Welsh Icons

Saturday, 15 August 2009

Wales' first Climate Camp against opencast at Ffos-y-Fran

ENVIRONMENTAL protesters have set up a climate clamp close to the site of the proposed Ffos-y-Fran opencast mine near Merthyr Tydfil.

Sixty protesters arrived at 7.30am on Thursday morning and aim to stay until tomorrow.

There's a website and you can follow them on Twitter.

South Wales Police reported earlier on an arrest close to the camp.

Climate Camp Cymru issued this statement on their aims on Thursday, August 13:

The Camp, which runs until 16 August, aims to highlight the hypocrisy in government policy of claiming to act on climate change while expanding coal mining. Coal is the most carbon-intensive fuel, and campers argue it should be left in the ground to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Campers also aim to build a strong grassroots movement against the causes of climate change in Wales. They are inviting anyone concerned about climate change to come for several days of family-friendly discussions, workshops and sustainable living.

The protest site is only 36 metres away from the edge of the mine – the same distance as several homes. This proximity is despite continuing local opposition to the noise, dust and fumes from the 1,000 acre site. A report funded by the Welsh Assembly Government in June 2007 [1] expressed concern about the health effects of air pollution and dust particles.

Local campaign groups such as Residents Against Ffos-y-Fran (RAFF) have long been ignored by planners and government.

Camper Jill Lloyd said: “We need work that does not destroy lives or trash the planet, and we urgently need green-collar jobs for Merthyr. Wales could soon be self-sufficient in clean energy but if we keep mining fossil fuels such as coal, we will cause death and hardship for millions of people around the world. To stop devastating climate change we must leave coal in the ground.”

[1] The 2007 Health Impact Report can be found at http://www.stopffosyfran.co.uk/files/Final%20report%20June%2007.pdf

Photograph: Copyright Amelia Gregory

Police statement on arrest at climate camp

SOUTH Wales Police have issued a statement about an arrest at Ffros Y Fran, where there is a Climate Camp protest.

Here it is, completely unedited, and I'm trying to find a comment from the protesters too.

From ACC Dave Morris of South Wales Police:

“South Wales Police has made an arrest today at the Ffros Y Fran site in relation to the Climate Camp protest.

“About 100 protesters spontaneously left the campsite to undertake a peaceful protest to demonstrate at the Ffros Y Fran site.

“To facilitate the protest and to ensure the safety of the protesters, officers were deployed to escort the march up to the Kinseys farm area.

“A section 12 public order notice was served on the protesters preventing them proceeding further on the route for their own safety and the safety of others using the busy roadway.

“A small number of protesters, despite several police warnings, continued to move forward. One male person, despite the warnings, continued with his action and was bitten by a police dog to his left arm. This person was arrested for breaching the section 12 conditions.

“A large number of protesters conducted a sit-down protest while the remainder persisted in their desire to continue the march in contravention of the section 12 notice and were prevented from doing so.

“A short time later, all of the protesters returned to the campsite; escorted by the police to ensure their safety.

“Following this incident, officers are continuing to facilitate a peaceful protest and ensure residents can go about their day-to-day activity without disruption.

UPDATE: OK, we at Welsh Icons have managed to talk to some of the people who were at the demonstration.

Angharad from mid Wales one of the protesters told us "We were on a public road and peacefully walking along and were blocked by the police. The police had created a barrier and were stopping the traffic and it was them rather than the marchers who were blocking the road.

Kelvin from Aberystwyth said "We went for a walk, not a march to have a look at the mine. We were then stopped and told we could not continue as they had invoked a section 12 order. At that point there was just two of us.

He continued "there were two police horses and four of five scary police dogs. I was almost arrested myself when I went to see the man who had been bitten and then arrested was alright"

Photograph: Copyright Amelia Gregory

Silly Season - Eagle Owl spotted in Cardiff

August has always been known as the silly season for us journo's. At the start of the month our good friend David Jones, MP for Clwyd West predicted "Before the summer is over, we will also have the great white shark off the coast of Cornwall story, the escaped alligator in Leeds story and the cat that hitches a ride from Inverness to Croydon story" in his blog.

News is now reaching us that pet owners in Cardiff have now been warned about a rogue Eagle Owl that has been sited in Pontcanna.

Gethin Russell-Jones, spokesman for the RSPCA in Wales, told the South Wales Echo newspaper: "I would advise everyone definitely do not approach it. I don't need to describe it, if they have seen it they will know - it will be the biggest bird they have ever seen close up in their lives."

According to Wikipedia "The Eagle Owl is a large and powerful bird, smaller than the Golden Eagle but larger than the Snowy Owl. It is sometimes titled the world's largest owl, but so is the Blakiston's Fish Owl, which is slightly bigger on average. The Eagle Owl has a wingspan of up to 138-200 cm (55-79 in) and measures 58-75 cm (23-30 in) long. Females weigh 1.75-4.2 kg (3.9-9.4 lbs) and males weigh 1.5-3.2 kg (3.3-7 lbs). In comparison, the common Barn Owl weighs about 500 grams (1.1 lbs). It mainly feeds on small mammals, but can kill prey up to the size of foxes and young deer (up to 10 kg/22 lb), if taken by surprise. Larger prey (over 3 kg/7 lb) is consumed on the ground which leaves the bird vulnerable (for example to foxes)"

You have been warned!

