Welsh Icons - News: August 2009

Monday, 31 August 2009

Man charged following incident in Flint

An update in relation to the incident at the Mountain Park Hotel and Country Club in Flint.

44 year old Gavin Jackson from the Stockport area has been charged with manslaughter and remanded in custody this evening, following the death of Michael William Pennington after an altercation Saturday evening.

He will appear before Mold Magistrates court tomorrow, Tuesday 1st September

Christmas comes back to the Lewis

A plaque commemorating that "In this room in 1927, Christmas Evans preached on the occasion of the opening of the Welsh Baptist in Tongwynlais" has been restored to its rightful place on the walls of the Lewis Arms in Tongwynlais.

Ange, the new Landlady (pictured), who has worked in the Lewis for some 15 years told Welsh Icons: "We are very proud of Christmas Evans' association with the Lewis".

Young Scarlets start well in Age Grade Championship

The Scarlets under 16s and under 18s got off to a winning start in the WRU Age Grade Championship with both sides defeating Gogledd Cymru at Llandovery.

The under 16s, led by the outstanding Jordan Williams were 34-0 winners over a plucky North Wales side whilst the under 18s were 41-0 winners.

Williams, who was capped last year at the same age group, scored a try and kicked four conversions and a penalty to cap a fine personal performance whilst centre Gareth Owen, prop Bradley Davies and wing Dylan Morgan made sure of a bonus point.

Team manager Wyn Thomas said; "Obviously the conditions were a bit tricky in terms of handling the ball and there was an element of nerves due to it being the first game of the season.

"However, once the side settled, they did well and it was a boost for the side to grab a bonus point in the final minute."

Tries from Luke Hamilton, Luke Williams (2), Aled Davies, Curtis Morris and Tomos Ellis Williams put the Scarlets under 18s on course for a consummate victory.

James Russell sealed victory with a penalty and four conversions whilst there were yellow cards for Ayden Baines of the Scarlets and Gogledd Cymru's Jake Simms.

Warthogs Live in the Globe Cwmaman Today

HERE'S a quick gratuitous plug for the Warthogs, who are playing the Globe in Cwmaman this afternoon.

No, they're not paying us, they just happen to be one of our favorite Welsh pub bands at the moment (that will be a pint please Nick).

The band was formed in 2008 featuring ex members of various Cynon Valley bands from the last ten years, including the likes of Headshot, Wiccaman, Squeeze Box and Mook to name but a few.

Playing classic Rock, Punk, Folk and the not so obvious on acoustic. They will literally cover any tune and turn it into a Warthog classic!

In the meantime here's the Warthogs live in Cwmaman Institute taking things down with a Clash classic

Hogging it for charity

After driving around most of Newport and Monmouthshire yesterday sniffing out stories for next week, a couple of the Welsh Icons' Newshounds popped into the Church House Inn, in St Brides Wentlooge.

We found them busily preparing for their Bank Holiday Monday Charity Spectacular which takes place today (Monday 31 August).

Events for the day include:

Hog Roast
Free Horse and Cart Rides
Surf Simulator
Bouncy Boxing
Stalls and Games

All proceeds will be going to Kidney Research and Help for Heroes. They had even erected marquees so don't let the weather put you off.

Landlady's daughter Jo Prosser (pictured) told us:

"We are planning a fun day for all the family and trying to raise some money for the community. Come along and sample our hog roast and fine ales".

The Church Inn House Inn can be found on Church Road, St Brides Wentlooge, Newport, Wales NP10 8SN. Tel: 01633 680807

Profile: Lindsey Price

Inspired by numerous quizzes on the likes of social networking sites such as Facebook, this is the fifth in a series of profiles of people we at Welsh Icons feel to be contributors to the cultural life of Wales. If you would like to nominate someone for a profile please email news@welshicons.org.uk.

Lindsey Price is the Assistant Manger of Zero Degrees Restaurant and Micro Brewery in Westgate Street Cardiff.

Born in Ynysybwl. After Coed-y-Lan school, Lindsey went to Pontypridd Technical College to study Catering. Whilst studying Lindsey worked in a number of pubs including the Bunch of Grapes in Pontypridd and the Commercial in Cilfinyd.

WI: What is you're favorite place in Wales?

LP: It has to be Tenby, a classical West Walian Fishing village.

WI: Favorite Welsh band or musician?

LP: The Stereophonics. Their music is great and they've really put Wales on the map.

WI: Favorite Welsh food or drink?

LP: Faggots & Peas, and Cawl

Incident in Flint: Man named

North Wales Police can confirm that the man who died following the incident at the Mountain Park Hotel and Country Club in Flint has been named.

Michael William Pennington was 26-years-old and came from the Ashton under Lyne area of Manchester.

A Post Mortem will be carried out today (Monday) at the Royal Liverpool Hospital by Home Office Pathologist, Dr Brian Rogers.

The 44-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody at this time.

No further details are currently available.

Sunday, 30 August 2009

Incident in Flintshire

A man is currently in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder following an incident in Flintshire last night (Saturday, 29th August).

At around 10pm an ambulance was called to the Mountain Park Hotel and Country Club in Flint following an altercation between two men.

As a result of this altercation a 26-year-old man was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital with head injuries. Sadly, the man died earlier this morning as a result of his injuries.

Police have arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody at this time.

Both men are from the Manchester area.

Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for anyone who may have been at the hotel last night and who may have witnessed the incident, or to anyone who may have information to contact officers at Mold CID on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

North Wales Police have not yet released the deceased’s details.

Kinky Wizards at the Gwaelod

Today the Gwaelod y Garth Inn (in Gwaelod y Garth funnily enough) are hosting a 'Ladies Day' and 'Race Night' to raise money for their local hospice.

