DONT STOP ME NOW

Time Flies in Adventure Land (Dont Stop Me Now)

2011-08-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Where do I start ?? TIME has gone so FAST !!

Attendance at SENEDD for Welsh Assembly Rare Disease Day Reception http://www.raredisease.org.uk/rdd_2011_wales.htm

Directly from Cardiff I went to the train station to meet Dawn and start our travel to Heathrow Airport to catch a flight to Los Angeles to attend the National Ataxia Foundation http://www.ataxia.org/ conference
A fantastic time, meeting friends I have only meet “online”, making new friends, meeting Ataxia researchers, plus general NETWORKING. Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157626456965050/

After the conference we flew to San Fransico for a few days and then flew to New York (upgraded to Business class!)

On our return we went to see Sarah Outen http://www.sarahouten.com/ at the start of her challenge
I then caught a train to Sheffield Ataxia Support Group meeting and from there went on to Birmingham to the NAIDEX http://www.naidex.co.uk/NaidexBir11/website/Default.aspx?refer=1 (Disability Exhibition
(here I bought a Trabasack http://www.trabasack.co.uk/ an EXCELLENT item to allow much independency for many people including wheelchair users.

Following this the Treasurer (from Ataxia South Wales) and I went to Leicester to go to the Ataxia UK branch officers conference.

A week later I had a phone call, with some DEVASTATING news.
The chairman of Sheffield Ataxia Support group –David Greggory (26) had passed away, he will be sadly missed. RIP

A few days later we went to Fishgaurd to see Lee Morris start the Welsh phase of his “No-Limitz” round UK cycle. Lee on his recumbent tricycle went to Tenby via St.Davids and then on the second day on to Cardiff.

Later that week I travelled to London to the RaceOnline 2012 http://raceonline2012.org/ and attended http://www.nd11.co.uk/ and was able to meet Stacey Solomon (X-Factor)

As soon as this was over I returned home and then went back to London for an Ataxia UK board meeting, then up to Sheffield (Hallamshire University) fo an Ataxia study day.
I had to return to Sheffield for my check up at the Ataxia clinic in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

All this, as well as attending meetings in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire at many disability events as well as negotiating the sponsorship of printing a new Ataxia South Wales A5 flyer, this printing was done by a Milford Haven printer http://www.megaprinter.co.uk/ MANY THANKS TO Tom and Staff at Megaprinter.

At the beginning of July we went to Cardiff – I was asked to join a crew of a Dinghy at Cardiff White Water Center http://www.ciww.com/content.asp A GREAT ADVENTURE, plus it was a very HOT day and it was nice to get in the water.

At the end of July http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese/english/index.htm is an event we have attended over the last few years. As we have family living nearby, it is a good chance for us all to spend the day together.

This week I travelled to Reading to meet up with a fellow Ataxia UK and the following day I went to London, to travel on the bus, underground and Docklands Light Railway, to see how travellers with mobility issues can travel on transport in London this was for http://www.freetraveller.co.uk/ Hopefully this information will help travel for disabled citizens.

I was a bit wary of travelling in London with all the RIOTs happening, but all was fine plus there was a definite POLICE presence.
This weekend we have the Ataxia South Wales meeting in Coleshill Social Centre, Llanelli.

All Adventures can be seen on http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

**** BREAKING NEWS ****
Alan -You are in with the chance of carrying the Olympic Flame!

congrats from lots of people including Sarah Outen http://www.sarahouten.com/

WOW TIME WARP WOW TIME WARP

2011-03-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

Long awaited update !!!!!
time certainly moves on at a fast pace.

To catch up a bit, heres a very brief summary
Train Journeys X25
Plane Journey`s X 6
meetings attended X 27 plus
nights away from Home X 42 plus

Powerpoint presentations at events X 2 plus
look up KT-Equal - past events-16th February

Launch of West Wales Neurological Alliance

While in Tenerife, we went to Candelaria to see the black maddona
and to look for a three (four) ended candle ??

as normal photos can be viewed at flickr = alanroygbiv

also use alanroygbiv to follow me on Twitter

Busy making freinds (at No 10)

2010-07-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

A very busy few weeks.
Attended Swansea Disability forum on 5th.
Then on Tuesday 6th took the train up to Cardiff, to meet Holly and Phill, who were filming the “people Task Force” http://raceonline2012.org/peoples-taskforce . see the finished film clip on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC2MTuxaNeM
Stayed in Cardiff, overnight, as I had a meeting in Swansea at 10.00am – so it wasn’t worth going home and travelling back, the next morning. For those interested the meeting was http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/housingcommunity/digitinclusion/?lang=en
Speech Therapist came to see me on Friday, while I was in Coleshill, on Friday. Everything in order (as well as they can be !!)
Dawn and I went on the train to Cardiff, on Saturday 10-7-10. We were going to the Food Festival- and meet up with ASW members Tim and Alice (as it was Tims birthday, we all decided to do our own thing for the day. Tim and Alice went to the Millennium Centre, Dawn and I went shopping and to the food Festival.
We were hoping to meet up with Gary (from Eastbourne) who was down to watch speedway in the Millennium Stadium http://speedwaygp.com/en/venuecardiff2010/a414 we didnt get the chance to meet as Cardiff was SO busy –with SO many events on the same day !! (the queue for the buses from the Bay to the city were an hour long !!)
Monday 12th a BIG day !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I caught the train up to London, in the afternoon with the race Online2012 team, we were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street to launch the “Manifesto for a Networked Nation”.
(I went in the front door, of number 10 -in my wheelchair)
We spoke to David Cameron (the Prime Minister) in the cabinet office before he made a speech to everyone present at the ceremony. Read more at http://raceonline2012.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/pm-backs-race-online-2012-campaign/
My comment to race online2012
I was very excited and honoured to attend No10 Downing Street, on Monday 12th July, to Launch the Manifesto for a Networked Nation.To actually enter the cabinet office, (and sit in the PMs chair) was amazing. Plus to talk Face to Face with PM David Cameron was a good experience. It was good to see he was interested in the “Peoples Task Force”, stories.As a Disabled person, it was very nice to be able to enter No 10 via the front door, something I was very keen to do !!. Plus I have had personal experience of how using the internet has benefited me Educationally, Socially and Saving Money, something which every person should be able to do !.I would like to THANK everyone involved at Race Online2012 and 10 Downing Street for a wonderfull afternoon.Over the next two days I attended conferences on E-Access and Building Perfect Websites (held in Olympia 2). These were very good networking opportunities and spreading the word of the race online 2012 campaign.Alan Thomas “peoples Task Force”You can view race Online2012 YouTube videos athttp://www.youtube.com/user/raceonline2012
The next 2 days were spent at meetings in Olympia2, London (eAccess on Tuesday and Building perfect NHS/council websites (Accessabilty) on Wednesday.
Thursday was a virtually free day. Made my way to Race Online2012 office then I went to visit Ripley`s Believe it or Not http://www.ripleyslondon.com/ very good.
(On the way, I managed to find myself in the middle of setting up for the premier of the Karate Kid in Leicester Square !! )
Upon leaving I was rushing for the bus, my wheelchair wheel missed the ramp into the bus, I ended up on the pavement (on my back) in the middle of a very busy Piccadilly circus !!!.
Back to the premier inn (tower bridge) to meet up with friends.
Friday 16th I and fellow trustees and staff (of Ataxia UK) met in the office, for an “away day” (wrong title as it was a day in the office) a good day looking at the Strategic plan for the next few years.
Following day we returned to the office for a trustee board meeting, to discuss, many, matters.
Sunday 18th return home, by train (I HAD booked mobility assistance, but Paddington, had NO record of it !! second time this has happened)
The first thing I noticed was how the air is REALLY fresh and much cleaner I could tell the dramatic difference, from being in London for the week.
As always photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Photo Diary (timeless)

2010-07-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Time is running away--FAST !!!

Only got time to upload photos, to flickr www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv

plus we have a new website to look at www.ataxiasouthwales.org.uk

dont forget Alan is taking part in the UK Wheelchair challenge www.ukwheelchairchallenge.co.uk

sponsor http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showfundraiserprofilepage.action?userurl=AlanThomas1

WOW where is this year going ??

2010-05-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

How time flies !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The following events attended (with the odd detail)
Wales Neurological Alliance meeting in Cardiff Bay (24-3-10)
Due to Industrial action (outside the SENEDD) we had to relocate the venue to the Urdd offices, opposite. This was arranged at short notice many thanks to Buddug, for arranging this.
Attended a small group to enable us to exchange some disability awareness (25-3-10)
Made a Train Journey up to London. Visited the Ideal Home Expo, in Earls Court (26-3-10) I managed to catch up with http://www.cyclo-ssage.com/ where I had another relaxing massage, before making my way to the hotel ready for meeting up with friends for the Ataxia UK board meeting, the next day.
Monday 29-3-10, w went to Sinclair Volkswagon, Neyland to pick up our NEW VW Touran. A Motability car. We chose another Touran as we were very happy with the last Touran.
Asked to attend a meeting with Whitland town Council, to explain the services available from the Green Dragon Bus / Preseli Rural Transport Association http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm This meeting proved an advantage from all parties involved.
Ataxia South Wales meeting was arranged for Sunday 11th April @ Newport Gwent.
As we had no venue suitable available to us we had a meeting and lunch in a Toby Carvery.
NOT ideal, but next time we can source a more suitable (quieter) meeting place.
We managed to discuss, things after having Sunday Lunch. One item was the interest in a Website for our Branch, which this is the result www.ataxiasouthwales.org.uk and a Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ataxia-South-Wales/112678352094257?v=wall (no login required).
Nice Sunday (18-4-10) picnic along the Cardigan Coastal path (along the top of some scary narrow cliff top paths !. the path crosses a golf course so you have to keep your eye out for flying balls !!!!. I managed to clamber down some rocks to the sea and managed to gather to golf balls and return them to some ammeter players.
Cardiff (19-4-10) meeting to discuss the setting up of the Wales Neurological Alliance website.
Train journey to Birmingham NEC (21-4-10) to attend NAIDEX (Disability Expo)
Where some friends had arranged to meet up.
The NAIDEX Expo was Very good, saw alot of usefull items and made alot of networking contacts.
I met up with two other Ataxia UK Trustees and we had a WONDERFUL time at the show, even made an interview with Sally of Able radio http://www.ableradio.com/ our interview was broadcast on Monday 26-4-10 at 11.00am.
I spent rest of Wednesday and all Thursday at NAIDEX where I met some other member of ASW friends of AUK and on-line members of LWA http://www.livingwithataxia.org/
On the Friday I caught the train to Birmingham New Street, where we all met up again. I met Dawn there as we were going to Leicester for the AUK Branch Officers Conference Weekend.
Our next leg of the train journey, was shared with two great friends and fellow trustees, who were also attending. Once at the venue (University campus) we met with other branch members and friends, and checked in to our rooms (most of us had the same rooms allocated to us as when we attended last year)
We all met up for drinks and a meal as well as a short “Getting to know you” workshop this was very interesting and amusing.
A short spell in the lounge bar, before bedtime, Saturday was the “workday” of the weekend.
We covered various topics about being a AUK branch, in the afternoon we had a session on the AUK website branch pages, and how to contribute to them.
Very informative. We worked in groups for this with me having my Laptop with me, made sure that each group had a laptop each .
After dinner that evening we had a FANTASTIC evening in the lounge bar. We took part in a quiz, with some TOP space scientists, that were also there (we didn’t win ???).
Sunday we said our farewells and all started our journeys home. Ours was the longest as due to the railway engineering our journey was via a different and much longer route than normal !!!
I went and attended the PACTO event, in Queens Hall, Narberth on Tuesday (27-4-10)

Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations http://www.pembrokeshiretransport.co.uk/content.asp?nav=677,696&parent_directory_id=673
Very interesting and educational (in community transport terms) good networking opportunities.
Wednesday back in Cardiff Future Inns, for Disability Wales http://www.disabilitywales.org/1903 Launch of the Independent Living campaign. Another good day of networking and meeting new people plus mixing with a few Assembly members.
If you want you can sign a petition on the Welsh Assembly website here e-Petition: National Strategy on Independent Living http://www.assemblywales.org/gethome/e-petitions/epetition-list-of-signatories.htm?pet_id=466&prncl_ptnr=DisabilityWales&clsd_dt=17/12/2010
Thursday (29-4-10) travel (short journey 17 miles) to attend Local Health Board ; Health + Well Being meeting in Carmarthen
Very good, but when I got back to the car I found I had a parking ticket !!! £50 !!!!
For parking too long in a disabled bay, in a car park (I WAS DISPLAYING MY BLUE BADGE) I was with councillors in the meeting and even they were advising people that car parking for the disabled car parking spaces have unlimited time !!!
Went to the new cinema in Carmarthen on Sunday 2nd May watched Iron Man 2 http://ironmanmovie.marvel.com/ bit slow story line, alot of fast pace shooting/violence, for a 12A cert. (oooo your getting old Alan)
This week planning for more train journeys to attend meetings.
As usuall photos at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

B.A.W. CATCH UP, time ??

2010-03-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Not much, to report.

Went to Cinema, on Saturday 13th, saw Alice in Wonderland http://www2.disney.co.uk/DisneyMovies/alice/
Not VERY good (should of taken more notice, of the reviews saying “how bad” the film is).
Monday, I attended Cardiff Neuroscience Open Day (Invite and ticket only)
As part of BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/cnc/news/Brain%20Awareness%20Week/BAW.html
A West Wales Neurological, meeting in Haverfordwest, on Thursday
Carmarthen Disability Coalition, meeting on Friday http://carmarthenshiredisabilitycoalition.org.uk/index.html
Plan and book some more train journey`s, with the odd short flight added for a change !!!
Row the Atlantic, boys Tom and Richie completed their adventure on Wednesday 17th http://www.rowingtheatlantic.com/
This Friday, off to Ideal home expo http://www.idealhomeshow.co.uk/ on my way to an AUK board meeting, on Saturday.
Been using the scanner alot the last few days, got to compile a “powerpoint” presentation, for an AUK mini-conference.
Woo Hoo Woo Hoo picking up a new mobility Volkswagon Touran, next Monday.

Candle, Candle, Multi ended Candle

2010-03-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

A fairly, long time, since, the last entry ! time just seems to whizz by.
(they say “once you leave school, time just flies past” well thats TRUE).

Jason and I went to the cinema, in Cardiff. To get to see 2 films that coincided with the, return, trains, we booked Alvin and the chipmonks http://www.chipmunks.com/#home (very predictable)
And Avatar http://www.avatarmovie.com/ 3D (very very good, and the main actor, uses a wheelchair)
Friday 19th
I was at a Pain Management for Chronic Illnesses at Swansea University. I was taking part in the Q&A presentation, with another person and prof. Baroness Llora Finlay.
On the weekend Dawn and I went to the Holiday Inn, Bristol Parkway, to meet up with other Ataxians. It was FANTASTIC, to catch up and CHAT, face to face, rather than on-line.
Dawn and I went to Cribbs Causeway, shopping (a good place, to spend the day) we also took advantage of the hotels swimming pool.
On the evening of Tuesday 23rd, I attended the Wales Neurological Alliance Cross Party event in Ty Hywel, National Assembly, Cardiff. A very good Networking evening, for Ataxia South Wales. Again, on Wednesday, evening, I was back at the SENEDD, in Cardiff, to attend the Rare Disease Day, along with AMs, and other members of WNA.
Rare Disease Day falls on 28th February. http://www.raredisease.org.uk/rarediseaseday_2010.htm

Tuesday 2nd March, I went up to London, as an invitee of Martha Lane Fox (Governments Digital Inclusion champion). http://www.marthalanefox.com/
A team, of us, gathered in her London office, for lunch and small presentation, we then all went to the house of commons, to meet MPs, and aire our experiences, with Digital Inclusion. It was then time for “letting our hair down” (not easy, in my case !) we all went to Lucky Voice Kareoke bar http://www.luckyvoice.com/
Next day, I took a bus, across London (NOT RECOMMENDED, without meticulous, previous, planning !!), to Ataxia UK, Offices, for a brief, impromptu, visit.
Thursday 4th, Disability Wales, rang me , to ask if I would be willing to be interviewed for BBC Wales, on the new announcement on Wheelchair Services, in Wales.
The broadcast went out that evening on Radio Wales at 4.50 pm.
The Destinations and Travel show was on the agenda, for Saturday http://www.destinationsshow.com/birmingham/welcome/
Result = just one or two places to add to the “where to go?” list
On the way back, we called, for coffee in Hereford and met up with good friends Tim + Alice.
We then carried on towards home, we called in with Melanie and James, and Kira. Kira is the new addition to the family. My great niece.
This week, planning some attendance at meetings
Sorting out train travel and booking some accommodation for some, meetings that require an overnight stay, due to distances.

Dont forget to keep supporting two boys are rowing across the Atlantic. Checkout their blog http://blog.mailasail.com/redarrow
Also checkout http://www.4deserts.com/blogs/comptetior_blog_new.php?pid=NTk1&blog=16
Marilena is walking across the Atacama Desert in Chile, to raise funds for Friedreich's Ataxia (FA).

My photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Fuzzy, Head and Blind Chatterbox

2010-02-14T04:18:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday 9-2-10, I made my way, by train, to Chesterfield, to stay with friend, ready for my appointment at the Ataxia clinic, in Sheffield.

I had a board meeting, in Neath, to attend, with CTA Wales http://www.ctauk.org/in-your-area/wales.aspx
Rejoined the train at 3.40pm., got to Chesterfield at 20.06.

Wednesday, my appointment, 10.20 am. I got there early, and went straight in, to see Dr Marios H, explained about the MUSCLE Biopsy, and the slot date would be sent out to me (it means an overnight stay in Hospital, as the biopsy, will take place on a Friday am)

While there, caught up with David, (from the Sheffield Ataxia Support group)
And met Lorna, (who we both only on Virtualataxia, CHAT)

On my train home on Thursday, Chesterfield station, lifts were out of order, but the station manager, made arrangements, for the train to arrive at the near platform.

I had a short journey, to Derby, for my next connection, to Cardiff.
Here I was to share the carriage, with a very old blind lady and her guide dog.
The blind lady was very pleasant, I explained I was in a wheelchair, that was why the Dog, had to be moved, out of the passageway.
All the way from Derby to Cardiff, this lady didn’t stop Chatting !!!! and I mean CONTINUOUS, even when I was in the Loo, she would be SHOUTING, a conversation, to me !!!. When I opened my sandwiches, she heard the rustle, of the bag, enquired, what I was doing and so started another topic, of conversation. You can imagine, I didn’t manage to get any sleep, on the journey. Newport she got off, for her connection, to Dorchester and a guest house., for me QUIET.

Didn’t go to “school” (Coleshill Social Centre) on Friday, was very tired, and felt unwell (headache, very fuzzy head, like a hangover, very disinoreientated).

Went to Theatr Mwldan, on Saturday, to see Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief http://www.imdb.com/media/rm58887936/tt0814255

This Friday I am to attend an event in Swansea, Pain Management study day, where I have been invited to participate, in the Q+A session, with the audience.

Don’t forget the boys, out in the Atlantic, Rowing to raise funds for Ataxia UK, visit teir blog http://blog.mailasail.com/redarrow (scroll, down the page to see daily entries.

training

2010-02-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

As most of you, will of seen, my friend Geoff Holt, has finished, his EPIC, sail, across the Atlantic ocean http://www.geoffholt.com/ follow his bblog and see the press coverage of the challenge.
Keep the word challenge, in your head....
Another friend, Sarah Outen http://sarahouten.co.uk/ has announced her next adventure. “Goodbye January, hello World”, I will let you read Sarahs blog, to find out, more...
All the best Sarah.
Friday 22nd, travelled up to London, to attend AUK Trustee meeting http://www.ataxia.org.uk/
I was a bit early, so took a cab, to the O2 http://www.theo2.co.uk/
A very spacious, place to visit, with plenty to do.
I managed to get FREE tickets to visit the Micheal Jackson Exhibition, in the O2 bubble http://www.theo2.co.uk/inside/the-o2-bubble.html
On Sunday, Darran (fellow trustee and good friend) and I “wheeled” along to Kings Cross Station,, from the hotel !! A distance of approx 2.5 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(No wonder I had pains in my shoulders, for a few days—I am no where near as fit as Darran, so Sorry pal, for holding you back)
Monday 25th was on the BBC Wales Today, news at 6.30pm
To speak on the report published by the National Assembly
http://www.assemblywales.org/newhome/new-news-third-assembly.htm?act=dis&id=163131&ds=1/2010
Thursday 28th Went to Swansea, for a meeting with SAFE disability forum and Arriva Trains Wales and Great Western Trains.
Sunday 31st Ataxia South Wales, held its first meeting of 2010. 12 people attended, a very good meeting, afterwards we went to the BEEFEATER in Pemberton, Llanelli, for a meal and relaxing chat.
During this week, I went to a meeting of a Health, Social Care and Well Being, in Narberth , which ment alot of networking opportunities (Hywel Dda Health Board)
Friday, I was in “School”, Coleshill Social Centre, Llanelli. From there I went to another meeting of Carmarthenshire Disability Coalition http://carmarthenshiredisabilitycoalition.org.uk/index.html
Don’t forget Rare Disease Day on 28th February http://www.rarediseaseday.org/ (I have been invited to an evening event at the Welsh Assembly, with AMs, to mark Rare Disease Day)

Jambo Jambo

2010-01-16T09:37:00.001-08:00

WOW !! how time flies !!!

End of 2009, not that much happened.
Attended a few meetings / xmas dinners
Arranged travel for some future meetings
Had some “end of year snow”
Then on 28th December, travelled up to Gatwick to Fly to Mombasa, Kenya.
WOO HOO WOO HOO.
New Years Eve, in another Continent / country.
Southern Palms Beach Resort, Diani, Kenya. http://www.southernpalmskenya.com/
They certainly know how to celebrate !!!
Took a few days getting to know the hotel / locals and the area.
On the 3rd January, we set off, on Safari, with Go-Africa http://www.go-africa-safaris.com/
I spoke to Esther and Yvonne at Go-Africa, and they tailor made an itinery to suit, me, they were very professional and made sure we were completely aware of the exact route and accommodation, this was done by email (in the UK) and Yvonne visited me at the hotel, to confirm things.
Leonard, was our driver, and the mini-bus was very clean. (for now).
From the hotel we drove via Likoni Ferry (an adventure in itself) to Mombasa and on to Tsavo West National Park, and went to our accommodation, Rhino Valley Lodge. The Lodge is built into the side of the mountain (no fences, so your in amongst the wildlife) with spectacular views. http://www.glorioussafaris.com/html/rhino_valley_lodge_0.html
During the late afternoon, we went for a game drive, before returning to Rhino Valley for supper. When you go to your room/lodge, you get escorted by a guide, just incase of any “Nasties” (that will eat you).
Next day, a game drive (different route), before having breakfast, then departing for Amboseli National Park.
Lunch, and Accommodation, at Ol Tukai Lodge, an afternoon game drive. http://www.oltukailodge.com/ol_frame_page.htm
Ol Tukai is a FANTASTIC lodge, with two adapted lodges, for the disabled (with a totally independant generator, in case of power failures) plus the whole property is on one level and any steps have ramps built alongside (even the swimming pool, has a ramp, BONUS!!!)
Day 3 / 5th Jan, we left for Kajiado (near Niarobi), to visit a school with a wheelchair project, (remember I donated my old wheelchair to charity, well this is where it is going). It was a long way, so Ol Tukai had supplied us with MASSIVE packed lunches.
The road to Kajiado was being renewed, so we were on the “old” road, so slow and bumpy.
At Kajiado, we were greeted by Daniel (the main man) he was excited to have us visit (I had only communicated, with Daniel, by email) he was worried at first as he had heard on the news that two tourists had been attacked by an elephant, and was hoping it wasn’t us!.
He showed us around, I was very impressed with the school, physio suite and the wheelchair project.
(two Ataxia South Wales T-shirts were given to Daniel, so if your out there and see them, you know where, they have come from).
After a short visit, at Kajiado, we carried on to Nairobi (road OKish) then down to Tsavo East National Park. As the first roads were bad, we didn’t get to our accommodation, Aruba Ashnil Lodge, till dark, so supper and bed. http://www.somak.com/hotels_info.php?KTEARUBA

Day 4
Breakfast, game drive (on route) for lunch at Voi Wildlife Lodge. http://www.voiwildlifelodge.com/index.html
Then start our way, back to Southern Palms, via Mombasa and the Likoni Ferry.
The ferry was very very very busy (people going home after the new year) and the ferries are old, slow and unreliable, (some people were queing for over 6 hours!!).
Back at the hotel, it was time to rest (Sort of)
I wanted, a haircut, this was arranged, in Ukunda (the nearby village).
Invited to go to a party at one of the local hotels, for the Diani Village orphanage. http://www.dianichildrensvillage.org/about_en.html

One day we went to visit Makobe school, in Shimba Hills. This school is far away from any sort of utilities (not that there, are any, anyway)
We were showed around by Niaomi, first to the new dormitory, which will be open soon, then to the kitchen (which is a stick hut) and the class rooms.
She introduced us to the headmaster, who gave us a brief talk, about the school, and how it is run, the amount of pupils ETC.
I was asked if I could tell if one of the pupils, had Ataxia, but without any medical knowledge, this I couldn’t undertake.
(since coming home, I have found out, that, there maybe a possibility of a clinic in Nairobi, thinking about, this issue (not confirmed to date).
The classes, cater for ages from very young, to young adults (and have a class for disabled children) they learn most aspects including woodwork, art, and sewing.
All this, without water and electric !!!!!!.

