Welsh Icons

Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Appeal to help property recovered from the Blackwood area

Gwent Police is appealing for people to come forward to identify numerous items of property that are believed to be stolen.

The items were recovered from a vehicle in the Newbridge area and a property in the Blackwood area.

The property that was recovered includes:

JCB Industrial Wacker Hammer (yellow and black)
ECHO Leaf Blower, Shred and Vac (grey and black)
JCB Petrol Strimmer (yellow and black)
STIHL extension hedge trimmer (orange, black and chrome)
STIHL Grass Cutter (orange and black)
STIHL Hedge Trimmer
STIHL Disc Cutters (orange)
STIHL Wacker Hammer

A 32 year old man from the Pontllanfraith area and a 22 year old man from the Blackwood area were arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods, and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

If you recognise any of the items and believe them to be yours, then please contact PC 1053 Karen Gifford on 01495 232 434 to make arrangements to visit Risca Police Station to formally identify the property.

Pool helps hotel team take the plunge for a good cause

Wales National Pool Swansea has teamed up with staff from Swansea city centre's Premiere Inn who are attempting to raise cash for Water Aid.

On Sunday October 25 around 10 members of staff for the hotel will be taking the plunge at the Swansea pool and swimming for 12 hours to raise cash for WaterAid.

The international charity saves thousands of children's lives every year by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

Whitbread, which owns Premier Inn and pub restaurants Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Table Table and Taybarns, is aiming to raise £1 million for WaterAid in the next two years through a series of fundraising activities.

Premier Inn Swansea City Centre Administrator/Lead Receptionist Jenny Cope said: "We wanted to do a water based challenge for the event and the Wales National Pool seemed the ideal venue.

"We hope that people will support us."

Jane Draper, General Manager of the Wales National Pool Swansea, said: "We are delighted to be the chosen location for this attempt and our staff have experience in supporting people in such attempts. We will be able to accommodate the Swimathon while remaining open as usual to our customers."

If any people want to sponsor the Premiere Inn team contact Jenny on 01792 634940 or via email at swansea.pi@premierinn.com

For more information on Wateraid visit www.wateraid.org

Wales National Pool Swansea opening times and events are available at http://www.walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk

Cappucino Girls Flash Mob Swansea

It amazes me sometimes how we get to hear about things at Welsh Icons Towers.

On Monday Shaheen (the boy from Swansea who sang at the Michael Jackson memorial service) joined with 160 other dancers to do a flash mob dance in Swansea. The song is the Cappuccino girls sung by another Swansea singing star Bonnie Tyler.

Within hours of this video being placed on YouTube we had been sent multiple copies of the link by our numerous readers in the states. It would seem that Mal Pope's song from the Cappuccino Girls has gone virally global.

Visit the animals at Plantasia this Autumn

Weird and wonderful creatures look set to keep the crowds coming to Swansea Plantasia.

The hothouse's collection of monkeys, turtles and fish alongside bugs, a chameleon and a python have helped attract thousands of visitors during the summer school holidays.

More than 25,000 visitors passed through the Parc Tawe based attraction's doors during the summer break.

Its Animal Antics shows during the summer were fully booked with more than 600 adults and children attending the educational insights into creatures from snakes to lizards.

And the fun continues for families looking for an autumn adventure.

As well as its fabulous range of unusual plants and exotic fruits from around the world at Plantasia you can see monkeys, turtles, a chameleon with its distinctive eyes and enormous sticky tongue or even a 15-foot long python.

Visitors can also sit and watch parakeets flying freely in the bird house or admire the riot of colour with the exotic species of fish in the aquarium. They can even get to feed the Koi Carp.

Plantasia is open every day from 10am to 5pm with the last admission at 4.15pm.

For more details log onto www.plantasia.org or call on 01792 474555

Delve's suspension reduced

Wales and Gloucester back row Gareth Delve has had his suspension for striking George Stowers during a recent Guinness Premiership match reduced on appeal to two weeks.

The pair clashed after a dangerous tackle by London Irish forward Stowers - for which he was later charged - in the closing stages at the Madejski Stadium, and Delve was initially banned for three weeks.

But RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett has now downgraded the striking charge from mid-range to lower end in terms of seriousness, the resulting two-week ban leaving him free to return on October 5.

Stowers was suspended for two weeks for the tackle which sparked the fracas, and a further week for striking Delve.

Delve will now be available for the Heineken Cup opener against the Dragons next Friday evening. He will miss Sunday's game at Leeds in the Premiership, but is free to play in the game against Paul Turner's much improved side.

Gallery book boost for Swansea students

Hard-up students looking from a break from freshers fun have been given a boost by Swansea's Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

The attraction has introduced a 10 per cent discount scheme for students in its art bookshop.

The Gallery's shop stocks the most recent publications on contemporary art, photography, applied art, architecture, fashion, design, art history and theory.

A range of magazines, greeting cards and postcards is also available.

Swansea Council is behind the scheme and students simply have to produce a student ID card to benefit.

Jenni Spencer-Davies, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Curator, said: "We are looking forward to our art bookshop making a difference by offering this special saving for students in the city.

"These are difficult economic times for many and it's great we're able to give students a bit of help with their studies.

"This scheme is sure to suit those studying art in colleges as well as university students."

For a limited time only the Gallery will also be offering a 20 per cent discount on selected art books and exhibition catalogues for all to enjoy.

The discount schemes come in the build-up to a new exhibition that starts at the Gallery on Saturday October 10.

The exhibition includes new work focusing on bridges from around the world where Swansea artist Tim Davies has erased all traces of the background in images of them to reveal only the structures themselves.

