Talkin' Up the Port: Focusing on the good things in Newport

Yahoo

2 days ago

NOW where was I?
It is more than eight years since I last wrote a regular opinion column for the Argus.
So much has changed since then… or has it?
The last column I wrote back in 2017 talked about the rise of conspiracy theories, fake news, and incessant negativity on social media. That certainly hasn't changed – in fact, it continues to plumb new depths.
The good news is I won't be harping on about issues like that in this column. In fact, good news is what this is all about – and, in particular, good news about Newport.
Now I realise you might be coughing and spluttering at seeing the words 'good news' and 'Newport' in the same sentence, but bear with me.
This column will celebrate all the great things that are happening in this city. And, believe me, there will be no shortage of subject matter.
Some people might remember that for a few years, I ran a weekly social media slot, on what was then Twitter, called 'Port Hour'. It was all about giving people, businesses and charities a space to share the brilliant work they were doing in Newport.
That is exactly what this column seeks to do. But with more words.
Sometimes that will mean sticking my head above the parapet, but a few slings and arrows in return for promoting the city that I've called home for the last 36 years will be a small price to pay.
No doubt there will be a few insults flying around on social media, but I can guarantee that I'll have heard them all before, and they will be like water off a particularly large duck's back.
What I really want is for this column to be the place where the voice of the silent majority is heard.
The people who run fantastic businesses in Newport, or brilliant charities, or terrific events, or just give up their time to benefit their communities, and whose voices often get drowned out by the sound and fury of social media.
There are many of them, and they far exceed those who do nothing but sit behind a keyboard and whinge (and, yes, I get the irony of me sitting behind a keyboard and whinging about people whinging!)
So I'll be writing about places like Newport Arcade, Tredegar House, Rodney Parade and The Place; about projects like Positive Futures and The Gap; and charities like Free Bikes 4 Kids and Raven House Trust.
But I also want to hear from you about the great things you're doing in Newport. Just email me here – [e-mail] – and I'll write about you.
The golden rule of this weekly column is simple – it will be unremittingly positive about Newport.
It will give a platform to those who love their city and want to shout about it.
Because if we don't do that, then who will?