#rally driving course Wales

[neiljohnsblog]

From Beginner to Pro: How Rally Driving Classes in Wales Can Transform Your Driving Skills

When it comes to developing high-level driving skills, few experiences are as thrilling and educational as rally driving classes. Wales, with its rugged terrains and challenging roads, offers the perfect environment for aspiring rally drivers to hone their skills. From beginner to pro, rally driving classes in Wales are designed to offer hands-on experience, guiding enthusiasts through the essentials of rally driving while enabling them to enjoy the breathtaking Welsh landscape.

What Makes Rally Driving Unique?

Rally driving is not your typical driving experience. Unlike traditional road or track driving, rally driving involves manoeuvring a car over unpredictable, rough terrains, including gravel, mud, and occasionally even snow and ice. Rally drivers learn to master a blend of precise vehicle control, quick reflexes, and tactical driving techniques to maintain speed and safety on demanding roads. The distinct appeal of rally driving lies in its need for skill, adaptability, and the thrill of driving on the edge.

In Wales, the rally driving scene is vibrant, with various courses available to help drivers advance from beginner to advanced levels. The Welsh countryside, with its undulating hills, tight corners, and narrow roads, is ideal for developing technical rally driving skills. Rally driving classes in Wales equip you with the expertise to drive confidently through these challenging terrains.

Why Take Rally Driving Classes in Wales?

Rally driving is challenging, and mastering it requires much more than just enthusiasm. Rally driving classes in Wales provide structured guidance and expert instruction that help drivers build the necessary skill set, regardless of prior experience. Here’s why rally classes in Wales are the perfect choice for aspiring rally drivers:

1. Expert Instruction: The rally driving instructors in Wales are often seasoned rally drivers themselves, bringing years of knowledge to the classroom and the track. Their guidance ensures students receive training tailored to their skill level, enabling them to safely and effectively progress through each stage of learning.

2. World-Class Training Grounds: Wales boasts some of the UK’s most famous rally driving routes, making it a hotspot for drivers to practice real-world rally conditions. With expansive forests, coastal paths, and winding country roads, the Welsh landscape provides all the elements necessary for a comprehensive rally driving experience.

3. Variety of Courses for All Levels: Rally driving classes in Wales cater to all levels, whether you’re just starting or looking to polish advanced techniques. From introductory courses to more intensive training sessions, these classes are designed to meet the specific needs and abilities of each driver.

4. Safety and Professionalism: Professional rally schools in Wales place a strong emphasis on safety, ensuring drivers are well-prepared and confident to handle challenges. Instructors teach essential safety skills, ensuring that drivers understand the principles of vehicle control and risk management when driving on hazardous terrain.

5. Boosted Confidence and Real-World Driving Skills: The skills learned in rally driving classes often go beyond the rally stage, instilling confidence and improving real-world driving abilities. Many of the techniques—such as controlling skids, navigating tough weather conditions, and handling various road surfaces—are valuable even for daily driving.

What to Expect in a Rally Driving Class

If you’re curious about rally driving classes in Wales, here’s a quick overview of what these courses typically entail and the skills they teach.

1. Introduction to Rally Driving Basics

In introductory classes, students learn the core principles of rally driving. Instructors walk you through the fundamentals, such as understanding the car’s handling, throttle control, braking techniques, and steering. These sessions cover vehicle dynamics and how to interpret the car’s response on different surfaces.

2. Mastering Driving Techniques for Different Terrains

Rally driving is all about handling diverse surfaces. Rally driving classes in Wales teach drivers to handle gravel, dirt, and slippery tracks with ease. Students practice power-sliding, drifting, and other techniques essential to maintain control of the car while maximizing speed.

3. Cornering and Advanced Steering Techniques

One of the hallmarks of rally driving is the ability to navigate sharp, tight corners at speed. Instructors will teach you advanced steering techniques such as the Scandinavian flick and handbrake turns. These manoeuvres are essential for taking on tricky curves with confidence, enabling smooth, controlled handling even when approaching sharp bends.

4. Braking Control and Throttle Modulation

Braking in rally driving differs significantly from everyday driving, as it requires a delicate balance between slowing down enough to safely navigate a turn without losing too much momentum. Learning the art of throttle modulation and braking control will help you master the intricacies of rally driving. Rally classes in Wales emphasize these techniques to give drivers greater control and adaptability on the track.

5. Navigating Natural Obstacles

Wales’ rugged landscape presents natural obstacles that drivers must learn to navigate with skill. Rally driving classes teach you how to adjust your driving to tackle ditches, bumps, and uneven surfaces. This is critical for maintaining car stability and avoiding costly errors during a rally stage.

6. Developing Quick Reflexes and Decision-Making Skills

Rally driving is fast-paced, and being able to make quick decisions is key. Instructors train drivers to develop faster reflexes, helping them anticipate changes in the terrain and make split-second adjustments. This training boosts overall driving awareness and improves reflexes, translating into more effective control on unpredictable surfaces.

Benefits of Rally Driving Classes Beyond the Track

The benefits of taking rally driving classes in Wales extend beyond just the thrill of rally driving itself. Here are a few life skills and real-world driving improvements you’ll gain through rally driving:

- Increased Confidence: Mastering rally driving gives you an incredible sense of achievement and boosts confidence in your driving skills. The ability to navigate challenging terrains builds self-assurance, which carries over into everyday driving.

- Enhanced Vehicle Control: Rally driving teaches drivers how to read and respond to the car’s movements, making them more attuned to vehicle control and better equipped to handle unforeseen situations on the road.

- Improved Safety Awareness: Safety is paramount in rally driving, and instructors in Wales prioritize this aspect. The knowledge gained from rally driving classes reinforces safer driving practices and prepares drivers to respond effectively to emergencies.

- Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Rally drivers often need to make quick decisions to navigate obstacles and respond to the car’s performance. Rally driving classes foster decision-making skills that are valuable not only in driving but also in other areas of life.

Finding the Right Rally Driving Class in Wales

If you’re interested in exploring rally driving classes in Wales, look for courses that align with your current skill level and future goals. Some factors to consider include:

- Location and Terrain: Choose a rally driving school that offers training on diverse terrains. The variety will enhance your experience and better prepare you for the challenges of real-world rally driving.

- Class Structure and Level of Customization: Some rally driving classes are structured, while others may offer one-on-one instruction tailored to specific needs. If you’re a beginner, opt for a more structured introductory course. For advanced drivers, a customized program may help target specific areas of improvement.

- Safety Protocols and Equipment: Ensure the school provides all necessary safety equipment, and inquire about their safety protocols. Knowing you’re learning in a safe environment allows you to focus on skill-building with peace of mind.

Embrace the Adventure with Rally Driving Classes in Wales

Rally driving classes in Wales offer a blend of excitement, skill development, and adventure that few other driving courses can match. From learning essential techniques to mastering advanced driving skills, rally driving provides an unforgettable experience and a pathway to lifelong driving improvement. Whether you’re an aspiring rally driver or just looking for an adrenaline-filled weekend, rally driving classes in Wales are the perfect way to elevate your skills and enjoy the thrill of the open road.

[johnalexcooper]

From Novice to Pro: Transform Your Skills with Rally Driving Courses in Wales

Wales, with its breathtaking landscapes and rugged terrains, is a paradise for rally enthusiasts. The country's winding roads, challenging weather conditions, and diverse topography make it the ideal destination for anyone looking to hone their rally driving skills. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced driver, enrolling in a Rally Driving Course in Wales offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop your abilities, understand the nuances of rally driving, and experience the adrenaline rush that comes with it.

Why Choose Wales for a Rally Driving Course?

Wales is renowned for its rally heritage, hosting some of the most iconic stages of the World Rally Championship (WRC). The region's natural environment provides the perfect backdrop for rally driving courses, where participants can experience everything from tight forest trails to open gravel roads. The unpredictable Welsh weather, often featuring rain and fog, adds an extra layer of challenge, making the experience all the more authentic and thrilling.

Choosing Wales for your rally driving course means you’ll be training in an environment that has tested some of the world’s greatest rally drivers. The terrain here is diverse, offering a range of surfaces, from slippery mud to gravel and tarmac, ensuring that you gain experience across different conditions. This diversity is crucial for anyone looking to progress from a novice to a seasoned rally driver.

What to Expect from a Rally Driving Course in Wales

A Rally Driving Course in Wales is designed to cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with some rally experience, these courses offer tailored instruction to meet your needs. Here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Introduction to Rally Driving

The course usually begins with an introduction to the basics of rally driving. This includes understanding the layout of a rally car, the purpose of each control, and the key techniques that distinguish rally driving from regular driving. You’ll learn about weight distribution, the importance of traction, and how to control a car through different types of corners.

2. Essential Rally Techniques

As you progress, the focus shifts to mastering essential rally techniques. This includes learning how to handle oversteer and understeer, the art of left-foot braking, and the Scandinavian flick—a technique used to initiate a controlled slide around corners. These techniques are critical in rally driving, where the ability to maintain control at high speeds on unpredictable surfaces is crucial.

3. Navigating Different Terrains

One of the highlights of a rally driving course in Wales is the opportunity to drive on various terrains. You’ll experience the challenges of gravel roads, the slipperiness of mud, and the grip of tarmac. Each terrain requires a different approach, and the course will teach you how to adapt your driving style to the changing conditions.

4. Advanced Driving Techniques

For those looking to push their skills further, advanced driving techniques are also covered. This includes high-speed cornering, navigating tight hairpins, and handling jumps. You’ll also learn about pace notes and how to work with a co-driver—an essential part of rally driving that requires clear communication and trust.

5. Simulated Rally Stages

The course culminates in simulated rally stages, where you get to apply everything you’ve learned in a controlled, competitive environment. These stages are designed to replicate real rally conditions, complete with tight corners, fast straights, and varying terrain. It’s here that you’ll truly appreciate the skills you’ve developed and experience the thrill of rally driving at its finest.

Benefits of a Rally Driving Course in Wales

Enrolling in a Rally Driving Course in Wales offers numerous benefits, beyond just improving your driving skills:

1. Confidence Behind the Wheel

One of the biggest takeaways from a rally driving course is the increased confidence you’ll gain behind the wheel. Learning how to control a car in challenging conditions, and at high speeds, gives you a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations. This confidence is not only beneficial in rally driving but also in everyday driving situations.

2. Enhanced Car Control

Rally driving is all about car control. The techniques you learn, such as throttle control, braking, and steering inputs, apply to all forms of driving. Whether you’re driving on a wet road or navigating a tight turn, the skills you develop during the course will help you become a more competent and safer driver.

3. Adrenaline and Fun

Let’s not forget the sheer fun of rally driving. The adrenaline rush that comes with controlling a car at high speeds, sliding around corners, and navigating challenging terrains is unmatched. A rally driving course in Wales offers an exhilarating experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

4. Networking and Community

Rally driving courses are also a great way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for motorsports. You’ll have the opportunity to network with other participants, instructors, and rally enthusiasts, potentially opening doors to future opportunities in the world of rally driving.

Tips for Preparing for Your Rally Driving Course

Before you embark on your rally driving course in Wales, here are a few tips to help you prepare:

- Stay Fit: Rally driving can be physically demanding, so it’s important to be in good shape. Focus on your core strength and endurance to handle the rigours of rally driving.

- Understand the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the basics of car control, such as braking, acceleration, and steering. The more you understand these fundamentals, the easier it will be to pick up rally-specific techniques.

- Stay Calm and Focused: Rally driving requires a calm and focused mind. Practice mindfulness or meditation techniques to help you stay focused during the course.

- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that provide a good grip. Some courses may provide safety gear, but it’s always a good idea to check in advance.

Conclusion

A Rally Driving Course in Wales is more than just a driving lesson; it’s a transformative experience that takes you from a novice to a pro. The skills you develop, the confidence you gain, and the thrill you experience are unmatched. Whether you’re looking to pursue rally driving as a hobby or a career, or simply want to improve your driving skills, Wales offers the perfect environment to achieve your goals. So, if you’re ready to take your driving to the next level, there’s no better place to start than the rally courses in the heart of Wales.

[fayrobertsuk]

Mount Snowdon's name is officially changed after 5,000 sign petition - Mirror Online

I went on Google for something completely different, but this made me punch the air in jubilation, so you might be interested to see it too.

