Michael Ball opens UK tour of Hairspray at Wales Millennium Centre

Welsh star of the West End Michael Ball will head the cast as Hairspray opens its first ever UK and Ireland tour at Wales Millennium Centre next spring.

Michael Ball, who won an Olivier Award for his role as the larger than life heroine Edna Turnblad when the production opened in London’s West End, will open the tour at Wales Millennium Centre, before playing selected venues on the UK tour.

The tour also marks the start of a career behind the stage for the singer – whose family are from Mountain Ash – as he embarks on a closer working relationship with the show’s producers, Stage Entertainment. This will involve developing new work and roles both onstage, as well as Michael working in a production capacity in the future. Plans include a major musical revival in 2011.

Michael Ball is Britain’s leading musical theatre star and a multi-platinum selling recording artist. With his top rated BBC Radio 2 show, Michael Ball’s Sunday Brunch, and his regular concert tours Michael has won critical acclaim and the hearts of a fiercely loyal public. He has starred in productions on both sides of the Atlantic including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Aspects of Love, Passion, The Woman in White and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and made his debut with the New York City Opera in 2005 in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience. Michael has presented a number of his own high profile television shows including his Michael Ball Christmas Special, An Evening With Michael Ball and he is a regular guest presenter of ITV1’s This Morning and BBC1’s Lottery shows.

Hairspray is set in 1962. The 50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion – dancing. She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, The Corny Collins Show and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetting hair-hopper like Tracy get her massively shy Mom out of the apartment, beat evil Amber to be crowned Miss Hairspray, integrate Corny’s show for good AND win the heart of local heartthrob Link Larkin, all without denting her ‘do? If anyone can, Tracy can!

Commenting on the Hairspray tour Michael said: “I knew when I originally took on the part of Edna that she was going to be a big part of my life, in every way, but I never realised just how big. Hairspray is truly one of the greatest experiences of my career and the chance to have just a few more nights in those frocks was an opportunity I couldn’t miss! Moving forward, to now be working as an Associate Producer with Stage Entertainment developing new shows, new roles and new opportunities in the future is an honour, and something I can’t wait to get stuck in to.”

Producer Adam Spiegel added: “We are over the moon that Michael has agreed to launch the Hairspray tour for us. The show has been a huge success in London, not to mention around the world, and Michael has been a big, big part of the Hairspray story so far. It’s doubly exciting that not only do more people around the UK now get to see his gorgeous Edna Turnblad, but we as a company get to work with Michael more closely than ever behind the scenes as we develop new work together.”

The smash hit award-winning musical Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London recouped its entire capitalisation in a record-breaking 29 weeks. The show opened in October 2007 to universal critical acclaim and smash hit business. At the 2008 Olivier Awards, Hairspray won Best Musical, as well as Best Actor in a Musical for Michael Ball. The show has also won Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards, the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Choice awards, the Critics’ Circle Awards and the Variety Club Showbiz Awards.

Alongside the tour, Hairspray will also continue to delight over 10,000 people a week in London where the West End production runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre. The musical continues to break all box office records at the theatre and is now booking until October 2010.

Visit the show’s official website www.hairspraythemusical.com

Hairspray will be at Wales Millennium Centre from March 30th until April 24th 2010. Preview performances will run from March 30th until April 6th, before the show officially opens on April 7th. For more information, or to book tickets, please call the box office on 08700 40 2000 or visit www.wmc.org.uk

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Free Family Summer Events at Plas Newydd

Plas Newydd has some family oriented events on offer this month.

These free events will take place in the gardens of Plas Newydd, Llangollen, on 19th and 20th August.

On 19th August between 11am and 4pm, the “Magic Garden” event invites you to explore the nooks and crannies and all the secret places of the gardens of Plas Newydd with storyteller Andy Harrop.

On 20th August between 11am and 4pm, the “Welly Stomping” event offers you the chance to paint a picture with your wellies! Children will love the fun of creating art in an unusual way. Wellies aren’t just for rainy days!

For more details, contact Plas Newydd on 01978 862834.

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Preparation for General Election already underway in Conwy

Although the General Election has yet to be called, council officials in Conwy are already working hard to make sure that all eligible residents can have their say on polling day.

Electoral Registration Officer, Iwan Davies, and his elections staff will be sending forms to households in Conwy County Borough to compile a new electoral register that will be the basis for next year’s election.

By completing and returning the form, Conwy’s voters will be making sure they will be able to have their say on what matters to them.

Iwan Davies, Electoral Registration Officer for Conwy County Borough said:

“It’s simple to register, all you have to do is complete the annual canvass form that will be coming through your letter box over the coming weeks, and you’ll be able to help choose the people that make the decisions which affect your everyday life.”

“For some people, this may be the first General Election that they get to take part in and may be worried about what to do.”

Kay Jenkins, Head of the Electoral Commission’s Wales Office said:

“There’s a General Election coming between now and June 2010. If you’re not registered to vote, then you can’t make a decision about who represents you in Westminster. Secure your voice on the issues that matter to you now: it only takes a few minutes.”

