Andy’s Thought Dump

I’ll be the first to admit that I strongly dislike the current British Government and many of the people it. However, I’ve always said I’d be fair, and they have actually done something right. It isn't an overnight fix, and in my opinion, it doesn't quite go far enough yet, but it’s almost there. I’ve long believed that the railway should be publicly owned. For too long, we’ve had a fragmented system that just didn't work for the passenger. A Step Toward Public Ownership The move to bring passenger services back under public control is a massive step in the right direction. I believe the government needs to eventually own the trains they run, too. Keeping the operators and the freight companies separate makes perfect sense to me, it allows for a more streamlined system. My hope is that this new setup will lead to a "joined-up" relationship with the devolved Welsh and Scottish rail companies. We need a network that actually talks to itself across borders, rather th...

  GWR HST at Teignmouth 2023 I know, I know - I promise I wouldn’t turn this into a 24/7 railway blog! But sometimes, a piece of history is so intertwined with your own life that you simply have to pay your respects. Today, I’m saying a final, fond farewell to a true icon of the tracks: the British Rail Class 43 HST , better known to most of us as the Intercity 125 . A Soundtrack to My Youth If I had to describe my early years in one sound, it would be "the scream." While I didn't grow up in the city itself, Cardiff was a massive part of my life. I spent so much time there shopping with my Mum before catching my train back up the valleys to Pentrebach . Those HST engines were the constant backdrop to our trips. I remember being a small child and hearing that unmistakable roar echoing out of Cardiff Central . Even when I wasn't at the station, the sound followed me. I’d be at my auntie and uncle’s house in Fairwater , and you’d hear them screaming past on the main line...

 There is a specific kind of magic that belonged to the 1980s. It wasn't just the music or the neon, it was the weight and substance of the gifts under the tree. This year, as I looked through some old photos and caught a glimpse of a familiar yellow-nosed locomotive, I was transported back to a cold morning in 1987 . I was eight years old. That age where the line between "believing" and "knowing" is paper-thin, but the excitement is absolute. I remember the rush of adrenaline as I ran downstairs in the dim early light. There, nestled among the wrapping paper and the glow of the tree lights, was the big one: the Hornby InterCity 125 Electric Train Set . A Masterpiece in Miniature For those who didn't grow up with a Hornby box under the tree, it’s hard to describe the presence it had. It wasn't just a toy, it was a world in a box. The livery was the classic "Executive" dark grey and yellow, exactly the same as the real High Speed Trains (HSTs) t...

  I know, I know, everyone loves to bash Star Trek V: The Final Frontier . People say it’s the "odd one out" or that the special effects weren't up to scratch. But honestly? I think it’s a great movie. Sure, it’s silly in places and definitely a bit weird (I mean, they go looking for God at the center of the galaxy), and it might not reach the legendary heights of The Wrath of Khan or The Undiscovered Country . But that doesn't mean it isn't worth watching. In fact, there are a few reasons why it’s actually one of my favorites. The Debut of the Enterprise-A One of the biggest reasons I love this film is the ship. Yes, we saw the Enterprise-A at the very end of Star Trek IV , but The Final Frontier was its first "full" movie. Even though the ship is a bit of a "lemon" at the start of the film with Scotty constantly grumbling about the transporters and the doors not working it was great to see the crew finally back on a proper Bridge. It felt ...

  I’ve had enough. Is it just me, or has the simple act of receiving a parcel become a daily battle against incompetence? I’m talking about Evri . It’s not just me, either. I’ve seen countless posts on the local pages lately from people in the same boat. Many of my friends have had parcels simply not turn up. Others are getting notifications saying a parcel has been "delivered" when they are standing right there and the doorstep is empty. In some cases, they are just dumping them at the wrong address entirely. And when you actually manage to get through to them? They couldn't care less. A Heartbreaking Christmas Fail This hit home for us personally this week. Our young son was supposed to have one of his Christmas presents delivered. He’s autistic, and for him, things like his Minecraft gear aren't just toys - they are his world. We were so looking forward to seeing him smile when he saw it, as it would have looked amazing in his room. But, in typical fashion, Evri d...

