Awards for Barry young film makers

A team of young film makers from Barry Comprehensive School have lifted a top award.

The students’ success came in the best regional film (Vale of Glamorgan) category of this year’s media4schools film awards, sponsored by Sony UK.


The group, whose film was entitled Year Seven Cross Country, were George Crowther, Sam Adamson and Jack Williams (Year 12) and Alex Parker (Year 9).

They received their award from Vale of Glamorgan councillor Tony Hampton, the cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, who is also a Barry Comprehensive School governor. He said: "I was delighted to present the talented lads with a prize and certificate. It was also great that they had the opportunity to see their production on a big screen."

Now in their sixth year, the awards are a culmination of all the hard work schools put into their films and a great way of showcasing the talents of the budding film makers.

Schools from across South Wales competed to scoop top prizes in categories such as best edited film, best animation and the coveted best overall film.

Based in Cardiff, media4schools is a vocational learning-based media training initiative, which introduces a combination of TV programme production and enterprise for primary and secondary schools.

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TV's Lucy gets helping hand

TV presenter Lucy Owen turned to the Wales rugby squad for help after suffering an injury training for her Children in Need dancing debut on BBC Wales.

Lucy, who hosts the X Ray current affairs programme with her husband, Rhodri, pulled a muscle in her back during the final stages of preparations for the Strictly Come Dancing style competition.

With hours to go before her TV spot Lucy called on the Wales Team Physiotherapist Mark Davies to help her recover in time for the Friday night show.

Mark instantly agreed to treat her injury and eased her pain enough to face the cameras at the Millennium Centre in a competition against rival BBC Wales presenter teams in the charity special.

Lucy turned up at the Millennium Stadium and waited for the full Wales squad to finish their final run out before the Saturday international against Argentina.

When the team had left the changing room to return to their Vale Resort Hotel base Mark stayed on to assess Lucy’s problem and help with treatment and advice.

Lucy said:”Mark was absolutely great and I want to thank him and the Welsh Rugby Union for helping me in my hour of need.

“I was a bit taken aback when Mark warned me I might have to “dig in” and accept some pain when I danced but my injury was a lot easier after he located the trouble spot and treated the cause of the problem.

“I asked him if he was used to dealing with bigger injuries when he treated the players and I must say he did smile at that.

“I have always been a Wales rugby fan but I will cheer them on that extra bit louder in future for the way I was helped out.”

Some tickets from a starting price of £25 are still available for the match between Wales and Argentina which kicks off at the Millennium Stadium at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets are on sale from all the usual outlets including the Cardiff Arms store and visitor centre in Westgate Street near ground entrance 3. which opens at 9am on matchday

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Pobol y Cwm shortlisted for award

Soap opera Pobol y Cwm, produced by BBC Cymru Wales and broadcast on S4C, has been shortlisted at this year’s Mental Health Media Awards. It is up against EastEnders, Doctors, and Hollyoaks in the Soap and Continual TV Drama category.

The nomination is for a storyline in which single mother Nesta, played by Catrin Mara, suffered from post-natal depression.

The Mental Health Media Awards celebrate the best portrayal of mental distress and reporting of mental health in broadcast media and cover a wide range of programmes, including radio and television documentary and drama, young people's media, news and soaps.

According to Series Producer Ynyr Williams:

“It is especially important for us to depict real life and responsibly reflect the true nature of mental health.

“This nomination is a great recognition for Pobol y Cwm and we are very happy to be in such esteemed company.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Tuesday, November 24.

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Pudsey to attack Chiles in Swansea live on TV

Primetime BBC TV programme The One Show will broadcast live from Swansea's Waterfront Winterland later this week.

Anchor presenter Adrian Chiles will be at the attraction on Thursday November 19 between 7pm and 7.30pm when he will attempt to avoid being sponged by Pudsey and some young helpers as part of a special stunt for Children in Need.

One Show viewers are being asked this week to vote for either Adrian or co-presenter Christine Bleakley to be splatted. Christine will be based in Belfast on the night and the presenter who receives the least votes will go ice-skating instead of getting soaked.

Swansea Council is behind Waterfront Winterland.

Frances Jenkins, Swansea Council's Strategic Manager for Tourism, Marketing and Events, said: "Waterfront Winterland is a fantastic event and a real landmark in Swansea's festive celebrations.

