Heaven and Hell with Amanda Jones - Deputy Headteacher at Clase Primery School

Below is a "Heaven and Hell" feature I did with the Deputy Headteacher Amanda Jones for the Saturday, September 3, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Heaven and Hell 
  

   
Deputy Headteacher AMANDA JONES at Clase Primery School tells us about her holiday highs and lows.
 
What was your best holiday?
"My best holiday was in Kenya, the Samburu District. It was more of a working holiday as I helped to do a few things for the communities there. I was on a project called Operation Raleigh which involved me helping to build a pharmacy and a school in two small villages. I also taught in some schools and that is where I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. I loved being with the children.”
   

What was your worst holiday?
"My worst holiday was when I went to Albufeira in Portugal. It was full of crammed holiday resorts, many being constructed and it was quite noisy! I missed the opportunity at the time to go on the beach and swim in the water and I don’t think I would go back there either. However there are some wonderful places else where I would like to go in Portugal as I know it is steeped in history and has beautiful villages to visit!”
  

What was your most memorable holiday moment?
“My most memorable holiday moment was dancing in a ditch with lots of school children, singing! The ditch was the foundations for their school and I was helping to build it. I can’t remember the name of the village but I think it was about 20 miles outside Maralal in the Samburu District of Kenya. It was one of the projects I was working on when I went on Operation Raleigh.”

What was the best experience in a hotel you have had?
"My best experience in a hotel was lying in bed in a wooden hut in an exclusive resort in Kenya feeling sleepy but the view was so incredible that I tried really hard to stay awake. The resort was called Lake Baringo Island Camp and it was right in the middle of a lake. I had spent some time at the lake logging animals that we could find and analysing water samples back at the lab on the banks of the lake. There were hippos there and we took turns to watch out through the night. It was really hard work, physically and mentally, and we worked long hours. Afterwards the hotel owners invited us to stay and use their facilities, we ate like kings with fresh food that they kindly provided for us and I slept in a beautiful bed for the first time in weeks instead of a sleeping bag on the floor.”
  

What is your fantasty holiday?
"My fantasy holiday is going to the mountains of the Himalayas - walking to base camp Everest and maybe doing some voluntary work in schools along the way. I would like to voluntarily teach the children in the villages at the bottom of Everest. I would also like to work in a hospital of some kind looking after sick children, or maybe an orphanage.” 

My school photo with Karate instructor Tracy Thomas

Below is a "School Photo" feature I did with Karate instructor Tracy Thomas for the Friday, September 9, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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My school photo

Karate instructor and Second Dan Black Belt, TRACY THOMAS, who teaches at Kenshin Karate Club in Morriston tells us about her school days.

“I went to Cwmrhydeiceirw Infant school and then Clase Junior School. When I left to go to Secondary school I went to Mynyddbach Comprehensive School for girls.
When I was in the infant school I was a bit of a Tomboy. I liked to play in the water, generally splashing the other children and tipping water from one container to the other. I look back now and think where is the fun in that!”
“My favourite teacher was Mrs Williams. She had thick curly fair hair and glasses and was really caring towards me, she gave me cuddles and hugs all the time and I saw her as my second mum. I was a bit naughty in school on times and I remember once kicking a football in class on my last day of school in the infants. The classroom had been newly painted and I left a great big muddy patch on the shining white ceiling. I certainly left my mark on that school!”
“When I went to Junior school my favourite teacher was Mr. Uren. It had to be really because he was the only teacher I had. It was really unusual to have the same teacher for three years on the trot and unlucky for him I was in it!”
“I hated school dinners and was the only child who came home at lunch time. One time my Mum said I could stay home if I wanted and of course I took her up on this magical moment. I used my time to go and talk to the lolly pop lady. She was a really kind person and I loved to listen to her stories. She was kind of like my third Mum. However, it was doomed from the start and I got caught loitering by my teacher. In shock I ran and leapt over a wall crouched down and hid until he had passed. This didn’t go unnoticed of course and I had a row the next day.”
“My favourite subject has always been PE. My teacher used to give us the lesson plans for the week and put them on the board. We always knew what was coming up next. Friday afternoon was timetabled for PE and I loved it. I looked forward to that time of the week, however, I was usually held back from the lesson for not finishing my work plan.
When I went to secondary School I was in all the top sets for all the subjects. Of course,
PE was still my favourite and my teachers names were Mrs Lindenberg and Mrs Cuthbert. They both encouraged me to run for the school in sprints and relays. To this day I love running and run regularly four times a week. At lunchtimes they used to let me use the gym. I was always in there either playing tennis, badminton, or practising the high jump. I loved the ropes on the high bars and loved the challenge of climbing them, touching the top bar and shining back down.”
“When I was a young girl I wanted to do Kung Fu, but my mother always said it was a sport for boys and I wasn’t allowed. When my daughter was 11 years old I took her to karate lessons. I was determined that she was going to have every opportunity that I had missed. I used to watch her training and would be on the edge of my seat desperate to join in. An opportunity arose when Peter Jones set up a club called Kenshin Karate Club in the Sacred Heart Centre in Morriston. Twelve years on I am now still at the club and supporting Peter as an assistant coach. I am a Second Dan Black Belt and I also run a female adult class on a Thursday evening from 6-7pm. Karate is my passion. It gives me confidence, respect and is a great tool for stress relief. The club has many members who gel well together and welcome new students. It is like my extended family and I couldn’t live my life without it.”
 