There will be prizes for the best fancy dress, with the Kinky Wizards providing live music from 7pm.

Phone 0292 081 0408 for more details.

Help for Vulnerable Children in RCT and Merthyr Tydfil

Vulnerable children and families across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil will soon receive more help and assistance thanks to a new innovative scheme built to strengthen support across Wales.

The announcement made last week (24th August) by the Welsh Assembly Government will see the creation of new multi-agency teams across the newly created consortium between the two Local Authorities. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Merthyr Tydfil Council have been selected to jointly drive the development of a single Integrated Family Support service together with Health partners, across both County Boroughs.

The new multi-agency team, based on a model that will be unique to Wales, will bring together social workers, family workers, substance misuse professionals, nurses and health visitors, to work directly with families to protect and support vulnerable children. This groundbreaking team will become operational in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil in spring 2010.

The consortium will receive up to £600,000 each financial year over the next three years to support the establishment of this new approach.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillor Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Equality, said: “This pioneering initiative will support some of the most vulnerable children and families in Rhondda Cynon Taf and our partner in this project, Merthyr Tydfil. I believe that it will improve outcomes for children and families and strengthen training and career opportunities for staff.

“The newly created team will help identify families with problems earlier and work intensively with families in order to keep a child or children at home.”

Councillor Richard Thomas, Portfolio Member for Integrated Children Services of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said “We are delighted again to be in partnership, with the Welsh Assembly Government and our neighbour Rhondda Cynon Taf, to deliver such a groundbreaking initiative for the benefit of children in both County Boroughs. It is another excellent example of collaborative working between the two Authorities. The initiative will complement and build on investments already in place to enable vulnerable families to better care for their children and provide them with improved life chances.”

The unique team created will also work with children and families where children have already been taken into care and with support, look to enabling the child to move back home where it is safe to do so and will better connect children and adult services with a focus on the family.

Initially, the team will focus on supporting families where one or more parent has a substance misuse problem. This will support a range of work, which is underway to improve mental health and reduce substance misuse across the two areas. Often mental health and substance misuse is interlinked and it is therefore important that the two issues are tackled together.

As well as supporting children and families, the new team will provide supervised training and development for other staff working within the NHS in Wales and Local Authorities.

Ellis Williams, Director of Social Services at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “We are pleased to be working with Merthyr Tydfil Council and the Local Health Board on this initiative and are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in making this innovative project a success. It is hoped that this project will improve the way we deliver our services. Under the new arrangements, professionals will be required to have regard to the needs of the whole family when assessing or treating adults, this can only be a positive way forward.”

Clubbing together for extra Dragon Sports in the Vale

Young people who attend out of school clubs in the Vale of Glamorgan will soon have the chance to enjoy playing extra sports after Clybiau Plant Cymru teamed up with the Vale Council’s Dragon Sport team.

Twenty staff from Clybiau Plant Cyrmu boosted their sporting knowledge after receiving Dragon Sport training at the Colcot Sports Centre in Barry, and are now fully equipped to add athletics to the range of activities on offer for local children.

The organisation, which helps set up, develop and support out of school clubs across Wales, already had a bag of Dragon Sport golf equipment to hand out to Vale clubs, and have now been given an athletics bag so that local children can try to become the next Usain Bolt or Jessica Ennis.

Kevin Morgan, from Clybiau Plant Cymru, said: This is a good opportunity for individual clubs to participate in the Dragon Sport programme. Clubs in the Vale receive an equipment bag we have been given by the Dragon Sport team on a weekly basis then pass it on to another. It also gives children in the clubs the opportunity to participate in sporting activities they may not have tried before.

Dragon Sport is a Sports Council for Wales initiative funded by the National Lottery which is designed to offer seven to 11-year olds fun and enjoyable sporting opportunities with suitably-sized equipment. It focuses on eight key sports rugby, football, netball, hockey, golf, athletics, tennis and cricket. The flagship scheme also aims to recruit and train volunteers to provide Dragon Sports, just like the staff from Clybiau Plant Cymru.

While the staff were being trained inside the sports centre, more than 50 children from local out of school clubs were already getting sporty out on the astroturf, as the Vale’s Dragon Sport assistant Pete Hardwick explained: We provided a range of activities so that the boys and girls could get a taste of the fun they can have by getting involved in Dragon Sport. They all had a great time and I hope that they continue to enjoy playing sport for many years to come. I’d also like to thank the volunteers who helped make the day a big success, including members of the Vale’s under 14 cricket team.

You can find out more about Dragon Sport in the Vale by calling 01446 704820

Photograph: While the staff from Clybiau Plant Cyrmu were receiving their training, children from local out of school clubs were trying out the eight Dragon Sports, including golf.

Parents Fined £700 for Child Not Attending School

Throughout the school holidays Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has continued to prosecute parents who ignore their child’s absence from school and fail to co-operate with services to resolve any problems.

Last month (August), six cases were brought before local magistrates’ courts and parents were fined as part of the Council’s ongoing work to improve school attendance and hold parents to account for neglecting their child’s education.

The latest cases have included the parents of a primary school pupil being fined a total of £700 with a further £100 payable for court costs.

Director for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, Mike Keating said:

“This fine was one of the highest recorded fines handed out in Rhondda Cynon Taf and it is a clear message to parents and care providers that taking your child out of school during term time will not be tolerated! Both the Council and the courts are commitment to ensuring that children and young people receive the education they are entitled to.

“Rhondda Cynon Taf is committed to providing supportive services to children, young people and their families and improving school attendance is one of the key priorities for the Local Authority.

