for being (it is reported) the sane voice re Pontcanna Pine.

Wed Jul 14 17:20:41 Instant but thoughtful coverage of today’s Cardiff Planning decision on Pontcanna Pine http://ow.ly/2bry9 Approval given #fail #cdfcouncil

Wed Jul 14 16:31:22 @cardiffcouncil seems to be worse Safari doesn’t open it at all now … sorry

Wed Jul 14 15:45:16 RT @yourcardiff: Approval granted for 14 flats on kings road, pontcanna (Pontcanna Pine) #cdfplan #cdfcouncil #fail

Wed Jul 14 14:04:16 RT @yourcardiff: Applause for simon white after objecting to pontcanna pine development #cdfplan meeting | Decision must be near then.

Wed Jul 14 13:53:07 . @kbateman I must misspell Welsh more often. My it gets one noticed! I’ll do 100 lines, Welcome in Welsh is Croeso, Welcome in Welsh is…

Wed Jul 14 13:50:27 .@wmjohn Typo and failure of computer to have Welsh spell checker! Diolch

Wed Jul 14 13:40:03 Croseo to new director of Wales’ National Museums http://ow.ly/2bguf Can someone lacking Welsh heritage (and language) do job? #justsaying

Wed Jul 14 13:37:29 WalesOnline vote “Are Cardiff councillors value for money” Yes 23.5%, No 76.5% Suspect most don’t know what they really cost! #cdfcouncil

Wed Jul 14 13:34:21 @lockylive #cdfcouncil ‘s forms software works – just – in Safari , not Firefox on Macs. It’s bad form, expensive IT provider. Yep #fail

Wed Jul 14 12:51:31 Have commented on Obudsman/Cllr McEvoy row with personal, recent experience of ‘disrespectful behaviour’ http://ow.ly/2bh5q #cdfcouncil

Wed Jul 14 12:49:30 RT @VOGCouncil: Pont y Werin, the bridge linking Penarth and Cardiff Bay, was declared open this morning – hooray!

Wed Jul 14 12:28:31 RT @cardiffcouncil: Help us keep the city’s streets clean. Report litter build up here http://ow.ly/2bgkk

Wed Jul 14 12:26:48 RT @AmgueddfaCymru: Tonight’s lecture: http://ow.ly/2bgn8 | Last appearance by Nat Museum’s Director Michael Houlihan – worth a look

Wed Jul 14 11:27:03 Shd ratepayers expect their cllrs (paid) to behave respectfully towards them? http://ow.ly/2beZH Ombudsman says yes! #cdfcouncil Cllr McEvoy

Wed Jul 14 10:00:02 New tag #cdfldp (Cardiff Local Development Plan) it’s going to be around for next 4 years so pse use it! Help engage Cardiff with its future

Wed Jul 14 09:15:02 Celebrate and be proud: Welsh gets its voice at the EU from today http://ow.ly/2bctf If you want to keep it, use it!

Wed Jul 14 08:52:53 RT @GdnCardiff: Wiki set up as platform for discussion on Cardiff’s future – you may want to contribute to this: http://gu.com/p/2tbeg/tw

Wed Jul 14 08:49:30 RT @cardiffcouncil: Pont y Werin Bridge linking the International Sports Village in Cardiff to the Vale of Glamorgan officially opens today

Wed Jul 14 08:47:18 More on the Splott Incinerator meeting http://ow.ly/2bcr1 #cdfcouncil Although it slipped through planning cd still be stopped it seems

Wed Jul 14 08:44:47 RT @aliguana: Blair thought Brown was mad? Isn’t that like Jack the Ripper thinking that Sweeney Todd is a bit “odd”? | Brilliant, spot on!

Wed Jul 14 08:41:08 Ratepayers protest about lack of consultation by #cdfcouncil, this time over Splott Incinerator project http://ow.ly/2bciZ Has to change

Wed Jul 14 07:00:02 First job: edit yesterday’s end of term poetry perf that features Philip Gross (Wales Book of the Year etc) and get podcast out

Wed Jul 14 05:55:50 Reminder: #cdfcouncil Planning Cttee 2.30 pm City Hall considers Pontcanna Pine dev in Conservation Area http://ow.ly/2b9WS attending helps

Wed Jul 14 05:51:37 For those wanting quote and comment on action filled week for Cardiff Civic Society, leave it! Need more zds before any more on anything!

Wed Jul 14 05:49:15 RT @JoshHalliday: New BBC website live: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ Gotta say, I like it. | Concur, still doesn’t have the Guardian ‘edge’

Wed Jul 14 05:47:58 So Germany lost out in World Cup footie ‘cos its team too gay http://ow.ly/2b9Ql – what to say? Nothing is best.

Tue Jul 13 21:58:16 Tweet says other half has hit the sack. Expect next tweet in 8 hrs: “Tea, green please”.

Tue Jul 13 21:48:18 Really inspiring Transition meet, Cardiff: lots of ideas and willingness to engage with Local Development Plan through Cardiff Partnerships

Tue Jul 13 21:40:43 RT @politicshomeuk: Parliament has voted by 321 to 243 against a motion to exempt charities from the planned hike in VAT | Bad, Bad, Bad

Tue Jul 13 15:54:20 More coverage of Cardiff Civic Society and the Cardiff LDP http://ow.ly/2aPQF

Tue Jul 13 15:47:43 More coverage of Cardiff Civic Society and the Cardiff LDP http://ow.ly/2aPyG

Tue Jul 13 15:43:25 RT @cardiffuni: Win an iPad with Cardiff Uni’s prize draw. Simply retweet and follow @cardiffuni to enter. Terms: http://bit.ly/bp4EMI

Tue Jul 13 15:35:50 RT @GdnCardiff: Calls for council to engage with citizens over Cardiff’s future at @CardiffCivicSoc meeting last night http://ow.ly/2aP26

Tue Jul 13 10:20:05 RT @stephenfry: In my robes http://yfrog.com/3m60pj | Bless, very fetching red, not sure about the dangly bit

Tue Jul 13 10:18:26 RT @yourcardiff: Some snaps of run down Hailey Park tennis courts by @eggynewydd: http://bit.ly/aL8cNd

Tue Jul 13 10:16:51 RT @bbcwales: News SW: Badger cull halted after appeal http://bit.ly/bHujUR | Another WAG legal cock-up, why do they get it wrong?

Tue Jul 13 07:15:02 Terrific ideas about Cardiff’s future from LDP meeting last night. On http://tinyurl.com/partwiki soon – join the site now to take part

Tue Jul 13 07:14:05 Sit on a crocodile and it’ll bite you http://ow.ly/2aByT D’Oh. Drunk Australian, explains all maybe.

Tue Jul 13 06:45:47 RT @parkcampaigner: Ask MP to support amend’s 35, 36 & 37 in today’s debate Financial Services Bill – exempt charities from the 20% VAT rise

Tue Jul 13 06:44:08 Charities – but especially smaller ones like Cardiff Civic Society – will be harmed by £150M VAT rise http://ow.ly/2aB5n MP’s should exempt

Tue Jul 13 05:16:20 RT @stephenfry: Must say Cardiff is looking spankingly good in the sunshine. Castle is gleaming, Town Hall glowing. Much to like here.

