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Sunday, 22 November 2009

New centre to help charity service bids

Welsh Assembly Finance Minister Andrew Davies has visited Carmarthen to officially launch a third sector procurement support unit.

The unit has been created to bring together relevant specialists from Carmarthenshire County Council, Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services, Hywel Dda Health Board and various other partners to support the third sector when tendering for public service delivery contracts.

The unit will either be able to help with any procurement or commissioning related enquiries itself or will be able to help locate the appropriate support.

The unit was launched at The Mount, the voluntary resource centre run by CAVS in Carmarthen.

Mr Davies is pictured with Rhodri Walters, rural comissioning project officer for CAVS; CAVS Chair Cllr Mair Stephens; and CAVS deputy director Cris Tomos. Picture Jeff Connell

Cardiff alcohol and violence research wins top award

Pioneering Cardiff University research into violence, alcohol and late-night safety has been recognised with one of the highest awards in the academic world.

The University’s Violence and Society Research Group is among the winners of a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for excellence in higher education, announced on Wednesday at a ceremony at St James’s Palace, London. Her Majesty the Queen will present the award to the University at Buckingham Palace in February.

For more than a decade, the Research Group’s findings have been translated into practical action to tackle late-night injuries in city centres. A key part of winning the Award was the Group’s work in setting up the prototype Crime Reduction Partnership in Cardiff in 1996. Academics, health professionals, South Wales Police and Cardiff Council worked together to identify violence hot-spots. In this period, Cardiff became the safest city of its size in the UK. Following Government legislation, many other communities have now adopted Cardiff’s partnership model, now known in Wales as Community Safety Partnerships.

Other key achievements by the Group, which includes Cardiff University experts in surgery, medicine, psychology, business and statistics, are:

· Use of anonymised Accident and Emergency data to identify trends in late-night violence. This is used by Community Safety Partnerships and in the Group’s annual national violence survey
· New programmes of care for violence victims at every stage of their treatment, including a new service for post traumatic stress
· Identifying risk factors for violence – including crowd movements, levels of CCTV surveillance and the price of alcohol.
· Research on "glassing" injuries which has led to the introduction of toughened glass and plastic vessels in pubs and nightclubs
· Research leading to the creation of the Universities’ Police Science Institute – a collaboration between Cardiff University, Glamorgan University and South Wales Police, which combines practical policing research with police training
· International policy development for the World Health Organisation Violence Prevention Alliance

Welsh Assembly Government First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is one of the top honours a University can be awarded and Cardiff University should be really proud of their achievement.

"I would like to congratulate heartily Professor Jonathan Shepherd and his team because their work has made a real difference to so many people who live in and travel to the capital city of Wales to enjoy its attractions by night and day. It is important that these people feel safe and the University’s research into the cause of violent injury and possible pathways to reduction of harm is helping to achieve that.

"The Cardiff Violence Prevention Group was established to translate this research into practical action. The results of their work speak volumes – a 40 per cent decrease in violence levels in the Cardiff area."

The Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, Dr David Grant said: “This is not just a triumph for Cardiff University, but for our entire community.

“The Violence and Society Research Group is a perfect example of how academic excellence can bring practical benefits. The team’s discoveries about the causes and consequences of violence have been recognised around the world as breaking new ground in research. This pioneering approach has then been put to work through the Cardiff Community Safety Partnership, creating a safer environment on our streets in a way which has now been adopted throughout the UK.

"Clearly, we at Cardiff University are delighted that Professor Shepherd and his team have achieved our fourth success in the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes - one of the most prestigious awards in higher education. We also believe that this is a success in which the NHS, South Wales Police, Cardiff Council and all our local partners can take pride."

Professor Jonathan Shepherd, of Cardiff University’s School of Dentistry and Director of the Research Group, said: "I first became concerned about this issue as a young surgeon treating the victims of facial injuries every week. It seemed amazing that many cases I saw were not being reported to the police. Over the years, my colleagues and I have worked to find practical solutions from health-based research. It is a great privilege to receive this Award, and hugely encouraging for our continuing work with our partners, locally, nationally and internationally in preventing community violence."

Cardiff’s success in the awards has also been welcomed by its partners:

South Wales Police Chief Constable Barbara Wilding said: “The University Violence and Society Research Group has been one of the key members of the Community Safety Partnership and together we have made great strides in tackling city centre violence and making Cardiff city a safer place. I am delighted that the research group has been the recipient of this prestigious award. Together with our partners we are now looking forward to extend this work throughout the whole of the South Wales area.”

Councillor Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, said: "I am delighted the Violence Research Group is being recognised with this prestigious award. The work undertaken has made a great deal of difference. The partnership of the group which has seen health, the Police and ourselves working closely together with licensees and academics to tackle violent crime has made our city safer for everyone and it is fantastic this success is being acknowledged."

David Francis, Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and All-Wales Champion for reducing violence and aggression against NHS staff, said: "I want to congratulate Professor Shepherd and his Cardiff University colleagues on this achievement. It represents many years hard work and has resulted in many less injured people. This is an excellent example of partnership work, with the University and the Health Board working alongside local authority and police partners to make our streets safer and in supporting victims of violence and improving protection for staff from aggressors. Professor Shepherd’s work has been central to this success."