I would like to THANKS to Go-Africa http://www.go-africa-safaris.com/

At the end of our stay, it was off to the airport, in Mombasa again via the Likoni ferry.
Flight to Gatwick was fine, (Gatwick was closed later that night)
We stayed overnight at Gatwick Worth Hotel, HEAVY SNOW, that night !!!. We managed to get to the motorway, at about 5 mph.
Motorways were OK, from Cardiff, going West the snow didn’t seem to be as bad (around Neath/ Port Talbot, there was NO evidence, of any snow ???). We got to within 100 yards, of home, and found snow drifts, about 8 feet high !!, a farmer had cleared a narrow path for access along the road, so we slowly made it to our drive, where we had to dig our way in !!!.
At home I have been uploading photos, videos, sorting 450 emails, arranging more transport for attending meetings and events.

In the process of writing up reviews, on all the lodges and submitting them to various websites, including Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/
Oh, and today, nearly all the snow has melted.

Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Short videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/alanroygbiv#g/u
(the Tuk-Tuk ride was fun / scary /hilarious)

follow the yellow brick road

2009-12-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

After, my visit to Southampton, I have been, at home resting, well typing on my laptop (isn’t that resting ?).

Friday 27th November, caught the train to London Paddington, to attend my Ataxia UK Trustee Induction,(Plus my first trustee board meting, with AUK) Great to meet up with old friends and meet some new people. While I was at the meeting, Dawn went shopping along Kensington and to HARRODS (she bought some RED “Wizard of Oz” shoes).
In the evening we attended the “Razzle Dazzle” ball, for AUK, at Royal Chelsea Hospital Gardens. A FANTASTIC event, with plenty great memories.
See photos at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157622907569798/
Nothing much to report o for a few days.
Saturday 5-12-09, Jason (nephew) and I went to Cardiff, ready for Ataxia South Wales Christmas Dinner. We met Tim and Alice (from Hereford) who were coming to the dinner ( and staying overnight, as we were all going bowling, on Sunday.
Our dinner was a great event, we managed to gain a few new members,
The venue seemed to be acceptable, to everyone Toby Carvery http://www.toby-carvery.co.uk/find-a-toby/whitchurch.html
And Inn keepers Lodge http://www.innkeeperslodge.com/lodgedetail.asp?lid=10
Plus it was good value, all round (meal = £9.95, overnight room £30).
Sunday, some of us met up the Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/
Where we visited the Dr Who Exhibition, before having lunch at a Chinese restaurant , then going bowling.
All FANTASTIC fun, soon to be replicated. More detail will be Published in the winter edition of the ASW newsletter.
Have I said Dawn and I are going to Kenya, for a holiday, and visiting a charity project in Kajiado (between Mombasa and Nairobi) WOO HOO WOO HOO
Me looking forward to that and perhaps go on the FAMOUS “Lunatic Express” , the railway, that runs between the two cities. (a 13+ overnight Journey !!).
I will upload photos to Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Yesterday Friday 11th, I scored 83 out of 100, in a mock exam, my first of my ECDL computer course, at Coleshill Social centre.
Dont forget to browse Ataxia UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ and view the latest newletter.

Must Get, better. WOO HOO London (meeting) Calling

2009-11-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

We landed, in Arrecife, Lanzarote, on Sunday (4th Oct)
It was about 9.30pm and still, it was HOT. We got a taxi, to the hotel, which is about 20 mins, drive, the taxi driver said it was 31 degrees, during the day !!.
Our room was nice (but HOT), we were told that there was a meal, waiting for us in the restaurant.
In the morning, we went for a stroll, down to the shore (see what had changed since our last visit (not that much).
Got back to welcome Dave and Glenys, who had just arrived.
We all had a meal and a look round, and a sent some time in the entertainment room.
Next few days, were so fun filled, relaxed but we seemed to do so much
Spent some time at the pool (catching some RAYS!) strolling a round the town, EATING (we went all-inclusive, and the selection of food, was outstounding).
Went to visit Lanzarote Aquarium, (that I had seen advertised and knew it was within walking distance). Not much too look at, from the outside, but inside they have some very nice displays. The wheelchair entrance, was out the shop, and what looked like a “dilapidated, trades-mans doorway”. In side were some spectacular sights, and glass sided tanks, to view fish in a fairly natural state, some of which had viewing galleries, with seats, so you could even have a packed lunch !!. Plus they had a disabled toilet (A BONUS!).
Another day was spent strolling along the new promenade by Playa Bastian, a fairly long stretch, of “Wheelable” coastal path. We managed to chat to a few people, check out a few monuments / sculptures, along the path as well as finding a very nice bar, to have a rest over a drink.
Dawn and I decided to take Dave and Glenys, out for an anniversary meal,( at a very nice place, we found on a previous visit) MASTIL, very nice food and a good setting (just looked at my photos and they have a statue wearing armour and a skirt ???).
Dawn and I were leaving one day before D+G, it was very sad to depart, we all had such a FANTASTIC time, with very good memories (and photos, some, of which, can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157622528107839/ ) we hope to arrange it again, very soon. I know in 1 years time we will be meeting at Stansted airport, so being on the airport, means we have to fly, somewhere !!!.
Our return, meant we stayed overnight, in the Radisson SAS, before catching the train home to Carmarthen.
One day, at home, then I was off to Llandudno, North Wales, to attend the Community Transport Association Wales http://www.ctauk.org/index.aspx?id=250 Award Ceremony and Gala dinner and (following day) a conference.
Where I was elected on to the committee of CTA Wales (lets hope I can make a difference, on the accessibility, front).

The weekend (17th+18th) was spent up in Oakham, Rutland at the Home coming, party for Sarah Outen http://sarahouten.co.uk/
It was a great honour, to be personaly, invited, to this.

A meeting of West Wales Neurological Alliance, on Monday.
Wednesday, attended Disability Wales Independent Living Seminar, in Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Friday, a site visit to Swindon and Bristol (Independent Living Centre`s), with officials, involved with a project in Coleshill Social Centre, Llanelli.

Training session, with Community Transport/CTA, on Thursday 5th at Nant y ffin, Llandisilio, (about 15 mins, from here) http://www.nantyffin.co.uk/

Friday, train up to Enable show in Coventry http://www.enableshow.co.uk/
Alot of contacts, where made. A good opportunity for Awareness of Ataxia.

Various meetings, for the following week. Plus the weekend was spent up in Southampton, firstly at a “setting off” “do” for Geoff Holt, as he starts his solo challenge to sail the Atlantic http://www.geoffholt.com/
Details at his blog 48 hour countdown. http://www.geoffholt.com/node/105
All pictures, on-line at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Then Sunday was spent in Southampton General Hospital, following the MASSIVE MASSIVE pain, which was due to some Kidney stones.
Must say the hospital and staff, are in a different(HIGHER Standard) “level”
To what we have in our area. I was really impressed, with the quality of standards, that they provide.
This week has been a bit of a “recuperating”, week, getting well for my, attendance, at, (my first) Ataxia UK- trustee meeting.

More, as soon as I track down, that CANDLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WANTED = A TRUSTY- Multi ended Candle, with a Time Warp FACILITY

2009-11-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

OMG, time has “FLOWN” by ???
I have, had, to split, my BLOG, into “Episodes”, as the last few weeks has included- SO MUCH.
Thursday (1st October) I received my new wheelchair.
A very “Trendy” NOMAD http://www.nomadwheelchairs.com/
No time to “Practice” with it, as we were, catching a train, next morning, to Manchester Airport, to attend the Ataxia UK, conference. The conny, was to be held in the Raddison SAS, Directly on the airport.
Hotel, was excellent, Rooms very nicely laid out (even when you turned the TV, on, it displayed a “Welcome” screen, including, your name!!).
The afternoon, was spent meeting very good friends, and some new friends.
Catching up with the friends, I have met before, and keep in touch with, on a regular, basis, was LOVELY.
After, breakfast,, we all registered for the Conference and the days activities.
What a excellent day, details can be found at http://www.ataxia.org.uk/page.builder/annualconference.html
As chairman of Ataxia South Wales, I was very proud to see, that a lot of the branch, had come to the conference. Which was evident, by the wearers, of ASW badges and ASW Badges.
The evening was so good to mingle, with attendees, and to really have some good “FACE TO FACE” conversations, with people, who I have only MET on-line.
To elaborate, on the whole event, would take so much time and typing.
Some photo`s at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
I would just say,, it was an excellent time, and ROLL ON NEXT YEAR.
Next day, was a morning of saying “FAREWELL” to most of the attendees. Not for me, as Dawn and I were catching, an evening flight to Lanzarote, to have a holiday, Good friends, of ours Glenys + Dave (they were flying out, to meet us, the following day).
In the afternoon, just before, the start of my “goodbye” I was told, of my election to the board of Trustees of Ataxia UK, FANTASTIC, news to start a holiday.
The next, BLOG “instalment”, will focus on the trip abroad, plus mention of forthcoming activities.

Boats and Suitcases - Exciting times

2009-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 19th September, we travelled up to Southampton, by car.
We stayed overnight at Holiday Express in Botley road, we have stayed here before, so knew it would be fine.
Next day, after breakfast, we went to Southampton Boat Show, http://www.southamptonboatshow.com/2009_home/home.aspx to meet up with friends from Devon.
We all got together and made our way, through the MASSIVE area of the event, down to the marina, where we met Sarah Outen http://sarahouten.co.uk/ and “DIPPERS”, Sarahs boat. You MUST watch the clip, of her voyage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DRvHE52KrE&feature=player_embedded
We all had photos and a good chat.
We then met up with Geoff Holt http://www.geoffholt.com/ , with who we had another good chat and photos, we all went up to the “record breakers” stage, to watch Sarah and Geoff, and to take part in the “Semaphore” record. http://www.southamptonboatshow.com/2009_home/whats_on/attractions/come_and_break_a_record.aspx .
We met up with Sarah Outen for afternoon tea, we had some more chat and insight into her epic challenge, plus a personal invite to her party, later in the month. After we said our goodbyes to Sarah, and went for a look around the show (for Bargains!!),.
I went on the “step climber” (third year, in a row) on the SUNSEEKER http://www.sunseeker.com/ stand, WOW, how the other half live ??? one day they will make them totally wheelchair accessable.
In the evening we went for supper at Geoff Holts house, a FANTASTIC evening of “catching up” and to meet Susanna, his medic, on his next voyage.
We left, for the holiday Express Inn, which isn’t too far away. For another night, before we travel home on Monday.
The Devon / Carmarthenshire “Goodbye” was around 10ish (but we will be meeting up SOON) and so back to motorway travelling.
Monday evening I attended a meeting of Headway http://www.headway.org.uk/ , in Carmarthen. A very well attended event.
Wednesday, I went to Coleshill Social Centre, to attend another meeting, while there I made a telephone interview for Able Radio http://www.ableradio.com/ (cant find a direct link to my interview) It was for “International Ataxia Awareness Day” which was Friday 25th September. Events were held all over the UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ and worldwide http://www.livingwithataxia.org/
I displayed IAAD PVC banners (outside my house and in “school”) and on Saturday 26th our Ataxia South Wales, branch, held their second “Wheely Wobbly Walk” in Roath Park, Cardiff. A well attended event, which was a sponsored walk event, which has made alot of funds and awareness.
This week, getting back to normal, Gym and Swim at http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/index.php and getting ready for attending the Ataxia UK conference in Manchester.
As always photos at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Back to NORMALISH ***** Important information !!

2009-09-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday (30-8-09)
Went to Carmarthen, to catch, train to Chesterfield, ready for my MRI scan, on Monday.
Train was on time, and fairly empty (until we were getting nearer, to Cardiff, there was some BIG event on ??).
Met at Chesterfield by G and D (and N, Ds PA). We went back had a meal and a good ole CHAT.
Made arrangements (with N) to pick up D and I, at 8.30ish, on Monday morning.
Went to the X-ray, department, booked in, for my MRI.
Within minutes, I was called in.
3 scans,-
Thorasic-Cervical- ???
took a total of approx 40mins. Very friendly and polite staff
(and WOW, how clean and up to date, is this hospital ?)
The whole event, was carried out , so quickly and EFFICIENTLY, it was amazing. (to think this has been arranged, in such a short time, -- 6 days from first appointment to Scan !!!! (not the, months, or YEARS, usually encountered !!!!).
I must Thank Neil, for his offer of taking me to the MRI appointment, without his knowledge, of the “whereabouts”, of the MRI department, and hospital, it took a lot of STRESS out of, the whole process.
We returned to the House to pick up G, and we all went for lunch at a local carvery (£3.50 per head !!).
Afterwards we went to Chesterfield, station for my return journey, (which was in First Class, part of the train, with Cross Country trains).
First, and only change, was Bristol Parkway.
Although, I was booked on, a train that stops in Cardiff, I waited 25 minutes, for the “Great Western train”, that goes straight through to Carmarthen (with no changes !!).

*** Also, been told of another Living with Ataxia “recognition”
LivingWithAtaxia.org was featured on About.com this week http://rarediseases.about.com/b/ ******

Tuesday (1-9-09)
A meeting, in Haverfordwest, concerning the setting up of a local Neurological Alliance. A very productive and positive meeting.
A radio broadcast of our “Wheely Wobbly Walk” in Llanelli was aired on Radio Carmarthenshire and Scarlet FM.
The Event (on Sunday 6th September) was well attended as really good fun, made a good amount of funds as well as some excellent awareness, we managed to gain a few new members, to our branch.
The event was covered by Llanelli Star, newspaper, which also got some more new members.
The “remedial” works have begun, on our Disabilities Grant, after the work was done very substandard (and NOT within building regs.) the first time. We now have a new cesspit in place !!!. pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Wednesday 9th, attended a SWWITCH http://www.swwitch.net/ event in Swansea, from which have made some contacts.
This week I have attended a SAIL – Swansea Association for Independant Living, which also made alot of contacts.
Then went on to Cardiff, to stay, overnight, ready for a PSP symposium. http://www.pspeur.org/
This was an event I had been invited to. To my surprise two of my speech Therapists had come to attend !!.
To my astonishment the days event, was chaired by Dr H M Senior lecturer and consultant neurologist at Cardiff University,Royal Gwent Hospital and Cardiff and Vale Trust. During the tea break, was a great opportunity for me to ask him about “this clinic, with a department dealing with ATAXIA”
He explained his clinic and the various departments and hopefully we will, be in contact, with positive out comings. See my post at http://www.livingwithataxia.org/forum/topics/update-on-access-to-a-ataxia

Laptop DEAD ?? WWW soon

2009-09-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Laptop has gone for repair (it went COMPLETELY, DEAD, just as I was fetching a CD, to copy to!!)
Apparently this NOT covered by the DELL warranty ?????.

Ataxia South Wales "Wheely Wobbly Walk" is this Sunday 6th in Llanelli.
It has been mentioned on Radio Carmarthenshire http://www.radiocarmarthenshire.com/ and Scarlet FM http://www.scarletfm.com/, quite a few times.

Update soon.

So much Achieved, in such a short space of time

2009-08-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Monday 24th.
Went to http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/ to the gym, 1 mile on rowing machine and 10 minutes, on the treadmill, then went to the pool for a swim.
Went to Carmarthen to sort some URGENT “business, then home to go through, the latest emails, that needed a reply.
Ataxia South Wales, seems to becoming VERY WELL KNOWN, getting alot of emails, requesting information, on the group.
“click” on
Llanelli event http://www.disposablewebpage.com/turn?page=jUBzKRfWJS
and Cardiff event http://www.disposablewebpage.com/turn?page=G2evFXpmNI

Tuesday 25th August, caught the 10.05 train to Newport, at Cardiff we were asked to change trains. I asked the guard “if this the right train, to be on ?” ”YES YES” and shut the door.
I HAD A STRANGE FEELING, ABOUT THIS !!!!!!!!.
When, I arrived, in Newport, they weren’t expecting me, and said I had been on the WRONG, train ?????????????
Next one was half an hour, to Bristol Parkway (who told me I was LATE) and they would put me on the next train to Chesterfield, which was another 40 minutes wait. So the end result, is was a hour longer journey.
(this is the third time, something has gone wrong, all with the “common” theme – Arriva Trains Wales ?????????????)
I was advised to complain to Arriva Trains Wales, which is going to happen, in on my return, as it happens, I have a meeting with SWWITCH which hopefully will be attended by Arriva BOSSES !!!!!
One thing, I noticed (and will check up on) is Bristol Parkway, has a WIFI area, in the cafe.
NOW, I have been changed to the FIRST CLASS, part of the train, as the toilets, in this carriage, are “out of order”, so, in Birmingham New Street Station, it was down a ramp along the platform and UP a ramp. Its is CROSS COUNTRY policy (if not DDA law) for this procedure, to happen.
It appears that, this train is made up of two smaller trains ?? and divides into two a NEWCASTLE ??? (So alot of people, in this section have been told to move, at Newcastle !!!).
THE BIG DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Detail can be found
http://www.livingwithataxia.org/forum/topics/neuro-appointment-details-of
and / or
http://www.ataxia.org.uk/forum/index.php?tid=3245

As normal, photos on http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/?saved=1

Time - TIME - TIME - Time

2009-08-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

I have upgraded to a NEW mobile phone, an LG Cookie
(my old phones, no5, had an intermittent fault, so if your number had 5 in it, well ?, and sending text messages, it was a *@!$?)
Over the last few weeks have been to many meetings, been swimming most mornings, and catching up on emails (as chairman of Ataxia South Wales, the “inbox” seems fairly occupied, every day)
Met up with makers of NOMAD wheelchairs http://www.nomadwheelchairs.com/ the wheelchairs are very light and very manoeuvrable, as well as looking very nice.
Time has gone very quickly, and the month seems to be gone ??, trying to book a holiday, for October. The Ataxia UK is on 3rd October in a hotel on Manchester Airport, so we are taking advantage of being at the airport !!
Ataxia South Wales have two “Wheely Wobbly Walks” one at Millenium Coastal path, Llanelli on Sunday 6th September
http://www.disposablewebpage.com/turn?logout=jUBzKRfWJS
Another is taking place at Roath Park, Cardiff on Saturday 26th September.
These are all part of “International Ataxia Awareness Day” 25th September. http://www.ataxia.org.uk/
The Ataxia Conference will be on October 3rd in Manchester airport (handy, that, it makes you want to go on a flight, afterwards ???).
Talking of Ataxia, I have an appointment, at the specialist Ataxia clinic, in Sheffield, next week, (something I have been trying to confirm, for a long while). See http://www.ataxia.org.uk/forum/index.php?tid=3219

Ataxia South Wales, have two “Wheely Wobbly Walks”
One in Llanelli on 6th September http://www.disposablewebpage.com/turn?page=jUBzKRfWJS
Second in Roath park, on 26th September http://www.disposablewebpage.com/turn?page=G2evFXpmNI

Sarah Outen http://www.sarahouten.co.uk/ finished her adventure, I hope to catch up with her at Southampton Boat Show.
Hope to manage, to update, this BLOG, more often than of late, been a bit busy (for a change !!)

BBC DS4 Ataxia South Wales

2009-07-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

This is a fairly long post, so much has been happening.

I was invited to DS4 http://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/DS4/ To attend the handover of the archive of the BBC Capture Wales Digital stories, to the National Library of Wales http://www.llgc.org.uk/index.php?id=1514&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2417&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=2&cHash=507e5e255d
The event was also featured by BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8105023.stm

Photos at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

It was a fantastic time, I was put up in a hotel in Aberystwyth http://www.aberpark.com/ it was PERFECT, large room, on ground floor, wet room (of excellent standard) . Meals, at the hotel were very good. The service was “outstanding”

We booked in early, hen went to go for a trip on the famous “Cliff Railway” http://www.aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk/ (this is our second trip, on this railway), the views, of the area, are awesome. The disabled access, is catered for, ramp to bottom platform, step into LARGE carriage. Top station has a stairlift, (or steps, BEWARE some hand rails seem to be very rusty and loose !!!) from station there is a fairly steep, concrete path up to the viewing area and café and other attractions.

Return to the hotel, for evening meal, which, as I said was EXCELLENT, (Home made food).
I was a bit worried about the hotel being built so close to a main road and roundabout, the Noise was NOT even noticeable, so no problem.

After breakfast, we went to Aberystwyth Uni, Arts Centre, for the DS4 event. (been here before, aswell)
Met a lot of people we know, got information about the day.
Some of the day was spent in the main theatre, being shown presentations, of different organisations, involeved with Digital Stories.
Breakout sessions, where also held, in varios rooms around the immediate area, one of which used my Digital story “Stepping Stone” http://www.vimeo.com/3281185 which was made for the E-inclusion event in Vienna, Austria (photos at flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610649048905/ )
My Digital Story,, was one of three, being shown on the BIG screen !! (very emotional, to see it being shown, in such a large event)
Big moment when the three, contributors, where on stage to answer Questions, on our Digital Stories.

The day, ended with some sad farewells, but we are all in touch by various computer related means, via a new network (http://digstocymru.ning.com/

Ok back down, to earth !!! (sort of ??)
Packing our stuff, in the house ready for the builders to start work, on MASSIVE remedial work, concerning the Disabilities Grant.

Been attending many meetings, at Coleshill in Llanelli , which concerns the redevelopment of part of the building, the closed down former resdesedential area.

As well as going out on my tricycle, during this good weather (reminds me of Gambia weather) talking of Gambia, our guide Lamin and his wife have had a baby boy, named it Alan WOO WOO ,
I keep thinking, a bout all the school children, at school, having Gambian names, and one is called Alan !!.

I have put my name forward for joining the Trustees of Ataxia UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ . which the campaign, has just (June) Finished.

Ataxia South Wales, held their AGM, last Sunday ( 28th June) where I was made chairman, WOO HOO WOO HOO, its a lot of headaches, but a very worthwhile role, Ataxia Awareness in Wales, (and UK) will happen, I have been using many of my “contacts” to enable this to happen.

I went for my yearly Neuro. Appointment yesterday, told a few interesting things…………..Apparently, there is a department in a Cardiff hospital, dealing with Neurological Disorders, within this department, a doctor has a surgery, for Ataxia Disorders ??
Think this is related http://www.neurodemcymru.org/conference.php.en?menu=12&catid=6636&subid=0
This will need further investigation, but if this is so, it seems a pity that we in Wales, have to travel to London or Sheffield to talk to a specialist Dr from an Ataxia Specialist Clinic.

Photo album http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

## The Weekend I went to Exeter ##

2009-06-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Friday train to Exeter
Train from Carmarthen to Swansea, was delayed.
So my next connection was not going to happen !! but upon reaching Swansea my, original connection train, was STILL there !!!!!
Got to St Davids, went to get a taxi to Thistle hotel, the train gaurd told me to catch the next train to Central Station and the hotel is opposite the station, I told him I didnt have a ticket he told me "dont worry about it "
I was one of the first at the hotel. I booked in, went to my room , on the first floor, as soon as I got in the door, the phone rang, it was reception asking me to move as this room was only available for one night !!
I moved, to a new room along two corridors, along HARD going pushing on carpet !! up slopes and opening heavyish doors.