Tue Jul 13 05:09:30 RT @sorafferty: some good insight earlier into how @CardiffCivicSoc & @petercox are working to improve Cardiff in the long-term

Mon Jul 12 17:01:12 All set up at the Big Sleep for tonight’s workshop on Cardiff’s Local Development Plan. See you here http://bit.ly/d9csZc

Mon Jul 12 16:59:47 @GreatSociety64 absolutely – we’re here – hoping for hundreds (well …)

Mon Jul 12 14:06:05 @mrbry and apologies for spelling …

Mon Jul 12 14:05:47 @mrbry Right! Confused him with the other one – equally bigotted – Jeremy Vine! Apoligies lawyers (a bit)

Mon Jul 12 13:58:31 RT @GdnCardiff: Call for Cardiff knitters to help cancer appeal http://gu.com/p/2taym/tw | What happened to @jamieandlouise ‘s Red Scarf?

Mon Jul 12 13:58:03 RT @LauraJFord1: Loves a bit of jeremy Kyle | Racist, homophobic, bigot who’s paid for being an idiot: BBC #fail not with my licence fee

Mon Jul 12 13:56:22 @charlesarthur Uh? Since when did “meat free”=”Calorie-free”? Vegetable Lasagne, Artichoke Pizza, Vegetable Biryani, Deep Fried Mars bars?

Mon Jul 12 13:54:01 Slides complete for tonight’s LDP Cardiff meeting at Big Sleep 6.30pm details http://ow.ly/2aaoG will be posting outcomes on new wiki site

Mon Jul 12 13:10:02 RT @doodaf: Confused about why the BBC persists in describing Katherine Jenkins as an ‘opera singer’ when she’s never sung one | Right on!

Mon Jul 12 12:47:26 @phoenixlily well, down the list … have not forgotten – indeed keep drafting in head! Keep nagging! Wd dm but you’re not following 😦

Mon Jul 12 12:05:04 BigMac to run volunteers at Olympics http://ow.ly/2a5Sy How many miles fdo you have to run to burn off a BigOne? D’Oh! Stupid.

Mon Jul 12 11:30:02 Interesting FOI re Central Area Dev: #cdfcouncil first says answered, gets failure judgement, then says won’t. Go figure http://ow.ly/2a5Oq

Mon Jul 12 10:50:45 .@Big_Blue_Bike Think bike rescue/ambulance service could be a big hit. Tweet when running!

Mon Jul 12 10:50:03 “We wanted to get away from the slightly surly atmosphere you get in many bike shops” been to Cardiff then? http://ow.ly/2a2VR Cycle cafes.

Mon Jul 12 10:49:48 @cardiffbites Scam – have previously referred several ‘charities’ to Trading Standards #cdfcouncil

Mon Jul 12 10:48:35 RT @phoenixlily: Astounding – empty properties in Cardiff. Check map http://ow.ly/2a2Tr – & yet they keep building low quality hi rise

Mon Jul 12 10:32:15 #ConDems’ plans to dismantle NHS http://ow.ly/2a5s3 England first, then Wales? Over my, undoubtably by then, dead body!

Mon Jul 12 10:28:25 RT @civic_voice: Use our interactive map to find your local civic society http://www.civicvoice.org.uk/societies/map/ | If in England!

Mon Jul 12 08:47:31 RT @gomezadams: MrsA in full regalia. http://twitpic.com/24m6ky Twitpride Congrats!

Mon Jul 12 08:37:49 Cardiff needs one of these: Bike Ambulance Rescue http://ow.ly/2a2TB (there’s a caff too)

Mon Jul 12 08:34:34 RT @GreatSociety64: ‘The internet is not just for geeks’… @GreatSociety64 Alun Michael MP Cardiff South/Penarth http://gu.com/p/2tag3/tw

Mon Jul 12 08:00:04 Today: Consult on ‘new’ Local Development Plan – Cardiff Partnerships workshop 6.30 Big Sleep: Email Partnerships@cardiffcivicsociety.org

Mon Jul 12 07:15:02 Social media and politics: conversation not broadcast: excellent Gruniad blog http://ow.ly/2a19Y Needs to be studied not just policians

Mon Jul 12 07:05:02 Full text of Presiding Officer’s Super Thursday vote for Wales http://ow.ly/2a1ci Think we’re big enough to cope: as blog says, media isn’t.

Mon Jul 12 07:03:37 .@GdnCardiff reminds everyone about tonight’s LDP workshop in Cardiff. http://ow.ly/2a1BB If you’re a local group, need to be there!

Mon Jul 12 06:45:01 Presiding Officer of Assembly says go for Super Thursday Vote http://ow.ly/2a14g Tories will hate idea “treat(ing) electorate with respect”

Mon Jul 12 06:22:59 RT @vardra: @peterdcox Quick answer no, I’m looking at the boats now. Bad business plan, no landing site secured! | Someone needs arse kick!

Mon Jul 12 06:16:20 Wonder if #cdfcouncil ever did a cost-benefit analysis of St Mary Street closures? Including short-term impact on traders http://ow.ly/2a12P

Mon Jul 12 06:13:12 Will Wales-Devon crossings ever happen – boats go up for sale http://ow.ly/2a10N

Mon Jul 12 06:09:04 By @mjrobbins – Raoul Moat: Seven Questions the Media Should Answer http://bt.io/FbwY a difficult read for anyone concerned

Sun Jul 11 22:39:27 RT @JoshHalliday: [del.icio.us] MPs’ scandals covered up on Wikipedia – Telegraph http://bit.ly/90VZ2h | Hurrumph

Sun Jul 11 18:54:35 RT @NeilCocker: let’s not forget that South Africa are saddled with the £6 billion loss, while FIFA make £2bn profit | Sport? Shameful

Sun Jul 11 18:51:32 RT @JoshHalliday: Anyone? I’m desperate! Please help! RT: @louisebolotin: How do I block a number on my iPhone? | Fairly certain you can’t!

Sun Jul 11 18:50:24 Bravo #cdfcouncil First sighting of traffic PEOs on a SUNDAY at 7.45pm ticketing on Cowbridge Road, Canton cycle lane. RESULT!

Sun Jul 11 16:21:28 .@wmjohn and on straight-from-school agree 100%, once had to address over 1000 freshers – those who had come from school were terrified!

Sun Jul 11 16:19:31 .@wmjohn don’t object to that, but can we redistribute access to learning in a way that we’ve so abysmally failed to do with wealth?

Sun Jul 11 14:04:29 .@wmjohn not sure a university edu can ever be a bad thing; deciding who cannot have it inevitably leads to wealth and other discrimination

Sun Jul 11 11:50:38 RT @WalesOnline: The Hot 50: Wales’ sexiest men revealed http://bit.ly/9T1YYC | They never did ring me…. you mean I’m not in the list?

