B is for the Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons is a beautiful and rugged area of  South Wales. It's a tremendous place for walking, with some spectacular views across the countryside.  The highest peaks in the area include Fan Brycheiniog to the west and Pen y Fan in the centre. The whole area is steeped in folklore - the Lady of the Lake legend from the story of King Arthur is said to come from Llyn-y-Fan Fach, the lake below the peak of Black Mountain, to the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park. One the biggest draws is due to the fact that the whole area has been granted Dark Sky Preserve status. 

Due to the relative remoteness and harsh weather of some of its uplands, the National Park is also used for military training. UK Special Forces, including the SAS and SBS, hold demanding selection training exercises here.

A is for Arthur!

If you reminisce about outstanding animated shows from the Sixties, chances are the cartoons will be American-made. Here's a notable exception. Arthur! and the Square Knights of the Round Table was a pioneering Australian show, which aired worldwide during the late 1960s. It was jointly written by playwright Alex Buzo and entertainer Rod Hull.

I remember the show fondly for its eccentric take on the Arthurian legend, complete with unique visual style and dry wit. John Meillon voiced Arthur; he may be better known to modern-day audiences as Wally from the 'Crocodile Dundee' films.

Clips are available on YouTube; give it a go.