Norena Shopland
@norenashopland.bsky.social
đ¤ 582
đĽ 470
đ 171
Writer/historian on LGBTQ+ history in Wales, and Welsh history
The BBC has shockingly removed access to its archive - "inquiries from the general public are closed." It was formed through public money, and now we are thrown out. Join the campaign, please write to
[email protected]
and
[email protected]
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
loading . . .
Historians dismayed by âscandalâ of BBC cutting access to...
Critics say new limit to trove of information sounds knell for independent research
https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/historians-dismayed-scandal-bbc-cutting-access-written-archives
about 17 hours ago
1
4
6
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Reform Party UK Exposed
1 day ago
Reform UK Review 2025 Reform UK MP James McMurdock resigns after receiving legal advice about his business conduct related to Covid loans.
9
95
44
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
12 days ago
Winner of the 2025 Rhys Davies Short Story Competition, Keza OâNeill, joins The Wyn Thomas File to talk about her winning story 'The Man on the Train'.
www.mixcloud.com/.../
.
0
2
1
Still raining here in Abergavenny - not much has changed since 1895!!
12 days ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
13 days ago
Read Eluned Gramich postcard from Osaka, where she participated in the Year of Culture between Wales and Japan
www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/p...
loading . . .
Parthian's Advent Calendar - Day Sixteen
Eluned Gramich participated within the year of Wales and Japan, supported by Wales Arts International, British Council and Arts Council of Wales. Bringing her back to Japan after ten years, read her p...
https://www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/parthians-advent-calendar-day-sixteen
0
2
1
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
14 days ago
Policies proposed by Reform UK could place thousands of industrial jobs in Wales at risk, according to a new analysis by a trade union body âď¸Emily Price
loading . . .
Reform UK would take 'wrecking ball' to Welsh jobs, trade union body warns
Emily Price Policies proposed by Reform UK could place thousands of industrial jobs in Wales at risk, according to new analysis by a trade union body. On Monday (December 15) TUC Cymru released model...
https://wp.me/p8Mk4U-1aMg
1
26
18
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
15 days ago
We're not saying the Japanese ambassador to Wales is the best ambassador in the world but he's certainly in the top one
loading . . .
Japanese ambassador sings the Welsh anthem and wows us all over again
There are ambassadors then thereâs Japanese ambassador Horoshi Suzuki. Heâs hit the headlines over here for the brilliant way heâs immersed himself in the culture of all four nations, and what has bee...
https://nation.cymru/culture/japanese-ambassador-sings-the-welsh-anthem-and-wows-us-all-over-again/
0
35
9
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
15 days ago
'Bush Meat is a sensitive, haunting collection that sets personal stories against a background of historical change. It is thoughtful and perceptive. And a real joy to read.' â Suzy Ceulan Hughes
www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/p...
loading . . .
Parthian's Advent Calendar - Day Fourteen
Bush Meat explores an expatriate familyâs two-year stay in 1960âs Nigeria then moves on to explore its effect on all their lives over the next fifty years. Exploring themes of substitution, racism, an...
https://www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/parthians-advent-calendar-day-fourteen
0
3
2
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
16 days ago
Increased coverage of Reform UK by Britainâs broadcast media appears to have fuelled the publicâs rising preoccupation with the issues of immigration and asylum, according to research carried out in Wales âď¸ Martin Shipton
loading . . .
Is increased coverage of Reform fuelling the public's preoccupation with migration and asylum?
Martin Shipton Increased coverage of Reform UK by Britainâs broadcast media appears to have fuelled the publicâs rising preoccupation with the issues of immigration and asylum, according to research c...
https://wp.me/p8Mk4U-1aFt
7
43
30
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
17 days ago
Ireland has taken a major step in supporting its national language with the launch of the country's first fully monolingual Irish dictionary
loading . . .