Sun Jul 11 11:40:01 RT @wmjohn: Cap, leading to less gowns. hhttp://ow.ly/29NNU which can only be a good thing : For Wales’ Knowledge Economy? Surely not?

Sun Jul 11 11:08:56 RT @mediaguardian: Axed public-sector job ads push newspapers towards double dip | Danger for Echo/WM if happens in Wales http://ow.ly/29NN7

Sun Jul 11 11:07:20 RT @Drywsdad: Is it just me or if this creepy? Holocaust survivor, dancing to Gloria Gaynor outside concentration camps http://j.mp/aq3bbE

Sun Jul 11 11:05:59 RT @djleekee: OAP just attempted to reverse park into a space on #KingsRoad but mashed the car alongside before speeding : #cdfcouncil note

Sun Jul 11 11:03:45 .@CardiffBiz I support local businesses – and too few of them there. If others enjoyed, fine. We didn’t #justsaying Off to Riverside Market.

Sun Jul 11 11:01:45 . @hywelm The Queen? well that’s really interesting – I must ask those who know, dangerous to harbour wrongful info masquerading as fact

Sun Jul 11 09:48:21 . @manicstmania let’s hope someone recorded it!

Sun Jul 11 08:40:30 .@vardra Oh dear! PJ’s one day, Mankini the next! We need to get you Gok Wan’d. You know you must.

Sun Jul 11 08:26:19 #cdcouncil’s lack of planning policy means it won’t refuse unsuitable development http://ow.ly/29MIC Para 8.1: the real cost of LDP failure!

Sun Jul 11 08:19:55 Reminder of CCS objections to Pontcanna Pine revised plans: http://ow.ly/29MEV Officers fail to deal with policy questions #cdfcouncil

Sun Jul 11 08:18:44 #cdfcouncil Officers’ report on Pontcanna Pine 14 flats http://ow.ly/d/4NC recommends approval: doesn’t acknowledge CCS second objection

Sun Jul 11 08:16:19 RT @CardiffBiz: Final day of the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival | and we care? Not.

Sun Jul 11 07:50:34 Tomorrow: Consult on ‘new’ Local Development Plan – Cardiff Partnerships workshop 6.30 Big Sleep: Email Partnerships@cardiffcivicsociety.org

Sun Jul 11 07:45:02 RT @artistsmakers: Great shot of Police officer looking calm, reasoned and in control of Raoul Moat situation http://tinyurl.com/37aw64u

Sun Jul 11 05:52:17 . @eggynewydd Bit early even to exert myself to look, let alone be there!

Sun Jul 11 01:34:12 .@hywelm Gorsed, well spotted, but only for Welsh speaking (and pretty fluent at that) Welsh, surely?

Sat Jul 10 21:38:48 @GreatSociety64 @JezzaTaff if you manage to get an answer from Delme Bowen #cdfcouncil, do let us all know

Sat Jul 10 21:35:32 . @GreatSociety64 Agreed, that would be a bloody good start. March on Monday?

Sat Jul 10 21:33:02 The nearest Wales has to Honours: http://ow.ly/29HOH bravos for Stephen Fry, Rebecca Evans, Nicholas Keynon- and cheers for Martyn Williams!

Sat Jul 10 21:28:11 Wales note: a million Catalans took to the streets today in support of independence http://ow.ly/29HM9

Sat Jul 10 21:25:16 Watching Domingo’s Simon Boccanegra on BBC2 reminds me that Meistersinger is live from the proms next Saturday – it’ll be brilliant on radio

Sat Jul 10 18:56:30 Recollecting on last weekend in Paris just as our review gets posted http://ow.ly/29Fns Hotel Molay, Marais

Sat Jul 10 17:11:14 .@vardra It’s a Sod’s Law. The Good News is that my iPhone filled up nearly on day one and has pretty much stayed that way Some in some out

Sat Jul 10 17:05:03 .@cardiffblogger Don’t forget Rule 106: Cardiff Bus drivers do what they like, Event or no Event, town or suburbs (they don’t actually care)

Sat Jul 10 15:15:15 . @CardiffRoundTbl Cardiff Fd Fest: too many stalls in a tent, people only sampling, few Welsh producers, massive queues for food – soulless

Sat Jul 10 15:12:11 RT @llef: And here they are! Picnic-tastic yoghurt pot wine glasses at M&S – http://moby.to/rxtmzg | and at that price better be good wine!

Sat Jul 10 13:33:37 Says everything about Cardiff Food Festival that we ran to Kemi’s Cafe for good food!!! #cdfcouncil #fail

Sat Jul 10 12:15:52 London’s Hyde Park – looks like Global Warming is here already http://ow.ly/i/2wPT via @Drywsdad

Sat Jul 10 11:54:22 @DaranHill Can we have an on-site status pse before we leave and look for a Blue Badge space (some hopes …)?

Sat Jul 10 10:54:31 .@jamieandlouise up too late to say do one for me! Jogging still banned for knees sake (what an excuse!!!) Food Festival however beckons

Sat Jul 10 10:37:49 .@vardra yuck, you wear PJ’s? That’s something shops sell for emergencies – like hotel fires! Never a good look, even for lounging ….

Sat Jul 10 10:35:14 @eggynewydd Sadly, terrine, like rest of ours lives, in a warehouse in Cwmbran. No houses on market still!

Sat Jul 10 10:33:40 US Judge says excessive award to record companies violates rights of music downloader http://ow.ly/29zSy still $67.5K though!

Sat Jul 10 08:00:05 @ed_walker86 Penblywydd Hapus. (If you need translation by now you should go back to England 🙂 )

Fri Jul 09 22:55:02 Cardiff’s ‘new’ Local Development Plan – Cardiff Partnerships workshop Monday 6.30 Big Sleep Cardiff partnerships@cardiffcivicsociety.org

Fri Jul 09 16:14:11 Collected Dryw from his barber’s (no, not @Drywsdad) and he’s barking to say, ‘lots cooler, thank you, where’s good boy treat?’ Mmmm..

Fri Jul 09 16:09:24 @GreatSociety64 thanks for the #ff and the thought – but far too busy telling others how to run Cardiff to do it myself 🙂 #cdfcouncil

Fri Jul 09 12:30:20 PACT meeting Cardiff Riverside, St Catherine’s Church Hall, Kings Road 7pm Monday 12th July

Fri Jul 09 10:23:05 Not-spots in Wales nearer becoming hot http://ow.ly/297Jh sometime soon, maybe

Fri Jul 09 09:44:10 RT @huwstephens: it’s faster from London to Brussels than it is London to Cardiff on train. | AND can be cheaper as we know to our cost!!

Fri Jul 09 09:14:48 @DaranHill we’re counting the cost (horrendous) of 4 days in Paris just this week! Nightmare for wheelchair users too.