Photograph by Adam Kumiszcza. Reproduced under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.

Vote for Newport's pub poet

I SUSPECT every Welsh pub has a poet lurking somewhere in the snug, like these potential poets on the left, but Newport's Stephen Morris has stepped out from the shadows of Newport's Dragonfly to enter the Bard of the Bar competition.

The South Wales Argus has an interview with Mr Morris, and you can do the patriotic and poetic thing by voting for him at organiser's Vintage Inns' website. You know it makes sense, we can't have Lancashire people thinking they're more lyrical than the Welsh can we now? Because that's how things currently stand!

Of course, we at Welsh Icons wish Stephen the best and hope he avoids the fate of our most famous pub poet.

ATMs cashing in on the vulnerable

ATMs that charge people to withdraw their money are cashing in on the vulnerable says Plaid AM Dai Lloyd who wants government regulation of the charges.

Dr Lloyd, Plaid's social justice spokesman has been alarmed by recent and rapid price increases on the cashpoint machines, which he says are particularly disgraceful under the current economic conditions.

The AM for South Wales West wants action from Westminster and is also investigating what action can be taken at Welsh Assembly level.

Dr Lloyd said: "The amounts that are being charged to use these ATMs are ridiculous. We have seen rapid increases in prices recently. Some are now charging as much as £2.50 for every withdrawal - for anybody withdrawing £10 that’s an extra 25%, a cost which many users can ill afford.

"To make matters worse it would appear that more deprived wards with no free cash withdrawal options are being targeted by these companies. This is disgraceful and unscrupulous behaviour by these ATM companies.

“Very often people living in these communities do not have the luxury of being able to travel to withdraw cash. Their options have been further limited by the London Labour Post Office closure programme. Even in those communities that are lucky enough to still have a post office, the days of withdrawing benefits and pensions directly and over the counter are long gone.

Profile: Bronwen Davies AKA Little Eris (Musician)

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

Bronwen, a former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen left her home in Aberdare for Swansea aged 16 and then moved to Buckinghamshire to attend University and play music. After graduation and a stint in the media heartlands of London's West End, Bronwen returned to Wales in 2004 and spent time in the village of Cwmaman working in arts development and playing in a punk band.

Bronwen is currently living in Cardiff and producing her music as Little Eris, a project that has just spawned her self-produced debut album, Molecules R Us, released through Tantrum Records.

WI: What is your favorite place in Wales?

BD: Cwmaman, I lived and worked there for four years. The village is surrounded by hills, streams, and forests and mountain walks are just a stone's throw away. I experienced so much freedom there, it really is a cool place. It has such a vibe, it is known to some as the Independent Free State of Cwmaman!

WI: Favorite Welsh band or musician?

BD: I am very fond of a few bands who are not really known outside their own circles. Smut Puppets formerly known as Mook, are a band from the valleys whose core members have been producing and playing excellent punk rock music together for over ten years. They have recently grown into a nine piece psychedelic band with percussion and electronica!

Maria Owen is an exceptional vocal talent who I have only ever seen play in Swansea. She has an incredible voice, like a female Jeff Buckley. And James Parr - an amazing musician who is completely off the radar. He performs once or twice a year and if you get to catch him it's a real privilege.

WI: Favorite Welsh food or drink?

BD: The special welsh mushrooms

WI: What does Wales mean to you?

BD: I feel very safe in Wales, it makes me feel whole. I feel like I belong here I feel rooted to the mountains and trees. Wales is part of me.

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

BD: The Welsh accent

Dapper FM - 87.7FM

Dapper FM, the community radio station for the Penywaun area, should be back on air soon and is looking for new voices.

In association with Gr8 Radio, the Wales Co-operative Centre and the Dapper FM Volunteer Committee have now confirmed that subject to licence, DAPPER FM will be back on air on both 87.7 Fm and on the internet at www.dapperfm.co.uk from Monday, September 21 2009.

The Dapper team are currently working hard on putting together the programme schedule and hope to welcome some new presenters.

If you or anyone you know would like to get involved with Dapper FM as a volunteer or from a business perspective then please contact: dapperfmadmin@tiscali.co.uk

read more... “Dapper FM - 87.7FM”

Traveline Cymru is encouraging holidaymakers to consider different travel options before bringing their car

TRAVELINE Cymru is trying to persuade people out of their cars this summer to miss the traffic, avoid parking problems and help reduce Wales’ carbon footprint.

Using public transport isn't an obvious choice if you're used to using your own car, however, you Traveline Cymru reckon you'll be surprised how quick and convenient travel by bus, coach or train is. To plan your journey by public transport in Wales, visit the www.traveline-cymru.info or call their staff on 0871 200 22 33.

Traveline Cymru’s website also gives journey-planning information like travel alerts, fare information and advice on car sharing, walking and cycling. The website also lists local events and attractions in Wales to help you plan your trip.

