News

Badger and the balancing act

Published

9 years ago

February 26, 2015

SOME people, readers, who shall for the moment remain shameless, seem to think that newspapers and other media should not report news as it is but news as they would wish it to be. To them, every day is a good news day and every mishap, misstep or disaster is an ‘opportunity’. Well readers, over the last few years, readers, there have been plenty of chances for Badger’s chums at County Hall and Health Board HQ to avail themselves of some pretty catastrophic opportunities. Some believe that there should be more stories about diligent councillors doing their altruistic level best with nary a thought about preening their public image or grabbing an extra allowance or three. To those persons, readers, it’s all about ‘never mind the quality, feel the width’. Still, others believe that they and their organizations are misrepresented or represented unfairly by Badger and his ilk. They complain that negative news affects how the services they deliver are perceived and hamper their efforts at recruitment and improvement.

To those people, readers, there are no cuts there are only ‘efficiency savings’ and staffing problems cannot possibly be the result of crappy staff management and salami-slicing cuts. Apparently, readers, such is Badger’s power over the hearts and minds of the surface world that the merest flick of his claw sends shivers through bureaucrats and petty politicians with nothing better to do than take careful aim at the messenger, rather than act on their own faults and flaws. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course. Badger is a solitary creature tip-tapping away in his sett, pausing only to look up at the outside world and do some reading. However, those who complain the loudest have public servants on hand to prepare their carefully chosen words for them. Those without wordsmiths on tap are handsomely paid from the public purse, presumably on the basis they are able to string two words together and express themselves in a clear and clearly thought out way. Or so you would think. Words are slippery things, readers, and they do not always mean what you and Badger might believe. Badger wants, therefore, to show you, dear readers, the sort of sign posts that one should look for when questioning the pronouncements made by those in public authority. Here readers, Badger will provide three phrases to watch out for when you are trying to ascertain the amount of horse feathers being peddled on each occasion you might hear them.

1. ‘Everyone agrees that no change is not an option’ This phrase is especially beloved of those seeking to ram through a radical programme for which they have no democratic mandate on the basis that we’ve all gone to hell in a handcart and only they can operate the brake. It impliedly asks you to ignore the fact that they got us into this infernal truck in the first place. It is indicative of prejudgement of a substantive issue that precludes the chance of proper debate around alternatives. The meaning of the term ‘everyone’ in this case can vary from ‘the members of the ‘independent’ panel I appointed who have surprisingly agreed with my objectives’, through to ‘a policy think tank populated by people with ideas and no common sense’, ‘my cabinet colleagues and I’, and – as Badger suspects in Leighton Andrews’ and Mark Drakeford’s cases – ‘the voices in my head’.

2. ‘The level of service has fallen far short of the level of service we usually provide and is below expectations we set for ourselves’ Badger’s bugbear, if badgers have bugbears, readers, is the use of the above phrase in the context of the non-admission admission that the service provided has been appalling. Let’s look at the phrase critically for a moment or two. What is actually being said is that the person or body at fault is one which sets itself high standards and that – in this instance ONLY – those standards have not been met. It is asking you, the engaged reader, viewer or listener, to agree that – for example only – Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board could not possibly have known about the level of elderly patient mistreatment and neglect at Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, despite the fact that the course of alleged misconduct covered many years, was the subject of a number of complaints and involved a significant number of health workers, several of whom have now been charged with criminal offences. If they said what they mean in the way that they really feel about it, something like this would be more appropriate: “Our management systems are chaotic and we systematically ignored complaints and warning signs. Sorry.” (Jazz hands).