“Taking parents to court for poor school attendance is considered to be the Council’s “last resort” but regrettably there are some instances where parents’ inability to manage their child’s attendance or an apparent lack of concern for their child’s education, or even in some cases, the condoning by parents of persistent non-attendance at school, will lead to court proceedings.

“During the academic year 2008-9 there were thirty-five cases brought before magistrates with fines totalling £3126 plus costs of over £1200 awarded to the Local Authority.”

The Education Welfare Service works closely with schools to identify those pupils whose attendance is causing concern with almost all referrals being followed up by a home visit so that families have an opportunity to explain the reasons for absence or to ask for any help and support they may need to ensure their child attends school on a regular basis. Supportive parents are key to overcoming difficulties with attendance and the Council’s dedicated Education Welfare Officer is currently working with schools and parents across the County Borough to strengthen the links between school and home.

If a parent or carer is experiencing difficulties with school attendance please contact the relevant school or the Education Welfare Service on 01443 744000.

Lions spotted at Porthkerry Park

Two of Wales’ biggest rugby heroes delighted local fans at the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s sports and play family fun day at Porthkerry Park in Barry.

Cardiff Blues stars Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins, both recuperating from injury after this summer’s Lions tour of South Africa, were at the park to show their support for the free event and encourage youngsters to get involved in the range of activities on offer.

The fun day, organised by the Vale Council’s sports and play development team, in partnership with the council’s parks department and arts development officer, was the climax of a fun-filled summer programme.

Wales star Martyn Williams, who along with Gethin is recovering from shoulder surgery, said: “It’s always great to get out and about in the community, and you obviously get extra opportunities to do so when you are injured. With two children of my own I’m totally aware of the need to keep them occupied during the summer and free events such as these are absolutely brilliant for kids.”

The day involved play workers encouraging families to take part in a wide variety of play activities, music, drama and dance workshops, while a series of sports taster sessions were also on offer, giving children a chance to try their hand at athletics, golf, volleyball and karate.

Martyn, who has targeted a return to rugby action in time for Wales’ autumn internationals, said: “I’d always encourage young children to play every sport they can. When you are older you may have to pick a particular sport, but when you are younger, just try them out – even when the weather isn’t so good, just get out there and enjoy yourself.”

The Vale Council’s sports and play manager Karen Davies was delighted to see so many local families enjoying themselves at the fun day, and said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved for another really successful Family Fun Day and hope that everyone who attended had a great time. This annual event provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to have a go at a number of sports and play activities, many of which they may never have experienced before. The event also helps us let people know about the Dragon Sport and 5x60 initiatives which encourage young people to get more active, more often, by taking part in extra-curricular sport.”

If you’d like to find out more about sports and play in the Vale of Glamorgan please call the council’s sports and play development manager Karen Davies on 01446 704614 or go online at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsandplay

Photograph: Local families were delighted to meet rugby stars Gethin Jenkins and Martyn Williams at the Vale Council’s sports and play family fun day at Porthkerry Park.

International Exchange Success

Young People taking part in Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s, Youth Service International Youth Exchange project have just returned from a successful 2-week trip filled with activities and debates in Europe.

The town of Cachan, situated in the suburbs of Paris, hosted the International Youth Exchange for 2009. This year the Project was funded through the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The young people were divided into four commissions, Transport, Sustainable Development, Communication and Community Life. Their brief was to design a town of the future that incorporated the best of all of these features and was sustainable.

The Depute-Maire of Cachan, Jean-Yves Le Bouillonnec, was very excited by the project and invited local government delegates from the participating countries to take part.

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, joined the young people from Rhondda Cynon Taf and participated in a debate held in the City Hall. Young people from the participating countries were able to question politicians about future possibilities for young people. The Depute-Maire also invited the group to visit the French National Assembly in Paris and watch him in action discussing Internet access issues.

Councillor Hanagan, said: “This exchange gave the young people taking part the opportunity to learn about other countries’ cultures, customs and languages, both past and present. It also allowed them to take part in a unique opportunity to learn more about each other, have fun and make new friends.

“I was very pleased to accompany the young people and very much enjoyed the debate and answering the questions from the students in the other countries represented.”

All the students welcomed the opportunity to be part of this International Exchange, which they seized as a fantastic opportunity, and to be able to make new friends from people all over Europe

In October 2009, one young person and one member of staff from each of the participating countries will be visiting the Strasbourg European Parliament to present the outcomes of this International Project.

All of the young people’s ideas have been collated into a computer and fed into a programme to design a 3D virtual city called ‘Futureville’.

For further information about the International Exchange project with RCT Youth Services, contact Kerry Rees on 01443 424400.

Saturday, 29 August 2009

"Poofters on Parade"

There, that got your attention didn't it?

I realised this afternoon when covering the Cardiff Mardi Gras, that it was 17 years ago as a callow youth that I first covered my first Gay march.

The event was EuroPride 1992 with a parade through central London followed by a party in South London. I dispatched the late Desmond Lapsley (a former BBC documentary producer) to cover events in the park and covered the march myself having found a pitch on Hungerford Bridge earlier that morning.

I'd arranged to meet up with Desmond later that day at the park and was particularly gratified on my journey down to watch some Metropolitan Police officers turning a blind eye to a group of gay men "kicking sh*t" out of a group of youths who had chanted "Batty Boys" at them in Brixton.

How times have changed - Back in those days it was Pride not Mardi Gras.

Chris Smith was the only openly gay MP - these day's even the Tories have Alan Duncan. There were no such thing as Civil Partnerships. And, if you were straight, you probably thought that AIDs was something to do with an iceberg, and if you were gay them some of your friends were probably very ill.