For more information contact the Electoral Registration Officer on (01492) 576051 or 576052 or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

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Anna Fox presents 'Cockroach Diary and other Stories' at Ffotogallery

Ffotogallery, the national development agency for photography in Wales, launches a major exhibition by Anna Fox on the evening of Friday, 28 August, one of the most significant photographers to emerge from the new wave of British colour documentary of the 1980s.

Cockroach Diary and Other Stories brings together works spanning twenty-five years that convey a compelling sense of both the ordinary and the bizarre in British life.


An infestation at her home in North London inspired the darkly comic Cockroach Diary, which combines queasy photographic evidence with frustrated diary entries: '3rd September 1996: splattered roach with orange shoe on bathroom wall - very drunk'. Country Girls, a collaboration with Alison Goldfrapp, was inspired by shared experiences of growing up as young women in 'suffocating' rural southern England in the 1970s, and depicts the singer collapsed under bushes or amongst bluebells.

Pictures of Linda is a 22-year long collaboration with punk singer Linda Lunus from local band Fashionable Living Death, and records her dressing-up sessions through photography and video. Fox says ' Linda became obsessed with having a document of herself, as she appeared in many different guises'. The Village, a deeply satirical narrative, depicts family weddings, fetes and women's domestic lives in rural West Sussex. In a statement that could equally apply to her work in general, Fox explains:

"I wanted to spend time investigating the realities (which I felt were hidden) lying behind the façade of the typical English picture postcard village".

This extensive show also includes the works 41 Hewitt Road; My Mother's Cupboards and My Father's Words; Back to the Village; and Notes From Home.

Ffotogallery is supported by Arts Council of Wales.

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Profile: Jason Phillips AKA Johan Flapsandwich

Inspired by numerous quizzes on the likes of social networking sites such as Facebook, this is the first 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.

Jason, the founder of Tantrum records and leading light in the electro punk 'combo' Sicknote was born in Abergavenny, brought up in Brynmawr and Underwood and schooled in Caldicot. Jason is currently promoting clubs in Cardiff, Manchester, Reading and Glasgow.



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

JP: Tom Thumb near Brynmawr. A large rock in the side of a mountain overlooking the head's of the valley. You can climb it, sit on it like a throne and legend has it that King Arthur would sit there and ponder. The views are immense. Just a short walk from my first family home.

WI: Favorite Welsh band or musician?

JP: My favorite Welsh acts are Clay Statues, Cakehole Presley and the Physicists. All of which convey intense emotion and MUST be seen live.

WI: Favorite Welsh food or drink?

JP: Leeks. I love to buy my leeks from Cardiff Central Market, just opposite where I live, along with fresh crusty rolls, Welsh butter and smoked Welsh bacon to make my favorite Sunday post-hangover breakfast. Always consumed with a helping of Daddy's brown sauce - Yum!

WI: What does Wales mean to you?

JP: Wales is a land which inspires creativity with stunning, rolling landscapes and unique passionate individuals. There is no better place to explore your innermost feelings and share with the tribe of weird of folk that populate this little known, hidden gem of a country.

WI: What do you most miss about Wales when you are away?

JP: The relaxed pace of life and the smiling, unassuming chubby faces that only populate Wales.

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Car-boot crackdown by Gwynedd Trading Standards

Officers from all six North Wales Trading Standards authorities were recently involved in a joint operation targeting their local markets and car boot sales as part of a major crackdown on selling counterfeit and unsafe goods.

In Gwynedd, officers took time to speak to market traders and people at car-boot sales, advising them on their legal obligations and responsibilities in ensuring that only legitimate products are sold.

Guidance and advice on selling second hand goods was issued, with particular attention being given to the general safety of items such as electrical appliances, toys and furniture.

Test purchases were also made of several suspect items which are currently undergoing further examination and testing.

Councillor John R Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Resources Portfolio Leader, said:

“It is most important that we maintain our vigilance to protect the public from being ripped off.

“We all like to get a bargain, but there is no place for potentially dangerous items or counterfeit goods to be sold in Gwynedd.”

Andrew Parry, Gwynedd Council Trading Standards Unit’s Lead Officer for Fair Trading, added:

“This exercise was another example of how Trading Standards across North Wales work together to ensure that all businesses comply with regulations that protect the public.

“It was an excellent opportunity to for us to educate traders and car-booters and to raise understanding of the role that Trading Standards play in ensuring that only legitimate and safe products are sold at markets and car boot sales.”

For further information on selling items at car boot sales, contact Gwynedd Council’s Trading Standards on (01286) 682728 or email: safmas@gwynedd.gov.uk

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Celebrate Denbighshire's magical moorland

To celebrate the time when the beautiful moorlands of the Clwydian Range AONB and Llantysilio Mountains are at their very best with the heather in full bloom, the Heather and Hillforts Project are asking people to celebrate their magical moorland on Tuesday 25th August.

A two hour guided walk through the heather starts at 9.45am on Moel Famau and walkers will be able to see for themselves the moorland management which takes place on the Clwydian Range.

