MIXING IT; Like many DJs, Stuart Maccallum, aka DJ Fat Stu, started mixing his decks from his bedroom at home. Photo; Rob Davies

MID Wales DJ Stuart Maccallum is set to run his own drum and bass night in Newtown on Christmas Eve, with acts from across the UK playing. 'Bass Invaders', as the event will be called, aims to attract new and up-and-coming talent locally and nationally for fans of drum and bass music, and dubstep - a form of electronic music which shares its roots with London's garage scene.

With four years of experience behind him, including tours of Liverpool, Manchester, Northampton and Shrewsbury, and DJing for big names such as Random Concept, Innovation and Ghost, as well as alongside the likes of Drumsound, Chase and Status, Break, Lomax, Shy FX and with warm-up sets for Pendulum and Sub Focus for their album tours, it is safe to say that Stuart Maccallum is a rolling stone.

But he sticks to his roots, stating that he first started listening to house and techno styles of music, "and I've never lost passion for that genre," he explains. Though drum and bass seems to be the style that works best for him when he says, "I found that my calling card was in the Drum and Bass industry."

The calling card has been answered with many gigs and shows added to his CV, though Stu urges other local DJs to get in touch and become part of his 'Bass Invaders' spectacular. "I'm hoping to get as many local upcoming names as I can, to give them a chance of playing," he said.

When asked how it all started, Stu praises Sonny Wharton (pictured above), a DJ who's local to Welshpool, for the influence and how he began. "I started when Fuze (in Newtown) began selling records and this is where I met Sonny, he was the person to start my passion for DJing.

"I used to run there every day after school just to chat about new music and where Sonny was DJing next. I loved it! Every moment I had to waste would be in there."

Stu has been listening to names such as Welsh DJ and record producer Sasha, John Digweed, drum and bass musician, producer and DJ, LTJ Bukem and the fast-mixing Andy C along the years, but still says his biggest influence is Sonny Wharton.

"He also got me my first gig at the infamous 'TRASHED', which now has world-wide success. I have everything to thank Sonny for because if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have the courage to go out there and get what I want from music.

"I also give a lot of thanks to another up-and-coming local DJ who is now making his mark in Cardiff, Tom Davey."

Stu typically uses CDJs, which are similar to the traditional vinyl turntables classically used in DJing, but made for CDs, and also Technics turntables and desks when at home or in the studio, but he says the equipment he uses varies from club to club.

"When I'm not DJing and I get into producing, I use Ableton, Albino and Native Instruments products," Stu explains.

The biggest forward musical push will be when he travels to Manchester University this November to study Musical Production, something he has already turned his talent to.

"I have my fingers crossed for a few tracks that I've produced that have been given to big names, labels and artists, who are seeing plays from them.

"The tune that I'm looking to get released early next year is a liquid drum and bass track with influences from early Motown records and features a lot of bass driven styles."

Stu is pushing his music 100 per cent at the moment, travelling to places such as Berlin and Lithuania to perform inside clubs to hundreds of drum and bass fanatics.

But before another trigger is pulled, his event 'Bass Invaders', which is to be held in Newtown this Christmas Eve, will be a chance for him and other local talent to shine. To find out more information and if you're interested in playing at this event contact Stu at stuart_Maccallum_5@msn.com.

This event is set to make a very loud impact on the drum and bass scene so reach in before the opportunity is blasted away!

Dear Sir,
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the County Times for giving work experience opportunities to youngsters learning their vocation in journalism.
An article about my website, "Family website turns up some black sheep'", appeared in the County Times, written by James Wilson, who is currently studying towards a BSC honours degree in journalism. I was very impressed by his attitude and style of questioning, complimented by a professionally written article.
I was delighted to receive an e-mail today from a researcher for BBC Radio Cymru, who having read James' article, would like more information from me about the website, www.penmon.org   This resulted in an interview on the popular Welsh radio programme, 'Jonsi'. 
Had James not spotted the potential for an article, this wonderful opportunity would never have occurred. Thank you James and thank you County Times.

Ken Davies, Newtown, Powys.

"NAPLES was the city of song and laughter," reminisced Ada Rosinski from her home in Newtown.

"People were always singing in the street. Life was beautiful, everyone was happy. Men worked while the girls stayed at home to cook and clean, as it was back in those days.

"I remember the occasional parties in the streets for weddings or birthdays. I had a beautiful voice and used to sing and dance for people. But then it all changed."
Life was pleasant for Ada Rosinski, a 17-year-old at the time, as she was greeted by sunny, easy going mornings with her family. But all of a sudden, "it became very, very hard."

The sun faded away on November 1, 1940, when Naples was bombed for the first time after reports war was coming.