Credit to Wrexham community bank from AM

Wrexham’s AM, Lesley Griffiths, has backed a campaign to get residents in Wrexham to join the local credit union.

In the run-up to Christmas, Lesley has reminded people of the facilities at Wrexham County Borough Credit Union on Chester Street.
Commenting Lesley Griffiths AM said:

"I am proud to be a member of Wrexham Credit Union and find it a fantastic source of advice.

"Credit Unions are a safe and reliable way of borrowing and saving money.

"Many now offer other services such as Child Trust Fund accounts, ISAs, insurance products, budgeting advice and debt management.

"I urge all residents in Wrexham to take advantage of their local credit union by signing up and become a member."

For further information from Wrexham County Borough Credit Union call 01978 266843 or e-mail info@wrexhamcu.co.uk

Griffiths plays 'tec on climate change crime scene

Wrexham's Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, played detective when WWF Cymru staged a Climate Crime Scene at the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay.

2009 is the most important year ever for our climate with UN negotiations concluding in Copenhagen next month.

To raise awareness of this critical time for action on climate change in the run-up to Copenhagen, WWF Cymru staged a Climate Crime Scene at the Senedd on November 17.

WWF Cymru staged the outline of a life-sized polar bear cordoned off by police tape to depict the possible sign of things to come – unless we tackle climate change now. WWF invited members of the Welsh Assembly Government and visitors and staff to the Senedd to view the crime scene and to sign up to our petition for a strong global deal to be agreed in Copenhagen in December to help secure a safe future for the planet.

Lesley Griffiths AM said:

"WWF Cymru has demonstrated with this innovative photo call what the future holds unless climate change is tackled now. Climate change left unchecked will have devastating impacts for people and wildlife across the planet.

"2009 is the most important year for Climate Change – we simply must secure a strong deal between nations in Copenhagen in December to seriously tackle this problem. I ask the people of Wrexham to sign up to WWF’s campaign to show their support and help safeguard our planet."

The Climate Crime Scene photo call formed part of the launch of WWF-Cymru’s second Climate Witness Jerry Percy. Jerry is the Chief Executive of the Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and he became a climate witness to highlight the concerns that Welsh fishermen have about how climate change is impacting on marine life, the fishing industry and ultimately our nation.

The Climate Witness is a WWF international programme that documents real life accounts from people across the world who are already experiencing climate change.

Welsh Climate Witness Jerry Percy joins WWF Cymru’s first Climate Witness farmer Wyn Evans from Pembrokeshire who became a Climate Witness earlier this year. Wyn’s account revealed how climate change is affecting agriculture.

For more information about WWF’s Climate Witness programme and how you can get involved please visit www.panda.org/climatewitness.

To find out more on WWF’s Global Deal Campaign please visit:

WWF’s Global Deal Campaign

Saturday, 21 November 2009

Get in the queue for Six Nations Tickets now

Wales rugby fans can pre-register for tickets to the 2010 RBS Six Nations home matches at the Millennium Stadium from today (Saturday, 21 November) at the Welsh Rugby Union official website - and Wales captain Ryan Jones has urged supporters not to miss out.

Fans can now register their interest for Wales' home fixtures against Scotland (February 13), France (February 26) and Italy (March 20) at www.wru.co.uk/tickets and join a priority list for access to any tickets the WRU has for release prior to public sale.

Capacity crowds flocked to the Millennium Stadium when Wales kicked off the 2009 RBS Six Nations tournament with a victory over England on Valentine's Day and for a nail-biting clash with Ireland in the tournament finale.

Warren Gatland's Wales are expecting bumper crowds at next year's tournament and Jones wants the fans to take advantage of the pre-registration system that launches today.

"This is a great opportunity for our supporters to get hold of any tickets that are available for public sale," said the Wales and Ospreys No 8.

"There is nothing better than a full-house of Welsh fans at the Millennium Stadium and the team always look forward to the roar of the 74,500 strong crowd. With three home fixtures at the 2010 Six Nations tournament, fans should act fast and sign up for this exclusive opportunity,"

WRU Head of Group Compliance Julie Paterson said: "The system of pre-registration has gathered momentum with our fans over recent years and allows us to ensure any tickets we have for public sale are offered to our core fans first prior to release.

"Throughout the pre-registration period for this year's Autumn Series, we received over 10,000 applications and many of these fans snapped up tickets for the popular Wales versus New Zealand fixture - tickets which were otherwise not released for public sale.

"We are delighted to offer this opportunity to the fans of Welsh rugby for the 2010 RBS Six Nations."

Further information can be found at www.wru.co.uk. Pre-registration for 2010 RBS Six Nations is also available on hospitality packages and information can be gathered via email to: corporatehospitality@wru.co.uk.

Riverside market is top of the tastes

Riverside Community Market Association has been recognised in the Local Sourcing Initiative of the True Taste awards.

And, four of their regular storeholders - Penrhiw Organic Farm, Hafod Cheese, Oaklands Organics, and Greta’s Wholefoodies - have taken prizes too.

RCMA chairman Steve Garrett said: "The award is a reflection of the quality, commitment and consistency that local producers bring to our markets.

"The award also shows the increasing interest that Welsh consumers have in buying fresh locally produced food – and that is good for everyone because in Wales we have some of the best food in the world."