Ireland launches its first fully Irish dictionary
Ireland has taken  a major step in supporting its national language with the launch of the country's first fully monolingual Irish dictionary.
https://wp.me/p8Mk4U-1aBP
0
35
11
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
18 days ago
Love Letters on the River is a lyrical, honest & tender tribute to the many creatures â both in the garden & beyond the garden wall â that bring joy to Carlyâs life simply by existing.
www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/p...
loading . . .
Parthian's Advent Calendar - Day Twelve
Read âWinter Barn Owl over the Teifi Marshesâ from  Carly Holmesâ tender collection of nature essays Love letters on the River.
https://www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/parthians-advent-calendar-day-twelve
0
1
1
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
18 days ago
Plaid Cymru has swept to victory in a Caerphilly County Borough Council by-election for the vacant Penyrheol ward seat
loading . . .
Plaid Cymru sweeps to victory, with Reform second in council by-election
Nicholas Thomas Local Democracy Reporter Plaid Cymru has swept to victory in a Caerphilly County Borough Council by-election for the vacant Penyrheol ward seat. Its candidate Aneurin Minton picked up ...
https://nation.cymru/news/plaid-cymru-sweeps-to-victory-with-reform-second-in-council-by-election/
2
32
7
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
18 days ago
The UK Government has been accused of redirecting ÂŁ86 million of Walesâ regional funding allocation to a Whitehall-designed programme that the Welsh Government has no control over âď¸Emily Price
loading . . .
UK Government accused of redirecting millions in Welsh funding to Whitehall scheme
Emily Price The UK Government has been accused of redirecting ÂŁ86 million of Walesâ regional funding allocation to a Whitehall-designed programme that the Welsh Government has no control over. This w...
https://wp.me/p8Mk4U-1auV
0
13
12
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
18 days ago
Campaigners have criticised Girlguidingâs âharmfulâ decision to ban trans girls from becoming members ahead of a series of protests planned for the coming days
loading . . .
Group to protest against Girlguidingâs âmessage of rejection to trans childrenâ
Campaigners have criticised Girlguidingâs âharmfulâ decision to ban trans girls from becoming members ahead of a series of protests planned for the coming days. A coalition of volunteers and parents â...
https://nation.cymru/news/group-to-protest-against-girlguidings-message-of-rejection-to-trans-children/
0
7
3
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
19 days ago
Delve into our short story collections with 20% off. Just use code ADVENT11. Here's just a few of our recommendations.
www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/p...
0
1
1
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
20 days ago
The Japanese Ambassador to the UK has been spotted this week in a Welsh pub enjoying a pint of Wrexham lager
loading . . .
Welsh Lager wins over the Japanese Ambassador
Ella Groves The Japanese Ambassador to the UK has been spotted this week in a Welsh pub enjoying a pint of Wrexham lager. Hiroshi Suzuki has been a hit with many in the UK, gaining popularity on socia...
https://nation.cymru/news/welsh-lager-wins-over-the-japanese-ambassador/
0
20
7
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
21 days ago
"The more I read about Brenda, the more I felt a connection forming, as though invisible threads were weaving our lives and paths together." Read Imogen Davies' interview with film photographer Elin Gruffydd on the release of Sweet Melancholy.
www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/p...
loading . . .
Parthian's Advent Calendar - Day Nine
Read Imogen Davies' interview with Elin Gruffydd on the release of Sweet Melancholy.
https://www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/parthian-advent-calendar-day-9
0
1
1
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
21 days ago
I struggle to see any real understanding of Wales in this document. Itâs very striking that âcountryâ for Farage is most definitely England, with little knowledge or understanding of Wales âď¸Gwern Gwynfil
loading . . .
Cymru is already great
Gwern Gwynfil I read Reformâs Wales wide mailshot this week. I found it deeply insulting to Wales and the people of Wales. Disappointingly, there wasnât a single policy statement or clear valueâŚ
https://buff.ly/hs3cchp
0
14
9
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
22 days ago
On Day 8 of our advent calendar, read Peter Finch's introduction to The Literary Business. Few others in Wales know the book business and how we got here like Finch does. And few others will have been capable of reporting back in such an entertaining fashion.
www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/p...
loading . . .
