Posts that Didn't Happen: October 2024

At the time of writing (actually May 2025), the blog has rather fallen behind - so time for some catch up posts . . .

Back in time to October 2024 - life was pretty busy, what with the van conversion, and (for me) some archive consultancy work, although there was time to get out and about too.

At the beginning of the month, the planned meet up with the 'Archive Girls' went ahead on schedule.  

This was pretty much a re-run of last year's trip, staying at the same property, eating out at the same pub, and with another visit to Hay - time to relax, watch Strictly and have a good natter!

Then there was a trip to Cardiff (mostly in the rain) - some work, some 'van' shopping in Ikea, and an 'interesting' journey home through flooded roads - I was glad not to be driving!

Inbetween there was yet another Folly reorganisation swapping the desk with the sofa, so I'll be a bit closer to the heat from the wood burner as the days get colder.

Finally, towards the end of the month, we also had a trip to visit family - lovely to see everyone, and get a few bits and pieces sorted while we were there.

While all this was going on 'Project Van' was also continuing - albeit slowly, and with many frustrations - electrics, reversing cameras, window regulators, etc.  

Not least of these, was the realisation that the 'plan' for the bed layout wasn't going to work - there just wasn't enough room to overlay two single beds (as shown), so it was back to the drawing board.

The thinking now is to go for a sliding transverse bed (hence the trip to Ikea for more Skorva bed beams - a van conversion staple item!).

Some other tasks were completed, including the rather scary cutting of a hole in the side of the van for the electric hook-up:

So much more to do though . . .

Explore Your Archive 2020

In these strangest of times - with most archive services still closed - the annual Explore Your Archive campaign moves online . . .

And this year we have an early property listing for the I'm a Celebrity location - Gwrych Castle - should attract some attention!

Explore Your Archive 2019

Another year, another invitation to find out what your local archive service has to offer . . .

. . . launched in Wales with multi-coloured cotton bags, and (of course) cake!

Explore Your Archive 2017

Various things have been happening across Wales for the annual Explore Your Archive extravaganza - and this year our 'local' Ceredigion Archives asked people to respond to their collections by 'Making History'.

A special evening celebration then exhibited our responses - with performances, artwork, knitting, music, flowers, poetry, 'shrub', a tattooed knee, and authentically reproduced old recipes (although I couldn't quite bring myself to try the mince pies made with bullock's heart!).

My own 'artistic' effort comprised a piece of doggerel verse:

There once was an Archive by the Sea,

Holding 500 years of County History.

Prints and photos, maps and plans,

Letters and diaries in old-fashioned hands,

Adverts and guides to the County of Old,

Showing how we once lived, what we once sold.

All kept safe and sound for people to see,

To search and discover how Things Used To Be.

After forty-odd years the Archive is still

Collecting these records with zeal and good-will.

Of Clubs and Societies, Council and All,

Stored (away from the sea) at the Old Town Hall.

Generations to come will be able to say:

“So that’s how they did things, back in their day.”

There’s so much in our Archives, from now and before,

Your history is here, come along and Explore!

. . . for which I was duly awarded a medal (along with everyone else - although Martin is now insisting on calling me Muttley!).

It was a great evening - lots of new people got introduced to archives along the way - and a good time was had by all!

Explore Your Archive 2015

Time for the annual call to 'Explore Your Archive' - with a launch event in Wales at Ceredigion Archives, and some colourful goodies (including more pink napkins).

So remember your local archive if you are looking for information on your local area - archives are full of fascinating things - go explore!

Explore Your Archive 2014

What better way to raise awareness of archives, than a bright pink serviette with your cake?

Works for me!

Explore Your Archive

Today saw the launch of the 'Explore Your Archive' campaign in Wales - a UK and Ireland effort to raise awareness of our archival heritage and what is on offer in the archive services that preserve and provide access to it.






So this is me - as an archivist - doing my bit (as it were) . . .

Go on, have a look (check out the videos on the Archives Wales YouTube channel), you might be surprised at what you are missing!

. . . In With The New

To complete the story - as of Monday I am now a full-time Civil Servant. Was promptly shipped down to Cardiff for induction sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Found out a lot I didn't know about the Welsh Assembly Government (and how it is different from the National Assembly of Wales), and really enjoyed seeing inside the Senedd, a great eco-building, and a fantastic piece of architecture, particularly the way the Debating Chamber or Siambr is embedded in the mushroom stalk like feature.

Enjoyed Cardiff too - was booked in to the Big Sleep hotel (really good value, B&B for £50 a night), and got a free upgrade to the Executive Suite - I've never stayed in an Executive Suite before!

Not that the Big Sleep is that posh - but in addition to the bedroom, there was a lounge (pictured - great wallpaper eh?!), kitchenette, and the en-suite bathroom had a jacuzzi bath. The views (from the 10th floor) out over Cardiff were also fantastic, especially at night:

Anyway, I'm looking forward to my new role as Archives Development Adviser - and the opportunity to work more closely with the archival profession in Wales. The journey home also brought one final delight - a sudden cold snap brought snow over the Brecon Beacons - not enough to delay the journey, but it did look beautiful: