Crosslands home, in the west of the city is described by CSSIW as a well managed home, providing ‘skilful care in supporting the children and young people living there to achieve positive outcomes.

Cllr Richard Cook, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: ”I am delighted with the contents of the inspection report. I would like to pass on my thanks and congratulations to the manager and staff at Crosslands for their dedication and commitment to the young people who live there.

“I am particularly pleased that the young people living in Crosslands feel they are listened to and valued and have expressed feelings of ‘belonging’. The strong leadership of the manager and the experience and skills of the staff means they are able to provide the young people living there with the best guidance and support they can as well as a high quality of care.”

The CSSIW noted examples of good practice including the continued support of young people after they have left the home, and in protecting them from making poor lifestyle choices. The inspection also noted the manager of Crosslands demonstrated an effective model of leadership, which was empowering to staff and young people.

Cllr Cook concluded: “Providing high quality social services is a fundamental responsibility of this Council, and working towards achieving positive outcomes for looked after children in the city is an important priority which we will continue to build on.”

Related posts:

1. Denbighshire Adult Services assessed as “responsive and timely” Denbighshire Adult & Business Services has welcomed a Care &...
2. New dedicated centre improves contact between children and families Children and young people who are being looked after by...
3. ChildLine counsels more than 3,000 children in care One in 26 looked after children contact ChildLine about failings...
4. Corporate Parenting for Denbighshire’s Looked After Children A new strategy has been launched by Denbighshire County Council...
5. Council welcomes Gerddi Glasfryn report Denbighshire County Council has welcomed an inspection report which praises...

Emily, Streetlife Volunteer said “I have been volunteering for this project for a number of years. This is a great team to be involved with, and there is great reward, in helping the Women. It has taken weeks, months and sometimes years to build trust with the Women. Whatever the weather, it will not stop me from dedicating my time to the Women and Girls”

The Safer Wales volunteers provide over 2,000 hours of their valuable time to support some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Bernie Bowen Thomson, Deputy CEO said “Street sex working is closely linked to poverty and vulnerability. It is often the case that a person who is sex working on the streets will have been subject to abuse, neglect and exploitation. Safer Wales StreetLife plays a vital role in protecting women who sex work from suffering further violence and exploitation. As the lead organisation, we receive reports of violent attacks against sex workers and information on the perpetrators of these crimes. Each month Safer Wales receives at least 6 reports of violent attacks against women. Being able to support the women and share this information provides a lifeline to many women at serious risk of violence”

The Safer Wales Streetlife team provide an out reach service on the streets of Cardiff. They ensure that the women are able to remain safe. Around 30% of all the incidents reported are Rapes/Attempted Rapes or Sexual Violence.

Related posts:

1. Cardiff based group win national volunteering award for 360 hours helping street based sex workers remain safe A team of highly skilled and trained volunteers is striving...
2. 1000 Lives Campaign delivers safer patient care in Wales Patients in Wales are receiving safer and better quality healthcare...
3. Wear a white ribbon this week Residents across Swansea are being urged to wear white ribbons...
4. “Bags for life’ provide new start for 50” Safer Wales has received a donation of £500 to purchase...
5. Impatient, risk-takers more likely to ‘be violent’ on nights-out Impatient, risk-takers are more likely to commit acts of gratuitous...

Due to an efficiency drive launched by the new administration at the Materials Reclamation Facility (MRF) in order reduce cost to the Council tax payers, there has also been a decrease of over 1225 tonnes of waste in comparison to last year being sent out to a third party recycling facility.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Ashley Govier said: “I have personally witnessed the huge scale of the post Christmas operation undertaken at Lamby Way and the amount of waste we are processing there since the efficiency drive is fantastic. We will continue with this drive in order to reduce the cost to the Cardiff tax payer and continue diverting more of our waste from landfill.

“I want to thank residents across the City who are helping the City Coffers and Sustainability agenda through their recycling efforts.

‘’As always I would also like to praise the collection and processing staff who demonstrate dedication and professionalism, especially during this busy time of year. I am also delighted to see that there were far fewer complaints than in the previous administrations’ years.”

The Labour administration is grateful for the excellent achievement and fantastic response from residents who have contributed to this success and demonstrate the importance to continue this way. I can assure residents that this administration will continue challenging the Council to meet your expectations

I would also ask residents to ensure that they help us by reducing the food contamination in recycled materials by rinsing containers, using food waste caddies and reducing the amount of recyclable material put into black bags so we can maximise recyclable goods, enforcing the authority’s sustainable vision and helping us keep costs down.

Related posts:

1. Recycling initiative will see huge reduction Torfaen in waste sent to landfill A new recycling initiative launched by Torfaen council will reduce...
2. New Waste Stragey to Improve Cardiff Recycling Levels A strategy that will improve the amount of waste that...
3. Food Recycling and Waste from your Cardiff Flat or Apartment Cardiff Council now collects recycling and separate food waste weekly...
4. December sees record recycling in Denbighshire Denbighshire residents set out a record 1,016 tonnes of recycling...
5. Food waste over the Christmas period It’s inevitable that we will all buy more food over...

When asked for a copy of a business case for the purchase, and a copy of any preliminary plans for development of the airport in relation to its purchase, the Welsh Government responded by saying that is has checked its “records and can confirm that the Welsh Government does not hold any information which fits the description given in your request.”

Since the Welsh Labour Government first announced its intentions to buy Cardiff Airport, multiple concerns have been raised that the decision had been rushed and the Welsh Labour Government cannot prove its value for money.

Eluned Parrott, Shadow Minister for Transport and Enterprise, commented:

“We now have confirmation that the Welsh Labour Government has no idea why they are buying the airport and no idea what they are going to do with it – it is beyond a farce.

“The Welsh Labour Government has once again been caught playing fast and loose with public money. You do not buy first and then develop a business case to prove that you were right later. You only do that if you have been backed into a corner and are being forced to justify the decisions that you have taken.

“We were told that the nationalisation of Cardiff Airport was in the best interests of Wales. We now know that the Welsh Labour Government has no evidence that this is the case.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats would not be opposed to this move if the result was Wales getting a better airport, but what we’ve learnt today is that the Welsh Labour Government hasn’t even considered whether the deal provides value for money or what improvements could be made. Instead, this is purely about dogma for them.

“I had expected the Welsh Government to say that it wouldn’t release this information due to commercial confidentiality, but to explicitly state that it doesn’t actually have any of these document is truly staggering.”

Related posts:

1. Plaid AM hits out at baggage charge plan by Cardiff Airport Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks has criticised plans by Cardiff...
2. Cardiff Airport shuttle bus service to continue The Welsh Assembly Government and the Vale of Glamorgan Council...
3. Davies: Airport’s decline damaging to Welsh business Welsh Conservatives today called for measures to reverse the decline...
4. Davies: Debate calls for more airport support Welsh Conservatives will tomorrow call for greater support for Cardiff...
5. Great Western Partnership Calls for Direct Rail Link from Reading to Heathrow Airport The Great Western Partnership (GWP)  is calling for a number...

Tamsin Greig will be joining the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera to pay tribute to the life of the ‘femme fatale’ Alma Mahler at St David’s Hall, Cardiff on 18 January 2013. The Laurence Olivier award-winning actress, best known for her roles in The Archers, Green Wing and Episodes, will read excerpts of Alma Mahler’s diaries during the performance. This concert forms part of WNO’s Free Spirits theme of work this spring.

Alma Mahler was the wife of composer Gustav Mahler and a composer in her own right. She was famous in the Viennese social circles at the turn of the 20th century. With numerous lovers and admirers, including the artist Klimt and composer Alexander Zemlinsky, she broke social boundaries at the time and was a true ‘free spirit’ as her diaries will show in rich and sometimes uncomfortable detail.

WNO’s Music Director, Lothar Koenigs will conduct this concert which will see mezzo Michelle Breedt perform in Alma Mahler’s Four Songs for Middle Voice and in Alexander Zemlinsky’s Maeterlinck Lieder, a song cycle composed long after his love affair with Alma Mahler. WNO Orchestra Leader David Adams is the soloist in Berg’s Violin Concerto which he was moved to compose by the death of Alma Mahler’s daughter. The final piece of the concert will be Gustav Mahler’s Adagio from the 10th Symphony which reflects his wife’s unfaithfulness to him.

Tamsin Greig is no stranger to performing alongside the Orchestra of WNO. In December 2012 she was compere for two WNO concerts where she introduced The Snowman by Raymond Briggs and brought Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf to life by narrating the story with full orchestral accompaniment. She says, “I am delighted to have another opportunity to work with this fantastic orchestra, after our first collaboration at The Barbican and Colston Hall, Bristol. Alma Mahler and her diaries were unknown to me, so this is a very exciting opportunity to discover a little about her life and the music which defined so much of who she was.”

Tickets for the concert are priced between £5 – £42 and are available from St David’s Hall either by phoning 02920 878 444 or visiting stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk. Under 30’s can get best available seats for £3 by simply quoting ‘UP CLOSE’ when booking.

