It’s the New Year (have a happy one) and the Six Nations rugby tournament is just around the corner so here is the fixture list with Wales’ games highlighted.

No too sure about those Friday night matches, I always liked ‘three match Saturdays’ … we’ll see …

Saturday 7th February
England v Italy (3.00pm)
Ireland v France (5.00pm)

Sunday 8th February
*Scotland v Wales (3.00pm)*

Saturday 14th February
France v Scotland (3.00pm)
*Wales v England (5.30pm)*

Sunday 15th February
Italy v Ireland (2.30pm)

Friday 27th February
*France v Wales (8.00pm)*

Saturday 28th February
Scotland v Italy (3.00pm)
Ireland v England (5.30pm)

Saturday 14th March
*Italy v Wales (3.00pm)*
Scotland v Ireland (5.00pm)

Sunday 15th March
England v France (3.00pm)

Saturday 21st March
Italy v France (1.15pm)
England v Scotland (3.30pm)
*Wales v Ireland (5.30pm)*

All are in UK time – add one hour for games in France and Italy

I’m sure I could feel the waves of relief spreading from the Millennium Stadium as Sam Vokes managed to scuff home the only goal of the game in the Wales versus Azerbaijan world cup qualifier …

With only 17,106 in the stadium, this performance is unlikely to encourage larger attendances in future - but hey thanks Sam.

NatWest Pro 40 D2, Swalec Stadium: Glamorgan 218-7 beat Warwickshire 88 by 130 runs

Jason Gillespie 5-13 against … sublime…

It could have been an even bigger win as this picture taken after 11 overs testifies.

Glamorgan v Warwickshire after 11 overs

A happy evening (cold) Welsh Summer evening.

We tried to get into the Harbourmaster a couple of years ago, only to met with incredulity that we were trying to make a reservation at such short notice - it was a few weeks before we wanted to stay rather than the expected months. I’m glad to say that we made it in this time, although the notice was still short, the new rooms and off season timing must have worked in our favour.

We stayed in what I guess is one of the best rooms, with a terrace, sea-views, large bathroom and king size bed - all the trappings of a boutique hotel. The room was lovely, clean and only recently opened I happily whiled away a few hours lounging on the red velvet settee alternating between the well stocked mini-bar, wind-swept sea view and wide screen TV. My wife meanwhile indulged in the Molton Brown toiletries and the free-standing bath.

One of the other key ingredients of a night away in a hotel with these credentials is food. Dinner was good, not great, but that may be my own fault as I ordered scallops with a salsa verde and steak, both good staples of any menu, but offering few opportunities to shine and my wife stuck to soup and duck (which was the highlight of the meal and very flavoursome). I really liked the service, efficient and local, which really helps to give a sense of place. Cheese and chocolate cake (which actually may have been the real highlight of the meal!) for dessert then into the bar. Now I’m a big fan of bars and this is a really good one - a broad range of drinks, a healthy positive atmosphere and a real cross-section of customers. Pretty much perfect and thoroughly recommended to anyone in the area.

Somewhat bleary eyed (she made me finish that bottle of champagne) we ate a comfortable and thoughtful breakfast from a choice that will cater to all tastes, then headed off substantially poorer but fulfilled.

I love the current story about the English village of Audlem in Cheshire wanting to hold a referendum to become Welsh.

However, residents say that simply holding the poll will tell politicians that there is an issue of increasing inequality between countries in Britain that needs addressing.

Come on, tell the truth … you don’t want free prescriptions and hospital parking really - it’s the grand slam and Calzaghe that you’re after really!

The decision of the Welsh Assembly government to provide free parking at all hospitals in Wales caused something of a stink, with English constituents justifiably decrying the injustice of the situation.

For the sake of cross border relations, I’m glad to report that things aren’t quite as rosy when it comes to parking at hospitals in Wales as the headlines may suggest. It happened that I needed to attend the University Hospital of Wales on the 1st of April the day on which parking charges were removed. Guess what, parking at the hospital is not free, as its run by a private company they’ll still charge for parking! I don’t remember anyone mentioning that when this story was being spun to us. That is also the case in another 10 of Wales’ 130 NHS hospitals and units.

Those still charging are:

Princess of Wales, Bridgend contract until 2011
Glanrhyd, Bridgend contract until 2011
Neath Port Talbot contract until 2032
Univ Hospital of Wales, Cardiff contract until 2021
West Wales General, Carmarthen contract until 2018
Prince Phillip, Llanelli contract until 2018
Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan contract until 2011
Wrexham Maelor contract until 2008
Royal Glamorgan contract until 2011
Withybush, Pembs contract until 2009

Take a look at those dates – we’ll be paying in Cardiff at the UHW until 2021 and the Port Talbot date is pure science fiction.

I’ve decided to provide evidence it the form of my parking receipt. Read it and smile all you malcontents!

I’ve been writing a somewhat sceptical piece entitled ‘Gatland the savour of Welsh rugby?‘ for some time, waiting for a slip-up in this years six nations campaign as an opportunity to publish. Note the use of the question mark.

Given the fantastic grand slam that has been handed to us by Warren and co I’ve dropped the article, and will quote just one snippet from it:

Let’s be honest, when Welsh rugby is hurting so is Wales

Thanks for saving us from the pain boys.