Congratulations to the organisers at today's Cardiff Mardi Gras for making it a safe, fun and family friendly event.

To view more photographs of Cardiff Mardi Gras 2009, please click here.

read more... “"Poofters on Parade"”

Splott Bottom Boys lead Joe support

WELSH Icon and boxing icon Joe Calzaghe is swapping his gloves for... I can't do it, I just can't - eight million harmless boxing/dancing/light-on-his-feet cliches have already been roped to the keyboards of hapless hacks and millions more will die needless, humourless deaths before the year is out.

So, we would like to report that Joe Calzaghe - who is Welsh and who was a boxer - has entered the BBC's reality dancing show Strictly Come Dancing. The first support we've found is from our pals The Splott Bottom Boys, so we urge you to join their group (other Joe Calzaghe to win Strictly facebook groups are available), and if you are going to vote we'd urge you to do the patriotic thing and vote for Joe.

Good luck to yer butt.

Photograph, Ben Duffy, through Ian Monk Associates - creative commons 3.

The future of the blog row

IF you think this is a just a cheap excuse to put up videos from Future of the Left - Welsh Icons' assistant editor's current favourite Welsh band - then you'd be right.

So here's The House That Hope Built by FotL, press play anyway, and wonder at the band playing in Cardiff's historic Vulcan pub, read on if you see fit.

A blog (and he's a great blogger) by lead singer Falco complained about the leaking of the band's latest album, Travels With Myself and Another, before its official release. This was picked up by The Guardian's music insider columnist Helienne Lindvall. The Guardian being what it is, the blog was immediately attacked with all manner of smartarsery (the proportion of Guardian commenters who on reading a blog instantly think, I could do better than that, is exceedingly high).

All so run of the web, until Falco himself turns up to defend his position and indulges in a long and very readable exchange with one commenter - if you wanted proof that Future of the Left are indeed a very special and very intelligent band you'll find a little here - enjoy (and buy the record).

Lost Prophets reward student rockers

The dream of being in a rock band came true for 40 students in Rhondda Cynon Taf during the summer holidays.

As part of the award winning E3+ programme students from Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive, Pontypridd High School and Treorchy Comprehensive were treated to a five day course in rock.

This unique course was provided by CJS Entertainments' Rock School programme, which is an educational provision designed for budding musicians who wish to further themselves in the field of music. The course also aims to increase confidence and self-esteem.

Throughout the rock school students received personal instrument tuition from expert tutors - developing skills in technique, tuning, set up, music theory, composition and arrangement, stagecraft, and live performance.

During the programme seven bands were created, made up of the 40 students from across the County Borough, the newly created bands came together to showcase their skills in a special live performance in front of an audience of 200 people at Pontypridd Town and District Club.

This unique performance allowed the young people to show off what they had learnt during the course with each band performing two songs, one original composition that they wrote during the week and one cover version.

The audience included the Valleys' own rock stars - The Lost Prophets, who were on hand on the night to award the students with their Rock School certificates of achievements.

Ian Watkins from the Lost prophets, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the kids, we had our chance and its great to see them getting theirs."

E3+ Coordinator at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive, Andrew Price said: "The Rock School summer project brought fun, excitement and musical genius to our schools. It was something that the young people will never forget, especially meeting The Lost Prophets! It was amazing to see how much the students developed in just one week, the showcase event was fantastic and is testimony to the amazing talent we have in the County Borough."

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: "The E3+ programme enables young people to take part in activities which they wouldn’t normally be able to be involved in, and means they develop and learn from their experiences through fun and exciting opportunities. E3+ continues to go from strength to strength and is making a real difference to young people’s lives and their future prospects."

Chris Stone, Project Manager at Rock School, said: "Rock School is a fantastic way to help young people to live out the dream of being in a rock band and give them kickstart into a career in music. The project harnesses talent and its amazing to see some of the potential the young people have here in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Rock School is happy to be 'keeping the magic alive'!"

For further information on the Rock School call Chris Stone on 0781144336

Awards for cinematic teens at International Youth Film Festival

E3+ students in Rhondda Cynon Taf have been showing off their movie making skills this month and scooping top awards at the International Youth Film Festival in Cardiff.

The students from Bryn Celynnog and Treorchy Comprehensive Schools have been busy over the last year working with Hugh Griffiths, who runs filmmaking workshops with E3+.

The students from Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive - Zoe Williams, Ellie Herbert, Tomos Gapper, Jade Williams, Stephanie Railton, Courtney Rowlands, Josh Cole, Nicola Rogers, Lyndsey Rogers, Emily Carter, Ethan Baker, Alex Knill and Aaron Cumper set about creating a sci-fi extravaganza exploring the dangers of the competitive world. The young people named their film Buzz!Buzz!Buzz! – A high school and scooped the Best International Student Film Award during the festival.

This film also won first place in its age category at the Zoom, Young Filmmakers Awards back in January this year.

The young people from Treorchy Comprehensive - Bronwyn Ellis, Matthew Leon, Jazmin Williams, Ethan Gwyn and Ellen Bowen created a satire film based on media health scares. It was set in a post apocalyptic school and called The Message. The students won the prestigious award for the Best UK short film.

The students’ prizes were awarded by celebrity, actor and writer, Boyd Clack, who recently appeared with Faye Dunaway in horror film Flick and writes and stars in BBC programmes Satellite City and High Hopes.

Hugh Griffiths, E3+ Film Workshop Tutor, said: "I’m really pleased for both the groups. They totally dedicated themselves to their films, producing some slamming work, and they thoroughly deserve their awards. I always look forward to the E3+ filmmaking sessions. With the kids’ boundless imagination and energy, I find it easy to get caught up in the creative maelstrom and it is often hard to discern who was the teacher and who was the pupil."

