We're natty dressers round here. We follow
all the fashions and most of us, like the younger generation with their black
leggings and fur trimmed little bootees, look pretty much the same. We have our
uniform. The precise style has variations, however, which have a little to do
with age differences. The forties - sixties age group tend to favour blue denim
jeans or cords in a variety of autumnal shades. The older members of society go
for looser fitting, more shapeless models - at best in tweedy fabrics, at worst
in muddy coloured crimplene. The sweatshirt is a popular item in our collection
of serviceable, wind-proof, rain-proof attire. In winter this is topped by a
padded jacket or anorak. Smarter versions are available, including waxed
jackets or quilted coats, mud-splashed but obviously once very expensive. The
common denominator is the fashion accessory woolly hat, worn pulled down over
the ears.
Then there's the issue of footwear. High
heels, or pretty, strappy sandals are not really ideally adapted for spongy
footpaths, ankle-deep puddles or muddy lanes, so gradually these highly
desirable fashion items are relegated to the back of the wardrobe - weddings
and funerals only. Instead, the only sensible thing to wear - and we do - has
to be a pair of sturdy, battered walking boots or a pair of wellies, complete
with their own layers of caked-on mud. It's not worth cleaning them; they'll
only get dirty again.
In summer there are variations on a theme. On
good days the sweatshirt may be abandoned, slung loosely around the waist (just
in case the sky clouds over, as it often does). But on bad days, and along the
windswept coast, the fresh breezes make a sweatshirt the ideal wear, even in
summer. And footwear? Well, trainers are the only practical alternative for
those lumpy, rutted footpaths. Even on a shopping trip, in Tywyn or maybe
Aberystwyth, I may well be tempted to a stroll on the pebbly prom or the
glistening, wet sands, so it's best to be prepared. On rare occasions, in really
hot weather, trainers may be recklessly replaced with a pair of flip-flops. As
I said, we're natty dressers.
As I write, I glance out of our front window
and a sight meets my eyes, which confirms all that I have been telling you.
Coming up the path, a small dog straining on the lead in front of her (or is it
him? it's hard to tell), is a muffled up person exiting from our local caravan
park. It is dressed in the normal, dark-coloured, baggy trousers, topped by a
navy anorak and a navy woollen hat. The hat is the crowning glory: woollen,
tied under the chin and pulled down over the ears, like everyone else's, this
one is topped by two enormous round ears, making its wearer look like something
closely resembling the dormouse at Alice's tea party. Perfect!
So, are we what we seem? Are we all country
bumpkins underneath this rather uninspiring attire? Not a bit of it!
Intellectual and artistic pursuits abound everywhere you look. Local libraries
flourish; they will reserve anything you want from an extensive collection of
public and academic libraries across the whole of Wales and we make full use of
them. Local bookshops not only sell us the latest popular titles, but organise
book signing events, writers' courses and promotions for new authors. Writers'
groups and book clubs gather in many towns and villages and many communities
still preserve - and use - their Reading Rooms and Literary Institutes.
Art societies are equally popular and more
and more people seem to retire to this beautiful area, keen to develop their
artistic talents: painting in oils and watercolours, sketching, pottery,
textiles and other handicrafts. Visit any of the galleries, arts and crafts
fairs or weekly markets of handmade produce and you will find exquisite art
works, creative crafts of all kinds and home-baked items of a high standard.
Art societies hold exhibitions each year where the artists are able to display
and sell their work and commercial galleries and craft workshops delight locals
and tourists alike.
There is more! Theatre groups abound and
community groups of all kinds arrange outings for their members to plays,
films, musicals and art galleries further afield. We may not have all the
facilities for cultural entertainment close at hand but there is no lack of
lively interest. Have you heard a Welsh choir sing? This deep-rooted cultural
tradition still survives, amazing us by the rich harmonies achieved by male and
female voiced choirs alike, performing in concerts and eisteddfods across the
nation. No, we're not country bumpkins, despite the anorak and slacks
appearance. Under the surface lurks a wealth of cultural and creative
excellence. Just scratch the surface and remove the woolly hat!
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