Emulation is a form of admiration.
In times past we looked to Ireland for inspiration and example, recently Scotland seems to have taken over that role.
Looking at her Sion Jobbins discusses in this issue what it is that makes for a feeling of national identity. The definition may be elusive but the feeling is tangible: in Scotland (again a couple of weeks ago), on a quick visit to Lidl I was impressed by their signage: LIDL working for Scotland, or something along those lines. I am not aware of seeing such support for national pride emblazoned with such well intentioned fervour on signage here.
I am inclined to blame the Council or the Assembly rather than the Company, it is not only Lidl, look at any High Street shop in Scotland from Greggs the bakers to Clinton the card company, they all promote ‘Scottishness’. Wherever you are in Scotland you are never in any doubt but that that is where you are. And so it should be here. We are lucky that geography, history and determination have conspired to keep our language alive but so much more can be done.
For a start, there is much talk of improving the access to Cardiff Airport, owned by Spanish companies, with any improvement should be attached provisos to remember,and remind, that passengers are entering Wales. More local understanding and greater collusion with indigenous business and culture will increase use of the airport.
A few years ago I went to the Tourist Board Awards evening, it was a fabulous evening. A showcase of Welsh talent providing entertainment that could have been served up in London, New York, Miami, Chicago but had absolutely nothing to do with Wales. Philip Evans welcomed representatives of some 90 countries and then told us that now Cardiff has the Wales Millennium Centre we no longer need to go to the West End because it can come to us. I thought sadly of the fantastic group of clog dancers I had seen that year at the Urdd Eisteddfod, of wonderful harpists. Vive la difference is a motto we should embrace. With globalisation comes a certain amount of homogenisation, it is the differences that are touristic gold dust.
2011 did not start well. It had some terrible lows but they have been far outweighed by the support and faith you have shown in Cambria. 2012 is looking brighter and we have great plans. From time to time people voice a concern that we might run out of subject matter, quite the contrary, thanks to the ideas and articles many of you send in. Several new contributors have joined us recently; some of them will become regulars.
A very happy 2012 to you all: advertisers, readers and contributors, and thank you especially for all your good wishes and help of the past year.
Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Frances Jones-Davies, Editor Cambria Magazine
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