In case you're not familiar with the background, this is important because, despite rallying massively over the last 70 years or so, Welsh is still very much a language at risk. And when I say "at risk", I mean "subject to a campaign to drive it into extinction that very nearly worked and still might". Welsh speakers of my grandmother's generation and earlier were subjected to corporal punishment and shame tactics (see The Welsh Knot for one particularly notorious example), and workers to disciplinary action for speaking Welsh in school or workplace. In Wales.

And since tourism has been a huge source of income for the country (increasingly important, arguably, since so many coalmines and steelworks were shut down), using English placenames to be, I guess, less off-putting for visitors, has been increasingly the norm. Which means that the arguably far more beautiful (in Welsh or more directly translated into English) names are dying out, as locals forget them too.

One of the reasons I get quite passionate about this, is that I'm the last person in my family to speak Welsh much beyond the usual "good morning", "exit", and "welcome to Wales", and I'm a second language speaker at that, horrendously rusty. Another is, I guess, the guilt of the voluntary exile – what can I do but shout about it from far away and make occasional forays back to Duolingo's Welsh course?

Anyway, it's no longer Snowdon but Yr Wyddfa (Uhrr Wuthvah - th hard like though or that) and not Snowdonia but Eryri (Err-urree), emphasis always on the penultimate syllable (Yr WYTHfa, ErYri).

[trenchphotos1]

When my friend and I were in Prague, we were sitting at a pub on the street (because that's one of the very best things about European city centers) and just enjoying the view. There was a large group of English speakers at the next table, and as things can sometimes happen at pubs in European city centers, we struck up a conversation. Turns out there was a Harley Davidson rally? conference? meet-up? street party?* happening in Vienna, and tons of people were driving there (on their Harleys, of course.). This group was from Wales, was quite friendly, and completely enamored with American culture. We learned there are Harley Davidson vacations foreigners can book; they rent the bikes when they're here. One gentleman became really animated when he found out we were from Oklahoma. Several years ago, he drove Rt. 66 in its entirety, and he loved it. So much so he tattooed "Rt 66" on his back. Imagine our surprise when he pulled up his shirt and it wasn't just the logo staring back at us. Go big or go home, right? *I'm not sure of the proper terminology for a flock of Harley riders.

[damndanielricciardo]

You recommend some other series to watch in your last post. Is there any others I could watch to expand the motorsport series I watch?

Thanks for the ask anon!

Aside from F1 I watch and recommend the following:

F2

W Series

British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) + most of its support races!

World Rally Championship (WRC)

British Rally Championship

DTM

and Formula E

But of course they’re are plenty other to watch, if you want a place to start I’d start by watching the support series for F1 and see what takes your fancy, but they’re all good to watch!

I love rally, and would recommend it to anyone. It was the first motorsport I loved! (It’s not a race as such of you’re coming from F1, as its one car through a stage at a time, with a number of stages per rally, and who has the quickest time overall wins the rally and gets points for the championship. The driver also has a co-driver who reads out pace notes to explain the road ahead. But it’s more complicated with certain penalties been added for working on the car too much, or missing stages, or being late to stages as they drive on the normal roads between stages etc, it’s all about timing! I’m sure someone could explain it a lot better than I can.)

I remember leaving the stage we were watching once when I went to the WRC round in Wales and driving home, Sebastian Ogier was at the traffic lights next to us, in his rally car with his co-driver that was absolutely covered in mud and just loosing it, because how cool😂

[faunusrights]

sticky-phantom replied to your chat “me: me: me: my welsh brain: you should write a rally au. for rwby. me:...”

what is "rally"?

u know how in america all of the south is (allegedly) crazy into, like, nascar??? well rally is the rural welsh equivalent (and rural anywhere equivalent) in which people drive souped up cars along EXTREMELY treacherous roads to obtain the fastest time!!! and because wales is FULL of extremely dangerous roads, rally is Very Popular here as a staging ground fdsjkjsdfghsd

it’s basically time trials -- u each go one after another and try to complete the course Real Quickly. there’s road courses set on, like, normal roads (and by normal roads i mean the roads we drive on normally. like. basically theyre the roads normally locked to a 30mph speed limit but these lads barrel along at 110mph+) and more offroad courses in forests or out in the midst of nowhere (which are dangerous because people will, occasionally, completely wreck their cars). there’s a LOT of drifting and hairpin turns on steep cliffs so its fun for the whole family!!!!!!!

u can find footage of it by typing, like, ‘welsh rally’ into youtube, or by playing games like DiRT or DiRT Rally (or DiRT Rally 2.0), but yeah!!! it’s people driving normal people cars like fords and volkswagens and hyundais along the roads you recognise, but at 110mph and under the threat of death :)

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Pandemic aftershocks overwhelm global supply lines (Washington Post) One year after the coronavirus pandemic first disrupted global supply chains by closing Chinese factories, fresh shipping headaches are delaying U.S. farm exports, crimping domestic manufacturing and threatening higher prices for American consumers. The cost of shipping a container of goods has risen by 80 percent since early November and has nearly tripled over the past year, according to the Freightos Baltic Index. The increase reflects dramatic shifts in consumption during the pandemic, as consumers redirect money they once spent at restaurants or movie theaters to the purchase of record amounts of imported clothing, computers, furniture and other goods. That abrupt and unprecedented spending shift has upended long-standing trade patterns. “It’s crazy. Prices are at record highs. Multiple things are happening all at once,” said Phil Levy, an economist with Flexport, a San Francisco-based freight forwarder. “People work off of expectations. But now there’s just so much uncertainty.” At the Port of Los Angeles one day last week, 42 ships were anchored offshore, waiting to unload their cargoes, even as every warehouse within 60 miles was already full. A shortage of dock workers amid California’s worsening coronavirus outbreak is further complicating operations; inbound cargo volumes in December were more than 23 percent higher than one year earlier. “Some areas of the supply chain need to be sharpened,” Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director, said. “People are a little bit on edge.” It’s a global problem, and it may get worse before it gets better.

Destructive protests by anarchists and extremists signal divided left as Biden administration begins (Washington Post) The hundreds of far-left and anarchist demonstrators who gathered in protest mere hours after President Biden swore the oath of office Wednesday signal a fracturing on the left that could become a scourge for the new administration, political leaders and experts say. Some activists are carrying their destructive tactics into a new administration to voice rejection of centrist ideologies they believe will do little to address existential worries over climate change, economic inequality, foreign wars and racism. The vandalizing of the Oregon Democratic Party headquarters by extreme-left demonstrators on Inauguration Day has split Portland liberals, and federal agents’ launching of tear gas at crowds that descended on the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters produced scenes reminiscent of similar summer standoffs ordered by President Donald Trump. In Seattle, a march organized by anarchists and the city’s Youth Liberation Front branch roved through neighborhoods, chanting expletives at both Trump and Biden, some breaking windows. James Ofsink, president of Portland Forward, a local advocacy group for liberal causes, said the growing tension in Portland’s progressive circles is emblematic of a larger tug of war happening in the nation. “Portland is going to continue to be a microcosm of the political divides, especially among the left, that we’re seeing across the country,” Ofsink said. “The idea that middle-of-the-road Democrats can say with a straight face that we need to take things slowly or do things in a very deliberate way rubs a lot of people the very wrong way.”

Trump’s coming impeachment trial aggravates rift among Republicans (Reuters) The coming second impeachment trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump on a charge of inciting the deadly storming of the Capitol has aggravated a rift among his fellow Republicans that was on full display on Sunday. At least one Republican, Senator Mitt Romney, said he believed the trial, which could lead to a vote banning Trump from future office, was a necessary response to the former president’s inflammatory call to his supporters to “fight” his election defeat before the Jan. 6 attack. Ten Republicans joined the House of Representatives in voting to impeach Trump on a charge of inciting insurrection. But a significant number of Republican lawmakers, concerned about Trump’s devoted base of voters, have raised objections to the impeachment. Trump is the first U.S. president to be impeached after leaving office. Senator Tom Cotton, another Republican, said the Senate was acting beyond its constitutional authority by holding a trial. “I think a lot of Americans are going to think it’s strange that the Senate is spending its time trying to convict and remove from office a man who left office a week ago,” Cotton told Fox News on Sunday. “I think the trial is stupid,” Republican Senator Marco Rubio told Fox News on Sunday, saying he would vote to end it at the first opportunity. “I think it’s counterproductive. We already have a flaming fire in this country and it’s like taking a bunch of gasoline and pouring it on top of the fire.”

Ununited Kingdom (Times of London) The UK is facing a constitutional crisis that will strain the Union as new polls reveal a majority of voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland want referendums on the break-up of Britain. A four-country survey we commissioned, based on separate polls in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, also found that the sense of British identity that once bound the country together is disintegrating. And in another significant move, the Scottish National Party (SNP) announced that it is prepared to call a wildcat referendum of its own if Boris Johnson refuses to grant one himself—a move that puts the two governments on a constitutional collision course.

Riots explode across Netherlands over covid restrictions (Washington Post) Dutch rioters who attacked police and destroyed property over the weekend while protesting new coronavirus measures are “criminals,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Monday, as law enforcement officials warned that the violence could last for weeks. The unrest across the Netherlands, some of the worst in decades, had “nothing to do with protest,” Rutte, who resigned last week following a scandal, told reporters outside his office in The Hague, news agencies reported. Protesters had gathered in defiance of lockdown orders in at least 10 towns and cities Sunday, looting stores and clashing with police after authorities imposed a new nighttime curfew — the first in the Netherlands since World War II. The violence continued Monday night in several cities, including Amsterdam and The Hague. The curfew, from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., tightens an already-strict lockdown aimed at curbing coronavirus infections and comes amid fears that a new, more contagious variant, first identified in Britain, will cause a surge in cases.

In France, growing alarm over students’ well-being as pandemic pushes some to the brink (Washington Post) he hardships of university students during the pandemic have now reached the attention of the highest levels of the French government, with President Emmanuel Macron promising to provide more assistance. “You haven’t been forgotten,” he said this month. But students protesting de facto campus closures, seeking psychological support and lining up for free food handed out by private donors have come to a different conclusion. In a country that prides itself on having one of the world’s most generous public welfare systems, student food banks have become the most visible display of the economic impact of the pandemic on young people. After 10 months of varying degrees of isolation and restrictions, a less visible but increasingly worrisome mental health crisis is taking form among students, too. Some have been confined for months under lockdown or curfew in 97-square-foot dorm rooms off campus. New measures by Macron last week indicated growing alarm among French officials that financial distress and mental health are increasingly intertwined and are fueling one another. Students have written open letters asking French ministers for more support. Mental health hospitals have expanded their offerings to cope with a surge in demand among high school and university students. Some professors have themselves requested psychological support after finding their students in distress.

Navalny Protests Sweep Russia (Reuters) Russian authorities have attempted to deflect attention from Saturday’s nationwide street protests—the largest in years—by accusing the United States of interfering in the country. On Saturday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the U.S. embassy in Moscow of fanning the flames of dissent by publishing protest times and routes (as part of a notice to avoid such gatherings) on the embassy website. “What was that: a setup or an instruction?” Zakharova told the Russian news agency TASS, adding that if the Russian embassy in Washington had done the same during U.S. protests “global hysteria” would ensue. The government’s rhetorical counters came after thousands of Russians across roughly 100 towns and cities protested amid freezing winter temperatures on Saturday, heeding a call from detained anti-Putin activist Alexei Navalny to take to the streets to demand his release. Over 3,500 people were arrested during the protests, according to the monitoring group OVD Info—the most arrests the NGO had ever recorded in one day.

Angry farmers drive thousands of tractors into New Delhi (AP) Tens of thousands of protesting farmers drove long lines of tractors into India’s capital on Tuesday, breaking through police barricades, defying tear gas and storming the historic Red Fort as the nation celebrated Republic Day. They waved farm union flags from the ramparts of the fort, where prime ministers annually hoist the national flag to mark the country’s independence. Thousands more farmers marched on foot or rode on horseback while shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At some places, they were showered with flower petals by residents who recorded the unprecedented rally on their phones. Leaders of the farmers said more than 10,000 tractors joined the protest. For nearly two months, farmers have camped at the edge of the capital, blockading highways connecting it with the country’s north in a rebellion that has rattled the government. They are demanding the withdrawal of new laws which they say will commercialize agriculture and devastate farmers’ earnings.

