‘MARCH TO MARCH covers a journey over one year of the diagnosis of cancers during the backdrop of the Covid landscape. Followed by shock and the journey through HELL on earth that follows. I am forever grateful to the medical profession that saved my partner’s life.’ John Williams.
Mel received her treatment at the Guy’s Cancer Centre and the Royal Free Hospital.
Biography
This is John’s 8th book. He has also written for many other publications. John was born and grew up in Merthyr Tydfil and now lives with his partner, Mel Griffiths, in London. John has performed at numerous festivals such as, Merthyr Rising, London’s Anarchist Book Fair and Punk Festivals around the country. He is a member of the Red Poets and attends protests when able, due to disability.
During the Covid pandemic, John’s partner, Mel, was diagnosed with 5 different types of cancer. This book tells the harrowing story in sequence through hard-hitting poetry and some disturbing photographs of all the treatments and the shocking diagnoses she experienced. 5 days a week for 5 weeks she had to wear a radiation mask. During this time she was also diagnosed with Amyloidosis and Thyroid and Lymph Gland cancer leading to their removal. The fear that John experienced led to escalation of his own health problems, depression, crohns and epilepsy. It was a struggle but he had to stay positive in order to support Mel. On top of everything Mel then had a stroke, but all was not lost as they finally received the good news that there was no cancer in her body and her blood was clear.
The radiation mesh mask was given to her and she has turned it into a work of art.
Inspired by her favourite artist Frida Kahlo, the mask is called REFLECTION.
The GREEN ROSES depict – CANCER IN THE BODY.
The GREEN SNAKE portrays – SNEAKY SNAKE SPREADING CANCER.
Other Books by John Williams in order of publication. (Click on images to go to Amazon)
Writing ‘Forbidden Love’ – It has taken me 8 years to write ‘Forbidden Love’ Many rejections and bad advice, so I decided to self publish. In 2012 all I had to go on was self belief and my love for Ireland and my grandmother. All I knew about Nana’s Irish family, was her two brothers, Alec and Christy, and the story of Kevin Barry. Then Joseph Knox, Chrissie’s grandson, made contact from Dublin. He devised a wonderful family tree. From this I found James, Chrissie, Essie, Mary Josephine and many more of my Irish relatives. He travelled from Dublin to Cardiff with his brother Bernard to meet with me and other members of my family. When I met with my two Irish cousins they were astounded how much I looked like their grandmother Christina (Chrissie) and when I visited them in Dublin their sister said the same. How strange I had a job at Jacobs Biscuit factory like Chrissie but I turned it down. I chose to work in a sewing factory like Nana. I also took part in many demonstrations, like Chrissie and Maggie. ‘The Right to Work’ March, shouting “out, Maggie, out, out, out,” the Miners’ Strike, Greenham Common Marches, the ‘Stop the War Coalition.’ I marched against the invasion of Iraq and resigned as a councillor over the invasion, I also marched for Syria. In 2014, I visited Christy’s son, Christopher, in Limerick. Chris gave me the layout of Red Cow Lane, O’Donovan Rossa and the story of my father looking like Elvis. Sadly, Chris Crosbie died in 2016. I also visited Kilmainham Gaol and wept where they shot the Sixteen. I walked the streets Nana walked, played and lived. In 2015, I walked the coast of Donegal and Antrim. I was flying home from Dublin. The night before I flew home to Wales, I called in to ‘Cobblestones’ that was once called ‘Carolans’. The pub was opposite where Nana lived. I read and performed my poetry, the same place my father sang in 1957 and where my Nana and her family drank. I had many drinks bought for me that night. Irish, Brazilian, Germans, Americans and Spanish. I declined most of the drinks because I was flying home early in the morning. At the end of the evening and after many goodbyes I walked outside Cobblestones, looked up to the summer clear sky and I knew my father and my Irish relatives were looking down. Nana never spoke of what she witnessed, only Kevin Barry. I believe that Nana was too traumatised. Dublin from 1916 to when Nana left 1921 was equivalent to Syria and Iraq. War torn and broken. I took up the pen and chose to write what Nana could not talk about.
Julie Griffin’s beautifully written ‘family oral tradition’ narrative of Maggie Caffery’s romance with British soldier Dick Griffin during the early twentieth century troubles in Ireland will fill you with equal measures of hope and horror. The story clearly demonstrates how love can shine through and transcend even the starkest, harshest forms of biased preconceptions, prejudice and poverty and leave a special place in your heart for it’s two main protagonists.