Parthian's Advent Calendar - Day Eight
Read Peter Finch's introduction to The Literary Business.
https://www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/parthians-advent-calendar-day-eight
0
2
1
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Parthian Books
24 days ago
Launched in style this June, with a canoe trip down the River Avon with fellow writer Tyler Keevil. Boundary Waters is a tragicomic tale of love, loss and redemption.
www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/p...
loading . . .
Parthian's Advent Calendar - Day Six
"What I didnât know then was that everything that had led me on my hapless way â the desire to imagine what it had been like back then, the thrill of being in a landscape that had hardly altered since...
https://www.parthianbooks.com/blogs/news/parthians-advent-calendar-day-six
0
1
2
Books are so easy to wrap as presents!
add a skeleton here at some point
24 days ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
25 days ago
A record number of women and girls are now participating in football as growth surges across Wales
loading . . .
Historic milestone reached in number of women and girls playing football in Wales
The Football Association of Wales has confirmed that it has achieved a major strategic milestone, surpassing 20,000 registered womenâs and girlsâ players across the country, marking an extraordinary p...
https://nation.cymru/sport/historic-milestone-reached-in-number-of-women-and-girls-playing-football-in-wales/
0
19
6
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Women's History Network
26 days ago
#OTD
in 1961 the contraceptive pill was introduced on the NHS. While the pill continues to be debated and at times still attracts controversy, it is important to remember what it offered women: greater control over their own bodies.
blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/just-a-pill-...
#sexualhealth
loading . . .
UK Government Web Archive
This Page is [ARCHIVED CONTENT] and shows what the site page https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/just-a-pill-60-years-of-the-contraceptive-pill-on-the-nhs/ looked like on 13 Jun 2025 at 00:00:00
https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/just-a-pill-60-years-of-the-contraceptive-pill-on-the-nhs/
0
11
7
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Women's History Network
28 days ago
This International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, learn about gender and enslavement
#AbolitionOfSlavery
womenshistorynetwork.org/black-asian-...
loading . . .
Black & Asian womenâs history: enslaved women on ships
âA slave is a human being classed as property and who is forced to work for nothing. An enslaved person is a human being who is made to be a slave. This language is often used instead of the word sâŚ
https://womenshistorynetwork.org/black-asian-womens-history-enslaved-women-on-ships/
0
7
3
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
30 days ago
Wales has a National Museum which serves the dual purpose of butt-joining the nationâs treasures. Itâs a wonderful institution, but a museum is not a gallery. The issue isnât No Welsh Art, but the absence of a proper place to put it âď¸ Desmond Clifford
loading . . .
Why we need a National Gallery of Wales
Desmond Clifford Uniquely among the capitals of the British Isles, Cardiff has no National Gallery. In each of London, Dublin and Edinburgh such a gallery is at the centre of the nationâs identity and...
https://wp.me/p8Mk4U-19pa
0
15
8
My article looking at 1894: The first Welsh women politicians
nation.cymru/feature/1894...
@nation.cymru
@leannewood.bsky.social
@prifweinidog.gov.wales
@janehutt.bsky.social
@kirsty-williams.bsky.social
@rebeccaevansms.bsky.social
@juliejamesms.bsky.social
@delythjewell.bsky.social
loading . . .
1894: The first Welsh women politicians
Norena Shopland Prior to 1894, only a few women had the right to vote or stand for political office, but this changed with the reforming of local government that year. Now, working-class people were a...
https://nation.cymru/feature/1894-the-first-welsh-women-politicians/
30 days ago
0
6
2
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
30 days ago
Ex-leader of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood has taken to Facebook to share a tip for those intending to use Freepost envelopes sent alongside political leaflets to trigger reverse-charge postage for political parties
loading . . .
