Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
27th April 2019
Wired for Sound
I have a new favourite thing – my running vest. But it’s no ordinary running vest, it is a Road Noise running vest, which has built in speakers. I cannot bear using those irritating little ear buds or head phones when I am running, as I feel disconnected or separated from the ‘real world’ and hate not knowing what’s going on around me. Sorry if I sound old fashioned, but it also strikes me as bit dangerous if you can’t hear traffic around you!
So after a lot of research, and a failed attempt at a home-made version, I finally tracked down what I was looking for. The Road Noise vest is ‘wired for sound’ with a USB rechargeable amplifier/volume control in the front pocket and which works with both plug-in and Bluetooth devices. So by plugging in your phone, or other small music device, you can enjoy your choice of running music through the speakers in the shoulders, and without eliminating all the other sounds around you. The rechargeable volume adjuster includes an amplifier, which boosts the performance of phones and the speakers are positioned just behind the peak of your shoulders, for maximum effect and comfort. They can be removed to wash the vest.
The light-weight vest is fully adjustable, allowing a lovely comfy fit, (I often have to be reminded that I still have mine on long after a run or work, as it’s so comfy), and has safety reflectors on the front and back. It has numerous useful pockets, and the back is cleverly designed to hold either a 1 litre hydration reservoir or a lightweight jacket.
Not surprisingly, it is also a best seller with cyclists and walkers but I have found another perfect market for it – for gardeners! I have been ‘learning while I earn’ by listening to interesting pod casts as I dig over beds and borders. It has come into it’s own in remote gardens where there is no signal for my now semi-retired radio, and means I can keep my water bottle with me too, instead of wondering where I left it.
It is without a doubt the best in-vest-ment I have made lately! More details at www.roadnoise.com.
How Green Is My Valley
I love the quote, “If you have no idea of history, then you are like a leaf that doesn’t know it’s part of a tree,” and I must admit to being pretty leaf-like for a lot of my life. I have always insisted that I don’t have enough time to do what I want to do in the present, let alone revisit the past, but at a certain time of life you realise that history actually adds a lot of flavour and fascination to the present.
And that is why I will be going along to the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust’s study weekend at The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny on 10 – 12th May. As part of the WHGT 30th Anniversary year, the event offers a rare chance to explore the fascinating context and evolution of ornamental landscapes of Pontypool Park, Cyfartha Castle and Bedwellty Park, together with a tour of the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon.
The Welsh Historic Gardens Trust was formed to campaign to save historic gardens and
parks from neglect, indifference, insensitive planning and planting, and reminds us that in the midst of Gwent’s rich industrial heritage, it is sometimes easy to forget how some of the region’s most important public parks and gardens emerged from some of the greatest industrial activity in late 18th century Europe.
I enjoyed chatting with chairman, Simon Baynes, from Llanfyllin, Powys, recently and he assured me (maybe sensing a few remnants of historical hesitation) that the eminent contributors will ensure it will be lively and highly informative event. He also hopes that it will provide an opportunity for anyone locally to come and share their experiences and research into the green landscapes of the area.
Do come along and give, or glean, any relevant information that you can.
For more details contact Dr Elaine Davey: elainemdavey@gmail.com / 07890 499905.
Or visit www.whgt.wales for further information, including the full itinerary.
Have a Drink On Me
Another weather record-breaking weekend then, as predicted by Derek the Weatherman who told me years ago that the weather patterns would become more extreme with broken records becoming a regular occurrence. I seem to remember there being some wry comment from the cameraman likening Derek to a broken record too, but he was right! (Derek, not the cameraman).
Whilst the weather has been a hot topic, it does bring a few challenges for our wildlife too, who will be in need of drinking water. Although the weather has changed again now, please be mindful that birds, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs and other wildlife will always need access to drinking water. Many of the shallow watering holes that they use dry up very quickly in the strong sunshine, and even strong winds, and bees and butterflies cannot drink from deep water as the surface tension won’t hold them. They need shallow saucers of water or little muddy puddles, which you can make easily. Turn a few saucers, or even an upturned dustbin lid, into a drinking hole by adding water, leaves, twigs and stones for the bees and butterflies to stand on to drink. You will be amazed by the amount of visitors you get, and of course you can do this in the smallest of gardens or even on a balcony.
Birds will also appreciate a bird-bath to keep clean and cool in and will provide great entertainment in return. They make excellent gifts too, being appreciated by both the recipient and our feathered friends, or make your own, details here.
Thanks for my weekly wander round the world I miss, big hug xx