3. ‘Lessons must be learned; and they will be learned’ Now, readers, this is a phrase that can be deployed in almost any circumstance in which the speaker or writer needs to verbalise contrition while signalling that they want to brush a scandal under the carpet. It is most often deployed by those seeking to demonstrate that, no matter what previous failings there may have been, they are committed to sorting them out and hope that you will not notice that they are the group or individual responsible for the cock up in the first place. A special ‘sad’ voice is used to deliver this phrase, possibly to distract attention from some pretty lumpy carpets about the place. Jamie Adams used to love this one when he rattled on about the failings in our county’s education system that his administration had put right. Did you know, readers, that the administration that piloted Pembrokeshire’s education system into the mire is the same one that seeks your approval for digging it back out of the mire with the help of the Welsh Government? Did you know that Jamie Adams was Deputy Leader of the council for four years and a deputy Cabinet and Cabinet member for three or four years before that? Because if you didn’t, readers, Jamie isn’t about to tell you. Otherwise there is a risk that, unlike some of his Cabinet colleagues and IPPG stooges, you will be able to work out how many beans make five and where the buck must ultimately stop. No wonder it was once said ‘I have seen the future and it smirks’. Looking at Jamie Adams one can see the future is now. Badger is not demonstrating bias here, readers. Badger thinks that statements coming from authority should be forensically examined. After all, readers, policies mean pounds – and pounds mean you and me are going to pay policies’ prices. It is right to approach a statement with an open mind in the hope of judging whether, on balance, one agrees with a policy or not. It is our duty to read and listen critically and to question authority. Sometimes authority will be right, but we must always test it first and judge it. Badger is a sceptic, but that does not mean he is a pessimist. Badger always travels hopefully, readers, when reading a pronouncement, listening to a speech, following a debate. It is hardly Badger’s fault that it is usually better to travel hopefully than to arrive.

Charity

Water Safety Wales welcomes Govt pledge to help reduce drowning

Published

15 mins ago

May 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN LIGHT of the shocking statistic that an average of 45 people drown in Wales every year, the Welsh Government has pledged its support to a vision of Wales without drowning.

A funding package is being delivered to Water Safety Wales – a collaboration of organisations with an interest in water safety and drowning prevention.

Welsh Government support to ensure the effective delivery of Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026 comes in light of statistics revealing the drowning rate in Wales is roughly double that of the UK as a whole. In addition:

48 people lost their lives in water related fatalities in 2022.
1,755 water related incidents in Wales required an emergency response each year, equating to around five every day (WDPS 2020-2026).
Figures collated by Swim Wales show only 41 per cent of children in Years 3-6 in Wales can swim.

The Welsh Government is committed to promoting the safe participation in water activities and today’s announcement will support the strategy’s aims to enable the safe enjoyments of of Wales’ coast and inland waters. An event will take place at the Pier Head to celebrate the strengthened link between Water Safety Wales and the Welsh Government, with key note speakers.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs will address the event on Wednesday. He says: “I am grateful to all of those working to improve water safety awareness and help reduce the number of water-related incidents and fatalities in Wales.

“Through the achievement and recognition of the Mark Allen’s Law petition, we are not just commemorating a life lost but taking positive steps to protecting others.

“The Senedd Petition Committee’s recommendations are comprehensive and we are committed to addressing the challenges that contribute to water related incidents in Wales.

“Through our collaborative work with partners, we will continue to identify and address hazards, foster a culture of water safety from an early age and keep our waters as safe as possible.”

Chris Cousens, Water Safety Wales chair says: ‘Wales’ seas and inland open waters – enjoyed by millions each year – are the best anywhere in the world and we want to help people enjoy them safely. We are delighted to have the support of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs and his teams in reducing drowning in Wales. The financial support provided will allow a step change in our efforts to effectively deliver Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026. We hope it is a first step toward a long and close relationship working on drowning prevention in Wales in the years to come.’

The strategy promotes a consistent and common approach to water safety, drowning prevention and water safety education and awareness. It aims to work in a collaborative multi-agency approach to identify and target harden areas of risk and develop and implement Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-26.

Amount the aims are promoting public awareness of water-related risks and the safe participation in water activities across Wales, developing learning to swim and water safety education.

The group also works closely with families affected by water-related incidents and welcoming the proposal is Leanne Bartley from Ruthin, mum of Mark Allen who sadly died in an incident at a reservoir in 2018. Leeanne’s petition was a catalyst for change and she will be speaking of her experiences at the event.

Leanne says: ‘To lose a loved one to drowning is truly devastating; the impact on families left behind is shattering. Nothing I do will bring back Mark, but what I can do is help ensure other families don’t have to suffer in the way we have. The sad thing is the majority of drowning incidents are preventable, which is why I’m committed to working alongside Water Safety Wales to highlight the risk and work towards the vision of a Wales without drowning. To have this support from Welsh Government is a massive step forward, we are incredibly grateful for this support.’

