News

Badger and the season of goodwill

Published

11 years ago

February 26, 2015

AND SO, like a particularly obnoxious curry, December has once again come around to torment poor Badger. This, readers, this is Badger’s badger84image least favourite time of year: scarred by decades of exposure to Christmas ‘specials’ Badger is afflicted with chronic tinselitis. The very sound of the word ‘merry’, or worse ‘merrie’, is enough to give Badger fond thoughts of emigration to climes where jolliness and holly-ness is a touch less de rigeur. Events this year have compelled Badger to cast his mind back over the years. Along that journey, Badger has tried to try to discover where it is that this seasonal disorder has its origins. And, readers, it has come to Badger that there is no one, single reason why Badger dislikes Christmas so dyspeptically that the merest scent of a Brussels sprout is enough to engender dyspepsia itself. Badger has memories of finding the tangerine wrapped in tissue paper among the games, toys and annuals that made up his presents on Christmas morning.

Those memories are fond and suffused with recollection of the thrill that Christmas brought to his childhood. Badger remembers Christmas cake iced impenetrably with the type of covering they used on space shuttles; mince pies; fruit puddings and turkey dinners that had a half-life of half a week or more. Even those, readers, even those bring Badger pin-sharp and pleasant recollections of his grandfather sitting in a rocking chair in a crowded cottage reading a Louis L’Amour western and smoking a Kensitas cigarette with nary a thought for the fire hazard caused by doing so after a carbohydrate heavy meal. Badger’s misty-eyed reminiscences are shot through with memories of execrable Christmas television. Dick Emery. Dickbloody- Emery. The great Clive James, it was, who described dear old Dick as “the man of a thousand faces, all of them the same”.

You can’t improve on that type of criticism. Badger isn’t even going to try. Badger’s childhood was, by and large, the era of three channels on the telly, all of which stuck to the same formula throughout Badger’s childhood. Badger says “by and large” because there was always a strike hovering in the air threatening to take BBC or ITV off the air over Xmas. BBC had Billy Smart’s Circus, ITV had Chipperfield’s Circus; there was Val Doonican, Cilla Black, and Peters and Lee. And these shows had viewers not in the millions, but in the tens of millions – although the nature of sampling as it was then meant that these figures were extrapolated from data provided by those taking part in a survey limited to those watching television. Badger can tell you with confidence, readers, that when people say the past was a time when they made their own entertainment, a glance at television schedules from Badger’s childhood will tell you why that was the case.

Crooners and carols and King’s College, Cambridge: these are not a few of Badger’s favourite things. But even the recollection of Dick van Dyke in Chitty-Chitty Bang- Bang, does not explain Badger’s disinclination to join in festive fun. So having discounted appalling television, indigestible food and tangerines in tissue paper, Badger decided to press on with his inquiry to get to the bottom of his end of year malaise. He peeled off the layers of the years like wrapping paper, trying to get to the issue’s kernel without losing the Sellotape that holds his Christmas reminiscences in place. The more he looked, the less he knew.

There were memorably awful Christmas presents: crimes against knitting and crochet that cannot easily be forgiven; the cigarette lighter that damned near cost Badger his eyebrows; thoughtless socks; and games of such stupefying tedium that – even now – when Badger sees a Monopoly Board he can’t wait to find someone wearing a monocle and top hat to beat over the head with one. Badger thought about religion, the root cause of Christmas. Now, readers, Badger has views on religion. Please feel free to worship how and what or whom you want, readers. Badger would rather believe in humanity (in the general, not in the particular: after all, readers, who would willingly believe in Noel Edmonds?).