Traveline Cymru is keen to work with businesses to help them encourage tourists to leave their cars at home, as it it's not just individuals who can reap the benefits from reduced car travel. By offering travel information, accommodation providers and local attractions can free-up parking spaces at busy times and reduce their carbon footprint say Traveline Cymru.

For more information contact their marketing team on marketing@travelinecymru.info.

To plan your journey go to Traveline Cymru
(external link) or call 0871 200 22 33. Get the times of your next bus by using the traveline. txt 84268 or Traveline mobile internet – text ‘Traveline’ to 84268 for a bookmark to the site.

Friday, 14 August 2009

World wide welsh - Japanese success for Jon, New Zealand's first woman QC is Welsh

THERE'S a very long and very good profile of Swansea-born writer Jon Mitchell at Japan Times. Jon, who went to Japan as a 23-year-old and has put day jobs and rejections far behind him is a successful novelist and screenwriter. He told Japan Times that the situation in American-dominated Okinawa reminded him of home: "People don't think so. They imagine Wales as this mountainous, cold, British place and Okinawa as a subtropical paradise. Yet, you had the suppression of the Welsh Language by the English in the 19th century. Welsh kids had to wear a plaque around their necks, and inform on other kids who spoke Welsh. . . . Okinawa had exactly the same system, right down to the plaque."

STUFF in New Zealand profiles Welsh-raised and often controversial star lawyer Judith Ablett Kerr QC, New Zealand's first female QC. She's prepared to take on the toughest and most controversial defences, says colleague, Greg King: "Her wisdom, her knowledge and friendship are incredibly valuable to me. And those that know her, know that that is the real Judith Ablett Kerr. What they see on television is a surgeon going about her clinical job."

Help translate Mabinogion game into Welsh

IF you're looking for a Welsh language project, maybe for a school or project, then why not help translate a game sourced from the Mabinogion?

Rhiannon: Curse of the Four Branches has been translated into German, French and Russian, but Ceredigion-based producers Arberth Studios, say it's not commercially viable to produce the Welsh language version the game demands.

It's no small project, with 30,000 English words to work on, but Arberth say a compensation deal might be sorted out - the £16,500 costs aren't commercially justified.

Arberth's Noel Bruton told BBC Wales: "We have to try and translate this game into Welsh, but there's just not enough Welsh speakers in the gaming market to justify the translation costs."

"Sources suggest there are around 600,000 Welsh speakers overall. A lesser number would be gamers, and only around one in 20 gamers might be interested in an adventure game."

Welsh Txt Talk

FOLLOWING our recent story about mobile phones now having the option of spell-checking in Welsh, our friends at Right Mobile Phone the leading mobile phone comparison site have come up with this handy English-Welsh Text Speak Guide.

1. LoL (Laugh Out Loud) = CYU (Chwerthin yn uchel)
2. BrB (Be Right Back) = YOYYM (Yn ôl yn y man)
3. M8 (Mate) = 'mêt'
4. WTF (What The f**K) = BD (Be ddiawl)
5. OMG (Oh My God) = OFN (O fy nuw)
6. LMAO (Laugh My Ass Off) = CFHYN (Chwerthin fy hun yn wirion)
7. TVM (Thanks Very Much) = DYFI (Diolch yn fawr iawn)
8. TMI (Too Much Information) = GOW (Diolch yn fawr iawn)
9. BFF (Best Friends For Ever) = FGAB (Ffrindiau gorau am byth)
10. BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) = TACDH (Tyrd â chwrw dy hun)

To compare mobile phone prices and features visit their site at http://www.rightmobilephone.co.uk/

read more... “Welsh Txt Talk”

Cardiff Riverside Festival tomorrow

A GREAT family day out in Cardiff with a night of partying to follow. Live music, world food, information stalls, bouncy castle and lots more for the kids. Animals, owls and a mini-agricultural Show in the park.

After festival party from 8 till late at the Rockin’ Chair, near Despenser Gardens, with renowned local reggae singer Lloydie P and groovy tracks all night.

Riverside Festival is grant aided by the Arts Council of Wales and Cardiff Council

Poster design by Nurul Subhan

Only Men Aloud to sing at Swansea's BBC Proms In The Park

BBC Cymru Wales has announced that Welsh choral sensation Only Men Aloud will headline this year's BBC Proms In The Park at Swansea's Singleton Park on Saturday September 12.

Tickets are on sale now for the show which is supported by the City and County of Swansea and National Savings and Investments.

BBC Proms In The Park will also feature Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Swansea Bach Choir, conducted by Grant Llewellyn.

Gethin Jones and Josie D'Arby will helm the live TV coverage as simultaneous concerts is Glasgow, County Down, Salford and London entertain flag-waving picnicking crowds.

BBC Cymru Wales Head of Broadcast Development Cathryn Allen said: "Only Men Aloud will be a fantastic headline performance for this year's BBC Proms In The Park, and BBC Wales is very pleased to offer people the chance to see them live at the Swansea event."

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The BBC Proms In The Park event is one of the highlights of Swansea's annual calendar and helps to further put the city on the map.

"Some of the finest classical musicians in the world have performed in Singleton Park over the years and it's terrific news that Only Men Aloud will be headlining in just a few months' time.

"Winning a hit TV programme such as Last Choir Standing shows just how popular they are and I'm sure they'll make a huge contribution to yet another successful concert in Swansea."