WNO’s Free Spirits season also includes fully-staged productions of Berg’s Lulu and Janáček’s Cunning Little Vixen – renowned operatic ‘free spirits’. Take a look at our tumblr site to nominate a free spirit of your choice: http://wnofreespirits.tumblr.com/

Related posts:

1. BBC National Orchestra of Wales perform final concerts in their Cardiff and Swansea season BBC National Orchestra of Wales will perform Mozart’s famous Requiem...
2. Autumn 2009 at the Welsh National Opera Autumn 2009 sees the arrival of Welsh National Opera’s new...
3. BBC National Orchestra Of Wales Launches New Season With New Conductor BBC National Orchestra of Wales announced today (Tuesday 8 May)...
4. The spotlight’s on backstage as Welsh National Opera opens its doors On Saturday June 4th 2011, Welsh National Opera (WNO) will...
5. BBC National Orchestra of Wales take families on a Musical Journey and Adventure BBC National Orchestra of Wales will be performing a swashbuckling...

Those seeking a Christmas and New Year getaway with a difference should look no further than Flat Holm.

This year visitors have the opportunity to be the first to stay in the newly renovated Grade II listed Fog Horn Cottage. The self catering cottage boasts two bedrooms and a relaxing lounge that sleeps up to six adults. It also has two shower rooms and a cosy kitchen, with everything you need to make delicious meals that can be enjoyed around the large oak table in the dining room.

The cottage also enjoys its own private garden with stone BBQ and inspiring views. It’s a fantastic place to relax with friends and family over the festive season. All people need to bring is their food and a sense of adventure.

This is the fourth time the team have organised a Christmas and New Year break, with many people choosing to celebrate Christmas and see in the New Year on this distinctive island and stay in the dormitory accommodation, the budget alternative to the cottage.

This year the Island is working in partnership with Veritair Aviation Ltd and local fast rib operator to offer a unique helicopter ride across to the island with a fast boat trip back to dry land – a fantastic Christmas present.

Festivities on Flat Holm include game nights and a Christmas quiz. Guests can enjoy a leisurely shore walk and sit back and watch the sunset as the beach bonfire crackles away. There is also an opportunity to help out with island conservation work, including dry stone walling and chopping driftwood to make a fire for the cosy winter evenings spent in the farmhouse.

All guests on the Island will have the opportunity to join together on Christmas Day and the wardens will help guests prepare an extra special Christmas lunch. If the weather is good on New Year’s Eve, there is the opportunity to use the outdoor BBQ to see in 2013 with a bang.

The Island pub called The Gull and Leek, offering a selection of local beers, ales and wines will be open for those wishing to enjoy a tipple, and with an extended license over Christmas and on New Year’s Eve, this will be a truly memorable festive celebration.

Cllr Huw Thomas, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: “Flat Holm Island offers a unique location for the festive season. The break is the perfect opportunity to escape and relax with family and friends, enjoying the true meaning of Christmas. Working in partnership with the private sector we hope to enhance the visitor experience by offering the helicopter and fast rib for those seeking a thrill this winter, the unique surprise Christmas present.”

Christmas trips depart on December 21 and return on December 23, and then depart on again on December 24, returning on December 27.

New Year celebrations will depart on December 31 and return on January 2, 2013.

Prices are from £195 per person or £895 for the cottage experience, including return boat transfers. Helicopter is priced on request.

Bookings for Flat Holm are now being taken. For departure times and specific prices call us on 029 2087 7912 or 029 2087 7904  email flatholmproject@cardiff.gov.uk, or visit www.flatholmisland.com

Related posts:

1. All the Magic You’ll Need on Flat Holm Festive Fun is promised once again this year as staff...
2. Festive Fun on Flat Holm Island Visitors are invited to celebrate the festive season on Flat...
3. Winter wonderland at Flat Holm With snow across Cardiff, Flat Holm Island has not escaped...
4. The Gull and Leek Opens on Flat Holm The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Prof Delme Bowen will...
5. New Season on Flat Holm Island Spring has sprung on Flat Holm Island and a full...

In a move that will see Police Constable Support Officers (PCSO) trained to enforce the law and issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for this highly anti-social offence, the Council and Police will have a greatly enhanced number of personnel able to deal directly with offenders.

PCSOs have been authorised to issue FPNs for dog fouling since 2009. They have now received special training and fixed penalty booklets to start a concerted drive against this messy and hazardous behaviour.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Ashley Govier said, “Dog fouling is a national problem that all local authorities are trying to deal with.  It is a difficult offence to prosecute as clearly you can’t follow every dog owner or dog.  However, our partnership with South Wales Police has meant around 35 extra officers are now able to enforce the 2009 law alongside our existing enforcement teams thereby increasing the resources available to tackle this foul problem in communities without increasing public expenditure.”

The officers took part in a training session on Wednesday 14th November at County Hall, were issued with their fixed penalty notice books and are now ready to enforce the law on this offence out of Roath Police Station covering Roath, Plasnewydd, Cathays and Splott.

Pc Tony Parker, from the Community Safety Department of South Wales Police,  said: “Many dog owners act responsibly but unfortunately many do not and the evidence can be seen left behind on our pavements and in our parks and playgrounds which create a health risk, spoils enjoyment and causes difficulties for those who clean these areas.

“Dog fouling is a common concern voiced by residents at Pact meetings and surgeries and we are also regularly contacted by councillors about the problem.
“We hope this will be deterrent and make dog owners act more responsibly and clear away their dogs’ mess.”

Cllr Govier added, “This administration has made it clear from the start that we will not tolerate littering and the leaving of dog waste in our communities.  It is a concern that is raised time and time again by residents and we are exploring all options to address this perennial problem.  This excellent partnership with South Wales Police shows we are serious about making a difference to the quality of peoples’ lives but we also want those who continue to make a mess in our city realise their behaviour is unacceptable and they will be punished if caught.”

Related posts:

1. Enforcement officers crack down on dog fouling Careless dog owners be warned – Denbighshire Community Safety Enforcement...
2. Action on Dog Fouling and Litter Day A Wales-wide day of action to prevent dog fouling and...
3. Fixed penalty notice issued in Broughton for dog fouling offence A Fixed Penalty Notice has been issued in Broughton for...
4. Caerphilly county borough man prosecuted for dog fouling offence A Caerphilly county borough man has been taken to court...
5. Day of Action to Beat Dog Fouling Monmouthshire County Council has joined other Welsh local authorities in...

Many of the protestors where disable with some using walking sticks, wheel chairs and mobility scooters. Many had come from all over Wales  with one wheel-chair bound man traveling from Aberystwyth.

They had gathered earlier that afternoon under the statue of Nye Bevan in Queen Street, appropriately as Nye was the man who is hailed as the founder of the National health service.

Jonathon Williams (pictured) from Pontypool told us:

“I have friends who have died on active service and I don’t want to be part of a society where their live have been wasted in support of a system that has taken away the safety net from injured ex-soldiers and civilians alike.”

In what was a good-natured protest people came from all over Wales to voice their concern about the changes in benefit assessment testing system has led to 32 suicides/deaths per week or at least 13,284 deaths and suicides according to some sources and even on man in a coma deemed fit to return to work. During the lie-in protesters even halted the demonstration to allow an ambulance on an emergency call pass without hindrance. There was a light police presence an no arrests were made.

[nggallery id=6]

Related posts:

1. Every Player Counted at Football Celebration Sport.Cardiff and Cardiff City Football Club (CCFC) have hosted a...
2. Winter wheel for Cardiff’s wonderland The new John Lewis Wheel at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland...
3. John Lewis has its eye on BMI Baby Cardiff winter wonderland Cardiff Council is delighted to announce that Wales’ newest and...

James McLaren, 34, who lived in Pontcanna, Cardiff was a well known figure in the area exercising his two beloved dogs on a regular basis.

James, born in Evesham in 1978 came to Cardiff to study at Cardiff University and it did not take him long to discover Wales’ vibrant music scene

James was one of the original Welsh Music Foundation team – creating, editing and managing their monthly newsletter ‘Sound Nation’.

After moving to BBC Wales, James worked on their on-line digital content and running his own blog on the BBC Wales website.

Dom Atreides, editor of Welsh Icons said:

“This is a tragic loss for Welsh Music. I was only having a drink with James the other day. He was a great writer with a wicked sense of humour, a lover of all kinds of music and a keen photographer.

“My thoughts go out to his girlfriend and family”.

Gwent Police are asking that anyone with any information should contact their Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404.

Related posts:

1. Cardiff Bay fatal collision: appeal for witnesses South Wales Police is investigating a road traffic collision in...
2. Appeal:Road Traffic Collision,Wellfield Road, Roath South Wales Police are appealing for witnesses following a road...
3. Community label celebrates Welsh music Ciwdod is proud to announce the release of the highly...
4. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama announces major gift and naming of new Concert Hall The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is delighted...
5. Live music at the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival The Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival kicks off next...

