Author: Sharon Holland
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Our Mum
To remember Mum on her birthday, I am sharing these very personal words, which I wrote for, and read out at her funeral last month. (I have removed names for privacy). There is only a 3% chance of both parents developing dementia. Some people might say that my sister and I have been unlucky. Those…
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When the Eisteddfod Came to Our Town
With the Wrexham Eisteddfod in full flow, my thoughts are returning to last year’s National Eisteddfod, which was held in our home town, Pontypridd. I wrote a diary, which I am now sharing with you. The National Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru was held in our town from 3rd to 10th August 2024. It’s the biggest cultural…
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Crossing the River
Many times, we had walked from Rest Bay to the edge of the Ogmore River and back. It’s a pleasant 10 or so miles along the beach and the coastal path. We had occasionally looked at the river and discussed the possibility of one day crossing the river. After ‘careful’ planning and checking the tide…
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Sowing Seeds
This blog is adapted from the notes of my thoughts that I wrote following planting carrot seeds at our allotment around this time last year. My husband and I recently acquired an allotment. Today I sowed carrot seeds. I learned a few things today about sowing seeds and tending an allotment:• Since we are completely…
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The Unnecessary Apostrophe
Now that the main exam season is well underway, I thought that it was a good time to share my thoughts on The Unnecessary Apostrophe. If you are a student sitting exams right now, or you are a parent, teacher or friend helping young people prepare for their exams, then this post is for you! …
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The Marathon
Tomorrow, Sunday 27th April, is the London Marathon 2025. My Dad ran the London twice and I also ran a marathon in Cardiff in 2004. Being a very long distance (26.2 miles), the marathon is firstly, definitely not a sprint. Secondly, the marathon is not a race that you can enter the week before without…
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Good Friday – The Curtain
Last Easter on Good Friday, I shared a short devotion in church. Here’s a summary of what I shared. Today, we are thinking about the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. Mark 15:37-38 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. And the curtain [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two…
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An Inspector Calls at the Wales Millennium Centre
Despite helping students to study An Inspector Calls for GCSE English Literature for about twelve years, reading the play many times and being completely in awe of JB Priestley’s genius in writing it, I had never had the opportunity to see it. When I heard that Stephen Daldry’s production of the play was coming to…
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Mother’s Day Thoughts
Until ten, fifteen years ago, Mother’s Day was for me just a day filled with joy, flowers and chocolates. Today I am intimately aware that for many, Mother’s Day is also a day filled with heartache. On Sunday, my daughter will celebrate her first Mother’s Day as Mum and I will celebrate my first as Granny. It will…
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A Royal Opportunity
I had heard that the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, were to visit our town on 26th February, ahead of St David’s Day. This was possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to see our future King and Queen! I had heard that they were scheduled to visit the market at 11:30am…