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: "Its really good to see young people doing so well in activities like this and winning awards at an international level! I am pleased that they are able to have the opportunity to be involved in filmmaking and the creative industries, which could open opportunities to allow them to follow this career path. Well done!"

Minister for Children, Education Lifelong Learning and Skills Jane Hutt, who attended and presented an award at the event, said: "I am delighted to have been invited to attend and present an award at the International Youth Film Festival Awards.

"The Festival plays an important role in showcasing the work of talented young filmmakers from around the world. The films, videos and moving images staged during this festival have been diverse and inspirational. I am certain that the work produced this year will enthuse and motivate other budding independent filmmakers across the world."

If you would like to find out more about E3+ activities taking in place in your area or school call 01443 744010.

Get behind that bar now! The Globe will give you cash!

THAT'S right, it's a job advert, of sorts and an urgent one from one of Cardiff's newest venues, The Globe.

The lovely people at the Albany Road concert hall need you to pull their pints, open their bottles and other similar beverage-related tasks, while listening to some rather excellent live music while you work.

They'd like someone experienced and someone who can start NOW, so email CVs INFO@THEGLOBECARDIFF.COM or shout at their Facebook group.

A Hi-Glo Flying Start in Trealaw

Children in Trealaw’s Flying Start project, which, was established in Trealaw in November 2008, can now be easily spotted whilst out in the community thanks to a generous donation from Buy As You View.

Locally based chain, Buy As You View recently agreed to provide the project with hi-visibility jackets, which will aid the safety of the children and staff during their regular walks in built up areas including, Tonypandy Town and the surrounding area.

Flying Start is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative. The project aims to provide children aged 0-4 with the best possible ‘Flying Start’ in life. Flying Start RCT commissions Action For Children, to run the Flying Start childcare setting at Trealaw Primary School which provides high quality childcare for children between the age of 2- 3 years old.

Flying Start Childcare practitioners, Karen, Kelly and Charlotte, said: “We would like to say a big Thank you to Buy As You View, especially to Rob Keedwell who works for them and whose daughter attends the setting. Rob initiated the contact with Buy As You View and along with the rest of the parents, has helped to make the playgroup the success that it is. The jackets are fantastic and the children have already had a lot of wear out of them. The safety of our children is always paramount and these jackets help to ensure this.”

Cllr Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Equality, said: “It is really good to see local businesses supporting the project and in turn helping to ensure that the children are safe and seen whilst out and about. The Flying Start project has been a great success across the County Borough.

Buy As You View’s, Marketing Director, John Smith, said: “We always try to support our colleague’s requests for donations or match-funding as part of our community support programme. On this occasion we were delighted to be able to help out Trealaw Flying Start especially as it means the children will be even safer on their trips in the local community.”

Work continues to lessen closure impact

Efforts to lessen the impact of Anglesey Aluminium's closure are continuing apace as the County Council and its partners try to help former employees back into work.

The high-powered Anglesey Aluminium Community Action Group is working to minimise the impact the closure of the Holyhead smelter will have on the workforce and community.

It's Retraining / Reskilling Sub-Group is focusing on helping the work force and 100 Anglesey-based suppliers which are also affected.

Priority is already being given to 26 suppliers severely affected by the closure, with special employment and training support services offered.

Anglesey's Head of Economic Development, Sasha Wynn Davies, stressed, "Our first responsibility is to support the people who have lost their jobs and ancillary businesses now threatened. It's inevitable that the closure will have a huge knock-on affect on the local economy, but we're continuing to work closely with Anglesey Aluminium, Welsh Assembly Government, and numerous other partners to provide support."

"Careers Wales, Job Centre Plus and our own business support team have already been on site, working alongside Anglesey Aluminium to provide advice, information and assistance to staff about re-training, gaining new skills and setting up their own businesses."

"The Retraining / Reskilling Sub-Group has already organised business support workshops for around 70 staff interested in setting up in business."

The Welsh Assembly Government's Redundancy Action Scheme (ReAct) is also helping a number of employees. ReAct funding provides training for people living in Wales facing redundancy. The scheme can also help employers who are downsizing their business or recruiting staff.

County Council Leader, Councillor Clive McGregor, said, "The news that we were losing such a valuable employer has hit the Island hard, especially after so much time and effort was spent in trying to reach an agreement with the owners."

"With the prospect of closure looming, however, we did not rest on our laurels. The County Council established the Anglesey Aluminium Community Action Group with the support of the smelter, Assembly, Unions and other key stakeholders. We're now committed to providing the best possible support to those affected by the closure."

He added, "I'm glad to see that the Retraining / Reskilling Sub-Group is making good progress with partners pulling together to provide guidance and new opportunities for the workforce and affected suppliers."

Grant funding helps companies grow

A Llanelli-based company is on-plan for a healthy increase in turnover thanks to a grant from the South West Wales Local Investment Fund (LIF).

Vaughan Sound Installations, part of the Dafen-based PAI Group, has been successful in gaining £4,280 of funding from the new scheme, which is aimed at helping small and medium sized companies in south west Wales.

Vaughan Sound Installations has been established for over 40 years, and specialises in installing, servicing and maintaining a variety of sound, audio-visual and communication systems.

In light of the current economic climate, the company recognised that more of its world-wide clients would choose to service existing equipment and planned for an increased turnover in this area.

The LIF grant enabled the company to purchase a service software programme to cope with demand, and it has already started to pay dividends.

Chris Ash, Commercial Director for the PAI Group, said: “We have a diverse customer base from small sole traders to world-wide high profile clients, and when we expected an increase in customers’ servicing needs we acknowledged the need to re-design the department and introduce new IT systems.