The Riverside Real Food Market is on Fitzhamon Embankment, opposite the Millennium Stadium, every Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Online vote for favourite festive float

FESTIVE season fans are being asked to pick their favourite float from Swansea's Christmas Parade.

The Ishtah Belly Dancers, Mayhill Community Centre, the GSP Community Project and Swansea City Bravehearts were among those to take part in the event.

Over 26,000 people lined the streets between The Guildhall and The Dylan Thomas Centre to enjoy the Christmas Parade and the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights.

A prize of £1,000 is available to the most popular float thanks to The Wave and Swansea Sound.

Swansea Council will also give a £250 prize to the most popular walking procession.

Nigel Jones, Swansea Council's Strategic Events Manager, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people watching the parade and getting into the festive spirit.

"The community groups who take part in the parade each year put so much effort into their floats and walking processions and this really helps to boost seasonal atmosphere."

Some of the walking groups that took part were the Habibi Dancers, Interplay and Mentro Allan.

People can go to www.thewave.co.uk or www.swanseasound.co.uk until Friday December 4 to vote for their favourite.

New youth helpline launched

A new National Advocacy and Advice service for children and young people, backed with £459,850 of new Welsh Assembly Government funding, has been announced by Children’s Minister Jane Hutt.

The helpline will be the first of its kind in the UK to be rolled out on a national basis and will give children and young people the opportunity to get help on issues important to them if they feel they are not being listened to or getting the support they need. The helpline will be available through:

free phone lines
free texting
e-mail and
instant messaging.

The Advocacy and Advice Service will work with and compliment other advice services and helplines such as Childline which have a prominent safeguarding role.

The announcement comes on the 20th anniversary of the UNCRC. At a celebratory event to mark the UNCRC anniversary the Minister also launched a major new Action Plan ‘Getting it right’, which sets out how we will make important steps to make children and young people’s rights a reality over the next 5 years in Wales.

Key actions in the plan include:

Addressing negative perceptions of children and young people particularly in the media – through promoting positive achievements of children and young people and celebrating the success that they achieve
Working to eliminate all types of bullying - through new anti bullying guidance and the promotion of initiatives such as anti bullying week
Ensuring all children have the right to play - through developing a new play policy and providing more opportunities for children and young people to engage in the music, arts and sport.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan who also addressed the 20th Anniversary UNCRC event added:

"My Government has made it clear that we are determined to ensure that our children and young people can access and enjoy their rights.

"We want to make sure that children and young people can get help when they need it from people who can support and represent them and their views.

"We are working hard to help the children and young people of Wales to live healthier, more enjoyable and fulfilling lives. I am optimistic that the policies and programmes we have in place will help deliver our obligations to the children and young people of Wales."

Jane Hutt said:

"In Wales we use the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as the basis for all our work with and for children and young people. We are committed to giving a legislative basis to this work, and the First Minister recently announced our intention to explore further the possibility of introducing a Measure to embed the principles of the UNCRC into law on behalf of Welsh children.

"We must support children and young people through difficult times when they may need more support. Articles 12 and 13 of the UNCRC state that children have the right to have their voices heard and to receive and share information.

"The advocacy and advice service I have announced today supports children and young people to do just that. It will be more than an information service. It will provide advice and find services for children and young people to help them in all sorts of situations. It is about giving them practical assistance and support when things become particularly difficult and if they feel they are not getting the help they need or are entitled to."

University of Glamorgan strengthens Chinese ties

A delegation from the Glamorgan Business School recently visited Xi’an University of Finance and Economics (XUFE) in China in order to strengthen the ties between the two institutions.

Marlene Davies, Head of the Division of Accounting and Finance, and Alison Lane, MSc Accounting Scheme Leader, spoke with colleagues from XUFE about students coming over to Glamorgan Business School to study.

These discussions were the latest in a series following a University visit to China in May and a visit by XUFE to us in October.

During their visit Marlene and Alison met with the President of XUFE Mr Hu Jian, the Vice President Mr Wang Guolian and the Deans of the various faculties within the Business School. These talks helped to reaffirm our links with XUFE and allow students the opportunity to study Accounting and Finance degrees at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels at Glamorgan Business School.

Marlene and Alison also met with a range of students who were all very keen to take advantage of the opportunity and study with us in 2010.

To see the Glamorgan Business School’s range of Accounting courses please visit our Accounting subject area.

To see the full range of courses available to you at Glamorgan Business School please visit either our Undergraduate Study page or Postgraduate Study page for specific details.

If you are an international student looking to apply onto any of our courses please visit our International webpages. These are full of important information to aid you in completing an application.

Glamorgan businesses backing education for success

In an innovative approach to creating the business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow three local companies are putting up £2,000 of their own money to sponsor students to study degrees at the University of Glamorgan Business School.

Led by Pontypridd-based company Complete Background Screening (CBS) - Rachel Bedgood (left) of CBS with Monica Gibson-Sweet, Dean of the Glamorgan Business School School - is the scheme launch this week offers a unique package of financial support and mentoring for aspiring business men and women.

The Business Opportunities Scheme, known as BOSS, will award scholarships to students who can demonstrate a unique flair for business as well as a passion for the subject.