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are under pressure as never before (Washington Post) Millions of Syrians have sought safety in Lebanon and across the region since the Syrian uprising began nearly a decade ago. Now they are stuck between untenable options: ongoing instability and violence back in Syria as President Bashar al-Assad consolidates control, and deteriorating conditions in cash-strapped Lebanon, where politicians are pressing refugees to leave. Syrians have long struggled in Lebanon, where about a million refugees make up some 20 percent of the population. But 2020 brought a new cascade of problems. The country’s financial system collapsed, and the prime minister resigned, ousted by protesters fed up with endemic corruption. Then the coronavirus hit, followed by the devastating Beirut port explosion, of which many Syrians were among the victims. In less than a year, the currency depreciated by more than 80 percent. Communities across Lebanon are hurting, especially Syrians, amid mounting competition for resources, said Elena Dikomitis, advocacy adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Lebanon. “The landscape of needs in Lebanon has changed dramatically over the last year,” she said. “There are a lot of increasing tensions as one can expect over access to jobs, to aid, to basic services.” In October, the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, estimated that nearly 90 percent of Syrians in Lebanon lived below the extreme poverty line, up from 55 percent the year before. Already legally excluded from many jobs, 90 percent of Syrians reported losing their income or having salaries reduced, the agency found in July. [Many Lebanese want the refugees to go home. Syria, however, remains a very dangerous homeland.]

Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea (Reuters) Pirates are stepping up attacks on ships in West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, defying regional navies. On Saturday, pirates off Nigeria kidnapped 15 sailors from a Turkish container ship and killed one. Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea kidnapped 130 seafarers in 22 separate incidents last year, accounting for all but five of those seized at sea worldwide. The pirates come from Nigeria’s turbulent Niger Delta, experts say. The region produces the bulk of the nation’s petroleum, but is woefully underdeveloped, scarred by pollution and has some of the highest unemployment in the country. Bands of men desperate for money engage in a variety of illegal but lucrative activities, including kidnapping, stealing and refining oil, and piracy. Last year’s oil price crash and Nigeria’s second recession in five years worsened unemployment and economic hardship. Saturday’s attack, which took place 200 nautical miles offshore, reflected increasing sophistication, as vessels further from shore are less likely to have naval protection.

Satellites (Space.com) SpaceX launched a record 143 small satellites into orbit on Sunday, the most ever on a single rocket. The launch was the first mission where SpaceX ferried lots of satellites up rideshare-style along with 10 of its own Starlink internet satellites. In 2019, the company announced that at various points in the year smaller satellites could hitch a ride at launch for $1 million a pop. Among the payload was a South Korean military communications satellite, two Taiwanese satellites which will improve navigation, a payload called Celestis 17 containing cremated human remains, three Hawk 2 radio satellites and a cargo capsule for the space station. The team successfully recovered the Falcon 9’s first stage in the Atlantic, which was the 73rd recovery of a booster for the company.

[peakysabrina]

Dark Horse: chapter 4

Ok so in this chapter, there are graphic depictions of violence and grief. 

Also, Polly meets Aberama’s youngest daughter which is exciting!

Perhaps the point of Gigi's story wasn't to show Tommy just how vicious others could be. He fancied himself to be the meanest, the baddest, the most righteous, but he wasn't. He didn't have the most resources, he didn't have the most loyal of men, he wasn't God, and he never would be. Birmingham was his realm, but the importance of other realms superseeded that of his own. For example, Swansea was Gigi Gold's land, where she ruled the underworld, and did as she pleased, killing without mercy to maintain everything as she wanted it to be. And what she wanted was for criminals to die, to die at her hands, to leave those with no money or resources live their life with peace and fairness. Those were the conclusions Ada Thorne arrived to, upon driving to the library to see some of the newspapers Tommy had mentioned. Of course there were pictures of mangled bodies, of dettached body parts, of pools of blood enough to fill a bathtub... Maybe Georgia did bathe in the blood of her enemies, but she didn't seem to kill children, by the looks of it. Adults were fair game, though, of both genders: a brothel mistress, guilty of enslaving boys and girls alike; the owner of an illegal casino; a butcher who sold expired meat; and a good number of men and women who were abusive toward their partners, family members, etc.

Tommy requested everyone to stay at his own home until the whole mess at the rally had been worked out. He didn't know who to trust outside his family and staff, and wasn't about to risk his luck again. During dinner, when the children had been taken to their rooms, Ada relayed the information she had gathered to Finn, Arthur, and Lizzie, who let the shock come through to their expressions.

"Any progress on the rally business?" Arthur asked, looking a million years older than before.

"Not yet, but we will get there. Whoever it was that put us at risk will come out, sooner or later" Tom responded, sitting back on his chair, deep bag under his eyes. "Within the month, I will deliver what needs to be delivered to Georgia, and she'll be on her way and out of mine"

"Tommy..." Ada meant to advise, but her brother didn't let her say anything.

"I will do what's best for this family, and I don't care what any of you say. I will keep everyone safe, and I will do it the way I've always done it!" Thomas roared, banging his fist on the table, causing his glass to topple over and shatter. "Would it be too much to ask to just have some peace and quiet at my dinner table? Why would you go and look for the news on that girl? She's unbalanced, and if I had my way, if you hadn't started making stupid deals, I would have killed her as soon as she turned her back"

"You wouldn't!" Ada replied in the same tone of voice her brother had used. "How could you do that? Haven't you destroyed enough of that family?"

"She threatened mine, Ada! She threatened each and every one of us, and each moment she's alive, she's a threat! How do you suppose I can deal with a threat like that? With deals and all that shit? With diplomacy and words? She doesn't know how to be honourable, she is anything but deserving of our trust. I, for one, am almost certain that sooner rather than later, I will have to take that particular issue in my own hands" Tom let out, having lost his patience with Ada.

"Tom, this is part of a bigger problem. Whoever it was who killed Aberama Gold betrayed us, and we need to find out who it was. It's as simple as that. Once we do, it's two birds with one stone" Arthur chimed in, trying to reconcile his two siblings. He couldn't help but agree with Tom: if Gigi was dead, it was one less peril for the Shelbies. But the other one, the bigger issue, would remain. However, if the bigger issue was resolved, so would this one.

"What if the person, or people, who killed Aberama are people we cannot go up against? What if we can't do anything about it?" Tommy asked, sitting down on his table and trying to regain control of his breathing and heartbeat. "What if... I can never deliver Aberama Gold's killer to his daughter, eh?"

"Tommy, whoever it is... Whether it's Oswald Mosley, whether it's the Billy Boys... they need to be brought to justice. They need to pay for what they did" Lizzie  guaranteed, a cigarette inbetween her well-manicured fingers. "No one is above the law, Tommy"

"How can you say that when you're sitting at this table, inside this house?" Arthur asked, surprising all the ones present. "Money is above the law. The only justice in the world is the one that comes out the barrel of a gun, and into a man's skull"

_______________________________________________________________

The veiled figure advanced through the field with difficulty. It was almost midnight, the moon wasn't full, and it wasn't familiar terrain. Even more challenging was to do it all while thinking harder than ever, divided between grief and loyalty. It was only when the camp was within her field of vision that Polly Gray made a final decision on what she would be asking Georgia Gold.

"Mrs. Gray" a voice called from somewhere ahead of her. Polly couldn't make out much of a figure, but she did know the individual carried a gas lamp, with a dim, yet welcome, light.

"Yes, it's me. Georgia? Are you Georgia?"

"I am" the girl replied, positioning the light so that it coincided with her face. Those features, those... those eyes, that nose, that mouth... It was like seeing him, like seeing every bit of him in front of her. The dim light contributed to the memory of times gone by, to the reliving of the sweetest times. "It's an honour to meet you, ma'am"

"Oh. Oh, of course you are" Polly whispered, taking wobbly steps toward that angel. "You look just like your father, it's amazing"

"I've been told that" Georgia chuckled, allowing Polly to hug her, and hold on to her as tightly as she could. Strangely enough, Polly Gray, a woman Gigi had never met before, smelled familiar, smelled just like the mother Gigi had very little recollection of.

"I'm sorry, I... I never met any of you" Polly sniffled, tears staining her face as she took Gigi's arms so they could walk to camp safely. "You, and your sisters, I mean. There's Esmeralda, you're Gigi, and..."

"Delilah" Gigi informed, offering Polly a stool near the fire.

"Esmeralda, Delilah, and Gigi. And Bonnie, of course" the older woman sighed, focusing on the fire, and not on the sounds of the forest nearby. "Your friends?"

"Depends on the friend, but I reckon they're mostly sleeping, or reading. Those who know how, of course"

"I haven't left my house in so long, it's like I can't remember what the forest smells like, or what a bonfire sounds like. It's so strange to be here, meeting you, without him" Polly mused, enjoying the wind on her hair, the warmth of the fire, coming to her in waves. "Do you miss him?"

"I think so. He was a good man, although we didn't get to see him much. My sisters are married, and travelling. I settled in Wales, and never wanted to leave. We all do what we're meant to do, and my father... well, I think he was meant to be with you. And I'm sorry you lost him"

"I am too. Georgia... he called you Gigi, may I call you Gigi?"

"Of course" Gigi replied, nodding. "Everyone does, even the newspapers. Even your stuck up nephew, Tommy"

"He's the other reason why I wanted to meet you" Polly explained, leaning forward, closer to Gigi, who did the same. "I agree with you. Tommy is the reason why we both lost one too many people. I'm not willing to lose any more because of him"

"He's that much of a problem, eh?"

"He is. I want him gone, Georgia. And if you don't do it, I will" Polly explained, her eyes becoming dark and heavy, her pupils dilating. She wasn't drunk, or high, or anything of the sort: she was absolutely lucid, more so than ever before, maybe. "Will he be enough to pay the debt? To pay for Aberama's life?"

"Yes. He would be more than enough" Gigi responded, feeling every bit as sure as Polly was. "I made a deal with your niece, Ada: they have a month since the day I arrived to bring me the person who did this. I intend to honour that deal. But after that... I trust you when you say Tommy has to go"

"It isn't the first time I've made this deal; I've known it in my heart that this is what needs to happen for a long, long time. I can't wait any longer. After the month is up, so is his time bringing disaster upon disaster on this family " Polly agreed, extending her hands toward Gigi, who took them inbetween her own. "I know you'll succeed where others have failed "

[autodidact-adventures]

English History (Part 6): Roman Britain

While the Romans didn't like the sea, they were greatly attracted to England for its wealth and surplus of corn.  Caesar's invasion of 55 BC was more of a scouting mission; he said that he wanted to acquaint himself with “the lie of the land”.  Britain was already a trading partner of Rome, and was rumoured to be rich in metal and wheat.  Some of the British tribes were already allied with the northern Gauls, whom Caesar was fighting.

Several of the tribal leaders sent emissaries to him, as they were informed in advance of his preparations.  Caesar sent an envoy in return, who urged the tribal leaders to collaborate with him.

The Romans set sail with two legions (each with about 5000 men) in 80 ships.  They landed near Deal (Kent), where the English were watching them.  There was a skirmish on the beach, which the Romans won, and the tribal leaders sued for peace.

But a storm arose, made worse by a high tide at the full moon.  The Romans weren't aware of this phenomenon, and all their ships were damaged.

The English took the opportunity to attack, breaking the peace agreement.  A number of skirmishes took place in the immediate vicinity of Deal.  Caesar was hard-pressed, and knew that he had to retreat back across the water.  He managed to get the ships repaired, and sought material aid from Gaul.  He left, with many hostages from the English, vowing to return.

He returned the next year, this time with 800 ships, 25,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry.  This was a proper invasion, and the English tribes, instead of warring among each other, were now united in the face of this threat.  They chose Cassivellaunus, who was king of territory north of the Thames, as their war leader.

The English fought the Romans as they usually fought each other. There were warriors in chariots, on horseback and on foot, with each attacking & withdrawing at appropriate moments.  Cassivellaunus had an army of 4000 chariots, and they had a specific strategy – the chariot-driver would drive to the front line, let the warrior jump out, and then retire and wait for him to return.  According to Caesar, by steady practice the English “attain such proficiency that even on a steep incline they are able to control the horses at full gallop, and to check and turn them in a moment.”

But the discipline of the Roman army was enough to withstand all this.  There were a number of battles, and then the English were forced to retreat into the woods.  Caesar followed them, and destroyed Cassivellaunus' stronghold.  The chieftains sought peace, and Cassivellaunus capitulated in the end.  Caesar took hostages and tribute, and returned to Rome.

There wasn't another invasion for 90yrs, but the Romans had left their mark.  Southern Britain was gradually Romanized, with tribal leaders beginning to import wine and luxury goods from Rome.  The elites' dwellings began to change shape from round to rectilinear – strong evidence of cultural transition.  The southern tribal leaders would have wanted to imitate the victors.