Tim Davies has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally and was the winner of the Mostyn Open Prize in 1997, the National Eisteddfod Fine Art Gold Medal in 2003 and the Richard and Rosemary Wakelin Purchase Award in 2005.

He was also shortlisted for the prestigious Artes Mundi prize in 2004.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is renowned for the quality of its exhibitions and is very pleased to present this new work by a Swansea-based artist.

"Bridges are among the most beautiful and iconic structures in the world but people don't often get the chance to see them without the influence of their backgrounds and locations.

"This will be a fascinating insight into what they can symbolise in our world today."

Visit www.glynnviviangallery.org for more information or call 01792 516900

Arts Council of Wales to review capital lottery programme

Arts Council of Wales is undertaking a review of its Lottery Capital Programme over the period from 1999 to the present and has commissioned Alun Bond of Artservice, a specialist independent arts consultancy, to assist the Council with the review.

The key aims of the review will be:

To analyse the breakdown of funding across different programme strands
To analyse the impact of the programme on the national arts infrastructure and access for the population to major arts facilities
To analyse the impact of the programme on organisations receiving major capital awards, especially with regard to creative development and their financial performance and sustainability
To asses the impact on Arts Council revenue funding commitments to organisations in receipt of major Capital awards
To assess the impact of capital projects on wider regeneration
To make recommendations on future capital programme policy and priorities.

The review will have a strong focus on the Arts Council's revenue clients and on awards in excess of £250,000. It will consider the range of projects supported, including artform and geographic spread; the regeneration impact of the programme; and the levels of partnership funding attracted to major capital schemes overall. A number of case studies will be carried out into schemes funded through the programme.

The review will involve consultation a variety of agencies, including the Welsh Assembly Government, Local Authorities, arts organisations and venues which have received Lottery Capital Programme funding awards, and other professionals & architects involved with the programme.

Nick Capaldi, Arts Council of Wales Chief Executive said: "For more than a decade, our Lottery Capital Programme has been transforming the quality of buildings and facilities for the arts. From the Wales Millennium Centre to Ruthin Crafts Centre, Galeri in Caernarfon to Aberystwyth Arts Centre, we've helped create in Wales some of the UK's most architecturally distinctive arts buildings. It's important that we take a cool, careful look at just what has been achieved to date, and what now needs to happen in the future."

The Review of the Lottery Capital Programme is timed to run alongside the Arts Council's wider Investment Review, the most radical and far reaching examination of funding to arts organisations that the Arts Council has ever undertaken. The Investment Review will help identify, next year, the 'portfolio' of organisations who will be at the heart of the Arts Council's future strategy to develop the arts in Wales.

Youth bus for older people

The over 50s in Neath Port Talbot are being given the chance to become young people again by catching the Rolling Zone Mobile Youth Centre bus.

Throughout the morning of Thursday 1st October, to celebrate National Older People's Day the Older Persons' Council will be giving out information to local people who are over the age of 50.

In a unique partnership the Local Authority Youth Service will be lending them their Rolling Zone Mobile Youth Centre which will be placed near Morrisons car park in Neath.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Ali Thomas said: "We now have more people over the age of 50 than young people living in the county borough, it is therefore more important than ever to make sure that people have the information they need to make sure that they live a long, healthy and independent life.

"We are grateful to both Morrisons and the Youth Service for enabling us to have this exciting venue to welcome older people into so that they can have a chat and gather information on topics which are important to them.

"Look out for the zebra painted vehicle in Morrisons' car park and call in for a chat."

Ulster name squad for Scarlets clash

Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin has named a 26 man squad, for Ulster's next Magners League home match, against Scarlets on Friday (KO 7.05pm).

Commenting on the squad's development to date, McLaughlin said: "We are making progress and are starting to play good, strong rugby, but we have a bit of distance to go yet. There are still improvements to be made and skills to be perfected, but we will continue to work and improve and fight our corner every week.

"It's about learning from your mistakes and continuing to make improvements after each game. I think we are making good headway. The players are working extremely hard and buying into the ideas that I and the other coaches; Jeremy Davidson and Neil Doak, are bring to them. We are pleased and positive about how things have gone to date."

Ryan Caldwell returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury. Tamaiti Houra, Niall O'Connor, Mark McCrea and Academy player Ian Porter, all receive call-ups. While; Simon Danielli, Dan Tuohy, Rory Best, David Pollock, Bryn Cunningham, Matt McCullough and Cillian Willis were not available for selection, due to injury.

ULSTER FORWARDS: Nigel Brady, Brendon Botha, Bryan Young, Ed O'Donoghue, Andy Kyriacou, Chris Henry, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Thomas Anderson, Neil McComb , Tom Court, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Caldwell, Tamaiti Houra

ULSTER BACKS: Timoci Nagusa, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Ian Whitten, Paul Marshall, Isaac Boss, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Wallace, Clinton Schifcofske, Ian Porter, Niall O'Connor, Mark McCrea

The playing 22 will be named on tomorrow at noon.

New Approach For Folk Rockers Oysterband

Folk-rockers Oysterband take a new approach at Brecon's Theatr Brycheiniog on Thursday 8 October when they play an acoustic set of their greatest hits and more.

The concert promises to be an acoustic journey through classic and rare gems from the Oysterband songbook presented in the inimitable, upfront style for which the band has become acclaimed.

Just for this tour, the band have re-imagined and re-vitalised song arrangements using different instruments such as kantele and harmonium, whilst keeping their energy and harmonies to the fore.

'Since the release of the superb album Meet You There earlier this year, the band seems to have found a new confidence in itself and its songs,' said Lee Collins, Theatr Brycheiniog's marketing manager. 'I think the concert will be an eye-opener for both fans and newcomers alike and well worth checking out if you're a fan of the stripped down acoustic style.'

