Sharp-witted readers among you may have noticed that this column has been going strong since June 2014. That’s over a decade of my musings gracing your morning coffee, or lining your compost bin, depending on your mood.

When I was first asked to contribute to this esteemed publication, I was both honoured and stunned. Writing a regular column hadn’t been on my to-do list, my typewriter was already busy holding up one corner of a wonky desk. Could I deliver thoughtful, engaging content week after week? And how many ink ribbons would I need for this relic of mine?

But I embraced the challenge, and here we are, years later. Along the way, I’ve realized that words have a way of connecting us, even across oceans. I’ve had letters from Wales (of course), but also from Canada, America, and once, inexplicably, someone claiming to read me on a boat in the South Pacific.

Much of my inspiration comes from the wonderful, peculiar characters I meet during my travels. Their stories fuel my creativity, and spare you from a column packed with ads for double glazing. Without them, this space would be about as vibrant as a wet weekend in Merthyr Tydfil.

Writing this column has taught me that words are more than letters on a page; they’re a bridge, a mirror, and occasionally, a very effective excuse for avoiding DIY. So here’s to the power of language, and to the many stories yet to be told.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think my typewriter just fell off the desk again.