Sunny Tresaith

Spent a wonderful Easter holiday break down at the caravan in Tresaith. The weather was superb for early April, with temperatures hitting almost 70 degrees (21 in new money). Marvin enjoyed frolicking on Tresaith beach and snoozing in the sun. Which is pretty much what Cath and I did too.

The only hiccup was Good Friday, which for a large part of the day was shrouded in sea fog. The photo is of nearby Llangrannog in the fog. Bizarrely it only reached 100 yards inland, and we basked in sunshine on a trip to Meurig’s cottage a little way inland. His site has got some nice pictures of the area.

Free Prescriptions

As of 2 April, Wales has become the first country in the UK to make all prescriptions free of charge. Of course, the large majority of people in Wales have always had exemption from prescriptions charges (80% or so) – those under 16 or still in fulltime education, over 60s, benefit claimants and those with certain medical conditions.

Dental and optical charges continue though, so we haven’t quite got back to Aneurin Bevan’s stated aim of medical care free at the point of service.

Smoking Ban

A huge step forward in healthcare in Wales. As of 2 April smoking in all public places is banned. It will be a pleasure to have a night out in a smoke-free restaurant or pub. Here’s the website with all the guidance.

Old Jokes Home

Q: What do you get if you cross a robot with a pirate?
A: Arrrrrrgh 2D2.

Link of the Week

Oh dear, what I have I done. Some people have realised that if I can write a blog then so can they. It’s all my fault that the Roberts boys have entered cyberspace. There’s Neil Roberts’ blog and there’s Dai Roberts’ blog. I’m sorry. I really am.

Rugby Notes

Missed Saturday’s game against Llandovery. Ebbw Vale ran out winners 28-21 in a nail-biter, recovering from being 21-7 down early in the second half. There’s a full report on the Ebbw Vale RFC website.

Scorers: Tries for lock Will Jones (on his debut), Kristian Owen, Simon Hunt and Matthew Williams, all converted by Sam Mills.

There’s just one game left for Ebbw Vale at home to Llanelli. Originally scheduled for next Saturday (which would have meant the earliest finish to a rugby season for many a year), its been postponed because of Llanelli’s involvement in the cup. No date for the game has been announced yet.

Running Notes

It’s time to register for the Swansea 10k run again. Its scheduled for Sunday 23 September, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’ll be there again. Here’s the link to register.