Applicants must be committed to studying at the University’s Business School from September 2010 in any area of business including management, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resource management, accounting and supply chain and logistics.

The winning applicant will be awarded £1,000 by CBS to help with the cost of their studies. In addition there will be two scholarships of £500 awarded to the runners-up and funded by The Big Country Adventures Ltd and local entrepreneur Clayton Jones.

As well as providing financial support, the companies participating will provide support as a mentor to the successful winners as well as work experience opportunities.

Rachel Bedgood Director of CBS said: "As a company we are keen to invest in the business talent of the future, and this scholarship programme is an excellent way of us supporting the best students. I hope that over the coming years more companies will sign up to the BOSS scheme so that we can extend the awards to a greater numbers of students."

Monica Gibson-Sweet, Dean of the Glamorgan Business School said, “The Business School values its links with local employers and this scheme is a demonstration of the close relationships we have with the business community. We are very focused on the employability of our graduates whether they are employed by companies or become self-employed and become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. We very much look forward to working with the founding companies and hope to see the BOSS scheme grow in the future.”

In order to apply for a BOSS award, potential students must be able to convince the sponsors of that they have what it takes by writing why they have chosen to study business and what they hope to achieve as a Glamorgan business graduate. The winners will be announced in May 2010. Full details of how to apply can be found on the CBS website www.cbscreening.com

Closing date for applications for the scholarship is 30th March 2010. For further detailed information about how to apply can also be found on the University of Glamorgan website: www.glam.ac.uk/money

Christmas shopping gets a sparkle in Swansea

A fun event is taking place in Swansea city centre this weekend to boost seasonal spirits.

The Wave will be on hand outside the former Woolworth building on Lower Oxford Street between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, November 21, to help support independent traders in the area and promote the Love Your City campaign.

An outdoor broadcast will take place from a Christmas chalet to raise awareness of the Christmas Market on Oxford Street from November 27 to December 13. Stalls at the forthcoming market will include gifts such as Welsh fruit, wines and liqueurs, jewellery, personalised wooden art, scenic photography and attractive ornaments.

Children from the Mark Jermain Stage School will perform Christmas carols from noon to 2pm this Saturday. The opportunity to donate to the Ty Hafan Children's Hospice Appeal that's inviting people to place a star in celebration of someone special on the Light up a Life tree in Coffee Culture is also being made available.

A giant 20-foot air dancing Santa Claus and Snowman have been arranged to attract attention.

Swansea Council is behind the event.

Daniel Jones, Swansea City Centre Team Leader, said: "Excitement is starting to build as Christmas draws ever closer and this event is aimed at generating a festive atmosphere and attracting shoppers to a traditionally quieter part of the city centre.

"There are so many independent stores in the Lower Oxford Street, Plymouth Street and Nelson Street area that offer something that little bit different and this is vitally important because it helps Swansea city centre stand out from the crowd.

"I'd urge people to come and enjoy the entertainment and discover the shops in the vicinity at the same time."

Call 01792 476370 for more information.

Welsh RNLI crews return from Cockermouth floods

The RNLI’s Flood Rescue Teams, including 17 Swift Water Technicians from across North Wales was stood down from Cockermouth at 8pm yesterday, after rescuing hundreds of flood victims. The evacuation of Cockermouth had been completed, with residents of the town placed in the safety of temporary shelters.

The charity’s flood rescue team inshore lifeboats and highly trained volunteers proved their worth as, along with other emergency services, they rescued 300 people from the rapid influx of water on Thursday evening, using nine lifeboats especially transported to Cockermouth.

More than forty members of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team from across the county joined other emergency services in the mammoth flood rescue operation. The North Wales volunteers are from Conwy, Llandudno, Criccieth, Moelfre, Rhyl, Flint, Beaumaris, and Pwllheli RNLI lifeboats stations. They are volunteer RNLI crew with specialist training in swift water rescue.

Simon Bunting, an RNLI volunteer from Beaumaris who has been hard at work in Cockermouth says:

‘Driving boats up high streets is a bit out of the norm but we are all trained for swift water rescue. We are all volunteers but the training we receive from the charity prepares us for just this situation. It's been interesting to see the amount of water and the speed of water. We saw caravans floating down roads on our way here and the devastation to people's houses is unbelievable.

‘The D Class boat is a fantastic bit of kit. Nothing under 40 horse power could go out yesterday morning so we were a valuable asset working alongside other search and rescue organisations. And it's been great to see all the search and rescue organisations working together.’

The RNLI’s swift-water-rescue trained volunteer teams are made up of coastal lifeboat volunteers and staff from the lifesaving charity, which is generously funded by public donations and from organisations such as Goodyear, who kindly sponsors the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team.

Bilingual car sharing scheme launches

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones launched the new North Wales Car Share Scheme Northwalescarshare.com. or Taith.

The scheme is a major new web-based car-share service for the people of North Wales aimed at reducing the number of car journeys and protecting the environment. It will complete the Regional Transport Consortia’s branded schemes that are part of Liftshare Network.

This free-to-use, fully bilingual service will appeal to anyone who has to make a journey on north Wales roads, whether for commuting, the school run or the weekly shopping trip and wants to reduce the number of journeys they make by car. As well as reducing travel costs, the scheme has been designed to encourage more efficient use of the car, thereby reducing congestion and pollution across North Wales.