"We're thrilled to help the One Show raise money for Children in Need and we'd like to invite local children to the event on Thursday to watch and help Adrian Chiles win his challenge.

"We're hoping for a great turnout."

Waterfront Winterland opened on Sunday for the fourth consecutive year.

The attraction is back in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum with regular highlights including ice-skating, the Admiral Giant Wheel, Santa's Grotto, a festive funfair, live entertainment and food.

New additions to the event for 2009 include Rocky's Rink- the only children's ice rink in Wales- as well as an undercover spectator area and a new Chair-o-Plane ride.

Ice-skating tickets are now available at www.waterfrontwinterland.com
or from Swansea Tourist Information Centre on 01792 637300.

Waterfront Winterland is kindly supported by Admiral, Swansea Council's Road Safety Team, Swansea Sound and the Wave, Royal Mail and the National Waterfront Museum.

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TV viewers invited to share views on S4C and learn more about digital switchover

TV viewers in the Moel y Parc transmitter area in north east Wales are invited to share their views on S4C and learn more about digital switchover at an S4C event held in Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, tonight, Tuesday, 17 November at 7.00pm.

Hosted by S4C Chairman, John Walter Jones, and attended by Director of Commissioning, Rhian Gibson and Director of Communications, Garffild Lloyd Lewis, the Viewers’ Evening is part of S4C’s digital switchover communications campaign.

Similar events have been held in Carmarthen and most recently, Anglesey. S4C’s On With the Show circus skills roadshows will also visit Denbigh on 21 November and Wrexham on 22 November. For further information go to s4c.co.uk/digital or call the S4C Viewers’ Hotline on 0870 6004141.

The Mold Viewers’ Evening takes place as S4C’s autumn schedule continues. As well as regulars such as gardening programme Byw yn yr Ardd and hymn-singing series Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol, new series include a competition to find Wales’ best farmer in Fferm Ffactor, and new drama, Blodau, set in Llandudno.

S4C Chairman, John Walter Jones, said: “We’re extending a warm welcome to people to come along to express their views and ask any questions about S4C or digital switchover, which has already started in the area.

“With so many major changes taking place, along with S4C’s exciting autumn programme line-up, there’ll be plenty to discuss. We look forward to meeting viewers face-to-face.”

For further details, please telephone 01352 754212 or email nosongwylwyr@s4c.co.uk

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S4C's digital switchover campaign scoops award

S4C has scooped a top award at the UK's biggest television promotion and marketing event.

In the Promax 2009 Awards, the Channel won the silver award in the Best Press/Public Relations Campaign category with On with the Show, its communications campaign about digital switchover in Wales.

S4C’s On with the Show campaign lasts until March 2010. The campaign has included circus shows, workshops, trailers and press and media relations activity.

JM Creative and Working Word Public Relations Ltd. have led the On with the Show campaign, after winning in open competition the tender to provide S4C’s digital switchover communications campaign.

Garffild Lloyd Lewis, S4C’s Director of Communications, said, “This award recognises the commitment of both the On with the Show and S4C communications teams, who have worked closely to communicate the messages about digital switchover to viewers. Congratulations to all.”

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Documentary film and animation work screened at Brighton Student Film Festival Awards

The Department of Film and Media at Lampeter University is delighted to hear that that work by its Media Production students has been chosen for screening at the Student Film Festival Awards in Brighton, which run from 13 - 15 November 2009.

Commenting on the announcement, Trevor Harris, Course Leader in Media Production, noted, "This is the first year that work has been entered by the Department into a film festival outside of Wales, which makes this recognition even more impressive. Work had been entered into two categories, documentary film and animation, with two entries for each award. It is fantastic that all four of the entries have been selected for screening."

The documentary work that is being screened includes OCD: a hidden illness by recent graduate Ashley Williams, currently working as the Media Producer at Northampton Football Club, and Carers: a secret service, a film by current MA students. Each film has already had significant recognition, with Ashley having been a finalist at Ffresh 2009, whilst the Carer film has the distinction of being the subject of an Early Day Motion in Parliament!

The animation category includes two pieces from Lampeter, both involving Cathrin Howells, who is currently studying an MA Media Production course. Her experimental work with animation and light writing has been used to great effect in a full length music video for the artist Mikal and his You're the one track. The second piece is Cathrin's delightful experiment in characterisation using light, creating a magical encounter with Tinkerbell.