Organised by the Friends of Cardiff Dogs Home and Communities First, the dog show opens at 12 noon and runs until 5pm. Whether you own a dog or not, everyone is welcome and with a range of activities on offer, event-goers will be spoilt for choice. Attractions include:

• Novelty dog show classes with categories ranging from prettiest eyes and waggiest tail to best rescue and fancy dress;
• Doggy-dash time trials;
• Micro-chipping;
• Inflatable castle and slides;
• Face painting;
• Refreshments and raffle;
• Charity and trade stalls;

Councillor Ashley Govier, Cabinet Member for Environment at Cardiff Council, said: “As well as being a great family day out, this event is an ideal opportunity for you to come along and meet some of our home’s many residents as well as those happy in their new homes. There will also be a lot of advice and information available whether you are a current dog owner or possibly considering getting a dog.

“Many of our dogs have a lot of love to give and are just waiting for the right person or family to come along and take them home.”

“Our Dogs Home staff and those who kindly volunteer their time to support the centre are doing a great job and I would like to personally thank them for all their efforts in helping to improve the home’s current facilities.”

If you can help support the Friends of Cardiff Dogs Home by donating a prize for the raffle or unwanted items for the bric-a-brac stall then all donations would be gratefully welcomed. Items can be dropped off at Cardiff Dogs Home or please contact Susie James on 07974 212 704 or www.friendsofcardiffdogshome.org.uk to arrange collection from any Council building.

All proceeds from this and other events go to Cardiff Dogs Home as part of an ongoing fundraising campaign which has been set up by the Friends of Group and aims to raise money to help improve the centre’s current facilities and fixtures.

Should it rain the event will take place inside Fairwater Leisure Centre.

Related posts:

1. Community Fun Dog Show – Sunday, 12 Aug 2012. Free Entry, 12 – 5pm. Fairwater Leisure Centre, Fairwater, Cardiff, Cardiff CF5 3LL Dog Show...
2. Help raise money for our furry friends Friends of Cardiff Dogs Home are holding a Christmas Dog...
3. Police get community wagging Cardiff Bay neighbourhood policing team are organising a community dog...
4. Can You Befriend a Four Legged Friend? Cardiff Dogs Home is looking for volunteers to form a...
5. Cardiff Dogs Offered Health Checks Dog owners in and around Cardiff are invited to take...

Cardiff Council’s Youth Service recently held a number of events across the city to help and advise over 200 young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Young people from schools, youth centres, and community organisations in Cardiff attended three events at Eastern Leisure Centre, Western Leisure Centre and Channel View Leisure Centre where they met with youth workers, Careers Wales advisors, employers and local learning coaches.  They were invited to sign up to a programme in a range of sectors including: retail, construction, catering, leisure and youth work. The aim is to get young people to join a number of formal volunteer placements, which will lead on to courses, training and employment

Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Heather Joyce attended the event at Channel view leisure centre in Grangetown on Wednesday 1 August, meeting with youth workers and young people to discuss ambitions and opportunities in the city.

Cllr Joyce said: “The longer young people lack contact with training or employment, the more likely they are to miss out on accessing many opportunities, which is why working with young people is a top priority for me. It’s vital that we engage with young people in Cardiff who may already feel shut out from opportunities in the world of work and training, and offer them advice and support.

“I hope these events across the city will help those who attended to explore their options for training and employment   and help them make the right choices to develop skills that will last them a lifetime.”

Related posts:

1. Giving young people hope for future employment Monmouthshire County Council has offered young people a chance to...
2. Young People To Become Sporting Leaders Of the Future Young people have been rewarded for their outstanding work and...
3. Cardiff – Building a Better Future for Young Adults Cardiff Council is working with Construction Youth Trust and Community...
4. £49 million to help young people into employment A funding package of over £49 million to help young...
5. Young People take control of the Winding House A group of lucky children from Caerphilly County Borough recently...

Active Teen Fit is a course for young people aged between 14 and 16 years and provides access to exercise and fitness provision in Cardiff leisure centres.

The programme is made up of five individual sessions that offer teenagers the opportunity to get healthy, make friends and have fun through exercise and leisure, whilst developing confidence so that they can enjoy their own exercise programme.

Each session is designed for all levels of fitness, from aspiring athletes to those who want to get more active.

Qualified health and fitness instructors are on hand to give advice and training on gym and exercise equipment as well as teaching new, safe and effective exercise techniques.

Once the course has been completed participants will be able to use any Cardiff Council gym, whereas most other private gyms in the area have a policy set at 18 years and over.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “The new Active Teen course is an excellent way to introduce young people into the gym so they may train correctly and sensibly, using exercise and equipment to get the most effective results.

“By giving them the opportunity to correctly become competent in the gym they are more likely to permanently take up exercise and leisure activities, promoting healthy and active lifestyles as they enter adulthood.”

Related posts:

1. Active Cardiff Hit the Streets for January Fitness Drive Getting fit or dropping a few pounds is often a...
2. Food and Fitness Programme Appeals for New Recruits A healthy lifestyle initiative is currently looking to recruit new...
3. Get active for less during the World Cup A promotion offering an 11 day fitness pass for just...
4. Get Active for Less Cardiff Council’s Active Card scheme offers great value for money...
5. Free Fitness Days Across the City Cardiff Council is offering people the chance to try out...

A handful of heritage sites throughout the UK achieve the Sandford Award which is presented by the Heritage Education Trust. Cardiff Castle joins an elite group, ranked with the likes of Tower of London, Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Edinburgh Castle along with many National Trust and English Heritage sites.

The judging panel, made up of professional educators including Ofsted inspectors, former head teachers and consultants are looking for best practice in the interpretation of the site, excellence in educational services and facilities and contribution to the understanding of local and national heritage. Above all, they are looking to see if every school visit is stimulating, educational and memorable for children.

The educational programme at the Castle has expanded year on year and new sessions added recently include World War 2 – Life on the Home Front, Tudor Music and Dance and Medieval Medicine.  In addition, children can dress the part and learn all about servants’ activities in the Bute household or take part in storytelling sessions based on Welsh legends. Over 3,000 school children are already booked in for the forthcoming 2012/ 2013 educational programme, but there are some sessions which are still available and every effort will be made to accommodate everyone.

Commenting on the Awards, Cllr Huw Thomas, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said,

“When the Education Centre was set up we used the Sandford Award as a standard to aspire to.  We are delighted to have reached the mark and look forward to developing our service to schools and encouraging children to be excited about the past.  This is a huge achievement and I am delighted the hard work of everyone at the Castle has been recognised. The Education Centre is a superb resource and has helped to bring the 2,000 year history of the site to life for generations of children and teachers alike.”

For more information on the Education Centre at Cardiff Castle and the educational programme for 2012/ 2013 please contact: Elizabeth Stevens on 029 2087 8110
www.cardiffcastle.com.

Related posts:

1. Santa’s Grotto opens at Cardiff Castle Following the successful sell-out of the Victorian Christmas Tours, Santa...
2. Official Launch of the Bute Park Education Centre On Friday 21, October 2011 at 3.00pm the new Bute...
3. First Visitors Get a Wise Look at New Bute Park Education Centre The new Bute Park Education Centre has been officially opened...
4. Bute Park Education Centre Officially Opens to the Public with Celebratory Family Fun Day On Thursday 27, October 2011 between 11.00 and 4.00pm the...
5. Cardiff Castle is Picture Perfect Thanks to HLF Today Cardiff Council is to present the Heritage Lottery Fund...

Richard Newton chairman of the Cardiff Wales LGBT Mardi Gras said, “We are truly encouraged by the response so far to the biggest Mardi Gras event to date in Wales. Support has reached us from all walks of life, from politicians to organizations including the public and private sector. People are obviously incorporating the message of tolerance that we want to transfer. Recent homophobic hate crime figures show a 40% rise in the reported cases in South Wales over the past three years which shows that the confidence of gay victims in coming forward. But statistics also show us that trans and homo-phobic hate crime is on the increase in south Wales; and that many have suffered bullying and discrimination in schools and at work. We want to take this opportunity on September 1st as a an opportunity to stop this by create visibility by parading through Cardiff City Center to Coopers field to celebrate tolerance.”

2012 the attractions include:

Heather Small – Top solo artist and former lead singer of M People joins the Main Stage line-up to take the crowd through a range of her hits. She is thrilled by the opportunity and said: “Any singer’s dream is to appeal to the widest audience possible, and to be able to sing for such a diverse audience at Cardiff Wales LGBT Mardi Gras will be an absolute joy. I look forward to singing in the ‘land of song’, and I hope to see you there!”

Marcus Collins – X Factor Finalist joins us hot on the success of the release of his top 10 album ‘Seven Nation Army’ Marcus Collins said: ‘I’m really looking forward to performing at Cardiff Wales LGBT Mardi Gras Festival this summer. As a singer it’s a great privilege to be asked to take part in such an event. I hope that people come from far and wide to celebrate their diversity and make Cardiff come alive on a very special day”

Making what’s bound to be a popular return to Cardiff – Ruth Lorenzo  – joins the main stage line up. Following her time in the X Factor live shows, Ruth is now an established live artist.

Following on from a great main stage performance last year, and in conjunction of the release of their new album Bright Light Bright Light make a welcome return to Mardi Gras

The Lady Gaga Experience – Donna Marie Trego makes a welcome return to the main stage as the world’s leading Lady Gaga tribute act and impersonator.