Some of them changed their allegiance and became the client kings of Rome.  Strabo states that they sent embassies and paid court to Augustus (first Emperor of the Roman Empire), in order to gain his friendship.  They exported grain, iron and slaves; and they imported glass vessels, amberware and other goods.  Of course, they had to pay duty to the Roman state on these goods – an excellent way of binding them to Rome.

In the early 40s AD, the Atrebates (a Belgic tribe) were conquered, and their king Verica fled to Rome, appealing for help.  Emperor Claudius was new to his position, and was yet to prove himself in the field.  He now had the excuse he needed for the proper invasion of Britain, which came in 43 AD.

Four legions of about 20,000 men, under the leadership of Aulus Plautius, landed at two separate locations so as to confuse any English counterattack.  The tribes dispersed, but rallied for a major battle by the River Medway, in south-east England.  There the fighting lasted for two days, with the English (under the leadership of Caratacus) were being defeated.  The exact location of the battle is not known.

Plautius sent for Claudius, who arrived two months later with 28 elephants.  He stormed the native capital of Camulodunum, and Caratacus fled westwards.  Eleven kings surrendered to Claudius, and he was celebrated for it when he returned to Rome.  The Roman conquest of Britain had begun, but it would take nearly 40yrs for it to finish.

Camulodunum became the first Roman capital of Colchester.  They built a great fort on the site of the native earthworks, as a token of dominion.  The army then spread outwards in three directions – north, west and north-west.

Vespasian, leader of the western army, drove towards Wales and England's south-west peninsula, fighting 33 battles along the way. On the banks of Maiden Castle (a hill fort in Dorset), the body of a man with a Roman crossbow bolt in his spine has been found.  By 49 AD, Roman soldiers were supervising mining operations in Somerset.

The other two armies proceeded slowly along already-existing roads such as Ermine Street.  They built forts in areas they conquered, so that each tribal zone was dominated by at least one military settlement.  By 51 AD, Cartimandua (queen of the Brigantes in the north) had become a client queen.  She was receiving Roman wine in Roman vessels, and also building tiles.

Although Roman historians describe a smooth process of colonization, it is unlikely that it was as simple as that.  They did advance steadily, but they were beset by tribal rebellions, and occasionally army mutinies.  Ambushes, raids and battles were common.  South of the Fosse Way (running from Exeter to Lincoln), all the land was under Roman control, but in the north it was more treacherous.  Some tribes had divided allegiances, and some fought against each other.

The Fosse Way.

The Iceni, a tribe living deep within East Anglia (a pacified zone) revolted in 47 AD over the right to bear arms.  It was put down easily.

King Prasutagus of the Iceni died in 60 AD, and the agents of the Roman provincial government tried to appropriate Iceni wealth. Boudicca, Prasutagus' widow, was flogged and her two daughters were raped.  Boudicca rose up and led a rebellion against the Romans.

She gathered other English tribes into a confederacy and led her army southwards, burning and pillaging any evidence of Romanization, or the beginnings of it.  They destroyed villas and killed inhabitants by the sword.  The object of their advance was the capital of Colchester, which harboured hundreds of military veterans who had taken control of adjacent land.  The English set the city on fire and destroyed it, and looted the shops.

The veterans sheltered in the central temple, but two days later they were overwhelmed and hacked to pieces.  The English beheaded a great statue of Claudius and threw it into the river, and destroyed the temple itself.

They then moved further southwards, towards London.  On the way, they sacked Chelmsford and St. Albans, and killed an entire legion.

Suetonius Paulinus was the Roman military governor at that time, and he had been campaigning in Wales.  Well aware of the threat to his regime, he marched quickly back, but he didn't save London when he arrived there.  He needed to focus on saving the whole imperial province, and to do that he had to pick the time & place for the battle.

Many London inhabitants hastily left the city, going further south to safety with pro-Roman tribes.  Those who remained were killed – Tacitus states that 70,000 peoplle were killed in the attack.  London was razed by fire, leaving a red level of oxidized iron that is still beneath the streets of modern London.  48 human skulls have been found embedded in the track of the Walbrook river.

Boudicca now went after Suetonius Paulinus, but the site of the battle is not known for certain.  There were 10,000 Roman troops, and 100,000 English.  The Roman legionnaires had a forest behind them, and a plain in front of them.  The English ran across the plain towards them, but many were killed by javelins.  Then the Romans began to move forward with shields and shortswords.  It was their discipline that held them together, and slowly the tide began to turn against the English. 80,000 of them died during the battle, but only about 400 Romans.  It was one of the worst massacres on English soil.

It is not know what happened to Boudicca after that.  Some say she poisoned herself so the Romans wouldn't capture her; some say that she fell sick and died.  There is a monument to her on Westminster Bridge.

The monument Boudicca and Her Daughters on the Westminster Bridge.

Now the Romans had to deal with the Druids, who had retreated steadily westwards, harried and pursued all the while.  Their last stand was on the island of Anglesey (off the north-west coast of Wales).  According to Tacitus, the troops crossed from the mainland, and were confronted by a “dense line of armed warriors along the foreshore, while women were rushing about between the ranks garbed in black like the Furies, holding up lighted torches.”  The Druids stood close to the women, offering sacrifices, holding their arms in the air and screeching terrible curses.  But they were killed, and their sanctuaries were burned down.

Once the east and south of England were pacified, Julius Agricola (the next Roman governor of England) focused on the north and west. He conquered Wales in 78 AD.  In 79 AD he sent legions to the north-east (through Corbridge) and north-west (through Carlisle).  He divided the enemy, and had a network of forts built so that he could supervise the tribes that had surrendered.  These northern tribes were more hostile than the southern ones, and according to Tacitus, there were “many battles, some not unbloody”.  The goal of the Romans was to create & control a northern frontier.  To do this, troops were sent northwards to deal with modern-day southern Scotland.

York and Chester had permanent fortresses, with a legion each. Manchester and Newcastle were built around the site of Roman forts. Manchester's original name was Mamucio (after the Latin word for a hill shaped like a breast), and this was misread as Mancunio, and eventually became Manchester.

A series of nearly-straight roads were built to link the forts together.  The Romans built garrison towns at Lincoln and Gloucester, in which retired legionnaires lived.  A network of forts, encampments, defensive walls and defensive walls emphasized the Roman colonial presence.  Posting stations (or staging posts) were set up on the main roads, and they eventually became villages.

According to Tacitus, one tribal chief complained that “our goods and money are consumed by taxation; our land is stripped of its harvest to fill their granaries; our hands and limbs are crippled by building roads through forests and swamps under the lash of our oppressors.”

The military zone (which included Wales and northern England) required a standing force of 125,000 men,  But the legionnaires were not only Roman – during the first 100yrs of occupation, 40,000 soldiers were recruited from Gaul, Spain and Germany; and English soldiers also joined.  The troops mixed with the native population, and within 2-3 generations, it had become a native army.

After the Emperor Hadrian's visit to Britain in 122 AD, Hadrian's Wall was built on his orders.  It separated Roman England from the tribes of Scotland.  Then in 142, the Antonine Wall was built north of Hadrian's Wall, separating south and north Scotland.

The Antonine Wall is in modern-day northern England.

The Romans had no intentions of advancing into the Scottish highlands.  They had also dropped any plans for the invasion of Ireland.  Now they focused on protecting their borders so they could enjoy peace.  The land south of the wall was intensely cultivated, and a great agricultural regime was established on the Cumbrian Plain.  England was once again as rich and productive as it had been during the Iron Age.

Romanization was gradual and local.  In the countryside, people mostly stuck to the old ways, and Iron Age conditions prevailed.  The towns was where things were different.

The administrative elite of English leaders worked in the towns. These men had welcomed (or exploited) the Romanization of the country, and the rising of Roman officials within it.  With the advice of the Roman officials, they began to build temples, public buildings and public squares; they learned the Latin language; they began wearing togas.  The children of leading English families were educated in the “civilized arts”, and some were even sent to Rome.

Bathing establishments and assembly rooms were built, and according to Tacitus, the English began to attend “smart dinner parties”. There were many more plates, dishes, bowls and drinking vessels than during the Iron Age.  The English imported amphorae (storage vessels), which contained wine, olive oil, olives and fish sauce. Tacitus wrote that “they called it civilization when in fact it was part of their servitude”.

Fragment of an amphora found underneath a Roman road in Devon.

The old hierarchies still existed, now with Roman trappings.  The landowners had coloni (tenants who were tied to the land). The trival leaders who owned extensive land and property were at the top; the large community of slaves at the bottom.  The word servus (“slave”) eventually became the word “serf”.  The social patterns of the Bronze & Iron Ages were still entrenched, now strengthened and deepened by the rule of a strong central power.

The Romans turned the old tribal regions into civitates (government districts).  Each district had a central town, often the old tribal capital or oppidum, re-dressed in stone instead of wood.  The centre of the town was represented by a forum complex of civic buildings.

Roman architectural forms were imposed, with monumental arches, sculptures, bath-houses and altars (for example).  Many of these public buildings were constructed as part of a state initiative that continued well into the 100s AD.  There would be a forum, temple, basilica and amphitheatre rising above the smaller buildings – closely-packed houses, workshops and shops, still mostly built out of wood and clay, and with earthen floors.  Many of the houses were single-room lodgings; other buildings consisted of a shop at the front, a workshop behind it, and a room for living in at the back. Many wells & hearths have been found in the areas of settlement. Beyond the streets were the kilns, quarries, livestock enclosures and cemeteries.

A curia (council) of the larger landowners controlled the town's government, and they had many clerks and other officials. Kinship and tribal ties slowly transformed into group relations on an economic basis.

The larger towns were independent and self-governing.  Magistrates & councillors dealt with things such as drainage, sanitation, and road re-paving.  The most common Roman artifact found in England is the writing tablet.

The native elites began to build Roman-style villas in the countryside.  The earliest of them (such as the one at Fishbourne, Sussex) were of very high status, probably for Romanized tribal leaders or great officials of the empire.  They spread to other native leaders, with more modest villas being built in south-eastern England – appropriate for a wealthy landowner, or the most important family of an agricultural community.

Dolphin mosaic from the Fishbourne villa.

The villas had stone walls and expensive mosaics; there was also underfloor heating and window glass.  Their roofs may have been made of ceramic tiles instead of thatch and wattle.  Some (most?) of the smaller houses were plastered and decorated with wall paintings (plaster was used as external protection from the elements).

However, hill forts were still important, especially for England's leading families who had stayed closer to their social & cultural traditions.

At the beginning of the 100s AD, in Keston (Kent), an Iron Age farm was still being used.  By the middle of the 100s a new wooden farmhouse was built, with painted walls.  At the beginning of the 200s a stone house was built, with a Roman-style bath-house.  There were wooden barns in the farmhouse, one of which was later rebuilt in stone.  Ovens were used for malting or corn-drying, and the owner/s of the villa probably employed potters, blacksmiths and bronze-workers.  There was an early Roman cremation cemetery, and a circular mausoleum from a later date.  Romanization was gradual.

Bronze & Iron Age practices were kept on in the farming of the soil itself.  In some regions (such as the south-west) old practices continued without any change.  There is only evidence of change in the south-east, and only among the leaders.  The Romans brought in cherries, figs and mulberries (all previously unknown); peas, cabbages and turnips first appeared during the Roman era.  Even in the Romanized regions, the natives still preferred beef to pork.

Overall, most people were still living in the Iron Age, and would continue to do so for several centuries.

By imperial decree, the fens of East Anglia were drained, and reclaimed soil was made productive.  Hundreds of villages and farms were established in a pre-ordained manner.  The region became an imperial estate, with taxes for the central government.  The prosperous Salisbury Plain also became an imperial estate.

Taxation included land tax and a poll tax, and it was the key of Roman exploitation.  With the northern invaders, the cost of maintaining the army increased, so taxation increased as a result. The old tribal economy was changing to a monetary economy, and the Romans hastened this process.  Imperial coinage replaced the old tribal coinage.

The Romans levied taxes on goods that were traded.  Industrial centres (e.g. the potteries at the village of Castor in Cambridgeshire) altered parts of the landscape.  Ironworks were established in all areas of England, and lead mines were in continuous use during the Roman era.  Coal was used for working iron, heating the bath-houses, and the sacred fire at Minerva's temple in Bath.