"Announcements were made over the radio," Ada told the County Times. It disrupted happy families when males as young as 16 joined, were taken, or were convinced to fight against the enemy and support their home country.

Shopkeepers abandoned their businesses and fled as air sirens pitched the skies acting un-purposely like a warm up sound before the plane engines came to be heard. Life in a beautiful, peaceful city had just taken a turn for the worse, with soldiers invading the streets.

"Water and food, they were taking over everything," says Ada, looking down as she slightly shakes her head to the horrible memories, with her right hand's two first fingers touching her lip.

"There was a pump in the middle of the town which the boys would try and rush to to pick up some water for the family. But sometimes they would never return.

"Some were found dead in the street." Mothers used to hide their sons in their rooms to protect them from lurking soldiers, who, when knocked on their doors, used to ask for the men. "There's no one here," Ada said they used to claim, "Sometimes they would break in and search the house and if boys were found, they were taken.

"They had no respect, breaking everything around. They were awful, and cruel. We saw a few soldiers far away, we would never dream of going near them. They started shooting if someone went near."

Food was scarce and findings were carefully rationed, but shared with the neighbours as community friends stuck together through, what must have been, a nightmare.

"We used to sleep fully clothed just in case we heard the sirens, then we'd all run to the basement. Myself, my mum and my sister were terrified."

Meanwhile, in Poland, a young man had just started his own printing company.

But as news broke that war had begun, Czes Rosinski, who had to serve his country, crossed over to England to fight against the Nazi German soldiers, "walking miles and miles every day," says Ada, who had never met or heard of this man at the time.

Czes was captured by the invading Germans and held prisoner before managing to escape and travelling to London where he stayed for a long time.

After noticing a place in the paper, he moved to Newtown, which seemed like a much quieter, more peaceful place to live in.

He stayed in Newtown working at a printing company, which is now where St Mary's Close flats have been erected after the demolition years ago.

After the war had ended in 1945, Ada's sister, Olga, had found love with a British soldier in Naples. They got married and both moved to his home here in Newtown to find work. But Olga was feeling very home-sick leaving her mother and sister behind especially after the family-uniting war and the times they had experienced together over the last few years and decades.

Seeing as Olga was so happy being with her new husband, but missing the rest of her family, her mother moved to Newtown to be with them - and Ada joined. This was another hard time for the family, in a strange new place with a different language and a different culture. But once again, they fought through it.

"We started going to the Catholic church. And one day they announced a 'dance' up on the top floor of the Pryce Jones building," said Ada. "It was a St Patrick's Day dance and I went with a friend."

It was there that Czes noticed Ada and they began to chat, which led to a few more meetings and only six months after Ada had introduced Czes to her family, who were a bit wary before the meeting. But soon they were engaged, and not long after Ada and Czes, as refugees from Poland and Italy, were married in Wales.

It was the war that moved people around, only for them to find love. Whether it be the need for comfort, the vulnerability of peace, or the celebration of happiness, the impact had affected the lives of millions around the world and for people to find love after it, Ada's story shows that with determination and support for one another then happiness can be found after anything, no matter how hard. 

Emma needs sponsors for
Marie Curie Cancer Care
charity walk along the Great Wall of China
County Times, Friday, May 14, 2010

Please click here
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The Great Wall
of China
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TOPS WITH THE TOKENS
County Times, Friday, May 21, 2010

Montgomery Under Nines Football Team are the winners of The County Times Kit For Your Klub competition.

They will receive £300 worth of vouchers to spend in Clubsport in Newtown while the runners up, Llanidloes Junior Girls F.C. and Newtown Whitestars Under 12's F.C. will each receive £150 worth.

The competition was set up to collect tokens printed in the County Times from Friday, March 19 until April 2, and the team with the most tokens won first prize.

"We're absolutely delighted about winning, we didn't expect it at all", said Martin Jacques, Assistant Coach for Montgomery Under Nines F.C. "We have all the boys and their families, relatives and friends to thank for helping. We all pulled together, it was a team effort off the field really!" Some of the Montgomery Under Nines Football Team will advancing as they get older to the Under 10s next season, but they can still enjoy wearing the new tracksuit tops the vouchers could very well go towards. "We haven't decided what to spend the vouchers on yet, we've been thinking about new kits for next season, but we might buy brand new tracksuit tops with 'Montomgery Juniors' on the back". The young Montgomery team has only lost four games since their foundation two years ago by Head Coach, Clive Jones. These losses were two games last season and two games this season.

"Credit needs to go to Clive Jones for building the team up the last two seasons, also to my wife Rebecca who helped organise this Kit For Your Klub competition amongst the team," said Martin. 

On July 28, the team will be heading to Aberystwyth to participate in the 2-day annual International Super Cup, formerly known as The Ian Rush tournament, where they will be competing agianst teams from across the world.