“We had forecast a 25 per cent increase in the turnover of our service department in 2009, and to-date we are on plan. Therefore we are already reaping the rewards in the early stages of this new software.”

He added: “We have an excellent working relationship with our business development officer at Carmarthenshire County Council who has guided us over the years with possible opportunities for grant support.

“I would definitely recommend the LIF grant to other businesses, and whilst the application process may seem daunting it is in fact a lot easier than it looks.”

The South Wales Local Investment Fund aims to increase the number of firms in the region, and offer better support to existing companies.

Grants of up to £5,000 are being offered as part of the project, with equipment, premises improvement, one-off marketing costs, website development and specialist software all eligible.

Over the next six years, 1,000 jobs are expected to be created, 1,400 companies supported and 400 new enterprises set up.

Carmarthenshire is leading the project in partnership with neighbouring authorities in Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Neath Port Talbot, along with the West Wales Chamber of Commerce.

The £19.3 million scheme has received £8.9million of European Convergance funding.

Simon Richards, business services manager, said: “This investment is helping to strengthen the economic base of this region by creating jobs, improving business competitiveness and by bringing increased prosperity to the region.”

Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for regeneration, Cllr Clive Scourfield, added: “It is wonderful that companies like Vaughan Sound Installations can access this funding to help their businesses grow. In these times of economic difficulty, we must do everything we can to support small and medium sized businesses.”

For further information about the grants, please call the Local Investment Fund Team on 01267 242391, or email lif@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

For further information about Vaughan Sound Installations, call 01554 740500, or visit www.vaughansound.co.uk

Open mic session in Cardiff, Monday

THE microphone is open at The Varsity in Roath, Cardiff on Monday night.

Last month's Talisman Sounds Open Mic session was a standing room only affair and you can join the enthusiastic throng on Monday night with music starting from 8pm.

Already lined up for the Bank Holiday show are: Steve and Pete Hughes, Jeanie and Wyn, Dave Psyched by Silence, Stewie Alexander, Dave Griffiths, Angharad, and a very special surprise guest. If you're interested in bobbing up with your mandolin, bagpipes or Roland 303 and lighting rig then please ring Andrew Williams on 0787 087 5252.

In the meantime take a look at Talisman's website.

Royal Welsh granted Freedom of Carmarthenshire

Soldiers of the 1st Batallion The Royal Welsh will proudly march through the streets of Carmarthen next week as Carmarthenshire County Council grants them the Freedom of the County.

Just weeks after the parade and ceremony the soldiers will leave for a tour of duty in Afghanistan where they will be serving on the frontline. Members of the public are being encouraged to come out in force and support the Regiment as the Freedom is granted – the highest honour the council can bestow.

It is the first time the county has granted the honour.

It means the name of the Regiment is entered on the roll of honorary freeman of the county, giving them the right to march through the streets on ceremonial occasions.

The parade and ceremony is taking place in Carmarthen on Wednesday, September 9. The Regiment, accompanied by a military band, will parade from St Peter’s Car Park from 11.30am, marching along King Street, through Notts Square and on to Guildhall Square.

The parade will be followed at noon by an inspection of the parade at Guildhall Square by Carmarthenshire County Council Chair Cllr Tyssul Evans, Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed Robin Lewis OBE, and Brigadier RHT Aitken CBE, representing the Colonel of the Regiment.

Prayers will be offered by the Chairman’s Chaplain, and following the reading of the resolution by the council Chair, the Freedom Scroll will be presented and National Anthems played. The Regiment will then exercise its newly conferred rights and will march along Lammas Street and St Catherine Street, turning right on to Water Street, and turning left back along Lammas Street to return to Guildhall Square.

Traffic may be briefly interrupted, but any disruption will be kept to a minimum.
Carmarthenshire County Council is grateful to all businesses which have fully co-operated with preparations for the parade.

Cllr Evans said: “Council decided to grant the Freedom of the County to the Royal Welsh in recognition of the long and close association between the people of Carmarthenshire and the regiment, and in recognition of the long and arduous service of The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, The Royal Regiment of Wales and The Royal Welsh, all of which have distinguished themselves in carrying out their duties in an exemplary manner and in the highest traditions.”

Granting the Freedom of Carmarthenshire to the Royal Welsh was agreed by full council last year.
They are the infantry regiment for Wales having been formed on St David's day in 2006 by merging the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Wales.

It was the 4th Battalion the Welch Regiment which developed close links with Carmarthenshire when it moved to Llanelli in the 19th Century.

The Welch Regiment then amalgamated with the South Wales Borderers in 1969 to form the Royal Regiment of Wales.

The Council has the power to admit honorary freemen of the county, being persons of distinction who have rendered eminent services.

Apart from individuals, local authorities have often used the power to grant a "freedom of entry" to British Army regiments that have rendered conspicuous service and are closely associated with the area.

The Royal Welsh already enjoys the freedom to march in Llanelli and the whole of the former Borough of Dinefwr, by virtue of three previous council resolutions.

Investigations moving to a close in Wrexham E.coli outbreak

Investigations into the E.coli outbreak in Wrexham are coming to a close.

The outbreak investigation team has ruled out other possible sources of infection and now considers a food premises to be the most likely source.

The food premises were closed by Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) Food Safety Officers on 30 July as a precaution to protect the health of the public.

A report is being prepared by WCBC to determine what future action will be taken.

An application to reopen the premises was received by WCBC last week but has subsequently been withdrawn.

The Outbreak Control Team led by Dr Judy Hart, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS), identified eating food from the premises as a common link between the four confirmed cases. Extensive microbiological testing has revealed that the strains of E. coli O157 causing illness in these individuals are the same, indicating the same source of origin.