Room was fairly large, clean, bright, two single beds, all mod cons (iron, trouser press, tea coffee making stuff,, TV, 2 phones)small bath room over bath shower, very high bath !! VERY small basin, (view was out standing- NOT).
I unpacked and decided to go in to Exeter, to see the town. As I was leaving the car park, I spoke to another wheelchair user, who advised me which way to go (I was heading in the wrong direction ). We both went into town to meet up with some of his friends, who were coming to the conference, We all met up in "Costa Coffee", We all got on Really well.
We went back towards, the hotel, where we met up with Alison (From Lancaster) and Ant (from Bristol), both had been on the same train.
It was great to meet everyone and we went into the hotel to relax, in the bar, and getting to know each other. We had a great time, the hours soon passed (with many a story told) much laughter and banter !!.
Next morning , was the start of the conference, so after registration, we made our way in to the main room, to "park" ourselves, around a table.
The Agenda, for the day :
10.30 registration & coffee
11.00 Welcome : Dr Liz Harrison - Chair of Trustees
11.10 Ataxia UK Moving forward : Sue Millman - Chief Executive
11.35 Whats happening in the services Department - Tina Thatcher
11.45 BREAK
Group Sessions (smaller, Breakout Groups)
Live the life you want...take control of your life : Sarah Martin from Time Line Therapy and HYPNOSIS
Taking control of your money : Citizen Advice Exeter
Sharing your experience to improve your health : Alison Stevenson PhD

12.30 Lunch
Lunch was a very good opportunity to NETWORK and chat.
A very nice meal (which cause some confusion, with the different courses, HOT and Cold Courses combined ??)
13.45 Research Update
14.30 Taking Control :Becky Downing and Anthony Brown (Ant)
14.45 Dr`s Q&A - Dr Andrea Nemeth and Dr Alistair Wilkins
(two questions, were submitted, by ME, by email, beforehand)
15.40 Break
16.00 West Country Branch Update : Pauline Downing
16.15 Taking Control : Chris Norton and Samuel Merchant
16.30 Closing thoughts - Dr Liz Harrison
17.00 FINISH
after the day, alot of people went home.
There was a meal during the evening, which 20-25 attended, which was a FANASTIC meal and even more chat.
At one stage our table (of 5) had an episode of giggles, which turned into laughter then crying, much to the ammusement of the other diners.
After the dinner was a team quiz, between tables of 5 (?) there was 64 questions with a picture round. Claire was the quiz person, and was very competent at the task.
Amazingly our table WON !!!!
How we got the winning score is unbeliveable (after all the noise from our table during the evening, was something else).
Prizes were given (winners got a Chocolate bottle with piped wording "Ataxia UK Exeter 2009 Quiz winners") (Thorntons).
I said THANK YOU to AUK for the event (there was no one from West Country Branch present ???).
A few drinks, later, we all decided to retire, next day everyone would be travelling home.
Alison and I met up, at 10.00 am as we were catching the same train to Bristol Parkway, where I changed for Carmarthen and Alison went on to Birmingham. One thing puzzled us, at the hotel we got a taxi to the station, which turned up, A wheelchair accessible FIAT DOBLO, so plenty of room, but the driver made such a HU HA, about getting two wheelchairs in (both of us can transfer, so our chairs can fold, or in my case quick release wheels, so this is a simple procedure the driver couldnt really grasp -- some people, NO COMONSENSE!!
photos at Fickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157619839322297/

Service Resummed. EXHAUSTED

2009-06-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

We now have a “working” porch !!!, somewhere to put our coats !!!.

DP builders, http://www.dpbuildingsupplies.co.uk/Llanboidy, to REDO the Disabled Facilities Grant, (that some other “cowboy” builder had complete, with a VERY sub standard, and “UNDERHAND” way ?).
The work will take some time an involve some major unheaval, including us having to MOVE out, due to the complete refurbishment, of the wetroom – including replacing the special floor covering- as well as replacing the (inside and outside) drainage system, with a new septic tank !!.

Saturday 23rd
We went to Kwik-Fit, to change two tyres on our VW Touran, Motability car.
Also booked a train ticket for my travel to Exeter, for the Ataxia UK regional conference. Investigating, Exeter, I have found that there is 3 train stations, in Exeter, and the hotel Thistle http://www.thistle.com/hotels/exeter/ which is on one station, which means a 4 minute journey, from the station on the line from the North, In my view this extra 4 minutes is not worth the extra hassle of rushing for a connection, with luggage !! so a taxi trip will be the order of the day. Sunday- lazying and mowed lawn, the Ataxian WAY !!!
All week has been fine weather, so been doing a bit of gardening, getting a bad back, shoulder and neck, even with this I managed to make things worse, by going out in the KAYAK and climbing Rosebush Mountain.
Monday 1-6-09 attended the Green Dragon Bus http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm AGM, at Cafi Becca, Efailwen.
It was this day t was confirmed , to me that alot of emails, were not being received by me ?? I have found that since setting up a wireless network, at home, BT internet “kindly” set up a SPAM Filter, which was very sensitive, to alot of email addresses, I have now, turned this service off, and hopefully get back to normal, if I haven’t replied to any of your emails, thats the reason WHY, so resend the email.

During the week, I have had to do alot of relaxing, due to muscle strain and headaches, as well as making many appointments and travel plans, confirming my attendance at many meetings over the next few weeks
First off attending http://www.pembrokeshiretransport.co.uk/content.asp with http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm, a PACTO meeting
In Letterston Memorial Hall.
Tuesday a meeting of http://carmarthenshiredisabilitycoalition.org.uk/index.html , which is in Swansea, I can get there and back to Llanelli (may catch a train to Carmarthen) so a LATE night might be in order. (pulled at last minute, due to politics ?)
Also making arrangements for m) so a LATE night might be in order.
Also making arrangements for my BBC invite to attend http://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/DS4/
Yesterday and last night we had some heavy rain !! it seems the weather is going from one extreme (HOT) to another (WET, COLD).
One person to encounter this, is Hillary Lister http://www.hilarylister.com/A96C9/Home.aspx
Who I went to see on Wednesday 10th June, in Fishgaurd, but it was VERY HEAVY (and I mean VERY HEAVY) so everybody was out of sight.

I have been nominated, for one of the Trustees of Ataxia UK
I will post the full nomination text (just returned, from, Ataxia UK regional conference, in Exeter.)

BLOG Problems ??

2009-06-15T02:50:00.000-07:00

Seems like Blogger has a few problems ??

International CANDLE search ???

2009-05-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Depart for Cardiff Airport, early Tuesday morning (5-5-09)
We parked, the car, at Days Inn, and took the shuttle bus, to the airport.
Land at Reus Airport, bus transfer to Hotel
Hotel Dorauda Palace
4 star, very clean, two pools, (with an extra pool on the roof)
Not too far from the town/beach, across some very busy roads (only “niggle” was the hotel was along a short, 50 metre, incline, manual wheelchair “not impossible” but a long struggle).
(a more detailed report, of the hotel, will be posted at tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g562814-d291032-Reviews-Dorada_Palace_Hotel-Salou_Costa_Dorada_Catalonia.html
Salou
For my liking, Salou, is very English. Not much evidence you are in Spain !!.
Even the Paella, I had, was a frozen meal !!
A ride on the “Noddy Train” will let you see the town, 3 Euro for round trip, trip is LONGER, than what you think. Catch it at it “stops” along the road, indicated by different coloured balls, corresponding to the route, it takes.
Prices, on a par with UK, perhaps on the dearer side, HINT McDonald`s is has very prices, (tea / coffee, is popular with the locals.
Seems there is plenty of PUBLIC toilets (metal buildings, with timber coverings) NOTE : STEPS to them !!!.
Train station Salou (day trip Dawn, Alan and Jason).
Main Station in Salou, has a ticket office, cafe (small) toilets (metal, TARDIS type, coin operated ) .
Find it at the Southern end of the promenade, (by the MARINA) about two streets further back, (Portaventura has a station, but is unmanned, and a bit out of the town).
Can get very busy, buy your ticket DONT FORGET TO VALIDATE IT BEFORE you get on the train, in the RED machines on the exit door of the ticket office.
Trains are clean and spacious, except busy times, when it becomes very crowded.
Beware of the large gap, between the train and the platform and the very BIG step up to the carriage. Disabled travellers will find this difficult, but plenty of help is at hand !!.
Toilets available, on trains, and at the stations.
Main stations seem to have some sort of lift, for wheelchairs, but saw NO evidence of this elsewhere.
Salou to Barcelona takes approx one and a half hours, THREE stations in Barcelona Sants (ground level)—Pesseig de Gracia (below ground, STEPS-to ground level)—Estacio de Franca (ground level), and near to the Zoo and Arc de Triumf.
Return journey Adult 12.10 Euro – child 8.10 Euro
Times (we used)
http://www.renfe.com/ or (better still) your hotel can supply you with a timetable.
Salou 8.43 – 10.13 – 11.42 – 14.13
Barcelona SANTS 13.33 – 15.03 – 16.33 – 18.03
Barcelona.
Third station, Estacio de Franca, up to the
Museu de Xcocolata http://pastisseria.cat/en/PortadaMuseu
A very interesting museum of chocolate, with plenty of objects too see, plus some impressive exhibits, plus a shop and cafe.
Then up to Arc de Triomf http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/arcdetriomf.htm a HUGE, RED brick archway, in a very pleasant public park/pedestrianised area, we had picnic in Pg.Lluis Companys http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/parcdelaciutadella.htm (a packed lunch was supplied, by the hotel, as we were taking a evening meal). A great place to have a picnic, a busy place, but a it is so massive it is not crowded (A view I have of Barcelona, as a whole, it is very busy but so “big” and widespread, the busy-ness dosen`t seem too bad)
Along too the Parc de la Ciutadello Zoo http://www.zoobarcelona.com/ZOO_Barcelona/English/English.asp
A MASSIVE Zoo. A very popular place, for all ages, and a place to spend alot of the day.
The animals seem to be in large enclosures, and there is plenty of animals, to see (not like some zoo`s)
16 Euro for adult - Disabled 5 Euro - 9.60 Euro child
Back to catch, the train, to Salou
But which one ??, there were 14 trains, on 14 platforms – no indication, which one and no one to ask (language barrier).
One day, we arranged to meet – Sarah Allen-from LWA http://www.livingwithataxia.org/ in MacDonalds, in Salou . We met there, as it was easy to find and tea coffee, was a reasonable price (the cheapest place in Salou, no wonder so many people go there !!)
Sarah lives, just outside Tarragona, just along the coast.
Portaventura, http://www.portaventura.co.uk/ (Day 1) HUGE Theme park (owned by Unervisal Studios) (Dawn, Alan, Elaine and Jason)
Tickets bought in UK, before departure (fairly dear, but its worth the cost) take your own food and drinks, as inside the park its very expensive.
Alan and Elaine hire mobility scooters (25 Euro, each, per visit !!!!!!!) and it is adviseable, as the park is huge and all on a slope.
Rides on rollercoasters Tami Tami, Tomahawk, Tren de la Mina
Underwater submarine ride, Sea Odyssey, Serpiete emplumada
Portaventura (day 2)
Rollercoasters Stampedia and (NOT me) Furius Baco
Water rides Grand Canyon Rapids, Silver River Flume (both NOT for me)

Monday, (Alan and Dawn) trip to Barcelona
Salou to Barcelona / Estacio de Sants (another massive station)
We exited, the station, on the bus station side, but couldn’t find the Bus Turistic http://www.tmb.net/en_US/turistes/busturistic/busturistic.jsp office/bus stop !!
Back into, the station, we exited the opposite side, to find the right office/bus stop.

Paid, got tickets, maps, money off vouchers,(worth 180 Euros).
Blue route (2 hours) from Sants return to Sants train station. (our plan is to see a very brief view of what is on offer, in Barcelona, and too return on a (cheap) weekend visit).
As the bus route is a “hop on Hop off” we got off at Teleferic de Monjuic (cable car) which has magnificent views of Barcelona. At the start of the ride, it was pretty scarey !!. Each “Gondala” can take up to people, but Dawn and I went for one between us (plus it is wheelchair friendly ).
A youtube video I have found http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EeFe4Mr2KM
After the ride, we caught, another bus, on the blue route, which continued on the journey, back to Sants railway station.
In Salou, we walked along the promenade, met Jason and Elaine, shopped, stopped for tea, before
returning, to the hotel, and pack, our luggage, ready for our return flight, in the morning, to Cardiff.
The weather, in UK was WARM ??, enough for us to be able to sit on the patio, and continue topping up, the TAN

The next morning, I was to get the bus, in StClears, to catch the train to Chesterfield
At Newport, the train connection, I was going on, was NOT stopping at Bristol Parkway due to trespassers (where one person was killed) on the line, and then all the electronic displays were not working due to a computer problem at the, main, signalling depot, in Swindon
I was attending a meeting of Sheffield Ataxia support group, where Dr Marios H (Dr at the Ataxia clinic, in Sheffield), was speaking.
I managed to arrange to stay with good friends Dave and Glenys, who were also attending the meeting. I also had the opportunity to meet Neil (Daves PA).
It was a very interesting meeting, where we all seemed to learn alot more about Ataxia, and its complexities plus the TASK the Drs have when dealing with the diagnosis of the Ataxias.
We all made very good contacts/friends. I hope to attend, some of their meetings in the future
Dave, Glenys, Neil and I went for lunch, at a local carvery eatery, before returning to their house.
My return, train journey, was delayed by vandals, on the train / track (in Sheffield) and again, the train was delayed, as a freight train was on the same track ???.

Will get photos uploaded to flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Video clips at youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/alanroygbiv

TRAVEL WOO HOO

2009-05-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

Just a small update, before my travels.
Went to see “Son of Rambow” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0845046/ in theatr Mwldan, yesterday. It was a free screening put on by http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/
Came home and mowed the lawn, good job too as its raining today !!
Uploaded some more photos to flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/ of my few days at the NAIDEX http://www.naidex.co.uk/ and visiting the NEC complex http://www.signuk.com/ and http://www.multimodal.org.uk/
Hopefully a trip to Barcelona and then one day meeting up with another Ataxian who lives in Spain, who is also on LWA http://www.livingwithataxia.org/

Candle Candle Candle Travel Travel Travel

2009-05-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Note *** writing this on the train, so forgive the spelling.
Friday, Dawn and I, took the train to Leicester, to attend the Ataxia UK Branch Officers Conference.
It was a straightforward, journey (changes at Newport – Bristol Parkway –Birmingham New Street –Leicester and then taxi to the University.
We met up with Harriet and Alison at Birmingham New Street. It was FANTASTIC to meet H again and to meet Alison (who I have only seen on LWA and other forums).
We were shown to our accommodation, at the Uni. After we had unpacked we all went to reception where we met other delegates, that had come to the conference.
It was great to meet people, who you know, by name and so put a face to the name. We all then gathered, for an evening meal - menu
Afterwards, we had a small “get to know” each other, before meeting up in the BAR, Where we got to know each other even better. ( we knew each other, by name, or had seen a photo, but had not met each other, in person)
Saturday, nice and early, we went down to breakfast, before going to the meeting room, for the start, of the conference. All the delegates got on really well, and were soon chatting to each other, and helping each other on some group tasks, sharing branch activities and experiences with EXCELLENT results.
Refreshments at intervals, lunch (at lunch time, obviously) with a finish at around 5.20 pm.
We all went to freshen up, ready for the evening meal.
After the meal, again we all went to the bar, where we got to know each other even better, some stayed until the bar was empty. (Alan-Dawn-Alison-Harriet-Sue).
Sunday, we all went for breakfast, before the delegates started to make their journeys home. We managed to have a few delegates, have a group photo, before everyone disappeared. Photos of the weekend http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157617306444213/
Alison-Harriet-Gary-Jean-Dawn-and I sat in the sun, while we waited, for our taxis to the train station.
Gary and Jeans train was first to leave. Then we went to the platform to get our train (which was leaving an hour later.
Harriet was getting a different train to Alison and ourselves. All our trains where greatly DELAYED. (unknown, to us, a major incident, was taking place, in Birmingham).
I remember, hearing lots of police sirens, while at Leicester station.
We said our goodbyes, to H, we felt very guilty, having to leave her, alone at the station.
We got on a train, for Birmingham New Street, but in Nuneaton the train stopped, and were told to get off, as this service, was CANCELLED !!!.
NO ONE knew what was going on !!!. One passenger had a phone call from his wife, in HOLLAND, to say there was a MAJOR ALERT in BIRMINGHAM, and the city was at a stand still !!, we were later told of the incident of someone being KIDNAPPED and tied to a bomb, near to the railway, so trains could NOT enter the station. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8019643.stm
We eventually got a train via Coventry, that was direct into Birmingham New Street (why this service was let in, I am not sure????. During all this we had to say “farewell” to Alison, who was going on a different train to us. Low and behold, we bumped into her half an hour later, as the train delays, struck, again!!!!.
We got home (after a short, snack, in McDonalds, Carmarthen) at 9.35 pm.
The weekend was exhausting, VERY ENJOYABLE and we all made some long lasting friendships, most delegates have agreed to meet at this year’s Ataxia UK conference, in Manchester on October 3rd.
Yesterday, (Monday) I went to a meeting of Carmarthenshire Disability Coalition for Action, http://carmarthenshiredisabilitycoalition.org.uk/ very interesting and I managed to do some NETWORKING (odd thing for me to be doing!!!)
As I said writing this on the way to NEC Birmingham, to go to NAIDEX
There is also some sort of digital display??? http://www.signuk.com/ exhibition, in one of the halls?? So I will have a quick look in there and a transport exhibition http://www.multimodal.org.uk/
Tonight, I went to a pub/restaurant, for supper, very nice (and much cheaper than in the hotel). I also, went online to see what hotels I could try for an extra nights stay, but any hotel, near the NEC, is fairly expensive (cheaper ones, are further away, and when you add in the taxi fare to the NEC, plus the convenience, it soon makes the prices seem fairly good).
In the morning, was having, breakfast and I met Shane Bratby and partner (from the Ataxia UK forum (and met at the AtaxiaUK conference). We all went to NAIDEX, on the shuttle bus.
We then split up, as I went to the sign and digital show, to gather information about advertising materials. I have made some important links and contacts with many companies. (many of which, have agreed to highlight Living with Ataxia http://www.livingwithataxia.org/
Back to NAIDEX, where I met up with Shane, within minutes, of entering. After a small chat we split up again, to look at what was on offer. The show is MASSIVE, in one afternoon I only managed to see some of the exhibitors stands
I bumped into a few people I know, exhibiting there and Katie Henderson (Ex Ataxia UK)

half, of the show !! I decided to stay another night (with Dawns, help to source, a hotel)
Dawn managed too book me a room at RAMADA Oncore NEC, and she got the hotel to text me the booking reference) a new hotel, very clean and a bit sparse, NO other food outlets nearby, so evening meal HAD to be taken in the hotel.
On the way to the taxi rank, at the NEC, I noticed that there was ANOTHER exhibition taking place, to do with transport – MODAL?
No breakfast, at the hotel, was included in the price, no matter I managed to sleep in til 8.30am !!!!. I got a taxi over to NAIDEX (£6), but went to see the transport exhibition.
Not what I expected !!! mostly about lorries, containers and cargo worldwide. But all the same I met with a gentleman who remembered me from a SWWITCH http://www.swwitch.net/ meeting in Wales.
Also went around gathering “goodies” (mugs, frisbies,pens).
Then back to NAIDEX. Making a lot more contacts, and making people aware of Ataxia UK and the South Wales Branch, all people, I spoke to has put my details on their information list.
I have also made contact with many companies, that are thinking of expanding their “working” area to cover Wales , including a gentleman distributing a bench and “swinging” seat to help couples have a fulfilling sex life, through another outlet of “trendy” wheelchairs.
In all I must of spoken to over 100 people, all of whom are more knowledgeable about Ataxia, because of my discussions. Most distributors were happy to give away some sort of “freebies” (mugs,frisbies,sweets,key rings,cool bags,”stress busting” squashy balls and memory sticks). My wheelchair is straining under the extra weight, of all the “extra collections”.
BBC OUCH http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/ had a stand with a separate show, with Lawrence Clark,(he told some good jokes, which went down well with the crowd, of people, which had gathered to see him, and with whom I had a brief chat and photo opportunity .
I made my way around some of the stalls, which I had missed and spoke to a company, that manufactures some “trendy”wheelchairs, to my surprise (and theirs) we both come from the same county, we are about 25 miles apart !!!. We have swapped details and will keep in touch. http://www.nomadwheelchairs.com/
I also made contact with someone looking into the possibility of setting up a disability rehabilitation centre who will be contacting me for further discussions on the topic.
It was then time to go to the luggage office, to retrieve, my bags, and then go to the train station. I was an hour early, but they put me on an earlier train to Birmingham New Street, when their I had to wait for 50 mins, for my connection to Cardiff.
The train to Cardiff, broke down at Cheltenham Spa, so all passengers had to get off ?? (left me on the train!! Managed to get off (with some STRESSED, train driver) then I had to wait (with some unhappy travellers) to get the next train to Cardiff, which when it reached Cardiff, it was too late for the train to Carmarthen ???. At Swansea the station master provided me with a taxi back to Carmarthen.

Friday 1st May, went to Coleshill.
Next week, off to Spain, and to Tarragona, to meet a fellow Ataxian

living from a suitcase - falling - MUST FIND "THAT" CANDLE !!

2009-04-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

Very busy week (WHATS NEW!!).
Swimming / Tricycling, replying to emails.

Saturday 18-4-09, met up with new friends, from LWA http://www.livingwithataxia.org/ also will be new members of Ataxia South Wales.
We met up, for a meal at Beefeater http://www.beefeater.co.uk/ Pemberton, Llanelli.
Sunday, after swimming (and falling in the car park!!) we went to “wobbly walk” up to Rosebush Mountain http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southwest/nature/thingstodo/walks/allwalks/foel_eryr.shtml my photos on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/ video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/alanroygbiv
While climbing down, from the highest point, to take a photo !! I fell, grazed my arm strained my neck and shoulder, but fine.

Mowed the lawn, (A funny sight, me “very wobbly- fast walking”, to keep up with the self propelled mower).
Been to Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ to organise some minor issues, in the IT suite, this will make the computers easier to use, and also, make it possible to update the website.
Got home, yesterday, a parcel was left for ME, some reports, sent from the Welsh Assembly statistics Department (WOO lots of reading !! NICE!!)
AUK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ branch officers conference, in Leicester, so travelling up on the train.
Next, few weeks, will be living out of a suitcase, travel itinery =
Leicester – home – Cross Hands – home – NEC, Birmingham – home – Cardiff airport – Salou, Spain – Barcelona – Tarragona (meet another Ataxian) – home – Chesterfield – Sheffield – Chesterfield – home --- PHEW!! REST ????.
Porch, just waiting for the door,, and window to be made, and then fitted, builder to render the outside.

Bike Ride for Ataxia UK

2009-04-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

London to Paris Bike Ride
9th to 13th Sept 09 9th to 13th Sept 09

PLEASE add your name
http://www.justgiving.com/leighhatton

Easter Holiday ?? for some !!

2009-04-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

THE FALLING DOWN PORCH, HAS GONE !!! YAY YAY.
We have got some builders, to demolish, the old porch and build a NEW one.

Booked train tickets to NAIDEX http://www.naidex.co.uk/
also accomodation, for the night.

over the Easter holiday, I have been swimming a fair few times, met some old friends, while there. (the GYM/POOL seems to be a good NETWORKING place !!). http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/

Swimming is very good excercise, I will continue going to the GYM, as this will aid my
PHYSIOTHERAPY, thus keeping me mobile. ( I will have to loom, into the funding issues, as I see it, I am doing this myself, as the NHS Physiotherapy, is non-exsistant ??)

I have managed to set up my laptop, wirelessly, (BT Broad Band). The video conferencing is excellent.
This is a very good way, of comunicating, with friends and even keeping my voice excercised, at the same time (SPEECH THERAPY) as suggested by one good freind).

I have also been compiling, (and editting) a very important word document, with the help of a good friend, which will be issued, publicly, in due course.

Swimming - Wireless BICYCLE - TRICYCLE

2009-04-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

I went to ( Tuesday 24-3-09) Liberty Stadium, http://www.liberty-stadium.com/ in Swansea, to attend a very interesting conference, dealing with equality, in Wales (it was good, for me to compare the event, content, with the conference I attended, in Sheffield, last month.

I have RESTARTED swimming. Going every other day, to http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/ swim, Jacuzzi and Sauna.
Also going to the Gym, in Crymych.
I must admit, I have to find this multi ended CANDLE, as to fit all this in, is very exhausting.

