Wales, South Wales Green Badge
English, Welsh
07771975059
Siwd Mae - I'm Keith a native Welsh speaking driver guide with a Blue Badge qualification. I've lived or worked or visited all over Wales (and under some bits) and would love to introduce you to her history, landscape and most importantly her culture - basically what makes Cymru (Wales!) different to the rest of the UK!
| My interests are many and varied. My father was a mining engineer and my mother's a farmer's daughter so I know both traditions. I'm normally happiest outdoors, ideally in one of Wales' National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We've a castle or two in Wales also, and whilst I'd not claim to have visited them all (there are over 600!) I've a fair knowledge of their locations and history. |
| Agriculture | The agricultural sector is more than just a vital part of the Welsh economy. It also underpins the language's survival and contributes hugely to the country's culture. From sheep raising on the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) or the slopes of Snowdonia (Eryri), to dairy farming in Pembrokeshire or Carmarthenshire there are numerous specialities which have developed, Gower saltmarsh lamb being a particular favourite of mine! |
| History & Prehistory | Wales' history is a story of retaining its own identity despite being a neighbour of one of the world's superpowers. It's a complex tale, and the very fact that Wales still maintains its unique language and culture within a greater United Kingdom is a great story. |
| Castles & Palaces | From the Bishops palace in St Davids, through the Marcher castles of Chepstow or the White Castle near Abergavenny, and Edward I's ring of castles in Conwy/Conway, Caernarfon (where Prince Charles had his investiture), Beaumaris and Harlech (made famous in song) there is a wealth of stories to be told. Wales has 600 castles! Can't say I know them all, but I know quite a few! |
| Industrial Heritage | Wales was the world's first industrialised nation - defined as having a majority not engaged in agriculture. At different times the world's largest producer of iron, copper, slate or coal exports, the fluctuating histories of these industries informs the visitor how today's human and physical landscapes have evolved. To understand towns like Swansea, Caernarfon or Cardiff you need to know about these industries. The Valleys (from the Gwendraeth in the West - where I was brought up - to the Llwyd in the East, including the famous Rhondda Valleys in the heart of them) were shaped by the heavy industry of the last two centuries. But slowly Nature reclaims her own, and these once barren hillsides are slowly being returned to their original state. Not only coal! The slate landscapes of North Wales are especially interesing and having briefly worked in (and indeed under) one of the largest ones in my 20s these monuments to this industry are amongst the most stunning industrial heritage sites in the UK. |
| Genealogy | I always particularily enjoy taking visitors to the village, area, or sometimes even the farm where their forebears came from. |
Yes
| Type | Make / Model | Passengers | Air Conditioning | Disabled Access |
| Car | Skoda kodiaq | 4 | Yes | No |
Regional Qualifications: Chester Green Badge, North Wales Green Badge
Language(s): English
Regional Qualifications: Wales, South West, Liverpool City Region / Merseyside
Language(s): English