  I’ve been getting more and more annoyed with the government lately - surprise, surprise. It feels like Labour is doing their absolute best to drive a massive wedge between able-bodied people, disabled people, and the unemployed. When I say a wedge, I mean a huge one. In my opinion, Labour is proving to be a disgusting party. Keir Starmer and his cabinet are using these tactics to keep the spotlight off their own failures, and the saddest part? It’s working on some people.   I’ve seen people on Universal Credit being accused of being "lazy" by people who work. Here’s a reality check: a huge number of people on UC are workers. If anyone thinks being on UC gives you the "life of Riley," go give your head a wobble. It’s a safety net that’s barely holding together, not a winning lottery ticket. The Job Snobbery I’ve also noticed the same "weak-minded" individuals attacking people for the jobs they do: "Oh, he’s useless, he works at McDonald’s." ...

I need to get something off my chest, and I know I'm not the only parent feeling this rage. Every day, when I drive my kids between Tredegar and Ebbw Vale from Ebbw Fawr Comprehensive to Deighton Primary I witness some of the most baffling and frankly dangerous driving habits imaginable. We are talking about driving in Gwent, in conditions that demand absolute focus and visibility, yet some people seem determined to risk their own lives and the lives of others. The Great Darkness Conspiracy It’s currently winter. That means thick fog, heavy rain, and dark mornings or rapidly darkening afternoons. So why, in the name of road safety, are people driving around with NO LIGHTS ON ? It is simply astounding. We are talking about conditions where a car is almost invisible, yet these drivers cruise along with zero regard for their surroundings. It is beyond negligence; it is willfully ignorant. Your car has headlights and sidelights for a reason: to see and be seen. Indicators Are Not Opti...

 I know, I know. It's been far too quiet around here, and for that, I am truly sorry. If you've been wondering where I've disappeared to, unfortunately, the short answer is that I've been struggling significantly with my health. It's been a tough period. Not only have I been battling an illness (which is different from the usual chronic issues I manage), but the overall drain on my system has been immense. I've been dealing with a level of exhaustion that has made even the simplest tasks feel monumental, coupled with a lot of pain stemming from my various existing and new health challenges. When you're constantly fighting your own body, finding the energy and focus to write, create, or even just engage online is nearly impossible. I needed to step back completely to focus on rest and recovery. Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding during this unplanned absence. I'm hoping to slowly ease back into things now that I'm starting to fe...

  How to Get In Touch 1. Email: The best way to reach Andy directly is via email: dragonsportracing@gmail.com 2. Comments: Feel free to leave a comment on any of our posts to join the conversation and share your own opinions and ideas. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.

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We just want to say a massive thank you to Tai Calon for providing skips for the community recently. It might seem like a small gesture, but honestly, it was such an amazing idea and one that made a real difference to so many of us. It’s not every day that something so practical and thoughtful is offered up like this – and we truly can’t thank them enough. It brought back memories for me, actually. I remember over 30 years ago , Merthyr Council did something very similar in Abercanaid , and it was hugely popular back then too . I remember how helpful it was at the time – especially for clearing out garden rubbish, old junk, and things that had been piling up for years. It was a proper community moment, just like this one has been. Initiatives like this don’t just help us tidy up – they help bring people together. Neighbours chatted, gardens got cleared, sheds got emptied, and streets started looking fresher. It just goes to show how something so simple can have such a powerful...

Enterprise, events, and maybe even trams – it’s time to bring Merthyr’s high street back to life Every town has a heart — and Merthyr Tydfil’s is no exception. So far in this blog series, I’ve put forward ideas for the outskirts, the riverbanks, the railway, the mountains, and the parks. From Rhydycar West , to a theme park at Abercanaid , to the Cyfarthfa Ironworks showground , and a full transformation of Avenue de Clichy and the Taff Trail , my vision for a Leisure City Merthyr has been clear: To bring life, jobs, culture, and visitors back to Merthyr Tydfil. But now it’s time to address the heart of it all: the high street and shopping precinct . The Problem: Too Many Empty Shops It’s no secret — our town centre is struggling. Empty shops, footfall that comes and goes, and the usual doom spiral that affects so many British towns. But Merthyr doesn’t have to follow that script . We have: A railway and bus network that links us to Cardiff, the Valleys and beyond. Regular eve...