Stacey Jackson is a Canadian singer living in London – she’ll be bringing her five top twentydance tracks to the main stage – including her collaboration with Snoop Dogg – ‘Live it Up’

Vanquish  are four very special girls, one very special sound – fresh from supporting Westlife on their farewell tour.

One of the most exciting new acts on the circuit John Galea is about to set the charts on fire; having worked with the guys behind Blue, Natalie Imbruglia and A1

He Met Her – these guys will be huge – there’s some big announcements coming about them this summer – but think a bit of Black Eyed Peas but a bit camper!

Everyoung – are four teenagers with a new single and are a rising talent.

Mardi Gras Parade – This year Cardiff LGBT Mardi Gras is holding Wales the first ever Mardi Gras Parade. Politicians, businesses and individuals will all be parading on the morning of 1st September 2012 as the colourful and inspiring spectacle highlights LGBT rights in Wales. The parade moves off from the assembly point on Dumballs Road at 11.00am on September 1st through St Mary Street and High Street prior to arriving at Cooper’s Field in time for the main Mardi Gras event.

The Official Mardi Gras After Party (Over18’s only)- For the first time Cardiff Mardi Gras are hosting their own official after-party. The official Cardiff Mardi Gras after-party will be held in the undercover dance arena on Cooper’s Field on September 1st 2012 and features one of the world’s largest, most respected, awarded and successful club nights, The SuperMartXé World Tour, presenting The Freemasons, featuring Abel the Kid and Sandra Criado. This will be a Wales debut for SuperMartXé as part of their World tour (other Cities include: Madrid, Ibiza, Tel Aviv, Rio de Janeiro).

Arts Festival – Cardiff-Wales LGBT Mardi Gras is holding a week long Arts Festival celebrating the best of Cardiff’s vibrant arts scene in the run-up to the main Mardi Gras event at Coopers Field on Saturday September 1st.

The Admiral Cabaret Garden – highlighting the best in cabaret, drag and unsigned acts from the local area.

Youth Zone – For the third year running Cardiff Mardi Gras will host a Youth and Family Zone at the Coopers Field event on September 1st 2012. The Youth and Family Zone is the first of its kind at a Mardi Gras or Pride Event. Whilst the Cardiff Wales LGBT Mardi Gras aims to engage people in a fun way, it is an important element in a wider strategy to combat hate crime and to encourage and respect diversity.

Community and Markets – giving the opportunity to shop from a range of traders, and explore the public and voluntary sector agencies that seek to support and work with the LGBT community.

Also present in the field will be the Mardi Gras Funfair, and a range of bars and catering.

Dance Arena will be the biggest ever! Highlighting some of the best local and national DJ talent. During the day the 2,000 capacity Dance Arena will be hosted by Decadance, the well established Cardiff clubbing brand that hosts its parties in the capital at Club X since 2008. Decadance are delighted to host the Cardiff Mardi Gras Dance Arena and will bring their very unique music to clubbers, through resident DJ’s Ant Nichols, Mark Anthony, Nigel Trego and Dan Stone.
Editors Notes

Admission Details:
This year for the first time there will be a small admission price to enter Coopers Field. This reflects the increasing costs of putting on such an event, along with responding to feedback from previous years requesting that we increase the facilities on the field; and the quality of entertainment.
As such admission is charged at:
Adult – £6, 5– 16 year olds – £3, Under 5 – free
Tickers are available to buy on the gate from 11am cash sales only – and each ticket enables the holder to one admission into the field. Tickets will be available throughout the day – but when the field reaches capacity we will operate a one-in / one-out policy.
There are a limited number of multi-admission tickets available in advance via Ticketweb
These tickets carry the following benefits –
-       Unlimited re-entry into the Field
-       Fast track entry
These tickets are priced at the same rate as standard admission and a limited number are available on a first come first served basis
Adult – £6, 5 – 16 year olds – £3, Under  5 – Free
And are available online -  www.cardiffmardigras.co.uk
Tickets are also available  by phoning 08444 771 000 – 24 hour availability

Related posts:

1. Cardiff Mardi Gras 2010 in Pictures The 2010 Cardiff Wales Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Mardi...
2. Cardiff Wales Mardi Gras 2011 On Saturday 3rd September the 2011 Cardiff Wales Lesbian, Gay,...
3. Cardiff Festival ends on a high with Cardiff Mardi Gras This year’s Cardiff Festival is set to end on a...
4. Cardiff Mardi Gras a Success On Saturday 4th September 2010, many thousands of people came...
5. Bank Holiday Weekend Mardi Gras Fundraiser South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus will be perfroming this August...

The annual pilgrimage for some 10,000 cheese lovers from across the UK (www.greatbritishcheesefestival.co.uk) came runner-up to the Galway Oyster Festival which also takes place in September, but triumphed over other big names such as Isle of Wight Garlic Festival.

Cllr Huw Thomas, Cabinet Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure for the event organiser Cardiff Council said: “This is great national acclaim for the festival, and recognition of Cardiff’s credentials for staging major national events. Cardiff Castle provides the perfect setting for the Great British Cheese Festival, and the event is a key driver for tourism to the city. It’s also wonderful to see other Welsh food events in the Top 10, enhancing the nation’s reputation for great cuisine.”

In its description of the Cardiff event, the Independent says: “There are more than 400 cheeses on offer here: some are local champions, others national winners – all are the very best around.”

The weekend of pure cheese indulgence returns in September to its spiritual home in the heart of the Welsh capital, featuring the cream of this country’s cheese industry on show in the scenic grounds of the castle. There are some 400 cheeses from around 100 cheese makers, many of them from the Specialist Cheesemakers Association, to taste and buy, delicious CAMRA selected beers in the Cardiff Arms to wash it down with, along with master classes, demonstrations, other fine foods from around the country, and the fine sports of Cheese Tossing and Cheese Skittles.

The numerous masterclasses and demonstrations give visitors the opportunity to really get under the skin of cheese making, with vouchers for these included in the advance ticket price. Visitors are advised to book these in advance, as this saves £3.50, and many masterclasses sell out in advance.

Juliet Harbutt, the First Lady of Cheese is an award-winning cheese maker herself, and on Friday September 21 she will again be running the British Cheese Awards being staged in the National Museum of Wales near the castle.

Amongst the festival attractions is the chance for visitors to enter the Hall of Champions and create their own champion cheeseboard included in the advance sale voucher price.

Prices    On the Day    In Advance
Adults    £8.95    £8.95 plus a £3.50 discount on a masterclass at time of booking*
Concessions:
Senior citizens, Students, Children 5 – 16       £7.95    £7.95 plus a £3.50 discount on a masterclass at time of booking*
Under 5s    Free    Free
Family 2+ 2     £28    Only available on the day
Group Bookings 1 free ticket for every 10 (11th is free)    Only in advance    1 free ticket for every 10 (11th is free)

* A discount to the value of £3.50 is given for full or part payment towards a masterclass at time of booking, subject to availability.  Advance booking closes Friday 21 September

Related posts:

1. Prepare to Meet Your Maker at the Great British Cheese Festival A key attraction amongst over 400 cheeses from some 100...
2. Cheese festival comes to Cardiff Anyone who’s ever spent any time in my company will...
3. Cheese festival comes to Cardiff Anyone who’s ever spent any time in my company will...
4. Caws Cenarth Reigns Supreme at British Cheese Awards Golden Cenarth from multi-award-winning Caws Cenarth stole the show at...
5. All aboard the Big Cheese Bus Residents across Caerphilly county borough can again take advantage of...

Llamau is thrilled to see Cardiff citizens joining together to stand up for the most deprived members of our society. Such a demonstration will help to raise vital awareness of the issues affecting homeless people in Cardiff.

It is a lesser known fact that as well as the more visible homeless people sleeping on our streets, there is also an entire generation of ‘hidden homeless’ that aren’t represented in any government statistics. These are people with no fixed abode, who are sofa surfing, staying with friends or in hostels, without a home to call their own. It is from this group that many of Llamau’s service users derive.

Solidarity with Homeless and Poor People in Cardiff’s Facebook group says “We stand against cuts in housing benefit and homelessness services and the lack of affordable housing. Everyone has the right to a home.  We stand against the demonising, stigmatising and criminalising of homeless and other poor people.”  Llamau would like to publicly echo these sentiments as it is frequently the most disadvantaged, underprivileged and at-need members of our society that get demonised. We sincerely hope that the proposed demonstration goes some way to reversing this trend.

Llamau’s vital work with some of Wales’ most vulnerable people could not be sustained without the support of our partners. These include local authorities across Wales including Cardiff Council and businesses, such as John Lewis, Cardiff, who work tirelessly to ensure that we can provide the very best support for our service users.

Llamau works across Wales where young people face homelessness. As part of our ongoing campaign to raise awareness of homelessness as well as funds to support our work, Llamau is holding an organised Sleep-Out in November.  More information can be found on their website www.llamau.org.uk/the-big-sleepout-2012.