Oysterband's Welsh tour also takes in Tenby De Valence Pavilion (6 October), Cardigan Theatr Mwldan (7 October), Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre (9 October), Aberystwyth Arts Centre (10 October) and Caernarfon Galeri (11 October).

Tickets for Oysterband at Theatr Brycheiniog on Thursday 8 October cost £15.00 and are available online at www.theatrbrycheiniog.co.uk or by telephone on 01874 611622.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, is one of Wales' foremost arts centres with a wide-ranging programme of music, theatre, dance and comedy. Its funding partners include the Arts Council of Wales, Powys County Council and Brecon Town Council.

Photograph byChris Puddephatt

Window smashed in Llangollen: Appeal

An appeal for witnesses is being made after a shop window was damaged in Llangollen during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

At approx. 01:30hrs a large glass window of the ‘Eddylines’ clothes store on Berwyn Street was damaged, whereby a concrete block had been thrown causing it to shatter.

Two people, who were dressed in dark clothing and hooded tops, were seen running away from the scene along Hall Street.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or anyone who may have information should contact PC 1768 Robin Jones at Llangollen Police Station on 101, if you are calling from Wales, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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

Earthfall presents the 20th Anniversary Celebratory tour

GIG - Out of harmony comes discord In celebration of their 20th Anniversary, the multi award-winning dance and physical theatre company, Earthfall, present their winter season with a tour of their brand-new performance, GIG, scheduled to perform at six venues nationwide from 22 October (see full tour schedule below).

Earthfall are a 21st Century phenomenon, inspired by gritty reality and glitzy technology, creating minute epics with extreme physicality.'THE GUARDIAN

'Mesmerising ... it made the theatre catch fire - epic' MAIL ON SUNDAY

Marking their 26th production since the company's formation in 1989, Earthfall takes pride in successfully forging radical choreography with live music and strong visual imagery. Founding Artistic Directors, Jim Ennis & Jessica Cohen have rapidly established the company as an outstanding exponent of pioneering dance theatre. Earthfall's theme-based work is primarily concerned with seeking a personal honesty, passion, and economy in physical performance, to produce multifaceted, quality work which has been performed throughout the world. In testament of their success so far, Earthfall has received several awards for its live performance and film work, including the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Short Film and has twice won the Theatre in Wales Award for Best Dance/Physical Theatre Production.

'As with all Earthfall shows, this is no ordinary performance ...

a major piece of dance theatre which manages to engage, excite and exhilarate almost to the point of exhaustion' THE WESTERN MAIL

'...seldom shy of mesmerising' THE SCOTSMAN

Looking back over the past two-decades of performance Jim Ennis comments: "Earthfall was established in a year of great political upheaval, predominately in the Eastern bloc, including the defining act of demolishing the Berlin Wall - both a political and physical act that helped shape the performance and choreographic style of the company.

"I'm delighted that we have made it to 20-years and am proud to have become one of Wales' leading artistic exports. To survive this long in the performing arts world, you have to be both dogged and resilient - Earthfall's survival and achievements to date are testament to this and our continued collaboration with dedicated and talented artists.

"The pressure, determination and pursuit of new ideas remains the same now as it was in 1989 and we look forward to continuing our production of award-winning work."

Jessica Cohen adds: "From the moment we decided to start Earthfall, it has been like a roller-coaster ride. I'm incredibly proud of our company surviving 20 years, it's a considerable length of time. Earthfall is truly embedded into my life and the creative process never gets easier; the first day of rehearsal is still a bit like the first day back at school!"

Alongside the tour, Earthfall will be offering educational workshops, available for groups aged 15+, which will provide a unique opportunity to explore the choreographic tasks and stimuli used to devise the piece, enabling participants to delve into their own creative edge and find expression in their work.

'A stunning concept all round' THE STAGE

GIG promises to be no exception to Earthfall's continued repertoire of excellence with a high-octane, satirical rampage through the human condition, featuring dark humour, bold dance, film and award-winning, live music that is both anarchic and melodic in style, composed by Sion Orgon and Frank Naughton.

Four physical performers and two musicians depict the story of a touring alternative/progressive band who are experiencing life from an elevated and somewhat surreal position, far removed from the realities of society, whilst their music and performances continue to encapsulate the world outside. As the band members struggle to make sense of their world, they experience both transient and turbulent relationships, as trashed instruments, bloody noses and drunken reconciliations are witnessed.

Expect to be transported on an emotional journey from the exhilarating and poignant through to the comical and utterly ridiculous.

www.thisisgig.com

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thurs, 22 - Fri, 23 October 7.45pm £12/£10concs Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon 01874 611622

Wed, 28 - Thurs, 29 October 8pm £12 / £10 under 19s £8 Sherman Cymru, Cardiff 029 2064 6900

Wed, 4 - Thurs, 5 November 8pm £10 / £8concs / £4 BSU Students University Theatre - Bath Spa University 01225 463362

Tues, 10 November 7.30pm £12 / 9.50concs Weymouth College 01305 208702

Fri, 13 November 7.30pm £10 / £7.50concs Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 658222

Tues, 17 November 7.30pm £7.50 / £6.50concs Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre 01823 414141

Earthfall : Second week of Rehearsal GIG clip two

Dragons search for first scalp

The Ospreys Under 18s will be looking to maintain the pressure on the Blues tomorrow night when they take on the Dragons in the WRU Age Grade Championship, at Newbridge.

However, the hosts, who kicked off their season with a bonus point defeat at the hands of the Scarlets last week, will be gunning for their first scalp of the new season.