There were two native woollen products in demand by the English people – the birrus Britannicus (a type of waterproof cloak & hood), and the tapete Britannicum (a woollen rug).  The men wore cattle-hide jackets and leather breeches.

Also traded were bears and bulldogs for the Roman arena.  It was said that Caesar had invaded England so he could get some exxcellent oysters.

In the early 200s AD, England was divided into two provinces. Brittania Superior's capital was London, and Brittania Inferior had York as its centre.  (These were geographical terms, not implying that the former was better than the latter).  These two provinces were later subdivided into four provinces, and then into five.  The country was being closely administered and exploited.

Provinces in the 200s and 300s AD.

England's role changed as it became a settled part of the empire. The armies of occupation became armies of defence; they became naturalized, and had specific local/regional identities.  Over 1/10 of the Roman imperial army was stationed in England, meaning that its forces had a lot of power over events in Rome.  Mutinies and uprisings weren't uncommon.

In 268, Carausius (the governor of England) proclaimed himself Emperor, and took his forces to the continent.  While he was away, the towns and cities of England took measures to defend themselves against potential reprises from Rome.

A century later, another Roman commander seized the province of England and declared it to be independent.  A battle somewhere in central England dealt with this.

England had a lot of significance in imperial calculations, and it was worth a fight.  Its taxes, ports and metals helped to sustain Roman commerce.  Its agriculture, however, was what made England so wealthy and productive.

In 359 AD, the Emperor Julian organized a fleet of 600 ships to transport English corn to the warzones of the Rhine.  England was now one of the “bread baskets” of Europe, and by the 300s AD it had never been so prosperous.  The villas became larger and more luxurious, but social stratification increased as well.  The Roman English controlled the Iron Age English.

The Scots and Picts were always pressing against the northern borders, but England's other frontiers also developed problems.  The Saxon Shore is an alignment of forts in southern England whose purpose is not entirely certain.  They may have defended the coast against Saxon invaders from north-west Europe; or they may have harboured Saxon fighters and traders – i.e. designed to protect the seaways between England and Europe.

The Saxon Shore (it had fortifications & military commands on both sides of the Channel).

Christianity was introduced to England in the 100s AD, but it was still a minority religion.  The Roman English were now used to the Roman gods, and the Iron Age English probably still worshipped their old gods.  Christian vessels & plaques from the 200s have been found in Huntingdonshire, near the River Nene, and are evidence of a local shrine (and the earliest examples of such vessels in Roman Britain).  A Christian cemetery, around the same date, was found at Poundbury (Dorset).  By the 300s AD, Christianity had spread as far north as Carlisle (in north-west England).

Constantine converted in 312 AD.  He had been appointed Emperor at York in 306, and later seems to have considered England to be one of the spiritual centres of his rule.  York was refashioned in honour of his elevation, and he visited England three more times.  He styled himself on Britannicus Maximus (“The great victor in England”), and London was possibly renamed Augusta in his honour for a while.

Christianity was a monotheistic faith, and the emperor aspired to single rule.  It had a uniform set of values & beliefs.  It helped to support the legislative & bureaucratic forces of the central power, and the religion's followers were drawn from the governing class.  The Romanized English were quick to embrace Christianity, and so Christianity became associated with the culture of the villas.  It was also the religion of the administrative elite in the towns and cities, where there would be a bishop to care for the town-dwelling Christians.

In 314, three English bishops, a priest, and a deacon attended an ecclesiastical council in Arles (southern France).  The bishops were from York, London and Lincoln, and the priest & deacon were from Cirencester.

At Tower Hill (London), remains of what may have been a Christian cathedral have been found.  The building had marble and painted walls, and a holy well in the centre of the nave.  This may have been the diocesan centre for Bishop Restitutus of London.

Evidence for a church has been found as Silchester as well, but there is little evidene for other churches during the 200s and 330s.  The earliest churches lie beneath more recent ones.

Rome's frontiers were being threatened, and in many places they were overwhelmed.  The Franks had entered northern Gaul, and the Visigoths were to settle in Aquitania.  The pressure of the Scots & Picts was growing, and they had tribal allies among the Franks and Saxons. In 367, a northern force overcame Hadrian's Wall and moved southwards in dispersed bands to ravage the country.  The commander of the Saxon Shore forts was murdered, and the provincial leader known as Dux Britanniarum was captured.  Roman intervention and rebuilding helped, including the re-fortification of key posts.  But it was a notable defeat for the English, and then the northern tribes came back 40yrs later.

At the beginning of the 400s, England was effectively stripped of its military forces, as they had gone off in search of glory – various pretenders were making bids for imperial power in Rome, weakening Roman rule.  Rome's administrative machinery was beginning to break apart.

In England, the northern tribes attacked again in 408, and the Roman English had to defend themselves without the Romans.  Zosimus, a contemporary historian, records that they “took up arms and, braving danger for their own independence, freed their cities from the barbarians threatening them.”

Not only that, but according to Zosimus, the English expelled their Roman governors and established their own administration.

Some Roman English would have wanted to retain the Roman administration, as it benefitted them greatly.  Others would have wanted to get rid of it, because of taxation and coercion from the central government.  In 410, one section of the English asked the Roman Emperor for arms and soldiers (it's unknown whether it was for fighting an external Saxon army, or another group of English). Honorius replied that the English must now fend for themselves – this was the end of Roman England.

Procopius of Caesarea (another historian) records that after the Roman officials disappeared, the cities and regions were taken over by “tyrants” or “usurpers”.  They were probably the familiar English leaders, descended from tribal chiefs or large landowning families (but would have seemed like usurpers to Rome).

The English tribes and polities reacted to the end of Roman England in several ways.  The Romanized English (in the towns and cities, with dependent estates all around them) probably formed themselves into self-governing administrative units, with the leaders of these small states still known as “magistrates”.

In the east and south-east of England (the civil zone), small kingdoms developed, defended by mercenaries.  Those in eastern England had to use Germanic soldiers, which would cause problems for them later on.

In the more distant regions of England, where Romanization had never properly taken hold, the people returned to pre-Roman forms of social organization.  The detachments that remained of the northern armies were grouped under a commander who became their chieftain.  One of the first Roman leaders of the north was Coelius or Coel Hen, who became “Old King Cole” of the nursery rhyme.

There were general changes overall as well.  Rome's taxation system was dismantled, and the countryside was now controlled by an aristocracy of landowners.  The circulation of coinage decreased quickly because of the lack of imperial taxation.  By 410, the large centres of pottery manufacturing had gone out of business, as the demand no longer existed.  Brick-making disappeared, and wouldn't return to England until the 1400s.  Villas were neglected or abandoned, and later settlers would use them.

The cities didn't decline, though – they merely changed their function.  They were still administrative centres for the immediate area, and the local leader & bishop lived there.  However, they didn't need the imperial façades of the 200s.  The Silchester basilica was converted into a metal-working centre.  There is evidence of rebuilding at York & Gloucester during the 400s.  In the second half of the 400s, a new water supply with wooden pipes was introduced to Verulamium.  So a civic organization was still in operation.

The Roman city of Wroxeter has been excavated in the fields of Shropshire, and it wasn't abandoned after the Romans left.  The basilica was destroyed, and a large wooden hall built in its place – this hall became the centre for a complex of wooden buildings based on Roman models.  Well into a medieval period, a prosperous and busy life continued on.

In the archaeologial strata of the 400s is a deposit, called “dark earth”, spread over many towns and cities.  This is the residue of wattle-and-daub dwelling.  The towns & cities during this century may have still been heavily populated, continuing on a commercial life.

Barter and local trading allowed for self-sufficiency.  There was hand-made pottery, and quantities of clay have been found that may have been used for building walls.  The farmers' and labourers' lives weren't changed at all by the change in leadership.

St. Patrick was taken by Saxon slavers at the end of the 300s AD, and his Confession of Saint Patrick shows that the affluent lives of villa-owners continued into the early decades of the 400s.  He returned to England 6yrs later, and his father urged him to enter public service – for example, local rhetoricians were employed to guide the populace.  There was some kind of a working polity based upon a Roman original.

Bishop Germanus of Gaul visited England in 429, and he was greeted by the leading men of Verulamium in a gesture of civic unity.  These men were probably members of the diocesan or provincial council who had taken over the city's administration.  According to Germanus, they were “conspicuous for their wealth, fashionable in their dress, and surrounded by an adoring multitude of people.”

One of the reasons for Germanus' visit was to help the English in their fight against the Picts and Saxons.  However, many Saxons were already living in England, and had been doing so since the 200s AD. The urban & tribal elites needed Saxon warriors to defend their property, and many of these warriors married native women and settled down with their families.  The Roman army in the north still had Germanic soldiers in it.  There were Saxon traders in the towns and cities; and Saxon workers cultivated the land in Kent in exchange for occasional military service.

From the Iron Age onwards, the native English have been called “Britons”.  However, that term is really only correct for the Atlantic English of the western coasts – these are the Britons who would migrate to Gaul and establish the province of Brittany; they spoke Celtic and Gaelic.  There were also many Britons in the north, as a remainder of old tribal groupings.

Native English also lived in central, south and east England. However, they lived in the areas that the Saxon settlers would eventually dominate (sometimes peacefully, and sometimes by violent means).  The name of England would come from one of these groups of settlers, the Angles.  “Engla land” was the Viking description.

[pinerlotus]

Wrc 9 cars list

#Wrc 9 cars list full#

#Wrc 9 cars list series#

Dressing it up in darkness, or reversing the direction, doesn’t hide the obvious. While it’s a big ask to demand all-new race tracks every year, it’s still a little disappointing to replay a WRC 9 course you know from memory or, even worse, drive through the same section three times in one rally. While the new rallies shine, the reuse of former courses is starting to grow old. Your team also joins you when you move teams. What’s more, morale is an in-game currency too far–it’s pointless, especially when it drops when you go for a manufacturer’s tryout with the same manufacturer you already race for. There’s no need to pay for repairs via email, or plan your calendar every two-to-three weeks, or having to kowtow to identical objectives (I’m looking at you, “no hard tires for two rallies”). The career mode still needs stripping down.

#Wrc 9 cars list full#

Dancing between trackside fans in an Audi Quattro on an icy Monte Carlo hairpin delivers a thrill like no other, though you’ll occasionally go full Carmageddon and add a good 15 seconds of penalties–a light punishment, given the vehicular manslaughter you’ll wreak.įor all its strengths and franchise-building maneuvers, KT Racing continues to ignore a number of issues that have rankled players in the last few years–often tiny issues that hold it back from delivering full immersion, or just a bit more fun. Luckily, it’s part of the fun, and the authenticity of these 80s and 90s events is made even tougher by the safety standards of the good old days when crash barriers were made of flesh and blood instead of wood and steel. WRC’s scaling difficulty setting, which seems more forgiving than ever before (if anything, you might find yourself pushing it above 100%), doesn’t appear to take anniversary races into account I barely scraped 80% of some stages, until fluking a Lancia Delta stage with two seconds to go. When these anniversary races are dropped into the career mode calendar, they’re quite the anomaly. The classic rally cars return, with better handling than ever. Some, like the Lancia Delta, Toyota Corolla, or Renault Alpine, are predictable–but there are hugely notable omissions locked behind DLC, like the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer. You just get a handful of “classic” stages that allow you to race a few legendary cars. Providing more new meat on WRC’s bones is its anniversary mode, though this element of the game is a little disappointing, not least because it feels like a glorified time-trial experience. No racing game should be without one, and it’s just nice to see WRC 10 has added one–it might be a bit too late, but it’s still appreciated. It’s a bit annoying and finicky, but it’s a start. I actively picked teams to avoid landing that one on my calendar, because it still feels utterly impossible to navigate. Wales sadly remains, despite not being on the 2022 calendar. The new rallies–Estonia, Spain, and Croatia–are all welcome additions, especially Estonia, which might well be the best rallying I’ve ever experienced from the WRC franchise.

#Wrc 9 cars list series#

However, WRC 10 still forces you to join either WRC3 or Junior WRC, rather than skip to the big leagues–something fans of the series will lament. The career mode remains largely intact, mostly for the better–no one wants to relearn its approach to team management, lest they face the wrath of the overly condescending tutorial voiceover (which is thankfully skippable). The menus have had a much-needed makeover, but the wheel hasn't exactly been reinvented.