Tonight’s meeting is at 18:00 on the Lawn in from of Cardiff City Hall. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/286517101456086/

Photograph: Last week’s inaugural protest meeting

Related posts:

1. Children and Young People’s Charities Join Call Against Housing Benefit Cuts Two charities working with children and young people in Wales...
2. Building Links with Housing Charity – As Easy as ABC A new venture that aims to promote the best of...
3. Moving on housing issues together Denbighshire County Council and Conwy County Borough Council have joined...
4. Housing advice for young people in Flintshire A new service providing housing related support for young people...
5. Monmouthshire County Council Supports New Domestic Abuse Centre A new centre to offer people support, assistance and advice...

Doorstep criminals use a variety of tactics to deceive residents to get into their homes. They frequently claim to be from the water board, an electricity company, local council or other organisations and they will try to pressurise or confuse the person who answers the door. Often they may carry an official looking Photo-ID, and wear an official looking jacket or overall.

Rogue traders are also just as likely to knock on the door without any warning as they are to be invited to the home. The key way to identify a rogue trader is the way they devise their contracts, or rather, the things they fail make clear in them. Critically, any contract concluded at residents’ homes legally has to have cancellation rights provided in writing; a failure to do this is a criminal offence. Similarly, a failure to offer a reasonable price constitutes a banned practice under Trading Standards legislation. Most worryingly, many rogue traders approach home-owners by offering to do regular maintenance work; this work is often entirely unnecessary, and the trader can even cause damage that wasn’t there before.

In the case of distraction burglaries – a crime often linked to rogue trading – whilst the home-owner is at the door, an accomplice may be entering the premises elsewhere, quickly searching for cash and small valuables they can sell on. In other cases, the distraction can even lure the homeowner away from specific rooms whilst the criminals carry out their theft.

Cabinet Member Councillor Lynda Thorne, who is responsible for Housing, Communities and Social Justice in Cardiff, said:

“Tackling cold callers and putting a stop to these truly despicable doorstep crimes is a key priority for this administration and, on a personal level, something I feel very strongly about.

“I want to move away from the misconception that these are simply ‘cowboy’ traders who haven’t done a job properly as this undermines the seriousness of what is actually going on here.

“These are calculated crimes carried out by unscrupulous people who are only interested in making a profit, quite literally at the expense of others.”

“The price that is paid by those who have been targeted by door step criminality is not just limited to financial loss but also includes emotional trauma and scarring, which can be equally if not more difficult to address.

“This is one of the reasons why we are increasing our efforts to tackle door step crimes but we cannot do this alone.

“We are already working closely with a range of other agencies, including the Police, voluntary and business sectors, with the aim of increasing awareness about cold calling and door step crimes and offering advice and support to anyone who thinks they have or may become a target for this type of unlawful activity.

“However, we also believe that everyone can do their bit to help and would therefore encourage communities to work with us on this.

“Keeping an eye out for neighbours and loved ones, particularly if they are elderly or vulnerable, and reporting any suspicious activity to us won’t cost you a thing but it may well help to save someone from losing their life-savings or suffering the emotional pain of becoming a victim.”

Trading Standards recommends the following tips to avoid the Rogue Traders:

Before they knock at the door:

• Consider setting up a password with your utility suppliers
• Trading Standards and South Wales police support a ‘Nominated Neighbour’ scheme whereby vulnerable members of the community can nominate a neighbour who will check the callers’ identity and then return with the     caller
• Consider installing a wireless intercom with a Bogus Caller Button or Pendant Buttons with the Community Alarm Service at Cardiff Council
• Do not be afraid to chain your door or speak to caller while your door     is locked
• If in doubt, keep them out

When they knock at the door:

• Be wary of any business literature that only gives a mobile phone number. They are difficult to trace
• ID Cards are very easy to fake on a computer. Use a phone number from the telephone directories or directory enquires to see if the caller is     genuine
• If you let someone in – stay with them at all times
• Never part with money, documents or other things whatever they say
• Get more than one estimate for work
• Official organisations usually write first. Have you had a letter?
• If you feel afraid, harassed, threatened or intimidated by a caller, call the Police on 999 straight away

Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Ashley Govier added: “Our strategy for tackling this issue is wide ranging and we intend to cut these criminals off from all angles and at all levels.

“From my perspective, this includes making the environment these criminals like to operate in untenable, for example by extending our ‘no cold-calling zones’ and ‘nominate a neighbour’ schemes across the city. `

“By working with other agencies and the wider community we will make Cardiff a no-go area for the people involved in this type of crime.”

South Wales Police Detective Chief Supt, Stuart Mckenzie said:  “The information the public provide us with is critical in the successful detection and prevention of such crimes. I would urge anyone who comes across such operators to contact the police so we can stop these people from profiting at the expense of innocent people.”

For more information, or to arrange a free informative talk for your community group, contact Cardiff Trading Standards on 02920 872 059, or at Tradingstandards@cardiff.gov.uk

Related posts:

1. Police Appeal: Doorstep Crime At A Home In Cardiff South Wales Police is investigating a doorstep crime that occurred...
2. Info packs to beat doorstep crime in Blaena Gwent Blaenau Gwent Council’s Trading Standards and Gwent Police have teamed...
3. Census Doorstep Crime Prevention Cardiff Trading Standards are warning residents to beware of bogus...
4. Doorstep Crime Patrols Denbighshire Trading Standards and North Wales Police are continuing the...
5. South Wales Police & Cardiff Council planning to cut crime Time has been called on further expansion of the late...

Using legislation dating back to 1824 they want all ‘rogues’ and ‘vagabonds’ found sleeping rough to be removed from the City Centre or risk facing up to three months in jail.

Mr Hughes-Lewis has been quoted as saying:

“The thousands of tourists due to visit Cardiff during the next few weeks could be put off by the number of beggars and homeless people.

“If this is a law which is still in existence and South Wales Police aren’t making use of it then the question is why?

“If it’s there to be used and the Met are using it then so should we.”

He continued:

““Homeless people come to our city because the pickings are really quite rich, even more so on a match day.

“A lot of them come from places as far afield as Scotland, Newcastle and Manchester because they know it’s a soft touch, they know they are not going to be dealt with.”

This makes me wonder what sort of society we are living. I’ve been homeless in the past and know how easy it is to lose a home. You only have to take a cursory look at the accommodation offered in newspapers such as the South Wales Echo to see that rather than the ‘No Blacks’ as in Nottinghill in the 1950s, most entries stipulate ‘No DSS’ despite the facts that DSS has not existed for years and Housing Benefits are the remit of the local authority.

While on the subject of housing benefit I would like to point out that many of the people in receipt of it are, to use a hackneyed phrase ‘hard working families’. Often with both partners in full time employment, but on a very low income. To make matters worse, this autumn housing benefit across England and Wales will be reduced with tenants expected to make up the difference from their wages, JSA or income support.

I’ve read a few comment recently where people have tried to play the ‘drink and drugs’ card. I know many middle class professionals who use drink and drugs and I can imagine that if I had no home to return to every night and did not know where my next square meal was coming from then I’d probably be using them as well. As the old saying goes ‘there but for the grace of God go I’.

In response to The Cardiff City Retail Partnership’s rantings, a Facebook event has been setup at https://www.facebook.com/events/286517101456086/

The organisers told us:

“In response to proposals that homeless people be removed from the streets of Cardiff for the Olympics, we wish to plan a protest/solidarity action to show our support for the homeless people of our city and all those who commit the crime of being poor in ConDem Britain. Please join us at the Stone Circle, Bute Park, this Thursday, to plan a protest.”

The event is planned for 7pm.

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the Welsh Icons team but probably are.

Related posts:

1. New exhibition offers a snapshot into Cardiff’s homeless community The ‘Notes from a City’ exhibition will officially open at...
2. Cardiff University among first to sign up for One Planet living Cardiff has become the first Welsh university to join businesses...
3. Healthy Living Programme for Children Kicks off 2011 The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it! (MEND) programme is now recruiting...
4. Independent living is key to happy families Many families have an older relative who might need help...
5. Notes from a City In September Cardiff Council asked homeless people to capture their...

The registered charity which offers people with learning needs the opportunity to undertake vocational training with a view to employment, has been working with the Council for three years.

Several projects have been carried out by Vision 21’s Fairwater Community Garden project which help support parks staff in maintaining, restoring and looking after the city’s parks and gardens.

Various tasks have included preparing and maintaining furniture and maintenance on access gates and perimeter railings.

Recent works have taken place in Roath Botanic Gardens, Waterloo Gardens and in Roath Park the restoration of old benches are being refurbished to be re-used at other locations throughout the city.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “Partnership working with Vision 21 has been hugely beneficial for the city’s green spaces as well as providing the opportunity for people to gain knowledge and experience in our wonderful parks.

“The group have done an excellent job and their efforts are appreciated by visitors to our parks.”

Ken Bray, Coordinator at Fairwater Community Garden said: “This partnership has given our students a fantastic, real work experience opportunity.

“The students get much satisfaction from seeing their hard work appreciated by people in their community, and the public are generally left with a more positive image of people with learning needs and what they can achieve given the right opportunities and support.”