Northwalescarshare.com also links into the three other Welsh car-share schemes in SWWITCH TraCC and Sewta and offers people the chance to car share on longer journeys across Wales.

To register with the scheme simply log on to the website, Northwalescarshare.com, and register your details. Once your journey details have been entered the system then matches you with people making similar journeys and you can then decide who you would like to share with.

Ron Davies, the Chair of Taith said:

"Car-sharing works whether you have a car or not, Sharers who own a car can take turns driving, while those without a car can simply contribute to the driver’s expenses.

Wales is the first country to provide all its citizens with access to a bilingual, public on-line car-share system and I am confident Northwalescarshare.com will help many thousands of people across Wales save money, reduce pollution and congestion, improve mobility and enjoy more sociable journeys."

In launching the scheme the Deputy First Minister said:

"The Welsh Assembly Government is delighted to have played a key role in this great advance for sustainable travel in Wales. I am keen that we promote a wide range of measures and solutions to encourage smarter choices and more sustainable travel choices. Car-sharing is one of the greenest forms of travel and contributes towards reducing single occupancy car travel and congestion particularly during peak periods. As well as being fun and potentially saving members many hundreds of pounds a year, we hope it will encourage even more people to give it a go."

Councils' warning on council tax phone scam

Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils are warning Council tax payers to be vigilant against a phone scam which seems to be widespread throughout Wales.

It seems that council tax payers in both counties have been randomly contacted by a fraudster offering them help to claim a refund of overpaid council tax. Worryingly, however, they are asked for personal bank account details information during the call.

Gwynedd Council stresses that this is a despicable scam in an effort to get people to disclose their personal bank details. Should residents receive such a call they are firmly advised not to provide any personal details what so ever.

Anglesey Trading Standards' Martin Wyn Jones added, "Fraudsters are always inventing new ways to try to con people, and this seems to be the latest effort. Cold-callers can catch people off-guard, but our advice is to contact your local trading standards if unsure about any phone calls."

Anglesey Trading Standards can be contacted on (01248) 752840 or go to the Trading Standards page on our website.

Gold for green in Neath Port Talbot

Environment enthusiasts from across Neath Port Talbot will put their efforts under the microscope at an awards ceremony tonight.

Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum will host their first ever ceremony to congratulate Schools, Businesses, Voluntary Organisations, Public Sector Departments and wildlife projects for their commitment to improving the Environment.

The awards which are split into six categories include Green School of the Year; Green Business of the Year; Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Year; Public Sector Department of the Year; Action for Wildlife Award and an Overall Winner. There will also be awards for commendation.

The ceremony organised by Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum and sponsored by The Countryside Council for Wales and CORUS will be hosted by Iolo Williams.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, for the NPT Environment Forum stated "The standard of awards entries has been fantastic and we hope that we can do this again next year. The council is committed to improving the environment and it is a pleasure to see people working together to make our County Borough a greener place to live.

Through working together we have helped to reduce air pollution, improve water quality, reduce flytipping and increase recycling and reduce waste to landfill. We haven't done this alone - we recognise all of those who have helped us to achieve this. We also extend our thanks to those of you in the community making a physical effort to improve your own local environment."

CCW Senior Countryside Officer Ceri Daugherty added, "We are proud sponsors of the award ceremony. It's great to see a variety of organisations, schools, businesses and public sector departments taking a proactive approach to try and address our environmental responsibilities and being rewarded for their efforts."

A spokeman for Corus commented: "We are delighted to support the inaugural Neath Port Talbot Environment Awards, 2009. We are achieving a great deal, but we continue to address our environmental responsibilities with respect to continuing to extend our positive relationship with the community and the environment for everyone's benefit."

Friday, 20 November 2009

First concert for the Vale from its new community choir

Over 50 singers who have joined the Vale of Glamorgan’s new community choir are busily rehearsing for their debut concert performance at St Donats Arts Centre on Sunday 6th December at 4pm.

The St Donats Atlantic Chorale will be performing their first concert that will include a selection of carols from around the world as well as a rare performance of Charpentier’s Midnight Mass, an enchanting piece of 18th century frippery based on popular Christmas tunes.

The ambitious choir, which has members hailing from all over the county, is led by one of the most imaginative choirmasters in south Wales, Carl Grainger, who is also Director of the Welsh Sinfonia Chorus.

Both the response to the new choir and the sales for its first concert have been very enthusiastic, “I am thrilled by the way people from the local community have come forward eager to make music and sing within Donats Arts Centre and Castle. They are both superb venues for choral music with magnificent spaces, perfect acoustics and an idyllic setting.”

The choir’s first performance follows last year’s magnificent concert of Handel’s Messiah which was conducted by Carl and performed by The Welsh Sinfonia and Chorus in St Donats Castle.

The new choir, which is still open to new members, attracted further support from the Vale of Glamorgan Assembly Member, Jane Hutt, when it began rehearsing in the summer, “the fantastic response from people across the Vale of Glamorgan to join up is superb.”

Tickets for the concert on Sunday 6th December include mince pies and mulled wine and are available from 01446 799100 or online at www.stdonats.com If anyone would like to join, or find out more, they can contact John Pengelly at the St Donats Arts Centre box office, St Donats Castle, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF. enquiries@stdonats.com 01446 799100.

