Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. This column appears in the South Wales Evening Post, Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star. Website – www.philevans.co.uk

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Zombies! Who likes ’em? Not me!

They never brush their teeth, shave or change their clothes.

They never send Christmas cards or invite you around for drinks on a Friday evening.

Which is just as well . . . because they’re rubbish at small talk.

Most annoying of all, they move so slowly. You wait for ages if you’re stood behind a couple of them at the supermarket check-out. 

And they take all day at reverse parking.

While you and me know there’s no such things as zombies, there are people who believe they exist. 

These aren’t impressionable teenage horror fans who’ve watched every version of “Night Of The Living Dead” and its many sequels, remakes and spin-offs.

They’re not little ’uns who know about zombies thanks to ‘family friendly’ scary films like “Hotel Transylvania” and episodes of “Scooby Doo”. 

Thankfully, any ‘zombie’ featured in that long-running cartoon series turns out to be the evil proprietor of an abandoned amusement park who (in the closing minutes of the episode, as he’s taken away by the cops) complains that he could have got away with it . . . “If it wasn’t for you pesky kids!”

No, according to a recent survey, 25% of adults who were asked, believed a zombie apocalypse could happen and had taken steps to prepare for it.

They’d stockpiled food and water and planned safe routes out of their home city or town into the mountains and forests.

Presumably because they think zombies rarely enjoy country rambles or go hiking in the hills.

Now, if the 25% of people who believe in zombies are the same individuals who believe that the world is run by Lizard People; that the Loch Ness Monster exists; and that one day “Casualty” will end its 30-year run, we have nothing to worry about.

But if they’re not (and there are millions of gullible people out there who truly believe in these things), then this Halloween the rest of us have good reason to be scared!

………………….

The festivities have started:

Is it just me, or does it feel like Christmas is arriving earlier each year? 

Last week, I attended two dinner functions and was amazed at the fact that Christmas trees and all the trimmings were on display.

The only thing missing was Christmas crackers, hats and Nana standing up at 3pm for the Queen’s speech.   

Personally, I’m not at all ready for the festivities due to work demands, but shops, hotels and restaurants are gearing up for the silly season. 

It’s great to see so many venues already booked up for Christmas.

I am currently writing and preparing to entertain an audience in Pembrokeshire that are ready to start their festivities in about three weeks’ time. 

On the plus side, the comedy material virtually writes itself at this time of year as stories of old tend to get resurrected, much like that old Christmas jumper.

One thing is for sure – you won’t catch me dressing up like a Christmas tree and wearing a silly Val Doonican cardigan anytime soon.

Well, not in public anyway . . . 

Right then, I’m off to start my Christmas gift list ready for my dash around the shops at 3pm on Christmas Eve . . . 

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You can follow Phil Evans on Twitter @philevanswales and www.philevans.co.uk

It’s all Green for Go for the spectacular Superprix of Wales – a ‘world first’ motorsport event to be held at Llanelli’s magnificent Parc y Scarlets rugby stadium.

There’s just 32 weeks to go until the engines roar at the stadium on the weekend of June 7 to 9 next year.

“The excitement is building,” event promoter Tim Matthews said at his Llanelli HQ this week.

“We’ve all been working overtime on getting the necessary licences and safety permissions you need for an event of this scale.

“It’s been a massively busy time, but we’ve had great cooperation from the team at the Scarlets – and at Carmarthenshire Council – and everything is on track for next June.

“This is a multi-million-pound event and something which will truly be a world first – a unique fusion of Rugby Union and the very best of British Motorsport.”

Mr Matthews, a retired international racing driver, added: “In the coming months, we will be working closely with the local community to explain our plans in detail. But you can be assured that we are planning a spectacular event which will put Llanelli on the international stage.

“Our ambition is to attract an estimated 60,000 spectators to Parc y Scarlets over the Superprix of Wales weekend.

“We hope the event will be a massive boost to the local economy, with local businesses, hotels, restaurants, pubs and tourism facilities receiving the spin-off benefits that come with staging such a huge event.”

Here’s a taste of what the public can expect –

• A chance to see racing cars ranging from Formula 1 to Le Mans class vehicles in action on a specially-constructed track in and around the stadium.
• British Touring cars and World Rally cars on the circuit.
• Pioneering, but sometimes dangerous, F1 championship cars of the past on display.
• A host of ace drivers, from stars of the future to British, European and previous World Champions.
• Crazy stunt driver Terry Grant and his team.
• The biggest and most spectacular collection of racing machinery ever to have been assembled in South Wales.