Related posts:

1. New Youth project to Tackle Anti-social Behaviour in City Parks A new campaign which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in...
2. “Outdoor Amour” Love Parks Week 23 – 31 July 2011 Butterfly strolls, blooming meadows, tree trails, and bat detecting are...
3. Parks and Gardens across South Wales Sign Up to Digital Campaign A digital campaign to promote some 30 local parks, open...
4. Deadline looms for Swansea parks photo competition Budding photographers have little time left to get their entries...
5. Look after our parks say Swansea youngsters Young Swansea outdoor fans are urging people to show more care...

Mark was awarded the prize by judges Patrick McGuinness and Sinéad Morrissey for his poem ‘Margaret River Sestets’. No stranger to competition success he has won many Australian poetry awards, including the Blake and Newcastle Prizes and last year he won the prestigious Montreal International Poetry Prize. Mark, who lives with his family on the Wingecarribee River, southwest of Sydney, has been described as “one of our great poets of place – not just of geographic place, but of the spiritual and moral landscape as well” (Judith Beveridge). He has published eleven works of poetry and prose and a second volume of poetry, Body Copy, will appear in 2013, along with a memoir, Reading Slowly at the End of Time.

Second Prize of £500 was awarded to Jonathan Edwards from Crosskeys in south Wales, for his poem ‘Evel Knievel Jumps Over My Family’. Jonathan was awarded a Literature Wales New Writer’s Bursary in 2011 and won the Terry Hetherington Award in 2010. His first poetry collection, My Family and Other Superheroes, is forthcoming from Bridgend-based publisher Seren Books. Digital editor and Creative Writing tutor Harry Man from London was awarded Third Prize of £250 for his poem ‘Lost Ordinance, Sussex, 1943’. His work has appeared in a number of literary magazines and journals including New Welsh Review and in 2011 Harry produced a contemporary dance and poetry collaboration for the London College of Fashion.

The top three winning poems will appear exclusively in print and digital formats in New Welsh Review 97, published on Saturday 1 September 2012.

The five equal runners-up in the competition each receiving £50 are: Annemarie Austin from Weston-Super-Mare for her poem ‘Cremated Girl’; Ben Holden from Bristol for his poem ‘The Lepidopterist’; Brett Evans from Conwy for his poem ‘Directed by Sergio Leone’; Jo Hemmant from Tonbridge for her poem ‘The Portreeve’s House, East Street’; and Kathryn Simmonds from London for her poem ‘The San Michele Cemetery’.

The 2012 competition was judged by poets Patrick McGuinness, Sinéad Morrissey and filter judge Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch.

Literature Wales Chief Executive Lleucu Siencyn said: “2012 has been a fantastic year for poetry so far and we’re delighted to be able to highlight some of the best new poetry produced worldwide through this Welsh competition. Poetry is one of the oldest artforms, yet the eight winners of the Cardiff International Poetry Competition prove that it is a flexible and engaging form, thoroughly relevant and ready to react to the demands of modern life. I congratulate all of the winners in this year’s Cardiff International Poetry Competition.”

The Cardiff International Poetry Competition is administered by Literature Wales and supported by Cardiff Council. The 2013 competition will be launched in autumn 2012. Full details will be available on the Literature Wales website in due course.

For more information on the 2012 or 2013 competitions contact Literature Wales on 029 2047 2266 / post@literaturewales.org or visit www.literaturewales.org/cipc/ where you can also read all of this year’s winning poems.

Related posts:

1. 2012 Cardiff International Poetry Competition – Is your poetry worth £5,000? The closing date for the 2012 Cardiff International Poetry Competition...
2. 2010 Cardiff International Poetry Competition – Have You Entered Yet? The closing date for the 2010 Cardiff International Poetry Competition...
3. The Bees fly away with £5,000 in the 2010 Cardiff International Poetry Competition The results of the 2010 Academi Cardiff International Poetry Competition...
4. Bridgend Poet Rhian Edwards Wins John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry 2011 The 2011 John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry came to...
5. Menna Elfyn Awarded International Poetry Prize For the second time in two months, a literary institution...

Dog Show Registration 12pm, £1 per class, Show starts at 1pm.

A fun day for all the family presented by ‘Friends of Cardiff Home in partnership with Communities First, Cardiff Dogs’ Home & Fairwater Leisure Centre. Lots of stalls, games and demonstrations, food and drink, in fact, there is so much going on that you don’t need a dog to come and have a great family day out!!!. Show with 12 classes + Best in Show, starts at 1pm. They still have room for a few more trade stalls, see details on website.  For more information see:  www.friendsofcardiffdogshome.org.uk.

Related posts:

1. Maindy to Host Free Community Fun Day Maindy Centre is gearing up to host a spectacular free...
2. Make a Splash for 2012 – Free Adult Swimming Lessons If learning to swim is high on your list of...
3. Councillors call for free castle entry A top delegation from Caerphilly county borough council will meet...
4. Free castle entry brings festive cheer Children will be able to get into Caerphilly Castle for...
5. Western Leisure Centre Free Community Funday Ever fancied wading through water aerobics, shaping up in spin...

Cardiff Council enforcement teams participated in the action day organised by Keep Wales Tidy that engaged dog owners, raising awareness of the hazards of dog fouling as well as enforcing the law when necessary

Research undertaken on behalf of Keep Wales Tidy has shown that dog fouling is a big problem in Wales.  It is found on 10% of streets* and can be taken into houses and schools on an individual’s shoes and is a health concern, because toxocariasis (which may lead to blindness) can be contracted from ingesting eggs which develop in dog faeces.

Many people do not realise that they can put bagged dog mess in any litter bin, not just the dog fouling bins. Keep Wales Tidy is carrying out further research into the reasons for dog owners’ actions, the results of which will be published in the near future.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Ashley Govier said, “We were delighted to work with Keep Wales Tidy on this excellent initiative as this administration is prioritising litter issues such as dog fouling as they cause such a hazard to residents in the city.

“The new administration is developing a strong zero tolerance environmental quality enforcement for littering, fly-tipping, graffiti as well as dog fouling.  We are placing a high focus on tailored education of the public and partnerships to raise awareness of littering offences.  We will name and shame offenders; and enable the public to report incidents.

“It is a mystery to me why a small minority of people don’t regard dog fouling as litter and routinely leave this mess on our streets and parks.

This is unacceptable and anti-social behaviour and if people don’t get the message on this serious issue then we won’t hesitate to enforce and issue fines.  Therefore, we urge all dog owners to do the right thing by bagging it and binning it and help us keep our beautiful city clean.”

Related posts:

1. Day of Action to Beat Dog Fouling Monmouthshire County Council has joined other Welsh local authorities in...
2. Police and environmental health staff join forces over litter and dog fouling Gwent Police and Monmouthshire County Council have taken steps to...
3. Flintshire dog fouling enforcement Irresponsible dog owners won’t be tolerated – that’s the message...
4. Dog Fouling Enforcement Operation July 2010 Persistent dog fouling offenders in Flintshire are to be targeted...
5. Crackdown on Dog Fouling and Littering A North Wales Council is warning people to expect a...

As part of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’ strategy for supporting participation in cultural activities for children, young people and families in poverty 2012-2015, a one-day conference will be held at National Museum Cardiff on Tuesday 17 July to discuss how cultural organizations can help to tackle child poverty.

Among the speakers at the Transforming children’s lives: the role of cultural organizations in tackling child poverty conference will be Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales and David Anderson, Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales has always been about transforming children’s futures by enabling them to experience life in the past and present at its seven museums across Wales. For many years it has had a commitment to creating pathways through which the children of Wales can participate in cultural activities and enrichment.

One recent example is the The Just Bling? project, which has taken place at all Amgueddfa Cymru museums and is an innovative way to provide new opportunities for young people. It has been funded through the Communities First Outcomes Fund.

The project creates a range of experiences that enable participants to gain skills as they explore issues surrounding their own culture and heritage, together with the culture and heritage of others. The participants, working with artists and museum professionals, have created objects, displays, images, films, exhibitions and multimedia resources, all presenting the views and ideas of young people themselves on jewellery and ‘bling’. The work of the young people are displayed at the national museums during July-September 2012.

David Anderson, Director General, Amgueddfa Cymru said, “Inequality of wealth has affected children more than any other demographic group, with the shocking fact that one in three children in Wales lives in poverty – the highest level in the United Kingdom. While, for most children, life chances in terms of health, wealth, safety and educational attainment have improved over the last generation, the life chances of vulnerable and disadvantaged children are as bad as ever, and in many cases worse. Children should not have to grow up against the odds.

“Over the past decade, Amgueddfa Cymru has worked with partners supporting children and families in poverty to pilot projects that open up pathways and enable them to engage with culture in a positive and affirming way. Transforming Children’s Futures is Amgueddfa Cymru’s strategy for building on these projects and partnerships over the next three years and into the long term. It has been developed as a result of extensive discussion and consultation and we recognize that working in partnership with organizations ‘on the ground’ is essential in forging the pathways that enable children, young people and their families living in low-income households to participate in cultural activities.

“I hope conference will provide some food for thought and really consider the vital role museums and cultural organisations in Wales have to play in addressing child poverty.”

