howies®

go into your attic and check if your water pipes are lagged.

over here in Cardigan we have had a few people whose pipes have burst and it’s not cheap or pretty.

someone in our village’s pipes burst, the ceilings collapsed and their house filled up while they were away.

i spent 6 hours doing all ours after they froze solid.

it is really worth it.

These battles of SKATE have been going on for some time now at Berra and Kostons place of work but this one’s truly epic. Johnny Layton dropped out (blown knee) against Marc Johnson and was replaced by Chris Roberts and the Legion of Doom crew. Now you’ll see why Johnson had two parts in Lakai’s Fully Flared epic. Sick note, beware of Gnar.

Here’s a link to Ronald Turnbulls 3 Peaks Ten Tors story i posted a little while back, great to read and mentions some nice little tips if you haven’t seen them already.

Here we go.

I do not mind admitting i am a fan of the Morris Dance.  I understand why we should be trying to keep them alive and well attended as kids these days are not told about the historical nature of the dances which are a crucial part of our past which was revived hundreds of years ago from the original nature rites and they should not be lost.

Without this oral wisdom and understanding of the dances being passed on to others there is a cause for concern as to whether the Morris Dance has a healthy future ahead of it, i hope that it does. Below is a brief little piece about their plight. Get those sticks and bells at the ready, this will be the nu-nu-rave. 

The Morris Ring, an association representing more than 200 Morris troupes across Britain warned “unless younger blood is recruited during the coming winter months, Morris dancing will soon become extinct”.

Charlie Corcoran, Bagman of the Morris Ring, said: “There’s a distinct possibility that in 20 years’ time there will be nobody left.

“It worries me a great deal. Young people are just too embarrassed to take part.

“This is a serious situation. The average age of Morris dancing sides is getting older and older. Once we’ve lost this part of our culture it will be almost impossible to revive it.”

The Morris Ring is hoping a winter recruitment drive could attract some new younger members in time for the spring when most troupes perform the dances they have been practising.

Paul Reece, chairman of the Advisory Council of the Morris Ring, said: “There is still time for new blood to get ready for the Spring fertility offensive.

“Such customs and activities were once a common sight around the country.

“Today they are carried out by an ever-dwindling stalwart band of enthusiasts who are determined to keep them alive.

“But there is a serious danger that, in less than a few decades, Morris dancing will be confined to the history books.”

Here is the Morris Ring Website. 

It’s been a particuarly cold couple of days to kick off 2009 with, and just to add to the freezing feeling I’ve been embracing the elements.

Here in Cardigan they have a tradition that on new years day the brave gather on the beach at Poppit Sands wearing nothing apart from their swimmers and make a mad dash together and dive into the sea. This year myself and a group of friends decided to join them, and blimey was it cold! Took most of the rest of the day to regain the feeling in my fingers and toes! Good effort to everyone who made the dash with us!

As if yesterday’s exploits weren’t cold enough today I decided to start the new year off the way I intend to continue it and ride into work. By the time I was half way to Cardigan my hands were completely numb I managed to fumble around and take a picture of the Teifi marshes then quickly get back on the bike! Thankfully the rest of me was under about three layers of merino wool this time and toastie…  

Does anyone know of any merino wool bike gloves?

Percy, Smasher and Kingy deserve a fanfare for an exit.  I bought the ten year anniversary issue of Document just before Christmas, unknown to them it would be their last. Here’s to the new year ahead boys, you may be gone but you will be in our hearts forever, heads up and shine on. 

Christmas eve office game suggestion

Left all your Christmas shopping til the last minute? Me too.

We’re open today, but come early because we’ll be closing earlier than usual (it is Christmas Eve after all!)

But don’t worry, we won’t be closed for long…our doors will be open on the 27th with Madz holding the fort so if you’re home for the holidays then pop in!

Merry Christmas