The Dragons went down 19-13 in that game, despite a first half try from Alec Cooper and one or two late opportunities to snatch the spoils. In contrast, the Ospreys made no mistake in North Wales where they defeated Gogledd Cymru 37-12, courtesy of 22 points from Matthew Morgan.

Morgan starts on the bench tomorrow, but the visitors will hope to continue their decent start by adding a second successive victory on their travels.

In the Under 16 championship, the Scarlets get a first opportunity to play at the Parc y Scarlets complex, against a Blues North side in real need of a victory after successive defeats against the Dragons and Gogledd Cymru.

The Scarlets, who have the outstanding Jordan Williams at outside half, will fancy their chances of building on a decent start to the season. After brushing aside Gogledd Cymru 34-0 at Llandovery, they followed up with a 32-21 victory over Blues South at Taffs Well.

Williams, who bagged 17 points in that game and 19 against Gogledd Cymru, is regarded as one of the brightest young backs in the game.

The North did pick up a losing bonus point for scoring four tries in Colwyn Bay last time out and will hope that captain, centre and joint leading try scorer Callum Phillips can inspire his side in Llanelli.

The other Under 16 game sees the Blues South entertain the Dragons at Taffs Well – the hosts fresh from a 33-15 victory over Gogledd Cymru on Sunday.

Fixtures (7.15 kick off)
Under 16
Scarlets v Blues North (Parc y Scarlets)
Blues South v Dragons (Taffs Well)

Under 18
Dragons v Ospreys (Newbridge)

Blues South Under 16: R Smith; J Phillips, L Chalke, T Perry, T Lewis; G Thompson., L O’Brien; T Jennings, M Perks, B Rookes, L Connolly, B Roach, Z Deere, L Helyar, W Meades. Replacements: T Crosse, G Nash, R Owens, R Pilcher, R Woodman, S Middlemiss, B Harding

Dragons Under 16: E Davies; J Dixon, H Amos, S Cole, D Franchi; N Martin, C Imms; B Edwards, D Goode (capt), T Shipp, T Hicks, S Andrews, S Matthews, R Anderson, J Benjamin. Replacements: J Kendall, J Franchi, D Jones, M Adams, J Guy, M Sevenoaks, L Morgan, G Eldred

Blues North Under 16: J Flye; K Thomas, J Barrett, C Phillips (capt), K Hughes; L Montague, J Raikes; J Dunning, J Hughes, J Parry, J Cleaver, C Lacey, M Davies, J James, S Ralph. Replacements: E Lewis, C Lewis, D Morris, S Pring, C Gay, L Rees, J Soanes

Scarlets Under 16: S Evans; Dylan Morgan, S Hughes, G Owen, J Randall; J Williams, C Lloyd; B Davies, T Ball, G Davies, Dyfed Morgan, C Marks, S Bennett, D Thomas, J Williams. Replacements: R Jones, D Harvard, D Doughty, M Vaux, J Thomas, G Howells, T Griffiths

Dragons Under 18: S Bevan; S Jones, E Wheaton, L Bellamore, A Cooper; J Prosser, J Evans (capt); D Morgan, T Rusga, L Bacon, H Lewis, C Regan, M Thomas, J Sollis, L Burgess. Replacements: J Williams, D Newlands, M O’Brien, I Jones, R Matthews, G Kemp, K Griffiths

Ospreys Under 18: E Walker; B Davies, Ben Davies, N Edwards, L Morgan; O Williams, T Habberfield; R Thomas, R Curtis, D Saines, A Evans, J Jones (capt), L Ward, O Pardoe, D Baker. Replacements: G Marvin, M Morgan, B Ellis, A Rees, C Seeley, D Palmer, S Treharne

Tuesday, 29 September 2009

U20s trials to be staged at Parc y Scarlets

All young and ambitious rugby players have a great opportunity to impress the Welsh national selectors in an Under 20s Open Trials day at the home of the Scarlets, Parc y Scarlets.

The Open Trials will be staged where the likes of Lions heroes Matthew Rees and Stephen Jones strut their stuff, on Saturday 17th October. Registration begins at 9am and play should be wrapped up by around 4pm.

Interested players should meet in the classroom above the training barn at Parc y Scarlets and they should bring kit to do indoor and outdoor sessions, wet weather kit, boots, gum shield etc. They will be taking part in rugby, classroom and conditioning sessions. Players should also bring lunch/snacks and plenty of fluid.

The coaches will be Kylie Wilson and Chris Garrett who will be hoping to build on the success of the first two years of the programme where the focus will be on skills and conditioning and developing the player both on and off the field

The U20s will figure in two fixtures this season and with the Senior Women's World Cup at the end of the season, there is plenty of incentive for players to impress. Young stars like Elinor Snowsill – the U20s captain last season– have come through the U20 system and is now part of the senior world cup suqad, proving there is a chance for players to impress the senior selectors.

All players must be 17, 18 or 19 on the 1st September of this year to qualify.

Please complete the form and send with a cheque for £10 payable to WRU to Sophie Bennett, WRU Performance Manager at address below by Wednesday 14th October.

Any queries or questions do not hesitate to contact her on 02920 822460.

Murder mystery at Nantclwyd y Dre

It will be murder at Nantclwyd y Dre, Ruthin on the night of Friday, October 23rd.

Historic re-enactor Ruth Moore Williams will lead participants on the trail of clues, red herrings and puzzles in this participatory evening full of intrigue and deception – an ideal night for anyone who has ever wanted to play detective.

Prices are £10 each of £30 per team of four. The event begins at 7pm.

To book a place, please telephone 01824 708281.