Fri Jul 09 09:04:32 No show today followers on Radio Glamorgan – knees fix cure is worse than the ailment: “trust me, I’m a doctor” he said! So, catchup Friday.

Fri Jul 09 08:49:27 RT @CardiffCivicSoc: Cardiff Civic Society objections to Pontcanna Pine dev quoted here: http://ow.ly/296jd Decision next week

Fri Jul 09 08:33:21 WAG to launch enquiry into Severn Bridge tolls http://ow.ly/2963H that cost wales £76M a year! ‘Bout time too

Fri Jul 09 08:29:46 Food and Social networking, what could be better? http://ow.ly/29609 Eat with a local (do not miss out the ‘with’)

Fri Jul 09 08:03:21 RT @LlandaffNews: Watch the rowing this weekend at the Llandaff Regatta

Fri Jul 09 06:12:14 RT @stephenfry: If you’ve read Stieg Larsson, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” &c., you’ll love this: http://ow.ly/293UG | Way to start day

Thu Jul 08 20:45:55 Excellent Cardiff Civic Society Executive, successes reported on all fronts. Gearing up for four years of Local Development Plan work!!

Thu Jul 08 16:08:38 RT @GdnCardiff: black currant jam workshop Riverside Community Gardens (Pontcanna Allotments) 5-7pm on Friday http://is.gd/dj9Ck #cardiff

Thu Jul 08 16:06:06 @GdnCardiff How about at Chapter? Could ask Carol to reserve the Cytch Bar?

Thu Jul 08 15:51:25 First figures on @GdnCardiff with my comment http://ow.ly/28JXi

Thu Jul 08 14:35:51 RT @jackschofield: McDonald’s Apologizes For Condoms In Happy Meals http://bit.ly/cULQJ9 #funny

Thu Jul 08 14:32:19 Canton Chorus Concert this Saturday – details http://ow.ly/28GCs @cantonchorus

Thu Jul 08 12:16:23 Interview of Rumney campaigner sets out common complaints about #cdfcouncil http://ow.ly/28C6G highlights conflicts of interest

Thu Jul 08 12:13:03 RT @KevinBrennanMP: ConDem Govt making a big mistake if they axe the electrification of South Wales – London railway: http://bit.ly/94o3b6

Thu Jul 08 09:22:28 RT @GdnCardiff: RT @3rdfloorgallery: “HOPE for Third Floor Gallery” 5 prints offer to help the gallery http://is.gd/djJVc | Buy and help!

Thu Jul 08 09:14:33 Cardiff’s ‘new’ Local Development Plan – Cardiff Partnerships workshop Monday 6.30 Big Sleep Cardiff partnerships@cardiffcivicsociety.org

Thu Jul 08 08:05:57 38 Degrees | Stand up to Murdoch http://bit.ly/92wray I’ve signed. Please do so and RT to stop Murdoch’s final conquest

Thu Jul 08 05:50:01 RT @todayspolitics: Walmart spends millions of dollars fighting $7,000 fine for worker death http://bit.ly/ci9cwN | (In the UK it’s Asda)

Thu Jul 08 00:38:53 RT @guardiantech: In praise of … the Proms online archive | Editorial http://bit.ly/bKKzkC

Wed Jul 07 18:06:56 RT @bbcwales: Politics: Morgan against tax-raising powers http://bit.ly/br6spm So devolution only so far eh Rhodri?

Wed Jul 07 18:05:46 Yet another commitment to Broadband Wales http://ow.ly/28g9j How many more before someone actually does something?

Wed Jul 07 17:49:16 Council staff cut backs can mean free tennis http://ow.ly/28fBU Is that good? #cdfcouncil

Wed Jul 07 13:01:20 @wmjohn Marmite Squeezy: costs a lot more, use a lot more. Double bonus for maker. That’s why.

Wed Jul 07 12:58:29 RT @yourcardiff: Work starts on repairing the Animal Wall on Castle Street: http://bit.ly/d91Lwr

Wed Jul 07 12:58:23 RT @afuahirsch: Read supreme ct judgment on gay asylum seekers Notorious Kylie passage is at par 78 http://bit.ly/cL7H9o | Well worth a read

Wed Jul 07 12:55:02 RT @wmjohn: How can a website cost £35m? Easily http://bit.ly/d9XXvs | Been there, seen that. Got the t-shirt (never working website though)

Wed Jul 07 12:41:52 RT @KevinBrennanMP: Cameron doesn’t get devolution – can’t distinguish between assembly/parl’ment and devolved government and need 2 consult

Wed Jul 07 12:38:29 RT @civic_voice: Our call to return streets to people by supporting local action http://bit.ly/90yIit | WAG note also pse

Wed Jul 07 12:36:45 @llef stock photography! What about recycled agency news, pr press releases, & corporate puffs masquerading as ‘expert’ columns? Newspaper?

Wed Jul 07 12:29:36 @llef I was thinking no one else had noticed how appalling the Western Mail makeover had been! What happened to designers?

Tue Jul 06 22:15:01 @ed_walker86 There is the regal in sha tin or a few kowloon side don’t go any on Hong Kong island its too expensive | she says !

Tue Jul 06 20:48:41 @ed_walker86 that I approve 🙂

Tue Jul 06 20:46:21 @ed_walker86 have asked the fount of Cardiffs Chinese community so shd get some!

Tue Jul 06 20:25:06 @ed_walker86 glad someone is safeguarding the ratepayers huge loans !

Tue Jul 06 20:19:18 Great Western usual #fail ” ticket only valid with seat reservation” but seat numbers don’t exist!!

Tue Jul 06 20:15:37 Proof that Paris trip is over http://ow.ly/i/ he wanted tourist pose!!

Tue Jul 06 14:53:00 RT @libcon: BBC cuts out Jeremy Clarkson’s homophobia http://bit.ly/bLVO9o | bout time he was sacked

Tue Jul 06 10:24:29 Residents show opposition to Pontcanna Pine plans which Civic Society object to on Conservation grounds http://ow.ly/27s8q

Tue Jul 06 08:50:02 PACT meeting Cardiff Riverside, St Catherine’s Church Hall, Kings Road 7pm Monday 12th July

Tue Jul 06 08:08:19 @ed_walker86 intruiged in Paris !!! ” odd”?

