Deciding to move your life to a foreign country (Peter can trace his English lineage back to 1600) simply because “you want to” is dangerous. Live life as an ex-pat and you might as well not bother; engross yourself into the culture and life of your new community and “you get the bother”. These immigrants often embrace earnestly – learning a new language, researching the nation’s history more deeply than many of its citizens, and arriving at strong views about what it should and shouldn’t be like. Invariably having a viewpoint, and having a strong viewpoint, can upset the natives.

   
In this debate Peter would like to explore why people like him often become energetic campaigners for aspects of their new lives – sometimes despairing of the seeming indifference of the locals; why some of us think that a tiny country many no nothing about, and few – yes, even its citizens – value; and why it should be a world force for good. And, naturally, be a great place to live.

   
Peter Cox is ‘retired’ from his management and training consultancy which he had moved from England to Cardiff: “It seemed like a good idea and led to making our lives deeply rooted here”. He occupies his days as a writer – both journalism and ‘creative stuff’; has returned to radio broadcasting after a 30-year hiatus; has been involved with the Welsh arts scene for two decades including as chair of Chapter Arts putting in place the redevelopment programme; is currently Vice-Chair Cardiff Civic Society (after two years as chair) and a member of the RSAW ‘brain trust’ “where I get to argue with brilliantly creative and interesting people about the built environment in Wales”.

   
He has many previous speaking appearances at Chapter itself: a series of lectures on Cardiff’s Public Art; Election Forums; and appearances at Ignite#5 and Petcha Kutcha.
    

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