While, in Coleshill, on Friday, my SPEECH THERAPIST, gave me some breathing exercises, to do, as part
A trip, to purchase, a new Laptop, was on Saturday, as my, very very, old (No floppy or CD drive, No USB and a screen that has gone RED!!) has decided, NOT to turn on, so to save on STRESS, and retire, the Hewlett Packard Omni book, I have purchased a Dell 15, which I am writing this BLOG, hopefully I will set it up to go wireless, very soon. (OOO Alans becoming “Up to date”!!!)
Theatr Mwldan http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ had a screening of “Juno” http://www.foxsearchlight.com/juno/ , on Sunday, in conjunction with, the charity

This week has been hectic !! (nothing different there!!)
Swimming, Gym, Tricycling, sorting out, more, travel arrangements (Cross Hands, Leicester, Barcelona, Tarragona, Sheffield, London) as well as attending a monthly meeting of the Green Dragon Bus, committee
Tarragona, is near to Barcelona, where I get to meet another Ataxian, who is also on Living with Ataxia
Yesterday, after swimming, I picked up Jason, and we went down to Theatr Mwldan, Cinema, we saw two films, The Secret of Moonacre http://www.thesecretofmoonacremovie.co.uk/ and Monsters versus Aliens http://www.monstersvsaliens.com/

The porch has been demolished, by the builders, ready for rebuilding, a proper PORCH, and somewhere we can hang our coats.

Two items, which I have been keeping a look, at, are
Sarah Outen http://www.sarahouten.co.uk/ rowing across the Indian Ocean

London to Paris Bike Ride http://www.londonparisbikeride.co.uk/ which is planned for September, and will raise awareness, and funds, for Ataxia UK. Justgiving page http://www.justgiving.com/leighhatton

Adventure - POLICE - Scary Clown

2009-03-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

Did you do anything for Comic Relief ?? http://www.comicrelief.com/
I donated, a few times, to the Red Nose Radio1, climb http://www.rednoseday.com/climb
Plus had my face painted, at Coleshill Social Centre. http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/3352141902/

An uneventful, weekend, but on the Monday
Travelled up to Chesterfield, to visit friends, (while I, was there, a few of us ATAXIANS where going to meet up).

Train journey, (5 hours, 3 changes) was tiring, but exciting when arrived at Chesterfield, station. They wasn’t a guard available, to deploy the ramp, so the door shut, on me, and the train pulled away !!. The guard then appeared, and was very apologetic and informed me that I could get off at Sheffield and return to Chesterfield within a few minutes, this was very exciting, and added half an hour to the journey plus an extra station change).

Tuesday, was spent catching up on gossip, meeting friends from my earlier visit. In the late afternoon, we went for a meal at the Woodend, Carvery in????? on the way we stopped at a old mansion/castle, with elaborate stonework.
(plus a chance, to practice my balancing skills!!)
(along the way, we had to slow for some road works, I looked to my left, and notice a NAKED woman walking, across, her bedroom, in front of the large balcony, window of this bungalow!!)

Wednesday, Dave and I, went to Chesterfield, sightseeing.
We hired two mobility scooters, from the shopmobility, in Chesterfield. http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/3376029313/
On the way into town, Dave pointed out the “Police Station”
“WHY SHOW ME THAT ??”
“YOU NEVER, KNOW, WE MIGHT, NEED IT LATER !!”

Unbeknown, this WAS, going to be TRUE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

We got our scooters and made our way, to see the CROOKED SPIRE of Chesterfield.
The town centre, is made of cobbles, and so my wallet, fell out of my pocket (without me knowing) until I went to look for it at the tourist information centre.
I retraced, my path, back to the car park, only to have my mobile phone RING- it was the POLICE !!! some kind person, had found my wallet and handed it in at the POLICE station. http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/3376032251/

I am very THANKFUL, to this person, THANK YOU.

We had quick look around the Crooked Spire, before setting off, to the POLICE station, to reclaim my wallet.
I must say it was very nice to find it all intact, with the contents untouched (credit card, train tickets, CASH and RADAR key)
After all this excitement, we returned the scooters and went back to the house, for a rest, before the evening meal, and more Conversation.
Thursday, travel home (first leg of the journey, is on Midland Train service, and the wheelchair space, is in the First Class, carriage (the service, on train routes does vary, I find that Arriva Trains Wales, service, to be the lowest standard, with Great Western and Midland, train services, to be very good. (with assistance prebooked, you would think, this “assistance” would be already, in place)

Friday, rest day, at Coleshill.
Saturday 21-3-09,
Carmarthen, to book more train tickets
Return to Swansea (for Equality seminar, Liberty Stadium on Tuesday) plus return to Leicester (for two of us, later next month)
Also, had an eye test, will pick-up some new reading glasses, as soon as they are ready.

This morning, I went to http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/ to go swimming, have a spell in the Jacuzzi and then in the sauna.

Living with Ataxia http://www.livingwithataxia.org/
Community Network, Website
Created by Ben Munoz
Has been voted Website of the Month, in USA
Read it here

Tuesday 24-3-09, I attended a Conference, at Liberty Stadium, Swansea http://www.liberty-stadium.com/
The theme was EQUALITY
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Statistics for Wales
Welsh Assembly Government
A very interesting meeting, with plenty of information, available, as well as good “Networking” possibilities.
The catering was excellent (as it always is, with government events).
The venue is very good, form an accessibility and transport (train station 1 mile, motorway 1 mile approx)

Wednesday. Went swimming again, at http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/

More Travel Investigations and Memory Upgrades

2009-03-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

Between showers, of heavy rain and wind.
I have managed to go out on my trike.

When inside, and on the computer, I have been investigating travel as I am going to Sheffield, next week, to meet some new friends http://www.meadowhall.co.uk/website/default.aspx?currentSectionId=ddad714f-db41-4e8b-81a4-204d5222fe70 (as well as looking at some of Sheffields attractions, with the co-operation of Dave and Glenys of Chesterfield).

On Sunday, a trip to the travel agent, to book a trip to Salou, in South of Spain, this is for May. http://www.realholidayreports.com/hotel_list/Club_Dorada_Palace_Salou.html
Trying to plan a trip to Barcelona, wile we are there, this I am hoping will involve a train journey on the very good Spanish train system http://www.renfe.es/index.html

Plus we looked into a trip during October, where?, is the next dilemma !!!
Tenerife or Lanzarote seem to be the “HOT” favourites.

Also upgraded the RAM, in my computer, a very simple task, to increase the speed, of the PC. Mind you with “shaky” hands it was a “high concentration” TASK.

Don’t forget, COMIC RELIEF, on Friday
Have a look at
http://www.comicrelief.com/

Monday 9-3-09, we had SWALEC, come an install a new electric meter, as we needed to change to one of these newer “Key Credit” meters, before we bought card tokens at the local post office, but the cards are not available, since the restructuring of the POST OFFICE.

Traveling Chocolate Adventures

2009-03-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry, for NOT keeping this BLOG,- up to speed-
Busy, looking for that CANDLE!!!

Ataxia South Wales, had a meeting , in Llansamlet, Swansea. A lot of people attended, with a fair few new members.
Fundraising ways and social meetings were topics (a day out Bowling and a meal, seemed popular).

On Friday 20-2-09, Dawn took me to Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/index.html as I forgot to ring the bus driver, to ask him to pick me up !.
Didn’t stay to long, and we went to the Beefeater in Pemberton, Llanelli, for lunch.

I managed to go out on my tricycle, as the weather has been quite good.

Wednesday 25-2-09 I attended a morning meeting of the Green Dragon Bus http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm (to discuss the Connect service), this was held in Caffi Becca, Efailwen.
I then went to Carmarthen to book train tickets, to Sheffield. Going uo to meet some Ataxian friends.
While, in Carmarthen, I went to Kwik-Fit, to check out a tyre on the car, it had a large thorn embedded in the tread, result a NEW tyre.
A good thing I had it changed, before our journey, this weekend.

Thursday night, was spent at Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. Attending the show by “Karen Darke” http://www.karendarke.com/ plus I managed to get my photo taken with her . My first wheelchair (Loamie) was bought from Karen http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/3324758905/

Coleshill, on Friday,
Speech Therapist came to see me and arrange some meetings, over the next few weeks.
Saturday 28-2-09, travel to NEC, Birmingham for an Event http://www.destinationsshow.com/birmingham-welcome.html
We (Dawn, Jason and I) made some good investigations, into travel to many countries and made a few friends http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/3324706953/ .

We spent the night in a Travelodge in Frankley, Birmingham, (review on http://www.tripadvisor.com/ as soon as I can) as we had booked tickets to Cadbury World http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/CadburyWorld/Pages/CadburyWorld.aspx for Sunday 1-3-09.
Yes, it was a CHOCOLATE “overload” for all of us, with plenty of fun.
A FANTASTIC day out, with some FREEBIES and tasters.
The tour takes approx 3 hours, and the place is very busy but very interesting. Its worth booking tickets well in advance, of you visit
Wheelchairs have excellent access every where, with one cart, on Cadabra suited to wheelchairs

During the last few days, my Digital Story, made FOR THE E-Inclusion Event in Vienna, Austria has been sent to me, see it at http://www.vimeo.com/3281185

And don’t forget Living with Ataxia http://www.livingwithataxia.org/ is a network of Ataxians sharing their views and experiences

Take a look at http://www.sarahouten.co.uk/ A very good friend, of mine

(there might be a multi-ended candle, in the Ocean???)

SNOW SNOWMAN - SHEFFIELD WOO HOO

2009-02-16T02:59:00.000-08:00

Sunday, it started snowing !!! –HEAVILY-
Monday morning, it was WHITE, with snow !!!
It was looking like, a week of being STRANDED and a few days, by the fire !!

Meetings where CANCELLED.
Travelling, to Cardiff, Wednesday, for Expo09, was NOT HAPPENING !!.
Green Dragon Bus meeting was postponed.

More snow fell, during the week.
Dawn, Jason and I, made a HUGE, SNOWMAN
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157613675003131/
Sunday, I was paying the price, of doing too much !!!! Tired and aching, I had to return to bed, for some rest.
We risked, taking the car out, to take Jason home, to our shock, it was only the roads, within half a mile, of our house, that seemed, to be VERY BADLY, affected.
(no wonder people look at us as though we are lying, most of the roads, away from Cefnbrafle, are fairly clear !!.

Ice and cold wind, made me worry about train travel to Sheffield, on Monday !!!!!!!!!!!!
So my ADVENTURE, was happening !!
Dawn took me to Elaines, new venture “Cafi Sancler”.
I had a cup of tea, while waiting for the bus, to Carmarthen.
Then caught the train to Chesterfield, changing at Cardiff and Bristol Parkway.

Was met in Chesterfield by Glenys and Dave (my very good friends). We met in the Ataxia UK Conference 2008 in Stansted.
We went to a Toby Carvery, for a meal, before going back to their house.

Next morning, I was to attend a conference, in Sheffield, at the (DCSF) Department for Children, Schools and Families. http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm?go=site.home
This was attended by some very well “to do” officials, from Government departments.
(WHY WAS I THE ONLY PERSON, FROM WALES ?, was a question, that was aired, a few times, with a bewildered and concerned “atmosphere” from the other “Delegates”).
A very interesting day, with a lot of thought going on (in my head !!).

Return to my accommodation, in Chesterfield, for a meal and conversation/banter, between Dave, Glenys and I.
Plus I was trying to make plans, to meet someone in Sheffield, the next day, but to extend, my train ticket, would be an extra £30, the whole return ticket was only £40, in the first place !!, so it was back home for me, on Wednesday.
I have been told that Lorna has a relative entered in the London Marathon, raising funds towards Ataxia UK.
Look at his sponsorship, page, at
http://www.justgiving.com/sturunsroundlondon
Before returning home, I met another friend Connie (3), she was very happy, and we all enjoyed, playing with some educational, JIGSAWS.

10.30am, it was time, to go, to Chesterfield railway station, for my return journey.
Very Emotional, farewells, on Both sides, but we keep in touch via MSN and telephone.

Train journey was good, changes at Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central.
When we got to Burry Port/Pembrey (Carmarthenshire) the train was delayed, at the station, while POLICE, were called to an incident of a man locked in the toilet- lashing out banging on the walls- leading to BLOOD everywhere, on him and the train.

I got the bus, from Carmarthen to St Clears, and Dawn picked me up.
Next day, it took me all day to go through, the emails, I had received, while away !!!.

Friday, didn’t go to Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ I was exhausted (and had “manflu”) plus it was very FOGGY, and it wasn’t that fair or SAFE, for the bus, to come and fetch me.
Saturday, we picked Jason up and Dawn, Jason and I went for breakfast at Cafi Sancler. This we did, to surprise Elaine.

This Wednesday,
Ataxia South Wales, will have a meeting/get together, at 7.30 pm in the Dylan Thomas 2 for 1 restaurant, Llansamet, Swansea.

Ataxia UK, conference 2009,
Manchester Radisson
(Saturday) October 3rd

Cinema - SNOW SNOW SNOW and rowing the Indian Ocean (not me!)

2009-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Been to the Gym
Been out on my tricycle
Been chasing up emails and Chatting on MSN.

Managed to visit the cinema in Cardigan a few times
Seen Bunch of Amateurs
http://www.trailerspy.com/trailer/1388/A-Bunch-of-Amateurs-Trailer
Inkheart
http://www.inkheartmovie.com/
The Secret Life of Bees
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thesecretlifeofbees/

Booked train tickets to Cardiff http://new.wales.gov.uk/psmwsubsite/psmw/expo09/?lang=en

But, looks like I wont be going – SNOW
Photos of the SNOW can be seen at http://www.livingwithataxia.org/

Today we had a fair bit of SNOW, travel is impossible – roads closed, train network in chaos ???

(Odd how this country, comes to a standstill, when others seem to cope with snow, every day???)

A good friend of mine, is starting a gruelling challenge, Rowing Across the Indian Ocean
Have a look at her website http://www.sarahouten.co.uk/ and follow her progress, on the voyage.

Gambia Adventure Part 2

2009-01-30T02:58:00.000-08:00

We made friends with Sulayman (from the hotel office), he took us into Serrekunda.
Serrekunda, is a VERY, VERY busy, DUSTY, market town, off , the mian Kairaba Avenue.
Getting to Serrekunda, we took a “GELLEH GELLEH” (Gelly Gelly – A taxi, mini bus/van, crammed full, of people (or animals) and stops at ramdom people ,who want a lift. Ours had lino on the floor (with occasional hole, through, to the road and no glass in the windows (except for the windscreen). A very memorable journey, on and off-road plus very cheap 5D (pence).
At, our destination, we walked through, the “manic” traffic and stalls, done some shopping then went, to Lana`s Bar, for refreshments and watch the “bustle” of Serrekunda. It was here we saw the “NESCAFE” mobile coffee shop, a 45gallon drum on wheels, which holds cups and a flask of coffee, inside !!.
We took a few taxi`s (cars) back to the “strip”, where we went for a meal, before going to the hotel.
As we were, going into the restaurant, I heard a voice, shouting –ALAN – DAWN, it was a good friend Ansu ( we had met him on previous visits, remember, in June, when we went to the “ROOTS” Festival, he spotted us in a crowded stadium, and came over to speak to us !!!, we are so happy to see each, other.

On one trip out to visit Lamin and his family ( I went, on my own, as Dawn was ill, with a sore throat).
On the way, we stopped at “Westfield Junction” for me to buy new sunglasses (first pair had broke) paid 50Dalassi (approx £1.30, for RAYBANs !!).
I spent the day drinking ATTAYA with friends and looking around Jeswang ( walking around , alone, felt very safe, as we are part of the community), I went back, to the compound, for a meal and relax, with friends.

A small group of us (6) (4 of us friends, Ritchie, Joanne, Dawn, Alan, from the same hotel) took a trip (Arch tours) on a 1 day tour, to Senegal.
A trip which included a journey on the Banjul – Barra Ferry (an experience, in itself) in Barra, we took a Land Rover to the Gambia / Senegal border, where we got our passports stamped (for both countries).
We travelled, along (dusty) roads, to “Fathala Game Reserve” on first impression, we all thought – this is HANDY, two Zebra, are inside the gate,
Once in we were shown two monkeys, that where CHAINED up, and obviously in total distress (we made our disgust known) we then went, further in to the bush to see many Antelope, two Rhino, few bush pigs, and three Giraffes (it took ages to find the Giraffes, only to find them “conveniently”, quite near, the exit!!!). A fast, rough, ride to the exit of the reserve, where we saw a couple of snakes, in a cage, and some dirty water pool, with some small crocodiles.
Then we travelled along the road, to have a short stop at a hotel, for lunch, and to freshen up. This hotel (French) is on a river, has its own pontoon, has wonderful views, a very luxurious place.
After lunch, we travelled to see, a “Big Tree” WOWEE !!!, but upon seeing it, it was HUGE, an very impressive, from here we returned to the border, where we got our passports stamped again (twice), and onto Barra, to catch the ferry back to Banjul.
Once, in Banjul we went along “Independence Drive”, towards “Arch 22” ( Driving through the Arch, is prohibited) a small diversion, onto the Banjul – Serrakunda Highway,on our way back to the hotel.
At, the end of the trip, we all THANKED, our (male) guides – Alex and Jane, for a fun trip (except the Game Reserve).
We ended the day with a meal at “Ali Babas Garden”, on the “Strip”.

On our last Full day, we went to visit Lamins compound, to have a “GOODBYE” meal, of BENECHIN (fish, or meat, and vegetables on a bed of spicy sauce and rice). On the way we went to a “Jembe” (African Drum), makers Factory/compound. To purchase a “Jembe”, (not the ordinary tourist, offerings), one with, lovely carving, on the base. Then to say farewell to friends ( Dawn showed. How to use “Bluetooth”, on her mobile phone, with one lad, who didn’t STOP talking.

Next day, was departure day. Last packing, plus asking the hotel gardener to wrap the “Jembe”, we got paper and packing tape, for him, and what a wonderful job he done. Up to, the “strip” for a final lunch, before we go.
Lamin, was at the airport, to escort us through, and stay with us, until our flight leaves, (his day to day job as Senior Ground Operator, at the airport, makes wheelchair, assistance, an easy task) getting to the plane, was FUN, getting wheeled, quite far, along/across the, end of the runway, was a moment to remember.

The return flight, was OK, only one brief spell, of TURBULENCE, severe enough for us to lift off our seats, and people to look worried !!.
Now, at home, trying to get back to normal (and warm)
Restart going to the GYM, AND LOOK FOR THE NEXT, TRAVEL ADVENTURE.

Updated photos = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/

Review, of the hotel = http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297575-d538140-r23687758-Holiday_Beach_Club_Hotel-Kololi.html

We made friends with Sulayman (from the hotel office), he took us into Serrekunda.
Serrekunda, is a VERY, VERY busy, DUSTY, market town, off , the mian Kairaba Avenue.
Getting to Serrekunda, we took a “GELLEH GELLEH” (Gelly Gelly – A taxi, mini bus/van, crammed full, of people (or animals) and stops at ramdom people ,who want a lift. Ours had lino on the floor (with occasional hole, through, to the road and no glass in the windows (except for the windscreen). A very memorable journey, on and off-road plus very cheap 5D (pence).
At, our destination, we walked through, the “manic” traffic and stalls, done some shopping then went, to Lana`s Bar, for refreshments and watch the “bustle” of Serrekunda. It was here we saw the “NESCAFE” mobile coffee shop, a 45gallon drum on wheels, which holds cups and a flask of coffee, inside !!.
We took a few taxi`s (cars) back to the “strip”, where we went for a meal, before going to the hotel.
As we were, going into the restaurant, I heard a voice, shouting –ALAN – DAWN, it was a good friend Ansu ( we had met him on previous visits, remember, in June, when we went to the “ROOTS” Festival, he spotted us in a crowded stadium, and came over to speak to us !!!, we are so happy to see each, other.

On one trip out to visit Lamin and his family ( I went, on my own, as Dawn was ill, with a sore throat).
On the way, we stopped at “Westfield Junction” for me to buy new sunglasses (first pair had broke) paid 50Dalassi (approx £1.30, for RAYBANs !!).
I spent the day drinking ATTAYA with friends and looking around Jeswang ( walking around , alone, felt very safe, as we are part of the community), I went back, to the compound, for a meal and relax, with friends.

A small group of us (6) (4 of us friends, Ritchie, Joanne, Dawn, Alan, from the same hotel) took a trip (Arch tours) on a 1 day tour, to Senegal.
A trip which included a journey on the Banjul – Barra Ferry (an experience, in itself) in Barra, we took a Land Rover to the Gambia / Senegal border, where we got our passports stamped (for both countries).
We travelled, along (dusty) roads, to “Fathala Game Reserve” on first impression, we all thought – this is HANDY, two Zebra, are inside the gate,
Once in we were shown two monkeys, that where CHAINED up, and obviously in total distress (we made our disgust known) we then went, further in to the bush to see many Antelope, two Rhino, few bush pigs, and three Giraffes (it took ages to find the Giraffes, only to find them “conveniently”, quite near, the exit!!!). A fast, rough, ride to the exit of the reserve, where we saw a couple of snakes, in a cage, and some dirty water pool, with some small crocodiles.
Then we travelled along the road, to have a short stop at a hotel, for lunch, and to freshen up. This hotel (French) is on a river, has its own pontoon, has wonderful views, a very luxurious place.
After lunch, we travelled to see, a “Big Tree” WOWEE !!!, but upon seeing it, it was HUGE, an very impressive, from here we returned to the border, where we got our passports stamped again (twice), and onto Barra, to catch the ferry back to Banjul.
Once, in Banjul we went along “Independence Drive”, towards “Arch 22” ( Driving through the Arch, is prohibited) a small diversion, onto the Banjul – Serrakunda Highway,on our way back to the hotel.
At, the end of the trip, we all THANKED, our (male) guides – Alex and Jane, for a fun trip (except the Game Reserve).
We ended the day with a meal at “Ali Babas Garden”, on the “Strip”.

On our last Full day, we went to visit Lamins compound, to have a “GOODBYE” meal, of BENECHIN (fish, or meat, and vegetables on a bed of spicy sauce and rice). On the way we went to a “Jembe” (African Drum), makers Factory/compound. To purchase a “Jembe”, (not the ordinary tourist, offerings), one with, lovely carving, on the base. Then to say farewell to friends ( Dawn showed. How to use “Bluetooth”, on her mobile phone, with one lad, who didn’t STOP talking.

Next day, was departure day. Last packing, plus asking the hotel gardener to wrap the “Jembe”, we got paper and packing tape, for him, and what a wonderful job he done. Up to, the “strip” for a final lunch, before we go.
Lamin, was at the airport, to escort us through, and stay with us, until our flight leaves, (his day to day job as Senior Ground Operator, at the airport, makes wheelchair, assistance, an easy task) getting to the plane, was FUN, getting wheeled, quite far, along/across the, end of the runway, was a moment to remember.

The return flight, was OK, only one brief spell, of TURBULENCE, severe enough for us to lift off our seats, and people to look, very worried !!.
Now, at home, trying to get back to normal (and warm)
Restart going to the GYM, AND LOOK FOR THE NEXT, TRAVEL ADVENTURE.

Updated photos = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/

Review, of the hotel = http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297575-d538140-r23687758-Holiday_Beach_Club_Hotel-Kololi.html

Settling in to "CANDLE" Hunting !!

2009-01-26T04:12:00.000-08:00

Its been a fairly, busy week, trying to get back to “NORMAL”.

Been sorting photos, writing reports, replying to hundreds, of emails, sorting out some “LOCAL” travel plans.

Was able to return to the gym, during the week, went two days, on the trot !!!.
Also managed to go to the cinema, in Cardigan http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ went to see
La Casa Di Dio http://mwldan.ticketsolve.com/events/events_for_show/704313
Burn After Readng http://mwldan.ticketsolve.com/events/events_for_show/704296
Australia http://www.australiamovie.com/

Friday, the bus, for Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ turned up, a relief driver, who had my name down, as a “collection” (I felt a bit guilty, for not going in).

Went to the Train Station, to book tickets, to Chesterfield, Sheffield, for my trip early, next month. Hope to (I WILL) stay at a friends house, while I attend a conference, in Sheffield.
(booking the train journeys, was straight foreward, as the attendant was very helpful, (a different attendant, from the “Jobs worth”, I saw on previous visits !!!).