[neiljohnsblog]

Get Behind the Wheel: The Most Exciting Rally Driving Experiences Around the World

When it comes to adrenaline-fueled activities, few experiences match the thrill of rally driving. This high-octane sport takes drivers on a journey through rugged terrains, sharp turns, and heart-pounding sprints, all under the watchful eye of skilled instructors who ensure you’re both safe and prepared. While rallying has a global following, the spectacular Welsh landscapes have become a sought-after destination for rally driving experiences, offering some of the most challenging and exhilarating courses in the world.

In this guide, we’ll explore why Rally Driving Experiences in Wales offer an unforgettable journey for enthusiasts and newcomers alike and how Wales ranks among the best locations worldwide for experiencing this sport.

What Makes Rally Driving Unique?

Rally driving isn’t just about speed—it’s about skill, technique, and an intimate understanding of the vehicle and the terrain. The sport dates back to the early 1900s, and over the decades, it has evolved into an exciting motorsport enjoyed by thrill-seekers globally. Rally driving differs from other motorsports due to its off-road element, with courses often designed around forest tracks, mountain paths, and country trails.

Rally driving also requires unique skills, like sharp reflexes, a good understanding of different types of terrain, and the ability to maintain control under unpredictable conditions. It’s an exhilarating blend of driving expertise and adaptability, which is what makes Rally Driving Experiences in Wales such an attractive option.

Why Choose Wales for a Rally Driving Experience?

Known for its diverse and challenging landscapes, Wales offers a unique setting for rally driving. The country's extensive trails, steep hills, dense forests, and coastal cliffs provide ideal conditions for testing driving skills. Rally driving in Wales means taking on some of the most challenging courses around, with conditions ranging from muddy paths to gravel-covered routes. 

Here are some reasons Wales is an exceptional location for rally driving experiences:

1. Varied Terrain: Welsh rally courses offer a mix of terrain types, which means drivers need to adapt quickly and develop a feel for the vehicle’s handling in different conditions.

2. Scenic Beauty: While rallying, you’ll navigate through some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, from expansive woodlands to majestic mountains and coastal vistas.

3. Professional Instructors: Wales is home to many skilled rally drivers who provide expert guidance. Many instructors are seasoned drivers who share their knowledge of car control, safety, and technique, making the experience safe yet thrilling.

4. Authentic Rally Experience: Unlike typical driving tracks, Welsh rally courses mirror competitive rally conditions, giving participants a taste of what professional rallying feels like.

What to Expect from a Rally Driving Experience in Wales

Whether you're a first-timer or a rally enthusiast, Rally Driving Experiences in Wales can cater to all skill levels. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Safety Briefing and Introduction to Rally Driving: Every session begins with a safety briefing. Instructors will go over essential techniques, rally driving rules, and safety protocols to ensure participants understand the controls and the rally course.

2. Vehicle Familiarization: Depending on the experience level, participants might get a chance to drive different types of rally cars, each equipped with specific features suitable for off-road terrains.

3. Practice Sessions: Initial practice laps are designed to help you get a feel for the car and terrain. These sessions focus on basic handling skills, like cornering, braking, and accelerating over rough paths. 

4. Advanced Techniques: As you progress, instructors may guide you through more advanced techniques, such as throttle control, skid correction, and understanding traction. Learning how to handle a rally car in these conditions is part of what makes the experience unique and educational.

5. Personalized Guidance: Instructors are attentive to each driver’s skill level and provide personalized tips to help improve handling and speed. Their insights are invaluable, especially for beginners or those aiming to develop specific skills.

6. Time Trials: For the more competitive spirits, some rally experiences include time trials. After mastering the techniques, drivers can race against the clock, pushing themselves to achieve the best time on the course. 

Who Can Take Part in Rally Driving?

Rally driving experiences in Wales are accessible to anyone with a passion for adventure and a willingness to learn. While a valid driving license is generally required, these experiences are typically designed to cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, rally instructors adjust the difficulty and provide the appropriate training and feedback to help everyone enjoy the experience.

Ideal for:

- Adventure Seekers: Rally driving is an ideal choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventure and the adrenaline rush of high-speed, skill-based sports.

- Motorsport Enthusiasts: Rally driving allows fans of motorsport to experience what it’s like to handle a rally car.

- Corporate Events: Rally driving experiences are popular for corporate team-building events. The shared excitement of the activity encourages teamwork and cooperation, making it a memorable and bonding experience for colleagues.

Tips for a Successful Rally Driving Experience

If you're new to rally driving or looking to improve your skills, here are some tips to make the most of your Rally Driving Experience in Wales:

1. Listen to Your Instructor: Instructors are experienced drivers who understand the course and the car’s capabilities. Their advice on handling the vehicle, taking corners, and managing speed is invaluable.

2. Stay Calm and Focused: Rally driving is a fast-paced sport, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Focus on the basics and avoid overthinking; staying calm will help you handle the car better in challenging situations.

3. Practice Patience: Building rally driving skills takes time. It’s important to approach the experience with a patient mindset and enjoy each part of the learning curve.

4. Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Rally experiences usually provide protective gear, but it's helpful to come prepared.

5. Enjoy the Scenery: Welsh landscapes are awe-inspiring. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful surroundings as you embark on this adventure.

Rally Driving Experiences in Wales: A Thrilling Memory

Few activities combine the intensity of high-speed driving with the beauty of nature quite like rally driving. Wales offers a unique landscape that makes rally driving both thrilling and picturesque, providing a setting that allows you to develop driving skills while exploring some of the UK’s most rugged and beautiful regions.

Whether you’re racing through the mountains of Snowdonia or navigating the winding paths of Brecon Beacons, rally driving experiences in Wales are unforgettable. With a skilled instructor guiding you, each course brings its challenges and rewards, ensuring that every participant leaves with memories that will last a lifetime.

So, gear up and get ready for an adventure on wheels—Rally Driving Experiences in Wales offer the perfect blend of excitement, skill, and natural beauty, making it one of the most exhilarating motorsport adventures available around the world.

[johnalexcooper]

Experience the Rush: Why You Should Enroll in Rally Driving Classes in Wales Today

Rally driving is an exhilarating sport that combines speed, skill, and an adventurous spirit. For thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts alike, rally driving offers an intense experience that goes beyond the limits of conventional driving. If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling the rush as you manoeuvre through winding dirt roads, thick forests, and rugged terrains, Rally Driving Classes in Wales might be your perfect entry into the world of high-speed racing.

In Wales, rally driving holds a special place. Known for its stunning landscapes and challenging terrains, Wales has become a renowned destination for rally-driving enthusiasts. Rally driving classes are a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals of this high-energy sport under the guidance of experienced professionals. Here’s what makes rally driving classes in Wales an experience you shouldn’t miss.

The Thrill of Rally Driving

Unlike traditional motorsports, rally driving doesn’t take place on a smooth racetrack. Rally drivers race through rough, unpredictable terrain, including gravel paths, muddy trails, and forest tracks. Rally driving is a test of skill, endurance, and adaptability. Each race is a unique experience, demanding quick decision-making, split-second reflexes, and a willingness to push limits.

Rally Driving Classes in Wales offer a safe, structured way to learn these skills, with courses tailored to all experience levels. Whether you’re a beginner curious about the sport or a seasoned driver looking to sharpen your skills, rally driving classes have something for everyone.

Why Choose Wales for Rally Driving?

Wales is celebrated globally as a premier location for rally driving. With its vast landscapes, rolling hills, forests, and coastal paths, it’s an ideal backdrop for rally driving. The Welsh terrain offers diverse driving conditions that challenge and excite, providing rally enthusiasts with an environment to test their skills in a way few other places can match.

In addition, Wales is home to iconic rally routes that have been part of world-renowned rally championships. Rally driving classes here often utilize these legendary tracks, giving participants a taste of what the pros experience. Moreover, the natural beauty of Wales adds an extra layer to the thrill, making it an unforgettable adventure for anyone passionate about motorsports.

What to Expect in Rally Driving Classes in Wales

Rally driving classes in Wales are designed to help you master the basics and progress to more advanced techniques as you become more comfortable with the unique demands of rally driving. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in a typical course:

1. Introduction to Rally Driving Fundamentals

   Every rally driving course starts with the basics. You’ll learn the unique mechanics of rally cars, from their powerful engines and sturdy suspensions to the special tyres designed to grip rough terrains. The first lessons usually cover how to handle the car on challenging surfaces and the importance of weight distribution and braking.

2. Advanced Driving Techniques

   Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move on to advanced techniques. This part of the training includes manoeuvres such as power sliding, controlled drifting, and emergency braking. You’ll also learn how to read terrain and adapt your driving style to different surfaces, an essential skill for rally drivers.

3. Safety and Vehicle Control

   Rally driving may be thrilling, but safety is paramount. Instructors will teach you essential safety measures, including managing turns, assessing road conditions, and responding quickly to unexpected changes in the driving environment. In a rally, quick reflexes and the ability to anticipate changes are crucial to avoiding accidents.

4. Simulated Rally Experience

   A key component of rally driving classes in Wales is the opportunity to put your skills to the test in a simulated rally environment. You’ll be guided through courses that mimic the challenges of real rally tracks, including narrow paths, hairpin turns, and unpredictable surfaces. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and improving your reaction time.

5. One-on-One Coaching

   In many rally driving classes, you’ll have the chance to work closely with an instructor who has real rally experience. This one-on-one attention allows you to get personalized feedback and advice, which is especially useful if you’re looking to pursue rally driving more seriously.

Benefits of Enrolling in Rally Driving Classes in Wales

The benefits of taking rally driving classes go beyond just learning to drive fast on rugged terrain. Here’s how rally driving classes in Wales can make a difference for you:

1. Build Confidence and Driving Skills

   Rally driving teaches skills that transfer into everyday driving, from better control over your vehicle to improved reaction times. Learning to drive in challenging conditions can make you a more confident and capable driver on regular roads as well.

2. Adrenaline and Adventure

   For adrenaline junkies, rally driving is hard to beat. The excitement of pushing yourself to the limit and conquering demanding courses is an incredible feeling. It’s the perfect outlet for those who thrive on adventure and aren’t afraid to try something new and challenging.

3. An Immersive Experience in Nature

   Wales provides an unparalleled backdrop for rally driving, allowing participants to immerse themselves in nature. As you speed through forests and coastlines, you’ll enjoy a connection to the environment that’s often lacking in traditional motorsports.

4. Physical and Mental Benefits

   Rally driving requires mental focus, quick reflexes, and physical endurance. The concentration and stamina you’ll build through rally driving classes can also benefit your mental health and physical fitness. It’s a sport that challenges both the mind and body, providing a comprehensive workout.

5. Community and Connection

   Enrolling in rally driving classes is also a chance to join a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sport. You’ll have the chance to make new friends, exchange tips, and even participate in amateur rally events down the road.

How to Get Started with Rally Driving Classes in Wales

Getting started with rally driving classes in Wales is easy. Most rally schools offer courses that cater to different experience levels, so even beginners can get started without any prior experience. You’ll typically need to meet a few basic requirements, such as a valid driver’s license, and be prepared for an exciting and physically demanding experience.

If you’re serious about learning rally driving, consider enrolling in a multi-day course. These programs provide a more in-depth training experience, allowing you to develop your skills steadily over several days. For those just looking to try it out, a single-day class can offer a thrilling taste of the sport and still cover all the basics.

Embrace the Adventure with Rally Driving Classes in Wales

Rally driving isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that appeals to those with a daring spirit and a love for speed. Rally Driving Classes in Wales offer a unique opportunity to explore this high-intensity world with the guidance and support of experienced instructors. From mastering advanced driving techniques to navigating breathtaking landscapes, rally driving classes give you the skills to embrace adventure fully.

For those ready to take the plunge, there’s no better place than Wales to experience the excitement of rally driving. So, gear up, take the wheel, and feel the thrill of rally driving in one of the most picturesque settings in the world. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or considering a career in motorsports, rally driving classes in Wales will leave you with unforgettable memories and valuable skills.

