People of Carmarthen welcome back. It`s been a real roller coaster of a week. Like the “Hokey Cokey” a concert on then off but I’m glad to say that`s it’s back on ST PETER’S CHURCH NOVEMBER 15th. I’ll be singing with the Carmarthen and District Youth Opera. Hope to see you there.
Now I’m suffering with MAN FLU – that illness that only affects men, never affects females and its more painful than childbirth. I’m feeling pretty rotten and sorry for myself.
Great questions this week. Firstly Susan Phillips “What career would you have chosen if you couldn’t sing?”
From a very early age my dream was to be a chef. My Mum sent me and my brother to the Carmarthen Community Centre for cookery lessons with the amazing Ena Thomas (who added alcohol to everything). Ena inspired us to be creative so from a young age I was discovering what flavours worked well together.
My Mum was a great cook. We always had wonderful celebration meals that most of the street seemed to attend. I clearly remember my mother telling me that before garlic was readily available in Carmarthen my Great Grandmother would post it to her from Belgium. Maybe that`s why I have garlic in most dishes now.
Oh yes and my first Saturday job was “Chef” at the Tuck Inn café, opposite the Lyric. That was a hard day’s work with boss Jean Arnold if my memory serves me right. I was also one of the first boys to take Home Economics at QE Cambria under the guidance of Miss Lyn Jones (Lyn Pin). Another wonderful teacher who really loved her subject and me!!
I have always dreamt of running my own café/ restaurant and on occasions when I`m not performing I run a friend’s deli and have a real ball. Hope that answers your question Susan!
Next – “What’s your favourite holiday destination” David Thomas
To be honest I hate the thought of going on holidays. I’m away from home so much that I just love being at home. On the occasion when I’ve gone away, kicking and screaming, I’ve loved every minute of it.
I adore Greece – the tranquil islands, the food and the very special place that my friends run “The Merchant`s House” in the north west of Corfu. The Caribbean is heaven-on-earth. Simple yet perfect. I would love to go to Nepal and India as well as switching off in the Maldives once I learn how to switch off.
I’m very lucky that I get to travel the world through my work. I’ve been to some amazing places like the Antarctic earlier this year. I did pack all wrong and was stranded in a rather chilly -10 in shorts and T-Shirts. But that’s another story!
Back to the main focus for the week, rehearsing for the St. Peter’s Concert. Don’t forget your tickets. (Magpie’s, King Street, 01267 234401)
This article was originally published in the Carmarthen Journal in Mark’s weekly column for the paper.