Saturday, evening, we attended, A Curry Night at Towy Boat Club, we finished, the night off, with a few friends going to local public house.

As soon as I have, a few moments, I will try and finish part 2 of the Gambian Adventure, but meanwhile, there are some updated photos, at flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/

the two/three ended candle hunt, is on !!!!

Gambian Adventure - Part 1

2009-01-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Left, for Travelodge in Reading, on 31st December 2008.
Alarm clock, didn’t work, next morning, so a quick route to Gatwick.

Got to Banjul airport, Gambia (VERY HOT), met by our friend Lamin.

Went to the hotel, via tour bus, checked in, went to our room, then made our way to the beach / pool.

Went to visit Lamin and his family, all very happy to see us return. We were treated to a meal, “Domoda” (rice with meat, in peanut sauce). Met up with friends, from previous visits.

One day a GTA guide took us to a BATIK Factory, very colourful fabrics and clothes, from their we went on to Lamin Lodge, a very peaceful place, where we took a “dugout” canoe tour, around the river and mangroves. Then returned to, the restaurant, for refreshments, with excellent views, over the river and mangroves.
The Lodge, restaurant, is along a raised, wooden, platform across the water and mangroves, with a solid stretch, of the path, in front of the building.

Next, day, we walked, (I WHEELED) along, the “Strip” (the busy tourist area/road, outside the hotel), to the Sennegambia Hotel, a very large, upmarket, hotel) we looked around the hotel gardens and watched, the daily, “Vulture feeding”, display.

Another journey, up to Banjul to look at the “Albert Market” (a maze of stalls, very close together, selling everything). After the market, we walked, along the, busy beach, to the Ferry Terminal (Chaos times 100), went to have coffee, at a market stall (we went here on our last visit, the stall holder remembered us) the coffee is made of condensed milk and is served in HUGE mugs, we also had a sandwich (Baguette with either spam or boiled egg) 2 baguettes, 3 coffee, 1 canned drink = 45D ( just over £1).
From here we went back to our guides compound, for another meal and spend time family (and experience daily life). I went to have my haircut in a local salon in Jeswang (short walk from the compound) 75D = £2 (approx).

The exchange rate differs daily, during our stay it was 37 – 38.50D to the £.
There are plenty of places to exchange money, best rate is always for CASH.
Cashpoints are very busy, not that commonplace (usually have a taxi, to find one working).

Photos on Flickr = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/

Start as we mean to go on !! (BUSY)

2009-01-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

Got home from The Gambia, on Thursday night/ Friday Morning. (stayed at a Travelodge, in Reading, on the way home, to Wales).

Got in and NO answer machine messages - WOO HOO, but plenty of mail and (hundreds of)emails.

It was Fantastic to meet our Gambian Freinds, again.
We are classed as one of the locals.
Got hundreds of photos to sort through and upload, for now I have uploaded some short video clips to youtube
http://uk.youtube.com/my_videos

Will post a detailed report of the trip as soon as I can put the text together.
by the way, the temperature was 28 degrees by 8.30 am and risin rapidly. On most afternoons topping the late 30`s

Happy New Year - Bowling - packing

2008-12-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

The Green Dragon Bus http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm had a christmas lunch, at Cafi Becca, Efailwen.
On Friday 19th, I went to Coleshill, for the christmas dinner (James Bond, theme) and to say a (very) few words at a presentation of the “SHINE” awards, that the staff have won, (from my nomination).

Went down, to the travel agents on Monday, to pick up our tickets, for the trip to the Gambia.. Also fetched our Farm fresh turkey, from a farm in Bleanwaun.

Christmas day, was spent at Elaines.
Jason had a Nintendo Wii, which dominated the day, getting us all to play, the bowling seemed pretty good.

I had a new ACER 5535 laptop, but took it back, as the CD tray was not opening.
May think of trying again, later in the month.

Sunday 28th – Dawn, Jason and I went to the Red Dragon Centre http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild;jsessionid=y46bdmjfi1?siteID=1929&categoryID=1 Cardiff Bay, to meet up with friends, and go (REAL) bowling.
Before this we all had a meal at Oriental Garden http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild?siteID=1929&categoryID=28&catName=Oriental%20Garden (all you can eat, Buffet)(no turkey sandwiches!!).

Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR
(think of ME, in the airport !!)

all go and RAC

2008-12-17T03:57:00.001-08:00

Satuday (13-12-08)
We travelled to Cardiff Bay, to meet a few friends.
We all met in the Red Dragon Centre http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk/Ease/servlet/DynamicPageBuild?siteID=1929&categoryID=8&callingCatID=10
Lunch was in the Chinese restaurant, right next to where we all met.
A wonderful meal – all you could eat- buffet (at a good , cheap, price)
Then we CHATTED split up around town the kids enjoyed the DrWho Exhibition http://www.doctorwhoexhibition.com/
(so did I)
After we went for a stroll around the Bay, to see all the delights, and then back to the Bowling Alley`s.
All the lanes where booked up, until late, that night.
So we went into the amusement arcade, and will return to BOWL , very soon.
Photo on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Tuesday I was to go to Swansea to attend a WEA http://www.swales.wea.org.uk/index1.html
On the way, to catch the train, A squeaking, noise, started to come from the front wheel, of the car ??. I listened, but it seemed very intermittent ?? After a few miles, it had become loud and constant, so loud, people on the streets, of StClears, where looking at the car.
I pulled in to, ring the RAC, (A FREE service for Motabilty customers) from Elaine`s (sister in law) house, the RAC http://www.rac.co.uk/web/ where out, within an hour or so. The technician drove the car, to identify the noise, He removed the wheel, and saw the problem, straight away.
A small chipping jammed in between the brake disc and brake calliper. Never had he seen such a small stone make such a MASSIVE noise !!!! and for the stone to get to such an “out of the way” place was unbelievable .
By then I had missed the train, so returned home, an was able to log in and CHAT to my “on line” Ataxian friends.

In between all this, trying to write up travel reviews, for a lot of websites, one of which is tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/Alan-ROYGBIV
as well as alot of research work for travel or Digital Story related.

Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna

2008-12-11T02:51:00.000-08:00

A few days after, returning home, we were to return to Bristol airport, to catch a flight to Vienna Austria, to attend http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/e-inclusion/2008/index_en.htm with BBC Capture Wales http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/audiovideo/sites/galleries/pages/capturewales.shtml .

Photos, of the trip http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610649048905/
The flight was via Charles De Gall, Paris , http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/fr-fr/Passagers/, with Air France.
The plane was small 70 seater, but only18 on board !!. The inflight service was wonderful, Free meal, drinks, newspapers.
Plenty of leg room, the aisle on the plane was very wide.
CDH Paris airport, is MASSIVE (and I mean MASSIVE) good job we had wheelchair assistance, to find the right gate !!.
The flight in to Vienna, with Air France, was just as good.
We were met at Vienna airport http://www.viennaairport.com/jart/prj3/via/website.jart?rel=en&reserve-mode=active by the organisers of the event, who had ordered us a taxi to the Hilton Danube, Hotel.http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/VIEHAHI-Hilton-Vienna-Danube/index.do
The Hotel was FANTASTIC.
Huge rooms with twin queen beds, two armchairs, desk, wardrobe, dressing table with TV and tea/coffee making facilities plus 2 phones. In the bathroom was, all the usual plus hairdryer, all the toiletries you could ask for.
After breakfast, next day, we walked along the river Danube, which was rather “choppy” but still had ducks and swans, along the edge) over the main road (by bridge) to the Prater, http://www.wien.info/prater/index-e.html theme park – ferris wheel. 8 Euro`s for a marvellous trip. With panoramas of the whole city.
When back on “Terra Firma” we walked over to the Messe Wien Congress Centre http://www.messe.at/en/index.html . A big modern building.
The event was so emotional, seeing my new Digital Story “Stepping Stone” for the first time,
plus meeting Hanne and Signa (from Norway).
Our “stand” was within the European Commission area, as you enter the conference hall.
The whole exhibition was international, and meeting people from all over the world was exciting.
That night we were invited to a cocktail party, at Belvedere Palace http://www.belvedere.at/jart/prj3/belvedere/main.jart?rel=en where mulled wine and roast chestnuts were served as we entered the Palace.
Where food and drinks were served, while we looked at the sculptures and artwork.
Within the grounds, was a Austrian Christmas market, set up for us, to look around.
Next day we met Signa,at the hotel, where she was staying, Courtyard Marriot Messe Wien, and went to the underground, railway station, caught the train, at Krieau, to Karlsplatz.
(the underground is so Clean, puts the UK, to shame)
We went to the market (which hadent opened) so we went in to the huge church “Karlskirche” http://www.karlskirche.at/index.html (they have a step climber, to assist us Wheelies, at the enterence).
Inside the paint work is awesome !! we went in the lift to the viewing platform, then Signa and I “braved” the stairs up to the top, of the tower, another awesome sight, of the city, and a very good view, of the long way DOWN.
After, looking around the market, we headed back, via the subway, to return, to where we started.
The rest of the day was spent at the Congress centre, with another invite, to a Gala Dinner at City Hall, Vienna. http://www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/
This event was overwhelming, a huge building, spectacular architecture, over 1200 people from different places of the world (many from TV companies (or connected with the Digital world, such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard plus more).
We had dinner, were entertained with dancers, watched an award ceremony, and watched a fashion show.
Then we mingled or “Networked” with many people, before we made our way to the hotel, transport supplied.
Another morning at the congress centre, meeting the people, from the night before, in a different situation. Before saying our good byes, we all had lunch, while swapping addresses and email addresses.
Then came a very emotional time of our departure.
A taxi was waiting to take us to Vienna airport.
We were booked on a flight to Bristol, via Brussels. http://www.brusselsairport.be/en/
Again, the service was excellent, with a smallish plane, which we were surprised, when the flight attendant said “see you in half an hour”, as we were exiting, the plane, at Brussels .
After going through Passport control (which takes a while), we went back and boarded the SAME plane!!!!!.
This time the in flight meal was a salad, (the first leg, of the flight was Ham pasta) and we got given a few small snacks, for the drive home.

Now, at home, renaming photos and uploading, them. (Causing very strong emotional memories) http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610649048905/

Planning my next trip, to Gambia, next month.

And investigating travel options, to enable us to visit our new friends in Norway.

Now to continue, looking for that “multi ended” candle

Fuerventura -Holiday - Multi ended candle Wanted

2008-12-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry, for the delay.
Multi ended candle, to look for!!!!!!!.

Travelled, to Bristol airport on 19th November, to catch an early flight to
Fuerteventura
The travel agent, had NOT book assistance, for me (even after we had double checked with them !!)
So it was down to us to make the arrangements.
An Assistance desk is situated in the departure hall, and sorted everything out.
Flight took off on time.
Landing in Fuerteventura was good, the air was HOT !!!
Coach transfer was about three quarters of an hour ( the coach rep was absolutely useless, the highlight was her pointing out a derelict hotel, in which squatters had used as a home !!! the return journey was just as interesting plus I asked her if my wheelchair was on the bus, she hasn’t answered me YET !!!!)

The resort in Corralejo – Hotel Suite Atlantis, is very nice, big, numerous pools, many restaurants.
Whole area, is paved and mostly slopes, instead of steps. (except for a small lip into reception) NOTE the tiles around the restaurant are very slippery when wet .
Plus there are STEPS down to the restaurant ( which the travel agent did not know about) but there is a stair lift, operated with a key, you get from reception, and you keep for the duration of your stay.
The hotel had computers, too keep in touch, with the world !!!

Jason (nephew,14) made a lot of friends, joined in all the activities of the “kids Club”, won some awards. Which he got given to him, as part of the entertainment programme.

We took a trip over to Lanzarote, to see the Volcanoes. Went by ferry, www.aquaticket.com (volcano express) sea was “choppy”, over to Playa Blanca, got on tour bus, along the highway, up to Timanfaya National Park with the volcanoes.

Had a few days, lazing around the pool, took a taxi into town, saw lots of shops, restaurants, went on the town “Noddy Train” (which has a wheelchair ramp, on the rear carriage) a sight seeing small train, that goes around town.

A short walk (or wheel) is Centro Comercial Shopping Center, a shopping center we went to a few times. It is open during the day and part of the evening, when there is a band playing , in the middle, under the clock tower, which you can climb, to the top, for views of the town.

All the pavements have some sort of “dropped Kerbs” but beware of rough surfaces and upside down drain covers !!!!.

On the last day, it was raining,, but that didn’t matter, as we were travelling to the airport, for the return home.

My holiday photos can be seen at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157610626827453/

Interruption ?? Exstending the exstended family

2008-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

There has been, a short interuption, to the BLOG process
Due to planning and taking a holiday in FUERTEVENTURA
(Details and photos will be uploade soon)

Plus IMMEDIATLEY following that I as to travel to Vienna, Austria. To attend the European Ministerial e-Inclusion Conference http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/e-inclusion/2008/index_en.htm
(this will also have details and photos uploaded)
With Thanks to Capture Wales for the invitation and increasing the exstended family

while on my youtube site I have a few new videos, of the events http://uk.youtube.com/user/alanroygbiv

BUSY BUSY (then some) taking my wooden spoon, with me

2008-11-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Again, my apologies, for neglect of this BLOG.

During the last few weeks, I have been very busy ???

I have seen my NEUROLOGIST, for a general consult.
I STILL HAVE ATAXIA!!
We have agreed to suspend, my taking, of the HIGH dose Vitimin E, that is prescribed to me, so we can check on my requirements, prior to reintroducing, the vitamin E.

Went the Swansea office, of the WEA http://www.swales.wea.org.uk/index1.html

Attended a meeting at Red Roses, with Carmarthenshire Network Partnership http://www.thecarmarthenshirepartnership.org.uk/index.asp?locID=105&docID=-1

Went to Aberystwyth for a forum meeting with BBC Capture Wales http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/audiovideo/sites/yourvideo/pages/alan_thomas_01.shtml
(Evening at Towy Boat Club – Laying up Supper) http://towybclub.blogspot.com/

Trip to Access08 http://www.ctauk.org/index.aspx?id=1622 in Manchester, stayed at Premier Inn- Deansgate Locks, http://www.premierinn.com/pti/hotelInformation.do?hotelId=24128 The staff were wonderful, even fixed me up to have my photo taken with some international athletes, that were at staying at the hotel, while undertaking training for a major event.
While in Manchester, visited Disabled Living http://www.disabledliving.co.uk/disabledliving.shtml

Review at tripadvisor , later

Also met up with a friend and their family, (who will become a member of Ataxia South Wales).
We met at the Harvester McArthur Glen, Bridgend, we then spent the afternoon in the shopping Mall. http://www.mcarthurglen.com/cp_c10_bridgend.asp?id=Bridgend All the kids “got on really well”, and are talking via the internet, on a regular basis.

Went to a monthly meeting of the “Green Dragon Bus” http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm
Next morning (5.04 am) caught a train to Manchester, to attend the Assist UK conference and AGM http://assist-uk.org/
Stayed at Days Inn http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=15068&brandInfo=DI which is part of Manchester conference centre http://www.manchesterconferencecentre.co.uk/

Last, Friday, my SPEECH Therapist, rang to see how I am getting on ? going to come to Coleshill, http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ to see me
Visits, to the dentist, to make sure that I DON’T have any problems, with my teeth, while on Holiday (Fuerteventura) in a few weeks time.
Dentist has prescribed “antibiotics” to help with any dental problems associated with this heavy cold, that has occurred !!

This evening will be going to visit Jason (nephew) whose 14, today.

As usual, photos will be uploaded to Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

In between all this catching up with my extended family, from the Ataxia UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ conference

EXCITING EMOTIONAL "HIGH" Confenece

2008-10-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Friday 10-10-08 Early morning.
Dawn and I went up to Carmarthen, to catch the 7.30 am train to London Paddington. Guess what, “it was DELAYED” 40 minutes.

Once on the train, everything was fine. We got put in the “FIRST CLASS” section.
At Neath, we met our friends Anita and Charlotte, the train gaurd had put them in a different section, so I managed to wobbly walk down the train (some EPIC adventure on its own!!). we spent the journey chatting away, so the time flew past.

At Paddington, we went to look for the 205 bus, to take us to Liverpool Street rail station, but just our luck, a bus strike was on, so the 205 was NOT running.
We found a taxi, (we managed to all of us (4) get into one taxi, the driver was brilliant, help us with our cases and explained our route.

Once at Liverpool Street, we got on the Stansted Express, to Stansted (where else ??) the train staff are excellent.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

The Hotel SAS Radison http://www.radissonsas.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=RadissonSAS/integration/hotelInfo&hotelCode=STNZQ is EXCELLENT, very expensive – but you pay for quality (our stay was funded with a Grant from Ataxia UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ )

It was FANTASTIC to meet friends and fellow “CHATTERS”.
We got together for a meal in the “New York Grill Bar” http://www.radissonsas.com/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1088746027157&language=en&pagename=RadissonSAS%2FPage%2FrsasHotelArticle&hotelCode=stnzq

The Conference was held in the Essex room, and was very interesting and informative.
During the coffee break and lunch we had time to mingle and exchange stories.

The Evening dinner was served in the Essex room, in here was the after dinner dance.
While this was on some of the CHATTERS got together for a photoshoot and a good old “CHAT”. http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Sunday, we had breakfast (the food is wonderful, plenty of choice) then packed our luggage, said some EMOTIONAL good bye`s (made plans to meet up soon or at the conference in Manchester, next year).

4 of us, from ASW, Anita, Charlotte, Dawn and Alan, went to Liverpool Street Station and then on to the bus to visit the London Eye http://www.londoneye.com/
(I must say, London is busy busy busy and some, even for a Sunday it was busy, so what is it like in the week or on a Saturday).
Travelling London by bus is not to bad, as long as you keep your wits about you. All buses are “LOW FLOOR” with ramps for wheelchairs (only one wheelchair permitted to travel at a time).

At the London Eye, we paid £12 for a ticket (wheelchair user plus carer), escorted to the, very front, of an ENORMOUSLY LONG queue.
WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Each “capsule” has about 10 people, so it is very roomy in there.
The views are outstanding. The engineering, of the wheel is awe-inspiring.
It does seem to rotate fairly quickly, while your in there, but it doesn’t, of course !!.
Back on Firm ground, we made our way back to Liverpool Street (by bus) to fetch our luggage, from the luggage store, before finding another bus, to Paddington, to catch the train home, well for Dawn and Alan it was Cardiff, for Anita and Charlotte it was Port Talbot.
The train, from Paddington, was busy, so Dawn and Anita had to sit on the floor, and a miserable old woman insisted she wouldn’t give up her seat for anybody !!!

So this week, so far has been CHAOTIC, sorting out photos, from the weekend, uploading them to http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
“Chatting” to friends (new and old) made at the conference. Emailing new friends. Plus trying to rest, after such an EXCITTING and ENJOYABLE weekend.
THANKS to “CHATTERS” and Ataxia UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/

JOBSWORTH !!!!!!!!!!!!! (or me on my SOAPBOX??)

2008-10-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Travelling by train, with a friend, to Stansted Airport. My friend booked tickets a few days before me. They sent me their travel ittinery, which I printed out, and took to the station, to assist, booking tickets, of the same journey.
Last week, I checked the tickets, the return journey was wrong !!!.

I went to the station, who insisted, that because they were advance tickets, they were non refundable and could NOT be changed, plus the (later) train I wanted to go on, was fully booked.
But if I wanted to go on this (later) train it would cost me an extra £60 (even though it was FULLY booked ??

I came home and rang the assistance help line, I explained,, and the reply was “why wasn’t an OPEN ticket issued?” and told me to go back to the station and insist that they change it. As they were aware of the travel requirements.

Today I went to the ticket office, in the station, the same counter operator, who booked the tickets, was NOT going to make any adjustments, to the tickets, unless I bought NEW tickets (and pay the second time) !!!

After a while, they walked off and I could hear them talking on the phone (inaudibly). They came back (without a word) and started “BANGING” the keyboard.
After a long silence, was told “there you are Make sure you are on the proper train and next time book the correct one in the first place”

What happened to an apology ???
Didn’t I give the proper information, to start with ???

Meetings---CHAT--Wheely Wobbly Walk--

2008-10-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, haven’t had time to update, my BLOG, as much, recently, Apologies.
Been attending, a lot of (important) meetings at Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ (as well as updating, the website)

As well as other meetings at County Hall, Carmarthen. http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/eng/

Managed to get a sail at the Boat club http://towybclub.blogspot.com/

Many a friend has been made, via our Ataxia (Virtual Branch) CHAT meetings http://www.ataxia.org.uk/page.builder/virtual_branch.html plus many of us CHAT to each other via MSN, a lot of us “CHATTERs” are going to the Ataxia UK conference, in Stanstead http://www.ataxia.org.uk/page.builder/events.html (this weekend) WOO HOO WOO HOO.

Friday 26-9-08, went to receive a cheque, from the Llanboidy Darts team, who raised funds, that was, equally, divided between Arthritis Care http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/InyourArea/Wales and Ataxia UK South Wales Branch.
THANK YOU

Saturday 4-10-08 picked up Jason, on the way to Carmarthen train station, to query my journey tickets, for the trip to the conference

While we waited, in the queue, which was very “still” we decided to get on a train, too Cardiff !!!!
There was a large football match, taking place, in Swansea, which meant the train was full, and even more passengers got on, along the way, my our “cramped” space, on the train, was by the EXIT door, with people holding on to everyone else, for balance (I HAD A SEAT !!!).
Once in Cardiff, we decided to go to the cinema, to see if there was anything we could watch. We settled on Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging http://www.angusthongsmovie.com/intl/uk/ a funny film, TEENAGERS can relate to all the items, in the film.
Plus Angus (the cat) must be in THERAPY, now!!!

Sunday 5-10-08 South Wales Ataxia, “WHEELY WOBBLY WALK” Mumbles, Swansea. http://www.ataxia.org.uk/

Keep an eye out for a photo in the Carmarthen Journal. A photographer, from the PRESS, was there to “see us at the start”
A GREAT, afternoon. Weather was good, dry, with a COLD wind, but it was very enjoyable, we collected a fair amount of money (collection tin, money, to be counted and confirmed) plus all the sponsor moneys, will get collected.
At the end, of the walk, we had a lovely meal, at the Woodmans pub/restaurant.
All members must THANK, the chairwoman, for the arrangements.

WOO HOO WOO HOO conny conny conny this weekend.
Photos on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/?saved=1

Southampton Boat Show - Book Launch - Very Emotional few days

2008-09-17T02:47:00.000-07:00

A BUSY week (with an very, Emotional FINISH).

Tuesday (9-9-08) attended a meeting with SWWITCH http://www.swwitch.net/ at Nant y ci, Carmarthen.
Went to Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ on Wednesday
Thursday, travel to Southampton, for the Boat Show, stayed at Holiday Inn Express, Botley Road, Southampton. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/925/en/hd/soabr?cm_mmc=mdpr-_-TripAdvisorUK-_-sd-_-ex_soabr&_requestid=937657 A very nice Hotel (one of the best, we have stayed in )
Went to the show on Friday. A good look around, though we didn’t have time to see all the stands, as it was SO HUGE, its too much to fit in one day. http://www.southamptonboatshow.com/default.aspx
Highlight was on the Sunseeker http://www.sunseeker.com/ stand where I used the “Stair climber” to access the whole stand, this service is provided by Louise Charlton as part of the excellent standard of service by Sign it and Sunseeker.
The lady demonstrator, recognised me from last year, and I must admit THIS SERVICE is EXCELLENT (and needs to be more widely used).
As can be seen from photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/ I was able to show of the Towy Boat Club http://towybclub.blogspot.com/ pennant

Met up with Juliet, my very good friend from, last years Personal Everest adventures.
We all went, to the Book Launch,( Bucks Fizz and Canapés , Tea and coffee) for Geoff Holt www.personaleverest.com has written a book “Walking on Water” http://www.walkingonwater.biz/ with mention of us. It was a great occasion, and we where mentioned in the launch speech, A GREAT HONOUR, plus we where in a very good, viewing position, directly in front of Geoff, during his, on stage, speech. Very Emotional and exciting time.
Again picture on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
The evening was spent, with the Personal Everest team and colleagues, with a meal at Cowherds http://archive.thisishampshire.net/2004/11/12/19599.html restaurant in Southampton. On our table was Sarah Outen, who is going to single handily ROW across the Indian ocean http://www.sarahouten.co.uk/

We stayed the night in the Holiday Inn Express, and said our farewells, before the travel, to Wales.