Visitors will be transported to the start of the walk and will meet at the bus stop at Loggerheads Country Park. If you would like to book a place, as places are limited, please contact Loggerheads Countryside Centre on 01352 810586/810614 or email loggerheads.countrypark@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Further family activities and talks will take place on our uplands from 11am-3pm at Loggerheads Country Park and will be provided by the Countryside Council for Wales, the Clwyd Beekeepers Association, the North Wales Arson Reduction Team, RSPB, North Wales Reptile and Raptor Sanctuary, the Geologist for the Clwydian Range AONB and the Heather and Hillforts Project.

This free event is being organised by the Heather and Hillforts Project. The three year Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme is developing a £2.3 million initiative for upland conservation work and has received a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

You can now follow them on twitter! Visit www.twitter.com/HeatherHillfort or join our Facebook group for more updates from the project.

Photograph: A mother polecat on the Hiraethog (Denbigh moors). © Wendy Charles-Warner

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WRU Applauds Olmypics Sevens Decision

The WRU has expressed its delight at the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to recommend Rugby Sevens for inclusion in the Olympic Games.

The Union says the decision to include Rugby Sevens in the Olympics would deliver a major boost to the game of rugby, offering male and female rugby players around the world the opportunity to compete for Olympic medals for the first time since 1924 when the fifteen a side game last featured at the Games.

If the recommendation is accepted by the full IOC Congress when it meets in October, rugby would be part of the 2016 Olympic Games.

WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: "The inclusion of Rugby Sevens in future Olympic Games would deliver a massive new audience to our game and help build the global reach of women's and men's rugby.

"The impact of the Olympic Games is phenomenal and rugby's inclusion would also help to sustain our support in its existing strongholds because the lure of winning an Olympic medal will inspire participation in sevens and fifteen a side rugby at all levels.

"Sevens is ideally suited to the Olympic ideal because it is a fast and condensed form of the sport with simple rules which newcomers can quickly understand. Here in Wales we are currently Rugby World Cup Sevens champions and I know we have the players to compete for inclusion in any team selected to represent the United Kingdom."

WRU chairman David Pickering, a member of the IRB Council said, "We've been working hard behind the scenes for several years to achieve this and it is an incredibly positive development for the game of rugby. In Rugby we are already familiar with the concept of a Team GB through the British & Irish Lions so transferring that to Sevens would be an easy fit.I am certain that a UK team would instantly prove a great success and attract an important following.

Rugby Sevens is an extremely exciting and broadcast friendly sport that is exhilarating for both spectators and television audiences. Sevens has a young following and a massive travelling fan base which would deliver a vibrant and passionate atmosphere during the Games.

The inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the Olympic Games would also offer medal potential for smaller nations - many of whom have been increasingly successful in the IRB World Sevens Series - bringing a new Olympic dream alive for many of them," he said."

WRU Head of Rugby, Performance and Development Joe Lydon added:

"Sevens is an important part of our international development pathway and this news is sure to add an injection of energy and inspiration into the game in Wales. This decision has come at a time when we are focused on developing the sevens game in Wales following our recent success at the Rugby World Cup Sevens and it will certainly help us to achieve our aims more quickly."

Rugby World Cup Sevens winning captain Lee Beach said, "It would be an enormous honour to be part of a GB team at the Olympic Games. I have represented Wales in Sevens at the Commonwealth Games and now the Rugby World Cup but to represent Great Britain at the Olympics would be the stuff of dreams.

"Playing for the British and Irish Lions is the top of the ladder for the fifteen-a-side game and the Olympics would be the pinnacle of the Sevens game. I think everyone would benefit - rugby union, the fans and the Olympic Games."

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Cardiff gull wars get personal - keep Cardiff tidy!

THERE has been much written already on the gull population of Cardiff, but now it's personal. Anyone who's met Welsh Icons' assistant editor will attest that he needs that beauty sleep, and this morning the beady eyed avians shattered it at 6.30am.

As a one-time Gloucestrian, I've seen gull battles before - they've tried falcons, real and cardboard, and various culls including painting oil onto eggs - and they tend to be long and attritional.


I like seagulls - particularly in the air they are wonderfully elegant birds - but I like them by the sea and preferably at a safe distance.

Caring little for the name we've stuck on them though seagulls are perfectly happy in cities - high rises are in their eyes a tempting cliff face on which to nest, and as scavengers our streets are littered with tempting scraps for them.

I've got no time for the idiots who attack and kill them as the RSPCA reports is becoming more common in Cardiff; a revelation which even forced a rare acknowledgement of the existence of Wales on the BBC's flagship Today programme.

I'm not going to pretend they'll kill you, lower your houseprice or give you swine flu, but a large resident seagull population will be a large pain.

It certainly won't do anything to improve public health, the appearance of our streets or the experience of tourists and shoppers. They're aggressive when protecting their young and aren't shy at the best of times, particularly in mobs they are quite capable of bothering and upsetting small children or pecking at a sandwhich clutching hand - everyone's got a story about a relative or friend being attacked for their chips at the seaside. Hair gel might be big with Cardiff youngsters but seagull poop does not a good replacement make and is no better for your clothes, your health or your skin.

Many people are campaigning for wheelie bins to protect the food waste Cardiff residents are dilligently collecting for recycling and they would almost certainly help.

However, all Cardiff residents could do something straight away. The reason I was so rudely awoken this morning is because someone had lost their tray of chips on the way home last night, sparking a minor seagull riot.