Only Men Aloud was formed in 2000 by Tim Rhys-Evans and includes teachers, musicians, students, a gardener and a pharmacist. They were catapulted to stardom as winners of the BBC's Last Choir Standing, since which they've collaborated with Bryn Terfel, Josh Groban, Jose Carreras, Shan Cothi, Karl Jenkins, Charlotte Church, Cerys Matthews and Neath mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, who will be representing Wales at the BBC Proms event in Hyde Park, London.

The Swansea concert will also go out live on BBC Radio Wales and highlights will be shown on BBC Two Wales at a later date.

Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 on the day (under-12s free with accompanying adult) and are available:

online at bbc.co.uk/proms
from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line on 03700 101051* (lines are open Monday–Friday 9.00am–9.00pm)
from the Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea on 01792 475715 (lines are open Monday–Saturday 9.30am–8.00pm, 9.30am–6.00pm on non-performance days)
In person from the Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea

Top Welsh bands according to some website or other

IT'S about as unscientific as it gets, but it's an excuse to put more music up and we're always keen to do that, and always keen to hear in comments, email or via Facebook, the Welsh music you're enjoying.

Website beststuff.com has a poll up for the best Welsh band, and these are their top five, only about 200 people voted so it's as valid as a newspaper poll, but we hope you enjoy these videos on a Freeday afternoon.

Number one, and judging by youtube, the band most people want to video themselves covering, is Bullet For My Valentine. Normally their guitars go chuggachuggathrum but these ones are acoustic so they can't really go chuggachuggathrum - the band continue unhampered!

Lost Prophets are number two, and they also spend a fair amount of their time making their guitars go chuggachuggathrum - to rather pleasing effect I'm sure you'll all agree.

The Manic Street Preachers have been making their guitars make all sorts of exiting noises for an awfully long time now, through tragedy and triumph in fact. As I'm choosing, you get the video that is notable among their output as being the only one to feature a Swedish blonde, make of that what you will.

We've been plugging the Cwmaman Music Festival on Welsh Icons News for a while, and when the wider world hears the word Cwmaman, I'm afraid it's very likely to say "What?" but if it thinks a bit, it might then say, "Oh, Sterephonics!" I don't know if it's true, but I believe there's a bylaw in Cardiff which makes it compulsory for a 'Phonics song to be playing in public somewhere at all times. As I was watching Crash the other night, here's the song that plays very beautifully over the closing credits.

Last of the poll's top five is the no-longer-with-us Catatonia. I met Cerys from Catatonia once and said, rather lamely, "I just wanted to say hello to you, so I could tell my friends I said hello to a popstar." Lamely, but truly. Again, it's my choice so you get my favourite, they might have had a poll but this ain't no democracy.

Profile: Roger Evans - actor

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

Roger Evans left Cardiff for London in 1985 with a dream of working in the music industry. Having done that, he then became an actor and has had many small parts on film and TV productions including: Harry Potter, Eastenders, Holby City, The Bill and Hotel Babylon. He's currently producing his first movie: The Scared of Death Society, which should be on screens in 2010.

Roger hopes to visit Wales more regularly, once the roadworks on the M4 are completed.

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

RE: Too many to choose from - whether it's the coastline of West Wales or the mountains of Snowdonia. However, having grown up in Cardiff, I'll have to chose the capital. There's a particular view from the Wenault overlooking Cardiff and the Bay, so the whole area I grew up in is spread out in front of you. You can only really appreciate it in the Autumn and Winter when the leaves are off the trees.

WI: Favorite Welsh band or musician?

RE: Tom Jones - a great ambassador for Wales

WI: Favorite Welsh food or drink?

RE: Brains Dark followed by chips and curry sauce from Caroline Street

WI: What does Wales mean to you?

RE: Home

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

RE: Family and friends.

Author discusses novel in Llanrwst

Elizabeth Duncan will discuss her novel, The Cold Light of Mourning at Llanrwst Library on Tuesday, August 25 at 7pm.

Set in the fictitious Welsh village of Llanelen Elizabeth Duncan’s debut won the prestigious Malice Domestic/St Martin’s award 2008.

Join her at Llanrwst Library for an informal discussion of the novel and its connections with the town.

‘‘Lyrical and lovely, "The Cold Light of Mourning" launches an
enchanting series that mystery readers will cherish’’

For more information and to book a place please contact Cheryl.hesketh@conwy.gov.uk, 01492 576141 or
Gaynor.l.jones@conwy.gov.uk, 01492 577506.

Is your business one of Wales' Hot 100?

The search is on to find Wales’ brightest entrepreneurs in the fifth Wales Hot 100 competition. Economic development relies on a steady stream of new firms to develop products, processes and services that become, in some instances, world-beaters.

The Western Mail, in association with the University of Glamorgan’s Business School, today launch their search for 100 young and ambitious companies.

The Hot 100 aims to identify some of the most exciting young ventures in Wales and celebrate entrepreneurship by identifying the fastest growing start-ups.

According to Wil Williams, Julie Gould and Andrew Crawley, who manage the Hot 100 survey for the Glamorgan Business School, this research is essential to fully understand the dynamic economic landscape of Wales today.