MA Media Production student Richard Jackson collaborated on the Carers: a secret service film and also with Cathrin Howells on the MIKAL video. Both Richard and Cathrin were also involved in the team that produced the carers film. Along with Helena Park and Chris Carbin, Richard is attending the festival and running a publicity stand at the event on behalf of the university. We wish all of our student the best of luck at the festival!

For more info about Media Production contact:
Trevor Harris, Department of Film and Media, University of Wales, Lampeter, College Street, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7ED. Tel: 01570 424781

Photograph: A still from Ashley Williams' OCD: a hidden illness documentary

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Coffee on the radio in Rhondda

Community radio station Rhondda Radio is back on the airwaves – and local people turned out in Treherbert to celebrate.

South Wales singer/songwriter Mal Pope (pictured) took the chair as guest presenter on the first day of broadcasting at the radio station, and had an opportunity to talk about his new musical, Cappuccino Girls. The show will be performed at the Park and Dare Theatre, Treorchy, from Wednesday November 18 to Friday, November 20, 2009, with a matinee performance on Thursday, November 19 at 2pm.

The musical tells the story of three women and is described as ‘Friends meets Sex and the City set to a fabulous score’. Costumes have been designed by David Emanuel and the set is by Edward Thomas, production designer of Doctor Who and Torchwood.

Tickets for Cappuccino Girls are priced from £12.50-£15.50, available from the Park and Dare Theatre by calling 01443 773112

For more information, go to www.cappuccinogirls.com and www.rct-arts.co.uk

Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: "I am pleased that community radio is alive and well in the Rhondda. We are fortunate to have a wealth of culture on offer on our doorstep, from local radio to performances at the Park and Dare such as Cappuccino Girls."

Sharon Morris, outreach worker for Rhondda Radio, said: "The launch day at the station was fabulous and the response from the local community has been fantastic. We are community-run and have to fund ourselves, so we are holding a fundraising night on November 25 at Ynyswen Hall with cabaret artist Johnny Bevan. All are welcome."

Leighton Andrews AM joined local residents at the launch of the station based in Bute Street, Treherbert. Listeners in the Valleys can tune in to Rhondda Radio on 87.8 FM For more information, go to www.rhonddaradio.com

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Adam helps digital switchover

Ahead of Wales' clash against Samoa, Wales prop Adam Jones took time out of his injury rehab to highlight the help available for older and disabled people to make the switch to digital - and safeguard their Friday night rugby viewing.

As switchover approaches in south Wales, the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme engaged the services of Jones to help spread the message about the practical support that is available for people to convert to digital TV.

The 56-times capped tight head prop, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the British and Irish Lions’ second Test against South Africa in the summer, visited the home of Help Scheme customer and life-long rugby supporter Howard Holland, from Treforest, Pontypridd.

Mr Holland recently took up the standard offer of help to make the change to digital on one of his TV sets with a Freeview digital box. He said: “When the Help Scheme information pack arrived in the post it was a big relief as I had been quite worried about what I needed to do and didn’t know who to ask.

“When I called the Help Scheme they were very patient and explained everything to me and didn’t seem to mind when I asked lots of questions.

“In no time at all my new Freeview box was being installed and ever since I’ve been able to watch lots of new programmes, but best of all, I don’t have to miss out on the rugby!”

Adam Jones agreed to be an ambassador for the Help Scheme because he knows that older and disabled people might need a little help with this change. He said:

“Digital switchover is coming, and if someone is not ready on the 3 March next year, they will wake up to a blank TV screen.

“It’s important that we all spread the message to our friends, family and neighbours that there is help available for people like Howard to switch to digital with the Help Scheme.

“I’m sure a lot people wouldn’t want to miss out on their Friday night rugby! We can all make sure this doesn’t happen, and I’m delighted to be able to do my bit to tell people about this practical support.”

People living in parts of Cardiff, Newport and South East Wales served by the Wenvoe transmitter will begin to switch on 3 March 2010.

In the run-up to Switchover, eligible people in south Wales are being sent a Help Scheme information pack which clearly explains the help that is available for them to convert to digital with the Scheme.

Details about how to apply, an explanation of all of the available options and their prices, are clearly set out in the information pack that eligible people receive in the post. People need to respond to get the help.

