01/01/2024
A very Happy New Year 2024 to all.
Thank you so much for the kindness and comments that you have sent to me and mine over the past year.
I haven’t answered each and every person, particularly the kind words in recent weeks, but please know that your comments and words have been a profound help during what has been a tough few years.
For me, there are new and somewhat scary challenges ahead, but challenges I am ready to meet head on. My family have suffered greatly these past few years for a variety of reasons, myself being front and centre, but thanks to the love and devotion of my incredible wife Lisa Dring, I really am ready to prove myself and make their lives better! For those in the know, it’s been such a tough journey with the health of my children which led to my impromptu end to a teaching career that I so loved.
I thank everyone who has supported us this year for making a difference, I particularly and personally thank my Mother in law Terry Nock and my good friend and confidant Claire Hiett for all they have done to help me and my family.
On another note, I would like to send a big thank you to the boys at Cow & Ghost Vintage for all of their help this year, if you are a creative and based in South Wales, please follow these guys, maybe even join one of their events, they are two of the most professional and kind gentleman I’ve had the privilege of working with.
I would also like to make a statement about my eldest. She has been so brave this year and in years previous, against all odds. Her health as my friends will know has been so up and down - a diagnosis we all dreaded, yet she has grown so much. She has become a little potter in her own right, joined me at craft fayres, she has never let her health hold her back and I am so very proud of her.
My middle is kind of the family rock. She is the big Sister to her Big Sister as well as being the most wonderful little girl. So like her mum - strong, creative and overwhelmingly kind. She is becoming a wonderful athlete, she is so very intelligent, but far beyond this - just the kindest person!
My lil’ boy, he is all about Mummy - who could blame him? Such a wonderful, smiley, happy little character. I really hope he continues to blossom in 2024.
So as much as the past few years have sucked, as much as I’ve relied on my Gorgeous Wife to hold me up when I’m down - and oh have I been down! As much as I’ve struggled every time I go into Bridgend, the nerves, the panic - dare I say the hatred that I’ve felt when I go near Cowbridge Road… I still have such a huge amount to be grateful for!
Thank you to everyone who has shown me support.
A new chapter is about to begin, I hope it works out for me and mine, but equally and sincerely, I hope for better for each and every one of my friends.
To my ex-students, I have sincerely loved following your journeys, whatever they have driven you to, and I wish you so much more in 2024! You will always be present in my mind, I have such fond memories of you all. I would list you, but it would be long and I’d be scared of missing some of you accidentally. Just to say - self employed photographers, future lecturers, event coordinators, managers of venues, creatives, parents, guardians and those that chose a new path… I salute you all!!!
To my ex-colleagues, I thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion with me and helping me grow. So many friends, such wonderful memories - certainly not forgetting Corrie Lewis Bishop and the lovely Julie Hancock, both of whom have inspired me in different ways.
To my Wife… you are everything! The quintessential nurse, the best mother and the kindest and most supportive person. I’m not sure I would be here if it weren’t for you - more than anyone - Thank you! ###