So use bins for your litter and don't feed the buggers on the streets; in Gloucester they started out living at the city tip untill they discovered the city's streets were paved with pasties.

No food, no seagulls. And you'll be helping to keep our capital city beautiful too.

In the meantime, here's a Seagull you can enjoy if you're into this whole 80s revival thing:

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Cwmaman Music Festival - a reminder

The Cwmaman music festival is in its second year and we hope 2009 will follow on from the success of last year's bash. It takes place over the last weekend of Sept (25/26/27th) and includes a multitude of bands and artists performing throughout Cwmaman at six different venues. A wide range of musical genres are covered by a host of excellent bands including Sicknote / Cakehole Presley / Clay Statues / Madassa / Portraits / Broken Vinyl Club / Pippa Rogers / Humble Grumble / The Nukes and many many more.

Entry to all venues is free except the main stage where they are charging a £5 fee. Its a great weekend and we at Welsh Icons urge everyone to go along and soak up the atmosphere. Obviously being the home of The Stereophonics the village has strong musical roots so where better to showcase some incredible music over 3 days.
Each event has its own Facebook page which can be accessed from the main Cwmaman Music Festival Facebook group and full listings are available at www.myspace.com/cwmamanmusicfestival.

Photograph: Dr Conker of Sicknote

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Botanic Garden grabs Top 10 spot

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has landed a place in the Top 10 best British gardens to visit.

The Independent newspaper has ranked the popular Carmarthenshire attraction alongside the likes of Kew, Wisley, Sissinghurst and Heligan.

The paper describes the National Botanic Garden as a 'remarkable achievement in a mere nine years'.

It also praises some of the many Garden features:

The Welsh rare plant collection is unique, while the rock garden tells the story of Welsh geology. Evening primroses and red hot pokers dominate the Mediteranean Garden in August, while the Great Glasshouse is full of fragrance.

Cost of admission is £8 for adults, concessions £6.50, children (5-16) £4, and under-fives free. A family ticket is £19.50.

The Garden is open every day except Christmas Day. Opening times are 10am-6pm, with last admission at 5pm.

For more information about the National Botanic Garden, please call 01558 668768 or go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk

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New standards to improve nutrition for Welsh hospital patients

Health Minister Edwina Hart will visit Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny to see how new standards on nutrition are being implemented to improve patient care.

The standards have been developed by the Welsh Assembly Government following an expert report on enhancing the role of hospital ward sisters and improving the patient’s experience in hospitals. The group said nutrition should be elevated to the same importance as medication due to its role in patient recovery.

New resources – the All Wales Food Record chart and a revised Intake and Output fluid balance chart – are being introduced to provide clear standards and guidance on nutrition in hospitals. This supports the work of nutritional risk screening, which involves monitoring food and fluid intake and output, protecting mealtimes to maximise the opportunity for nutritional intake and addressing the risk of malnutrition in vulnerable patients.

The new tools for staff have been trialed in five NHS Trusts and will now be rolled out across Wales.

An ‘e-Learning’ package is being developed and will be available by the end of the year to complement the new resources for healthcare staff which will be integrated into the NHS core training for nurses.

During the visit, the Minister will see the new electronic audit tool for recording and monitoring standards of care on wards. The tool provides ward sisters and charge nurses with information to enable them to manage their wards.

Mrs Hart said:

“This is a key development in the on-going programme to improve the experience of patients in hospitals, meeting a One Wales commitment to improve hospital food and patient nutrition.

“It is important that patients have time and support to ensure that are able to eat their food.

“Staff have welcomed the development of these tools which, I believe, will help them improve care for their patients.”

The Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Rosemary Kennedy, added:

“Good quality, nutritious food is important and helps to aid a patient’s recovery. It is important especially for cardiac patients, as we can see here at Nevill Hall, as these patients have often got to get used to changing their lifestyle and diet to improve their long-term health and well-being.

“This is therefore part of their rehabilitation process. It is good for patients to get into the habit of eating nutritious food while in hospitals.

“It is important that hospital catering, as the expert report recommends, is recognised for the contribution it has to support clinical care for patients.

“As we have already seen, NHS Trusts have taken steps to improve hospital food and to reduce opportunities to buy unhealthy food in hospitals through the banning of unhealthy vending machines.”

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Wales leading the UK in diagnosing people at risk of inherited heart disease

Wales will be the first in the UK to introduce a screening programme to identify people who are at risk of heart attacks due to high cholesterol, the suitably named Health Minister Edwina Hart has announced.

It is estimated that up to 6,000 people in Wales have Familial hypercholesterolaemia but as many as 4,800 may be unaware they have the potentially life-threatening condition.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia – or FH - is an inherited condition which causes high levels of cholesterol from birth, and if untreated, leads to coronary heart disease and heart attacks in young adults.

The Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with the British Heart Foundation is funding the roll-out of a screening programme to find people at risk of the condition.

The family cascade screening proposal has been led by the Assembly Government’s Lead Cardiac Advisor Dr Phil Thomas and has involved medical specialities including cardiology, biochemistry and genetics. Health professionals will screen family members of those who have been confirmed with having FH after being tested for high cholesterol or heart disease.