The future of Margam Park is under the microscope

Neath Port Talbot Council is currently inviting potential developers to participate in a 'market sounding exercise' to scope the future use of the Park.

The historic 300 hectares attraction which has been part of Port Talbot's history for hundreds of years is now under the microscope, opening up opportunities for major developments.

As part of the exercise the council intend to attract organisations with a track record in delivering prestigious leisure developments. It is anticipated that they will come forward with ideas as to how the Park can be best taken forward as a national attraction.

The council believes that in addition to tourism that there are also untapped opportunities including Sport and Leisure, Education, Retail, Catering, Tourist Accommodation, Special Events and Corporate Hospitality.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, said, "Margam Country Park is a much loved destination, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year. However, we recognise that there is potential within the Park that could further enhance its popularity and provide the county borough with one of the country's premier attractions and destinations. We are very excited by this and are confident that it will bring forward a developer that will realise the Park's full potential."

Information on the 'Market Sounding Exercise' can be found on the council's website www.npt.gov.uk/margammarketsounding. Potential developers will be able to submit their proposals until mid January 2010, after which the council will consider the submissions.

Didn't They Do Well

The Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Anne Hughes, has congratulated a special group of County gymnasts.

The 11-strong squad represented Wales at the recent Special Olympics in Leicester.

They returned from the championships with a winning haul of 13 Golds, 12 Silver and 15 Bronze medals.

Gymnasts Adele Bevan, Leah Scott, Victoria Walters, Emma Martin, Rhianne Cole, Jemma Bowie-Hallam, Jamie Bevan, Marcus James, Darren Briggs, Ryan Foot and Andrew Martin come from all over Pembrokeshire and took part in a range of competitive disciplines at Leicester.

To mark their achievement Councillor Hughes paid a visit to their training club in Milford Haven to congratulate them in person.

"These young gymnasts are a credit to our County and Wales and proof that hard work and effort pays off" she said. "We in Pembrokeshire are very proud of them."

The gymnasts are all members of the Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnastic Club and travel to Cardiff once a month for Welsh squad training.

Photograph: Councillor Hughes is pictured with some of the squad and their medals. Also pictured is Senior Coach Jean Jones

read more... “Didn't They Do Well”

Food Waste Collections in NPT

Neath Port Talbot Council's Food Waste collection is now well underway.

The service which initially is being introduced to 14,000 households this week is a new addition to weekly collections.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas joined the recycling team last week in Sandfields and met up with local resident Gerald Flynn, who already takes part in the kerbside scheme.

He said, "The new service has already been well received by residents. It is an excellent addition to the kerbside recycling scheme which has already proved a success across the county borough. In Wales, we throw away 330,000 tonnes of food waste each year, so this scheme can now help to reduce this.

"All households across Neath Port Talbot will in due course be offered the service and I urge residents to take part as this will make an enormous difference to the amount of food waste we through away."

There will be no change to collection days as the food waste will be picked up on the same day as normal refuse and recycling.

Residents in the initial phase of the roll out have already been given instructions on what to do. A small kitchen caddy, a roll of biodegradable caddy liners and a larger 22 litre food bin have also been delivered to households.

If residents run out of caddy liners then all they have to do is lift the yellow flag on the outside bin and the recycling team will drop off more.

The separate collection and treatment of food waste in Neath Port Talbot will help towards preventing the release of greenhouse gases and contribute towards the Council meeting its future statutory targets for diverting biodegradable waste from landfill.

Householders may also be aware that the Council offers home composting bins for sale. Home composting is an easy way to turn garden waste and uncooked fruit and vegetable food waste into a useful product for use in the garden.

Photograph: Waste operative Alan Freeman (right)) collecting a container with food waste from home owner Gerald Flynn (middle) with Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council (left) in Crimson Avenue, Port Talbot.

New Technology To Protect Bridge

Newspaper pictures of lorries stuck under the railway bridge at the bottom of Dredgeman’s Hill in Merlin’s Bridge could be a thing of the past thanks to the installation of new roadside technology.

For many years the sight of a HGV with its load jammed under the bridge has been an all too familiar one to nearby residents and motorists using the A4076 just outside Haverfordwest.

Now the Welsh Assembly Government with a contribution from the bridge’s owner, Network Rail, have funded a signing system which detects vehicles approaching the structure that are over 14 foot 9 inches and therefore too high to pass safely underneath.

Located on Pope Hill near Johnston and Freemans Way, sensors activate a nearby message sign with flashing amber lights that tells the driver to ‘Turn Back’.

The system is monitored and a log is also kept each time the sensors detect a suspect vehicle.

Roger Williams from the West Wales Trunk Road Agency said that since its recent installation, the system had already detected one such lorry whose driver had then turned around and selected another route.

"HGV drivers who ignore the warnings when it applies to them, are liable to be prosecuted" he added.

The new scheme has been welcomed by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Brian Hall.

"In the last couple of years especially there have been several incidents of lorries striking the bridge and sometimes even damaging the railway track" he said. "Hopefully these are now in the past."

Key firm 'graduates' from medicentre

A major research company that submits evidence on the performance of new drugs is moving from a Council-supported unit after significant expansion.

From humble beginnings of just two staff members in 2000, the Cardiff Research Consortium now employs 13 people and has been purchased by Capita. For the last nine years it has grown in strength while based at the Cardiff MediCentre, a bio-science “business incubator” on the University Hospital of Wales campus.

The Cardiff MediCentre is a joint venture between Cardiff Council, Cardiff University, the Welsh Assembly Government and Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust.

CRC is the only company in Wales that deals directly with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence by submitting evidence on the effectiveness of new drugs. It collects data from patients and clinical trials and has presented research on new treatments for leukaemia, other cancers and obesity.

