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‘Welsh has no vowels and sounds like someone spitting.’ It was this unpleasant description of the Welsh language which gave author Mike Parker the idea to write his book ‘Neighbours from Hell: English Attitudes to the Welsh.’

Mike Parker, also presenter of ITV Wales’ programme ‘Great Welsh Roads,’ will lead a discussion at St Fagans: National History Museum’s Oriel 1 on St George’s Day (23 April 2008) about English attitudes towards the Welsh. The Englishman, who has fallen head over heels in love with Wales, will consider whether those who think the Welsh language is dead, and the Welsh landscape is ‘the very rubbish of creation’ are correct.

The talk held at 3pm, will be based on Mike Parker’s book ‘Neighbours from Hell: English Attitudes to the Welsh’ which has sparked interesting debates since it was published in February 2007. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to voice their own opinions - in Welsh or English.

“We have hosted a varied programme of talks at Oriel 1 since it opened 12 months ago,” said Sioned Hughes, Curator at St Fagans: National History Museum. “And I’m sure Mike Parker and his take on Wales will be of interest to a number of people – Welsh or not. We look forward to a lively debate chaired by the author who’s originally from the Midlands, but is now inspired by Welsh culture, friends and his locality – the Welsh landscape.” 

Entry to all National Museum Wales - Amgueddfa Cymru sites is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

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For further information or interview opportunities, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer, tel. (029) 20573486 or e-mail catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.