Well-known footballers such as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Owen Hargreaves and its current all time top scorer, Michael Owen, have all been discovered at the event and Martin said; "We will be playing in a different class than what we're used to but we're all looking forward to it!"   

'Car Crash' club's 50th anniversary
County Times, Friday June 11, 2010

Carno Football Club celebrate their 50th anniversary in September with a reunion open to all players, supporeters, and officials old and new.

They had a rough start with cost and obvious organisation troubles, but pulled through which has earned them nothing but respect.

"In the begining  it was dearer to pump the footballs than to rent the fields", said Bernard, before inviting all players and, supporters and officials old and new to the reunion, which will take place on September 4, at the Community Centre in Carno.

To find out more information or contribute memorabilia contact Mr Evans on: 07951 051 091. 

 
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League table courtesy of the
Welsh Football
Data Archive
(click here for more
Montgomeryshire & District.
league tables)

Fantastic Fundraising Day
County Times, Friday, June 11, 2010
by James Wilson

Emma and her father, Kevin had a fantastic fund raising day on Friday, 28th May, courtesy of Morrisons, Newtown, as part of Emma's Marie Curie Cancer Care, Great Wall of China Trek. The County Times first reported on Emma's trek, which will take place in Septermber, and their fundraising day in Morrisons, which ended up as a great success.

"I was at Morrisons from 8am to 7pm and we raised £477. I think we have now just about raised roughly £2,400 which is what I need ed to secure my place, so that I can go on the trek in September. I am really chuffed with the day's event! It has really boosted  the charity collection!" said a delighted Emma.

She added "People were very generous and I can't thank them enough. We have just finished delivering all the raffle prizes and they were received with great excitement by everyone.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the cause on Friday - my family, everyone who supplied wonderful raffle prizes, the customers who supported me at Morrisons and to the store itself for giving me this wonderful opportunity to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.  Cheers!"

Help Emma to keep raising funds by donating online at www.JustGiving.com/Emma-Lander1 or you can now donate using a sponsorship form that can be picked up at the Post Office Kerry.  

JAMES WILSON met a Mid Wales weightlifter
who wants to help inspire the sport's next generation

Religion helps Gerard
with heavy weights
County Times, Friday June 11, 2010

"It became something real, something I couldn't deny. I had wanted to start doing better things in my life and stop doing others, but I couldn't. After I found God and he started working in my life, I could. It wasn't a huge miracle, it was a feeling I had in my heart.

"I learnt to make the most of my true potential and to stop denying it. If he knows what your potential is, then by sticking to his guidelines, we can reach our true potential. A lot of people get the wrong idea, it's all about being humble. It's not about judging other people, more like judging yourself.

"If God hadn't intervened I would have probably ended up in jail."

Gerard's experience changed his life and gave him the strength to focus on what he wanted to do and gave him the opportunities to make it happen.

"It's not something you can convince people of, it's something that has to happen to them," he explained.

"Sport can help in their spiritual journey as people have to strive and learn the hard way. It teaches self discipline and uplifts them out of negativity. Exercise helps spiritually, mentally and physically and leads us away from the destructives like alcohol and smoking." 

"It's a shame that the Olympics are coming up in two years and the way the UK is looking, we're not going to win any medals in weightlifting."

Since the age of 16, Gerard has been lifting weights, training in various gyms from behind the Elephant & Castle in Newtown, to friends' gyms, to where he currently trains now at Glyn Vernon's Weightlifting Club, Newtown.

Now his main aim is to contribute to the sport, and to society, and with many years of experience, commendable books, and help and advice from experts in the field, Gerard wants to share his knowledge with those keen to  take Britain to the top of the world.

"I'm willing to give the time to people as long as they are interested and have the motivation to succeed," says Gerard, "There is currently nowhere to train in Mid Wales. Weightlifting involves special training, rubber weights, decent mats and good, proper equipment."

Gerard is well on his way to attaining a coaching qualification in weightlifting which will be another step closer to him opening up his own club to give people the opportunity, that Mid Wales is desperately in need for, to train, along with his expert coaching.

One of his books, which is commended by a very well known author and president of a multi-million dollar business in America, talks about the necessary attitude towards weightlifting and that it's not just about the physical side, it also requires a very strong faith, which Gerard has experienced first-hand, to succeed.

The book he is currently writing is about drug-free training:  "I'm trying to encourage people to train without performance enhancing drugs. I'm trying to educate people not just on the dangers, but to show them how to reach the top level, drug free."
Gerard entered his first competition at the age of 19, attempting to qualify for Mr Britain in 2002. In 2003 he came third in the Mr Wales, Junior division.