The MediCentre is the home of medical innovation in Cardiff and provides support to bioscience companies that base themselves there. CRC Managing Director Phil McEwan said it has given his company invaluable aid: “It isn’t easy starting up a company and the help we have had from the MediCentre over the last nine years has really taken a lot of the headaches away. As well as a grant we were given in 2000, the council and its partners have always been incredibly helpful.”

“When you’re working in bioscience it is essential to have good contacts”, said Phil. “Being based on the UHW campus has given us unrivalled access to clinicians and other experts. When you’re trying to assess if the benefits of a new drug translate to a patient’s quality of life, there’s no better place to be located and to really establish yourselves globally.”

As well as its prime location, the MediCentre also exists to provide new companies in the field with competitive rents, access to focused business support packages, a good working atmosphere, free car parking and excellent security measures,

Councillor Mark Stephens, Chair of Cardiff Medicentre said: “It is really heartening to see another first-rate company obtain this sort of success. It may be sad to see CRC leave the MediCentre but it is testament to the centre’s achievements that we have another company gaining this kind of reputation and finding global success in the field of bioscience.

“What we offer at the MediCentre is the chance to bring the innovative and practical application of medical research efficiently to the market-place. CRC is a shining example of what can be achieved and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Public Facilities Grant Scheme

Businesses across Neath Port Talbot can tap into a £17,500 grant to open up their toilet facilities to encourage the public to use them.

This year's Public Facilities Grant Scheme proposes to give businesses a one off payment of up to £500 per premises to allow the public to use them. Any business can apply for this grant, pubs, hotels, cafes, community centres and sports centres.

Before the council can give out the grant to businesses they will have to go through a test to see if the current facilities have met acceptable standards of safety, hygiene, provide disabled access and toilets for both men and women.

If they are successful the businesses will be awarded the grant and will be listed on the council's website www.npt.gov.uk so that members of the public can be made aware of the locations and opening times.

"Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, said, "We have worked closely with the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) to provide this grant which will benefit not only the public but businesses as well across the county borough.

"The council will provide bilingual signs for the businesses to display outside the premises notifying the public of the facilities on offer and opening times. It is also a condition that the businesses allow public access free of charge.

"The council will inspect each business to ensure that the facilities are within the grant conditions and failure to comply will mean that the council can recover the grant."

If any business is interested in applying for this grant or you need more information then please contact Ken Harding, Facilities Manager on 01639 686996 or e-mail k.harding@npt.gov.uk by the end of September.

Babies born on July 3 get special present from their city

Babies born in Swansea on July 3 this year will get a special present courtesy of the city's Lord Mayor today.

As part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the announcement that Swansea was to receive city status, children born here that day are being given a silver coin specially commissioned from the Royal Mint.

The unique coins will be presented to their families at a special presentation at the Mansion House in Ffynone on today (Tuesday September 29) at 2pm.

Among the youngsters set to attend is baby Ruby Leigh Griffiths from Gorseinon who was named Ruby to happily coincide with the ruby anniversary of Swansea.

July 3, 1969, was the date when HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, first announced Swansea was to receive city status. It came just two days after his investiture at Caernarvon Castle.

The announcement was made on the steps of Swansea's historic Guildhall during a tour of Wales.
That honour was officially granted five months later in December 1969.

Swansea has been marking the occasion with a number of events including a garden party for residents reaching their 40th on July 3 and couples celebrating their wedding anniversary between July 3 and December.

A time capsule has been stored in the archives at Swansea's civic centre for the next 40 years to be opened on the city's 80th birthday celebrations.

On July 11 a Freedom Ceremony for 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry) including a march through our city centre was also part of the celebrations.

Swansea Council Lord Mayor Cllr Alan Lloyd, the only serving Swansea Councillor who was also a councillor on that historic day, said: "July 3 was a momentous day for Swansea and now it has become a momentous day for these children and their families.

"I am looking forward to meeting the families who are able to attend the presentation. I am sure they will treasure their special coins.

"Swansea has grown up so much in the last 40 years and holds so much promise for its next four decades. I hope that these youngsters will have a bright future too."

John Lewis Cardiff open its doors

John Lewis Cardiff has officially opened its doors, with queues of shoppers descending on Wales’ newest, and largest, department store.

After months of anticipation, the shop opened its doors at 09:30am on Thursday 24 September, giving shoppers access to over 350,000 products across four floors and 170,000 sq ft of selling space.

To officially mark the opening, a ribbon was cut by John Lewis Cardiff managing director, Liz Mihell, and pupils from St Mary the Virgin Primary School, who buried a time capsule in the shop in July.

Liz Mihell says: “Our opening is the culmination of a lot of hard work and preparation, so we’re delighted to have reached such a landmark occasion.

“Ever since work began on the shop we have been made to feel extremely welcome by people across Wales. Cardiff is a growing and vibrant city and to be a part of such an exciting time in its history feels very special.”

Crowds waiting outside the shop were treated to entertainment from a samba band and jugglers, while John Lewis rickshaws dropped people off at the new shop and models acting as living mannequins in the city centre showcased the new and exclusive fashion brands on offer. Inside the shop, Cardiff Arms Park male voice choir performed to entertain people as they browse.

The 280,000 sq ft shop, which is the principal anchor for the landmark St David’s development, has opened a month ahead of the rest of the centre. It is the second largest in the John Lewis Partnership and the largest branch outside London and will feature fashion, furniture and homeware products.

Over the past few months passers-by have seen the shop take shape from the outside, with the installation of external signs and a large glass prow sitting at the end of the Hayes.