Environment agency praised for getting Amroth beach back in the swim

Detective work carried out by the Environment Agency which could result in Amroth winning back its blue flag has been praised by local AM Angela Burns.

Amroth failed to win the award for the past two years after excess rain water led to run off from nearby fields and a decrease in water quality.

The Environment Agency used new technology to track down the root of the problem and now says that the water quality – one of the main criteria for the Blue Flag award – now meets European standards.

“Losing the Blue Flag was a real blow to Amroth so this is excellent news and the Environment Agency should be praised for all its work in getting to the source of the problem,” said Mrs Burns.

“Amroth is one of my favourite beaches and it’s great news that the tourist operators in the area should hopefully be able to promote it as a Blue Flag beach again soon.

“The Flags aren’t awarded until the spring but I understand that the quality of bathing water is a vital criteria so Amroth now stands a much better chance of winning back its flag.”

Photograph: Angela Burns and her husband Stuart are pictured playing with their daughters on Amroth beach.

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

Newid slams ‘undemocratic’ referendum recommendations

Martin Wilding Davies, the leader of Newid, the party campaigning to establish a progressive political system based on a people’s assembly in Wales, has attacked the recommendations of the All Wales Convention as being ‘undemocratic’ and ‘unconstitutional’ in an article written for Open Democracy.

He points out that despite the research figures bandied about by Sir Emyr Jones Parry and others, “Wales has never shown more than a half-hearted commitment to devolution at the ballot box.”

“The turnout for the 1997 referendum that led to devolution was so low (50%) that barely one in four of the electorate actually voted in favour (75% either voted against or abstained). But since all of the main political parties had a manifesto commitment to devolution, and since marginally more votes were cast in favour (50.3%) than against (49.7%), it went ahead anyway.”

“This is what passes for ‘democracy’ in Wales”, he added.

“The only referendum options the Convention considered were ‘more of the same’ or ‘the same’ – not ‘less of the same’, ‘something completely different’ or ‘none of the above’ – they could just have recommended giving each voter their bus fare to the polling station, thereby saving a lot of trouble and ensuring a marginally better turnout.”

He emphasised a point being used by Labour MPs in what appears to be a concerted effort to slow the process, “The needs of the people of Wales seem to be entirely irrelevant to the interests of the political class.”

“Most Welsh ‘voters’ aren’t because they don’t. Only 43% were sufficiently enamoured with devolution to participate in the 2007 Assembly elections. A clear pattern has developed since only 38% voted in 2003 and 46% in 1999 when devolution was still new.”

“Do people not vote because they think the Assembly doesn’t have enough powers? The Convention doesn’t say. There’s no evidence to suggest that a referendum held in the next year or so would achieve more the 43% median turnout for all Assembly elections held to date.”

“And when the majority abstains from voting, it means there is something so seriously wrong with the political process that a referendum on more of the same would be considered unconstitutional in anything other than our electoral dictatorship. We should first consider what alternative political systems might appeal to the majority.”

“It might be popular to believe that all politicians lie, embezzle their expenses, break promises and pursue nothing but their own careers but the chief failure of the political class is in putting its own interests ahead of the people’s need for real democracy.”

“Even the All Wales Convention can smell the coffee. In its executive summary there is a prominent line that reads, ‘Democracy requires that information be provided, the arguments be presented, and the electorate given the opportunity to be better informed.’”

“If Wales is to be a democracy, if the nation is to govern itself rather than be governed by a remote political elite that has little sympathy for the Welsh condition and little interest in improving the quality of our lives, the people should be able to decide from all of the possible options, not just the one that suits the political class.”

Newid is campaigning for a deliberative People’s National Assembly based on a progressive form of democracy called ‘demarchy’ where decisions are made by ordinary people selected at random (sortition), like jury service, rather than by professional politicians chosen in elections. Such a system will remove the need for professional politicians and political parties, eradicate political expediency, eliminate the almost perpetual state of electioneering and greatly reduce the corrupting influence of vested interests.

People’s assembly members will be guided by an independent judiciary and civil service and will hear evidence presented by advocates. They will select a professional executive to deliver policy in specific fields of expertise rather than have their ministers appointed by political patronage.

“Newid can legitimately claim to be representing the interests of all the people of Wales because it can accommodate a wide spectrum of political opinion rather than that of a narrow interest group. Its constitution makes clear that the party will disband in favour of a people’s assembly as soon as that objective has been achieved.”

“Newid is in favour of a referendum on a written constitution that sets out the rights and responsibilities of all Welsh citizens. The key question to ask the electorate is this: which is more likely to give Wales a fresh start, the Assembly it already has with more powers or the world’s most progressive democracy?”

“Newid will give the people of Wales fresh hope. They’ll have the opportunity, at last, to build a sustainable economy with full employment, to establish a better education system, a more efficient health service, affordable housing and a more secure environment with a better standard of living and quality of life.”

“If our politicians have any integrity at all, they should support whatever system is in the best interests of the people of Wales, even if they have to make themselves redundant.”

“Peter Hain, Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, the crachach and rest of the political class will of course dismiss these proposals as utopian. They’ll no doubt issue dour warnings to the Welsh electorate to do what they say or suffer dire consequences. But then that’s the only defence they can offer, isn’t it?”