Mr Matthews said: “There will also be plenty of focus on Rugby Union, as we are, after all, in the home of the world-famous Scarlets.

“The Superprix of Wales will be the culmination of a number of years of hard work and planning. It will give spectators a unique opportunity to see, hear, smell and get up close to a collection of iconic racing brands and equipment.

“To be able to run these machines in and around Parc y Scarlets is fantastic. It will be something like creating a Mini Monaco here in South Wales. The Superprix of Wales will give spectators an incredible opportunity to sit in comfort and watch the action – and they can use the fabulous facilities Parc y Scarlets offers visitors.”

You can find out more about the Superprix of Wales on the following website –

Photos:

Tim Matthews alongside the 1989 Camel Lotus Formula 1 at the launch of Superprix of Wales at Parc y Scarlets.

Tim Matthews and Parc y Scarlets stadium manager Dave Healey at the press conference to launch Superprix of Wales at Parc y Scarlets.

The context and consequences of Brexit will be the focus of a public lecture at Aberystwyth University on Wednesday 31 October 2018.

‘Europe: Ruin or Recovery?’ will be delivered by Geraint Talfan Davies, author of Unfinished Business: Journal of an Embattled Europeanand co-founder of the Institute of Welsh Affairs.

Hosted by the University’s Department of International Politics as part of their centenary celebrations, the talk and discussion takes place at 5.30pm in the Arts Centre Cinema.

Professor Richard Beardsworth, Head of the Department of International Politics said: “We are greatly looking forward to this event. Whatever side one assumed in the Brexit referendum and assumes in the ongoing negotiations, Geraint Talfan Davies presents a highly committed and articulate response to the consequences of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. It will be very interesting to hear him speak of the Union’s future and the fates of the nations within it.”

Geraint Talfan Davies will be introduced by Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University.

The Chair of Wales for Europe and during the EU referendum in 2016, Geraint Talfan Davies was also Chair of the Wales Advisory Group of Britain Stronger In Europe. 

He has spent a lifetime in journalism, broadcasting and the arts. He was Controller of BBC Wales in the 1990s, and is a co-founder and former chair of the Institute of Welsh Affairs. He is also a former Chair of Welsh National Opera and the Arts Council of Wales.

The Department of International Politics was established in 1919 and further details about the public lectures and other events being organised to mark its centenary are available online.

This is a free event. Please reserve your ticket here.

Photo: Geraint Talfan Davies, author of Unfinished Business: Journal of an Embattled European

A book launched this week sheds new light on the life and career of one of the most famous twentieth century Welsh writers.

Pris Cydwybod: T H Parry-Williams a Chysgod y Rhyfel Mawr Dby Dr Bleddyn Huws provides a detailed look at the experiences of T H Parry-Williams, who went on to be Professor of Welsh at Aberystwyth University, as a conscientious objector during the Great War.

Dr Huws, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies, also discusses how he was persecuted during the months after the War, when he was a candidate for the Welsh Language Chair at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, in 1919.

According to Dr Huws, the appointment to the Chair was deferred because of the extent of public objection to his nomination.

“Some people wanted to see his colleague Timothy Lewis appointed because he volunteered to serve in the army during the first War”, said Dr Huws.

“Parry-Williams decided to turn his back on his post as lecturer and registered as a first year science student. His intention was to study medicine at the Barts Hospital medical school in London. However, when the Welsh Language Chair was re-advertised at Aberystwyth, Parry-Williams put his name forward a second time and was appointed”, he added.

The book also deals, for the first time, with his three brothers’ experiences during the War.

“I was very fortunate to use brand new material from the Parry-Williams family archive and to learn more about his brothers’ careers in the army. While Parry-Williams was excluded from being conscripted, his three brothers served as volunteers”, said Dr Huws.

Another facet of Parry-Williams’ life that is disclosed for the first time in print is the story of his courtship of the GP from Trawsfynydd, Dr Gwen Williams.

In 1935, after fifteen years as Professor of Welsh, Parry-Williams applied to study at the University of Wales Medical School in Cardiff, but withdrew his application.

The medical books that he read in preparing to change his career are discussed in detail, with brand new information about his involvement in the Red Cross ambulance classes during World War II disclosed.

“Having examined the breadth of the new information about Parry-Williams’s interest in medicine, I believe he regretted not having gone ahead with his original intention to become a doctor in 1919”, said Dr Huws.

