stuff and nonsense!: May 2026

HIDDEN STRANGLERS?

(Apologies for the poor photos, time & lighting were not with me)

I've walked past these pictures numerous times already, in the foyer of Y Neuadd Fawr on Campws Bae, Prifysgol Abertawe.

Today I noticed something strange. One of the paintings was of a group of young men, one particularly reminiscent of a lad I was in Uni with, a raving socialist in the true Valleys 'Quinta Brigada' mould, who we nicknamed Lenin. Upon closer inspection, I realised they were another group altogether.

They are part of a set of paintings by David Carpanini (another bracchi descendant?)

.

The plaque explains that the images are "the resolute people" " scarred by the industrial landscape of the South Wales valleys". I searched in vain for a connection to Hugh et al, but the internet had no clue as to why the boys are featured thus. Could they be an Easter egg played by the artist? Perhaps a fan? I think we should be told......

GABBA GABBA HEY YN YR 'DIFF

What was I doing on 3rd October 1978? The Blitzkrieg bop in Y Bar Dyfed of Cardiff Uni's Student Union.

Setlist

90 mins of pure powerpunk!

See https://grumunkin.blogspot.com/2011/12/genesis-of-gabba-gabba.html

& https://grumunkin.blogspot.com/2025/09/ramoans.html

Drat, Just noticed that I blogged this previously. Old age doesn't come alone....

TRAPPED!

Convo in the car today:-

Chris to Kim:- OMG we seem to be trapped in St Thomas against our will!

Car smart infotainment system:- "Oh dear, that does sound distressing, I can call the emergency services for assistance if you like....

THEY ARE LISTENING - BERTO, YOU WERE RIGHT!

JAPAN MEETS ITALY IN WALES

Out for brekkie @ Forte's Bracelet Bay. With the cast of Last of the Summer Wine.

A real Mumbles tradition.

I taught (?) Amelia Macari, the 4th generation of owners, but don't think she fancied carrying on the family trade.

Funnily enough, I also taught Greg Ballentine, who made this "You Tube" history of the Cafe.

A fabulous traditional Bracchi Café.

Dunno how this links to Japan, apart from the fact that the photo shows my Jap Hog outside.....

CWRW WYTHNOS PEDWAR DEG PUMP

MY TRAVEL AGENT

I am very lucky to share my life with a partner who loves travel as much as me. Even better, she loves planning trips, accommodation, transfers, & flights too. This means I can sit on my arse, & just enjoy the experience!

OLD PPL & TRAVEL

I used to think we were quite adventurous and well travelled, but I am now realising that travel is the new Grey Rock & Roll.

The more invigilators I meet and chat to about travel, the more it seems that retirees of at least modest income are jetting off to more & more unusual places, not just Benidorm & The Costas. This was highlighted on our trip to Cadiz, too, with the average age of the Gonzȧlez Byass estate's tour group being well over 60. As well as the feral groups of crumblies hunting in packs having escaped their cruise ship for a while.

Perhaps it is wage earners, burdened down with sulky teenagers or sprogs that remain traditional holidaymakers.