A full report into the outbreak will be prepared by Dr Hart, but will not be released until any legal action has concluded.

One person is still in hospital following the outbreak, a 32 year old female who remains seriously ill in intensive care.

Three children from Shropshire have been confirmed as having the same E.coli O157 infection as the four original cases. Two of them, a female aged one and a male aged six were admitted to hospital and are now recovering at home. The third is an eight year old male who had only mild symptoms. The children are thought to have acquired their illness within the home, where they had contact with an unconfirmed case, who also consumed food from the premises.

Dr Hart said that careful attention to hand washing after using the lavatory and before preparing or eating food is the best way to prevent spread of infection.

New Hearing Loop Installed at Blackwood Miners Institute

An upgraded state of the art infrared hearing loop system has been installed in Blackwood Miners' Institute's main auditorium.

A hearing loop system helps deaf people who use a hearing aid hear sounds more clearly because it reduces or cuts out background noise. In a theatre, a loop can help users hear the show more clearly. Headsets are also available for those who are hard of hearing but do not use a hearing aid.

"The installation of this specialist equipment is just one of the many ways with which the Authority is providing increased access to goods, services and facilities under the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act," says Simon Dixon, DDA Officer for Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The new infrared system replaces the faulty induction loop system that was installed previously. Infrared systems are less likely to have problems with interference and have a higher quality of sound and work by transmitting the sound via a microphone using an invisible infrared light.

Those wishing to use the new system simply need to ask a member of staff on arrival at the theatre who will assist them. A factsheet on infrared hearing systems is available on the RNID website.

£930,000 boost for the Welsh fishing industry

Elin Jones has today announced £930,000 of Welsh Assembly Government and European Fisheries Funding (EFF) to support the fishing industry in Wales.

The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Anglesey based fish farm, Selonda.The sea bass farm, which was awarded £3.6m of European and Welsh Assembly Government fisheries funding in 2002, has become one of the UK's foremost aquaculture enterprises.

The Minister said:

"I am delighted to be on Anglesey to see first hand how Welsh Assembly Government and European funding has supported this thriving sea bass fish farm and hatchery. It is heartening to see that money going to such good effect.

"It is timely that whilst I am here I am able to announce another half a million pounds to support a range of fishing projects in Wales , which will all help us to achieve the aims set out in the Welsh Fisheries Strategy. This is the first of a series of funding announcements for Welsh fisheries, and I look forward to supporting many more innovative projects in the coming months."

The European Fisheries Fund provides grants for the development of a fisheries sector that is sustainable, profitable, well managed and internationally competitive. It will provide approximately 17m Euros of European funding for the fisheries sector up until 2013 with match funding provided by the Welsh Assembly Government

Five projects were approved or conditionally approved at the first EFF selection panel that was held on the 1st July.

These included £523,000 of EFF and Welsh Assembly Government funding for a migratory improvements initiative by the Wye and Usk Foundation. The project will construct easements and fish passes or barrier removal to improve and create fish passages. It will also create access to up to 63 km of new spawning habitat and restore 13 km of targeted river habitat.

The Cardigan Bay Fishermen’s Association were also successful in securing £263,285 for a series of projects that include:

improving the infrastructure and value of the catch for Cardigan Bay fishermen, and;
the development of a sustainable development plan for the Cardigan Bay prawn.

The Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations was awarded £13,003 to develop a plan for sustainable fisheries management through local species groups with:

the industry;
the World Wildlife Fund, and;
other stakeholders.

£9,908 was awarded for the expansion of the Sea Fish Industry Authority's Responsible Fishing scheme. This is a UK scheme run in conjunction with Tesco, which trains fishermen in adding value to their sustainable catch. Training leads to accreditation and a badge for their produce, which can increase the price they get for their catch.

Finally £245,550 of funding was awarded to the RNLI Man Overboard project to help ensure the safety of Welsh fisheries via the use of a satellite system which will alert the search and rescue services should a fisher go overboard.

The next EFF Selection Panel will be held on 21 August 2009. Applications to be considered by the panel must be received by 30 July 2009.

Warning Over Scams

Dyfed Powys Police are currently receiving regular reports that members of the public within our force area are being specifically targeted by fraudsters.

The types of frauds currently coming to our attention are collectively known as Advance Fee Frauds

The term Advance Fee Fraud is well named, because whether it refers to a substantial Lottery win or an inheritance of £1,000s from a long lost relative the catch is always the same, in order to release the funds various processing fees or taxes have to be paid first, in advance.

It is only after victims have sent, often £100s or £1,000s that they eventually realise that there was no lottery win and there was no inheritance; and that it was all a scam.

The lottery scams tend to be based on the Canadian or Spanish Lotteries or more recently the Euromillions Lottery.

Detective Inspector Richard Hopkin of the Financial Crime Team said: "These types of fraud prey on an individual’s hopes of getting something for nothing.

"It is quite simple - if you haven't bought a lottery ticket - then you cannot win the lottery; either here or abroad. Anyone who is asked to pay money upfront in this way needs to realise that it is a scam.

"Our advice is simple; if it sounds too good to be true it usually is too good to be true. To avoid becoming a victim in these circumstances, please don't ever send any money to anyone.

"We are working hard to combat these types of frauds and are currently delivering warning letters to all banks, building societies, Western Union money exchange outlets and Post Offices within our force area to ask for their support."

read more... “Warning Over Scams”

Friday, 28 August 2009

National Campaign to save the Newport TARDIS

People all over Wales are joining a campaign to save an old Police box in the Somerton area of Newport.