The Hot 100 is based on the fastest growing companies in Wales 2007–08 to 2008–09, measured by percentage increase in turnover.

To be eligible for this year’s Hot 100, your company must fulfil the following criteria:

Your business must be based in Wales
The business must have been founded after January 1, 2004
The founder(s) must be actively involved in daily operations of the business
Annual 2008–09 sales must have exceeded £100,000
The business must not have been included in the Hot 100 in the previous three years

Wil Williams, principal lecturer at the University of Glamorgan Business School said: "Glamorgan Business School views the Hot 100, along with the School’s support of the Top 300 survey, fundamental to the university’s engagement with the wider business community and in particular, high growth organisations."

“Supporting Welsh businesses and providing for their needs is at the heart of the University of Glamorgan’s Business School."

For a full list of the 100 for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, visit http://bus.glam.ac.uk/hot100/ You can also apply and download an application form at the site.

Please provide a copy of your latest financial statements to support these figures. Entries must be received no later than August 24, 2009.

Completed applications can be sent by post, faxed or emailed to: Julie Gould, University of Glamorgan Business School, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL; fax: 01443 482 380; tel: 01443 482 323

Get ready for the Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts

FINAL preparations are beginning made for the Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts to take place in Radnorshire's cultural capital over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Concerts, talks, composers in conversation, exhibitions, poetry readings, film, children's shows and guided walks, some for free, are among the 30 events this year. St Andrew's Church, Presteigne, is the hub and the jewel in the festival's crown, other performances take the festival out to the beautiful countryside of the surrounding Welsh Marches.

Outstanding Welsh musical polymath, Huw Watkins, is composer-in-residence and will take part in three events as concerto soloist, chamber music player and recital partner. His work is represented in a variety of orchestral, chamber and instrumental pieces.

Presteigne loves to celebrate important musical anniversaries and this year is the 70th birthday of John McCabe; Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe's 80th and it's also Haydn year. There's an amazing series of chamber and orchestral masterworks by composers like J S Bach, Bartók, Beethoven, Brahms, Britten, Françaix, Janácek, Martinu, Mathias, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Ravel, Schumann, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky.

The Presteigne Festival is well-known for its continuing commitment to the performance and promotion of contemporary music and has been regularly nominated, and in 2003 was short-listed for the annual Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards.

For the 2009 Festival, five of the UK's brightest composers have been commissioned to write new works: a saxophone concerto from Martin Butler, a piano concerto from Gabriel Jackson, a string quartet from Adrian Williams, a solo cello piece from David Matthews and a work for saxophone quartet from Steve Martland.

The Festival also premieres a new solo cello piece by David Knotts. Seven British composers have written piano miniatures to celebrate the 70th birthday of John McCabe and his connection with Haydn. They are James Francis Brown, Peter Fribbins, John Hawkins, David Matthews, Alan Mills, Matthew Taylor and Hugh Wood.

Other living composers whose work features at the 2009 Festival include Sally Beamish, Richard Rodney Bennett, Philip Cashian, Jonathan Dove, Robin Holloway, Nicola LeFanu, Colin Matthews, John McCabe, Cecilia McDowall, Steve Reich, Michael Torke and Ian Wilson.

The artist roster is very impressive indeed, and includes well-established musicians with an international reputation together with some wonderfully talented younger performers, including: the Carducci Quartet; James Gilchrist (tenor); Zephirus Saxophone Quartet; Gemma Rosefield (cello); Huw Watkins (piano); Richard Watkins (horn); Alexandra Wood (violin); Amy Dickson (saxophone); Gretel Dowdeswell (piano); Tom Hankey (violin); Catherine King (mezzo-soprano); Pippa Goss (soprano); Michael Bundy (baritone); The City of Canterbury Chamber Choir and the Presteigne Festival Orchestra - hand-picked from some of the UK's finest young professionals, conducted by Artistic Director, George Vass.

The Festival is taking place from August 27 to September 1 and is supported by Arts Council of Wales.

For a free brochure call the Box Office on 01544 267800 or find the full programme at: www.presteignefestival.com

Appeal after handbag thefts in Swansea

Police in Swansea are appealing for information following the theft of handbags in the Morriston area.

The victims, two 17-year-old women, were sitting on Maes yr Gwernen Road near the footbridge leading to Morriston Hospital at about 9.15pm on Wednesday August 12 when they were approached by two men.

Both victims had black handbags; one was on the ground, the other held in the victim's lap. The suspects engaged the women in conversation before one of them grabbed the handbag from the ground and ran off, the second man then grabbed the other bag, the victim tried to hold on to the bag but after a short struggle released her grip and the suspect ran off with the bag, both men made off across the footbridge in the direction of Morriston Hospital.

The suspects are described as follows;

The first male is white, approximately 21-years-old, 5’10" to 5’11" tall and of slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing black clothing and a black baseball cap and spoke with a local accent.

Male two is white, approximately 20-years-old, 5' 5" tall and of skinny build with a shaven head. He was wearing a black Reebok hooded top with black jogging bottoms and a pale blue baseball cap. He too spoke with a local accent.

