An exceptional concert by male voice choir Only Men Aloud reminds Jules of the things the Welsh do so well – singing, storytelling and recounting a good joke. A couple of weeks ago, some friends from Hereford kindly invited us down to Monmouth for a Friday night out,...
Jules’ longstanding love for natural wood prompts him to learn the ancient craft of working with wild wood, such as green oak, and become an artful bodger. Since I was a boy, I’ve always had a love of natural wood. Growing up in the 1970s, I can recall many a...
Watching the January weather pound the town that was his home for 20 years was a very emotional time for Jules. Have our lessons been learnt, he wonders. Since the late 13th century, Edward I’s castle has overlooked the coastal town of Aberystwyth at the centre of...
Although he stops short of howling at the moon or sacrificing virgins, Jules believes there’s something to be said for new year rituals and resolutions. There are moments during every new year when I find myself behaving more like a pagan than a Christian. Yes, I was...
The issue of funding the restoration of important historical buildings isn’t black and white, says Jules, but nor is it a case of investing in the past in favour of the future. It’s hard to believe, but it’s 10 years or so since the BBC launched the landmark series...