Monday, was a very SAD day, as we were attending the funeral of Alan Frank Jones of Pembertons Chocolate Farm http://www.welshchocolatefarm.com/ and Central television
Alan Jones had retired from the business and its success is carried on by his Daughters Emily and Jessica.
The service was held in St. Brynachs Church, Llanboidy www.llanboidy.com with a Celebration of Alans life held in the Lamb Inn, Llanboidy

Rain Rain, SUN for Open Day, Rain Rain then more Rain

2008-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Towy Boat Cub Open Day 30th August.

The weather was FABULOUS (probably our Summer/Autumn.

Took Jason (nephew) with us, we all had plenty of fun, went on some boat rides , Jason went on most of them he had a great day, and made some friends.

A good turn out, from the public, there were stalls (selling many an item, from plants, books, marine items) and a stand from the Coastguard plus RNLI merchandise, teas and cakes, crafts and a BAR.

Monday attended a meeting in County Hall
Tuesday evening was a Community Council meeting

Wednesday was a meeting/seminar for PRTA http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm (Green Dragon Bus) and afterwards I managed to see Edge of Love- http://www.theedgeoflove.co.uk/ some scenes were filmed in Cardigan. (all this day was spent in Theatr Mwldan http://www.mwldan.co.uk/
Thursday spent some time on the NEW route for the Green Dragon Connect Bus

Then Friday.. you know the drill “SCHOOL” http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ The website is getting organised, taking more time than I like, but HEY

Towy Boat Club http://towybclub.blogspot.com/ “work Day” spent the morning sorting out the books and magazines, that have accumulated, on the bookshelf

Next weekend a few days will be spent at the boat show in Southampton http://www.southamptonboatshow.com/ where I have been invited to a BOOK launch by Geoff Holt www.personaleverest.com his book mentions ME during his Sail around Wales, and also the support he found in TWO of his followers JULIET PRENTICE (from Devon) and Me (from Wales) He has sent a signed copy of
The book to me. It was very emotional to read his recollections.
THANK YOU GEOFF.

Time - Age Defying- TBC Open day - Cinema

2008-08-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Time has been flying by ??

Went with Jason (nephew) and his mum, to Univercity Hospital in Cardiff, for, Jason, to have a scan. (to check on the progession of Neurofibromatosis)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurofibramatosis
South Wales Ataxia,, meeting on (Thursday 21-8-08) at Dylan Thomas restaurant, LLansamlet, Swansea.

Llanboidy Carnival, on Saturday ( where I was one of the judges) on Saturday (23-8-08) photos on www.llanboidy.com

Inbetween, updating Colesill website http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/
attending meetings for http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm (which is to place a mini bus in Llanboidy (6 month trial).
Towy boat Club Open Day 30-8-08
Sports & Social Club. Going to the gym ( where I was asked my age, because there has been some speculation, about how old I was, alot of people had decided that I was in my 20``s !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Been having alot of trouble with my address book, in outlook Express, sending emails, and dont get notified of there "return" for along while later ??

Been invited to a book launch, at Southampton Boat Show, http://www.southamptonboatshow.com/default.aspx he book has been written by Geoff Holt www.personaleverest.com the "round Britian (Disabled) Sailor.

also took Jason to see 2 films, at http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ cinema in Cardigan saw http://www.starwars.com/clonewars/site/index.html and http://www.journey3dmovie.com/

LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN

2008-08-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

This weather, is getting very monotonous. “The Great English Summer” Where`s that then ???

A meeting of the PRTA http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm on Monday evening (4-8-08)

Towy Boat Club meeting, on the Wednesday where we Announced that the Towy Boat Club - Open Day – Saturday 30th August 2008.

Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ on Friday, Tried to sort a few things in the IT suite.
Then, in the evening went to Llanboidy Tug of War Open Evening.
Between these fitting in a daily routine, going to the gym, designing and printing posters for various local events.
Working out (precise) travel arrangements to the Ataxia UK Conference, held at SAS Radison Hotel , Stansted Airport, on October 11th. http://www.ataxia.org.uk/
All this, as well as CHATTING to ALL my friends on the internet.

Saturday, the weather was terrible.
I went TBC (Towy Boat Club), where a sailing race was going to be held, but due to the weather, visibility was very poor, so the race was called OFF.
Some boats (4) Braved the sea, and went out for a brief sail, under the watchful eye of the safety boat, and within a short distance, of the clubhouse.
On my way home, I called in at TESCO (Carmarthen) the store was very busy, and the car park was FULL, another result, of the weather !!!.
TBC, again Sunday. Photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Video clip http://www.youtube.com/my_videos
“Wisp” (my Challenger Trimaran http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/sailchallengers/ or http://www.personaleverest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=28 ) was taken to the slipway, ready, for me to rig.
I waited for the “race” sailors to start, and make sure I wouldn’t be in the way !!.
I thought the route was clear, for me to sail in the same direction,(towards the mouth of the estuary)
I was told NOT to go that way, but what did I do???
Very sorry, for not listening, to Brian or Ffiona.

A good, and WET sail, which washed me up on the MUD, just before Ferryside. Very embarrassing, as I knew that everyone in the clubhouse was watching !!!.
I tried to turn the boat in to the wind, by using my paddle as a lever, in the mud – the wind and water were not “letting me go”.
I tried using a driftwood branch, for extra leverage, but no joy.
What seemed like an hour a gentleman, from the safety crew came to help, and got me afloat again, THANK YOU and THANK YOU to Ffiona who had to wade across, to me.
GO BACK GO BACK !! was the instruction, which I listened to!!
A wet sail, back towards the clubhouse. After the slipway was clear, I managed to “disembark” with help from Colin THANK YOU.
After de rigging and changing, warm, tea and Beefburgers, in the clubhouse, were very welcome, by me and other sailors.
Quite a few comments on my misfortune, were noted, and I am not going to forget, that in a hurry. So I will learn by my mistakes and do as I am told !!!!!

Home to join in with the CHAT session, we have on Sunday`s, with other Ataxians. http://www.ataxia.org.uk/

WOO WOO STANSTED !!!!!!!!

2008-08-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

Friday(1-8-08) went to Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ No computer lesson, as its half-term, plus I finished one module, with an EXAM (which I PASSED- WOO WOO). The IT suite, was “out of bounds” due to an auditor, working ????, so NO computery stuff, for me to do!!.

When I got home, I rang to book my accommodation at the Radison Hotel in Stansted http://www.radissonsas.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=RadissonSAS/integration/hotelInfo&hotelCode=STNZQ , for us to attend the Ataxia UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ conference, on 10th- 12th October WOO WOO WOO WOO

Saturday went to Theatre Mwldan http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ (with Jason) we saw “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/
Sunday managed to go out on my tricycle, between the showers,
Monday again managed to go out on my tricycle, even though it was “warm-but the air was DAMP” ??, then went to a PTRA http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm meeting

Part 2 ------- that time to look for THAT Candle !!!!

2008-07-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Friday 26-7-08 went to Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/
(need to get more up to date) sat and passed my internet exam via bbc webwise.

Saturday went to Towy Boat Club http://towybclub.blogspot.com/
Went out in "WISP" (CHALLENGER, Trimaran) had a good sail, managed to get to the "Barrel post".(photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/?saved=1 and video clips on youtube http://www.youtube.com/my_videos On the way home picked up Jason (nephew) fetched Dawn, from work http://www.welshchocolatefarm.com/ then went to Amroth with the KAYAK http://www.advancedelements.com/dragonfly.html .
Sunday went sailing again, this time managed to get past the second "Barrel post".
Visit the speech therapist, on Monday, in Carmarthen.

During the last few days,, been planning transport to the Ataxia UK http://www.ataxia.org.uk/ Connference, in Stansted Airport http://www.radissonsas.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=RadissonSAS/integration/hotelInfo&hotelCode=STNZQ
Transport will be by train http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/to London Paddington, then Bus to Liverpool Street, then Train to Stansted. Probaly going up for 2 days, as the conference starts at 10 am, so travel up the day before.

ALL THIS and STILL find my sense of Humour is in tact.

If I could find a candle, with more tan two ends, I could go on Dragons Den http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/

Here we are Part 1 of 2

2008-07-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy, in the last few weeks, I have neglected my BLOG.
To bring it up to date, I will write two entries. Part one, for the weeks longest ago, Part 2 for the last few days / week.

Attended meetings in County Hall, Carmarthen and Llanboidy Social club also at Towy Boat Club.
Design posters for Llanboidy Sports plus the judging of the carnival Queen, plus make up some for Towy Boat Club (not finished, yet).
I have managed to wash the car (don’t know why? As it rains within a day!)
Very “Wobbly” mow the lawn. Use the shredder in the garden, to get rid of some small branches, lying on the grass.
Managed to have major computer trouble resulting in a re-install of the printer and the scanner.
Bought a new bouncy aid (I have put on weight, due to sitting at the computer!!!) ready for use sailing and Kayaking, which came onWednesday 23-7-08, so HAD to go to Amroth to try it out !!

More Dilema "Info." ????????

2008-07-08T04:19:00.000-07:00

Information on Waterborne Diseases, from wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterborne_diseases

Gales-Rain-Meetings-Dragons-Decisions

2008-07-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

This week, the weather has been very “Autumnal” so going out on my tricycle, has been a bit of a problem.

Attending meetings, every night
With my attendance at County Hall, Carmarthen, for http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/agendas/eng/HSCS20080702/index.asp ,on Wednesday.

Thursday,saw the launch, of the Veg. Oil powered MINIBUS, which was held at, Cafi-Beca, Efailwen.
This was with the PRTA www.greendragonbus.co.uk
It was announced (at the following AGM) that I would be a member of the committee. Remember, The GREEN DRAGON, toy, I took, to Gambia, that was for these
(photos of him can be seen on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/2600828060/in/set-72157605753512147/ )

Towy Boat Club http://towybclub.blogspot.com/ meeting (Tuesday) was well attended. A very interesting meeting.
The sewage, in the Towy Estruary, is a MAJOR concern.
Again, it is making the newspapers http://thisissouthwales.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=162945&command=displayContent&sourceNode=162939&contentPK=20991163&folderPk=88497&pNodeId=162961 This on going problem, gives me a BIG decision, to make, “to sail or not to sail”, in the Towy, one I am not going to take lightly

Weather---In the press !!!!!!!!!

2008-06-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

The “weather”, in the UK, is very very disappointing, for the time of year?? (something to do with a weather system, around the Azores in the Atlantic ??). http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/28/gloomy-july-azores-to-blame-91466-21165445/
So its been a “NO-GO” for me to go out on my trike, just having to go to the gym and, for swimming, I go to Llety Cynin http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/
Went down to Towy Boat Club http://towybclub.blogspot.com/ , to see if there were any improvements, on the “Sailing front” – NO CHANGE—
In the Carmarthen Journal this week, another “Towy River Festivity”, has been put off http://thisissouthwales.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=162945&command=displayContent&sourceNode=162939&contentPK=20948797&folderPk=88497&pNodeId=162961

An item that has been published, RYA Sailability (newsletter FOGHORN) has my sailing exploits in (from last summer) http://www.rya.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/638BF512-428B-43EB-86B0-2EB33E2C3A6A/0/Foghornsummer08.pdf (page 8)
I thought that “watersports, in Gambia”, were NOT available, but this is what I saw, http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/2617409347/ , at the hotel !!!
So, I have had chance, to upload some travel reviews (and a photo album, to holidays Revealed http://www.holidays-revealed.com/forum
And more photos to flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

I wonder, if there are any comments, regarding my impression (with photos) of Sulayman Junkung Hospital, Bwiam, Gambia. http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/2600815632/in/set-72157605753512147/
As I have said before, prior, to my trip, investigations, from media sources, and the internet, GOOGLE EARTH, Power up Gambia, etc, where “painting” a picture of a HOSPITAL.
I have been assured, by PUG http://www.powerupgambia.org/ , that the main part of the hospital, is towards the main gate ???.

As, a result, of an email, of POSITIVENESS”, sent to some Ataxian friends, I have been requested to copy it to, the ATAXIA UK, discussion board http://www.ataxia.org.uk/forum/index.php?tid=1115

Now, Going out on my trike, with waterproof clothes, afterall, it IS summer.

GMT - Gambian MAYBE Time

2008-06-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

Trying to adjust to a busy schedule, while still, in GAMBIAN “MAYBE” TIME !!!!!.

During the time, back home
Have managed to go out on my trike (in-between, the very changeable British weather, what was all the GALES and HEAVY RAIN. all about, on Wednesday 18-6-08 ????)( and today, 21-6-08??), what happened to SUMMER??.

Swimming, at Llety Cynin www.lletycynin.co.uk
Attended many meetings, in the community

Had an article, in the Carmarthen Journal http://thisissouthwales.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=162945&command=displayContent&sourceNode=162939&contentPK=20835289&folderPk=88497&pNodeId=162961b and the Community News http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/index.asp?locID=4553&docID=-1 regarding my POSITIVE attitude and Coleshill Social Centre http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/

Plus, putting together, many, reports on my “adventure”, to submit to various websites, which brings back wonderful memories.

I have mentioned, before, about the lack of water sports, in Gambia. To my surprise, a poster, on display, in the Kairaba Hotel http://www.kairabahotel.com/ , to advertise Gambia Water Sports, at Denton Bridge, Banjul – the only water sports in Gambia !! (I think, unless I am corrected).

Another fond memory, is getting, the hire car, stuck, in mud, in the Middle of Kanilia Game Park, where there is NO mobile phone service, so the ranger had to walk back, to the entry gate, to get assistance (tractor, to tow us out !) this was in the very open bush, of the Game Park, Funny at the time, but a fairly dangerous place to be !!!!.
Looking trough all the photos (that will be uploaded to Flickr http://www.flickr.com/ , ASAP) we remember all the people we met.
Lamins family (in Old Jeshwang) and Nadindin`s family (in Soma).
Friends, who we drank ATTAYA (China Green Tea) and spent time with.

Friends, Immigration Officers (who we gave lifts to, and during our time where like having “personal Body Guards” ( funny moments, where when we were visiting places and the officers, in full uniform, were with us, and peoples “looks” were as if HE was “ESCORTING us “OUT OF THE COUNTRY” Police Officers (in Janjanbureh) with who we drank ATTAYA, and had meals with.

The, Hospital, I referred to, Salayman Junkung General Hospital, Bwiam, was an experience!!!!
We were booked to stay at Bwiam Lodge, but as the International ROOTS Festival http://www.rootsgambia.gm/ , was taking place, nearby in Kanilia, all accommodation in the area had been commandeered, by “higher authorities??? (weather you had had the booking confirmed, or not). Management, re-arranged accommodation, and was made available at the Sulayman Junkung General Hospital !!!!!.
In the travel, information books, it relates the image that the property has had some form of investment. On first impression this seems to be incorrect, but as the property occupies a huge plot of land, I am assured that the main part of the Hospital is functioning to a good standard.
PUG http://www.powerupgambia.org/ has been to SJGH recently, to help out.
In all, not my favourite accommodation, (BASIC, NO water or Electric, but it was a room (see Tripadvisor )
And my previous booking was re-located (in a Gambian way of thinking !!!).
All this ADDS to the ADVENTURE.

Journey`s, on ferries, were a true experience.
1. Banjul to Barra.
Main ferry, over The Gambia River. Very very very chaotic and busy. Relay`s of three, boats 1 large, 2 smaller all carrying vehicles and foot passengers.
2. Bambatenda to Yelitenda
Slightly smaller boats, to get across, the river, to the South Bank, or in our case, Soma.
3. Lamin Koto to Janjanbureh.
Smaller ferry, over to Janjanbureh island, (just a few cars and passengers). Only a few minutes, per crossing.
South, of Janjanbureh, is a smaller ferry, (one lorry, or two cars, at a time and powered by pulling a rope across the river. Passengers can also cross to Janjanbureh by rowing boat.

On this trip, we have seen more things and experienced so many things. It makes you realize, how easy we live, in the UK.

Will we go back, to The Gambia,??? DEFINATLY (browsing travel brochures, in our HAT and COAT !!!).

June Adventure to Gambia, to attend the ROOTS Festival

2008-06-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

A very AMAZING and EXCITING trip to The Gambia.

This is a very brief description of the adventure, I will be reviewing things, in greater detail, elsewhere, which I will link to at a later time. Mainly TripAdvisor.com

Flew from Gatwick, Friday May 31st. (all Monach Flights were delayed, so our flight was 3 hours late).
Flight 6 hours.landing, in the dark, at Banjul International Airport.
Coach transfer, to the hotel KAIRABA, Senegambia www.kairabahotel.com
Attended the opening ceremony of the Roots Festival, in Banjul.
To my amazement I heard a shout ALAN-ALAN-ALAN, it was a friend who we met in Gambia, during our stay in January !!!
Next day, the trip started, North to Banjul, catch (caotic)the Ferry, over to Barra. Along the road (approx 180Km) to Farafenni, turn South to Soma. To get to Soma you need to catch the ferry, across.

We stayed overnight at the “very Basic” Moses Guest House.
Morning trip to the ferry, up to Farafenni, follow the “Dusty” road East to Wassu Stone circles (historical place). Then East along to another (very small, 1 lorry or a few cars, at a time) ferry, across to Janjanbureh.
Janjanbureh, (300Km from Banjul), Lunch and drinks, at the Police HQ!!.
Stay overnight at Janjanbureh Lodge (across the river, but the lodge supplies the boat trip. A very nice “ECO-LODGE” no electric, no hot water.
Back over to Janjanbureh, for morning drinks with Police staff.
Travel back West (via the small ferry) to Kerewan, turning off the tarmac!! (dusty and rough) going South West to Juffureh to visit the Museum of the Slave trade and on to see James Island.
(to witness the conditions imposed on the slaves, makes me ashamed that we could DO this to fellow mankind).
Return to Senegambia via Barra –ferry- Banjul.
Recharge, showers (lots of)good nights sleep (until awoke to the rain), rain and wind, STORM (first of the season) and I mean rain, 1 months winter rain in a few hours!!. Next morning the only sign of rain was some puddles.
Today, we travelled East, on the South of the river Gambia, to Kanalai, the home of the President and to attend the Roots celebration / ceremony. While in Kanalai, we visited the Game Park and Zoo, it was here, in the middle of the bush, that our guide got the car stuck in the mud !!! this was a “signal-less mobile phone” area, so the park guide had to walk to the gate and get help. A tractor came to our rescue.
After seeing the park, we headed to Bwiam Lodge to stay the night, only to be told it was fully booked, even though it was booked for us 2 months ago!! (apparently a large booking (from government acquaintances, was accepted). A short trip to see the manager who fixed us up with a room , at a local HOSPITAL!!
Basic, but OK for 1 night (and the Hospital was FULLY booked, due to the demand, of the Festival).
That night we went to the Roots Festival, in Kanalai.
Next day we travelled back to Kairaba Hotel, Senegambia, for rest and showers.
Before leaving, for the airport, we went to Banjul Market, for some shopping, (think of “shopping chaos and multiply it by 10).

We went to our guides (Lamin Fatty) for lunch, which his family had prepared for us. Gifts where accepted, by them (which we had taken over) before saying our goodbyes.

At the airport, it was cool (it was evening) and a SAD occasion as we had to say farewell to Lamin, who has been an excellent guide plus a very special friend (he has been promoted to Senior Ground Staff for Gambian International Airport, WOOHOO Lamin).

We will be returning soon…………

Spillage and GROWING Excitement,

2008-05-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Friday, Coleshill www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk I sat the Database exam.
Fairly simple, that said, hope I pass!!.
Dawn picked me up, we went in to Trostre for some “holiday clothes shopping” (shorts + T-shirts).

Saturday, packing and then shopping in Haverfordwest.
Went to Towy Boat Club, Sunday morning, to see about sailing, the weather was windy (but the sea was , surprisingly, calm(ish) I did not go out on the water, as there was no one to launch “WISP” I did see one boat out on the sea, just hope they are OK (virus wise).

Bank Holiday Monday, A GOOD sail, I thought !!!
Went to the boat club, and I saw on the notice board, that because of the sewage spill, in Carmarthen, any sailing was NOT GOING TO HAPPEN !!!

As a result, of the sewage spillage, Carmarthen River Festival, is CANCELLED.
Full article, can be viewed from the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/7417149.stm

I knew about the sewage spill, Saturday evening + from http://towybclub.blogspot.com/ but didn’t realise the SERIOUSNESS, that it would mean to the Towy .
NOW I FEEL SO ASHAMED for THINKING THIS WAY.

Travelled towards home, called in at Llety Cynin http://www.lletycynin.co.uk/ used the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.
The weather, outside was gale force winds with heavy rain showers.
On the way home I went to see the Chocolate farm http://www.welshchocolatefarm.com/ just to see how many people were visiting, the car park was FULL, even cars parked on the, exit lane.

Got, the last few things to pack, before my trip, to Gambia. http://www.gambia.co.uk/default.aspx
Alas, there are NO watersports in Gambia. (when a tree falls in the river, it is called a boat!!).
This morning I transplanted some seeds / plants, given to me by Tim + Alice, at their wedding, last year. I have been updating them, of the GROWING progress.

AWARDS Gambia soon!!! WOOHOO

2008-05-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

A “slow” sail, on Sunday afternoon.
At home the wind was fairly strong, but 17 miles away at Towy Boat Club, it was a different climate – NO WIND (to speak of!!) unless we made it out towards Ferryside (nearer the mouth of the estruary).

A very busy day, was had on Monday.

Doctors appointment (to check the progress, on my wrist) its doing fine, so I can continue “living to the full (as if I STOPPED!!!)

Travel up to Letterston, for a meeting of PRTA http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm
When I arrived, I was put to use (as a wheelchair user) taking part in the Emergency Evacuation Procedure for Minibuses. As I said before, I have done this, on a previous occasion, so I “knew” what to do.

Then return home to Llanboidy, change and wash, and we were off to Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/index.asp?locID=5755&docID=-1
To accept an AWARD.
The computer class from Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/
Has won an AWARD for their IT work.
The AWARD was presented by Stephen Morgan, from the BBC.
We all had a “scroll” of the award plus a Framed certificate, that will be on display, in Coleshill.
The photos will be in the newspapers, ASAP
(I felt a bit “underdressed” it was an occasion, I should of taken to wear my suit and bow tie).

Two days, I travelled to Coleshill, to rest (sort of!!)

Last night (Wednesday 21-5-08), went to Towy Boat Club http://towybclub.blogspot.com/ to give my support to the “try a TOPPER” http://www.toppersailboats.com/shop/online_shop_toplevel.aspx?category_id=1 a Junior taster session, which will encourage youngsters on to the water (in a SAFE environment).

Today, I have to revise for my DATABASE exam, which is tomorrow !!!!!

6 days until we fly to Gambia WOOHOO WOOHOO

While I will be away – Llanboidy Sports and Social Club will have on 7th June- A PIG roast 7 pm with LIVE music at 9 pm http://www.theshamoncies.co.uk/index.html

AMAZED-SURPRISED !!!

2008-05-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

Coleshill, Friday,
The, website, was finalised, and NOW is online www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk
Just, a few minor adjustments and, to be shown, how to maintain the site.

Saturday, Pick-up Jason, from St.Clears, and then take him to Narberth, to his swimming lesson.
Afterwards, we went to Haverfordwest (Riverside Market) as part of Adult Learner`s http://www.niace.org.uk/alw/2008/ Week with the WEA http://www.swales.wea.org.uk/index1.html

To my amazement, My computer tutor (from Coleshill) and the House Manager (from Towy Boat Club) are very good friends and were hosting the WEA, Stand !!!!
Promoting the services, of the WEA.
Eleanor on the IT
And Josie dealing with Face painting and card making.
I had WEA (painted on one cheek) with CAG (WEA in Welsh) on the other!!!
(Que ODD looks from the Public!!!)

Their stall was under cover, a good thing, as it rained quite heavily during the day.
We then went up to TESCO, before, returning home, to load the car ready for Dawn and Jason to go to a “car boot” sale in Carew, on Sunday.
Today, Sunday, I am hoping to go sailing (this afternoon) it may well be my last chance, before we go to Gambia.
(so far it looks fairly “breezey”) so it should be good fun.

I need to “revise” my DATABASE, computer knowledge, as I have an exam on Friday !!!!!
Tomorrow evening, attend an award ceremony, in Llanelli.
Coleshill, Computer class, has won an award from the WEA !!!