Kenshin Karate Club can be found in the Sacred Heart Centre, School Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6HZ. Phone 01792 323477 or visit www.kenshinkarate.co.uk for more information.

Family fun at city farm

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, September 3, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.
 

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Family fun at city farm

A big day out!

RICHARD THOMAS heads to …

Swansea Community Farm in Fforestfach.

WHY?

With the school holidays about to begin, what better way to start enjoying the long summer break than with a trip to Wales’ only city farm.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
Swansea Community Farm in Fforestfach, Swansea is a community-led farm run by local people for the benefit of the wider community. The farm provides a fun location where people of all ages can learn about the environment, organic gardening and animal care. Activities held on the 3.5 acre site are run in a way that minimises any negative impact on the environment whilst helping to enhance local biodiversity and encourage nature conservation.
ANY HISTORY?
The farm was conceived in 1992 but it wasn’t until 1998 that a suitable site was found for the city farm. The registered charity was setup to provide opportunities for local volunteers to develop new skills running the farm and to teach visitors about the environment. Volunteers of all ages and abilities have been instrumental in all stages of the farm’s development from the start: setting up a management committee, consulting with the community, planning the site layout and building site structures.
The farm has benefited from substantial development in recent years. In 2004 the front of site was landscaped to make the entrance more attractive, and in 2006 the workshop and animal house was built. The arrival of the first animals to the farm also brought a new interest from adults and children wanting to work with animals in a farm setting. Soon after a raised bed garden was constructed to provide opportunities for volunteers with mobility constraints to participate in farm activities. By the end of 2006 an apiary was constructed under the guidance of The West Glamorgan Beekeepers Association who also provided training for volunteers interested in learning about beekeeping.
The farm now opens six days a week and have 200 child and youth members, 155 adult volunteers, over 50 animals, 10 trustees and nine members of staff.
WHAT TO TAKE?
The farm depends on membership and donations. A years membership only costs £5. Bring a packed lunch with you and don’t forget to bring your camera.
LOOK OUT FOR?
The 3.5 acre site consists of an office, workshop, animal house, cafe, wildlife pond, duck pond, allotments, orchard, apiary, paddocks, adventure play area, fire pit, compost demonstration area, raised beds, and picnic space. There’s also over 50 different animals to see, including sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits and ducks.
WHEN TO GO?
The Farm is open six days a week: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
TELL ME MORE
Their address is: 2 Pontarddulais Road, Fforestfach, Swansea, SA5 4BA. You can phone on 01792 578384 or visit their website at www.swanseacommunityufarm.org.uk.

Glasshouse is still hot

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, September 10, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

 
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Glasshouse is still hot

A big day out!

RICHARD THOMAS heads to …

Plantasia in Swansea.

