Welshness
For those who are intersted in Ioan (and Matthew's) Welsh heritage, here's an interesting article, where they get a tiny mention. It's a couple of years old but gives a wee insight into their country.... http://observer.guardian.co.uk/focus/story/0,,1436529,00.html

That is a great article pointing out the history of Wales, the way it is viewed and all the changes in Wales during the recent years. Quite interesting to read, Stevie. Thanks.

I really liked the article, Stevie, and found it most informative. I'm happy that Ioan takes pariotic pride in his ancestry and homeland, he seems to love his roots very much;and,that's an admirable thing. :Wales

Sounds like there's a little of that underdog pride amongst the Welsh.

Thanks for the article, Stevie. It is an interesting and informative read, especially considered that you never hear talking about Wales in my country and while Scots are attributed a distinct identity from the English, it is not always the case with the Welsh, at least here.

while Scots are attributed a distinct identity from the English, it is not always the case with the Welsh, at least here Ah, same here in Holland, but there's US to educate them. Very good find indeed, Stevie.

Thanks for that Stevie, I'll read it soon. But the main point of this post was to say your signature is SO cute! :mrgreen:

Connected to Welshness, I found this old article on the BBC web site. ********** Ioan joins the Welsh elite Actor Ioan Gruffudd has returned to his homeland to join one of Wales' most elite cultural groups. The 29-year-old star of Hornblower and Great Expectations was made a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards - the guardians of Welsh language and culture - at the National Eisteddfod. Invitations to enter the Gorsedd - which literally means "high seat" - are given to figures who have made a distinguished contribution to Welsh language and culture. The Welsh-speaking Hollywood celebrity - once voted the world's third most eligible bachelor - wore traditional white robes for the service at Wales' major annual cultural festival. He received the honour in an early morning open-air service at the Gorsedd Circle at Welshpool, mid Wales, near the eisteddfod site in the village of Meifod. "It's an incredible honour really," said Cardiff-born Gruffudd, whose early career included a role in the Welsh-language soap Pobol y Cwm on S4C, the Welsh version of Channel 4. "I'm incredibly flattered and thrilled, but it's also a very humbling experience as well," he added. The ceremony was watched by Gruffudd's family and his girlfriend, fellow actor Alice Evans, with whom he starred in the film 102 Dalmatians. She described it as "amazing and very moving", although she admitted she hardly understood a word of the Welsh spoken. Other members of the Gorsedd include the new Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, who joined last year when he was Archbishop of Wales. Others include the Glamorgan and England cricketer Robert Croft, former rugby union stars Gareth Edwards and Ray Gravell, and opera star Bryn Terfel. It was the 18th-century interest in all things Celtic saw the revival of the ancient druidic order of the Gorsedd of the Bards. The enigmatic Iolo Morganwg - born Edward Williams in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales - was responsible for the establishment of the Gorsedd of the Bards. This supposedly ancient druidic order was established in a ceremony at Primrose Hill, London, in 1792. There are about 1,300 members Its first meeting wasn't in Wales... but in Primrose Hill, north London, in 1792 It first appeared at the eisteddfod in 1819 Bards were blue robes, ovates wear green and druids white The Gorsedd is led by an arch druid, elected every three years Bards gather on stage during certain ceremonies Members have a bardic name related to their birth place But she added: "The strength of feeling that was tangible in the air about Wales and belonging to Wales I thought was fabulous." Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/wales/3122937.stm Published: 2003/08/04 14:08:49 GMT © BBC MMVII

Ah, those were the days!

That's just what I was thinking, havoc, as I sit here chin in hand....and to cap it all he had the Lancelot curls and goatee when he accepted the honour. Those were indeed the days! :love: But see, now I'm guilty of thinking about 'the idea' of him, aren't I? Damn! :???: I guess he was right all along :roll:

Ah, the good old days... Monday, 4 August, 2003: Ioan at Eisteddfod.

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The clip I've seen though it is nice to revisit. The quote and background of it certainly adds an intriguing touch to HH. Thanks for sharing Fishforit.

Thanks for sharing, fishforit. I've seen this clip before, but it is nice to watch it again.

Thanks, fishie! :hug Ah, the nostalgia........sniff!