But no, readers: all that holly and ivy, those little donkeys and the shepherds who washed their socks by night; Badger refuses to judge how he felt about them then by the standards of his adulthood. Neither is Badger going to jump on the bandwagon that blames consumerism and greed for why Christmas is no longer as ‘special’ as it used to be. There was less choice in the gifts Father Christmas would deliver to girls and boys when Badger was a boy, but he does not believe that children now are any more acquisitive and grasping than they were when he was young. It is only that there is a greater range of opportunity than was afforded by the Co-op, WH Smiths and Woolworths. Space-Hoppers or I-Pads: these are symptoms, not causes. And not one of these things, not a one, readers, can Badger say led him to regard Christmas with a jaundiced eye and bitter chuckle. Finally Badger decided that he was looking at the question the wrong way.

What if it was not Christmas that had changed, but Badger? And, if so, what had changed? Looking at the problem that way: Badger came to think that it could be the loss of childhood innocence that has led him to his current predicament. Was there some existential dread at his own mortality or sense of loss to which Badger could ascribe Yuletide ennui. But that, readers, is far too trite and easy. It is the kind of thing a priest or game show host might say in patronising tones to bring home just how magical Christmas is for children. That, readers, would be a cop out.

Then it came to him, readers! In a moment of perfect clarity it came to Badger that the reason he disliked Christmas was because while Badger can be persuaded he will not be compelled. It is the forced jollity to which Badger objects. Badger does not want to be told “smile, it’s Christmas.” Badger would rather find his own reasons to be cheerful, and not just for one season but for all seasons. Goodwill for one season and greed, gluttony and bigotry for the rest? Is that what we want? In Badger’s view either all seasons – all days – are special, or none are. Despite everything, Badger is optimistic about humanity (with the caveat above) and will opt for the former every time. So, this season of goodwill, readers, Badger wishes that you are all at least as happy and no less filled with goodwill towards humankind as you are the rest of the year. Or vice versa, just in case.

Health

Welsh Government urges faster treatment during Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Published

13 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has called on health boards to improve access to eating disorder treatment and strengthen early intervention services as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said earlier support can have a “significant positive impact” on people living with eating disorders, as she outlined progress made across Wales and future plans to improve services.

The update comes as part of the Welsh Government’s wider Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, launched last year, which focuses on prevention, earlier intervention and tackling the wider causes of poor mental health.

The Minister said eating disorders are complex conditions influenced by biological, psychological and social factors, requiring a cross-government approach to prevention and treatment.

Schools also play an important role, with Welsh Government guidance highlighting the need for supportive environments and targeted help for pupils experiencing disordered eating or poor body image. Public Health Wales data shows that as of February 2026, 96% of schools — including all secondary schools — are actively planning to meet wellbeing needs.

The Welsh Government has also promoted its “Seek Help Now” campaign, which highlights that more than 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, yet only around one-third seek formal help. Campaign materials have been shared with healthcare providers, schools and third-sector organisations to encourage earlier support.

Healthcare staff training has also been expanded, with a new foundation-level e-learning course developed by Health Education and Improvement Wales to help professionals identify and respond to eating disorders more effectively.

Ministers say investment has continued in early support services, including more than £110,000 in funding for the BEAT Wales helpline in 2025, helping people access advice while waiting for specialist care.

Across Wales, health boards have expanded services, supported by more than £2 million in funding through NHS performance improvement programmes aimed at improving access, quality and outcomes.

Work is also underway to develop a national early intervention service model based on the FREED approach (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders), with flexibility for local needs.

While most patients are treated in the community, the Welsh Government confirmed that eight specialist adult inpatient beds were secured in Wales in 2024 to allow more people to receive care closer to home.

The NHS Joint Commissioning Committee is now exploring options for intensive day treatment services, with modelling work expected to report in the spring.

A research and evidence network has also been established to improve outcomes and ensure services are based on the latest evidence.

Sarah Murphy said she has written to all health boards urging continued leadership focus to reduce waiting times and implement early intervention services once national specifications are finalised.

All health boards have confirmed their commitment to the programme.

News

Documentary ‘Fighters’ lands a knockout in Cardiff Bay screening

Published

14 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SPECIAL screening of the British documentary Fighters was recently hosted at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay by local MS Samuel Kurtz, in partnership with Great Britain Disability Boxing and Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club.

