I do hope I’m not turning into a grumpy old man, but I have to say I really have had quite enough of this ‘winter’ thing. This winter, more than any other, seems to have been darker, colder, wetter and longer than just about any other I can remember… and we didn’t even have a proper snow day!
I always struggle with January. The build up and excitement of Christmas carries me through until the first week of the New Year and then there is the anticipation of the Six Nations to give hope that spring is on the way to carry me those dark weeks. This year, by the 8th February, we had lost both opening games including away to Italy. All hope of a joyous rugby new year disappeared in Rome.
At least I had the Swans to bring some light into the darkness!!! By the end of January we had notched up one point, lost 5 games and conceded 18 goals. No surprise that by February, with the street lights still coming on at tea time, we had slipped down the table and lost a manager. Where or where was I going to find some good news?
To be honest by February I was also trying my best to avoid all of the news if possible. I have been a news junkie since primary school days when every night we had to prepare 10 questions for the following morning’s news quiz. It was admirable that my teacher Morlais Williams wanted us to be aware of what was happening in the world. By Feb 2025 I was trying my best not to be aware.
Thankfully this week has finally turned the tide on the darkness. I’m not sure if you noticed but Thursday marked the Vernal or Spring Equinox as its also known. I was getting on with my life as normal whilst in fact the very earth beneath my feet was tilting on its axis. On Thursday that tilt meant the length of the day and the night were equal. From here on in the days will be longer than the nights…yippee!!
As if to celebrate the start of Astronomical Spring on Thursday Swansea Bay was at its most beautiful best. As I strode out for my daily constitutional I found myself peeling off layer after layer as the morning sun bathed my poor old pale, stale body. (For the avoidance of any confusion and the risk of any legal proceedings I must add I kept my T-Shirt on!)
As Blondie so poetically put it ‘The Tide was high’ and was gently lapping up against the new multi million pound sea defences. It was obvious that I wasn’t the only one feeling the positive effects of the arrival of Spring. It was the smiles on the faces of those I see most days usually wrapped up against the wind and rain. There was a general agreement that with the weather like this you wouldn’t need to go abroad for a holiday. I might have been imagining it but I sure I saw a number of dogs smiling too.
But it doesn’t stop there. Next weekend the clocks ‘Spring’ forward. Yes we lose an hour in bed, but I can’t wait for those long, light evenings again.
Whilst Thursday’s walk along the bay was a joy for the sunshine I have to say that I love that walk almost whatever the weather. I know they say there is no such thing as bad weather only inappropriate clothing but obviously that was said by someone who hasn’t had to fight their way along the bay near the West Cross Inn in a Force Nine Gale having left the house with the wind at their back in sunshine!!!
Because of the vast tidal range in our beautiful bay every day is different. More and more I try my best to put aside my ‘ever present’ mobile phone and just listen to the sounds of the waves or the birds. Of course you are never too far away from the sound of traffic but there is often a moment of complete peace in amongst the noise of modern life.
The march of modern technology has been so fast in the past few decades. When mobile phones first came they were large, heavy and expensive. When you finally got one you were frightened to use it because every minute cost a small fortune. Then came 3G, 4G and now 5G and as I walk along my bay I can check the news, watch a TV show, post a video and it’s paid for by one all inclusive package. The temptation to just check my emails instead of enjoying the moment is like an addiction. Sometimes I actually hear myself saying ‘put that phone away’ out loud to myself.
Which brings me to ‘Earth Hour 2025’. When it comes to climate change and the impact modern day life is having on our world, yes there are a few people who disagree with the general consensus but, most of the scientific community agree that we are changing our climate and if we don’t do anything about it our world will change forever.
Earth Hour was launched in Australia back in 2007 and has since grown into a worldwide movement. It started with people being encouraged to turn off their electric lights for an hour. In recent years people have been encouraged not only to do something negative i.e. turning off their lights but also doing something positive for the planet. On the Earth Hour Website they have all sorts of ideas how you can use your electric free hour. Most of them seem to revolve about engaging personally with the earth directly in one way or another. It could be getting your hands dirty planting a tree. They also have ideas for poets and musicians to write something celebrating nature.
As for me, I’ll be doing what I always do, walking my bay. I’ll leave my phone at home; I’ll hope to feel the sun on my face… but I’ll also pack a kagool just in case.