Shocked and disgusted by plaque

ON a June trip to the UK it was very important for me to spend some time in Swansea. I love the natural beauty of Swansea, the friendly people and, yes, the best fish and chips ever.

Growing up in Winnipeg my heroes were the artists in the UK making great music to fans around the world. I grew up as a huge fan of the Swansea band Badfinger. Loved them then, love them now.

A day in Swansea would not be complete without a trip to Morriston Cemetery to pay my respects at the Pete Ham memorial. From there I just had to see the Blue Plaque honouring Pete Ham and the members of Badfinger.

The presentation of the Blue Plaque was exciting news here in Canada for fans of the band but I was pretty shocked and disgusted with the state of the plaque when we came across it. Having a cigarette butt out box and garbage collecting below the plaque was very disappointing. That fact that over time smoke and fire below the plaque had left terrible stains of the wall and plaque. If you are going to honour someone please give them the honour they deserve. This was terrible.

They are lads that are from your home town and they gave the world some amazing music. If we travelled from Canada to see where it all started, I can only imagine how many others have travelled from near and far to do the same.

John Jones Winnipeg Canada