An ice treat for Easter

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, March 23, 2013, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.
 

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An ice treat for Easter
A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Mumbles for a Joe’s Ice Cream and some sightseeing. 

WHY? With the sun returning Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour in Mumbles is the best place to head to for an ice cream this Easter. Just across the road is the Tivoli Amusements Arcade where you can win a prize on the cranes and play on the slot machines. There are also other neat places to visit nearby like the fabulous 225 metre Mumbles Pier built in 1807, Mumbles Lighthouse completed in 1794 and Oystermouth Castle built in the 13th century.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Joe’s Ice Cream has been famous for its unique blend of Italian ice cream and Welsh ingredients since it was first established in 1922. Although Joe’s do have different flavours, it’s the original vanilla ice cream that you want to go for, as there’s not another ice cream quite so rich and tasty. The inside of the Mumbles parlour is adorned with photos of the ice cream parlour’s founder, Joe Cascarini, and there is also plenty of space, making it the perfect option for large families or groups.
ANY HISTORY? Once a small fishing village, Mumbles was discovered by wealthy Victorians in the 19th century and has been a highly popular holiday retreat ever since. In 1898 Luigi Cascarini came over to Swansea from the Abruzzi Mountains in Italy. Astonished to discover that there were no cafes open to the workers of the Swansea valley, Luigi decided to setup a haven for the working classes open from dusk till dawn. Before long, Luigi had opened a chain of cafes and when his eldest son, Joe, was old enough he brought him over to Wales from Italy to run the café on St Helens Road. A passionate ice cream lover, Joe brought with him from Italy a secret recipe from his home in Italy and Joe’s Ice Cream was born.
LOOK OUT FOR? There's a wide range of flavours and sizes to suit everybody at Joe's. The ice cream parlour have also started selling a collection of hats, mugs and other merchindise, to find out more go to www.joes-icecream.co.uk.
WHAT TO TAKE? Don’t forget to bring a camera with you to take some photos of the spectacular views of the bay and Mumbles Head.
WHEN TO GO? Joe's Ice Cream Parlour in Mumbles is open every Saturday between 9.30am and 6.30am. The parlour is also open on Sundays between 11am and 6pm and on weekdays between 9.30am to 5.30pm, except Mondays when they open at 10.30am.
TELL ME MORE: Joe’s Ice Cream Mumbles Parlour is located on Mumbles Road, next to the post office, but it is probably best to park in the nearby Quarry pay and display car park. For sat-nav users the Quarry car park postcode is SA3 4LQ.
Visit www.richardthomas.com.

Ready to hit the road

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, March 16, 2013, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

  
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A big day out

Ready to hit the road

RICHARD THOMAS heads to ... Skidz Karting in Swansea

WHY? Skidz Karting is Swansea’s only indoor go karting track. With karts and tracks suitable for all ages and abilities, drivers young and old will have a great time trying to beat each others best lap time on the tracks.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Measuring 330 meters in length and consisting of an exciting mix of tight bends, sweeping curves and great long straights, the 6 meter wide main track allows for plenty of overtaking opportunities and provides plenty of challenges for even the most experienced go karter. There’s also a great track for younger drivers, providing plenty of fun but still nice and safe with a secure pit lane area for safe pit stops. Children as young as three can take part. There are three types of kart available: electric KIDZ KARTZ that travel up to 6 miles per hour for three to eight year olds, SODI FUN KID petrol karts for eight to twelve year olds, and the worlds most popular kart the SODI GT4 for adults.
LOOK OUT FOR? Along with two great tracks there is also a games room with driving simulators where you can get some practice before you go on the track, a pool table, air hockey table, and a cafe serving light refreshments to check out. ANY HISTORY? Skidz Karting opened last year. Although a popular sport in Europe today, go karting first began on the other side of the Atlantic. Art Ingels is thought to have built the world's first go kart in 1956 in California. Go karting quickly caught on with tracks built in many towns and cities across the United States.
WHAT TO TAKE? Drivers will have to make a one time purchase of a balaclava for hygiene reasons, but these only cost £1.50 each and are yours to keep and bring back next time. All the other kit, including a helmet, overalls, gloves and a detailed safety briefing are provided for. Prices are £20 for 25 minuets during off peak times and £25 for the same during peak times, Monday to Friday after 4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
WHEN TO GO? During the school term the go karting tracks are open daily between 12pm and 8pm, except Mondays when the tracks are closed. During school holidays Skids Karting is open seven days a week from 10am to 12pm.
TELL ME MORE: For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Unit 1, Rear of Queensway, Swansea West Business Park, Fforest-Fach, Swansea, SA5 4DJ. To book a place call 01792 580927. More information about opening times, prices and the go karting tracks can be found on the Skidz Karting website at www.skidzkarting.co.uk.