In between training for competitions, injuries are bound to happen, and Gerard was no exception: "At the end of 2003 I broke my leg playing rugby, which halted my training for a year. Ultimately, our human strength is very frail, the only way for me to overcome struggles is with God, I'm relying on God to look after things.

"It's not like everything's gone perfect, I still have setback's.

"But in 2005 I came back."  In 2005 Gerard came first in the Welsh Powerlifting Competition in the over 120kg weight class.

After his win he started training with former Britain's Strongest Man and competitor for World's Strongest Man every year since 2004, Mark Felix.

Together they trained and with Mark's experience and advice to Gerard, things were starting to seem a bit more 'real': "I went from feeling like just having a go, to feeling like I had a real shot for Britain's Strongest Man. It gave me a sense of, 'I could make it'."

Unfortunately he suffered another injury, this time a back injury. "It's not all about success, a lot of the time you get knocked down, but you've got to get back up and carry on. That's an important lesson.

It really is hard work, there's no glamour involved, there's not much money. I think people get the wrong idea. It's not just an easy ride."

Despite his injury, Gerard competed in the northern qualifier for Britain's Strongest Man in 2005, finishing 10th out of 12 in, even with his injury.

Only two months later, Gerard took part in another strongest man competition, this time in Scotland at the Blair Atholl Highland Games Event which seriously added to the extreme work-load of training and competing: "Afterwards I felt physically wrecked, I had to take time off."

In 2006, Gerard gave it another go at competing; squaring off against the top-level competitors at a very high level, in a very hard competition, which included his mentor, Mark Felix.

In 2007 and 2008, Gerard competed in Wales' Strongest Man competitions, in which he came seventh and third (missing out by one place for Britain's Strongest Man) respectively and met his new trainer, Laine Snook.

The following year involved no competitions, just training, and this is where Gerard turned his attention to Olympic Weightlifting.

"Most 'strongest man' competitions aren't drug tested and I feel the weights are getting dangerously heavy.

I want to compete in a fair playing field. In the Olympics, it's very disciplined. Weightlifting employs speed, flexibility, technical skill and strength.

"It is beautiful when it is done correctly, just like gymnastics."

In March 2010, with another injury, Gerard competed in the Welsh Championships, in which he won first place in his super-heavyweight class, saying: "I didn't lift as much as I was hoping to, but I was pleased."

"It is nothing commercial; it is to benefit Wales and the community. I've got the equipment; we just need more investment and funding for a premises. I can put the time in to instructing.

"My faith has made a lot of difference in my life, I know I've done stuff wrong, up until the age of 18 I had no interest in church, but I was saved. Now I am achieving my aspirations and dreams, and I want to help others do the same."

If you are interested in helping Wales and the community reach success in a worldwide, Olympic sport then you can contact Gerard on 07816 829517. 

JAMES WILSON finds out about  a company bidding to inspire children of the benefits of sport.
Keeping Powys children active

County Times, Friday June 11, 2010

Health risks dominate the media with obesity levels on the rise and no signs of slowing down, junk food is available almost 24/7 and exercise replaced by binge drinking and the X Factor.

Our bodies are desperate to be re-activated.
The younger generation especially feel the full extent of our unhealthy lives which has led to Newtown's Joe Murray and Barry Lloyd setting up their own business to offer children the opportunity to get active.

Activ8Kids is designed tojust that with after-school clubs, holiday courses, Sunday Soccer, and birthday parties.
"There are no barriers to joining in - whether your child is already a budding David Beckham or Rebecca Adlington or new to the field, our coaches will make sure each and every one of them learn, enjoy and exercise in a healthy, safe environment," said co-founder and managing director, Joe Murray.

"Our coaches are trained in many different sports so who knows, your child may well discover the sport which becomes a passion for life.

"Our after school sports clubs provide parents with a perfect solution to finding that extra hour or two in the day with no hassle. Your child simply stays at school while our professional coach makes sure they end the day with a healthy bout of exercise and fun activity."

After-school clubs are not the only chance to keep kids active, they could also join in with other children, socialise and remain active during school holidays.

Every weekend could also be spiced up with exercise with Activ8Kids holding a 'Sunday Soccer' club every week during term at 3pm in conjunction with the successful Newtown Whitestars set-up.

"Our junior football academy with links to Newtown Whitestars runs every Sunday at 3pm for ages four to nine and includes expert coaching for boys and girls too young to play in local league sides", said co-founder Barry Lloyd.

"They will participate in an hour of fun football, which will improve technical ability and kick start a child's soccer experience.

"Activ8Kids aim is to start development at an early age, promote equality and inclusion while also boosting technical improvement, teamwork and fair play through sport."

Further information is available on 07790 632413 or 07894 235666 or at the Activ8 website which is www.Activ8Kids.co.uk

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