Newsletter No.43

February 25th 2005

by Mike Caluan

So where will you be watching the game? Wales are playing well at the moment. Will it last or is it just a flash in the pan. Let's face it, we've been here many times before. The rush of blood to the head, a leap in the heart and for a short while a feeling of glee...and then it comes, the sledgehammer of disappointment. But maybe, just maybe this time it will be different.

I for one would love more than anything for Wales to win the Six Nations. As a team they could do with the confidence boost and as a nation we could do with the 'feelgood' factor that comes with the pride of our boys winning!

This Saturday will find me in the company of friends of old and fellow fans in our local watering hole. We'll be sat sipping a medicinal pint or two, with eyes glued to the big screen, fingers crossed and the occasional glance skyward for good measure! So come on Wales!

For all your rugby needs, check out all the latest updates at Rugbynation.

There's a lot of talk here in the UK of the request of an extra bank holiday to celebrate our national saint. So it will come as no surprise to you that Wales is pushing for St. David's Day to be a holiday. Why not? We already have fewer holidays than our European cousins and most patriots who were polled were in favour of an extra holiday and the chance to pay homage to our patron saint.

So, if you're spending this weekend watching our boys show the French a clean pair of heels in the France v Wales game, or maybe you're celebrating St David's Day with friends and family - drop me a line and let me know how you get on.

Why not send me a few pictures of you and your friends watching the game or celebrating our patron saint's day! We've got a great selection of St. David's Day card for you to send.

Listed below are just a few of the global events being held by fellow expats:

USA -
Long Wood Gardens
Central Ohio Welsh
Welsh American Society of Northern California

NZ -
Welsh Society of Wellington Inc

UK -
St. David's Day Parade & Festival Week
Chelmsford & District Welsh Society - St David's Day Celebrations
Big Cardiff events

So without further ado here's the latest news from in and around your old back yard.

This month, one of Wales' most popular visitors attractions is being reopened with plans for a major facelift.

Richard Burton's niece asks a nation, 'Has Wales forgotten one of its famous sons?' , and Judith Isherwood (WMC chief executive) gives us her thoughts on the first three months of the Wales Millennium Centre's life.

So until next month take care and enjoy the newsletter.

Don't forget to check out the Expats Changing Wales and Expats Nostalgia sections for regular updates on what's going on.

Keep those articles and stories coming in, let me know what you've been getting up to. You can send them to me at mike.caluan@wme.co.uk

Pob lwc

Mike

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One of Wales' most popular visitors attractions
'Has Wales forgotten one of its famous sons?'
Judith Isherwood (WMC chief executive)