Look at maritime past

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, March 9, 2013, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Look at maritime past
A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. 

WHY? Jam-packed with the latest interactive technology married with traditional displays, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea offers visitors a unique and fully involved learning experience for the 21st century.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. The museum uses a collage of real life artefacts, archive footage and photographs, 2-D graphic panels, video diaries and various and often ingenious interactive computer displays, to bring Wales’ industrial and social history vividly to life for visitors.
ANY HISTORY? The museum has more than 100 historical artefacts from Wales’ industrial past. Formerly the site of the Swansea Industrial & Maritime Museum, the new National Waterfront Museum was opened in October 2005. The museum building itself is a synthesis of contemporary architecture and Welsh history. The building eloquently combining a Grade II listed former dockside warehouse built in 1902 with a 21st century glass and slate structure, designed exactly a century later by Stirling Prize-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre.
WHAT TO TAKE? Admission is free but you might want to purchase some keepsakes in the museum’s gift shop, where the money you spend is gifted back to the museum. Visitors wishing to take photographs will be required to complete a Declaration Form available from the Information Desk, but this doesn't take long so bring a camera.
LOOK OUT FOR? One of the most memorable exhibits is a detailed scale model of the 1865 steam ship Zeta, after which Swansea-born Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones was named. There’s also a replica of the world's first steam locomotive, built by British inventor Richard Trevithick, which made its first journey along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks, near Merthyr Tydfil in 1804.
WHEN TO GO? The museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily.
TELL ME MORE: Located in Swansea's Maritime Quarter, The National Waterfront Museum is less than half a mile from the city centre. A pay and display car park is situated just a short walk away from the Museum on Oystermouth Road. For sat nav users the postcode is SA1 3RD. To find out more about exhibits visit www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea or phone (029) 2057 3600.
Visit www.richardthomas.eu.

Dark days of war

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, March 3, 2013, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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  Dark days of war
A big day out!

   RICHARD THOMAS heads to the 1940s Museum. 

WHY? At the 1940s Museum on Swansea Bay, visitors go on a trek back in time, when Swansea was under attack from the German Luftwaffe and braising itself for invasion.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? The museum is based in Crymlyn Burrows off the Fabian Way and contains exhibits showing what life was like in the Swansea Bay area during and in the iaftermath of the Second World War. The Museum offers a unique chance for people born after 1945 to discover for themselves what life was like for civilians on the Home Front during the war and experience the sights and sounds of an air raid first hand. You even get to find out what you could eat with a week’s rations and dress up in 1940s clothes and uniforms.

ANY HISTORY? The London Blitz are infamous around the world, but the ports and industrial towns of South Wales were also targets for the German Luftwaffe, a three-night bombing campaign on Swansea in February, 1941, left most of the city destroyed. The 1940s Museum was set up eight years ago to tell the story of the impact of the bombing raids on the area, and how locals managed to cope with the devastation of total war.

LOOK OUT FOR? One of the highlight is an authentic wartime grocer's shop, where visitors can see what products available back then are still on store shelves today. Items like Spam, tinned beans and Weetabix are all here on display - although the Weetabix used to come in a tin rather than a box, according to Museum director John Thomas. In addition short films and displays of actual material from the period help bring to life a time over 65 years ago when every Briton had to carry a gas mask and identity card with them. But the best part of the exhibition has to be the RAF plotting room, where you follow the course of the German bombers before taking cover in the air raid shelter. Then when the all clear sounds, you can stroll down the reconstructed 1940s street, past houses, shops and into the corner pub.

WHAT TO TAKE? Don’t forget to bring a camera with you to take some snaps.

WHEN TO GO? The Museum is open daily between 10am and 4pm, last admission is one hour before closing.

TELL ME MORE: For more information phone 01792 458864 or visit www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk.

Visit www.richardthomas.eu.

Go Ape! at Margam County Park

My column for the March 2013 issue of Swansea Life magazine.