As the poet Rupert Brooke once rightly said: “Someday I will rise and leave my friends and seek you again through the world’s far end you whom I found so fair”.
In some ways the story parallels Ernest Hemingway’s classic “A Farewell to Arms” which was written around the time Julie’s story was set; especially the flight from the fight for the right to be together part of the storyline. This book is for lovers everywhere and makes an ideal Christmas, birthday, anniversary or Valentine gift. Great job, Julie!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 May 2021Verified Purchase
A wonderful debut novel from published author and performance poet, Julie Griffin Pritchard. The first part of a trilogy, Forbidden Love is a saga that spans generations of a traditionally large Irish family. It is harrowing in many parts due to the poverty and tragedies that befall them, but it is also uplifting with extremely well written characters that you can empathise, cry and laugh with. The main characters are Maggie and Dick and the love they have for each other causes a huge rift. Maggie is forced to choose between love and family. Situated in Ireland and Wales the Anglo/Irish war plays a big part in the story. There is a lot of attention to historical detail that gives this fictional novel a reality beyond the imagination of the author. A brilliant read, but keep the tissues handy.
A beautiful and descriptive account of walking with nature and fully appreciating every moment. Although written in prose her poetic words capture the beauty of the countryside she walks and the wildlife and characters she meets along the way. Injected within the text are snippets of past traumas that impress upon the reader how being at one with nature has helped her to heal. Her honesty is admirable, it is not easy to share bad things but when you do, as she does, the burden lightens and allows the person to become less vulnerable. In writing this the author is encouraging others to also use the natural world to heal.
After 5 long years battling against an opencast mine planned for Nant Llesg (an area of outstanding natural beauty) – United Valleys Action Group – with help from FOE – Coal Action Network -Reclaim the Power – and local communities who signed the petition – have won. Thank you all.
Here is the correspondence received by a UVAG member on 19th September 2018: Dear Ian
Further to previous correspondence on this matter, I have today been advised that the Planning Inspectorate has written to the legal representatives of the appellants for the Nant Llesg appeal advising them that the appeal will now be closed, and no further action will be taken with it. Please let me know if you have any queries.
I am sure this will be very welcome and a great relief to the communities of the Upper Rhymney Valley.
Dawn Bowden
Welsh Labour Assembly Member/Aelod Cynulliad Llafur Cymru
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney/Merthyr Tydfil a Rhymni
In 2015 the mine plans were rejected and went to appeal. In 2016 the plans were again rejected. There should have been a decision on this matter within a six week period but extensions were given and it has taken two years for this final decision to be made.
Here is some coverage of the initial victory in 2015
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After years of campaigning against a new opencast mine in the Rhymney, Fochriw, Bedlinog, Pontlottyn. Deri, Abertwsswg,Valley campaigners were delighted with the decision by the local council planning committee to recommend against the development unanimously.
Passionate speeches from members of UVAG, GVA, FOE, RSPB and local community representatives covered the following issues in relation to the detrimental effects of opencast mining:
Health and well being
Loss of clean jobs and future inward investment
Wildlife habitat
Biodiversity
Water pollution
Visual impact
Light pollution
Noise
Dust
Climate change
Tourism
Those who spoke up against the mine covered all issues through thorough factual research:
United Valleys Action Group (UVAG). Some of their members having experienced first hand the detrimental effect of a mine close to their community in Merthyr. The existing mine at Ffos Y Fran has caused nothing but hardship since it opened in 2006. Dust and noise prevail despite Miller Argent’s promise that the mine would have no impact. The desecration and visual impact on the area has to be seen to be believed.
GreenValleysAlliance (GVA). Local business man Mitchell Field has supported the campaign all along. He has put his money where his mouth is and paid for studies undertaken by CardiffUniversity to look into the lack of inward investments to areas that have opencast mines. After thirty years in the area his business, Richards & Appleby, which makes cosmetics for outlets that include Harrods, was under threat.
If the mine went ahead job losses for locals would have devastated the communities. He can now plan to bring back an investment which went to Italy which could create another 50 jobs.
Friends of the Earth (FOE) have worked closely with campaigners from the time that the existing mine in Ffos Y Fran was put forward in 2006.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released facts about the detriment of unseen airborne particles and diesel fumes from the monstrous Komatsu trucks used on site.