The women were unhurt as a result of the incidents.

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the thefts or can assist in identifying the thieves to contact Police in Swansea on 01792 456 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Residential Permaculture Design Course

Coed Hills Rural Artspace
is hosting residential courses in Permaculture design from September 7 - 12 and September 14 - 19.

Coed Hills Rural Artspace is situated in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan, just eight miles west of Cardiff and packed with ancient history and breathtaking beaches. Starting as an artists' community a little over 10 years ago, sustainability and permaculture have become central to the shape of the community and its plans for the future. The residents try to live as lightly on the Earth as is possible. Site facilities include compost toilets, a solar shower, biomass underfloor heating, and a wetland ecosystem sewage treatment system. They also have a 100 acre woodland, a full size stone circle, sawmill, forge, and a very active green wood workshop with steambox and shire horse Brigan, who is being trained to tow logs out of the forest.

Coed Hills hosts many events including solstice and equinox festivals, the Triban Gathering (www.triban.org), a monthly Temescal Sweatlodge, sustainable weddings and workshops. Now the Residential Permaculture Design Course will become part of this rich mixture of events.

Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human habitats. The aim is to create systems that are suistainable in the long run; ecologically sound and economically viable and which do not exploit or pollute. Permaculture is rooted in an understanding of how natural systems work and draws its principles and guidance from nature’s ecosystems. Permaculture gardening and farming is about creating a cultivated ecology which is designed to produce more human and animal food than is generally found in nature. Permaculture is an eclectic but integrated design strategy which draws on a range of philosophies and ideas both from traditional practice and cutting edge new technologies.

The course will enable you to understand how to create integrated systems using permaculture principles. Course topics include:

Permaculture ethics and principles
Observation of outside and inside influences
Spatial zoning
Forest gardening
Edible landscaping
Secrets of the soil
Integrated pest management
Appropriate and renewable energy technologies including micro-hydro
Alternative economic systems
Sustainable building techniques including straw bale and cob
Permaculture design briefs are done in small groups towards the end of the course

Lead tutor: Michele Fitzsimmons - www.ediblelandscaping.co.uk

Guest lectures include:

Micro-hydro generation by Richard Drover
WET Wetland Ecosystem Treatment (as featured on The Archers) with “Tree-bog” Jay of Biologic design (www.biologicdesign.co.uk)
Forest Gardening, Grow Sheffield and the Abundance Project with Stephen Watts (see www.growsheffield.com for more info)
An introduction to the Transition Town concept with Dinky Kennedy
Introduction to Beekeeping and its importance within the natural eco-system with Charly Le Marchant

PRICE £350 / £425 including all meals and camping.
To reserve your place please download this form and email it to info@coedhills.co.uk.

For any further information please call Charly Le Marchant on 01446 774084, 07768 881157 or email info@coedhills.co.uk.

Free cookery courses from Be Healthy in Riverside

Be Healthy in Riverside is a healthy eating event at The Riverside Warehouse 56 Machen Place, Cardiff, CF11 6EQ on Thursday, August 20 from 2-6pm.

The event to help you get enjoying a healthy and tasty lifestyle includes:

Food demostrations (3-4pm)
Smoothie bike
Snack art
Interactive activities
Information stands
An opportunity to sign up for FREE Cooking Classes in the Autumn Term.

If you are interested in having a stand or contributing to the event then please get in touch with Cat Siviter, Community Food Coordinator, RCMA Social Enterprise Ltd, 22 Ninian Park Road, Riverside, Cardiff CF11 6JA.
Telephone: 029 2021 4723, Mobile: 0779 0437 665.

Bangor clean up combats nuissance behaviour

A summer clean up is underway in Bangor in a bid to rid an area around the church of litter and anti-social behaviour.

Led by local Community Beat Manager PC Richard Wynne, the grounds of St Mary’s Church are being transformed with the assistance of local people, community groups, organisations and businesses.

Once dense with foliage and litter, the Church grounds are getting a new look. Since Monday PC Wynne has seen help arriving from students at the Army Prep college, members of student organisation Love Bangor, the Probation Service and local people, who have all been getting their hands dirty removing undergrowth and litter and earning the thanks of Church Warden, Alwyn Williams.

“The week has gone extremely well,” said Mr Williams. “It’s made such a difference, it’s surprising – it’s much prettier here now."

“The response from local people, PC Wynne and the Sgt has been very good and they have assisted in every way they can,” he added.

Prior to the clean up, the ground around St Mary’s Church was an attraction drinkers and attendant anti-social behaviour. Now, with heavy undergrowth removed it’s hoped the area will be safer and more pleasant for all.

The work was co-ordinated by Sgt Bill Coppack, Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant for the Bangor area. It has seen Police Community Support Officers from the vicinity and police officers lending a hand – with some giving up their own time to further assist with the initiative.

Speaking about the work, PC Wynne said: “Everyone who has taken part has given a 110% - it’s been incredible. Local businesses have also been helping us out and to date three skips full of undergrowth have been removed – the majority of which has been turned into mulch and spread around the remaining plants that are here.”

“Fences still need to be painted so I’m appealing to anyone who is able to lend a hand to please get in touch or pop along and see us.”