  
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Go Ape! at Margam County Park

On location: At Go Ape thrill seekers can enjoy up to three hours in the tree tops tackling zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and hire-wire crossings, but you don't have to be adrenalin addict to have fun in Margam Park. Steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone inside the park. Located in Port Talbot, along the eastern rim of Swansea Bay, the 850 acre estate boasts a magnificent 18th century orangery, an impressive and picturesque Tudor-Gothic style Victorian mansion house, a 12th century chapter house, ornamental gardens and one of the best deer herds in Wales. Children will enjoy the narrow gauge railway, adventure playground, farm trail and Fairytale Land. For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Margam Country Park, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ. More information about all of the activities at Margam Park can be found at www.margamcountrypark.co.uk, or you can phone 01639 881635.

Opening hours: Margam Park is open daily between 10am and 4.30pm. Go Ape! is closed Tuesday and Thursday, the rest of the week the Tree Top Adventure is available for bookings at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. To make a booking go to www.goape.co.uk/days-out/margam.

Crowd scene: Mostly teens and 20- and 30-somethings, many of them students. But there are also some dad's and mum's with their children tackleling the the Go Ape course. There's plenty to keep the rest of the family busy at Margam, if they don't want to swing from the tree tops. 

Back story: The history of Margam can be traced back to the Bronze and Iron Age, and it is even believed that the park’s deer herd was first introduced by the Romans some time after the Roman conquest of Britain in the 1st century CE. Adjacent to the Go Ape Tree Tops Adventure site is Margam Abbey built in 1147 and the magnificent Margam Castle, a Gothic-Tudor mansion house commissioned by Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in 1830. 

Noteworthy: Borrow an mp3 player free of charge from the kiosk and you'll be able to eavesdrop on voices from the past when you visit eight different spots inside the park. Written by David Hughes and recorded by local actors, these echoes from the past offer a fascinating insight into the lives of people who have worked, visited or lived on the estate over the centuries.

Show business: Today Margam Castle has become a popular filming location for TV shows. Last July the production team for the new drama series the Da Vinci's Demons written by David S. Goyer, who also penned the scripts for Batman Begins and Blade, were busy setting up camp at the castle.

Minimum requirements: At Go Ape as long as you can climb a rope ladder you will be fine. But there are some restrictions. Participants must be at least 10  years old and 1.4 metres tall and no more than 20.5 stone.

Parental guidance: Under 18s who want to Go Ape must be supervised by a participating adult. An adult can supervise either two children, where one or both of them are under 16, or up to five 16 to 17 year olds.

Tickets: Entry to Margam Park is free but there is a parking charge of £3.90. The Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure trail costs £20 for 10-17 year olds and £30 for the over 18s. 

Food and drink: Margam Park's Discovery Centre Cafe serve a range of hot drinks and cakes, but a lot of visitors opt to bring picnic lunches to Margam when the weather is good.

Photography: Cameras are welcome, and the tree tops at Go Ape offer fantastic views of Margam Park and Swansea Bay to photograph.

Disabled access: Disabled parking is available within both the Orangery and castle car parking areas and wheelchair access to the facilities is possible from these areas. Margam also have wheelchairs and an electric tramper buggy available for those with disability problems.

Events: Throughout the year, Margam Park hosts various events from Living History Weekends to Clown Festivals and Charity Walks.

Facilities: In the Visitor Centre in the Castle Courtyard there is a gift shop, park office, toilets and baby changing facilities.

Staff: The staff at Go Ape are friendly and happy to give you all the encouragemnt and help you'll need to stay safe on the course.

Pros: After completing the Go Ape course, you are awarded a certificate to show you are now part of the tribe.

Cons: Swinging from the tree tops is fun, but landings can be a bit muddy if you haven't had much practice on the zip wire swings.

Top tip: Wear suitable footwear with good grip and something you don't mind getting a bit grubby in. Also the rope ladders can be a bit hard on the hands, so bring gloves if you have them. 

Richard Thomas is the author of Sci-Fi Worlds - Doctor Who, Doomwatch, Battlestar Galactica And Other Cult TV Shows available from Amazon and all good book retailers. Visit www.richardthomas.eu.

Tree-sy does it at park

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, February 23, 2013, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post



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Tree-sy does it at park

A big day out!

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Margam Country Park.

WHY? Steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone inside the park. Located in Port Talbot, along the eastern rim of Swansea Bay, the 850 acre estate boasts a magnificent 18th century orangery, an impressive and picturesque Tudor-Gothic style Victorian mansion house, a 12th century chapter house, ornamental gardens and one of the best deer herds in Wales. Children will enjoy the narrow gauge railway, adventure playground, farm trail and Fairytale Land. And at Go Ape thrill seekers can enjoy up to three hours in the tree tops tackling zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and hire-wire crossings, but you don't have to be adrenalin addict to have fun in Margam Park.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Since Margam Park was officially opened in 1977 approximately four million people have visited the park to enjoy the facilities and events hosted inside.