Climate Change Cymru have documented the adverse effects of carbon emissions from digging and burning coal.
RSPB are concerned for the loss of natural habitat for birds which nest, wade and use the area as a migratory path. These include: Lapwing, Ring Plovers, Great Crested Grebes, Dunlin, Curlews, Snipe, Skylarks, Meadow Pipit, Reed buntin, Moorhen. Also the Long Billed Dowatcher has been spotted by the many ornithologists which frequent the area around Rhas Las pond.
On the small ponds there are many species of Dragon Fly and Damsel Fly. Great Crested Newts, a protected species, have also been spotted in Rhas Las. Rhas Las pond is the largest remaining feature of the Dowlais Free Drainage system. it was built around 1818 and was used to feed water to the various local iron works as well as Fochriw and Rhymney pit engines. In later years it was also used by the Ebbw Vale steel works. Since being de-industrialised Rhas Las has become an integral part of the moorland eco-environment. The unique, marshland and moorland habitat to the South, West and East has been untouched since time began.
The water from the Nant Llesg stream was used to make beer by the Rhymney Brewery because of its high quality and purity. This would be spoiled or completely destroyed.
There are also many historical stories attached to the area that is under threat:
The Bargoed History Society produced a book last year telling the story of King Arthur’s time in the area, The Coming of Caliburn. This was supported and funded by Caerphilly Council.
Today International Financiers are disinvesting from coal. Last month the G7 under the chair of Angela Merkel stated their intention to stop burning coal in the next decade. Global warming caused by burning fossil fuels is causing untold world suffering among the poor in the third world.
It was suggested that CaerphillyCounty Borough Council live up to their slogan,A Greener Place to Live, Work and Visit, and turn Nant Llesg into a nature reserve extending from the Brecon Beacons National Park to the North and Parc Cwm Darran, itself a former colliery, to the South. This would attract much needed tourism to the area.
The long awaited album – Every Valley – was launched at Ebbw Vale Institute on June 8th and 9th 2017 where it was also recorded. Myself and my partner were lucky enough to be invited along by band founder, Mr. John Willgoose Esq., as guests for the small part we played in researching the history of the South Wales Miners. John contacted me in 2016 regarding a book that I collaborated on with my fellow student, (at the time) Natalie Thompson, and ex-miners and their families – How Black Were Our Valleys. He was looking for an introduction to some of the people involved in the book. I was happy to introduce him and we eventually met up at Big Pit Mining Museum.
The gig in Ebbw Vale was brilliant, packed to the rafters with fans and those newly converted. People of all ages enjoyed the band’s signature combination of video footage and music that keeps history alive.
James Dilley is a PhD student at Southampton University. He is also a skilled craftsman working with materials such as flint, wood, bone, horn, leather, ceramics, metals, natural fibres and wool.
His outreach object is to encourage people of all ages to learn about ancient crafts by bringing our ancestors’ skills and knowledge back to life.
He is dedicated and enthusiastic, an expert in his field, and an excellent teacher.
As part of Neolithic skills week at Parc Cwm Darran, James gave a demonstration of traditional bronze age copper smelting. Copper smelts at approx 1100 degrees centigrade. Bellows are used to keep the temperature up. A small pit is dug and a crucible filled with alternate layers of blue malachite and charcoal is placed into the charcoal furnace. The whole process takes around half an hour.
The main part of the course involved flint knapping. Flint is one of the sharpest materials on earth, how it is formed still remains a mystery. Its composition is similar only to that of glass. The use of flint dates back to before the Neolithic times where it was a highly useful material for making tools necessary for survival.
Because flint is so sharp it was necessary to take health and safety precautions when knapping. A kit consists of: Leather leg cover, Gloves, Goggles.
Basic knapping, to create flakes, is hitting the flint nodule on a flat surface (platform) using a hammer-stone (pebble) no more than 1cm from an edge that is not over 90 degrees.
The flakes are formed underneath the area that you are working on.
Flint knapping is a skill that takes many years of practise in order to become accomplished. We did, throughout the week, manage to make a selection of tools that we used to fashion our own knives with by the end of the course.
They included; Scrapers, Saws, Knife Blades, Harpoon Blades.
