NEW YEAR, NEW PLANS
May I start this month’s blog by wishing a belated happy new year to all my wonderful customers and to the good folks who take the time to read my ramblings.
We’re all full of good intentions as we start another journey around the sun, but how determined are we to see those good intentions through to a successful outcome? I know, …..me too.
In the coming year I’ve got a number of exciting projects to look forward to, with visits to Scotland, North Wales, Cornwall and Wiltshire coming up. I still continue the charade that it’s work but I’m not really kidding anyone am I? I’m also planning to change my car this year. My beloved Audi is starting to look as tired as me, so despite being the workhorse that has taken me on countless photographic journeys these last few years, it’s time for a change. So, lots to look forward to, despite the plans for a new Les Paul dropping down the list (again).
I’ve also got other plans in place that don’t involve a camera. Perhaps a little background is worth sharing.
As I get older I’ve found, more and more, that I love to learn. This definitely wasn’t the case at school where I managed to scrape through my exams despite having no interest at all. I’d spend half the day gazing out of the window, wishing to be outside. I should apologise to all those long-suffering teachers who I must have frustrated the hell out of. I owe them all a huge debt because, notwithstanding me being as receptive as a crystal radio, some of their teaching stuck. I’ve always been an avid reader so maybe those long suffering teachers gave me a love of educational books, because a brief review of the last few I’ve read include “The Lost Rainforests of Britain”, and “Iron Age Hillforts of Wales”. (Both highly recommended by the way). I also spend (far too much) time researching subjects on the internet.
So I’ve now embarked on a new learning project for 2024. I’m working towards gaining accreditation as an Ambassador for Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly Brecon Beacons) National Park. As some of you know, it’s a part of the world I spend a lot of time in, and somewhere I’m really close to, both physically and spiritually. The aim of being an Ambassador is to promote the national park’s culture, heritage, landscapes and habitats. This dovetails nicely with my photography work, particularly the social media aspect, and can be put to use when meeting visitors to the area when I’m out and about.
Having spent over 10 years walking and photographing the park I believed I had a good knowledge of the area which I could put to good use in the role. How little I actually knew! Although the range of subjects covered in the modules isn’t huge, the detail in each one is really extensive and there are 91 online modules to complete, with a test on completion of each one in order to gain Ambassador accreditation. The last time I did computer based training (CBT) was in a previous life when I had a “proper job” !! Thankfully the course is in English as well as Welsh, because despite my best efforts I’m still struggling to become fluent in the Welsh language. In contrast, I’m really pleased with my progress with the course so far but the modules have been a real eye opener, particularly in terms of the area’s cultural and industrial heritage.
I’ve always had a fascination with history and had a favourite uncle who taught the subject at high school level. I loved spending time talking to him about a wide range of historical topics and was always amazed at his memory when it came to dates, names and places. Soaking up all of this information is a real challenge and I have to keep reminding myself that all of the fascinating subjects I’m learning about are confined to this one specific part of South Wales, an area of just over 500 square miles (1300 sq km). But because of it’s unique topographical and geographical character, the park has seen a huge sequence of events dating back to pre-history in the Neolithic that give it claim to being a unique part of Wales. So much to learn!
There is, though, a responsibility that naturally comes with being an Ambassador for the area. And that’s the case across all regions involved. The Ambassador scheme began in North East Wales back in 2013. It’s now a national programme funded by Welsh Government Rural Communities project and has close links to Wales Tourism and there are currently 10 different Ambassador courses. Two of Wales’ three National Parks are included (Eryri being the other one alongside Bannau Brycheiniog) as well as a number of small more local areas. I’m hoping Pembrokeshire Coast National Park comes online soon as it’s another area that’s close to my heart. Here’s the resource link if you’re interested in taking part : https://www.ambassador.wales
The aim of all this learning is to gain and share knowledge and hopefully get people to love the Beacons as much as I do. It’s a unique, atmospheric, ancient kingdom and I love every minute spent there, even when the horizontal rain finds its way through your waterproofs!
So I’ll continue learning and working towards my accreditation which with a little luck will be very soon. But it won’t end there because I’ll start the Eryri Ambassador course fairly soon after.