Tue Jul 06 08:01:35 RT @wmjohn: “why (would) someone who can afford iPhone and the expensive running costs need a Jobcentre Plus app.” http://bit.ly/cG6QO8

Tue Jul 06 07:55:48 Morning in Paris 3 of 3 Memorial in park to the 500 children from this arond. murdered by Nazis http://ow.ly/i/2rIw with French complicity

Tue Jul 06 07:52:31 Morning in Paris 2 of 3 Immaculate park landscaping http://ow.ly/i/2rIq

Tue Jul 06 07:51:02 Morning in Paris 1of 3 Ladies who exercise Tai Chi http://ow.ly/i/2rIm

Mon Jul 05 12:47:46 Lucien Freud at CGP Paris unbelievably moving has made our trip- free to wheelchair users!! Tx

Mon Jul 05 12:39:21 RT @thedimmick: WAG release vision to make Wales “one of the best places in the world to live, to work and to thrive” Http://bit.ly/bMQZuX

Mon Jul 05 08:35:27 #cdfcouncil Planning cttee site visit 3pm today Pontcanna Pine please gather there – in my absence – to support Conservation Area

Mon Jul 05 08:30:05 RT @Drywsdad: Cardiff council take over control of parking, all the details and your parking questions answered: http://bit.ly/dkA6VS

Mon Jul 05 08:25:01 Paris result! Breakfast 5€ for both plus 5.2€ for coffees. Half hotel price and we saw the ducks. Tres Bon

Mon Jul 05 07:14:10 RT @WalesOnline: Assembly former minister attacks civil servants who fail to carry out policies http://bit.ly/a0Bdjz | If true v worrying

Mon Jul 05 07:06:54 RT @WalesOnline: Cardiff City confident of settling new £1.3m tax bill http://bit.ly/bJrlsp | What, more ratepayer’s “help”? No way!!

Sun Jul 04 20:25:51 Laying on bed with champagne streetview Paris on iPad saves wheelchair miles! Searching for Japanese tea room

Sun Jul 04 20:19:11 RT @NigelHowellsCdf: Met the newly formed Friends of Parc Cefn Onn today. Great news – the park has been awarded £135k to upgrade paths.

Sun Jul 04 17:00:10 RT @DaranHill: Quicker to walk than get this Baybus thing. How on earth any vehicles manage to move around this city surprises me | sad!

Sun Jul 04 08:53:32 . @vardra too right. At least I can choose to walk, but it’s a revelatory experience – and hard on his hands!!

Sun Jul 04 08:50:22 More #Paris #fail Hotel Molay 3e long time favourite worst 10€ bfast ever, as in EVER!

Sun Jul 04 08:45:43 #Paris #fail do not even think about being a wheelchair user on the #metro IMPOSSIBLE scandalous in 2010

Sun Jul 04 08:41:54 @artistsmakers although missed in Cardiff ‘cos away BIG thanks to all for project ARK come back soon

Sun Jul 04 08:34:56 @baligoldsworthy but they wd say that given they are fighting to justify supporting #condems

Sun Jul 04 08:15:00 @vardra #goodnews flu=weightloss Greetings from Paris

Sat Jul 03 08:36:01 Goodbye St Pancras hello Paris

Sat Jul 03 08:17:40 Adding insult, neither wifi at St Pancras connects. Crapsville Eurostar

Sat Jul 03 07:46:43 @vardra you’re welcome to some of my excess foc!!

Sat Jul 03 07:44:50 For all the millions Eurostar St Pancras is the pits for customers! Bring back Waterloo!

Fri Jul 02 19:04:09 Right peeps, that’s it from Cardiff for four days. Not saying won’t be watching from Paris, but I don’t want to make you all envious, do I?

Fri Jul 02 16:58:57 WAG assess impact of Wales at the Smithsonian http://ow.ly/26ng3 hear my radio interviews http://ow.ly/26niQ , http://ow.ly/26njF

Fri Jul 02 11:39:36 Cardiff Civic Society board member Daniel Mohamed (in the middle) pondering Cardiff’s future at today’s ARK workshop http://ow.ly/26d9k

Fri Jul 02 11:33:44 Ouch Guardian online crashes my Safari (Mac) whilst handling Flash. Nasty Flash

Fri Jul 02 11:30:02 Wonderful NHS consultant (Angus Robertson) agrees to keep his hands off my knees for as long as possible. Such will power 🙂 Where’s pills?

Fri Jul 02 10:20:54 RT @beicio: @Big_Blue_Bike @peterdcox veg boxes by bike would be so right! | Agreed, hard on the pedaller though methinks 🙂

Fri Jul 02 10:18:24 Monbiot on climate change lies http://ow.ly/26bOy confirming why I don’t care about Times’ firewall. Fewer people who read crap the better.

Fri Jul 02 09:55:53 Brilliant – another Farmers’ Market in Cardiff, outside Ffresh/WMC Fridays 4-8pm during summer. Where’s the bike? http://ow.ly/26bqN

Fri Jul 02 09:55:02 Ok winding down and out: Paris beckons

Fri Jul 02 09:27:48 RT @GdnCardiff: I’m at @ARKemptyshops first workshop called ‘Imaging Cardiff’. Shop’s looking good http://twitpic.com/21pubr | With CCS’ Dan

Fri Jul 02 09:25:17 Thanks @GreatSociety64 When you have a week of pissing in the wind, one word can make a lot of difference!!

Fri Jul 02 09:20:00 Everyone in Cardiff should welcome another new blog – this one’s for Llanrumney http://ow.ly/26aOo Thanks @GreatSociety64

Fri Jul 02 09:16:53 RT @GdnCardiff: Canton Community Gardens pictures of their new space outside Chapter coming together – http://ow.ly/26aL4 (Ah the cardboard)

Fri Jul 02 09:14:11 @EyeOnCardiff sadly there’s no @ScrivenerApp for the iPad – but you might want to check the website discussion

Fri Jul 02 08:10:02 How to stop reading The Times in one easy lesson http://ow.ly/268Oq Bye bye Murdoch …

Fri Jul 02 07:25:02 Unbelievable in 2010 UK: men forced (with violence) into marriage (to a woman) because they are gay http://ow.ly/25VaA

Fri Jul 02 07:00:04 RT @wmjohn: This is an interesting idea http://walkit.com/about/ no welsh presence yet #cdfcouncil | have tested with Brum – brilliant

Fri Jul 02 06:59:03 Sad – @ScrivenerApp nominated but no award http://ow.ly/268Mp Still the v best writer’s support software ever invented (British too!)

Fri Jul 02 06:48:33 Early morning discussion with knee man – hope to agree that even though they are FKD the knife (hammer/saw) is last resort (morphine’s good)

Fri Jul 02 06:23:46 RT @vardra: The consumption of alcohol last night was a bad idea | You were not alone – little consolation I say!

Thu Jul 01 20:14:11 @joannaq hope u made it ok. Doing something nice? Daughter’s away otherwise would suggest tea!

Thu Jul 01 16:43:50 CCS News: Creating Cardiff’s Future – Cardiff Council has withdrawn its Local Development Plan following criticisms … http://ow.ly/17XBs7

Thu Jul 01 13:27:52 @virginmedia sure: brdband goes down 2-3 x a day: have to reboot ‘modem’ to wake up CF119JX – network or box?

Thu Jul 01 12:40:02 Dr Who big slump http://ow.ly/25Hc9 unsurprised since we gave up after two episodes: silly, convoluted, lacking drama – and not frightening!