People are eligible for the Help Scheme if:

• They are aged 75 or over; or
• They have lived in a care home for six months or more; or
• They get (or could get) disability living allowance, or attendance or constant attendance allowance, or mobility supplement; or
• They are registered blind or partially sighted.

Most eligible people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard offer of help which in Wales is Freeview. For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance and employment and support allowance, it’s free.

Completed information pack forms can be returned to the Help Scheme, but to make it even easier to apply, eligible people can call the Help Scheme free on 0800 408 7654 or 0800 40 85 905 if they need help in Welsh.

In addition, any eligible person who needs help to apply can nominate someone else to complete their form for them.

The Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government and has been specially designed around the needs of older and disabled people. Equipment has been specifically chosen for ease of use and the Help Scheme contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people. All installers have undertaken Criminal Records Bureau checks, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.

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S4C climbing documentary reaches new heights

An emotionally-charged S4C documentary about the brilliant young rock climber, Ioan Doyle, has scooped another major award - this time at the Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival in Germany.

Dringo i'r Eitha' (Climbing to the Limits), a programme in the Wynebau Newydd series first broadcast last year, won the top prize in the 'Mountain Experience' category at the 7th Tegernsee festival.

It follows other major awards, including the prestigious Spirit of the Festival award at this year's Celtic Media Festival, both The Special Jury Award and The Slovenian National Television Award at the 2009 International Mountain Film Festival held in Domzale, Slovenia and the Camera Alpine Gold Award at the Graz Film Festival in Austria.

The film was directed by Llanberis-based filmmaker and climber Alun Hughes for production company Cwmni Da and portrays climber Ioan Doyle as he tackles his most challenging climbs yet during his first summer of real rock climbing.

Dringo i'r Eitha' follows Ioan, 16 at the time, from Bethesda, Gwynedd, as he tackles extreme climbs in Snowdonia, and then his first 8a sports climb in Kalymnos, Greece, whose technical difficulty is only mastered by a small elite of climbers; finally we see him on the big walls of Yosemite Valley, California, USA.

Producer Ifor ap Glyn of Cwmni Da, said, “Alun's own excellence as a climber means he can get stunning shots that others can only dream of. However, he is also a sensitive observational documentary maker and it's this combination of talents that has made Dringo i'r Eitha such a success.”

The programme also gives a vivid portrayal of Ioan's mother Catrin, who has to cope with her own fears as her son's ever-soaring ambition as a climber leads him to tackle ever more challenging climbs. The programme also features Ioan's climbing partner, Malcolm ‘Mills’ Davies, who remarkably has a fear of heights.

The jury at Tegernsee Festival said: "Dringo i'r Eitha' distinguishes itself from other climbing films in that it points at realities far beyond sportive exploits. The film inquires into the motivation of young mountaineers. The result is a gripping and very personal portrait."

S4C's Director of Commissioning, Rhian Gibson said: "We are delighted that the documentary film Dringo i'r Eitha has enjoyed further success at this major international mountain festival. The programme reflects S4C's benchmark of quality in documentary programming and combines a powerful human interest story with striking filming to produce an unforgettable programme. We congratulate everyone involved in the production."

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BBC Cymru Wales appoints Elis Owen as Head of Commissioning

BBC Cymru Wales has appointed Elis Owen as its new Head of Commissioning.

In the new role, Mr Owen – who is widely acknowledged as one of Wales' most experienced broadcast professionals – will take overall responsibility for the commissioning of all English language output across all genres on BBC One Wales and BBC Two Wales, and related online content.

The role will build on recent ground-breaking successes such as Coal House to develop BBC Wales' editorial and audience strategy.

Elis Owen was National Director of ITV Wales until his departure earlier this year, having previously been Managing Director and Director of Programmes of HTV Wales.

Originally from Llanelli, he began his career in print journalism, before moving into broadcasting.

He will join BBC Wales at the end of November 2009.

During his time at HTV he built an impressive programme-making portfolio, including award-winning current affairs series Wales This Week and documentary programmes such as Your Century, as well as producing Welsh language ITV Wales programmes for S4C.

He was also responsible for commissioning in-house and independent producers across all genres for ITV1 Wales.

Announcing the appointment, BBC Wales Head of English Language Programmes Clare Hudson said: "Elis' track record as a programme-maker, commissioner and champion of English language television in Wales is second to none.

"His experience of serving audiences with programmes which engage them and which illuminate the changing face of our communities will be invaluable to BBC Wales in the exciting and challenging period which lies ahead of us."