ANY HISTORY? The park is best known for being the home to Margam Abbey built in 1147 and Margam Castle, a Tudor mansion house commissioned by Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in 1830. Although a relatively modern building, the castle was built on the site of an Iron Age hill fort, and during the ten years it took to complete the castle there were several deaths of masons involved in the contraction work. The Gothic building’s troubled beginning combined with the 4000 year history of the site has attracted many paranormal investigators to the castle.

LOOK OUT FOR? Borrow an mp3 player free of charge from the kiosk and you'll be able to eavesdrop on voices from the past when you visit eight different spots inside the park. Written by David Hughes and recorded by local actors, these echoes from the past offer a fascinating insight into the lives of people who have worked, visited or lived on the estate over the centuries.

FUN FACTS? Margam Castle doesn’t only attract TV shows about ghosts and the supernatural, scenes for episodes of Doctor Who, Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures have also been filmed at the castle. Last July the production team for the new drama series the Da Vinci's Demons written by David S. Goyer, who also penned the scripts for Batman Begins and Blade, were busy setting up camp at the castle.

WHAT TO TAKE? Entry to the park is free but there is a charge for parking and some of the activities inside. Bring a camera and for Go Ape wear suitable footwear with good grip and something you don't mind getting a bit grubby in. Also the rope ladders can be a bit hard on the hands, so bring gloves. Margam Park's Discovery Centre Cafe serve a range of hot drinks and cakes, but a lot of visitors opt to bring picnic lunches to Margam when the weather is good. To make a booking go to www.goape.co.uk/days-out/margam.

WHEN TO GO? Margam Park is open most days between 10am and 4.30pm, the opening hours for Monday and Tuesday are 1pm to 4.30pm.

TELL ME MORE: Throughout the year the park hosts various events from Living History Weekends to clown festivals and charity walks. Information about these and other events and attractions at Margam Park can be found at www.margamcountrypark.co.uk, or you can phone 01639 881635. For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Margam Country Park, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ.

Visit www.richardthomas.eu.

Extraordinary exhibits

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, February 16, 2013, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Extraordinary exhibits 

A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Swansea Museum’s Collections Centre at Landore. 

WHY? Swansea Museum operates over four locations. The Collections Centre is a fascinating place to visit because it houses the museum's reserve collection which include some extraordinary exhibits from Swansea’s industrial and maritime past.
WHAT'S THE BUZZ? The Collections Centre is housed in an historically important building on the former Hafod/Morfa Copper Works site in Landore, parts of which date back to 1830. The former copper rolling shed and warehouse building has been transformed into a public-access store and collections centre. The building is now home to the reserve collections of both Swansea Museum and the Maritime and Industrial Museum, providing more opportunities for the public to see some wonderful gems from history.
ANY HISTORY? In the mid-19th century the Hafod/Morfa copper-smelting complex was the centre of world copper smelting activity. Little evidence remains of this industrial past, however, save for the buildings on the site.
QUIRKY HISTORY? Considering the age of the building and the exhibits inside, ghost hunters won’t be surprised to learn that staff have even reported hearing “loud whistling” when nobody else should have been in the building.
WHAT TO TAKE? Admission is free but don’t forget to bring a camera with you.
LOOK OUT FOR? Some of the most popular items in the collection at Landore are the old vehicles like a traveller's van, lorries, a fire engine and also boats. There are even two lifeboats; the Naomi Beatty and the William Gammon. Gifted to the museum in 1992, the William Gammon was named in memory of the coxswain of the Mumbles lifeboat, who lost his life along with the other seven crew members on April 23, 1947, whilst attempting to rescue the crew of the Samtampa. The collection from the former Maritime and Industrial Museum in Swansea is also at the Landore site.
WHEN TO GO? Swansea Museum Collections Centre opens to visitors every Wednesday between 10am to 4pm.
TELL ME MORE: The Collections Centre can be found next to the Park and Ride car park, opposite the Liberty Stadium, on the Cross Valley Link Road, Landore, Swansea, SA1 2JT. For more information about exhibitions and events at Swansea Museum you can visit their website at www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseamuseum or phone 01792 653763.
Visit Richard Thomas's website at www.richardthomas.eu.