The powerful film explores themes of disability, identity and resilience through the world of amateur boxing. It follows several participants, including Amelia, a young deaf boxer preparing for her first competitive bout, and Matt Edwards, a lower-limb amputee determined to secure his amateur boxing licence as the first step towards achieving his ambition of turning professional.

The documentary also highlights the wider barriers disabled people can face in both sport and everyday life, while showcasing the positive impact of inclusive opportunities.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Sport is a fantastic social mobiliser, and working with Chris to bring this film to Cardiff Bay has been an immense pleasure. Fighters is one of the most inspiring projects I’ve ever been involved in. It shows not only what can be achieved in the ring, but what is possible when barriers are challenged and opportunities are opened up.”

Chris McEwen of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club — who features in the film — attended the screening alongside supporters of disability sport from across Wales.

The club was named Parasport Club of the Month in 2021 in recognition of its work supporting people with disabilities and continues to run a wide range of inclusive boxing sessions across Pembrokeshire.

Praising his commitment, Mr Kurtz added: “Chris is a passionate advocate for boxing and for our community. He works tirelessly to ensure that opportunities in sport are open to everyone, regardless of ability.”

Chris McEwen said: “Boxing should be accessible to all. This film shows the determination it takes to break down barriers, but it also demonstrates why inclusive clubs matter. Our aim is simple — to ensure that anyone who wants to take part feels welcome and supported.”

The screening brought together campaigners, athletes and community leaders, reinforcing the importance of keeping sport open, inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Photo caption: Samuel Kurtz MS with Chris McEwen, local dignitaries and supporters of Fighters at the Senedd (Pic supplied).

Ministry of Defence

Aberporth fears raised after Russian claims and spy ship incidents off Welsh coast

Published

14 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CONCERNS are being raised in West Wales after a community meeting was announced over claims that Aberporth has previously been identified as a potential Russian military target.

Campaign groups have circulated material stating that the Ceredigion site was included on a list of UK locations referenced by a senior Russian political figure in 2022, prompting calls for discussion about the risks associated with defence-related activity in the area.

Aberporth is home to West Wales Airport and a major unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing range, where defence contractors operate alongside civilian aviation projects. The site has long been linked to UK drone development programmes.

The issue has resurfaced amid wider geopolitical tensions and follows previous incidents in Welsh waters involving suspected Russian military activity.

In November last year, The Pembrokeshire Herald reported that a suspected Russian sonar device had been recovered off the coast near Skomer Island, just months after a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel was monitored operating off the Pembrokeshire coastline. RAF surveillance aircraft and a Royal Navy warship were deployed to track the vessel during that incident.

While there is no evidence of any specific threat to Aberporth, defence analysts have warned more broadly that modern conflicts increasingly involve long-range precision weapons and infrastructure targeting.

In December 2022, Dmitry Rogozin — a former deputy prime minister of Russia — published a map on social media naming a number of UK defence-related locations in response to British support for Ukraine. Among the sites referenced was Aberporth, due to its links with drone testing and defence contractors.

Security experts note that such statements are often political rhetoric rather than operational military targeting plans.

Nevertheless, the presence of defence-related infrastructure in rural communities can raise concerns locally, particularly when international tensions are high.

Campaigners argue residents should be fully informed about the implications of military-linked development in the region and the potential risks it could bring.

A public meeting organised by campaign groups is scheduled to take place at Aberporth Village Hall on Friday evening.

The Ministry of Defence does not comment on specific security arrangements but has previously stated that the UK maintains robust measures to protect national infrastructure and works closely with NATO allies to monitor threats.

Government defence policy documents also acknowledge that long-range missile threats and hybrid warfare — including intelligence-gathering activity near critical infrastructure — are increasing challenges for Western nations.

The debate comes as defence and security are expected to feature prominently in political discussions ahead of the next UK Strategic Defence Review.