Elis Owen said: "I very much look forward to the challenge of commissioning for BBC Wales and hope to build on the many successful programmes they have produced over the last few years.

"It is important that there is strong English language programming on BBC Wales at a time of great change and challenge for broadcasting."

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Denbigh composer wins 2009 Llangollen Carol Competition

Christmas has come early for one man from Denbigh after his carol won the annual S4C Llangollen Carol competition.

Ynyr Llwyd, a 21 year-old student from Prion, won the competition with his carol Cariad Mam, a tender lullaby sung by Mary to the baby Jesus. Ynyr shares the £1,000 prize with his father Eifion Lloyd Jones, who co-wrote the words for the carol.

There is a different feel to the carol, as Ynyr, who’s studying composition as a post-graduate student at Bangor University, explains.

“I’ve tried to give Cariad Mam a different sound to a conventional Christmas carol – with an acoustic guitar accompanying the verses and an orchestral feel to the powerful choruses.

“This wasn’t the first time for me to try the competition. I tried twice while at school, which makes winning even more satisfying, as I’ve kept at it and tried again.”

The carol will be performed at the Thousand Christmas Voices concert at the world-famous Llangollen International Pavilion on 13 December. The Daily Post-sponsored concert will be broadcast on S4C over the festive period.

The star-studded line-up for the annual event includes Mark Evans, a finalist in the competition Your Country Needs You, and Aberystwyth soprano, Gwawr Edwards, who is currently on tour with Only Men Aloud! Anglesey singer Elin Fflur and Meirionnydd choir, Côr Godre’r Aran will also perform on the night. Alwyn Humphreys will be conducting the singing on this special occasion, with Branwen Gwyn and Robin Jones presenting the evening.

Ynyr will release a CD at the end of the year called ‘Rhwng Gwyn a Du’.

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What to watch: Scrum V Live - Wales v Samoa

SCRUM V LIVE: WALES V SAMOA
Friday, November 13, BBC TWO Wales, 7pm
Y CLWB RYGBI RHYNGWLADOL: CYMRU V SAMOA
Friday, November 13, BBC Wales on S4C, 7.10pm
SCRUM V RADIO LIVE
Friday, November 13, BBC Radio Wales, 7pm
RYGBI: CYMRU V SAMOA
Friday, November 13, BBC Radio Cymru, 7.15pm
bbc.co.uk/scrumv

Warren Gatland will rotate his squad for what should be Wales’s easiest match in this year’s Autumn internationals series on Friday, November 13. However the Samoans will, as always, provide a very physical challenge.

Live and exclusive coverage of the game can be seen on BBC TWO Wales in Scrum V Live: Wales v Samoa from 7pm. Gareth Lewis is joined in the studio by Ieuan Evans, Mike Hall and Justin Marshall. Commentary on the game is from Gareth Charles and Jonathan Davies. Digital viewers can press red for extra commentaries including Welsh and the Fan Scene when the game is in play.

There’s also full coverage of the game on BBC Wales on S4C in Y Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol: Cymru v Samoa from 7.10pm. BBC Radio Wales will have live build up and commentary on the game live from the Millennium Stadium in Scrum V Radio Live from 7pm. And on BBC Radio Cymru coverage can be heard in Rygbi: Cymru v Samoa with Cennydd Davies and Emyr Lewis.

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Remembering Wynford

A North Pembrokeshire coastal town is to remember a much loved Welsh broadcaster this month.

Fishguard will play host to a celebration of the life and work of its adopted son Wynford Vaughan-Thomas on November 27th.

Family, friends and former colleagues will gather at Fishguard Library for an all-day celebration that will include some of his most famous broadcasts, programmes and tales.

Among them will be unforgettable live broadcasts from a bombing raid over Berlin as well as episodes of his memorable television history of Wales - The Dragon has Two Tongues.

"Wynford Vaughan-Thomas was one of TV and radio's first great characters. The Swansea boy who, like his friend Dylan Thomas, had the gift of talk," said Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Culture.

"Fortunately for him - and for us - he discovered the media, which was the perfect pace for him to use his gifts.

"He was the ultimate story teller who helped bring the tale of Wales to the wider world."

