Chris Needs - 'And There's More'

Chris Needs – ‘I want to leave Wales because people here have been really cruel to me’ After writing about being sexually abused in the best-selling Like It Is, the most shocking revelation in And There’s More, the second volume of autobiography from Chris Needs published this week, is the amount of vitriol he has received from his fellow countrymen (and women) regarding his sexuality. The legendary entertainer, charity fundraiser and BBC Radio Wales presenter has had abuse shouted at him in the streets, received hate mail in which some have questioned whether he should be allowed to have a godson, and even death threats. “Some people here in Wales have been really cruel to me,” he says. “I still get a lot of insults about my sexuality and this makes it much harder to hang on to the job. I love what I do in the radio studio, i.e. talking to people and, of course, the music. But is it worth it?” Needs dreams of a new life in his beloved Spain with partner Gabe Cameron and “no expensive petrol, no income tax, no ‘chavs’ and no moaning old gits calling me a queer… and, oh, no rain! I will probably retire to Spain. But I keep clutching straws that Wales will have its day, with cheaper prices, better weather, more liberal people… I can live in hope.” As well as his feelings towards his country, Needs speaks about bittersweet memories of his much-missed mother, why her will caused “immeasurable trouble and damage” to his family, his desperate desire to have children, and living with diabetes. On a lighter note, he also tells of starting out in show business and working with the stars, some nightmarish trips abroad, receiving a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award from the Variety Club, meeting The X-Factor’s Rhydian, and how Gabe and godson Sam help to make his life more bearable. The stories are funny, honest and warm-hearted – much like the man himself. And There’s More (£9.95) is published by Y Lolfa and includes extracts from Living with Chris Needs by Gabe Cameron. Chris Needs will be touring Welsh bookshops in December. Confirmed dates: Fri, 4th Dec (1.00-3.00) Borders Fforestfach Tues, 8th Dec (11.30-12.30) WH Smith Neath Wed, 16th Dec (11.30-1.30) Waterstones Carmarthen (more dates to be revealed on his radio show)

Join Derek Brockway for More Weatherman Walks

Following the success of his radio and television series Wales’ most popular weatherman is back with More Weatherman Walks – a second book of his favourite tramps around Wales.

Derek says, “After the first book, lots of people wrote to say that they bought it and pledged to do every walk in the book – and it would be great if lots of people did that again. I’ve done them all and thoroughly enjoyed them. Remember, if I can do it – so can you!”

The twelve routes are suitable for the general walker, and each one has been chosen for a particular month of the year. As Derek explains: “The aim of the book is to get you walking through the year and to enjoy the different seasons.” He hopes the book will “inspire you at home to want to get out and about and explore our wonderful country.”

This reasonably-priced book includes stunning colour photographs, maps and comprehensive directions to accompany each walk. They are all introduced by Derek and an experienced local guide, and feature background information on social history, heritage, wildlife and topography by the BBC’s Julian Carey. There are also details of walking festivals throughout Wales.

Derek Brockway was born in Barry, South Wales and has been passionately interested in the weather ever since he was a young boy. A qualified meteorologist, he has been employed by the Met Office for over 20 years and became the main weather forecaster for BBC Wales in 1997. He now presents a number of radio and television programmes, including Derek’s Welsh Weather and Weatherman Walking, which had one of the highest viewing figures in Wales. His autobiography, Whatever the Weather, was published in 2007, and his leisure activities include walking, squash, skiing and learning Welsh.

More Weatherman Walks is published by Y Lolfa and is now available in bookshops around Wales for £8.95.

The walks included in the book are:


Pen-y-Fan, Brecon Beacons

Newborough Beach, Anglesey

Dylife, near Machynlleth (part of Glyndãr’s Way)

Pontneddfechan Waterfalls (Glyneath)

Merthyr Mawr, Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Y Lliwedd (part of the Watkin Path, Snowdon)

Llangollen

The Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny

Gower (Worm’s Head and Rhossili), Swansea

Pontypool Park

Llanwonno, near Rhondda

Bethlehem, near Llandeilo


Derek will be signing copies of his new book More Weatherman Walks at the following venues:

06/12/2008

WH Smith’s Brecon 11.00 - 12.00

Waterstone’s Abergavenny 14.00 - 15.00

The Chepstow Bookshop 16.00 - 17.00

13/12/2008

WH Smith’s Barry 15.00 - 16.00

20/12/2008

Waterstone’s Swansea 12.00 - 13.00

Cover to Cover Swansea 14.00 - 15.00