The last surviving Police box in South East Wales and one of the only remaining examples in country, these structure were once a common place sight on the street's of Britain before walkie-talkies made them obsolete.

They achieved iconic status in 1963 through the BBC series Dr Who with the Police Box being used as a disguise for the TARDIS, Dr Who's time and space travelling machine. Due to a fault with the Dr's Chameleon circuit, his ship was to forever appear as a 20th century Police box.

Now Somerton community group Rascals is attempting to raise enough funds to secure the box for future generations.

Rascals chair Pat Moore told the BBC: "It's a real landmark. Older people like me like it but so do the children too.

"It would be a crying shame if it should disappear because we're quite proud of it. I think if we don't preserve it pretty soon, it would go."

There is even a Facebook group dedicated to saving the structure - Save the Newport Tardis, its founder David Raybould told us:

"I love the box because it's just one of those objects that brightens up my morning when I'm on the bus to work. It's just so odd to see an iconic image on the way to work in the middle of a housing estate".

Innovative scheme proves a relief in Gwynedd

An innovative scheme to increase the number of toilets available to the public in Gwynedd has been a hit in communities across the county.

More private businesses and community groups are being urged to apply for the scheme as grant payments are quickly being snapped up.

The Public Conveniences Grant Scheme allows businesses, community centres and other groups to claim up to £500 towards the costs of allowing the general public to use their facilities.

Grant money will ensure that toilets are clean and that there are facilities such as toilet paper, somewhere to wash and dry hands and proper rubbish bins.

The scheme, administered by Gwynedd Council on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, is open for 35 businesses. To date, a number of businesses have made successful applications and there is scope to consider others interested in the scheme.

Under the scheme bilingual signs will be provided to put in the windows of the premises to let people know that the toilets are open for general use. It is hoped that shops, pubs, garages, cafes and community centres will take part in this ground breaking scheme for the county. The Council may also advertise the facility on websites or other publications.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council's Senior Environment Portfolio Leader, said: "I am delighted that so many businesses all over Gwynedd have signed up to this positive programme which will provide provisions for everyone.

"I would urge anyone who is interested in this scheme to contact Gwynedd Council - it could certainly be an asset to the local community as well as a possible boost to the business."

Councillor Arwel Pierce, Gwynedd Council's Highways and Municipal Portfolio Leader added: "Maintaining public toilets is costly for the Council but considering our financial situation it will be inevitable that some toilets will have to close unless the public and private sectors can work together.

"I am confident that this scheme is a success and will result in good quality services for local people and visitors to the county alike."

Any business or community group interested in the Public Conveniences Grant Scheme should contact Gwynedd Council's Highways and Municipal Department for an information pack and application form. Visit the Community toilet grant scheme page, telephone (01766) 771000 or e-mail PublicToilets@gwynedd.gov.uk

Photograph: Councillor Gareth Roberts with Carol Tustain, staff member of Lion, Tudweiliog

Road Traffic Collision on A470

As a result of a road traffic collision earlier today (Friday 28th August) at 17:50hrs, the A470 just north of Dolgellau is currently impassable and is likely to remain closed in both directions until at least 2200hrs this evening whilst police carry out their investigations. Diversions are in place.

The collision involved three vehicles, a landrover, a car and a caravan. Four casualties have been transferred to Ysbyty Gwynedd with serious but non life threatening injuries - a man was airlifted to the hospital and two women and another man were transported via ambulance.

There is no further information at present.

Rings found on Snowdon trail

Police are appealing for the rightful owner of two rings, that were found in Snowdonia, to come forward.

Two rings – believed to be an engagement ring and a wedding or eternity band have been handed in at Llanrwst Police Station.

Both rings were discovered yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 27th August) on the Pyg trail on Snowdon.

Anybody who has lost the rings, or anyone who has information with regards to their rightful owner, is asked to contact officers at Llanrwst Police Station on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).

Alternatively you can send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

Praise for Landlords as Area Holds Open Day

Council Leader Ali Thomas has praised landlords and residents of an area of Aberavon, after they formed the Community Pride action group to drive their own community regeneration project, with support from the Renewal Area Team.

They have already secured more than £6,500 from the Arson Small Grants Programme for community clean up and environmental improvement activities. In addition, over £15,000 funding has also been secured to rebuild boundary walls and install new garden gates.

Borough Street and the surrounding areas have started to see impressive improvements as a result. Now, the landlords have decided to stage an open day at a number of locations in the area on Wednesday 2nd September 2009 from 2.00pm to 8.00pm. The event will showcase the area and its fresh new look, whilst providing a chance for prospective tenants to view a number of newly renovated private rented properties which are now available to let. There are also properties for sale.

Councillor Thomas said:

"Landlords and residents from Borough Street and the surrounding areas have played an important part in helping to regenerate the communities of the Sandfields East and Aberavon Renewal Area and they are to be applauded for this.

"The Council is committed to regenerating the communities of Neath Port Talbot, but can only achieve this if residents work with us by taking ownership of their areas and helping to drive the improvements themselves.

"The transformation of the Borough Street area is an excellent example of what can be achieved with effective partnership working and I would like to congratulate everyone involved."

The wards of Sandfields East and Aberavon have undergone extensive regeneration as part of a 10 year programme to improve housing and environmental conditions and breathe new life into the area.

The Councils achievements to date have included the renovation of more than 400 private properties, installation of a multi usage games area and an alleygating pilot project.

The Borough Street area has undergone a significant transformation and now the Community Pride action group are ready to showcase their achievements to date. They are working with the Local Authority and Coastal Housing Association to change people's perceptions of the area and encourage people to take a fresh look at Aberavon.

Anyone interested in attending the open day should contact Lucy or Michael on (01639) 796104 / 796105

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