Born in 1908 Wynford Vaughan-Thomas joined the BBC in the mid 1930s and often commentated on major state occasions. His reputation was firmly established during the Second World War with his reports from a bombing raid over Berlin, from Anzio and from Belsen concentration camp.

Leaving the corporation in 1967 he became a founder of Harlech TV (now ITV Wales) and also wrote many books on Wales and the countryside.

In later life he came to live in Fishguard and died in the town in 1987.

The highlight of the celebration later this month will be Remembering Wynford where the public can join his son David, TV director Colin Thomas, broadcaster Emyr Daniel and others as they recall the man and replay his contribution to radio, TV and publishing.

The day will also include three episodes from the classic TV history of Wales - The Dragon has Two Tongues, which will be shown at 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. Entry is free.

Remembering Wynford takes place at 7.30pm and is also free if booked in advance, or £3 on the door.

To book a place ring Fishguard Library on 01437 776638 or contact wendy.davies@pembrokehsire.gov.uk.

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Pobol y Cwm nominated for Stonewall award

Welsh language soap opera Pobol y Cwm, broadcast on S4C and produced by BBC Cymru, has been shortlisted at this year’s Stonewall Awards.

The soap, which celebrates its 35th birthday this year, has been nominated in the Broadcast of the Year category for its positive portrayal of gay characters, Iolo, played by Dyfan Rees and Gwyneth, played by Llinor ap Gwynedd.

The fourth Stonewall awards ceremony, an annual fixture in the gay and lesbian calendar, takes place at the V & A Museum in London on Thursday, 5 November and is hosted by television personality Gok Wan.

S4C’s daily magazine series Wedi 7 will report from the red carpet at 7.00pm on Thursday , where Dyfan Rees, Llinor ap Gwynedd and Pobol y Cwm associate producer Llŷr Morus will be interviewed.

Ynyr Williams, series producer says: “We’re privileged that Pobol y Cwm has had this recognition from Stonewall. We continuously strive to ensure that gay and lesbian people are represented fairly within the television industry in Wales.”

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Social networking bilingually

Welsh speakers in Wrexham can now follow tweets bilingually after Wrexham Council launched Twitter pages in both English and Welsh.

The pages offer residents the opportunity to keep up to date with information including the latest job vacancies and news. Residents can also keep an eye on food hygiene inspections by being informed about the latest scores.

They have also launched bilingual Council Facebook pages alongside their latest campaign for this year's Christmas events giving everyone a chance to see what’s on in the lead up to Christmas.

The council also has a presence on Flickr, and is encouraging everyone to post their snaps of Wrexham County Borough.

There's already quite a selection of photographs of local scenes and officers have been so impressed they are considering using the site to choose a photo for either the Council's Christmas card or even the front page of the residents magazine Connect.

The council started using social networking sites in July when it promoted its summer events on Facebook. The page proved popular and it was decided to increase the information available and, of course, give Welsh speakers the opportunity to access the information in Welsh in line with the Council's Welsh Language Policy.

Councillor Rodney Skelland, Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Governance, said:

"Wrexham Council is committed to promoting the Welsh language and to improving access to its services. We have to look at all possible means of communicating and use all avenues available to us. The move to social networking shows how we are willing to use less traditional routes to ensure we reach as many people as possible.

Dave Hylands, Chief Information Systems Officer, said:

"We have a duty to ensure that all residents can access our services. Our presence on Facebook and Twitter compliments our web site and allows a bigger audience to find out what's going on in Wrexham. We are also looking at using the images from Flickr in future Council publications and the website."

For more information about Social Networking at Wrexham Council, please see wrexham.gov.uk/socialnetworking.

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What to watch: Hidden Histories

This week Hidden Histories (Tuesday, November 10, BBC TWO Wales) reveals the quarry-surveying robots at the foot of Snowdon, how the fish traps of ancient coastal communities in Fishguard are revealing important discoveries about climate change, and an exploration into the work of architect Herbert North whose designs gave many buildings in Snowdonia a distinctive Welsh flare.

Hi-tech meets history as the most detailed survey ever undertaken into the historic Vivien quarry at the foot of Snowdon in north Wales is well underway. Using specially designed robots and laser scanning technology, they gain astonishing never-seen-before 3D views of the quarry.

Aerial photographs above Fishguard on the Pembrokeshire Coast reveal a hidden fishtrap which has been lost for over 60 years. Deena Groom from The Royal Commission looks into the dramatic changes to the sea level of the fishtrap, offering an astonishing glimpse into the impact of climate change on coastal archaeology around Wales today.