Entertainment

Saundersfoot Footlights presents: ‘The Addams Family, the Musical’

Published

19 mins ago

May 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Normal? Define “normal”

EMBRACE the bizarre and celebrate the unconventional as Saundersfoot Footlights proudly presents “The Addams Family, the Musical”! In a world where “normal” is a relative term, the iconic Addams clan invites you to delve into their delightfully macabre universe. As we plunge headfirst into rehearsals, it’s abundantly clear: we’re having a monstrous amount of fun!

Their dedicated cast is pulling out all the stops, honing every song and dance number to perfection. Get ready for a spine-tingling spectacle that will leave you spellbound! With its unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping costumes, “The Addams Family” promises an evening of eerie entertainment like no other.

What sets this production apart is the attention to detail given to every ensemble member. Even without uttering a word, each performer breathes life into their character, weaving a silent yet captivating narrative. The Ancestors, in particular, add a hauntingly beautiful dimension to the show, their graceful movements choreographing the chaos that ensues whenever the Addams are involved.

Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of crazy antics, eccentric personalities, and a whole lot of love, especially when Morticia and Gomez take the stage for the mesmerizing “Tango De Amor”. And fear not! Our Musical Director is dedicated to ensuring that every note sung resonates with perfection, prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our cast throughout.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, their set and props team are working tirelessly to transport audiences into the eerie elegance of the Addams Mansion. From crafting their own slice of Central Park to meticulously designing a haunting graveyard, every detail is meticulously crafted to immerse you in the Addams experience.

Of course, no Addams production would be complete without its iconic costumes. Each outfit is a work of art, breathing life into the characters and adding an extra layer of magic to the performance.

And let’s not forget our versatile tech crew, masters of light, sound, smoke, and pyrotechnics. With their expertise, they bring a touch of theatrical wizardry to every scene, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience for all.

Tickets are available NOW! Don’t miss your chance to join the madness from Monday, May 27th to Saturday, June 1st at The Regency Hall in Saundersfoot. Book online at www.Saundersfootamdram.co.uk or grab yours directly from The Regency Hall box office.

Prepare to be enchanted, amused, and thoroughly spooked as the Addams Family descends upon Saundersfoot. See you there… if you dare!

Health

High pollen counts forecast for Wales this week

Published

25 mins ago

May 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CURRENT forecasts are for high pollen counts from today until Sunday across Wales, and airborne allergens expert has said. Max Wiseberg added: “This is not good news for hay fever sufferers across Wales. The main culprit is oak pollen which is now in peak season and there are some early grass pollens.”

Max continues, “However, better news is that, whilst there is no cure for hay fever, there are many measures and precautions you can take to help reduce the effects of the pollen. Although many hay fever sufferers find that nothing really works or that some remedies help, but nothing does the whole job, or what worked last year doesn’t work today, there is another way. A novel approach is to combine products for greater effect, and create your own ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’.”

“So if nothing works on its own, or your symptoms are particularly severe on a given day, create your own Hay Fever First Aid Kit, in other words use a combination of products, which can be complementary to one another. I suggest that your ideal Hay Fever First Aid Kit will consist of a prevention, such as HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) nasal spray, eye drops and one or more other natural products,”

Max goes on to explain how all the elements of a Hay Fever First Aid Kit work:

“The first thing is to avoid the pollen in the first place with an organic allergen barrier balm such as HayMax applied around the nostrils and bones of the eyes to help stop pollen getting in.”

“There are several forms of medication you can take that seek to reduce the effects of the pollen on the body.

Try an antihistamine, to counteract the effects of too many histamines, the body’s reaction to too much pollen; the most common are acrivastine, cetirizine, chlorphenamine, desloratadine, fexofenadine and loratadine.
Use a steroid nasal spray, which works by fighting inflammation and mucus production, helping clear nasal symptoms – itching, sneezing, watering and congestion.
Eye drops work in one of three ways; some stop the histamine release, some are anti-inflammatory and others block the inflammation caused by histamine.
There are several types of each, so if one doesn’t work particularly well or stops working, it’s worth trying another.”

“There are many other drug-free and natural products available for hay fever sufferers.

Quercetin is thought to limit the release of histamine; found naturally in many foods, it can also be taken in a capsule.
Butterbur is a herbal extract believed to have an antihistamine-like effect on hay fever symptoms and is available in capsules.
Immune boosting wellness formulae, such as Bee Prepared Daily Defence Immune Support which contains only all natural ingredients that help support the immune system, help the body fight the effects of the pollen.”