'For their sake' drive carefully call to parents in Swansea

Motorists are being targeted in a new safe driving campaign aimed at getting parents to drive more safely and set a good example to their children.

The 'For their sake' campaign includes posters which have gone up on the back of buses in Swansea and at bus shelters across the city highlighting bad habits committed by thousands of drivers every day.

Acts such as speeding, texting at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt are still common factors with drivers even though they are all illegal.

Swansea Council's Road Safety Team is hoping to reinforce the safety messages to motorists by highlighting the fact that often children sat in vehicles are watching what their parents are doing and are likely to copy them later in life.

Jeff Green, County Road Safety Officer in Swansea Council said, "Children sat in the rear of vehicles can easily see what is going on when parents are at the wheel. If they can see that the parents are speeding, texting or not even wearing a seatbelt, they may think its ok.

"Hopefully the 'For their sake' campaign will strike a chord with parents and make them more aware that their children pay attention to what they do and that they need to set a good example behind the wheel."

Backing the campaign, South Wales Police Road Safety Manager Wayne Tucker said, "It is clear that some people are still ignoring the fact that not wearing a seatbelt, driving while using a mobile or speeding could kill you.

"We are committed to reducing deaths on our roads and would urge everyone to drive responsibly and it is vital that parents set a good example."

Fatal Collision in Bryn Road, Aberystwyth

At 16:35hrs yesterday (Thursday 19 November) a road traffic collision occurred in Bryn Road, Aberystwyth.

The circumstances are that the single vehicle involved left the steeply banked road and travelled some distance before colliding with the roof of a house( which is below the height of the road) and then became wedged against the building.

Fire Brigade and Ambulance staff attended and administered first aid to the elderly local gentleman who tragically, later died at hospital.

The house was unoccupied at the time and no other persons were injured in the incident.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, and anyone with any information should contact Aberystwyth police station on 101.

EU and Welsh Assembly Government funding continues to develop rural Wales

The Rural Affairs Minister visited the Tywi valley on 18 November to open one of the many Welsh projects that has benefitted from Rural Development Plan (RDP) funding.

The Minister opened the Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd Traditional Building centre which has been supported by over £500,000 of RDP funding. The centre will offer students and members of the public training in the fast disappearing skills of:

stonemasonry
and woodwork - skills which are needed to maintain the traditional buildings prevalent in this rural valley.

Speaking at the launch the Minister said:

"The Rural Development Plan is a very important mechanism for developing rural communities. Between 2007 and 2013 it will bring an impressive £795m of funding to rural Wales.

"Through this traditional building project we can see what can happen when communities realise that traditional skills have a place in the future, and are prepared to invest in that future. This centre will enable dying skills to be renewed and will ensure that the changes we make now will preserve our past and secure our future.

"I am also pleased to announce over £300,000 of RDP funding which has been awarded to the Community Enterprise Monmouthshire and the Marches project to develop collaboration opportunities between the social enterprise sectors in Monmouthshire and Wrexham. The project will focus on sharing best practice and transferring skills between the two regions.

"A further £8000 has been awarded to a sister project which will deliver an enterprise programme aimed at young people. The programme will include training and support to young people interested in starting their own social enterprises."

RDP funding is still available for Co-operation projects that are submitted via the 18 Local Action Groups across Wales. For more information, please contact ruralprogrammes@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

The Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

More businesses receive a LIFt

Three businesses in the Caerphilly county borough have been given a cash boost thanks to the support on offer through a new grant fund.

The Local Investment Fund (LIF) is a new scheme that has been made available to 15 local authorities across the West Wales and the Valleys or Convergence region, including 6 local authorities in South East Wales. They have been awarded EU Funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), delivered through the Welsh Assembly Government, to provide grant funding to assist businesses within their areas.

The three latest firms to benefit from the grant are Fabcraft Ltd in Llanbradach, Hobbs Valve Ltd in Caerphilly and Caer Health Services who are also based in Caerphilly.

Fabcraft Ltd is a fabrication and engineering business operating on Graddfa Industrial Estate in Lanbradach. Established in 1973, the firm currently employs 20 people and was awarded the grant to purchase a special tube bending machine which greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of the process.

Hobbs Valve Limited is based in a unit on Trecenydd Business Park in Caerphilly. The company, which manufactures specialist valves, was established in 2005 and now employs 21 people. The grant helped purchase an exhibition stand and marketing materials to help raise the profile of the business.

Caer Health Services provides occupational health services to other businesses, government agencies and public authorities and employs 15 people. They were awarded a LIF grant towards the cost of re-branding the business, producing marketing brochures and up-grading their website.

Businesses or business start-ups that are investing in any of the following to expand or start their business may be eligible to apply for a Local Investment Fund Grant:

Capital Equipment
Marketing
E Commerce
ICT
External & Internal Building works and alterations

The business must be a SME's (under 250 employees) in the manufacturing, service to manufacturing, business-to-business service sector (minimum75% business to business) or tourism.

For more information contact the council's Business Development Team on 01443 866222

Gwent Police awards ceremony

After more than 50 years service and not a day off sick a former Gwent Police officer and current member of staff still has no plans for retirement.