He added: “On Friday it’s tools down and a BBQ has been organized as a big thank you for all who have taken part and made the area a much better and brighter place.”

Theft of HGV’s in Greenfield

NOTRH Wales Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information after three HGV's were stolen from Greenfield during the early hours of yesterday morning, Thursday, August 14.

Three vehicles, which police suspect were stolen, were sighted in the Deeside area by North Wales Police officers and followed to the Cheshire border. There was no pursuit or attempt to stop the vehicles.

Cheshire Police officers assisted North Wales Police in approaching the three HGV's at a car park on Parkgate Road, Ledsham near Ellesmere Port just before 01:30am.

One of the occupants of the HGV's attempted to make off from the officers on foot, and as he did so, one of the other HGV's collided with him.

As a result the man, who is a 34 year old from Liverpool, received injuries to his pelvis. He is currently hospitalised and his condition is described as stable. One HGV made off from the scene. The hospitalised man was arrested on suspicion of theft and remains under arrest.

Due to the proximity of the police at the time of the collision, the Independent Police Complaints Commission were notified as per normal procedure.

All three stolen vehicles were later recovered in the Ledsham area.

Enquiries are ongoing and officer are continuing to appeal for witnesses in relation to this incident, and in particular anyone who saw the HGV's in the North Wales/Ellesmere Port area around the time of the incident, 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 you can send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

2010 Ryder Cup - Accommodation Providers - Your chance to be involved

THE Ryder Cup is heading to Wales this year and the eyes of the golfing world will be on Celtic Manor Resort near Newport from September 27 to October 3 2010.

Visit Wales is working to ensure that as many accommodation providers as possible around the Celtic Manor Resort are able to take full advantage of the exposure to and are appealing for businesses to supply fully updated accommodation and availability details to local Tourist Information Centres.

They have created a specific listing for those businesses that can provide accommodation within a relevant travelling distance to the Celtic Manor Resort. This listing will be made available to potential visitors through the Visit Wales website – www.visitwales.com as well as through the Visit Wales golf gateway – www.golfasitshouldbe.com

Other businesses interested in working with Visit Wales for The Ryder Cup can complete this short online accommodation listing form. Once submitted, Visit Wales will contact you with further details and a request for confirmation of your intention to participate in this accommodation scheme.

For further information please contact: Michael Price on 029 2047 5331 or e-mail: michael.price@wales.gsi.gov.uk, or Clare Dwight on 029 2047 5364 or e-mail: clare.dwight@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Gwynedd recognised for quality of support for Councillors

Gwynedd residents can be assured that their county councillors are in the best possible position to serve them.

Gwynedd Council has recently received confirmation that it has secured the Welsh Local Government Association’s (WLGA) prestigious Member Development Charter.

Gwynedd is the first council in north-west Wales to secure the status which recognises the quality of the support and development provided to councillors.

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said:

“Gwynedd Council is proud to receive national recognition for the excellent level of support and development provided to our councillors. Securing the Charter status is recognition of Gwynedd Council’s commitment to member support and development.

“With ever-increasing responsibilities and expectations on county councillors, securing effective development and support services is key so that we can ensure that we can all do our best for Gwynedd’s residents. The WLGA Charter acknowledges that here in Gwynedd, new and more experienced councillors can rely on quality support so that we can do our job properly.”

The confirmation that Gwynedd council has achieved Member Development Charter status follows a comprehensive assessment by the WLGA.

Dilys Phillips, head of Gwynedd Council’s Democracy and Legal Department added:

“Modern councillors face increasing challenges with heightened expectations on them to carry out a range of roles, both within Council committees as well as leaders within their communities.

“That is why Gwynedd Council is striving to provide the best possible support for councillors so that we can help them to meet these challenges. Our aim now is to build on this achievement so that we can continue to improve the provision for Gwynedd’s Councillors.“

Gwynedd Council will officially receive the WLGA’s Member Development Charter later this year at the annual Welsh Member Development Conference.

Cantata2 project starts in Denbighshire

To be launched officially in October 2009, the Cantata2 project is already underway in its five partner regions – Denbighshire in North Wales, Shannon in the West of Ireland, Galicia in Northern Spain, Poher in Northwest France, and Montemor- O-Velho in Western Portugal.

Cantata started as a 3-year project in 2005, led by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of helping the tourism trade across the county to develop and increase sustainability, extend the average visitor stay and increase repeat visits. The successful delivery of this project paved the way for another EU grant and the second phase of the project.

Cantata2 provides the next step from the research and business workshops that were established in the first project.

This time around, the project aims to help tourism businesses to network and promote themselves with the use of digital technology and new media, such as social networking sites and digital downloads, as well as developing innovative new products and exploring new routes to market.

The Cantata project officer for Denbighshire is currently conducting a survey with tourism businesses across the county to see how the recent shift in the economy is affecting their trade. Feedback from this will help shape the projects actions.

Cantata2’s Coordination Team are producing a quarterly e-newsletter and upgrading the project website, www.cantata.eu.com to keep everyone updated with news and progress. Both will be ready in September 2009.