WHY?
A superb all weather attraction in the heart of Swansea, Plantasia houses a huge variety of unusual animals and exotic plants, some of which are extinct in the wild. In October Plantasia are holding two special Halloween themed events, Animal Antics: Spooky Animals and Halloween Spooky Night.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
The tropical paradise is housed inside a unique glass pyramid and is just bursting with plants and wildlife. The hothouse contains three climate zones: Tropical with a rainforest, Arid and Humid. The collection includes over 5,000 plants ranging from banana plants, giant bamboo, coconuts and collections of ferns and cacti. Along with the plants there are several species of fish, exotic insects and other animals to see. These include piranhas, a bearded dragon, a chameleon, tarantulas, snakes and even tamarin monkeys. In the butterfly house butterflies can be seen flying freely and viewed at various stages of development.
ANY HISTORY?
Plantasia opened in 1990. In recent years the hothouse has been used as a filming location for two Doctor Who episodes, The Doctor's Daughter and Cold Blood.
WHAT TO TAKE?
There is an admission charge into Plantasia of £3.35 for adults and £2.35 for children. Under 3’s visit for free. Family tickets and annual membership are also available. There is no charge, however, to just sit back and relax in their coffee shop or browse through their fantastic gift shop while others enjoy the exotic plants and animals. Afterwards, you can all enjoy a Joe’s ice cream or fresh donates sold in the stores by the Plantasia entrance.
LOOK OUT FOR?
If you visit during the school holidays there’s usually something extra to entertain the children including treasure trails and interactive animal handling shows. In August Plantasia was visited by the hugely popular Rainforest Roadshow hosted by naturalists David Shaw and his wife Sue. At this special event children had the chance to meet scorpions and stick insects, see a genuine blowpipe, and learn how tribal people hunt and what they eat. The Rainforest Roadshow will be returning to Plantasia next year.
In October there are two other holiday events to look forward too at Plantasia. On October 25, 26 and 27 there’s Animal Antics: Spooky Animals, a special talk where young explorers can get hands on with spooky animals like spiders and other creepy crawlies. Then on October 30 and 31 there’s Halloween Spooky Night when Plantasia opens its doors after dark and lets children dressed in Halloween costumes take part in a ghost trail and explore the depths of the hothouse at night! Both of these events are very popular so pre-booking is essential.
WHEN TO GO?
They are open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. Last admissions at 4.15pm.
TELL ME MORE
Plantasia is located in the Parc Tawe retail park. For sat nav users their address and postcode is: Plantasia, Parc Tawe, Swansea, SA1 2AL. To book phone 01792 47455 or for more information visit www.plantasia.org.

Tee off at golf course

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, August 27, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.
 

 
 
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Tee off at golf course
A big day out! 
RICHARD THOMAS heads to …
Ashleigh Road Pitch & Putt golf course.

WHY?
With the summer sun back why not give golf a go at Ashleigh Road golf course, Swansea's only 10 hole golf course.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
Running along the promenade, and situated opposite the road it is named after, is Ashleigh Road Pitch & Putt golf course.
The course has no handicap requirements so it is ideal for beginners of all ages and those who just want to have some fun. It is also a great course for more experienced players to brush up on their pitching and putting skills.
ANY HISTORY?
The game of golf has a long history in Wales. The years 1850-1900 were a time of dramatic changes in Wales. The population virtually doubled in this period. The Industrial Revolution hit the country and the people moved from the countryside to the towns. Suddenly, Welsh men and women had more time on their hands, especially the rich, and they began looking around for something to do with their leisure time.
Tenby Golf Club is officially the oldest club in Wales, having been set up in the autumn of 1888. Many more Welsh courses came into being before the turn of the century.
Borth and Ynyslas, Ceredigion, was in use from 1885, while Baron Hill, on Anglesey, was created in either 1889 or 1890.
Most of the early courses were initially designed to have only nine holes and sometimes ten like the golf course at Ashleigh Road, half of today’s standard 18.
WHAT TO TAKE?
Equipment can be hired for a minimal fee. Just turn up, and “pay and play” a round of golf. Their prices are:
Pay and Play
Standard £4.70, Concession £3.45, PTL £2.10
Club Hire
Standard £2.25, Concession £1.90, PTL £1.00
Golf Ball Purchase
£0.50
Family Ticket
Standard £14.00, Concession £12.00
LOOK OUT FOR?
Asides from the golf course there’s lots of other family activities to check out nearby. You'll find plenty of family fun for free at Blackpill Lido. The Lido is a must when the weather is good with its superb paddling pool, children's play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities. There’s also the award winning Clyne Gardens, the Bay Rider and Swansea Bay to see.
WHEN TO GO?
Ashleigh Road Golf Course is open daily from May to August between 9.30am and 8pm. The last admission is two hours before the stated closing time. From September to April the golf course is open only on weekends.
TELL ME MORE
Heading towards Mumbles on Mumbles Road, Ashleigh Road golf hut is opposite Ashleigh Road on the left hand side, before you get to Blackpill Lido. For sat nav users their postcode is SA3 5AU. For further information and daily closing times call 01792 207544 or visit www.swanseaprom.com.

Experience an exhibit

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, August 20, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.
 

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Experience an exhibit
A big day out! 
RICHARD THOMAS heads to …
Swansea Museum.

WHY?

