Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. Website – www.philevans.co.uk
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ALWAYS A POLISHED PERFORMANCE FROM MISTER SHEEN (SORRY MICHAEL!)
Just as it’s true that people with the most irritating ring tones are always the slowest to answer their smart phones, it’s also true I often create one article from two separate sources.
Thumbing through a back copy of a magazine in my dentist’s waiting room, I came upon a fascinating article titled “Why I Weep For Wales” by Roger Lewis, a well-respected author and literary critic.
It wasn’t an easy read, as Roger forensically dissected the many issues with modern Wales.
Born in Bedwas, he’s as entitled to his opinions as any of us – and can articulate them far better than I could.
Although somewhat depressing, I found it thought-provoking and had to agree with many of his comments about my country. You’d have had to been living in a cave for the last 25 years not to.
Then, blow me down! The following day I read an online newspaper interview with actor Michael Sheen, which was intended to promote his three-part series about the Prince Andrew/Emily Maitlis interview.
However, that was just one subject discussed, not all of them related to his acting.
Michael obviously talked about various aspects of his long career, but also shared his views on modern Wales,
While Roger Lewis’s article was excellent, Michael’s comments were more optimistic.
In 2019, Michael moved back to his hometown of Port Talbot where he’s involved himself in community matters while still maintaining his career.
His TV series “Staged” with David Tennant cheered us up during Covid; he also starred with David in the TV series “Good Omens”; and this year he played Nye Bevan on stage to great acclaim.
While fiercely proud of being Welsh, he appears ambivalent regarding Independence, perhaps aware that whatever he says might alienate those with an opposite view.
If you haven’t seen it, seek out the TV documentary “The Assembly”, in which he’s interviewed by a group of young neurodiverse people. No subject was ‘off the table’.
The true measure of this man’s modesty shines through when he’s asked the last question “What’s your name, again?”.
Without missing a beat, he replies “Michael”.
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The Legacy Lounge: Where Death Meets Delight (and Cake!)
In a world where discussing death can feel like the ultimate party foul, two local heroines are here to make it a little less spooky and a lot more sensible.
Enter Em Melrose and Kirsty Jones, the dynamic duo behind The Legacy Lounge, a place where conversations about mortality are as welcome as a warm cup of tea and a slice of cake (and we all know how much we appreciate that combo!).
Em, a life coach with a flair for thoughtful reflection, has danced with the heavy topics of grief after losing both parents and her husband in recent years.
Meanwhile, Kirsty, a wills and probate lawyer, has seen enough family disputes over estates to fuel a reality TV show.
Together, they’ve crafted a mission to encourage open, compassionate dialogues about death—yes, you heard that right—while preventing the chaos that can ensue when personal affairs are left in disarray.
The inaugural Legacy Fair, taking place on November 2 in Llanelli’s St Elli Shopping Centre (in the old Yankee Candle unit—because what better aroma to accompany discussions of legacies than nostalgia?), aims to break down the barriers of uncomfortable conversations.
It’s not just about wills and home protection, folks. Think adventures, unique memorial ideas, and celebrating lives rather than merely mourning them.
With a schedule packed with “fireside chats” (yes, real or metaphorical fires, depending on how deep the convo goes!) and an array of professionals ready to help you explore your legacy, The Legacy Lounge promises to be a space where warmth, understanding, and maybe even a few chuckles flourish.
So, grab your favourite mug and join Em and Kirsty in a gathering designed to make planning for the inevitable a little less grim and a lot more meaningful.
After all, who says talking about death can’t be a delightful experience? I will be there to find out!
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You can follow Phil Evans on Twitter @philevanswales and www.philevans.co.uk
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