70 year old Nigel Pocknell, the force Welfare Officer, is just one of a number of staff and officers who are up for awards at a ceremony on Thursday 19th November.

Nigel has been nominated for the Employee of the Year award. Following his retirement after a 32 year career as a Gwent police officer Nigel Pocknell took up the newly created role of welfare officer for the force in 1992.

Nigel supports police officers, staff and retired colleagues, often in the most difficult of circumstances at all hours of the day. He provides assistance to those who have dealt with distressing incidents, are terminally ill or have lost loved ones. It can be a particularly demanding role which he performs with ease and without complaint. In 2001 Nigel was awarded an MBE for his welfare services work in support of retired police officers.

Below is just one comment from those who have worked with him;

“Nigel can be the avuncular listener, the skilled counsellor, the paternal advice giver and the shoulder to cry on. He shrinks neither from listening to the distressed person nor from giving firm advice to those who have lost their way.”

The forces Neighbourhood Officer for Alway PC 1202 Elaine Newbury is also in the running for the award.

Elaine has worked in the Alway area for her entire 10 year career and has a vast knowledge of local criminals and their tactics. Officers regularly turn to her for advice and guidance. Younger officers have also been allocated monthly postings to work alongside her, after which they return to their teams with enhanced skills in respect of interviews and prisoner handling.

PC Newbury detected 132 offences in 2008/9 and 199 offences in 2007/08, the highest individual rate in the force for both years. Her work has led to a number of prolific offenders being imprisoned.

Other awards that will feature on the night are;

TEAM OF THE YEAR (Two nominations)
Offender Management Unit Blaeanu Gwent & Caerphilly;
The Offender Management Unit was set up to co-ordinate and deal with all Prolific and Priority Offenders (POPOS) and the management and execution of all Forensic Identification packages within Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.

The impact upon the community has been extremely positive with prolific offenders being arrested for offences at an early stage, minimising their ability to commit further crime. The OMU has also developed innovative approaches to dealing with offenders through an accommodation project which provides them with some stability and responsibility through running their own home. The Probation Service has applauded this scheme and further work is ongoing to extend the project. The team has significantly reduced turn around times for forensic identifications and this has had a positive impact on performance in terms of crime detections. As a result of the success of the team in the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly the model has now been rolled out across the whole of the force.

General Purpose Vehicle;
A group of officers have been nominated for their work and commitment to proactive policing with the Newport area. As a team, working on the General Purpose Vehicle (GPV), they take an extremely positive approach to any task asked of them and their seniors regularly receive praise for their performance.

In just over 8 months the General Purpose Vehicle made 438 arrests, submitted 417 stop and search forms and seized 91 vehicles that were either being driven dangerously or involved in crime.
In addition to their statistical results they provide a regular uniformed high visibility presence in local communities.

CHIEF CONSTABLES COMMENDATIONS:
These are awarded to members of staff in recognition of praiseworthy and notable acts over and above what is normally expected of them;

During the second half of 2007, there was an increase in dwelling house burglaries in Newport. With no particular modus operandi or significant lines of enquiry officers worked tirelessly, seeking out investigative opportunities and collating all possible evidence.

Four prolific offenders were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit dwelling house burglaries. In August 2008 they all pleaded guilty which reflected the hard work undertaken. In total 186 dwelling house burglaries were detected and the arrests dramatically reduced the number of such burglaries that were blighting our community. At the conclusion of the trial the judge congratulated the officers for the professional manner in which the evidence was presented and for their attention to detail. This team are being recognised for their work with a Chief Constables Commendation.

Commendations are being awarded to two officers for their actions in dealing with a man who was firing an air rile in Graig y Rhacca, Caerphilly in February this year. Acting to ensure the safety of the community they surrounded the man and when he ran off chased him, disregarding their own safety. The offender was caught before anyone was seriously hurt, he later pleaded guilty and received a custodial sentence of 18 months.

Two officers are being recognised for their roles in a kidnap and rape investigation in the Newport area in October 2007. They worked tirelessly, both on and off duty, in ensuring a thorough investigation was conducted and support was given to the victim which gave them the courage to give evidence. Working over an extended period of time, the officers continued to demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm. At the conclusion of the case the offender was convicted or rape, kidnap and theft and received a total sentence of nine years in custody.

Paul O'Borne is Planning Manager for Mental Health Services for Caerphilly County Borough Council. He has chaired several groups in Gwent set up to address the needs of people with mental health problems who come into contact with the criminal justice system, as witnesses, victims or offenders. He is receiving a commendation for his efforts in ensuring that Places of Safety are provided for those people detained by the police under the Mental Health Act. Mr OBorne has been a determined activist in progressing the issue for Gwent. His knowledge, energy, tact and determination were key in these provisions becoming a reality.

PC Mike Gunter is receiving a commendation for his sustained commitment and proactive approach to policing within the Newport area whilst working on the General Purpose Vehicle (GPV). With exceptional local knowledge he has achieved an extremely high arrest and process rate and colleagues regularly request his assistance to identify offenders and witnesses. PC Gunter has arrested nearly three hundred people in just over 2 ½ years. These include offences from robbery to possession of controlled drugs. In addition to this he has seized 175 vehicles under the road traffic act, demonstrating his sustained achievement and commitment to policing.

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