If you would like to know more about Cantata2 in the meantime, or join the mailing list, please contact the team on 01824 708114 / 8086, email cantata@denbighshire.gov.uk

This project is Co-financed with the support of the European Union ERDF - Atlantic Area Programme - Investing in our common future.

Time is Running Short to Enter Short Fiction Award

We know that this is a story we have covered before. See Calling Welsh Writers, but this is just a reminder for all you budding writers out there.

The 2009 Rhys Davies Short Story Competition could be your big chance to make your mark on the Welsh literary scene and get your hands on the First Prize of £1000 for your short fiction. A further ten equal runner-up prizes of £100 will also be awarded. Plus, the 2009 competition sees Academi continuing to work with BBC Radio Wales with the aim of broadcasting a selection of the winning stories on Radio Wales and Radio 4.

However, time is running out and there are now only a few weeks left until the closing date on Tuesday 1 September 2009. So, if you are a short story writer and think you have what it takes to win £1000 then send us your stories now.
The hard task of judging the competition is down to eminent writers Niall Griffiths, Stevie Davies and filter judge Jon Gower.

The competition, which is judged anonymously, is open to all writers born in or currently living in Wales. Your story can be in any style and on any subject. However, it must be no more than 2,500 words in length, previously unpublished, in English and not a translation of another author’s work. Entry fee is £6.00 per story.

You only have until Tuesday 1 September 2009 to enter your prize-winning story.

Don’t lose any time in entering your short story - visit the Academi website www.academi.org/rhysdavies/ to download the entry form in seconds.

Or to receive a hard copy of the entry form send a stamped self-addressed envelope to:

Rhys Davies 2009 Entry Form
Academi,
Mount Stuart House
Mount Stuart Square
Cardiff CF10 5FQ

Click Here for more information on Rhys Davies

Welsh artists take the lead in race for Olympiad commissions

Wingless birds, Luminous Landscapes, 24 hour houses, five radio beacons and five interlinked forests -these are all exciting proposals by Welsh artists for an ambitious nationwide project.

Arts Council of Wales announced today the Welsh shortlist for Artists taking the lead, one of the most wide ranging art commissions in the UK, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

From a UK wide shortlist of 60, 12 commissions totalling £5.4million will be awarded to create 12 new works of art across the country to celebrate London 2012; one in each of the nine English regions, and in the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For the Wales project, 5 projects have been shortlisted for the next stage, ranging from the spectacular to the eccentric and including proposals by some leading names in Welsh art.

The shortlisted projects are:

Five Point Reference -Artist, Kieran Evans in collaboration with Writer, Robin Turner, propose a multi platform, cross discipline concept that will engage people with the landscapes of Wales. Five separate, small radio beacons will be set up across key points in Wales which will transmit low frequency radio signals, the furthest reach of which will invisibly form the five Olympic rings.
Luminous Landscapes -A series of site specific sound and light installations around Wales that explore the iconic nature of Welsh buildings and landmarks by artist, Simon Fenoulhet, in collaboration with composer, John Hardy.
The Annular Forests - Artist, Andy Hazell, proposes creating five annular, interlinked forests on the uplands of Mid-Wales. Each of the ring forests will correlate to each of the continents, planted with different, distinct species and tiered so they present a unique face whatever the season.
The 24hour house -four separate 'houses' in different and varied locations in Wales from Cardiff to rural Anglesey will be created by artists, Heather and Ivan Morison. A team of interested locals and professionals would assist with the planning and build of each structure using local materials and skills specific to the area. This project is inspired by the 17th-19th century 'Tŷ un nos' tradition in Wales.
Adain Avion -an extraordinary wingless 'bird' which is the fuselage of a DC9 aeroplane transformed into a mobile art space which will travel across Wales. Curated by dance artist, Marc Rees, Adain Avion will visit four Welsh towns drawing inspiration from each distinct location, collaborating closely with local communities.

Artists were challenged to submit their ideas for the twelve commissions between 19 March and 29 May 2009, in which time a total of 2163 submissions were received across the UK. Independent panels of artists and producers in each nation and region then judged each of the applications and arrived at their shortlist.

Barbara Follett, Minister for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism said:

"This remarkable shortlist shows the breadth of artistic talent we have in the United Kingdom and how many people have been inspired to make their mark for London 2012. Through Artists taking the lead, every part of the country will get a new and exciting artwork which combines the sporting and cultural spirit of the 2012 Games."

The shortlisted artists in Wales will each receive a development grant of £3,000 to turn their initial proposals into worked up proposals. They will present these to the artist panels in late September, who will then decide on the final commission, due to be announced in October 2009.

The twelve UK wide successful commissions will be developed across 2010 and 2011 in close collaboration with local communities. All twelve will take part in a final unifying celebration, prior to the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

David Alston, Arts Director for Arts Council of Wales commented on the Welsh shortlist:

"There was a fantastic array of ideas put forward for the Wales Artists Taking the Lead commission. Our artists' panel had a difficult job to tease out the five shortlisted projects - but it was an engaging task and the five all have dramatic and involving potential."

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe added:

"I'm thrilled with the calibre of this shortlist. We want the Cultural Olympiad to bring art and sport together, inspiring and unlocking creativity and talent all round the country, and these projects do exactly that."

For further information see www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk

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