Thu Jul 01 12:04:26 @kbateman too damn right – and why can’t I do it all online – I still have to post the b form (post???) Cardiff University big #fail

Thu Jul 01 11:59:23 RT @mediaguardian: The Times and Sunday Times start charging online tomorrow. | Sounds of hollow laughter rebound round the nation …

Thu Jul 01 11:58:46 @WhitstableSoc I wonder if @yourcardiff will want to try that one? lol

Thu Jul 01 11:52:11 Easy Cardiff University: enrolment form reduced to 2.1MB http://ow.ly/d/4zZ Feel free to change yours! #fail

Thu Jul 01 11:46:28 RT @yourcardiff: Off to interview Paul Thomas, one of key council officers involved in new parking enforcement. Any questions?

Thu Jul 01 11:44:57 #fail Cardiff University – does an enrolment form really have to be 5.7MB? http://ow.ly/25GQC Try PdfShrink – or even Acrobat reduce size!!!

Thu Jul 01 11:40:45 @yourcardiff Enforcement on grass verges eg Plasturton Av; in Parks eg turning circle Llandaff Fields; how to contact to get immediate act?

Thu Jul 01 10:28:08 Philip Gross scoops another literary award http://ow.ly/25FyP Wales Book of Year. He’s coming to our writing group later this month – wow!

Thu Jul 01 10:25:02 RT @CllrJohnDixon: – Geoffrey Pearson – political geography of Wales is like a jigsaw where all the pieces are from different sets | Luv it!

Thu Jul 01 10:24:44 RT @wmjohn: Want an MP in your pocket? Cardiff MPs, AMs, #cdfcouncil take note http://bit.ly/aztVE0 @kevinbrennan pse note – brill idea

Thu Jul 01 10:21:40 It’s thursday. No interview for tomorrow’s show! Not quite panic, but head empty. Any stars of film/radio/tv/music/opera want to volunteer?

Thu Jul 01 09:55:35 @eggynewydd perhaps we could encourage dogging parties to up the use of Bute Parks. Joking @rodneyberman Or more park wardens (wot they?)

Thu Jul 01 09:53:31 @kbateman cheers for the idea – but that means SPEAKING to Virgin … nooooooooo procrastination coming on. Reboot … 😦

Thu Jul 01 09:52:24 RT @EyeOnCardiff: 10 Reasons to love Cardiff, #2: Have you seen how clean the river Taff is!? No, seriously; it’s so clean!

Thu Jul 01 09:50:56 RT @Marthalanefox: Today Finland officially becomes first nation to make broadband a legal right http://tnw.to/16T4B via @Zee

Thu Jul 01 09:48:55 My body (voice more likely) now available to allcomers through Public Radio Exchange PRX http://ow.ly/25ETH @prx Use profile to see all

Thu Jul 01 09:12:01 Virgin Media #fail Broadband in cardiff needs rebooting several times a day, every day now! URGH! (assuming this goes …)

Thu Jul 01 07:58:04 @eggynewydd I am assuming that ‘courting’ was a Tweet suitable euphemism for something much more ‘early morning rising’ 🙂

Thu Jul 01 07:55:24 Guardian Cardiff @GdnCardiff leads on Pontcanna Pine objections by Civic Society http://ow.ly/25DbN

Posted on June 6, 2010June 6, 2010 Cardiff, Punch Magazine

Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose

WalesOnline picture of March Cardiff June 2010

The Fascists were bussed into Cardiff yesterday to object to Muslims in our community. Although apparently hosted by something called the Welsh Defence League the t-shirts in the photos I saw suggested Dudley, England rather than anywhere nearer. Unite Against Fascism got wind of the demo and arranged with the police for a counter demo: I suspect that 500 people marching from the Bay to City Hall was a truer indication – along with a 24hr strike by Muslim tax-drivers – of where Cardiff and Wales’ feelings lie.

Heartened I took to my researches for something quite different and, serendipitously, in a way the internet drags one, fell upon a Punch 1914 short story about a canary. (A bird still at that time serving as gas watch in Wales’ mines, and to subsequently serve in the trenches.) You can download the entire magazine at the amazing Gutenberg project and read on your iPad’s nice new bookstore app. As you read be grateful of what has changed even if it appears to be so little….

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI
Vol. 147. July 1, 1914.

ONCE UPON A TIME: The Alien.

Once upon a time a poet was sitting at his desk in his cottage near the woods, trying to write.

It was a hot summer day and great fat white clouds were sailing across the sky. He knew that he ought to be out, but still he sat on, pen in hand, trying to write.

Suddenly, among all the other sounds of busy urgent life that were filling the warm sweet air, he heard the new and unaccustomed song of a bird. At least not new and not unaccustomed, but new and unaccustomed there, in this sylvan retreat. The notes poured out, now shrill, now mellow, now bubbling like musical water, but always rich with the joy of life, the fulness of happiness. Where had he heard it before? What bird could it be?

Suddenly the poet’s housekeeper hurried in. “Oh, Sir,” she exclaimed, “isn’t it a pity? Someone’s canary has got free, and it’s singing out here something beautiful.”

“Of course,” said the poet—”a canary;” and he hastened out to see it. But before he could get there the bird had flown to a clump of elms a little way off, from which proceeded sweeter and more tumultuously exultant song than they had ever known.

The poet walked to the elms with his field-glasses, and after a while he discerned among the million leaves, the little yellow bird, with its throat trembling with rapture.

But the poet and his housekeeper were not the only creatures who had heard the strange melody.

“I say,” said one sparrow to another, “did you hear that?”

“What?” inquired the other sparrow, who was busy collecting food for a very greedy family.

“Why, listen,” said the first sparrow.

“Bless my soul,” said the second. “I never heard that before.”

“That’s a strange bird,” said the first sparrow; “I’ve seen it. It’s all yellow.”

“All yellow?” said the other. “What awful cheek!”

“Yes, isn’t it?” replied the first sparrow. “Can you understand what it says?”

“Not a note,” said the second. “Another of those foreigners, I suppose. We shan’t have a tree to call our own soon.”

“That’s so,” said the first. “There’s no end to them. Nightingales are bad enough, grumbling all night, and swallows, although there’s not so many of them this year as usual; but when it comes to yellow birds—well.”

“Hullo,” said a passing tit, “what’s the trouble now?”

“Listen,” said the sparrows.

The tit was all attention for a minute while the gay triumphant song went on.

“Well,” he said, “that’s a rum go. That’s new, that is. Novel, I call it. What is it?”

“It’s a yellow foreigner,” said the sparrows.

“What’s to be done with it?” the tit asked.

“There’s only one thing for self-respecting British birds to do,” said the first sparrow. “Stop it. Teach it a lesson.”

“Absolutely,” said the tit. “I’ll go and find some others.”

“Yes, so will we,” said the sparrows; and off they all flew, full of righteous purpose.

Meanwhile the canary sang on and on, and the poet at the foot of the tree listened with delight.

Suddenly, however, he was conscious of a new sound—a noisy chirping and harsh squeaking which seemed to fill the air, and a great cloud of small angry birds assailed the tree. For a while the uproar was immense, and the song ceased; and then, out of the heart of the tumult, pursued almost to the ground where the poet stood, fell the body of a little yellow bird, pecked to death by a thousand avenging furies.