BUSY, BUSY BUSY must look harder for a candle with two ends

2008-05-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Went to the Towy Boat Club, on Saturday

Pressure Washed the path and concrete apron (ready for some paint “marking out”.
Dawn had a “pitch” at a car boot sale, at Carmarthen showground, on Sunday, She took me to the boat club at 9 am, so I could go sailing.

Good job I took my paddle out with me, As there was NO wind, the estuary, was like a MIRROR.

A session, at the gym, followed, the next day.
Hospital check up, on my wrist, on Tuesday. All OK.
Had new tyres fitted, on the car, before our journey to Gatwick.
On the way back called at
Llety Gynin. A newly opened leisure facility in Llangynin.
A very nice place, with swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, Gym and coffee lounge. (further buildings will add to this).
I went for a swim and will soon return for a swim sauna and try the Jacuzzi.
That night was a Committee meeting of Lllanboidy Sports and Social Club to attend.
Wednesday another session at the gym. And in the evening mowed the lawn (thanks to the “self propelled” mower) a job I can do!! (but it is hard to KEEP, up with the mower and the lawn is a bit uneven !!!!

Today, it is raining, so I can catch up with emails

This Saturday I am in Haverfordwest (Riverside Market) as part of Adult Learner`s http://www.niace.org.uk/alw/2008/ Week with the WEA http://www.swales.wea.org.uk/index1.html

Excitment--MASSIVE PAIN--reactions

2008-05-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Bank Holiday Monday- I picked up Jason, on the way to Carmarthen Boat Show http://www.welshboatshow.co.uk/show/english/home.aspx ,A very pleasant, afternoon, met some friends, and members of Towy Boat Club, Josie and Paul from White water consultancy http://www.wwc.co.uk/index.php
Plus, I, arranged a “Test Demo” of a Windrider trimaran, with http://www.windrider.co.uk/ this is to happen at Dale Sailing http://www.dale-sailing.co.uk/

In the evening, I, went to Towy Boat Club, and went out on “WISP” sailing, During my sail, I managed to damage the TENDONS, in my left wrist, massive “CRACKING” sound accompanied, by, a MASSIVE “Electric” shock, and pain !!!! (using the lowering ropes of the tiller)
Later on my wrist was swollen and bruised.
Tuesday, it was even more swollen, and my, fingers had gone a GREY colour !!! A trip to the doctors was due !!! then a trip to A&E, to have it X-rayed, As it might have been broken.
Result = massive TENDON damage, left with a support bandage and told to rest it. (ME—NO).

I went to Coleshill, on Wednesday (yes WEDNESDAY) went to a meeting of Carmarthen Disability Coalition, in Llanelli.

Thursday, day of computery stuff.
Friday, went to Coleshill Social Centre, Llanelli, as usual, no computer class, but was helping out with, other clients computer problems.
The Coleshill web designer has made the website “live” today www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk

While I was there, a “press” photographer, came to take a few photos, of me and the staff, as the local press are making an article up, after they discovered my Digital Story.

Poor man (photographer) he was told I was in a “wheelchair”. He asked for Alan Thomas, I heard him ask, so I said “it was me”, he was looking for- His face was a picture!! As I don’t need to use a wheelchair, in Coleshill, as its all one level and very flat, so just need the use of a walking stick. The staff, had to confirm, that it was ME, he was looking for!!!.
Don’t worry, as this happens A LOT, (and I mean A LOT) Plus it is a HILLARIOUS, moment !!! (for me)
He took some photos of me with staff and clients, my Digital Story certificate, and me by the Coleshill sign (in a wheelchair)

HO HUM !!!

2008-05-05T02:17:00.000-07:00

Lots, has happened, over the last week, or so.

LAUNCHING SUPPER at Towy Boat Club (26-4-08) very good, and successful, event. LIVE music by a band called “Driftwood”.
Sailing, for me on Sunday, a very good sail.

Speech Therapy, 28-4-08, went well.

Meeting at “Phenonix” Tavarn, Gorslas, for ATAXIA South Wales. (30-4-08), a good turn out and with new members attending.

Thursday, was ELECTION Day.
I have to report, that, I didn’t get in, results at http://gis.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/elections2008/CCC_Community_Council_Results.htm
(Llanboidy)

I only got 93 votes !!
The rest raised 140 up to 180.
But the way I see it, I came in to the proceedings fairly late in the race, (only a few weeks to go) and got 93, as opposed to the others, who had a FULL term.
WILL TRY NEXT TIME.

Went to Cardiff University on Saturday 3rd May.
They are researching, the input, from the public, to the BBC. (Digital Stories, and the like http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/audiovideo/sites/yourvideo/pages/alan_thomas_01.shtml

Today (Monday 5-5-08) going to Carmarthen, to see the Boat Show, in the showground. http://www.welshboatshow.co.uk/show/english/home.aspx

Calm before the STORM ???????

2008-04-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Not a very eventful, few days !!.

Dawn went to a car boot sale, (on Sunday) to make a bit of cash, for our trip, to Gambia, for the ROOTS festival http://www.rootsgambia.gm/
Will be staying at Bwiam Lodge http://www.gambia-hotels.travel/Bwiam_Lodge for 5 days, (first night and night before travel, staying at http://www.kairabahotel.com/

Monday a trip to the GYM and returned to(rough) wash the car.

Trying to catch up on all my emails, sort out my trip to Cardiff, for BBC Capture Wales. And transport to a Speech Therapy appointment, next week.

Attending a council meeting tomorrow (Thursday)

Don’t forget (as if I will let you!!)
As the Community Council Elections are on May 1st 2008, I have been nominated.In Llanboidy, there are 6 seats and 7 nominees-- SO YOU KNOW WHERE TO PUT, THAT CROSS, when you go to the village Hall. (Alan Thomas).

Time-Time- Time Election and Alan (funny combination!!)

2008-04-18T02:37:00.000-07:00

Went to the Gym, and attended a lot of meetings, PRTA (Pembs Rural Transport Association)
Llanboidy Sports and Social Club
during the week.
Fitting in going out on my Tricycle, as time and weather permits.
Talking of weather, we have ad a few heavy SNOW falls !!! but these have not lasted that long, but it is April and the summer is just around the corner ( more like a long slow BEND!!!.
Friday, I went to Coleshill Social Centre, Llanelli, some time for a “REST”!!
Went SAILING, on Saturday (12-4-08).
A very exciting time, a fairly good wind, so progress wasn’t too bad, wind was a bit “gusty” at times, and I went too close to the MUD and ended up stuck on the bank. Glyn to the rescue !!!.
I felt a bit guilty, as , as soon as he got me FREE, and on the water, he was “STUCK” on the MUD, himself!!!
I was able to go up and down the estuary, at quite a speed.

Sunday, I went to the Boat Club, but did not sail, as I think I strained my shoulder, trying to “Free” myself from the Mud, yesterday.
Plus, as I was not sailing, I was able to lend my “KIT” to a young “sailor.

A Website design, meeting was attended, on Monday morning, and a session at the Gym in the afternoon.
Gym again , next day, with a meeting, in Swansea resource Centre.

I went to the dentist, on Wednesday, everything very good.
In the evening, I went to Haverfordwest, with the Pembrokeshire Green Dragon – Dial a Ride minibus http://www.prta.co.uk/prta%20English/home.htm to take part in the Emergency Evacuation Procedure, I was “the token” wheelchair user.
This was very interesting and educational plus being exciting.
I was taking part with members of the PRTA- (Pembrokeshire Rural Transport Association). I will upload photos of the event when I can.

In between all this, I have attended meetings at County Hall, in Carmarthen (including today Thursday 17-4-08).
Not going to Coleshill, this Friday, the computer tutor is NOT in, and I have plenty of things, to catch up with or sort out.

As the Community Council Elections are on May 1st 2008, I have been nominated.
In Llanboidy, there are 6 seats and 7 nominees-- SO YOU KNOW WHERE TO PUT, THAT CROSS, when you go to the village Hall. (Alan Thomas).

I have been contacted, by BBC Capture Wales, to go to a meeting in Cardiff, this is as a result of my Digital Story http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/audiovideo/sites/yourvideo/pages/alan_thomas_01.shtml

SNOW ???

2008-04-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday (2-4-08), I went to the Gym, I wanted to try out the Rowing machine. I did so, under the supervision of Bevis, the instructor.
To my amazement, I didn’t FALL off, (my main concern, as with Ataxia, balance was main problem).
So now I will have another, item to add to my circuit !!!!!.

I forgot to ring the bus driver to pick me up, to go to Coleshill. So I stayed at home, I had to design and print, some posters, for an event at the Towy Boat Club, which I deliverd to the boat club, on Saturday, after we had visited the village market Hall in Crymych.

Sunday, it was SNOWING !!!
Everywhere was “white”. No traffic, on the road. But the sunhas come out, so it wont be here for long.

After my last entry, I had a comment, from Geoff Holt !! www.personaleverest.com
WOO HOO WOO HOO
THANK YOU-Geoff.

Exciting and Exhausting Sailing (Detail for JP)

2008-03-31T02:49:00.000-07:00

Friday, NO Coleshill, So I took my nomination papers, in to the Chamber, Carmarthen Council.
Now the process has started !!

Saturday, when I got up, and looked out the window, it was blowing a gale, rain, so I did think that the Boat club meeting perhaps might get postponed for SAFETY reasons (how wrong I was !!!, should know better, that TBC has different weather than we do , up in the hills.)

Any way went to Towy Boat Club (too late for my taking part !!)
Very windy, sea was rough a lot of “white water”, (but told was fairly good, First thing)
To find a good turn out, with a lot of people who had been out on the water.

A lot of people asked me “Where have YOU been?”

So Home, we came , late in the afternoon.

Sunday, was expecting to be windy and rough seas.

To my amazement, there was NO wind,
Went to TBC very early Sea was “LIKE A MIRROR” NO WIND !!

I was told to change, as the WIND was coming in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got changed we launched the boat (Challenger—WISP).

First I went up river, but that was not that exciting, so went towards the ESTUARY (Ferryside)- Towards the sea.
The wind was getting better, I was soon going well, when I turned (Tacked ??) towards Llanstephan beach, I had left it too late to turn.so end up hearing the centre board “GRAZE” on the sand of the shallowing water !!! OH GREAT, I THOUGHT!!!, (NOT).
After a while, of shunting, to and fro (on the spot) I was just about, to eject myself, when a “king GUST of Wind” got me free.

Time to go back to the SAFTEY of the sight of the boat club !! in doing so, I was met by the SAFTEY boat telling me “think its time to go back”!!!
On the sail back I was sure something was wrong with the rudder (steering)
But I don’t know enough about these thing (plus I couldn’t see much, directly, behind me.
On one tack (turn) I managed to, REALLY” ground the boat (but close to the Jetty, for some one to come to my aid (Glyn.C) and “push me back in to the water!!

I went for a run (up stream) before coming in to the slipway.
I was told “I had been out a long time, and gone quite far (TELL ME ABOUT IT)

As, last time, I came in to the slipway, too fast, I let the wind out of the sail early enough and headed towards the mud (at the side of the slipway).
By this time the wind , was blowing a fair bit, but we got “WISP” out easily (WE as in “the TEAM”). I always feel a bit guilty, at not being ABLE to help.
SO MANY THANKS, TO ALL THAT HELPED.
A BIG THANKS TO FFIONA, FOR SORTING OUT , THE EVENT
(OH yes, I did get wet !!)
It was then “Bacon Butties” in the club house.

Then return home, at about 3.30pm.

Today, Monday, totally exhausted (I WONDER WHY??)

Two men have been to insulate the loft. A free installation from the Government.
In the mail, a parcel, a second hand camera, bought from ebay, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120232096970&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=002 to supplement the one we have, (identical twins, one silver one Blue)

Sensible---reading??

2008-03-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

65 days to go ……

Good Friday, Jason and I, went to Cardiff, on the train.
Went to the cinema, Cineworld http://www.cineworld.co.uk/Home.jgi?accueil=+

Saw 3 films http://www.bekindmovie.com/intro.html (not that good)
http://www.spiderwick.com/ (Fairly scarey, in places, but a good film)
http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/thegameplan/ (another, good film-although a bit predictable)

Saturday, we went to Theatre Mwldan http://www.mwldan.co.uk/
Saw 10,000 BC (not what we were expecting, from the trailers, that have been shown??) http://www.10000bcmovie.com/
After we went to poppit, for a cup of tea and I took some photos of the rough sea- (IT WAS VERY WINDY), before Jason had to go home.

Sunday, Dawn and I, made a phone call, to Lamin in Gambia. It made him very happy. It was nice to hear his voice !!!!

Yesterday, Tuesday, Picked up Jason, on the way to Tesco in Carmarthen.
It was the first time I have gone shopping, on my own (albeit with Jason “pushing” the trolley, for me.
After we went to Pendine, then Amroth for a warm drink.

Today, I have some “heavy” reading, to do.
The Electroral Commission, http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/ has sent me “Guidance for candidates” to help me with my form filling – for my nomination as a Councillor

Sensible Alan?????????????????

2008-03-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Went sailing on Sunday
Fairly breezy, so some times it was a bit scary.

Been to council meetings.

Today (Wednesday)
I recieved my nomination pack, to become a Community Councillor.
This post has been mentioned to me, on numerous occassions, but now I have had some very "HIGH UP" pressure.

Just got to (be sensible) and read the small print, before I take "the BIG step.

Waiting (GMT) ????

2008-03-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

ONLY 80 DAYS TO GO, for the return to The Gambia!! http://www.rootsgambia.gm/

Coleshill, was shut, due to some work, being completed.

Week end, didn’t DO anything exciting.

Went to the Gym, instead.
Went to the Gym on Monday
Going to a meeting, tonight (Tuesday)at the Llanboidy Social Club
Will be attending a County Council, at Spilman Street, Council chambers

Please, don’t forget, the petition to reduce Speed outside Schools
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/s20s---schools-20mph-safety-campaign.html

If you haven’t added your name --- WHY NOT??

Forgot !!!

2008-03-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

I forgot to say,
We have the confirmation, for our Trip to The Gambia WOOHOO...

Going with Gambia Experience http://www.gambia.co.uk/ at the end of May- first week in June. To co-inside with the ROOTS Festival http://www.rootsgambia.gm/
I have also been asked to visit an Eco-Lodge, in Gunjur (South Gambia) to see the accessiblity (as the standard there, is NOT the same as here in Europe)

Finding Out ????

2008-03-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

An interesting few days.
First, I am now a member of Towy Boat Club.

And, Thursday, I attended the Regional Funding Fair http://www.regionalfundingfair.co.uk/default.asp in Carmarthen, a very well attended venue, with a lot of “contacts” being made

Getting back in to life

2008-03-04T03:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, we went to the NEC Birmingham to visit the Destination and Travel Show. http://www.destinationsshow.com/birmingham-welcome.html I think it was bigger and busier, than last year.
Sunday, went to the boat club, it was windy, but the tide (eventhough) it was high, it wasn’t very high, so didn’t go sailing.

Monday, I took the train to Swansea.
Attended a meeting of S.A..I.L. (Swansea Association for Inclusive Living) where some concerns where raised.
This was held in the Guide and Scout Headquarters @ Bryn Road.
I stayed for the AGM of Swansea Disability Forum and afterwards attended, their usual meeting, which was very interesting.
Will be attending their next meeting, in May.
I met someone I had met, at a meeting held by the Welsh Assembly, a few months ago, in the Ramada Hotel, Swansea (and member of BBC Ouch). http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F2322273

Wednesday evening, a Towy Boat Club AGM is to be attended. (when I hope to become a member)
Thursday a Regional Funding Fair will be attended, in Carmarthen http://www.regionalfundingfair.co.uk/default.asp

Travel - On my mind

2008-02-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

Travel, is come to be the main thoughts.

We are going to the Destination and travel Show http://www.destinationsshow.com/birmingham-welcome.html next weekend. (NEC Birmingham).
We have been, sent, FREE tickets. When we went, last year, we found out some useful information, plus we got talking to some people organising tours in Gambia- (talk about “a PEEK into the FUTURE”, little do we know!).

We are looking for flights, over to Gambia, to attend the “ROOTS FESTIVAL” .
The only company that flies to Gambia, from the UK, during April – October, Is Gambia Experience http://www.gambia.co.uk/ . The prices are VERY HIGH, due to this fact.

We have looked into flying to Europe and then going on to Gambia, but that seems to be just as expensive, unless we had more time to investigate the options. (via Amsterdam or Spain seems to be mentioned a lot
To do all this, will cost a lot of money, so selling things on EBAY, will have to happen.
We also have to check up on travel insurance, for me, as we have to declare, my condition ATAXIA.

Check out the parking arrangements, or weather to stay in a hotel that offers airport parking with the deal.

A fairly full diary, for this week
Gym/physio
Meetings
The weather forecast, is not that good, to go out on my tricycle, but we will see, plus I might NOT have time.

Getting, back into GMT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-21T04:02:00.000-08:00

I am slowly getting organised.
Back to GMT Greenwich Mean Time - instead of Gambian MAYBE Time !!.

Been to lots of meetings
Been going Gym, (its good to be back)
Going out on my trike (in the good weather)

Been to http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ to see Cerys Mathews http://www.cerysmatthews.co.uk/ (15-2-08)

Started back Sailing, at Towy Boat Club (17-2-08).

We have had some VERY SAD news, from our friend in Gambia (Lamin). Lamin`s mother (who we have met, and is old and very frail) passed away on Tuesday (18-2-08).

There has been a National Campaign to lower the speed limit, on streets with schools. To add you name, go to www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/s20s---schools-20mph-safety-campaign.html THANK YOU

Adventure in The Gambia

2008-01-22T01:25:00.000-08:00

On 10th January, wee flew from Gatwick to Banjul, The Gambia.
After a six hour flight we were in Gambia International Airport.
A tall gentleman greeted us at the plane exit steps, he was to assist me through the airport. His assistance was very much appreciated, as the airport was absolute chaos, with holiday makers clambering for their luggage.

We made our way to the coach that was taking us to our apartment/hotel, Holiday Beach in Kololi. Our two bedroomed, ground floor, apartment was a very short walk to the beach and just in front of the swimming pool. (day time temperatures 28-32 degrees- HOT!!!).
There were plenty of places to eat on the Serragambia “strip” (once you run the gauntlet of “Bumsters” with their verbal hassling). Every type of cuisine can be found. This short street is very busy and chaotic. (The driving is very nerve racking!!!) cattle and people all over the road. Tarmac roads are very rare, majority of roads are sand and very very rough.
I was prepared to do some walking, but I ended up leaving the chair behind, as accessibility, in Gambia, is NOT provided for.

Next day, we were met by our guide Lamin Fatty, the gentleman from the airport.
He took us to Banjul – Arch 22, A Huge, Cream coloured, monument on Independence Drive, an amazing place to view the city.

Kachikally Crocodile Lagoon, where we were able to touch a Crocodile (A SCARY moment).
He also took us to a Abuko Nature reserve. Where we saw the diverse flora and fauna.
Introduced us to a small school – Alhaji Mamoir Secca Memorial Nursery/Lower Basic School. Where the children were thrilled to meet us and happy to show us their progress.

We all see pictures, on the TV (or other media) but the poor conditions, that they learn in and LIVE in, are a SHOCK when you see them “First Hand”.

He took us to the family compound, for a Traditional African meal and meet his relatives, and then to drink “Attaya” (China Green Tea) with his friends.
We visited a Reptile Centre, where we held snakes !!!!.
Also went to a Fishing village (where Smoked fish, were laid out on HUGE racks). All where very interesting and educating (and “eye opening”)
Near the end of our stay, he took us to buy some souvenirs, from some locals.
The highlight was returning to the family compound, for a meal and returning to the friends, to drink “Attaya” it was here that I showed children to make paper aeroplanes and spell “Alan” in the sand, which they were so grateful, The “Thankful” expressions on their faces, was delightful and very moving. These memories will stay with me forever.
When the time came to leave for the airport, we said our goodbyes, to hotel staff and friends that we made.
At the airport, Lamin, was waiting for us to get off the coach, and take us through the terminal, and wait for our plane. A three hour wait, Lamin stayed with us all the time, and made sure we were on the plane, and my wheelchair was stowed, with the cargo.
I would encourage any “Budding Globetrotters” to visit The Gambia.

Also I would like to express our gratitude and THANKS to Lamin Fatty – Ground Operator - Gambia International Airport, for his excellent service and attention in making our holiday, a very special time with great memories.
It was very emotional to leave such friendly people, behind.

We will be returning soon !!.

I will be posting reviews on tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/
Alans Adventures at www.llanboidy.com
photos on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
videos on youtube http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=alanroygbiv

Tunisian Adventure

2008-01-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

My Stay, during Xmas 2007 + New Year 2007, at Marhaba Palace, Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia, was FABULOUS.

Being an wheelchair user, I was very cautious about the accessibility of the hotel.
Even though the ramps, in Tunisia, are STEEP and are usually Marble, within the hotels, marble is slippery, especially when damp. On my stay, I met a few “mobility impaired” people, who found the hotel good, for the area
The staff are very helpful, if you tip them, they will do all they can.
There are four lifts, at opposite ends of the huge (flat) reception, which has a magnificent centre candelabra. Short pile carpet, on all other floors, does not hinder wheelability.

Rooms are big, (sea views, to the rear, town views else where) bathroom with over shower-bath, basin, Hairdrier, Towels clean every day. Separate toilet (which is on the small side). Hotel is a VERY LARGE H shape, with the beach side in the shade, after mid-day.

Maid service every day, very thorough, even art sculptures with the bed linen and bed clothes and net curtains. Laundry service available.
Restaurant has 3 levels (accessed by steps or ramps) Food is “Buffet” style, plenty of choice, and plenty of it. (you always have the same table, every night).
Breakfast is in a different room, again buffet style, plenty of choice. Waiters direct you to your table, some tables are wider than others (good for a wheelchair).
The hotel has a shop, hair salon, Al a Carte resturaunt, Fitness centre, tennis courts, mini golf, sauna and massage suite, indoor (heated) outdoor swimming pools. Short path to the beach 100 mtrs. Pool and beach bar. A short walk to the Marina.

When weather, is not so good, main hotel rooms, can become “chilly”, floor one has some settees, so you can still sit in the sun. (It rain heavily one day, so we sat in reception playing “I-SPY” !!!!!!!!)
The town of Port El Kantaoui is only 2minutes walk, along cobbled pavements or “wheel” on the road, but beware in a wheelchair (or even crossing, on crossings) you feel a bit of a target.
Sousse was very busy, crossing the dual carriageway (Zebra crossing) was an adventure in itself! Weaving in and out of traffic and crossing a railway, halfway across!!.
Entertainment was abit scarce, but it was December (not the high season).
Christmas and New Year GALA dinners were waiter service, 7 course meals (menu issued in advance, so you can notify them of any dislikes). With music and dancers.
On Christmas morning the children have gifs from Father Christmas (and even WHEELCHAIR users!!).
The guests where very friendly, we met a family from North Wales, another from Kent and Jason made friends with 2 children from Kent and a boy from Northern Ireland.
Jason has been sending text messages and talking to them, on the phone ever since.
Favourite sayings, of the shop traders, are Luvley Jubbly – Looky Looky – no BL***Y Hassle – ASDA Price. THE HAGGLING is something else.
.
A visit to Matmata, the Star Wars film set, where we had lunch
Visit El Jem, Ampitheatre. Very impressive. Even had a ramp, to the entry gate for the wheelchair. The secruity looked after it while I staggered around with my walking stick!
We took an excursion to the desert, to ride a camel,(we dressed up in costume) in the Sahara in Douz, where we stayed over night in a hotel
Chott Djed the salt lakes ,the expanse of these is astonishing, worth the trip.
Tozeur We took a horse and cart into an Oases, to see platations of Dates, palms, Fruits and a man climbing a tree!
Metloui on the Red Lizard train into the Atlas Mountains. Sights you only see in magazines or films.
Trip on a Galeon ship (sea was a bit rough that day), and a anther trip on the Albatross Catamaran. which had large port holes under the water line, so a good look at the sea floor.
In Port El Kantaoui, I went on the “Noddy Train” to Souz (twice) a journey well worth 3 Dinars (approx £1.50) for 10kms. It goes along the main road so you have more time to look at the scenery, you missed, on the coach.
We also went on the “Camel Caravan” a horse carriage to see a woman making bread and a Camel drink from a “Coke” bottle (a bit cruel).
Monastir airport was very good, an airport porter assisted us through the airport, giving us “Priority” check-in and missing all the queues.
Back in the UK we stayed in a Travelodge in Reading, so as to break up the long journey home

More information ASAP via www.llanboidy.com and http://alanroygbiv.blogspot.com/
Photos on http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Videos on http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=alanroygbiv

My return has been chaos, replying to emails, unpacking -packing, sorting the travel arrangements for travel to Gambia later this week.