With lifestyle changes and medication, people with FH can reduce their risk of developing coronary heart disease. The new screening, which has been piloted and evaluated since 2005, will be rolled out across Wales later this year.

Mrs Hart said:

“It is important that we are able to identify people early to give them the help and support to enable them to live life to the full. With the right lifestyle and medication, people with FH should be able to live as long as those without the condition.

“I want to thank Dr Thomas and his team for developing this programme and for the support of the British Heart Foundation. It is an excellent example of partnership working between Government and charities. This new screening initiative will improve greatly the quality of life of people with FH and help to reassure the families of people with the condition. It is a key action in the National Service Framework for Cardiac Disease which I have recently issued.”

Dr Thomas added:

"The family cascade system will use DNA genotyping combined with cholesterol testing, linked to the clinical genetic service. Once individuals with FH are identified, modern drug therapy and lifestyle advice are very useful in preventing coronary heart disease and restoring life expectancy to normal.

“The new screening programme is based on a pilot project that has been running in South Wales since 2005. The project has identified individuals from around 250 families with FH. The project proved to be effective in identifying people with the condition sooner and will have helped to save lives.”

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, said:

“This service will be a fantastic clinical milestone following decades of research since FH was first described in the 1970s. Since the mid 1980s we have invested in studies - particularly by BHF Professor Steve Humphries - to find genes that cause FH and prove that genetic screening of affected families works. It's wonderful to see the cutting-edge research evolve into a life-saving screening service.”

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Swine flu campaign launched in Wales

A major press and radio campaign has been launched to remind people of the symptoms of swine flu and what they should do if they have them.

The campaign will complement the leaflet that was sent to all households across Wales earlier this year and the work of health professionals in keeping people up to date on the latest situation through the media.

The adverts point to where to get more advice on how to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading swine flu through good hand and respiratory hygiene. This will help to reduce spread in the longer term.

The campaign also comes as tourist season in Wales is in full swing and while visitors will be welcomed from the UK and abroad, it is important to get the message across of where they can get help if they feel ill.

Latest figures show that the number of people contacting their GP with flu-like symptoms has fallen. It is normal for there to be fluctuations but it is predicted that the rate will increase again with further waves of the virus over the next year.

Wales, along with Scotland and Northern Ireland, have decided not to join the interim National Pandemic Flu Service that was launched in England recently to cope with the increase in pressure on health services there.

Dr Jane Wilkinson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said:

“We believe that people prefer to deal with the services that they know and are comfortable with. For this reason, we are strengthening existing services in the same way as Scotland did to manage the increase they have already seen, such as training more call handlers for NHS Direct Wales.

"However, because the number of cases has dropped, it is important to ensure people do not become complacent and continue to be vigilant in an effort to reduce the spread of swine flu.

"The NHS has managed extremely well so far in Wales and we have robust plans in place to manage to situation should the number of cases increase again. The campaign highlights that if we all play our part, we will be able to manage swine flu without causing undue pressure on the NHS.”

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Welsh unemployment falls again

The latest labour force survey for Wales and the UK - published yesterday by the Office for National Statistics - shows that the number of people unemployed in Wales fell again, while total UK unemployment rose again.

Last month's comparable statistics showed that seasonally adjusted unemployment in Wales fell by 1,000 compared with the previous quarter.

This month's statistics showed that unemployment fell by 2,000 over the quarter. The total number of people unemployed in Wales stood at 108,000 - an unemployment rate of 7.6 per cent compared with a UK average rate of 7.8 per cent.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said:

"Having seen unemployment figures in Wales in 4 successive sets of figures either flat-line or improve, this is looking increasingly like an improving trend rather than a blip.

"When I welcomed last month's figures, I cautioned that recession still has some way to go. That of course is still the case, but today's figures show that Wales's relative performance has continued to improve - and that's extremely encouraging in the light of the intense efforts that the Assembly Government has made to counter the impact of a global recession."

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones added:

"From the very outset of the downturn, the Assembly Government has striven to use its powers to maximum effect.

"For example, we have brought forward public sector construction projects to support the hard pressed construction sector; reduced the amount of time it takes to pay suppliers to the public sector; boosted finance available for business support; utilised Convergence spending to maximise the benefit to businesses in Wales and helped preserve the jobs of several thousand workers through our ProAct scheme.

"Today's figures show that Wales's relative performance has continued to improve - with Wales again performing somewhat better than the UK over the quarter. This is a matter for encouragement but not complacency.

"We have acted swiftly and decisively to try to ensure that the impact of the crisis is as short and shallow as possible in Wales and I believe that our response to date has been effective.

"However there are still challenges to face. I will continue to listen to the concerns of businesses across Wales and together we will continue to seek solutions to the challenges they face. We are already preparing additional measures to help businesses to get through - and we remain absolutely determined to continue to do everything we can to lead Wales out of recession."

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Digital switchover begins in Wales

The Wenvoe transmitter covering Cardiff and south east Wales will complete Wales’ switch to a digital signal on 31st March 2010.

The Switchover will take place in two stages, the second stage of the Swansea area switchover takes place on 9 September, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently. On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, S4C, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time. Virtually all households in Swansea will then be able to receive a Freeview signal.