Liz continued: “Having lived in Cardiff for several months, I’ve felt a growing sense of excitement from the people of Wales, so we’re extremely proud to now share with them the John Lewis shopping experience for the first time.

“We were delighted to welcome shoppers at our opening celebrations. There will be much to see and enjoy through the weekend, with entertainment continuing until Saturday.”

Shoppers were among the first to experience John Lewis’ new womenswear concept, with Cardiff the first John Lewis branch to showcase a new look for the fashion department. This includes a designer area, contemporary fixtures for jewellery and accessories, a denim wall and a feature ceiling. The concept has no defined walkways, allowing shoppers a sense of discovery.

Womenswear brands include Stella McCartney Lingerie, a new and exclusive brand for Cardiff, along with Elie Tahari, Mulberry, Tanya Sarne for John Lewis and Les Petites. The store will also houses menswear brands such as Ralph Lauren, Belstaff, John Smedley, Zegna Sport and Hackett.

In a another first for John Lewis, shoppers were able to browse for products on Johnlewis.com from computer access points on the shop floor and while enjoying refreshments in the Espresso Bar. The opening also saw the unveiling of the largest John Lewis Espresso Bar, which features 129 covers, as well as the 293-cover ‘Place to Eat’ restaurant on the third floor.

A 200 metre-long queue formed outside the shop from 7.45am, and the first customer was Chris Scott who was presented with a bunch of flowers before she raced to the Laura Mercier counter for a make-over.

The first purchase of the day was recorded on the Lancôme beauty counter within minutes of shop opening, and the tills kept ringing all day, chalking up over 12,000 transactions.

Home electrical items were in demand, with 21 large screen TVs, 10 Sebo vacuum cleaners and one £3000 fridge being sold. Amongst the best selling items were Liz Earle beauty products, Ralph Lauren menswear and bed linen. The John Lewis Value range mug (£1) and pairing knife (£1) completely sold out.

The new concept womenswear floor proved extremely popular with customers, with Phase 8 and Oasis selling well. Lingerie was a big hit and John Lewis lingerie advisers recorded 41 bra fitting appointments. Cardiff shoppers prepared for the winter months with ladies boots a sales highlight.

The home department traded well with fourteen carpet and floor covering estimate bookings, four fitted kitchen planning appointments and six curtain measuring appointments.

Hungry shoppers took time to relax in the Place to Eat and Espresso bar, eating and drinking their way through nearly 300 scones, 100 welsh cakes and 3000 hot drinks.

John Lewis Cardiff managing director Liz Mihell said: “Opening day was fantastic and it was great to see how excited customers are about our new shop. Sales exceeded our expectations, finishing more than 20 per cent ahead of our target for the day. Many customers told us how delighted they are John Lewis is finally open with one commenting ‘It used to be that you had to have a cathedral to become a city now you have to have a John Lewis!’.”

Official Opening of new £4 million Ysgol Cae Top

The new £4 million Ysgol Cae Top in Bangor has been officially opened by former Wales and Lions rugby star, Robin McBride and Gwynedd Council Chairman, Councillor Anne Lloyd-Jones.

Over 200 pupils attend the brand-new Ysgol Cae Top which boasts a wide-range of modern facilities including a purpose-built IT suite, libraries, music room, playground, nursery and community club room.

Gwynedd Council Chairman, Councillor Anne Lloyd-Jones said:

“The new state-of-the-art Ysgol Cae Top creates a totally modern facility fit to meet the educational requirements of the 21st century. The new school is located in an area of particular ecological interest, and the building has been designed accordingly.”

Robin McBride, who is now an integral part of the Wales rugby coaching team, has strong links to the Bangor primary school where his late father John McBride was a former headteacher. Speaking at the official opening, Robin said he was delighted to open Ysgol Cae Top’s brand-new home.

“It’s a huge honour for me to be here today to be part of the official opening of the new Ysgol Cae Top. The family connections with school go back decades, with myself and my sisters former pupils, but probably most notably with my father being a former headteacher.

“During his time at Ysgol Cae Top, he was forthright in his efforts to secure a new school, and I’m sure that he would be very happy to see that it actually has happened. My father was always keen to ensure that every child has every opportunity in life, and this fantastic new Ysgol Cae Top will mean that its pupils won’t miss out on anything.

“I’d like to thank the school governors, Gwynedd Council and Rhys Hughes the headteacher for the privilege of being part of this important day. I wish the school, its staff and pupils all the very best for the future.”

The former Ysgol Cae Top - which had served thousands of Bangor’s youngsters since the 1870s – was previously located in a Victorian building. In contrast, the new school boasts cutting edge green technology such as sonar panels, geothermal heating, wind-turbines and a system to collect and re-use rain water.

Local Gwynedd Councillor for the Glyder ward in Bangor, Dai Rees Jones added:

“I’m absolutely delighted to see the new Ysgol Cae Top officially opened. This modern school provides an invaluable facility for the pupils and staff, as well as providing an important focus for our local community.”

As part of the ceremony, the school was blessed by The Bishop of Bangor, Right Revd. Andrew John.

Photograph: Gwynedd Council Chairman, Councillor Anne Lloyd-Jones; Robin McBride and The Bishop of Bangor, Right Revd. Andrew John at the official opening

Update: Incidents involving stolen vehicle

Gwent police have arrested a 23 year old male in connection to the report of a male driving a stolen Silver Vauxhall Astra, registration KC03JSZ. The driver was reportedly stopping to speak to teenage girls and attempting to entice them into the vehicle in the Caerphilly Borough area. The male is currently in custody and further enquiries are continuing into this matter.

Gwent Police would like to thank members of the public for their co-operation with this investigation.