HOME - HECTIC - PACK !!

2008-01-05T03:40:00.000-08:00

Got back from Tunisia, on Wednesday.
So the last few days have been a bit hectic!!.
(unpacking, washing, downloading photos (1000 of them), picking up tickets, for our flight to Gambia – next week.
I will upload photos to Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/ and www.llanboidy.com and post a report on the travel as soon as I can.
All I will say the hotel was fantastic (food brilliant) – saw the desert (went on a camel), saw the salt lakes, Ampitheatre, souks – Weather was a bit disappointing ! (but still better than the UK!).

Travel Count down !!!

2007-12-18T03:50:00.000-08:00

Hours!!

I Wish you a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year.

(I will, think of the COLD weather, back home !!)

My Adventures, will appear on www.llanboidy.com or www.alanroygbiv.co.uk
as soon as I get back.

PACKING

2007-12-15T06:04:00.001-08:00

Started packing, for Tunisia, next week.

The Ataxia South Wales Christmas Dinner was on Monday evening, in Swansea. Very good (some enjoyed a bit more, than others,, and found their selves under the table !!)

Went to a Seminar with Cerebra, http://www.cerebra.org.uk/ to Swansea on Tuesday, very imformative.
Wednesday. Meeting in Trinity College, Carmarthen
In the afternoon, registered a couple of DOMAIN names, one is www.alanroygbiv.co.uk (which is under construction) but worth you visiting very often.

Coleshill had its Christmas dinner, on Thursday.

Went to the surgery in Carmarthen, for inoculation, for yellow fever paid £50, for it !!. (but now I can go ALL OVER THE WORLD !!!!.

Today, just uploading /emailing and packing .

Globe Trotting !!!

2007-12-10T02:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, went to a Christmas fair at Carmarthen Showground.
Went to a meeting, on Monday (am) with SWWitch http://www.swwitch.net/
After I went in to town, got a parking ticket, see BBC Ouch http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F2322273?thread=4849646
Tuesday, went to have my inoculations, ready for holiday to Tunisia.
(SEE my news on Friday).

Thursday 6th, Went to council meeting then went via train to attend “Festive Drinks” at Studio C1 BBC Cardiff!!.
Saw loads of famous people, spoke to a few, got photos of some (see Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/ )
Friday, went to Coleshill, then , in the afternoon, Dawn picked me up, and we went to the travel agents, in Trostre, Llanelli, and we have booked a holiday, Gambia, 7 days !! a few days after we come back from Tunisia.

Saturday 8-12-07, took Jason (nephew) to his swimming lesson, in Narberth, then we went to Theatr Mwldan to see Fred Claus http://fredclaus.warnerbros.com/
And on Sunday, we returned, to Theatr Mwldan, to see “The Golden Compass. http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/
Tonight, the Christmas dinner with Ataxia South Wales, in Swansea.

As I wrote before, Geoff Holt WON BBC South Sports Personality
http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/content/articles/2007/12/03/sports_awards_2007_feature.shtml

Uneventfull but exhausting

2007-11-28T04:41:00.000-08:00

Uneventful, Weekend (for a change) went shopping, to Llanelli on Saturday.
Spent Sunday afternoon watching Nancy Drew http://nancydrewmovie.warnerbros.com/ in http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ Cardigan Cinema
Monday, caught the bus to Carmarthen, to attend a meeting, but I was too late, so had to travel home. Had to wait a fair while, for a bus, as the one I was going to catch “had broken down” and the replacement wasn’t accessible!.
Was in meetings all day Tuesday
First one http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/agendas/eng/RLSC20071127/index.asp
afternoon http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/agendas/eng/RLJT20071127/index.asp
Then went over to catch a train to Swansea, for a public meeting with Cerebra http://www.cerebra.org.uk/ they have 2 more public Lectures at Grand Theatre, Swansea
Thursday 6th December 7pm – Behaviour Management
Thursday 11th December 7pm – Sleep Disorders in children/young adults with Neurological Conditions.
Time I got home it was 11.45pm – so today I am exhausted !!!

This morning got an email saying that Geoff Holt www.personaleverest.com has reached the last few of Sports Personality see http://www.bbc.co.uk/southtoday/content/articles/2007/11/02/sports_awards_feature.shtml
So ring to vote 09015225103

Exhausting, Exciting Weekend

2007-11-20T01:34:00.000-08:00

Monday (12-11-07) saw A visit to Trinity College, Carmarthen to attend a meeting of the Carmarthen C.I.L. steering group.
Then on Thursday (15-11-07) I attended a meeting for the Swansea C.I.L. steering group, both meetings were very interesting.

Friday (16-11-07) saw us travel down to Hamble, Southampton for a Sailability http://www.rya.org.uk/AboutRYA/RYASailability/ Fundraising dinner, with Guest speaker Geoff Holt www.personaleverest.com .
It started @ 7.00pm, with a champagne reception.
I was told, a dinning table had been named after me !!
Plus I was emotionally surprised, that Geoff Holt, named me and used some photos of me, during his presentation, which he is using at all the events he is attending.
The auction, that was held to raise funds, was a bit out of my league, most items started at a low price of £1000. !!!!!
The meal was very good
Starter of pate, toast, lettuce, onion relish
Main chicken breast wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower and mange tout and rich gravy
Pudding, chocolate roulade and fruit cooli
Coffee and mints
Wine throughout.
Then retire to “mingle” or go to the bar.

Saturday, was a very exciting day.
Juilet (a close friend, who was also following Geoff Holt) and I went down to Hayling Island, Portsmouth to try out an Artemis 20 boat http://www.vizmarine.com/uk/index.htm which was being demonstrated by the managing director (Dave Rutter) and www.vizmarine.com .
This is the same boat as used by Hillary Lister, on her sailing challenge http://www.hilarylister.co.uk/da/18355 it is an awesome boat, very sleek, very fast and very strong (made of carbon-fibre)
Today it is back to normal. I am totally exhausted, but tomorrow I have a meeting at Ramada Hotel, Swansea of the Welsh Assembly Single Equality Scheme.
Photos are on www.llanboidy.com and on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Plus BBC Cymru/Wales has sent an invitation, for us to attend their Cardiff studios for “Festive” drinks in December.

TIME TIME TIME

2007-11-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Time seems to FLY,, by ?????

Last weekend I was going out sailing (Saturday) but there was NO wind. The sea was like a “Mirror”
Managed to go out (Sunday).
Had to take the car in for its first service, to Neyland http://www.sinclairvolkswagen.co.uk/ . Had a courtesy car and went in to Milford Haven. The new marina is very nice. http://www.nelsonquay.co.uk/
In the evening went to Llanboidy village fireworks www.llanboidy.com.
I got my invite to the Sailability dinner in Hamble Southampton. May be have a chance to sail in the Solent, (more next time)
This Friday, went to Cardiff Bay http://www.cardiffbay.co.uk/ (webcam http://www.itvlocal.com/wales/live/ ) for a meeting with NIACE Dysgu Cymru http://www.niace.org.uk/ (http://niace.rcthosting.com/en/ ) I went to Cardiff Central by train and down to the Bay by Taxi, caught a bus back to the train station (bus travel is FREE for me!!).Cardiff Bay is excellent for a day out, all new buildings, plenty of cafes and restaurants. Lots to do and see Home of the “Wales Millenum Centre” http://www.wmc.org.uk/index.cfm?alias=building and the “Senedd” http://www.assemblywales.org/ (photos on www.llanboidy.com and http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

forgot to add "link"

2007-11-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

Geoff Holt has added this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I4XtZR5pgE
Thats ME with Geoff and his son Timmy (in Dale)

POSH

2007-11-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

Went to a Taf Myrddin Community Network, http://www.thecarmarthenshirepartnership.org.uk/index.asp?locID=105&docID=-1 meeting @ Conwil Elfed on Tuesday evening – very informative. (my Digital Story was played ). http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/audiovideo/sites/yourvideo/pages/alan_thomas_01.shtml

Got a phone call, from the cinema http://www.mwldan.co.uk/index.php We have had the chance of tickets to see Cerys Mathews during her tour. She will be in Cardigan in February 2008 (postponed from November 2007).

Had too much to do on Friday, (plus a small cold!!) So I stayed at home.

Later in the day we went to see “Ratatouille” afterwards we enjoyed a meal at a Chinese restaurant.

Took Jason (nephew) to his swimming lesson, in Narberth, on Saturday, then went over to Neyland, Milford Haven and back to Haverfordwest, to do some shopping in Tesco.
Sunday, started with heavy rain and gales, but it subsided, as we left to go to Llanelli. We had lunch in the Millenium Coastal path Visitor Centre – before we when to Coleshill Social Centre – for South Wales Ataxia.

Today (Monday) went to, the Chamber, Carmarthen County Hall, meeting of http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/agendas/eng/EXEB20071029/index.asp I was a bit late, as the bus was a bit late arriving in StClears. But I didn’t miss much.

My post, on OUCH http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F2322273?thread=4730516 says all about “the HELP” from another person, who seems to know what is best for me!! (Major education, of peoples attitudes, is VERY evident!!!)

Rang, NIACE Dysgu Cymru http://niace.rcthosting.com/en/ for more information on a seminar/meeting in Cardiff Bay (next week) will have to look into transport as I need to be there by 10.00am. getting a train to /Cardiff station is OK, organising a taxi down to the bay will be a “wait and see” plan !!!.

Gym on Tuesday, afterwards I (drove) to Amroth, for tea and a Welsh cake. Then wet on to Saundersfoot, The tide was out (sea was very CALM) (good for KAYAKING!!)so Saundersfoot harbour was “DRY”. Looked at a few gift shops, to look for some sailing/wet suit boots (cheap ones, as I am going to buy some “good” quality ones. (proper ones, came today Thursday)
In the evening went to the village hall, to see the Young Farmers Halloween Party photos on www.llanboidy.com (AM I GETTING OLD!! OR ARE YOUNG KIDS GETTING NOISEY!!!). Nodout, there arre some very HYPER kids out there today (after all the sweets and pop). While there I was to “JUDGE” the costumes for the “Best Costume” prize –(was that part of being the only one in a wheelchair ??- at least the kids are getting awareness of a person with a disability, a VERY good thing/issue).

I have received an invite to THE SAILABILITY dinner in Royal Southern Yacht Club, http://www.royal-southern.co.uk/ Hamble, Southampton. Only thing is, it’s a shirt and tie and posh frock, event- I HAVENT WORN A TIE since school, and then it was under dureress!!! (perhaps I will get a Towy Boat Club, tie to wear).

Going out today (Wednesday) to look for a suit !!!!! (and BOW tie)

NOTICED--AGAIN!!!

2007-10-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

Just a short update.

Last night, (23-10-07) I attended a Taf Myrddin Community Network meeting, in Conwyl Elfed (Village Hall).
My Digital Story http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/audiovideo/sites/yourvideo/pages/alan_thomas_01.shtml was shown to the attendees (mostly Board Members of organisations). I also made some useful contacts and a relative of an Ataxia sufferer (who is going to telephone me).

Today (Wednesday) Geoff Holt (www.personaleverest.com) emailed me with a link to a you tube clip he has published
A BIG THANK YOU TO GEOFF, I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE MET YOU.

Fabulous weekend -- good news Monday

2007-10-23T03:32:00.000-07:00

Tim Spivey and Alice Cooke got married, on Saturday, @ 11.00am in Holy Trinity, Hereford http://www.holytrinityhereford.org/ministry.asp
With a MAGNIFICENT reception at the Left Bank Village http://www.leftbank.co.uk/
3 course dinner of
Mushroom soup (with Ravioli, parcel)
Chicken Breast wrapped in Bacon with mashed potato (flavoured with bacon) and vegetables
Citrus Cheesecake with sorbet
Coffee or Tea
Wine throughout

The couple are Honeymooning on a Cruise of the Rhine.
Many thanks for a wonderful day.
Best Wishes to the Happy Couple

On the way, to Hereford, we stopped at McArthurglen, Bridgend. http://www.bridgenddesigneroutlet.com/consumer.asp?url=mcarthurglen I bought some sallopettes (for sailing and Kayaking), from Helly Hansen http://www.hellyhansen.com/
I will try and get photos up on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
We travelled back, that evening, as I was going Sailing WOOHOO WOOHOO. (Sunday) There was a fair Breeze, (so I thought “it looked” promising).
We arrived at Towy Boat Club, the wind, was fairly “brisk”. But as the Towy Estuary is sheltered, on both sides, by hills, the wind was not so strong and there was even “pockets” of NO wind !!!

So “back to normal” gym, swimming and tricycling (early am (7 ish)
Editing / HTML code –
Community meetings
Ataxia South Wales, meeting on Sunday (28th)

Juliet Prentice, from Devon, who I met (while at Hamble) has just informed me of some GOOD NEWS!!! Juliet is going to Isle of Wight, (on a course) to experience sailing, on the sea. The course will last for 4-5 days, I told her to update me on her return. (so accurate information, as soon as I get to convey it !!).

Juliet – I am excited for you, (and a bit JEALOUS)(WOOHOO)

I will be checking the weather via www.weatheronline.com for her voyage (and to check up on weather in my area).

We meet again

2007-10-17T03:50:00.000-07:00

Managed to get some bowls in while the YFC set up the divers (talk) equipment.

The talk was very interesting see www.llanboidy.com

Been out on my trike nearly every day early mornings 7.00 and again in the afternoons.

Saturday, went to cinema http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ saw TRANSFOMERS http://www.transformersmovie.com/ A fairly exciting film, continuous action all the way through!!

We went for Sunday lunch at Flat Rock http://www.gwberthotel.net/
Very nice place and views are MAGNIFICANT.
Travel down there for lunch and we see Mr & Mrs Sullivan, from the village (website team) We have bumped into each other at twice (at various Non village events) LOOKS LIKE we get about , the county, a fair bit !!

I am attending the wedding of Alice Cooke and Tim Spivey in Hereford, this Saturday.
I WISH them both the very best.
See you there.
(sorry, but haven’t managed to source a correct HAT).

WOOHOO SAILING this Sunday (solo)

"Positively Important" ??

2007-10-09T02:50:00.000-07:00

A very interesting, week.
Been to many meetings (more later)
As usual been out on my tricycle, most days early morning and sometimes, in the afternoon as well. Up to 10 miles (some days !!)
Been to the Gym and swimming.
Didn’t go to Coleshill, on Friday, have got a cold and was not going “to spread my germs. (SO THOUGHTFUL, ME !!)
Had a go at “short Mat Bowls” with the Llanboidy Bowls Club, I will be going again, as it seems I am “better”, than I ever Imagined, I could be, with a “co-ordination” problem.

I have been spending “a lot” of time Learning HTML code, to use on www.llanboidy.com . This was a “steep” learning curve, and I have made “lots” of mistakes (but, hopefully, I will learn from them!!).
I have been given the title of “Website Administrator” for www.llanboidy.com
And to “TOP IT ALL” while I was “backing up” my work on to CD-ROM, the (USB) memory pen drive (with a lot of important files) decided to become “FAULTY” (It seems to stop working when it gets to a certain temperature??) so I copied ALL of its contents, when I first used it and it was “cold”, over to “disc” “just in-case” it goes before I can replace it!!.

Saturday, (6-10-07) went SAILING again WOOHOO WOOHOO. It has been very warm, in the last few days, and it was a nice day. Alas NO wind, I mean NO wind, the instructor and I managed to tack across the estuary, very very slowly, plus drifting with the tide, and being towed, in to what seemed a “WIND” pocket-but was NOT, we weren’t the only ones! Only one boat seemed to be moving well, but we learned, afterwards, that they were using a small ENGINE !!!.
Going again Sunday, Hoping for a “winder” sail been checking www.weatheronline.co.uk the forecast isn’t “brilliant” but we will see !!.
All, I know, it is a lot “cloudier” and “colder” than Saturday.

Been looking at Travel brochures, getting some ideas, ready for next “spring”—by then I will probably needing a “holiday/adventure”!.

Got some “Very Very” important meetings lined up over the coming weeks (just suffice to say between a Large Charity and a county council,)

Oh, just to add to the mix!!
Llanboidy YFC are holding a meeting where they are having a “Talk” on Scuba Diving, by a person involved with this activity, and I am invited to attend. Diving, with a wheelie/disability….ermm, should be interesting !!!.

Been to meetings, Center for Inclusive Living, Steering Committee, Trinity College. My Digital Story has been seen by various "high up" people!!
Llanboidy YFC (Diving talk. Bowls club where I think I am getting the hang of things !!).

TOO busy to UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have been to busy, to update this BLOG ??????????????

After my last entry, I did go sailing, the wind was only a breeze at Towy Boat Club, Llanstephan. see it at www.llanboidy.com and http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/?saved=1 . It was very good will be going again on October 6 and 7th (two days !!).

Been to various meetings
trying togather information for website
been out in my tricycle most days (very early mornings)
going swimming and to the Gym
saw Ten Canoes, at Theatr Mwldan http://www.tencanoes.com.au/tencanoes/

learning HTML code for editing www.llanboidy.com

WOO HOO WOO HOO WOO HOO

2007-09-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Going SAILING tomorrow.

Hope the weather, is OK. Been checking weather online at http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/ukweather.htm

Will be going with Towy Boat Club, Llanstephan.

Trying to "GET" back to "Normality / EARTH"!!!!!!!!

2007-09-18T01:51:00.000-07:00

WELL, What an exciting (and exhausting) time,this Saturday, at the Southampton Boat Show.
It is a VERY big show, a lot to see and do.
Food and drink is very expensive, in the show (cup of tea £2.40).
A Stand worth a mention is the very impressive “SUNSEEKER” yachts,-- http://www.sunseekerboats.co.uk/ which has dedicated staff, with STEP CLIMBER, to assist disabled visitors.

We, travelled up, to a Travelodge just west of Andover, on Friday night, a good thing as motorway was very busy.

More on the show at www.llanboidy.com (Alans Adventures)

After, the show, we went for a meal at The Swan, pub and restaurant in Barton Stacey (Andover). Very nice meal in a nice setting.

On, the return journey, on Sunday, we visited STONEHENGE. Very ATMOSPHERIC. We got there early Sunday morning but it soon got very busy and chaotic. It is well worth the visit. During the visit, you will be given a headset to listen to an informative “audio description”.
Photos on -- http://www.flickr.com/ within the next few days

About halfway, on the homeward journey, we called in, with our niece, who works (and lives) at a country pub in Sutton Benger, Chippenham. The Sunday roast we ordered, was excellent.
I think “my Adventures” will have to include Chippenham, from now on. Chippenham has a train station, which is only a few miles, for my niece to come and pick me up (HINT HINT)

Next Sunday (23-9-07), I am invited, to Towy Boat Club, to go sailing in a “Challenger” Trimaran, (same as “Geoff Holt” www.personaleverest.com) .

Geoff Holt has been nominated as a contender for yachtsman of the year,
Via RAYMARINE.
PLEASE If you feel the need to vote for him, you can at -- http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&Section=43&Page=891&Parent=43

Talking about sailing, I am interested in a Hobie Adventure Island Mirage (a KAYAK Trimaran, with a sail).-- http://www.hobiecat.com/adventure-island/models_adventure_island.html
So it will be a BIG decision on which to invest – a “Hobie” or “Advanced Elements KAYAK.

Today (Monday 17-9-07) “a rest day” with the added bonus of hour and half in the GYM !!!!

CALM CALM CALM CALM

2007-09-12T03:46:00.000-07:00

Well, what an Exciting and EMOTIONAL, day. (Wednesday 5-9-07) Geoff www.personaleverest.com came to Hamble, slipway. Greeted by many supporters and PRESS. (Google Geoff Holt, and you will see).
I was introduced, to a person, who I have only seen her name on (Geoff`s) blog. Both of us have have been inspired by this event, and are persuing "the sailing idea", Geoff has mentioned us in his blog and during his speech. THANK YOU. It was a great honour to be there!!!!. I will catch up with him at the Southampton Boat Show. more over on www.llanboidy.com (as soon as I can)

After my "Hectic" few days, a rest is in order, before I am off to the Boat Show.

Plans, for the trip are "in hand".
Traveling by car, as apposed to train, like when I went to Hamble, last week.

First night, stayed in B&B in Hamble.
Second night, stayed at Royal Southern Yacht Club, A very nice stay, (Very POSH).
Was invited out, for a meal, with Geoff, his wife, Elaine, and the PE team.
Italian in Botley.

At the moment, I am trying to "calm" down and getting things "sorted" for www.llanboidy.com .
Been out on my trike most early mornings, and swimming and to the Gym.

OH Yes, hope fully, going sailing, at Towy Boat Club, a week Sunday.

WOOSH (the sound of TIME????)

2007-09-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

Time, goes, by, so fast !!!!!!

To summarize

Been out on trike (most days, twice) first time early am and again in the pm.

Speech therpy on 23-8-09

Kayak (a lot) 22-8-07 all day, at Amroth.
Mow lawn (as soon as it needs to, much to passers by ammusment)

Visit a Vintage show 26-8-07 http://www.ukcamera.com/moduron/vintageshow/

Swimming, gym

Crymych Food and Craft Festival 28-8-07
(A complait about (NO access, has been lodged with Pembs. Council)

A Visit was made to http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/eng/index.asp?locID=5517&docID=-1 (1-9-07)

Watched "Sunshine" on DVD (twice) http://www.sunshinedna.com/ A BRILLIANT film

Due to a prior engagement, I couldn’t help Ataxia South Wales, during a fund raising/ awareness event, at Stradey Stadium, Llanelli (pm of 1-9-07) sorry to all !!

Yesterday evening I went to see Andy Kirkpatrick, http://www.whatsonwales.co.uk/c/13/i/6018/l/1/ , in Theatr Mwldan
I went to see, Andy, in his other show, http://www.psychovertical.com/

I have Today, been CONFIRMING, my travel plans, to meet Geoff Holt www.personaleverest.com
Going Tommorrow Tuesday 4-9-07) by train , staying in Bed + Breakfast, (for a day or two) before my return.
I will write about it then, for www.llanboidy.com

In a few days we will see him at Southampton Boat Show http://www.southamptonboatshow.com/

normal (ish) Weekend

2007-08-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

A fairly, busy, weekend.

Went to Theatr Mwldan, cinema (Cardigan), picked up Jason, on the way.
Went to see, SURFS UP, an OK film, a bit slow?? (A kids film)

After, we had lunch, in Caffi Mldan (Lovely homemade food), we went to buy another paddle, for me and my Kayaking Adventures!!, from Heritage Canoes (new Shop). While there, I asked about their trips/excursions on the river Teifi, (with the view of getting some expert advice/lessons, in Kayaking.

I went to watch Crymych Triathlon, early Sunday am (first racer, start 9.00 am).
It was a very cold and windy, spectator position, but I have some good photographs.
After, I returned, we went up to Tesco Carmarthen and took Jason home, on the way back.

Before, my, swim, today, I have emails, to compose and send, photos to download, and rename organise, other "webby" things to sort out!!

DON’T FORGET, TO REVISIT www.llanboidy.com , or even “book mark” it !!!

uploading uploading uploading

2007-08-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Uploading, most of the day.
some to flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/1127351130/in/photostream/
Alot on to www.llanboidy.com (these are not "live" yet)

The weather, forecast, was for heavy rain and gales, but it has been very warm and a "gentle" breeze ??? (here anyway).

Think a trip to the Gym, is happening, tomorrow.

rain and rest

2007-08-15T02:07:00.001-07:00

After, a relaxing (and tiring) swim.
Return home, decide to go to Theatr Mwldan , to see a film. (we met, Jason (nephew), in the cinema. We saw Evan Almighty , it was a good film, funny in places, worth seeing.
I also, renewed, my , Theatr Mwldan Film Society, Membership card, which is valid for 12 months. More (and accurately) on the Theatr Mwldan website

Its, raining, this morning (Wednesday), so I will, have chance to catch up with, a lot of computer related, things, especially for www.llanboidy.com