Ham visit ..

[brandycr]

liked the tartan myself Hammish what is it?

[Hamish]

Thank you, Derek, for posting those photos - anyone would think I brought only one kilt to Wales, but 'twasn't so! During that fabulous weekend I wore four different kilts (the Breton Bro-Leon for the Folk Club event, the Breton National for the Sunday evening party, the Randonnée Bretonne for the walking expeditions and the new Bronze Leather R-Kilt for strolling around Cardiff - a Utilikilt was worn for the outward and return 181 mile drive. That I chose to take three Breton kilts was pure chance - I did not plan it that way.

As Derek said, he took me to The Welsh Tartan Centre for a "fix", which I truly got! I came away with a brown Sgain Dubh (which yelled "Please take me home with you" as soon as I saw it), and a rather fine Welsh Cilt Pin in pewter - Oh, and I was measured for a new cilt! [Did anyone expect me to miss such an opportunity? Besides, what is the point of having a new Welsh cilt pin without a new cilt to wear with it?!!]. Having studied several swatch samples in the shop, I settled on the Edwards tartan which I particularly wanted to see as I recently learned that my maternal grandmother was an Edwards. It will be mailed to me in about eight weeks time.

I will post some of my photos of the weekend as soon as possible, but time is very limited right now and it might be a few days before you get to see them.

Cardiff was great, the Folk Club was brilliant, but the Waterfall country was stunning, even if it was raining on-and-off through the day and the terrain was much rougher than I am used to walking in. It certainly caused me to realise just how unfit I am nowadays. Nevertheless, I am so very grateful to Derek and Elaine for providing the opportunities, as perfect hosts, for me to enjoy these new experiences. I hope to be showing them parts of West Sussex before the summer is out.

[Hamish]

liked the tartan myself Hammish what is it?

The tartan you are referring to is the French one, 'Randonnée Bretonne' or 'Brittany Walking' tartan. It is one of three Breton tartan kilts I now have, all of which I like very much indeed and frequently wear. They came from 'La Maison du Kilt' in Paris (www.tartanbreton.com)

[PS: Just one 'm' in Hamish is sufficient!!]

[McClef]

I'm seriously tempted by the Bro-Leon myself which would complete a representative Celtic tartan collection

There are some lovely greys and blues in the Edwards tartan Hamish, I take it you went for the 8 yard rather than the 5 yard version?

Just had the St David's tartan PC from the Wales Tartan Centre and am very pleased with it - piccies to come!

[Hamish]

I'm seriously tempted by the Bro-Leon myself which would complete a representative Celtic tartan collection

You would not regret it, Trefor, it IS gorgeous:


Although I do not particularly care for any of them, I just need one of the Manx tartans now to complete my 'set' of Celtic nations kilts.

There are some lovely greys and blues in the Edwards tartan Hamish, I take it you went for the 8 yard rather than the 5 yard version?

I agree, but I needed to see an actual sample before ordering as most of the Tartan Finders on line show rather dull-looking versions of it. I was suitably impressed and so went ahead. No, Trefor, I intended going for an 8 yarder but, after much deliberating, settled on a 5 yarder. The price difference was considerable and I was somewhat put off by the fact that when it came to the measuring, only two were taken - waist and length. I asked about the hip/seat measurement and was told that they never take that one! When I insisted that mine be noted, I was told that it really was not necessary - it was taken all the same! It was at that point that I changed my mind and opted for 5 yards. I just have slight nagging doubts about how it will turn out!! My two years old Brithwe Dewi Sant was an off-the-peg casual in polyester, perfect for the warmer weather, but I wanted something better for the Edwards. We shall see!

Just had the St David's tartan PC from the Wales Tartan Centre and am very pleased with it - piccies to come!

I saw that they had a special offer on those and was tempted but then I asked myself when would I wear it - I get precious little wear out of my regular Prince Charlie and GT Doublet as it is. So I did not go down that road.

[McClef]

Although I do not particularly care for any of them, I just need one of the Manx tartans now to complete my 'set' of Celtic nations kilts.

I had forgotten about the Manx ones! But the Breton will come first!

I agree, but I needed to see an actual sample before ordering as most of the Tartan Finders on line show rather dull-looking versions of it. I was suitably impressed and so went ahead. No, Trefor, I intended going for an 8 yarder but, after much deliberating, settled on a 5 yarder. The price difference was considerable and I was somewhat put off by the fact that when it came to the measuring, only two were taken - waist and length. I asked about the hip/seat measurement and was told that they never take that one! When I insisted that mine be noted, I was told that it really was not necessary - it was taken all the same! It was at that point that I changed my mind and opted for 5 yards. I just have slight nagging doubts about how it will turn out!! My two years old Brithwe Dewi Sant was an off-the-peg casual in polyester, perfect for the warmer weather, but I wanted something better for the Edwards. We shall see!

Yes the difference in price is considerable, although they have recently reduced the price of 8 yarders by around £50 - typically after I had bought my St David's! I bought my 5 yard Roberts first and although it's lighter and the pleats are shallower is very comfortable and looks good. I wore it formally on a couple of evenings at dinner when in Scotland and got loads of compliments. Yes it seems strange they only ask for the 2 measurements but despite that both my cilts fit well on me so I hope the Edwards does on you too. Perhaps there is some secret Welsh formula for calculating the hip/seat from the two!

I saw that they had a special offer on those and was tempted but then I asked myself when would I wear it - I get precious little wear out of my regular Prince Charlie and GT Doublet as it is. So I did not go down that road.

I will do my best to find suitable occasions to wear mine, certainly I will at next year's St David's day parade and at any dinners or weddings I attend in Wales!

[Pour1Malt]

excellent piccies!

guid oan ya baith! (an Elaine tae!)

slainte

[Arlen]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I HAVE to visit Wales some time soon.
Beautiful pictures.
Looks like Ham had a great trip.

[turpin]

I LOVE that pic in post #6 about "taking to the hills". That settles it! No trip I make to that big rock over there will be complete without going Walkabout in Wales

[mddock58]

Great pics Derek!
and Ham looks dashing as usual.

There will be so many areas to try to visit when we finally get a trip going that I will have to take months!

Thanks for the tour!