Broadcasters are planning several changes to the Freeview service over the autumn, which means that viewers should continue to retune whenever their channel line-up changes in order to keep their equipment up to date.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

“The Welsh Assembly Government has been working closely with Digital UK to raise awareness of the switchover to digital. Now that the process has started I’d encourage everyone to ensure that they have the right equipment in place. Key stakeholders in Wales have been working with Digital UK to ensure that health, education, tourist sectors and all other relevant sectors are ready for the switch to digital television. The Switchover Help Scheme has also been promoted heavily in Wales to ensure eligible older and disabled viewers are aware of the assistance available to them.

"I would also encourage members of the public to go on the Digital UK website and use the post code checker service, which will provide them with details of which transmitter they receive signal from and when it will switch.”

Digital UK, the body leading switchover, continues to provide support through local advice points, as well as its Digital UK website and helpline (08456 50 50 50).

The Switchover Help Scheme is still welcoming applications from eligible older and disabled people to get help to convert one television – including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare. Eligible people who have already converted a TV set without assistance can still apply to convert a second set. Help Scheme engineers will be working in the area over the switchover period to help with retuning and viewers can contact the Help Scheme on 0800 408 5903.

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Quiet Day

All is quiet here at Welsh Icons Towers, August is silly season for us journo's and we mostly cover stories about Ducks. Feeling a little bored I went searching for some music to listen to and discovered our old friends The Physicists - a raw and loud Punk Rock/Grunge Quartet from Cardiff with a famously intimidating lead singer, in fact she scares me so much that I always take my extra long telephoto lens when photographing the band.

Their single Sleaze Campaign was released in 2005 on Complete Control Music, followed by a mini tour. Since then they have established themselves firmly in the South Wales Punk/ Alternative/ Anarchist scene and are a famous for blowing unsuspecting punters brains with their fast furious frenzied noise. They are favorites of well known alternative promoters Tantrum who are active in Cardiff, Bristol and Manchester and also look after infamous Electro/ Post New Ravers Sicknote.

You can find out more about The Physicists at http://www.myspace.com/thephysicists.

In the meantime, here's a vid:

read more... “Quiet Day”

Second cycle to work challenge a success

Participants in the second Denbighshire County Council Cycle to Work Challenge have been talking about their experiences.

Rhyl and Prestatyn residents were asked to leave their cars at home and cycle to work for a six week period which finished on August 7.

Participants covered at least 1,460 miles, burned in excess of 44,000 calories and saved over 292kg of carbon emissions, according to the event organisers, Cycle Experience.

Rajeev Metri, a staff nurse in the Cardiac Cath Lab at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, tackled a daily three-mile commute. He said: “I was motivated to try the challenge for the benefit of the environment as well as my own health and fitness. I lost three kgs in weight during the challenge and hope to continue to leave my car at home from now on.”

Dave Williams travelled from Kinmel Bay to the outskirts of Rhyl, getting back on his bike after a break from the two-wheeled commute. With the help of a new bike, he's been inspired so much he's getting his kids into the habit too.

Russell Jones of Rhyl commuted in all weathers and said: “I’ve saved lots of money, feel healthier and have taken the family out biking since starting the challenge."

Mair Bissell had a couple of trial cycles before traffic defeated her. However, she said: “It has got me back into the cycling habit, though, and I have been out on the many local bike paths. I’m enjoying it so much, I have treated myself to a new bike!”

Denbighshire County Council continues to support challenges such as these to raise awareness of the county's many cycle paths and to encourage a fit and active lifestyle.

For more information, mail alan.hinchcliffe@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 01824 706887.

read more... “Second cycle to work challenge a success”

Cakehole Presley has entered the blog

ONE of our favorite combos here at Welsh Icons Towers is Cardiff-based Cakehole Presley.

Comprising Chris Ridgeway (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Mark Huphres (bass, vocals), Al McLean (guita) and Alka Jones (drums) they list their influences as Woody Guthrie, The Beatles, Syd Barrett and the Rolling Stones.

Here's a gratuatous video of their song I WISH x




Visit their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/cakeholepresley, or catch them live at the Globe, Cardiff on the 8th September.

read more... “Cakehole Presley has entered the blog”

Wales Wing Jones Backs Freddie & Co.

NEWLY-crowned as Scarlets captain, Mark Jones will also celebrate his testimonial season in the region's forthcoming campaign and got the fundraising off to a flying start with the gift of a signed England 2009 Ashes shirt.

Jones, a keen cricket fan who watched England on their way to a dramatic draw in the historic opening test in Cardiff, now has an extra reason to cheer England on in the crucial final test.

He used the big screens at the Millennium Stadium to send a personal good luck message to all-rounder Freddie Flintoff - whose battle with injury he can really relate to - after being touched by the gesture from his cricketing colleagues.

"I have absolutely no problem supporting England in the Ashes, it's the England and Wales Cricket Board after all," said Jones.

"But the fact that the team have gone out of their way to sign this shirt and send it over for me at such a busy time for them is pretty humbling to be honest.

"It was great to see them in Cardiff, even though it was a drawn match it had plenty of excitement and I wish them all the very best for next week now.

