RECENTLY AN ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE SUNDAY TIMES highlighting what a tough world it is for aspiring young journalists,how fierce the competition and negligible the rewards, and more so now than ever as so many arms of the media are cutting back on real journalism, and simply regurgitate press releases as news. For the last few summers we have been lucky enough to have work experience students from the Cardiff School of Journalism, the ‘Oxbridge’ of the media world. They have been an asset to the magazine and proof of the excellence of their alma mater.

However, browsing the internet and ‘googling’ the school did give food for thought; when so many fairly eminent
journalists have studied here in Wales why should there still be so much cultural insensitivity? This term seems rather apt, for I first saw it in a document we were sent proposing a Welsh postal service, Post Cymru, which documented the relationship of the Royal Mail with Wales. The Royal Mail say there is not sufficient interest in Welsh stamps for them to produce them, the ‘proof ’ being that they are available from post offices but very rarely asked for. While the dragon has been depicted several times over the years it is rarely the classic red Welsh dragon and Welsh historic occasions are rarely marked.
Virtually nothing is taught in schools of our history, little enough in Wales let alone across the border. Other religions, other histories and other cultures are widely celebrated and taught: the American Civil War, Ann Frank, Diwali and haikus to take a random, and however worthy, selection, but not englyns or struggles of the Princes or the wonderfully progressive and egalitarian laws of Hywel Dda. ‘When in Rome’ is an adage I feel all should live by; however, that is hard to do if you don’t even know that you are, essentially, in a different country, and if the indigenous youth is not taught its own country’s history.
The Urdd, the National and Llangollen too, provide us all year around with entertainment, showcasing a talent in which we seem to be incredibly rich. On the first day of the Urdd Eisteddfod I dropped in on Mrs Davies the Post; she was her usual hospitable and good humoured self, but as I left she reminded me gently that it was the Urdd and for the next week it wouldn’t be convenient to receive visitors as she didn’t want to miss a thing. I love the National Eisteddfod, I love the total immersion of Welshness, of hearing it everywhere, of the music, the poetry, the whole atmosphere, and despite my inadequate knowledge of the Language of Heaven, I have never felt anything but welcome there, and I wish all would experience the charm and the uniqueness of this great cultural festival.
As usual, we have a stand at the Eisteddfod, so please, if you can, do come and see us, we always love to meet our readers. Back issues, binders, flags and ties, and more will all be available. Over the week many of the contributors can be found at our stand. We thrive on your feedback, suggestions and experiences and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.