Seeing the poet they made off in a pack, still shrilling and squawking, but conscious of the highest rectitude.

The poet picked up the poor mutilated body. It was still warm and it twitched a little, but never could its life and music return.

While he stood thoughtfully there an old woman, holding an open cage and followed by half-a-dozen children, hobbled along the path.

“My canary got away,” she said. “Have you seen it? It flew in this direction.”

“I’m afraid I have seen it,” said the poet, and he opened his hand.

“My little pet!” said the old woman. “It sang so beautifully, and it used to feed from my fingers. My little pet.”

The poet returned to his work. “‘In tooth and claw,'” he muttered to himself, “‘In tooth and claw.'”

Posted on May 29, 2010June 22, 2026 Uncategorized

Rapid Fire presentations

I got my blooding at the PechaKutcha in Cardiff on 27th May when the Guardian kindly blogged:

Peter Cox from Cardiff Civic Society gave a compelling insight to how Cardiff is changing and what elements have been lost along its development. He said:

“Cardiff’s growth has been both sudden and exponential. The city of 1891 is barely recognisable as apparently unstoppable expansion consumes whole communities.”

Cox praised the design of Chapter Arts Centre, where the event took place, for being inclusive, community focused and putting society at the heart of the building.

On this occasion it was 20 slides and 6mins 20 secs to complete – a pretty rapid fire.

But last week’s IGNITE#5, part of the Swn Festival, held at Chapter Arts was down to 15 secs a slide – and no messing, they advance relentlessly. Unlike the PechaKutcha, Ignite had a theme – Music not surprisingly. A good opportunity I thought to extoll the virtues of hospital radio, and of course, Radio Glamorgan in particular.

Posted on March 23, 2010 Uncategorized

Alice in Wonderland hole digging

I thought a primary rule of politics was to stop digging when you are in a hole: not Cardiff’s leadership apparently.

There’s been good advice given since Ocober 2008 that Cardiff’s Local Development Plan wasn’t any good. Amongst others, Cardiff Civic Society (disclaimer, I am it’s chair and have worked with the team who produced the society’s LDP submission) identified that the recession (and global warming) would blow a hole in any estimates made previously.

CCS executive member David Eggleton told them at a ‘stakeholders meeting’ at County Hall on the 22nd October 2008,”regrettably, it seems to me that there is an elephant in the room that we are studiously ignoring. We are entering a financial crisis, the worst for a century and an environmental situation that could require drastic action; would it not be appropriate to have a contingency plan in the event that the LDP is not found sustainable by the inspectors”. The council’s answer to this? “We carry on to produce the LDP, no contingency plans”. This objection amongst many others was re-voiced in June last year in CCS’s coruscating submission. Now the council is claiming global events have taken them unawares.

What is sad is that the press is taking the Lib Dem/Plaid party excuses, hook line and sinker. Here’s yesterday’s Wales Online:

“Cardiff council is set to admit defeat in its long-running battle to save some of the city’s last remaining unprotected areas of green open space.”

– just untrue. The council’s policy – which has widespread support, of maintaining green spaces – is only threatened because the LDP was so badly constructed that it failed to present viable, sustainable plans to support the policy. Neither the Inspectors (who have to be neutral about what is proposed as policy), nor the Assembly, are opposed to the policy: but they are saying the plan doesn’t support those policies. The failure is Cardiff Council’s alone. That’s bad enough, but to seek to blame others for that failing is shameful.

Assertion two: “In the papers, officers blame the worldwide recession for scuttling their previous hopes of catering for the expected growth of the city largely through building flats in areas like Cardiff Bay and Butetown with small-scale in-fill development throughout the city.”

– devious diversion. Again, there’s nothing wrong with flats on brownfield sites if they are part of a bigger plan to meet the needs of a holistic policy that includes family and low-cost housing. Until recently it was easy (‘cos they made money) to persuade developers to throw up jerry built apartments and boxy houses for tiny families. As above, the recession was flagged 18 months ago but the steamroller city process rolled on regardless. What was lacking was policy to encourage house building of the right kinds, in the right places. Again, blame anything, and any one, rather than the guilty party.

The final paragraph of the Wales on Line article is breathtaking: it’s not a quote, doesn’t seem to have come from the officers’ report, so one guesses it is inspired investigative journalism, the writer’s own conclusions, or – just maybe – a planted official line from the council: “Asking inspectors to withdraw the plan means the city will be spared a costly and probably futile legal battle in which the council would face widespread opposition from developers and business leaders in a hearing presided over by Assembly planning inspectors who have already indicated they agree with the business community’s concerns.”

– by legal battle, this might mean the public hearings: yes, (see previous) this would have been futile. More importantly, the paucity of the council’s approach and the shallowness of its evidence would had been forensically exposed. Embarrassing, or what?

And again, the blatantly misleading assertion that the Inspectors have ganged up with developers. Actually, if you read the Inspectors’ notes they present obstacles to the get-rich-quick developers. What they do is simply demolish the evidence the council has produced: an LDP, for all our sakes, has to be based on consensual policies, and a viable, sustainable plan to deliver them. It’s neither rocket science, nor too difficult.

But hey, what’s reality around here, this is Cardiff. Let’s keep digging, its saves thinking about how we have failed the citizens of the capital city. And, while we’re at it, let’s throw the mud at others, it might stick and we might hang on to power just a little bit longer.

2 Comments Posted on March 19, 2010March 19, 2010 Cardiff Council, Planning, Wales and the Welsh, Wales Assembly Government

BBC to give Cardiff’s planning woes a very public airing

Ok, so planning’s not sexy. But it is important and I frequently bore on about it: lately the focus has been dodgy Cardiff Council planning decisions (again) and its Deposit Local Development Plan.

The BBC has taken on a big task to make these subjects fit for human consumption with a 30 minutes long Week in Week Out on Tuesday 23th March (10.35pm BBC One Wales only). Judging from the length of time it has been in preparation, and the care involved (a view based on the endless requests for documentary proof and evidence that have come my way daily for the past two months) I suspect it’ll be a pretty robust analysis.

I’ve had no preview, of course, but I can make some pretty shrewd guesses about the areas that are likely to cause acute embarrassment to Cardiff Council. The program’s title “Starbucks and stadiums” gives a bit of a clue: might the programme question the city’s relentless drive for more city centre shopping “experiences”, mega-sports-stadiums, and high-rise flats for the (until the recession) upwardly mobile? And does it have a robust and delivable plan for Cardiff’s housing, employment, transport etc in the future? If it addresses these issues, it will have plenty of ammunition: from politicians who decry the destruction of local communities like Butetown, to academics who question the wisdom of a continued growth thrust in these economically constrained and ecologically threatening times. The programme blurb asks the question: ”who’s benefitted from it all?”