"Freddie will be putting himself through the mill to ensure that he is fit but he also won't want to let his teammates down by playing if he isn't right."

Jones - who could be on the Millennium Stadium pitch facing Australian opposition himself in the Invesco Perpetual Series next November, as Wales attempt to retain the James Bevan Trophy - knows all about knee injuries after going through successive reconstructions on each of his joints.

Surgery and rehab to consecutive injuries on both knees kept Jones away from international rugby for the best part of three years from 2003, before he made his comeback in a Wales jersey in the 2006 Six Nations.

"There were plenty of occasions when I could've kidded myself that I was fit and taken a cap for club or country but that is something that is a definite 'no, no' for a professional sportsman.

"Freddie will be going through some mental turmoil as well as doing everything he can to get himself physically right.

"I don't know anything about the detail of his injury, just what I've heard, but if he does make it onto the pitch it will be because he feels he is capable of doing a job for the team and that can only be good for England and the rest of us watching.

"I really do wish him and his team-mates the very best of luck. Not just because it will give my testimonial season an even bigger boost, but because from what I've seen, they deserve to get something out of this series."

Jones and his committee are keen to get some of the charities that are close to his heart involved and he knows there will be an auction at some stage with the Ashes shirt as a star lot.

"It's very early days for me at the moment, but it's simply a great honour for the Scarlets to have awarded me a testimonial year at all," added Jones.

"There are only a few players who are chosen and in the year that they have made me captain I feel all the more honoured.

"I signed up as an 18-year-old and have been a career Scarlet, in ten years I've had some great times with the club and hopefully there are plenty more to come.

"I still feel 23 years old and I like to think I have a good few years ahead of me, but that won't stop me making the most of my testimonial year hopefully to the benefit of my family and one or two of the charities that are close to our hearts as well."

read more... “Wales Wing Jones Backs Freddie & Co.”

Goldie Looking Chain's new video

WELSH Icons has just accidentally discovered that in French, Goldie Looking Chain should be described as, 'le groupe de hip hop gallois,' more importantly Newport's largest rap collective have a new video out.

The Guns Don't Kill People, Rappers Do and Your Missus is a Nutter stars release Everyone's A DJ digitally on September 28.

Press play here to make the pictures move about.

read more... “Goldie Looking Chain's new video”

Information appeal after Brecon fish deaths

THE Environment Agency is appealing to the public for information after hundreds of fish were found dead in the Afon Tarrell, a tributary of the Usk (pictured) near Brecon.

Environment Agency Wales were alerted to the dead trout by a member of the public and are investigating.

Anyone with information can contact the agency's free emergency hotline on 0800 807060.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman told the BBC: "We do ask people to call us if they have seen or heard anything."

Photograph at © Mike Kelly.

read more... “Information appeal after Brecon fish deaths”

Duck star!

A NEWPORT duck who's had a little shoe made for him is a hit in the media.

Called, suspiciously conveniently, Lucky, the young quacker broke his leg and was set for the chop until owner Allison Morgan, 44, from the Lliswerry, Newport, asked cobbler Kelvin Reddicliffe make the lad a shoe.

The Sun's leading the way, but expect more puntastic reporting of Lucky's escape to come, and to show we're on top of important Welsh things, we think this is ducking good news too.

Pictured: Unrelated ducks digesting the news of Lucky's escape earlier today.

read more... “Duck star!”

Bilk's here for busy September at St Donat's Arts Centre

NO sooner have the actors from the Globe cleared up after their season-launching performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream than another busy month's events from St Donat's Arts Centre kicks off.

From September 3 - 24, Cowbridge photographer and teacher Glyn Evans's From Penarth to Porthcawl celebrates the nearby Glamorgan Heritage Coast and the sports and pasttimes it so well lends itself to.

September 6 - 12 is the Vale of Glamorgan Festival. This year is the 40th Birthday of an event that celebrates living composers and the focus is on Welsh and Australian new music.

The Soltice String Quarter perform with harpist Eleanor Turner to open the festival at Fonmon Castle on September 6 with an 80th birthday tribute to Australia’s Peter Sculthorpe. With a stunning spread of locations hosting some wonderfull performances this is a festival worth supporting.

September 11, at the Arts Centre, Tea Dance with Alan Taylor.

September 13, sees Acker Bilk (pictured) and his Paramount Jazz Band take over Bradenstoke Hall, 6pm is Pimms O'Clock for a pre-show drink.

September 15 is the first of the centre's popular matinee concerts, with the Keith Little Trio Café Concert. Features coastal views and free tea to accompany your 1930's and 40's style swing.

Thursday, September 17. One day course, Watercolour Painting at St Donats with peter Cronin.

Saturday, September 19, Introduction to Photography with a Digital Camera with Glyn Evans.

Mondays from September 21 to November 23. Ballroom and sequence dance classes with Alan Taylor, 10 week courses.

On September 26 you can peruse the best Welsh Contemporary art with a glass of Champagne and then if you buy anything in the auction you can feel good about supporting a good cause. The charity auction starts at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, September 29, 7.30pm and Wednesday 30, 1.30pm, 7.30pm. Screenings of Doubt with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep. Free tea and cake with film.