“By 1935, and nearing his 50^th, it was too late in the day to change the course of his career and spend more years studying medicine and qualifying as a doctor. It is the opinion of some that his decision not to proceed was a loss to medicine. He could have made his mark as a doctor”, he added.

Pris Cydwybod: T H Parry-Williams a Chysgod y Rhyfel Mawris published by Y Lolfa and was launched at Old College on Wednesday 24 October 2018.

Photo: Dr Bleddyn Huws

An appeal for information has been launched to find the person who dumped a blind puppy among trees in the Llanerch area of Llanelli yesterday.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s dog warden service was called into action after the puppy was found by a member of the public.

He is thought to be around 10-weeks-old, has a rare condition known as microphthalmia and has no eyes. He is also likely to be deaf.

He is currently being cared for by one of the council’s dog wardens who has looked after him overnight.

A foster home is being arranged through organisations the council works with.

Robert Williams, Principal Environmental Health Officer, manages the dog warden service.

He said: “This dog had been dumped in trees in Llanerch Field and left. One of our dog wardens picked him up and took him to the vet to be checked over. Given his age and condition our warden took him home and is caring for him until we arrange a suitable foster home.

“We did have concerns that other pups in the same litter may have been born with the same condition, so we have re-visited the whole area to check if any other pups had been dumped but thankfully no other dogs have been found.”

Cllr Philip Hughes, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, added: “This is an extremely cruel case, and we’d like to know who could have done this.

“We are very grateful to Brendan, our dog warden, who has gone above the call of duty to care for the puppy overnight.

“Despite his rare condition, we hope that he will have a good life with a new owner who will give him the care and support he needs.”

• Do you have any information about who could have dumped the puppy? Call 01267 234567 or email publicprotection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

 Related Links

• Animal welfare
• Stray & lost dogs

A council, a fire and rescue service and a police force have been awarded White Ribbon UK accredited status.

Carmarthenshire Council, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police have all met the standards required to be awarded with the prestigious status.

Achieving White Ribbon UK status shows an organisation’s commitment to The White Ribbon Campaign – the largest global initiative to end male violence against women.

The award is recognition of the work which the three organisations have already undertaken in involving men in speaking out and challenging male violence against women and girls. It is also a reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

Each organisation has Ambassadors, key male figures who have received the White Ribbon training, have made their pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women and will encourage other men to take the pledge.

Representatives of the three authorities attended an event on Friday, October 26, to celebrate their accreditation, raise awareness of male violence against women and explore opportunities to work together to tackle the issue.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: “I’m proud to say that I’m an Ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign. It’s men who are recruited as Ambassadors to take a stand against male violence against women to ensure men are involved in this important conversation, we take responsibility and engage other men to talk about this issue.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “It’s been important to me to commission services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse to ensure they receive support to cope and recover from their experience, reduce the risks to them and improve their safety. This has included the Independent Domestic Abuse Service and Goleudy, a service for victims and witnesses of crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The Independent Domestic Abuse Service supports high risk victims to support them to achieve the best possible outcome through the criminal justice system. Last year, almost 550 victims got this support. 
“Goleudy is a specialist service that offers bespoke support to domestic abuse victims assessed as medium risk, as well as victims and witnesses of crime, helping them to recover from their experience.”

Cllr Cefin Campbell, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Community Safety, said: “Carmarthenshire County Council has supported the White Ribbon campaign for a number of years, but I am very proud that we have achieved White Ribbon UK accredited status this year. By working together with our partners this year, it is hoped the campaign will gain more awareness than in previous years and that anyone being abused is aware of the help and support that is out there for them.

“A number of events and initiatives will be taking place over the 16 Days of Action.

“As a council we will be flying the White Ribbon flag at County Hall and at our town hall buildings in Llanelli and Ammanford to show our support. I also hope that as many people as possible will support the annual Candlelight Walk in Carmarthen which this year takes place on November 22 from 5.15pm outside the Vue cinema in St Catherine’s Walk.”

Rob Quin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Delivery, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Historically we are a male dominated service and it is good to see so many men from the Fire and Rescue Service signing the pledge to end violence against women. We have a zero tolerance for this behaviour and my wish is that we provide positive male and female role models to serve our communities – and we will be aiming to get all our firefighters to sign up to the pledge.”

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: “One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and a similar number will suffer from sexual assault or stalking. 
“The majority of these incidents are committed by men; therefore, it is the responsibility of men to work to prevent it.”

Individuals can join over 33,000 others who have signed the White Ribbon UK pledge and get more information on-line at www.whiteribbon.org.uk/pledge.

 Get involved…

@WhiteRibbon_UK