Beautiful skies over Swansea Bay
Port Talbot is a surprising place sometimes. It is known mainly for the steelworks and is an important industrial hub for South Wales. For example Tata steel is one of the biggest employers in the area, and the steelworks have been the major employers in the area for generations. The town itself is not a huge town, but it is very diverse. It has sometimes been rather unkindly called Port Toilet, but I believe it deserves to be seen in better light.
You have the very densely populated area towards the seafront, Sandfields, and you have more rural areas like Baglan and Cwmafan. Everywhere you go, though you stand a great chance of seeing the sea, and you are within easy travelling distance of some of the prettiest scenery anywhere. The Gower peninsula is within 30 minutes easy drive and was Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Beauty. Closer to the town you also have Margam Abbey, the castle and the grounds where I did my first public performance after winning Britain’s Got Talent.
The Afan valley stretches all the way from the sea at Aberafan to the Bwlch where it meets the famous Rhondda Valley above Treorchi. All the way there is very pretty valley scenery, and a major mountain bike centre at Afan Argoed which is arguably one of the most challenging mountain bike centres in Wales.
I have lived in Port Talbot since my first illness at the end of 2002, and I have always felt welcomed and at home here. There is plenty to do in the area and lots of walking to be done in the area, be it on the beach, in the hills or in the valleys. The people of Port Talbot are friendly, and very down to earth. They are very generous in spirit and they still have a number of choirs for which Wales is rightly famous.
I have travelled the world and am fortunate to still be able to do that. For that I am grateful to people all around the world for supporting me. Only one place that I call home and that is Port Talbot. I don’t ever see that changing. Thank you to the people of Port Talbot for making me feel part of the community since I emigrated there in December 2002.
Evening falls over Port Talbot
(All photos by Paul Potts)
shirley andrews
May 29, 2011 at 4:55 pm
I have come to believe that Wales might be the “best kept secret” in all of Britain. Certainly Port Talbot and the surrounding area are now recognized by more people than ever before. The photographs are stunning. It has been said that “home is where the heart is” and you’ve ascertained where your home and your heart lies. thanks for the glimpse — in photos and words.
Antje Mücker
May 29, 2011 at 5:39 pm
After I walked a lot in Scotland, I had planned to make even a walking tour to Wales, especially after I had seen a BBC report about Wales. Unfortunately, 2006 intervened a Bronchal carcinoma and the corresponding surgery followed by chemotherapy, the consequences of which still prevent me from long walks. But I am determined to make up for once I am able to do so, even more so after I saw Paul’s beautiful photos.
Rebecca Landers
May 30, 2011 at 3:08 am
Although I’ve visited Wales only briefly, I’ve wanted to return for a longer stay, and your lovely words and beautiful photoes have only increased that yearning. Some day!
chrisdd
June 9, 2011 at 2:19 am
Home is always the most beautiful place on earth. I am certain that you are one of their favorite adopted sons.
Jason
June 16, 2011 at 1:22 am
Quite amazing sir.
Jason, U.S.
christine
July 4, 2011 at 9:50 am
Hey Paul! You don’t know just how much you’ve inspired me in so many ways. The very first time I saw you perform in Britain’s Got Talent, you made me cry.. You are absolutely, absolutely marvelous! More power to you Paul! Keep your head held high, but your heart in the same place as it has always been in..
Annibal
July 26, 2011 at 12:14 am
Paul, I always be shiver when i watch you singing. You have a fantastic voice. Congratulations.
God bless you.
denise roworth
August 27, 2011 at 4:36 pm
a wonderful man with a wonderful voice …bless you and yours Paul…and thank you for the music xx
Kathy
January 24, 2012 at 11:22 pm
I think people love you not just for your fantastic gift but also because you have remained humble. I think the public is weary of super stars who have egos as big as the universe. You have a talent as big as that and a heart to match. Just stay that way, and your fan base will continue to grow. By the way, I started keeping track of the views on one of your BGT audition videos (there are several of just that performance) and found one had over 300,000 views in less than a week. And like I said, there are several others, so I just wonder how many people that first performance is continuing to inspire? One of my favorite videos is also your surprise performance at the mall in Germany. Even the children recognized you! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. God bless…