Our council leadership argues that international sporting events are vital to the city’s economic well-being. They are prepared to sacrifice huge sums of taxpayers money and held-in-trust resources like its heritage parks, for kudos and at best, arguable economic benefit. The most recent example concerns Cardiff City Football Club: given land to enable it to build a new stadium, it blithely flogs it off to pay overdue VAT and national insurance. What possible public gain is that – taking ratepayers money to give to HMCR to bail out poor management? It’s a very poor way of developing long-term employment except for a few rich footballers and their board members.

Employment is one area where the council has been under serious criticism from WAG’s planning inspectorate over the Deposit LDP. This document is supposed to set out the plans to support the longterm vision for the city. Cardiff Civic Society (interest declaration, I’m its Chair) warned the council more than a year ago that its approach was flawed and didn’t follow the guidelines. Last year we further contended that it was “unsound” in six areas, housing and employment among them. I know that even more expert, and you would have thought influential, voices were saying the same thing. The council chose to ignore all the warnings and deposited a complete nonsense of a plan that has been forensically dissected by WAG.

I expect on the tv that council leader, Rodney Berman, will trot out his already rehearsed defences: I’m guessing the words, of course, “the LDP idea is flawed” (how come all councils in Wales helped to develop it then?); “WAG is forcing us to build on greenfield sites” (no, it’s saying you have no evidence that you can avoid building on greenfield sites – the whole point of the plan!); “it’s an affront to democracy” (this from the council that consulted 123 citizens over the plan asking them questions no one could reasonably answer); “the Inspectorate won’t tell us what to do with the plan” (oh, they have and you’re very aware of the alternatives, all of them embarrassing and shameful in terms of the cost that has been wasted).

Two days after the tv programme the full council meets to decide what to do with the LDP. Frankly, all and any option is bad for Cardiff. To go back to the drawing board means a planning hiatus, massive embarrassment for politicians, a huge waste of money, and serious questions about council officers’ and members’ competence. To trudge through public hearings where the council attempts to shore up a totally flawed structure with ‘new evidence’ will simply expose even further its paucity of robust, creative solutions for Cardiff’s’ many problems. And it seems that at some point the inspectors’ patience might expire and they declare it unsound anyway.

Strangely, it may turn out to be good for Cardiff in the end. What the programme might demonstrate is how, for so long, the city has depended on a self-generated aura of ‘capital city-ness’ and that big, brash, often violent planning solutions will succeed. The “we’re not afraid to make difficult decisions” mindset of minor dictators.

Like many people, I think Cardiff needs to take a long, hard, painful look at itself. It needs to question the quality of its decision making, the ease with which it has accepted assertions (like long-term benefit from sporting events) as though they were inviolate facts that would survive recession and global warming. It needs to engage with its civic society (and maybe even its Civic Society!) in a meaningful way so that communities in Butetown, Whitchurch, and Ely and elsewhere might once again be connected.

A local development plan might seem boring, but it’s actually, when used with skill, imagination and vigour, potentially a way of mapping a better future for us all – not just a few.

Now if next week’s half hour on BBC Wales manages to make some of that sound interesting then it will be worth this year’s licence fee.

Posted on November 21, 2009November 21, 2009 Justice

Judge jails the cleaner

It took 464 days after she was first remanded, but our cleaning lady finally (yesterday 20 November 2009) got her just deserts for the attempted murder of our neighbour: an indeterminate sentence because she is a danger to the public and a tariff of 15 years.

Cardiff Recorder judge Nicholas Cooke QC had said this was a complex sentence and asked the CPS counsel to explain to us exactly what it meant.

If Linda Griffiths had been judged as just evil and not dangerous she could expect with this tariff to be out of prison in about six years (half the 15 years less the time on remand). As he judged her to be a public danger, the best she can hope for is to try to prove to the Parole Board at the time that she is no longer dangerous and ask for a time to be set for release: no automatic exit then!

As I have previously written, this is a case which has stretched credibility in the legal system in ways that no one – other than, presumably, the guilty defendant – could have been happy with. As hearing after hearing was thwarted, sentencing and closure of the case, seemed always out of grasp. But something happened late on Thursday and suddenly the judge said he would hold the sentencing hearing on Friday. Of course, the court itself was unprepared for this, but the two barristers – both CPS and defence – seemed united in trying to get the case completed.

It was only when Patrick Harrington QC for the prosecution started to describe the crime in dispassionate, articulated detail that the real horror of it all came back to us. Then the mass of detailed police leg-work, rightly commended by the judge: first the collections of photographs showing the accused’s progress across Cardiff, first to commit the crime, then to get rid of her clothes and set up her alibi. I am wholly against the intrusion of CCTV cameras, but here they gave the essential evidence to prove planning and execution.

Then a file of forensic evidence – accepted by the defence team so the detail didn’t have to be revealed – directly linking Griffith’s dna with blood splattered clothing and the crime scene. Now we knew why the police had been so confident that even if she had pleaded not guilty they would have got a conviction.

You can read the details if you want here and here. But two things the judge picked up that really need emphasising: firstly this evil woman betrayed trust, not just of this victim, but of all of us who gave her our house keys, left valuables, pets and children in her path. She was able to claim in court ‘hitherto unblemished character’; those of us who had employed – and mostly sacked her – thought this was odd. We all have stories of suspected theft unresolved: the police view was that following each of these up would not have been a good use of resources. In the event, she was sentenced to six months for theft and six counts of fraud connected with the assault.

The judge highlighted the trust issue when determining the tariff and also added: “I must have regard to the fact that the elderly are terrified by offending of this kind”. Indeed. At the time we started escorting friends home, helped fit safety chains. A real terror inhabited the streets where before there had been nothing but security.

So we have all been victims of this one crime. Of course the left-for dead 77 year old will have lasting mental scars in spite of a remarkable physical recovery. We have all lost a sense of trust: are we really going to CRB check cleaning ladies? And it wouldn’t have prevented this crime anyway.

For many our comfortable community will no longer be so much taken for granted.

Any good outcomes? Recognition of the bravery of the local councillor who discovered the battered pensioner – only now did we learn that she had been terrified the assailant was still in the house. Recognition of the relentless work of the police – much of it tedious, boring and forensic that built a cast iron case to be deployed if she changed her guilty plea.

And some vicarious pride in the judicial system that – even after 464 days – finally locked away an evil person that we had known.

Only Connect

Only Connect

Long time ramblings, rantings and sometimes serious stuff by Welsh immigrant from England

Why we live in Cardiff: guest blog

A Phoenix rises from The Persians

My political groundings – a guest blog

A personal view – looking forward to Cardiff 2020

Archive Tweets: July 2010

Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI
Vol. 147. July 1, 1914.

ONCE UPON A TIME: The Alien.

Rapid Fire presentations

Alice in Wonderland hole digging

BBC to give Cardiff’s planning woes a very public airing

Judge jails the cleaner

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI Vol. 147. July 1, 1914.

ONCE UPON A TIME: The Alien.

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI
Vol. 147. July 1, 1914.