Gower Show 7th August 2016

Hi Folks

Gower Show 2016

Enjoy this very short film of the Gower Show. There was so much going on and to see that I was disappointed to have to leave so early due to other commitments. This show, celebrating it's 99th anniversary is a real draw and was packed with crowds drawn from far and wide.

There are fewer shows every year around the UK but the support in here in Gower does mean that the future looks good and with the centenary coming up next year I'd be surprised if it wasn't really special. It's difficult to imagine life around a century ago when this was the major highlight of the year for the the local population. When life was hard and days were long. When there was no television or radio so entertainment was home grown and communications were difficult. Meeting up at the Show was to hear about births and deaths, marriages and more. Where the church or chapel and market were central to village life. Where the best clothes saw the light of day and men attended the Show, even on a sweltering day, dressed in the Sunday suit, shirt and tie, and of course the obligatory hat.

  The above video was produced in 2011.

I am building up a collection of 100 short films celebrating life as seen from grass-roots. So if you have a hobby, an interesting story, an achievement, belong to a group or want to tell me about your memories then get in touch.  Once I have reached the 100 target I will consider the next level. Your support is most appreciated.

You may be interested to know that I need new equipment to carry out this project together with my other community filming and that I am currently looking for funds through crowdfunding. If you have enjoyed this and the other films coming along and you feel like making a donation of any size please go to  https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Future-Past. 

• Make a donation of any amount and you'll be mentioned in the credits on at least one film.
• Give £50 and be invited to the premier showing. Venue, date and time to be announced but it will be in the Swansea area.
• Give at least £100 and receive a personalised DVD of a selection of completed films and invitation to the premier
• Give £1000 and we'll make a short film for you subject to feasibility.

Events weekend 6th and 7th August 2011

Outside South Wales it is appalling that there are riots once again on the streets of the UK. Just now it's Tottenham, Edmonton, Brixton and Enfield. Groups of mainly young people driven by social media (Twitter and Facebook) swept through these areas following the terrible riots in Tottenham. Mass hysteria driven by a small group of hardcore anachists seems again to have been so easy to orchestrate. Bristol is probably the nearest that it's been to South Wales. Lets hope that this now dies down and law and order is is brought back again. The damage, looting and theft has left the local community devastated. Amazing to see the police dogs clear a scene  Bring them on again for swift sharp success.

Back in Swansea we saw a Local Produce Market at Sketty which is a real commmunity project that is not just providing a real service but has also become a place to meet and greet old friends. These markets are a place to by real food from real people. Vegetables that may not be perfect in shape or size but ooze flavour that you don't get in supermarkets: home made cakes made from ingredients you'd find in any kitchen cupboard and were prepared fresh iether the night before or even early morning. And much, much more. 

Coming up next Saturday is the Festival of the Tides from 1pm starting outside the Royal Oak at Penclawdd. Looking at video of previous years this is a real family day with loads of mini events for the whole family going on. £2.50 entrance is great vale and all profits go to local charities. To date they have given just over £10,000 which is pretty amazing.

The Gower Show was a wonderful event and probaly one of thev few remaining real county shows with home produce competing, dogs, horses, displays of all outside activities. The crowds poured in despite the threat of heavy showers.  The ground stood up well against the heavy raain that fell in the night and everyone seeed to be enjoying themselves. A real booster when so many people are having concerns about job losses, high power hikes, petrol 50% higher than 18 months ago and much more.

Swansea City and played in Singleton Park. Another regualr even both here ad in Clyne Park where you can juust relax and hear some great music played by local musicians.

We are anxious to hear about your events so call and tell us. ask@swantv.com, tel/text 07976364681. If you don't tell we can't be there.

Thanks to all organisers for making us so welcome.