See St Donat's Arts Centre for full details and booking. Visit Welsh Icons Calendar to plan your days and nights out wherever you are in Wales.

read more... “Bilk's here for busy September at St Donat's Arts Centre”

North Wales Coastal Markets and Boot Sales ‘hit’ over the weekend

Denbighshire Trading Standards section was involved in a North Wales operation over the weekend to target their local markets and car boot sales in a major crackdown on selling counterfeit and unsafe goods.

Markets and car boot sales offer an easy opportunity to those who wish to trade illegally and are increasingly being infiltrated by racketeers and criminal gangs for whom Intellectual Property crime is among a range of illegal activities.

In a joint venture between all six councils across North Wales, and with the support of North Wales Police, officers raided numerous stalls which resulted in sellers being arrested and bailed. Some market stall holders had their items seized pending further investigation and others voluntarily agreed to hand over goods clearly infringing trademark legislation.

A total of 1,340 counterfeit items were seized across North Wales during the operation which included handbags, watches, jewellery, music CDs, DVDs, sunglasses, clothing and Ped Egg foot files. Some items were seized under safety legislation and will be sent away for independent testing to ascertain if they comply with the relevant legislation

Leading up to the operation, Trading Standards Officers visited their respective markets and car boot sales to offer advice and assistance as well as gathering intelligence on sellers of counterfeit goods, making test purchases to help identify the individuals involved.

Denbighshire Trading Standards take this matter very seriously. They say "Counterfeiting is the very opposite of fair competition. The counterfeiter sets out to make money by deception, deliberately assuming the identity of an already established and reputable manufacturer. By this method they can avoid the costs incurred and the taxes payable by legitimate companies. This can have a devastating effect on manufacturers resulting in the loss of jobs and loss of revenue to the government. Counterfeiters also pay no VAT, so national economies are deprived of funding for services such as schools and hospitals".

Richard Powell, Chairman of the North Wales Fair Trading Group said “Markets and boot sales are ideal venues for the trade in counterfeit goods, which has a high return with very low risk

“It is now widely accepted that criminals involved in counterfeiting are also involved in other forms of crime.

“Victims of counterfeiting range from members of the public, manufacturers and distributors to national economies. Consumers may purchase poor quality and even unsafe products, which can lead to serious injury and even death.”

For further information on buying and selling at Markets and Car Boot Sales, please contact Denbighshire County Council, Trading Standards Office, by phoning 01824 706057.

read more... “North Wales Coastal Markets and Boot Sales ‘hit’ over the weekend”

Cardiff Trading Standards Warn of Unauthorised Charity Collections

Every year genuine charities lose thousands of bags of donated clothes to bogus clothing collections. Cardiff Trading Standards is once again warning residents about this type of scam which is being reported as operating in several areas of the city.

Collectors may be attempting to dupe Cardiff residents with the pledge that they will be donating money raised from the sale of used clothes, footwear and other household items to a particular charity. It is entirely possible that further investigation will show that this is not the case and that the company is acting fraudulently.

In order to undertake house to house collections of this kind on behalf of a charity companies need to first obtain permission from the Local Authority. If no permission is sought, Cardiff Council may instigate legal proceedings against the company.

Councillor Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice said: “Cardiff residents should be on their guard against these types of collectors. People are often misled into thinking they are donating to a charity which is not the case.

“Donating goods and clothing is an excellent way to raise money for a good cause but we advise residents to use established charity shops to make their donations.”

Cardiff residents who wish to report having these charity bags or flyers delivered in their area are advised to contact Trading Standards on 029 2087 2059.

read more... “Cardiff Trading Standards Warn of Unauthorised Charity Collections”

Final line-up for Rhyl's Fun in the Sun

The line-up for Rhyl's annual event has been finalised. Fun in the Sun goes ahead over the Bank Holiday and visitors and residents are in for a real treat as the Events Arena will be packed with an array of singers, bands and soap stars.

The free event organised by Denbighshire County Council's Regeneration and Maritime Unit and supported by Rhyl Town Council takes place over two days 30 and 31 August between 12 noon and 5pm. Chart toppers Booty Luv will make a guest appearance. Booty Luv is an English dance group. It is fronted by two “RnB” vocalists, Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd, both of whom were in the original line-up of the successful hip hop band Big Brovas.

Highlights also include former Blue star Lee Ryan, Big Brother 9's Samanda, X Factor's Alan Turner and Bad Lashes, Mark Read former A1 star and DiamondLive featuring Carley Stenson for CH4's Hollyoaks. Other artists performing will be 80's duo Black Lace, who will perform their hit Agadoo, Radio City’s presenter Pete Price, Marcquelle Ward star of ITV's Britannia High and Coronation Street, boy band Kaos, girl band Vogue, duo The Cameleonz, girl band P5 and Fe-Nix.

The event also offers children's entertainment, travelling fun fair, circus skills and face painting. Alongside the Fun in the Sun event, Rhyl's RNLI will be hosting their annual Crew Open Day on Sunday, 30 August and thrills will include the return of MK9 Spitfire and the Red Devils Parachute Display Team. For further information please contact Rhyl Tourist Information Centre on 01745 355068

Photograph: Booty Luv

read more... “Final line-up for Rhyl's Fun in the Sun”