Preparation for General Election already underway in Denbighshire

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

Registration forms were sent to over 44,000 households in the County at the end of August and now reminders are being issued to households who have not yet confirmed or returned the annual electoral registration form.

Dr Mohammed Mehmet, Electoral Registration Officer for Denbighshire said: “We are trying to ensure that all eligible residents are included in the next Register of Electors. A general election can be called at any time, but must take place by June 3, 2010. Electors may find that once an election is called that there is very little time to register. Typically a minimum of 17 working days between the announcement of a general election and polling day.

“It’s simple to register, all you have to do is complete the annual registration form and you’ll be able to help choose the people that make the decisions which affect your everyday life. If the information on the form is correct, it’s even easier as you can confirm the information by using the telephone, internet or text registration services.”

“For some people, this may be the first General Election that they get to take part in and may be worried about what to do. You can find out more by calling 01824 706101 or go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.”

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

SWALEC League: Division 1 round-up

Felinfoel admit they have one eye on reaching the Premiership after maintaining their 100 per cent record with a narrow 25-22 victory over Carmarthen Athletic in Division One West.

The Llanelli-based club have been the surprise package this season as they build on their 2008 success which saw them emerge undefeated to become champions of Division Two East.

President Phil Bennett would have been pleased to see latest scrum-half prodigy Luke Marsh set the hosts on their way to a fourth straight victory at St George's Field.

Felinfoel led 12-10 at half-time before Marsh's strike and 20 points from Jason Davies which included five penalties, a conversion and drop-goal sealed the win.

Club secretary Clive Richards said: "It's a something we did not expect and never thought we'd be in this position - it's a shock to all of us.

"We don't have the facilities as a club to be in the Premiership at the moment because we would need a new stand for starters.

"But it's something we need to start thinking about because of the performances on the pitch.

"We have been building as a club and our structure is excellent. The players and coaches have put in the effort and are getting their rewards.

"We have played well in all our games so far with an attractive style of rugby."

Tonwamr were the only other victors on home soil with a comfortable 25-3 victory over Bridgend Athletic.

Gareth John, Robert Hill and Mike Catris all crossed with Austin Howells adding 10 points from the boot.

Scott Robinson scored all 19 points for Corus in their win at Bridgend while Llangennech, Whitland and Bonymaen - who left it late thanks to Alan Powell's injury time winner - all grabbed crucial victories on the road.

Llanharan kept up the pressure on leaders UWIC in Division One East with a fine 23-13 win at Merthyr.

Paul Adams grabbed a brace of tries to support Dai Atkins' opener while Rob Evans replied in the second half for the home side.

UWIC ran in six tries to maintain their unbeaten start at the top of the table to hammer Caerphilly 44-10.

Third-placed Rumney saw their hopes of staying with the pace-setters dashed when their game with Bedlinog was postponed five minutes into the second half following an injury to the referee.

Bargoed and Tredegar both gained a maximum following bonus-point victories over Blackwood and Ystrad Rhondda respectively. Jamie Howells impressed with a 19-point haul for Bargeod while Newbridge cruised to a 31-12 home win over basement outfit Beddau.

Prominent author John Billot passes away

John Billot, a foremost Welsh sports author, has passed away aged 79, just six days short of his 80th birthday.

Mr Billot died in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, in the city where he made a reputation as one of the most respected writers of Welsh rugby union history

He is best known as the former Western Mail Sports Editor and after taking the post in 1982, he steered the department for seven years before retiring in 1989, though he still reported rugby on Saturdays for the paper for several more years.

Under his tutelage, Chris Jones and Steve Bale learned their trade before they became rugby correspondents at the Evening Standard and Daily Express respectively.

But it is the rugby history books he has written that will define Billot’s legacy.

His first book, a HISTORY OF WELSH INTERNATIONAL RUGBY was published in 1970 and further books followed, including Bleddyn Williams' RUGGER MY LIFE; an update of the Welsh History in 1972; THE ALL BLACKS IN WALES; THE SPINGBOKS IN WALES.

He enjoyed a lifetime of contribution to the heart and soul of Welsh rugby and in 1970 he became Production Editor of the new WELSH BREWERS RUGBY ANNUAL FOR WALES. The latter lasted until 2006 and a year after his retirement from that position, the book finished.

Additional titles included Playfair annuals, Rothmans Annuals, the splendid TRY for the WRU.

Without Billot’s diligent research there would have been little history of the game in Wales.

WRU president Dennis Gethin said: “John was one of rugby’s great gentlemen. When I was playing he was always constructive in his comments and criticism and, like his great Aussie colleague JBG Thomas he never attacked the players. They both wrote it as they saw it and John probably covered more matches in Wales during his career than any other writer.

“The Western Mail built its great rugby reputation on the back of John and JBG’s words and John’s contribution to documenting the history of Welsh rugby through his various publications provided an invaluable service to our game.

“In my role as secretary and president of the WRU I never let his ‘History of Welsh International Rugby’ leave my side.

“As editor of the Rugby Annual for Wales for almost 40 years he provided the Welsh fan with a pocket book compendium crammed full of vital facts, figures and stories that is now sadly missed.

“He was also instrumental in overseeing and compiling the Western Mail Championship Table that was the forerunner to the modern day leagues system.

“His passing will be a great loss to Welsh rugby, although his overall contribution will never be forgotten.”

In 1955 Billot was married to Sheila who survives him. They have three children and four grandchildren.

THIS IS OUR EMERGENCY SITE

Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Tuesday, 29 September 2009

Search

Text Size

Subscribe via email

Subscribe Now:

Sections

Welcome

Help keep Welsh Icons afloat

Older Stories

Random Welsh Quote

Followers

The Legal Bit