Hi
I’m Andy Wilkinson and I’m the Senior Environmental Education Ranger for CCBCs Countryside Service. I’m constantly looking at ways of engaging people in the fantastic local countryside we have in Caerphilly. We are blessed by incredible biking trails, walk, wildlife etc. right on our doorstep. Our local countryside has seen humans living on it for thousands of years and there are many ancient remains and signs hidden all over it. You just have to look. As the Darran Valley has some excellent remains, along with Mark Batchelder from the Winding House, we decided to put a Neolithic project together which would celebrate this fact and be very hands on. Hence I ended up learning Neolithic crafts for a week at Parc Cwm Darran with James Dilley. The week was fascinating, frustrating, rewarding and illuminating! I think my biggest impression was that Stone Age man was extremely intelligent. The incredible skills and understanding needed to chip a flint at the right angles, force etc. is incredibly detailed. It is a very difficult thing to do to create stone tools, but incredibly rewarding too. The week opened my eyes to new skills and I enjoyed the company, enthusiasm and shared knowledge of my fellow students. Now its time to put it all together to create a 2 day project that, hopefully, will build self esteem and inspire!
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A big thank you to James Dilley for his enthusiasm and patience. Thanks also to all the guys who made the week so much fun.
Before attending University, I also wrote a trilogy of stories, with my friend Poppy, the cat, about two baby hedgehogs called Itchee and Scratchee. The books were inspired by the hedgehogs that visit our garden on a nightly basis. We are lucky enough to see them from early spring through to the end of October or early November depending on the weather.
Four years ago we had two of the tiniest hoglets we had ever seen turn up on a freezing November night. We brought them inside and put them in a box with some cat food water and a blanket to keep them warm. Unfortunately, during the night, one of them died. The next day, however, another one arrived. We named them Itchee and Scratchee.
I then researched on the internet about how big they needed to be to survive the winter. Ideally they needed to weigh at least 750 grammes. We weighed Itchee and Scratchee on a kitchen scale and Itchee, the smallest one weighed only 110 grammes, whilst Scratchee weighed in at 230 grammes. There was no way that they would survive the winter outside so we decided to bring them into the house.
That evening we bought a rabbit hutch that we found on Gumtree from Tredegar in the next valley over. We cleaned it and put some straw in for bedding and placed it in our lounge next to the radiator. We also put some cat litter into the lid of an old shoe box, hoping that they would learn to use it. Fortunately, they were clever enough to do so. We fed them on wet cat food, crunchies and meal worms and a bowl of fresh water for them to drink. After a week they had doubled in size so we were obviously doing the right thing.
We kept blankets on top of the hutch which could be folded down to prevent them having too much daylight. My friend Poppy, her kitten, Mini-me and her brother Tyger then decided to sleep on top of the hutch.
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One morning, when I looked in the hutch, there was a bright green lump of jelly in the litter tray. At first I thought it belonged to the boys, some sort of Alien Goo which they used to like playing with. I later found out it wasn’t, so I researched on the internet and found out it was a sign of intestinal worms. If left untreated, the hedgehogs could have died.
Once again, I returned to my computer and found a hedgehog hospital a few miles from our home, in Pontlanfraith. I rang them and they asked us to take them over as soon as possible. Itchee was infected but Scratchee needed treatment too because they had been caged together. After a series of antibiotic injections, they were kept in an incubator where they stayed until March. They were then released back into the wild.
Since then, our hedgehog population has thrived. We now have at least 15 seasonal visitors every night. They have their own plate of food which unfortunately the rats are partial to as well. We have seen a rat and a hedgehog sat side by side munching away many times. We have also gained a new black cat, Bagheera, Baghee for short, who is fascinated by our spiky friends. We are looking forward to the hedgehogs returning in the next fortnight. Last year the first ones were sighted on 16th March.
All the books are available on Amazon – take a look by clicking on the images.
Me and Poppy welcoming Itchee and Scratchee home.
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Baby Hoglets, drawn by the children of Deri Primary School and Lorna Card’s grandchildren (Tir Y Berth), and their new friends, the Owlet triplets, drawn by myself.
One evening, a couple of years ago, during the summer, we had a surprise. We were sat in the lounge, the back door was open, and we heard a strange scratching noise underneath the table. Upon investigation this is what we saw…
A cheeky little hedgehog had made his/her way inside.
A freelance writer, clairvoyant medium, chakra meditation teacher, traveller, animal lover, past-life healer, change advocate, and now a digital content creator..........Having walked many paths, I ask; did I really sign up for this?
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