Herbert North was arguably the first to bring an individual Welsh style to architecture. Inspired by traditional architecture styles in north Wales and the arts and crafts movement, he spread his artistic flare on the houses and buildings across Snowdonia. His unconventional and often quirky approach is still evident in the designs of the houses and chapels across the landscape today, as architect Adam Voelker looks into his legacy and distinctive style.

Tuesday, November 10, BBC TWO Wales, 7.30pm

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What to watch: Hotel Stephanie

In the next instalment of Hotel Stephanie (Monday, November 9, BBC ONE Wales) the cameras are once again hot on the heels of north Wales business woman Stephanie Booth as she attempts to weather the storm of the current recession, keep her businesses afloat, boost the tourism industry in Llangollen and make the area an unmitigated success.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Stephanie is determined to turn around the area’s fortunes. “It’s a community and it’s made much more successful if we all work together. If everyone works together, everyone benefits,” she says.

After her gender reassignment surgery 26 years ago, Stephanie was shunned by family, friends and society. She was also forced from her job as a top level executive. It’s these past experiences that have shaped her life and made her the person she is today.

In tonight’s episode viewers will follow her as she mediates a dispute between two local traders, deals with one of her hotel managers who isn’t performing, organises a VIP dinner for 50 people and has an entertaining evening with the reported ghosts and ghouls of Bodidris Hall.

Hotel Stephanie is a Mentorn Cymru in association with Chwarel production for BBC Cymru Wales.

HOTEL STEPHANIE
Monday, November 9, BBC ONE Wales, 10.35pm
bbc.co.uk/wales

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COW goes from computer screen to TV

Television viewers in Wales can find out exactly what all the fuss has been about when ‘Cow’, the short ‘anti texting when driving’ film makes its TV premiere on BBC2 at 10pm on Monday night (November 2).

The phenomenal online success of the film (7.5 million viewings so far) has attracted interest from all over the world with hundreds of requests for full length copies of the hard hitting production being received by Gwent Police.

As a result of this demand Gwent Police Authority in partnership with the International Film School at the University of Wales, Newport, have established a new, not for profit organisation called The Gwent Independent Film Trust (GIFT). Using any income generated from the success of Cow the new trust will commission crime prevention educational films and award bursaries to young film makers.

Gwent Police Chief Constable Mick Giannasi commented:

"I'm delighted that the people of Wales will have the opportunity to view 'Cow' in its entirety on Monday evening. The clips which many people have seen on the intranet are only part of a hugely impactive film which is designed to entertain whilst sending out a powerful message to people, young and old about the tragic and life changing consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving.

The selfless hard work and dedication of the director, the production staff, the actors and all those who provided their support to this venture has created a unique film which has caught the imagination of millions of people around the world.

The establishment of The Gwent Independent Film Trust on the back of the film’s success is an exiting development and will provide the film makers of tomorrow with an opportunity to create their own blockbusters.”

Professor Stephen Hagen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Wales, Newport added:

"The University of Wales, Newport is proud of the major artistic and creative involvement in the production of COW by its former and current students and, of course, the film's Director, Peter Watkins Hughes, a Senior Lecturer at the University. This film, with its world-wide audience, has raised even more awareness of Newport's University as a major player in film industry training."

Gwent Police Chief Constable Mick Giannasi concluded:

“Having seen the film, many people have said that they will never use a mobile phone again whilst driving.

If you have ever used your phone or you are close to someone who might be tempted to do it, please make sure they watch COW on Monday evening. You owe it to them and you owe it to yourself.”

read more... “COW goes from computer screen to TV”

Tender for employment service framework

S4C has announced it is to tender the contract to provide a policy and employment service framework for the independent sector.

The three-year contract will include ensuring that production companies conform to the requirements of S4C’s Terms of Trade in relation to policies and rights, as well as ensuring fair and reasonable work conditions for the sector as a whole.

The contract is offered following a review of the scope and range of the services currently supplied to the channel by TAC, via a contract that comes to an end in December 2009. An open tender process will be conducted in accordance with S4C’s Fair Trading and Procurement Policies.

S4C will publish the tender on its production website in due course (s4c.co.uk/production) and the aim is to appoint a provider early in 2010.

read more... “Tender for employment service framework”