[numberplates4u-blog]

Every Healey has a story

Austin Healey 3000 MK I at the start of a 1960s Dubonnet Rally                                   (update Jan 2017) Please note that since writing this Blog this car has been Sold and off to create a new part in this story…..   Middle Aged or Classic? “Don’t regret getting older, it is a privilege denied to many”. Which it could be said is true of people and objects. The Healey has definitely stood the test of time and with age it has become more treasured, loved and desired. If a Healey was a human it would be classed as middle aged. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, middle age is 45-65. There is no shortage of sayings that poke fun at growing older. It is thought that after 45 your ‘get up and go’ gets up and goes”; you start making funny noises, creaking and moaning; you get out of shape; don’t keep up with technology, slow up and lag behind with the times. Some even say “life not only begins at 40, it begins to show”. With time, humans and Healeys become classic, a bit quirky and full of interesting stories. Forget the negative, cruel outlook on ageing. With passing time we gain experience, we have the chance to leave a positive legacy, an opportunity to touch many people’s lives, add enjoyment, enrichment and fulfilment; to make a difference. Just like an old classic car. So the story begins The story begins with the most iconic and easily recognised of all the Austin Healey models, the “3000” Early in 1959 the Austin Healey “100-6” (the six cylinder engine cars) finally came to the end of production and in its place was born the Austin Healey “3000” model. The legendary Big Healey was born and kept rolling off the production line until 1967. The car’s bodywork was made by Jensen Motors, and the vehicles were assembled by Austin-Healey at the Abingdon works. Who would have known at this time that it was the model which would go on to have the longest production life, the greatest marketing success and the largest number of sales. To begin with the changes from a “100/6” to the “3000” were small on the surface but over time improvements and modifications kept evolving and it became the car to have in its day and of course its popularity still remains today. The car went on to have MkI and MKII models and the final statement was in the creation of the MKIII.The 3-litre “3000” was (and still is) a highly successful car, which won its class in many European rallies in its heyday and is still raced in classic car competitions by enthusiasts today. The Austin Healey just goes on and on creating stories to be told and re-lived. Fast forward to today Austin Healey 3000 MK I YUC 276 in recent years has been maintained at Bill Rawles Classic Cars As a classic car garage we see many interesting people and their vehicles. However, it is not often that you have the opportunity or take the time to find out a little bit more of the events, journeys, exploits and ownership of the car. Sometimes it is because there is no documented history on the car and other times is because the stories, photos, letters and newspaper articles are hidden from the light of day. This July 2016, a car which has been maintained at Bill Rawles Classic Cars over a number of years was brought to us to be sold. After going through the numerous receipts, Invoices, MOT Certificates and DVLA related documents, a personal letter and some photos were revealed. This is what brought it to our attention that every car, when it has been on the road for more than half a century, must have some tales to tell. Rallying, racing drivers, marriage and children Colour change, conversion to wire wheels and a missing radio aerial                               This Austin Healey 3000 MK I, YUC 276, was registered in February 1960 making it a grand old age of 55 years. The current owner has cherished, looked after and enjoyed this Healey for 27 years. Which means it was already 28 years old when he took ownership in 1989. In 2007, out of the blue, the owner received a letter and this is what it said…. “Dear… I was delighted to receive your telephone call and to hear that YUC 276 had survived many years since it left me. When I saw your photograph yesterday I immediately noticed a couple of things apart from the colour. The major change was the conversion to wire wheels and secondly the radio aerial is no longer in the offside front wing. The spokes in wires had the reputation of coming loose in the rough and tumble of competition, especially rallying, and as I could not afford the luxury of two sets of wheels, steel rims it had to be, but it does look much nicer with wires. Unfortunately it never occurred to me that accurate records would be important some 44 years on but I can give you some information that may be of interest. I was in my mid-twenties, living in Bedfordshire, when I acquired the car in 1961 from an Austin Healey dealer in Brighton. I was the second owner but cannot recall the first. I had already been rallying for some while in an Austin Healey Sprite which I traded in for YUC 276. I competed with YUC 276 regularly in club and National rallies with my navigator/co-driver, Brian James, until our first baby arrived in 1963 at which time economics caused me to have to give up the big Healey. We were fairly successful but never hit the high spots. Enclosed are two photographs, one of which is at the start of the 1961 or 1962 Dubonnet Rally. During its time with me it only suffered minor damage to the nearside front wing and this was the result of a scary moment on a snow covered mountain section in Wales during one of the Dubonnet rallies. I passed the car on to Tony Hegbourne down in Middlesex so it seems likely that it spent most of its time in the South. Tony was well known in motor racing but unfortunately was killed in a racing accident in 1965 at Spa Francorchamps, driving an Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ and I am enclosing the motor sport memorial entry of his career. I had little contact with him after he acquired the car so have no knowledge of what use he made of it or how long he kept it. We were out the country for many years after 1966 so completely lost track of all my motor sport contacts. It would give me a lot of pleasure to see the car again if this could be arranged. Yours Sincerely……………” So who was Tony Hegbourne? (photo: Ford Motor Co.)Left to right: Tony Hegbourne, Frank Gardner, Peter Harper in dark glasses, Alan Mann, Sir John Whitmore. Roy Pierpoint is concealed behind Gardner and Hegbourne                           Anthony Victor Hegbourne, who lived in Kenley in Surrey, was a Director of Godfrey Lambert Automobiles Ltd. He started competing on motorcycles in1955 and 19656 racing 350 and 500 cc Norton motorcycles. In 1964 he won the Hartley Award for the best amateur rider, he finished 13th in the Junior Manx GP on the Isle of Man and retired on the last lap while lying 9th in the senior event. Hegbourne switched to motor racing in 1957, winning at Brands Hatch in the ex-Bristow Cooper T39 Bobtail. He also raced in the North Staffs Silverstone meeting on October 05th and, a week later, at the Lancs and Cheshire Oulton Park meeting. He continued racing in 1958 and 1959 and then took a break and resumed motorsport in 1962. Back on track in 1962, he won The Brooklands Memorial Trophy Championship with a MK I Lola Climax. In 1963 he raced a Lotus 23B for Normand Ltd, winning races and finishing well in the United Kingdom and in Europe. He took a second place overall behind Lorenzo Bandini, the 1960s Italian Formula One driver for Scuderia Centro Sud and Ferrari teams, in the Auvergne Trophy at the Circuit de Charade, Clermond-Ferrand. He set the fastest lap at 3:50,100 – 126.023 km/h in the Lotus 23B. In 1964 he was invited by Ian Walker to drive the first Lotus 30 ever built in one of the supporting races for the 1964 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Unfortunately the race car broke in two at the bottom of Dingle Dell, completely destroying it, but luckily Tony walked away with only minor injuries. In 1965 Hegbourne was signed to race for two of the top privateer teams, John Willment in Formula 2 and Walker-Day Racing in sportscars. He competed in various races, with results, in the UK and internationally with these teams. In May 1965, Walker Day racing transported the TZ1s to the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps, Belgium. Only 26 cars showed up for the race. Hegbourne best lap in qualifying was 4min 36.49s, which was good enough to qualify 15th on the grid. It was overcast but dry for the start of the race. By lap 3 Tony was leading the class. After pitting for fuel he dropped to 3rd in class to Boley Pittard and Nicolas Koob. On lap 26 Hegbournes Afa Romeo TZ1 Zagato somersaulted going flat out down the Masta straight. The car landed in a field and Tony Hegbourne suffered multiple injuries including a fractured spine and a broken leg. He was taken to hospital in Verviers, Belgium. His prospects were looking better and he was transferred to hospital in Stanmore, Middlesex. Very sadly his condition deteriorated and he died six weeks after the accident, on 01st July 1965 (51 years ago) The current chapter It is quite astounding to think that one of the most promising British racing drivers of the 1960s once owned this Healey. Sat in it, enjoyed it and probably drove it to its limits and today we are offering this car for sale at Bill Rawles Classic Cars (Jan17 now sold since writing this Blog). As one chapter closes another one begins.  The car is ready for a new owner, a new life, new stories and more adventures.   For Sale (NowSold since writing this Blog) at Bill Rawles Classic Cars ready for a new owner and more adventures                         This             For Sale (Jan 2017 – Now SOLD since writing this Blog) Austin Healey 3000 MK I, YUC 276 was registered in February 1960 and has been with the present owner for the past 27 years. The vehicle has been well looked after and maintained regardless of cost and at present it is in a superb condition and ready to use straight away. It comes with a large history file and past invoices supporting the work that has been carried out. Over recent years our client has had the vehicle brought up to the condition you see today with the addition of the Old English White side panels. The car comes with an MOT certificate that does not expire until 08th June 2017. The MK I Healeys were the first model to have front disc brakes fitted as standard. The car comes with overdrive and all wet weather equipment is present. This Austin Healey 3000 MK I is a genuine UK right hand drive car supplied to the home market. If you are looking for a genuine RHD Healey with lots of history and originality and at a very competitive price this must be a strong contender. Please call Bill Rawles on 07763 362470 to arrange a viewing and test drive. Alternatively call the workshop on 01420 564343 Austin Healey 3000 MK I For Sale (now sold since writing this Blog) a well maintained car with a great history record                     The post Every Healey has a story appeared first on Bill Rawles Classic Cars.

https://www.rawlesclassiccars.co.uk/blog/every-healey-has-a-story/

[caroundtheworld-blog1]

Weekend road trip 01/07/2017

We bought Marge with the intention of using her to travel and explore different places regularly whilst we were here. We realised that we haven't been taking advantage of her, and so this weekend we decided to take a road trip. The plan was to take a trip south, across state lines into New South Wales, and visit this little hippy town inland called Nimbin. That's as far as the plan went and so on Saturday morning, after breakfast, a quick trip to the library, and a coffee, we set off.

The drive took about an hour and 45 minutes, and we made a few stops along the way for fuel etc. It was a really great journey, the roads weren't too busy, the views were amazing, and we passed through some quirky and cool little towns. We arrived in Nimbin around lunch time, eager to see what all the talk was about. Nimbin is known for its relaxed hippy vibes, and its drug culture, namely weed. Since the 70s the town has been a loud voice against the war on drugs, and for the legalisation of marijuana. The importance of nature and caring for the environment is also stressed all over the town, from van stickers to postcards, rallies to petitions. It's supposedly a very relaxed, and welcoming place. The people we encountered were lovely, everyone was chatty and nice enough, but we did feel a little uncomfortable whilst we were there. Of course, as you would expect, there is an immediate suspicion of outsiders, even though the town gets its fair share of tourists, and people do try and suss you out, they try to figure out if you have any hidden agendas. Because of this, you can't help but feel a little unwelcome, despite all the niceties. Of course, the scary looking and very dodgy masses on the streets who offer you weed or cookies whenever you walk within shouting distance of them, didn't help either. We wandered around for an hour or so, taking in the weird and wonderful, I got a sticker for the van that says 'refugees welcome here', we had a coffee, bought some potatoes for tea, then decided we'd seen enough. It was an interesting place, I wish I'd gotten some more pictures, but it is definitely less relaxed than its hippy image would have you believe, and there's not much to do.

With our plans for the day fulfilled by 3pm, we were at a bit of a loss as to what to do for the rest of the day, and where we were going to stay that night. Thanks to Daniel's camping app, we found somewhere that would solve both of those problems. I don't know if I've mentioned the app before, but it has been an absolute godsend and life saver since we started living in the van. It's called Wiki Camps and it shows you all the campsites in the area you want, and works all over the world. You can filter the results to find what you need, for example, free, with showers, with toilets etc. This app has found us many a safe place to sleep for the night and I can't imagine how much more difficult van living would have been without it. Daniel got on the app and found us a campsite for that night, in the middle of the rainforest. It had showers and toilets, incredible reviews, and was super cheap. And did I mention it was in the middle of the Australian rainforest? It was a 40 minute drive from Nimbin and the owner of the land said that the roads were a bit bumpy as they hadn't yet been fixed after the flood caused by Cyclone Debbie. Bumpy was an understatement. I can't describe what the journey was like as words wouldn't do it justice, but frankly, I am amazed that Marge, and ourselves, survived. We filmed a video of the journey back down so I will try and get that uploaded! We finally made it after a long and treacherous drive, we were half an hour from the nearest actual road and had been driving in the rainforest for about 25 minutes before we reached our destination. When we pulled into the camping area we were in awe, it was slap bang in the middle of dense jungle, there was a barbecue and a table with some chairs, a volleyball net, and some fire pits in the area we were planning to stay. Further down the track there was an area for tents, a toilet, compost of course, and a shower for which you had to bring your own water. We were the only ones there until our host arrived half an hour later. Tegan purchased the 75 acres of rainforest two years ago and lives in a shipping container on the land with her 11 year old son. She asked her son whether he wanted to live in the city (Lismore, calling it a city is a bit of a stretch but that's its title) and have no backyard, or live in a tent in the rainforest. Apparently he replied, 'Mum, let's go camping for the rest of our lives!'. They also have a rescue dog, Chewbacca who lives with them. Tegan was a great host, she was such and interesting person and it was so cool to hear about her life off-grid. We plan to return soon and take her up in her offer of a tour of the property.

