My name is J.R.Thomas - more popularly referred to as Roly Thomas. Born in Alltwen, Pontardawe - educated at Neath Grammar School and U.C.Swansea where I graduated in civil engineering in 1952.

I have been in Canada since 1974 - spending my first couple of years in Montreal and moving to Calgary in 1976 after the Montreal summer Olympics. I've resided in Calgary since, a span of time longer than any other period spent anywhere else.

Back in 1988 Calgary hosted a winter Olympics - so I consider myself particularly fortunate to have witnessed two international events of such magnitude happening where I just happened to live!

I have been a member of the Calgary Welsh Society since '76 and have held a number of executive functions. I was president for a few years around the early '80's. Currently I edit the Society's newsletter which is published 4 to 5 time a year. Back in 1979/80 I taught Welsh evening classes for the local Board of Education.

The Calgary Welsh Society was first established in 1906 (as the St.David's Society of Calgary). It was renamed the C.W.S. around about 1975. Our membership numbers fluctuate from year to year - and average out about 75.

What do I miss about The Principality? Certainly the relatives and friends that remain there; a good pint of beer (not the tasteless over-chilled rubbish you get in North America); and, Welsh rugby - despite it presently being overshadowed by the quality of the English game.

I have made many trips back to Wales and the UK over the years but I must honestly admit that I'm always happy to come home - to Calgary. Calgary is a new city, well planned, spacious and the centre of the oil and gas industry in Canada. Its economy is also diversifying significantly in the 21st. century.

If anything, I am particularly disappointed with Swansea's post-war redevelopment. Certainly the dock area has been nicely transformed - but the city centre is still a congested mess. Equally, the UC campus was a big disappointment - with the supposedly temporary buildings (that I used in the engineering department so many years ago) still standing and still in use. Even the adjacent new buildings looked cheap and nasty!

It is sad that in such a scenic environment along that beautiful bay area - that a little more imagination was not applied to further enhance it! I also think that the Swansea city administration and its councilors, in particular, need their butts soundly kicked for their incompetent response to the redevelopment opportunity that they have had since the war years!

I understand that many Swansea residents prefer to do their shopping in Cowbridge and Cardiff! That is so sad for city businesses!