Swansea Museum was originally setup by the Royal Institution of South Wales, a local group who wanted to investigate all aspects of history, the arts and science at the beginning of the 19th century. Described by the Swansea poet Dylan Thomas as “a museum that belongs in a museum”, the impressive stone building was completed in 1841 in the grand neo-classical style, and is the oldest museum in Wales.
Today visitors are able to see Swansea Museum at four locations: the main museum on Oystermouth Road, The Tramshed on Dylan Thomas Square in Swansea Marina, the museum’s Collections Centre in Landore and the floating exhibits in the dock by The Tramshed.
The main building’s six galleries contain all kinds of unusual objects from Swansea’s past as well as the wider world. One highlight is The Amazing Cabinet of Curiosities gallery dedicated to everything Victorian, an era that was obsessed with the bizarre and strange. It is the museums Egyptology exhibits including an Ancient Egyptian mummy that really puts Swansea Museum on the map, though.
The mummy, named Tem Hor after the god Horus, was a clothier priest and scribe of the god Atum. He lived on the banks of the River Nile in Upper Egypt between 250-200 BCE. The remains and beautifully restored coffin attract mummy worshipers from across South Wales.
Also, if you visit before September 30 you can see the Swansea City Football Club Exhibition. A football focused exhibition commemorating the highs and lows of Swansea City AFC.
In addition to this treasure trove of local and ancient history the museum also has three floating exhibits in its collections which are kept at the Marina: the lightship Helwick; a tug boat called Canning; and the Olga, a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter built in 1909. Other popular items kept at the museum’s Collections Centre in Landore include old vehicles like a travellers’ van, lorries, a fire engine and two lifeboats, the Naomi Beatty and the William Gammon.
QUIRKY HISTORY?
Swansea Museum is allegedly one of the most haunted locations in Wales. Staff and visitors alike have experienced spooky activity in the main building. According to one member of staff a mysterious “hooded figure” has been seen on several occasions on the stairs and strange “tapping”, “cold spots” and even “whistling” have also been reported.
WHAT TO TAKE?
Admission is free at the museum but you’re not allowed to photograph some of the exhibits. A wide variety of keepsakes including handmade Welsh pottery and glassware, Egyptian memorabilia and Victorian jewellery are all for sale in the Museum Shop.
WHEN TO GO?
Swansea Museum is open from 10am to 5pm every Tuesday to Sunday. Last admissions are at 4pm. The museum is closed Mondays and bank holidays.
WHERE IS IT?
The main building is next door to the LC2. For sat nav users their address and postcode is: Victoria Road, Swansea, SA1 1SN.
CONTACT DETAILS

For more information about exhibitions and events at Swansea Museum you can visit their website at www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseamuseum. You can also phone on 01792 653763.

Tour this sweet treat

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, August 13, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Tour this sweet treat
A big day out! 
RICHARD THOMAS heads to ...
 The Chocolate Factory in Swansea.

WHY?
The Chocolate Factory is unique in Swansea: a real, working chocolate factory offering informative tours for individuals and groups of all ages. With the popularity of the Charlie And The Chocolate Factory film starring Johnny Depp, and the original novel by Roald Dahl, The Chocolate Factory is a fun place to take the kids during their summer break from school. And tour guide, Gareth John, almost like a real-life Willy Wonka, makes sure everyone on the tour gets a chance to see the different factory equipment and taste all the chocolate.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
After getting kitted up in the factory’s fashionable hairnets and aprons, the tour begins with a detailed talk about the history of chocolate, from its popularity among the ancient Olmecs and Aztecs of Central America to its discovery by Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Conquistador who conquered Mexico, Hernando Cortes.
This is followed by a walk on the factory floor where you are shown the factory machinery and given a demonstration by Gareth John of how they melt, temper and re-mould chocolate into football shaped lollies, chocolate hearts and other bespoke items.
ANY HISTORY?
The Chocolate Factory was founded by Tony and Michelle Wadley. The brother and sister team moved to the UK from South Africa in 1992, bringing with them their secret recipe for delicious sugar lollipops which they were able to sell to the major high street retailer, Harrods. Building on this success, the two moved to their current premises in 1999 and The Chocolate Factory began doing school tours.
LOOK OUT FOR?
Tour guide Gareth Johns begins the tour by saying, “We’re going to eat a lot of chocolate today!” and this is no exaggeration. As well as the factory’s white, dark and milk chocolate varieties, you also get to taste the new strawberry chocolate being tested by the factory. Gareth also hands out marshmallow lollies, freshly dipped in melted chocolate from one of the factory’s chocolate kettles.
WHAT TO TAKE?
Tours cost £8 for adults and £6 for children aged between three and 16, but group discounts are available for groups of 25 people or more. Cameras are allowed and visitors are encouraged to take photographs throughout the tour. There is also a gift shop where you can buy all the products made in the factory.
WHEN TO GO?
The Chocolate Factory is open for group tours Monday to Friday. They run between four and five tours a day between 9am and 4pm. The summer is The Chocolate Factory’s busiest period of the year, with staff regularly welcoming around 200 costumers a day, so booking in advance is essential. To book phone Gareth John on 01792 561617 or email tours@michton.com.
TELL ME MORE
For sat nav users their address and postcode is: The Chocolate Factory, Swansea West Industrial Park, Fforestfach, Swansea, SA5 4DL. Visit their website at www.thechocfactory.com.