Ex Plaid Cymru leader encourages costly back charge trick for political letters
Ex-leader of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood has taken to Facebook to share a tip for those intending to use Freepost envelopes sent alongside political leaflets to trigger reverse-charge postage for politica...
https://wp.me/p8Mk4U-19LK
3
23
19
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Women's History Network
about 1 month ago
Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Explore our blog post: âDepoliticising Male Violence Against Womenâ and learn more about this important history.
womenshistorynetwork.org/unrelenting-...
#NoExcuse
loading . . .
UNRELENTING BACKLASH â Depoliticising Male Violence Against Women: Part 1
The term âgender based violence against womenâ does not inform the reader who is responsible for committing violence against women. âGenderâ is a descriptive term not a humaâŚ
https://womenshistorynetwork.org/unrelenting-backlash-depoliticising-male-violence-against-women-part-1/
0
8
3
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Women's History Network
about 1 month ago
Discover how the first womenâs refuge in the UK, founded in 1971 by Chiswick Womenâs Aid, sparked a movement for change. Read the full story here:
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-...
.
loading . . .
How the first women's refuge enacted change in the UK
The founding years of Chiswick Womenâs Aid saw the opening of the world's first women's refuge, disputes with local government, and creating change in the UK.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/stories/how-the-first-women-refuge-enacted-change/#:~:text=In%20171%2C%20Chiswick%20Women%27s%20Aid,held%20at%20The%20National%20Archives
0
5
3
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Women's History Network
about 1 month ago
We are very excited to have the privilege of hosting Prof Merry Wiesner-Hanks tomorrow at 4pm GMT. Merry will be discussing her book 'Women and the Reformations: A Global History'. Please do sign up to join us:
womenshistorynetwork.org/sign-up-now-...
0
6
4
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
about 2 months ago
A new programme designed to open up journalism in Wales to people from working-class and underrepresented backgrounds has been launched by Nation.Cymru
loading . . .
Nation.Cymru launches scheme to support next generation of Welsh journalists
A new programme designed to open up journalism in Wales to people from working-class and underrepresented backgrounds has been launched by Nation.Cymru. Backed by Creative Walesâ Public Interest Journ...
https://nation.cymru/news/nation-cymru-launches-scheme-to-support-next-generation-of-welsh-journalists/
0
21
12
Indeed!
add a skeleton here at some point
about 2 months ago
0
1
0
Absolutely - I have asked the Laura Kuenssberg show so many times to have
@plaidcymru.bsky.social
and/or Lindsay Whittle on, but they don't even have the curtesy to reply and explain their discrimination.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 2 months ago
0
1
0
First Caerphilly, now America!
www.reuters.com/world/us/ele...
loading . . .
Elections in New York, New Jersey and Virginia offer early test of Trump's agenda
Voters in New Jersey and Virginia will choose their next governors in a pair of races that will serve as an early gauge of the American electorate's response to President Donald Trump's norm-shattering nine months in office.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/elections-new-york-new-jersey-virginia-offer-early-test-trumps-agenda-2025-11-04/
about 2 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Women's History Network
2 months ago
Ahead of our 'New Approaches to Writing Women's Histories' event, we want to shine a light on our fab speakers, starting with Kaia Alderson. Kaia is a historical fiction author passionate about highlighting âhidden" women in African American history. Read more about Kaia here:
www.kaiaalderson.com
1
9
3
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Glamorgan Archives Archifau Morgannwg
2 months ago
Glamorgan History Society Autumn Day The Glamorgan History Society will be holding itâs annual Autumn Day in Bridgend on Saturday 8 November. This year, in celebration of the Societyâs 75th anniversary, the theme is âWriting the History of Glamorganâ.
1
8
7
Despite disliking @LauraKuenssberg, watching
@kamalaharris.com
was a joy - the president America deserved, but failed to recognise
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
loading . . .
