There’s many things I never thought I would say.
Such stunningly surreal sentences like, ‘as I said to Nicola Sturgeon,’ ‘when I was at Number 10,’ ‘after I kissed Paul Weller.’
And now, the latest in a long line of random magical moments…’I’ve just joined a LGBT Softball Team.’
In my queer life’s list of ‘you never know what’s around the corner,’ this most definitely has to be up there with my Summer Selfie next to the pint-sized Scottish First Minister at Glasgow Pride.
Totally unexpected, absolutely out of the blue, and all the more fabulous for it.
So here I am, a now proud would-be player in Cardiff’s first-ever LGBT Softball Team.
Started by a stalwart of the Cardiff Gay Women’s Group, our Squad, which is open to all, is good to go.
And is to meet every Wednesday at 6.30pm sharp in Pontcanna Fields, from April for training – then for the Softball Season from May to August.
The jury’s still out on the name with suggestions such as Rainbow Warriors, Cardiff Wildcats and Pontcanna Panthers being voted on as I type.
I quite fancied the Cardiff Cougars myself – no surprise there then.
I also must ‘fess up too, that despite the best intentions, I’ve never actually been to any of the Cardiff Gay Women’s Group Meetings, so haven’t a Scooby who anyone is.
I did poke my head around the Chapter Arts Centre Monthly Friday Night Meet on the way out from my regular cinephile treat once.
But I can’t even remember what film I watched now, never mind what sapphic sisters were showing solidarity in the Snug.
Definitely must try harder.
Determined to dance on the Diamond with the Softball squad too as I’m well up for a weekly wander into this wacky world.
I’m not sure I need to get out more to be honest but in the shiny, new spirit of New Years Resolutions, this has surely got to tick both the more fun, and the more fitness, box, in spades.
I also bloody loved a good game of Rounders in Primary School back in the day.
All be it that our ‘built on hills Barry’ saw us playing on a practically vertical pitch – which was made of well-hard concrete too.
Perfect practice then for a return to the crease all those, too many to think about, years later.
Here’s hoping that Pontcanna Fields are kinder on the knees, and softer to the touch, as I, once again, will probably go head over heels on a pretty regular basis.
Truth be told, I’m quite looking forward to it.
So will be counting down the winter-dreary days until the sun shines and the Season starts.
Cardiff’s first LGBT Soft Ball Team is open to all, regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or sporting prowess.
And looks like a fantastic way to firm up your own fitness, find fab friends, and delve into a brand new network of like-minded mates.
Fancy it?
To get involved just join the fabulous Facebook Group.
Or trot along to Twitter here.
See you shortly Softballers.
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Queer News is where Sue writes about her LGBT life – the happy times, and the hot issues. This includes all the volunteer work she does in the queer community, and her role as a founding member of LGBTQymru.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.