Our first priority was to get a fire going before it got dark, to make sure we stayed warm and had some light too. We wanted to sit outside for a while and see if we could spot any wildlife, and to be honest, it's not that much warmer inside the van than outside. We collected kindling and had some firewood that we purchased off Tegan, and a lighter. We thought it would be simple enough. Alas not. The firewood was damp as there'd been quite a bit of rain, and it never really caught. It took us two hours, two A4 notepads worth of paper, half a bottle of accelerant, some serious fanning, and all of our patience, but we finally got it going about an hour before we retired for bed. We had baked beans and a bowl of crispy potatoes for tea, and enjoyed the warmth and the stars. It was idyllic. Unfortunately we didn't see any exotic wildlife, plenty of birds, and we heard some screaming owls and howling, but no koalas, roos, lizards,or other interesting natives. We hope that we'll get lucky next time we visit. We had a great night's sleep, it was so dark and quiet bar the sounds of the animals, and woke to the sun fighting to get through the trees in the morning. We had to leave fairly early as we had a busy Sunday but wish we could have stayed longer for the peace and some wildlife spotting. We are definitely going back though, it was too magnificent to see it just once.

[vacationsoup]

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Why Daytona Became The Worlds Most Famous Beach

Daytona Beach is known for many things. It's the home of The Daytona 500, which starts the NASCAR'S season every year in February, considered the "Super Bowl" of racing. Many people think of Daytona Beach and Spring Break. The city welcomed college students back in the 60's, 70's, & 80's. They stopped advertising to campus' back in the early 90's. But we still get our share of these visitors every spring. Still others associate Bike Week & Daytona. Our March Bike Week is one of the largest and oldest motorcycle rallies in the country and just celebrated its 78th year!

Being a resident of Daytona Beach since 1975 I've seen a lot of changes on what is known as "The World’s Most Famous Beach".Today we are a beach front community, with retirees and families living here. Over 10 million folks visited our shores last year. They come for the events, our hard-packed sand, wide beach, and temperate climate.

So how did we get that nick name “The World’s Most Famous Beach"? It all starts back in the early 1900's. At the turn of the 20th Century when the "Horseless Carriage" became a plaything for the wealthy. But, driving, in a world meant for horses, wasn't easy. Hard smooth surfaced roadways didn't exist. Without that drivers couldn't really test the speed of their new self-powered machines.

Some records show beach racing started in 1902, but the first official timed race was in 1903. That was between Ransom Olds’ “Pirate” and Alexander Winton’s “Bullet”. On March 26,1903 they did their first timed race using a measured mile. The "Bullet" beat the "Pirate" by .2 seconds setting an American land speed record of 68.198 miles per hour.

Ransom Olds' 1903 Car "The Pirate" 

FYI Old’s started the Oldsmobile car company, his driver, H.T. Thomas, became the supervising engineer. Alexander Winton is credited by many as the founder of the American Automobile Industry. He sold the first production gas powered car to a private individual in March of 1898. History shows we were in the presence of “Automobile Greatness”.

The race was held event during a week-long "Winter Carnival" organized by Henry Flagler's Ormond Hotel. This was the beginning of what came to be known as Speed Weeks. Flagler built the Ormond Hotel and connected it by a railroad spur to his Florida East Coast Railroad. Flagler was one of the earliest hotel developers and tourism promoters of Florida. His clientèle were the wealthy East Coast Elite escaping the cold winters. Many came in for the “season” which ran from December to April. One, John D. Rockefeller, even built his winter home across from the Ormond Hotel. That’s the original John D, the wealthiest man in the world at that time!

The Winton Bullet Beat the Olds Pirate in 1903

Imagine March 1903 and the who’s who of wealthy playboys arrive to test out their machines on Daytona’s hard packed smooth sandy beach. The time of the event depended on the tide, the “course” width was also tide determined and could be 500 feet wide at low tide. The challenge is we have 2 high tides and 2 low tides every day with the time moving about 45 minutes each day. Schedules had to be flexible.  

It’s interesting to note these early racers were not only gasoline powered, but steam and electric power were also used. Remember there were no gas stations at this time. Steam powered cars were even outselling gasoline powered, they could use the horse's water troughs for the water they needed and those were easily available, kind of like gas stations today.  

William K. Vanderbilt started 1904 racing with his run on January 27 and set the first recorded world land speed record over Daytona’s measured mile. His Mercedes made the run at 92.30 mph. That’s Vanderbilt, of the shipping and railroading family that created Vanderbilt University, many New Port Mansions, and built The Biltmore in North Carolina!

The 1904 the speed racing expanded and included motorcycles. Glenn Curtis setting a 67.36 mph record on his 2-cylinder bike. That record held for 7 years. The auto record was broken 3 times, in a 30-minute span! Vanderbilt’s world record of 92.30 mph was first broken by Louis Ross in his steam powered car, the Wogglebug at 94.73 mph.  

Five minutes later that was broken by Arthur MacDonald in his Napier at 104.65 mph. The final record went to HL Bowden in his Mercedes at 109.76 mph! But that one wasn't recognized by the Automobile Club of France, since the car exceeded the 1000KG weight limit set by that sanctioning body.

Stanley Steamer Rocket in 1906 Fred Marriott driving

With steam powered cars from the Stanley Steamer out selling gasoline powered cars, they wanted to prove how fast they were. In 1906 they went for the land speed record. Driver Fred Marriott bought the Rocket 2, the most aerodynamic car of the day, to Daytona. He set the record at 127.659. That held for 4 years! He

Rebuilt Stanley Steamer Rocket in 2006 on Centennial of the 1906 run

tried to break the 150-mph barrier in 1907, was going at 190, then hit a gully on the beach sending the car airborne. It split in 2 but, amazingly, he survived. Stanly Steamer pulled the car from racing feeling it could not withstand the speeds Fred could generate. Because of the crash no official speed record was made.

During this time 15 world records were set up to 1935. There were also wheel to wheel racing over a 3-mile course that was later expanded to 4.2 miles when racing resumed after World War II.

Sir Malcom Campbell with one of his "Bluebirds"

Jumping to the 1920’s Sir Malcom Campbell came to Daytona. He had already set 2 land speed records on the beaches in West Wales England at 146.163 mph in 1924 and 150.766 mph in 1925. He lost the title as the world’s fastest man in 1926 and went on to build his first Bluebird land speed race car. In 1927, on Daytona Beach he set a new record at 174.883 mph, came back and set it again in 1928 at 206.956 mph. Breaking the 200-mph barrier. Not to rest on his laurels in 1931 he came back setting records at 246.088 mph, then 253.968 mph in 32, 272.465 mph in 33, and 276.710 mph in 1935. All in pursuit of breaking the 300 mph barrier. On the run at 276.710 in 1935 he did break the barrier in one direction, exceeding 300 mph right on Daytona Beach! But the recorded record consisted of the average speed over a north south run. Wind picked up slowing him down on the return run. He finally broke the 300-mile barrier on the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah in September of 1935. Remember this was all being done on the beach at low tide! Plus, the smoothness was set by the surf. It was decided they needed a wider surface as speeds exceeded 200 mph.      

Bluebird and other record holders on Daytona Beach

While land speed records moved to Utah wheel to wheel racing continued. The city promoting it in 1936, and then the Daytona Beach Elks club in 1937.  They both lost money. To keep it going promoting races was taken over by Bill France, SR in 1938, who finally turned a profit on both races that year. Back then there was a July race and one on Labor Day weekend. The vehicle of choice became cars you could buy off the lot or “stock” cars. While one chapter closed a new one opened up and the legacy of racing was just getting started!  

With the who’s who coming here for the racing activity, the east coast elite escaping the cold winters, plus savvy promotion of these events, and having railroad to bring people and equipment here, by the 1920’s Daytona Beach had its nickname “The World’s most Famous Beach”.

The next time you are on our beach sunning yourself, fishing, walking on the beach, catching a wave, or riding a bike on the sand, just think of who came before you. You are sharing the same sand that Rockefeller, Ford, Edison, Vanderbilt, and Campbell all came to. Maybe, if you really listen, you’ll even hear the distant sounds of our beach legacy. You can still do your own version of beach racing, at no more than 10 mph, and still drive on designated sections of our 28 miles of beach.

If you’d like to spend some time here check out our web site www.daytonaoceanfrontrentals.com. We offer 9 ocean front condominiums setting directly on these famous sands! Or just call 800-262-6535 or 386-871-6550.     

    Travel Tip created by Dennis & Carmen in association with Vacation Soup

[squashplayermagazine]

Joel Makin: the new Welsh squash wizard

By Rod Gilmour

Wales has regularly produced outstanding sportsmen down the years. Think John Charles, Lyn Davies, Gareth Edwards, Joe Calzaghe and Ian Woosnam to name a few. Now, there is a new talent on the Welsh male sporting landscape: Joel Makin, who is currently making strides in squash.

From his Birmingham base, Makin, 24, has been honing his craft for the last five years at Rob Owen's coaching academy at West Warwickshire Club. He put his university degree on hold to try and make the grade in pro squash and his sheer drive and mettle to succeed saw him rewarded with a breakthrough year.

This season, all and sundry now know that other than keeping the world's best on court, he can also beat them. Mohamed El shorbagy and Miguel Angel Rodriguez, the world and British Open champions respectively, can testify to that.

"Beating the world no.1 in three tie breaks was about being consistent," Makin recalls of his Channel Vas Championship second round win over El shorbagy in October. "I knew he wasn't at his best and was tired but the one thing I took away is that tonnes of times before he has been in a similar position and come through the match. 

"It was about keeping in the belief of what I was doing, keep it as solid as I could, attack at the right times and not make mistakes."

Makin, now a world top 30 player, has the physical form after spending over five hours on court in six matches during his Commonwealth Games singles' tilt.

His match against El shorbagy also hinged on a mammoth rally - lasting four minutes, eight seconds - which Makin won, the game ending on a conduct stroke against the Egyptian.

The Welshman recalled: "I didn't want to interact, I didn't want to give him any cheap points. It really was particularly brutal. From the outside, you don't look like you are showing physical discomfort. It's those kind of rallies when you have to be as tough as you can be."

These moments have only served to lift Makin's game. Last December, he lost 3/0 over an hour at the World Championships to eventual winner El shorbagy.

The Welshman knew he could get closer to him the next time they played and convert when presented with game balls.

He hasn't done it alone, of course. Principal carrier has been Owen, the former professional who played alongside the great Jonah Barrington.

"Rob has told me that Jonah was always saying to keep a record and analyse all your players, especially the top guys if this is who you want to replicate," said Makin.

"It's always something we've taken time to do and watch back matches. Especially with Mohamed's intensity, ability to volley and taking the ball early in the middle of the court, he's taken the game on."

Makin has taken his own game on thrillingly since leaving Aberdare, aged 18, where both his parents are teachers.

By his own admission, he didn't play competitive squash until he was 16. Born in Pembrokeshire and then growing up in the Welsh valleys, he had a penchant for physical enjoyment, namely rugby and gym training. But he hadn't been properly coached by the time he hooked up with Owen.

"I was way behind at junior level and Rob spent a lot of time with me when I wasn't very good," he admitted.

Since then it's been a concoction of discipline and structure, repetition of hitting, hours of solo practice, coupled with hard and consistent work over five years. "Big results had been coming," he admitted. "I felt that my squash has been able to catch up with my physicality."

Not good enough to play full-time, he took the "big decision" to defer his geography degree at the University of Birmingham "to give squash every chance".

He started coaching to pay for his accommodation. "It was the hardest time knowing the work I needed to put in. It was hard trying to train and coach."

But Owen, who is also a professional gambler, saw in Makin "relentless determination and had something other players didn't. He got everything back and was a runner. He wasn't a quick learner but he practiced."

Owen adds that that his intelligence on and off the court has also helped him adapt to his coach's tactical changes.

Makin is now lighter on feet and hits a better weight of shot. There are options in his play, and his adoption of getting his racket up early has clearly helped.

All this has helped him, even at this stage, to become an early front-runner for the 2022 Commonwealth singles' title in his adopted home under the Welsh flag.

"Wales is getting a lot of support and squash is growing again," he said. "Our [Commonwealth Games] success went out to a lot of people. The Welsh Wizards' Premier Squash League match sold out within a week. There's definitely a resurgence.”