Parenting has never been easy. But lately, I’ve started to wonder: have some people just given up entirely? There’s a difference between bringing children up and letting them grow up wild, and right now, it feels like too many kids are being dragged up without discipline, accountability, or even a hint of respect for others. It’s not about being perfect. We all struggle, we all get it wrong sometimes. But when you refuse to even try to do the right thing - when you defend your child’s worst behaviour instead of confronting it - that’s when I worry. Recently, my own son, who has already been through far more than any child should due to early childhood trauma, was attacked. Not by some nameless group of troublemakers - though that would have been bad enough - but by a group of girls. One of them, heartbreakingly, was my own daughter. There’s no hiding from that. No sugarcoating it. As parents, my partner and I have dealt with it. Heavily. Because we will not tolerate bad behaviour,...

Reclaiming the Cyfarthfa Ironworks as a hub for culture, community, and celebration Merthyr Tydfil’s past is cast in iron – and nowhere is that more evident than the site of the once-mighty Cyfarthfa Ironworks . But for a site of such immense historical importance, it feels… forgotten. Tucked away and crumbling, it’s as if this great landmark of the Industrial Revolution is waiting for someone to care again. Well, I care. Deeply. And here’s an idea that could not only honour our past but fuel our future: Let’s turn the Cyfarthfa Ironworks site into a world-class showground and event venue. The Perfect Location Let’s look at what’s already there: A wide, flat site steeped in history and character Taff Trail access , linking directly to Cefn Viaduct and the world’s oldest surviving iron railway bridge A stone’s throw from Cyfarthfa Castle , Cyfarthfa Park , and the Joseph Parry Cottage Scenic views, industrial architecture, and tonnes of potential This is a site wi...

Reclaiming the river, one trolley at a time Merthyr Tydfil is full of potential. If you’ve been reading my blog, you’ll already know I’ve put forward ideas for Rhydycar West , a narrow gauge railway and cable car system , a theme park at Abercanaid , and a vibrant, pedestrianised riverside district along Avenue de Clichy. But today, I want to talk about something more immediate – something that’s right under our noses , or more accurately, right under our bridges : The River Taff, from Merthyr Fire Station to Abercanaid. The Problem: A River in Need Walk the riverbanks through Merthyr and you’ll see it. Shopping trolleys, bags, bottles, cans – all polluting a beautiful natural feature that should be a source of pride , not an eyesore. From the Fire Station down to Abercanaid , the River Taff is choked with litter, lost metal, and missed opportunity. It doesn’t have to be this way. It shouldn’t be this way. We have a chance to restore the Taff to something special – a cent...

Avenue de Clichy, the Taff Trail, and a bold new riverside vision for our hometown If you’ve been following my recent blog posts, you’ll know I’ve got big dreams for Merthyr – and they’re not just talk. I’ve written about the massive potential of Rhydycar West , the smart, scenic proposal for a narrow gauge rail link through the Abernant Tunnel, and my vision for a family theme park in Abercanaid . But now, it’s time to focus on the beating heart of it all: Merthyr town centre itself. Because for any of these big ideas to work – for Merthyr to really shine – our town needs love too . And one of the most exciting, realistic, and community-powered ideas I have is right here, running through the very centre of town: A transformed riverside district along Avenue de Clichy and the Taff Trail. The Location: Avenue de Clichy & the Taff The Taff River runs straight through Merthyr, and so does the Taff Trail – a national walking and cycling route that should be a crown jewel. Bu...

A bold new chapter in Merthyr’s journey – and a vision to make the Valleys thrive again Merthyr Tydfil was once a titan of industry. Our factories, foundries, and workshops put us on the map. We were a town of makers, engineers, and workers with world-class skills. And while time has moved on, the legacy – and loss – is still deeply felt. I remember it myself. I trained as an HGV mechanic at Triumph , a company that gave so much to Merthyr before it too disappeared like so many others – Hoover, Bluebird Toys, Kayser Bondor, Triang, Thorn , and more. These weren’t just jobs. They were foundations. And when they left, a part of our community identity went with them. But here’s the thing: Merthyr’s story doesn’t end with closure. A New Identity: Merthyr as a Leisure City We’ve had our era of coal, of steel, of manufacturing. Maybe the next chapter is one of leisure , tourism, and entertainment . With proposals like Rhydycar West , and natural draws like BikePark Wales , Zip World To...