Kamala Harris tells BBC she may run for president again
The former US vice-president made her strongest suggestion to date she will make another bid for the White House
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2n7k2veywo
2 months ago
0
1
0
2 months ago
0
0
1
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
2 months ago
Older women who clock up 4,000 steps a day just once or twice a week cut their chance of early death by 26%, research suggests
loading . . .
Women walking 4,000 steps once or twice a week âcuts risk of early death by 26%â
Older women who clock up 4,000 steps a day just once or twice a week cut their chance of early death by 26%, research suggests. It is also the amount people walk, rather than the number of days on whi...
https://wp.me/p8Mk4U-17xk
0
7
4
Thank you, people of
#Caerphilly
for restoring my faith in humanity
bbc.com/news/live/cly9rlj94x1t
loading . . .
Plaid Cymru wins Caerphilly by-election as Labour loses seat for first time ever
Reform UK comes second in the race to represent Caerphilly in the Welsh Parliament - with Labour a distant third.
https://bbc.com/news/live/cly9rlj94x1t
2 months ago
0
2
2
That's how much Farage thinks of his party member, couldn't remain to comfort him on his loss, or to explain to those in Caerphilly who voted for his party, what went wrong. Charlatan!
add a skeleton here at some point
2 months ago
0
3
1
2 months ago
1
3
1
@isabelsantos.bsky.social
please tell the folks in USA there is hope. A small town in a small country threw out hatred when the party imitating Trump's divisive politics was resoundingly beaten in Wales.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cl...
loading . . .
Plaid Cymru wins Caerphilly by-election as Labour loses seat for first time ever
Reform UK comes second in the race to represent Caerphilly in the Welsh Parliament - with Labour a distant third.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cly9rlj94x1t
2 months ago
0
3
1
My warmest congratulations to Lindsay Whittle
@plaidcymru.bsky.social
and everyone who fought so hard to keep hatred out of Caerphilly
2 months ago
0
3
0
reposted by
Norena Shopland
Women's History Network
2 months ago
đ Calling all MA students in women's history! Our MA Dissertation Prize 2025 is now open for submissions. Celebrate outstanding scholarship & share your work with the wider community. Deadline: 16 January 2026
womenshistorynetwork.org/whn-ma-disse...
#WomensHistory
#MAHistory
#GenderHist
0
14
21
This looks fun, walking, making, talking. Exploring what it means to live in a place shaped by power, silence and survival. Sorry I can't make it @QueeringtheWye
2 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
2 months ago
The Welsh Museums Festival has announced the return of the Wales History Trails Passport Challenge, inviting families and history enthusiasts to discover the rich heritage found in 34 museums across Wales
loading . . .
Wales History Trails Passport Challenge returns to 34 museums across Wales
The Welsh Museums Festival has announced the return of the Wales History Trails Passport Challenge, inviting families and history enthusiasts to discover the rich heritage found in 34 museums across W...
https://nation.cymru/culture/wales-history-trails-passport-challenge-returns-to-34-museums-across-wales/
0
14
4
2 months ago
1
1
1
You know the really reliable thing about
#RoyalMail
? They are dependably crap at their job, never deliver a package on time, mine is now 2 days late and tracking has stopped, so no idea when it will arrive. Sell this company to those who know how to be efficient!!
#royalmailshame
3 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Norena Shopland
NationCymru
3 months ago
Ukrainian refugees who were offered shelter when Putinâs Russia invaded their homeland have expressed dismay that no action is being taken against Reform UK for spreading lies about the Welsh Government scheme that helped them settle in Caerphilly âď¸Martin Shipton
loading . . .
Ukrainian refugees condemn failure of authorities to take action against Reform over campaign lies
Martin Shipton Ukrainian refugees who were offered shelter when Putinâs Russia invaded their homeland have expressed dismay that no action is being taken against Reform UK for spreading lies about the...
https://nation.cymru/news/ukrainian-refugees-condemn-failure-of-authorities-to-take-action-against-reform-over-campaign-lies/
1
54
41
Load more
feeds!
log in