Huw Lewis AM is the Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage and will speak at the event, setting out the Welsh Government’s vision for tackling child poverty in Wales and how cultural bodies can play a major part. He said:

“The Welsh Government more than ever is determined to focus its efforts on reducing poverty, which is one of our nation’s greatest challenges. We are working with our partners in the public, private, and voluntary sectors to make sure we tackle this issue in a co-ordinated way. Engagement with culture can play a huge role in boosting young people’s life chances in later life and as the event shows, our cultural organisations are embracing this agenda.”

For more information download the report at http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/transforming-childrens-futures/

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven museums across Wales including National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, the National Roman Legion Museum, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, the National Wool Museum, the National Slate Museum and the National Waterfront Museum.

Entry to the Museum is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.

Related posts:

1. Silver for Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales Young Designer-Silversmith Award 2010 recognised at National Museum Cardiff. Ben...
2. Welsh Assembly Government draft budget: response by David Anderson, Director General, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales Amgueddfa Cymru on Friday (19 November 2010) responded to the...
3. New President of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones has announced the appointment of...
4. Davies: New child poverty strategy is admission of failure Commenting on tomorrow’s publication of the Assembly Government’s Child Poverty...
5. Burnham: Spectre of child poverty hangs over spirit of Christmas In the run-up to Christmas, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member...

The careers carousel will give pupils the opportunity to meet people from a wide range of careers to find out what they do and the qualifications and experience they needed for their chosen careers.

The event has been organised by Communities First to inspire pupils about their future careers.  The pupils will be meeting a nurse, a representative from the local police, a gym instructor, a journalist, a beautician, an environmentalist and a florist.

At ‘careers carousels’ the pupils are split into groups which circulate around the room to meet each volunteer in turn.  They then have ten minutes to hear about what their job involves and to ask questions.

Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Julia Magill, said: “The ‘careers carousel’ provides a great opportunity for pupils to find out more about a variety of different careers. Hearing people’s accounts first hand will hopefully inspire the pupils to find out more about a  particular profession and start to think about the need  to work really hard in school to ensure they can follow a successful career path

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have taken time out of their busy schedule to talk to the pupils at Medowlane.”

Related posts:

1. Pupils gain insight into a career in forestry Two pupils from John Beddoes School, Presteigne have been finding...
2. Aberglasney staff help at careers convention Staff at Aberglasney Gardens in the Tywi Valley took part...
3. Newport pupils get hands-on with future choices Over 1600 Newport school pupils had a glimpse of the...
4. One stop shop for careers advice Young people in the Caerphilly county borough can get a...
5. Talking careers in psychology Young people who are interested in a career in psychology...

Now in its third year the Cardiff Comedy Festival continues to attract top comedians including Rhod Gilbert, Russell Kane and this year Omid Djalili will be taking to the stage.

As part of the Festival, Cardiff Central Library will once more host Laughing Ma   tytters.

‘Laughing Matters’ is a series of workshops at the library that anyone over the age of fourteen can attend. Those who attend the workshops will need to be ready to put a smile on peoples face and bring along a funny story that is original, or their own  joke or just talk about three subjects that they find funny,  it can be anything from Apples to Zebras!

The workshops will take place between 16 – 21 July and are free.

Attendees will attend one of the workshop dates and will have an opportunity to take part in the stand up gig that will take place on Saturday 21 July.

Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Julia Magill , said: “The comedy festival has been taking place in the city for the past three years and continues to bring top international comedians to the heart of the city. Alongside this it nurtures new comedy talent.”

“The Laughing Matters workshop is a popular event at the Comedy Festival and the partnership between the library and the festival continues to go from strength to strength.”

The Laughing matters workshops are just one of the events taking place as part of this years Cardiff Comedy Festival. There will be previews from Mark Little, Lucy Porter, Nick Helm, Richard Herring & Patrick Monahon.

Everything draws to a tumultuous climax at St David’s Hall with superstar Omid Djalili headlining our Grand Gala Finale at St David’s Hall on July 29.

Related posts:

1. Comedy Matters at Cardiff Central Library Following the success of last years stand up comedy workshops...
2. Cardiff Library Does Comedy by the Book This summer Cardiff Central Library will host comedy workshops to...
3. Mardi Gras Comes to Central Library This year Cardiff Central Library is working closely with the...
4. Cardiff Central Library Celebrates City Culture Cardiff Central Library was filled with the sound of music...
5. A novel way to find romance at Cardiff Central Library You can find many of the great romance stories at...

The work placement was arranged as part of the Cardiff Council Parks and Gardens Horticultural Apprenticeship Scheme and was funded by the European Leonardo da Vinci Programme.

The apprentices undertook several French language tutorials in preparation for the placement improving language skills in addition to horticulture.

Anthony Davies, Joshua Thatcher and Magdalena Szczerbinska spent three weeks with the Nantes Parks Department Beaujoire. They worked with gardeners in the Jardin des Plantes, the Grand Blottereau park and the Beaujoire flower gardens.

Cardiff Council was successful in securing over 12,500 Euros from the Leonardo da Vinci Programme to develop the exchange programme with its twin city of Nantes for the Parks Services horticultural apprentices.

The Nantes exchange scheme has been a highly valuable part of the horticultural apprenticeship training programme which has the benefits of improving their horticultural skills and assisting in contributing to the apprentices curriculum for their studies in horticulture.

The Leonardo da Vinci Programme is part of the European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme which supports education and training across Europe. It also provides opportunities for UK vocational education and training.

Cardiff Council’s horticultural apprenticeship scheme aims to develop skills through an in-house programme of practical training, combined with day release study. The scheme addresses the current skills gap in the industry and contributes to promoting career development and retaining a highly skilled workforce in the Parks Service.

As part of the programme, the apprentices benefit from a diverse range of activities and operations associated with horticulture including plant production and propagation, plant identification, conservation and tree management and fine turf.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “To be awarded European funding was fantastic news and confirms how beneficial, positive and credible the Council’s Parks and Gardens horticultural apprenticeship scheme is.”

For more information about Cardiff Council Park Services please visit www.cardiff.gov.uk/parks
To learn more about the Leonardo da Vinci Programme go to www.leonardo.org.uk

Related posts:

1. Horticultural Apprentices Graduate with Green Fingers Two young gardening enthusiasts have attended their graduation ceremony after...
2. A warm Welsh welcome for Scottish horticultural apprentices Horticultural apprentices Jamie McGubbin and Kieran Jordan from the City...
3. Modern apprentices celebrate success Flintshire County Council employees who have successfully completed or are...
4. Swansea council apprentices get a head start SIX Swansea teenagers are getting their working lives off to...
5. Bats given new home in Bute Park The bats of Bute Park are feeling very much at...

Speaking ahead of next Tuesday’s meeting, which is open to the public and starts at 4:30pm in County Hall’s Committee Room 4, Councillor Corria said:

“The scrutiny process is essential for ensuring the cabinet is delivering efficient and effective services that meet the needs of children and young people in Cardiff.”

Amongst other things, one of the main functions of scrutiny committees is to undertake in-depth reviews of particular issues and put forward recommendations to the cabinet and wider council on how matters can be improved further to best meet citizen needs.

This is often undertaken by committee members questioning cabinet members, council employees and representatives of other organisations on decisions made and policies being pursued in the local area.

However, Councillor Corria is also keen to involve the wider community in the scrutiny process and ensure their views remain at the very heart of any recommendations being made. She adds:

“The committee is looking to increase participation of residents and service users to ensure citizen focussed scrutiny leads to excellent service provision.

“We recognise that many people are not aware of the scrutiny process which is why we are encouraging residents to get involved and share their views.  It is important that resident’s comments are reflected in the questions we ask and the committee’s recommendations”.

For more information and advice about Cardiff Council’s scrutiny process, including when public meetings are being held, agenda items and how to get involved, please visit www.cardiff.gov.uk or email scrutinyviewpoints@cardiff.gov.uk

Related posts:

1. Scrutiny Reports on Cardiff’s Childrens Services A Task and Finish Inquiry into the case management of...
2. Cardiff playground strategy to be scrutinised The Council’s Economy and Culture Scrutiny committee has undertaken an...
3. Cardiff: Tackling the Issue of Trafficking Adults for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation A Cardiff Council Scrutiny committee is to meet to look...
4. New Powys Council Cabinet set to avoid Scrutiny A worrying development in the Powys Council move to Cabinet...
5. Cae Ddol Paddling Pool – Meeting reminder Denbighshire County Council is reminding Ruthin residents of a meeting...

Thieves are using knives to cut open bags to look for documents for identity theft and clothes for shops that are now paying for unwanted items of clothing.

There is an increase in bags put out at this time of years as students clear out and vacate their properties and participate in the Get It Out for Cardiff recycle and re-use scheme which involved extra collections over 3 weekends in June and concluded last Saturday (30th).

Council enforcement staff working on the Get It Out for Cardiff campaign have been working closely with the police following a number of such incidents. The police have subsequently made several arrests for theft from the highway.

Police and council officials are reminding residents they should never put documents in their waste that can be used for identity fraud e.g  personal details on  bank statements, utility bills, council tax documents that have not been removed or obscured etc.

Residents should also ensure they put bags and bins out at the correct time – no earlier than 4.30pm the day before and no later 6am on the collection day.  Waste put out at the wrong time could encourage more of this criminal activity.

Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Ashley Govier said, “Bag slashing can cause a mess on our streets and have far-reaching consequences if personal documents are stolen.  Unwanted clothes and electrical items can be placed in the many YMCA banks in student areas as part Get It Out for Cardiff 2012 as well as our household waste and recycling centres.

“By correctly presenting their waste and helping charity by donating unwanted clothes residents will remove temptation for this criminal behaviour and help us and our partners in South Wales Police prevent further incidents occurring.”

Sergeant Alun Williams said: “Anyone removing items from bin bags such as clothes or other items bags is quite probably guilty of theft.  It is reasonable to assume that those responsible are doing it for money and could well be committing further offences such as identity theft or fly-tipping in the process.

“People can safeguard themselves from things like identity theft by shredding or destroying any documents which hold personal details, and never throwing them out intact.  Anyone with information about this kind of activity should contact their local authority or the police non emergency number on 101.”

Related posts:

1. HMO Licensing Scheme in Plasnewydd and Gabalfa People living in Plasnewydd and Gabalfa wards are to be...
2. Clean-up Cathays Campaign A new campaign aimed at keeping Cathays clean and waste-free...
3. Re-Appeal: Cathays Sexual Assault 2.50am, Nov 9th Police in Cardiff are re-appealing for information following a sexual...
4. Cathays sexual assault: Appeal and CCTV Police in Cardiff investigating a sexual assault on a student...
5. Consultation commences on additional licensing scheme for HMOs in Cathays Cardiff Council is inviting comments from tenants, landlords, members of...

The annual event is free to enter, though there is a charge for some activities, and provides a fantastic, colourful atmosphere in Roald Dahl Plass and the Inner Harbour, stretching around the Bay to the Norwegian Church. In addition to the Producer Fayre, which is packed with everything from Handmade Scotch Eggs that starred in the Hairy Bikers show, to liquers made in Wales, visitors will be treated to a Farmer’s Market, Food Piazza, John Lewis Food Theatre, St. David’s Hotel & Spa Champagne Bar and much more to tempt the taste buds.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “The sun has been a little shy so far this summer but this weekend the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival will brighten up the capital with an array of food and drink to suit any weather.

“Each year the food festival attracts thousands of people and has become a focal point of the summer for people from far and wide.Tastes buds are in for a treat with one of the firm favorites in the Cardiff Festival programme and along with the fantastic assortment of food there will be the opportunity to see demonstrations and live entertainment.

“As always this promises to be a fantastic free event that the whole family can enjoy.”

A prominent figure in the John Lewis Food Theatre is TV chef  Angela Gray who films her monthly feature on The One Show with Jay Rayner at nearby Llanerch Cookery School. Angela will show off a range of culinary skills from afternoon tea to pesto, and there is a Children’s Cookery Zone for the foodie stars of the future.

The Food Theatre features the usual array of cookery demonstrations by some of the finest exponents from Wales and beyond. These include Malaysian Kitchen with Norman Musa, a global ambassador for Malaysian food, and one of its finest exponents in Europe, who returns to the festival following a successful appearance last year. Executive Chef of Ning restaurants & cookery school in the UK, Norman is also a TV personality, author and tutor.

The event also showcases the talents of Richard Yearnshire, Executive Chef in Tempus at Tides restaurant of the event’s partner hotel, St. David’s Hotel & Spa, just around Cardiff Bay. Richard will be displaying his passion for one of the dishes from his seasonal menu, the Rump of Brecon Lamb with Peach, Sweetcorn, Broad Beans and Pan Jus, a dish marinaded in Peach Schnapps that shows off Richard’s creativity with largely Welsh produce to the full.

There is also Purple Poppadom Magic by inspirational Chef Patron Anand George who cooks up a spicy feast of seasonal dishes from the menu at his award- winning Cardiff restaurant, while Justin Llewellyn, the chef from the Laguna, Park Plaza, Restaurant of the Year in the South Wales Echo Food & Drink Awards 2012 provides an insight into his craft.

Cardiff Festival 2012 is 27 years old, and is this year Strawberry Jam – packed with 21 artistic, cultural and sporting events to suit a range of ages and tastes, and spread throughout the summer from June through to September. There is no better time for a ‘staycation’ in Cardiff this summer, with everything from food festivals to family picnics, musicals to Melas, and sailing to street theatre to entertain the crowds.

Further festival highlights include:

Picnic In The Castle supported by Brace’s Bread, 22 July, Cardiff Castle 12 noon – 4pm
Families across the city are on the starting blocks for this year’s sports themed Picnic in the Castle, with walkabout entertainers and a sporty fancy dress.
All Tickets £3.50

On Your Marks! 25 July, City Centre
Entertainment throughout the city streets featuring music, comedy and sport to mark the opening day of the 2012 Olympics.

Cardiff Harbour Festival presents Extreme Sailing Series, 31 Aug – 2 Sept, Cardiff Bay, free
This year’s annual Harbour Festival has moved forward a week, and expanded to feature the UK stage of the high-octane, global Extreme Sailing Series, giving waterfront visitors a grandstand view of an international competition of Extreme 40 catamarans crewed by Olympic medallists, America’s Cup veterans, World Champions and Round the World sailors. The weekend will also see the British Fish Championships, a Continental Market, the Last Resort traditional end of pier entertainment, and range of musical entertainment.

Related posts:

1. Food Glorious Food – Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival Returns The famous Cardiff International Food and Drink festival returns this...
2. Neath Food and Drink Festival Huge Success Crowds of people flocked into Neath town centre on Saturday...
3. Tres Hombres sets sail for the Cardiff International Food Festival The Cardiff International Food and Drink festival starts on Friday...
4. Come and join in the fun at Neath’s first ever Food and Drink Festival A taste of the local produce on offer in Neath...
5. Neath Food and Drink Festival Neath town centre is to host another Food and Drink...

Cardiff students at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 were challenged to find bad grammar or the wrong choice of words, verbs and tenses in songs. The young sleuths have spotted numerous examples of poor spelling and grammar in song lyrics and having declared their condemning verdict, are now looking forward to collecting their reward for exposing the ‘crimes’.

Some examples of the entrants submitted in the competition include: Jessie J’s Price Tag: “Ain’t about the (ha) Cha-Ching Cha-Ching, Ain’t about the (yeah) Ba-Bling, Ba-Bling”, which should read “It is not about the sound of money. It is not about the flashy jewellery.” And Rhianna’s what my name is: the lyric is “Cuz I’ve been tryna” and it should read “Because I’ve been trying to.”

340 young people who spotted the mistakes will enjoy the special, invite-only comedy gig at the National Museum, in Cardiff on Wednesday June 20. A line up of Welsh comedians, Mike Bubbins, Dan Mitchell, Clint Edwards and Jordi Brown will provide the entertainment between 12.30 – 2pm.

The competition is the latest initiative by the Council’s Education Service to raise literacy standards and promote good reading and writing amongst children and young people.

The Reading Power campaign is aimed at tackling the issue of poor literacy and was developed to help parents and carers understand the importance of good reading and writing skills to help children succeed in the future.

A Reading Power website is available at www.cardiff.gov.uk/readingpower to provide parents with information on how they can help their children. The website contains tips and advice, as well as recommending English and Welsh books and links to other websites that promote reading as an enjoyable pastime as well as an essential skill.

Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning and Libraries, Cllr Julia Magill, said: “Reading and writing are the basic building blocks for education and it’s vital that children and young people have these key skills as a solid foundation for success in school and later in life.

“The Council places a strong emphasis on supporting schools and parents to give children the best opportunity to gain good reading and writing skills. This Reading Power competition has really caught children’s imagination and was a great idea to get young people thinking and improving their literacy skills whilst doing something they enjoy – listening to music.”

“Well done to all the winners in this competition, and to everyone involved in making the comedy gig a really fun – and funny, reward.”

Related posts:

1. Hitting the Right Note with New Literacy Competition Cardiff Council’s literacy team has launched a new competition that...
2. Road safety competition winners announced School children from across Caerphilly county borough have been rewarded...
3. Lucky winners announced in Welsh Libraries Arts Competition Teachers from Ysgol Gwaenynog, Denbigh joined winners from across Wales...
4. Local winners in libary competition Libraries in Neath Port Talbot are in the spotlight again...
5. Competition Winners Announced to Carve out Bute Park’s History The eight winning entries to a prestigious wood carving competition...

The festival is the biggest the UK has ever seen and includes 12,000 events taking place up and down the country to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The festival kick starts with a spectacular outdoor concert in Stirling and will feature one of the most exciting conductors and orchestras in the world. The concert will be beamed live to the Hayes Live Screen on Thursday, giving those in Cardiff city centre the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere from a distance.  The concert starts at 7pm with limited seating available.

The first half of “Simón Bolívar Orchestra – Live from Stirling” will be transmitted to 21 of the Big Screens across the UK, including the big screen on The Hayes

Along with the London Festival 2012 live concert on the big screen there are many other live site screenings taking place over the next coming weeks including Shakespeare productions, live Wimbledon coverage and of course full coverage of the Olympic games more info can be found at www.Cardiff.gov.uk

Cabinet Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “There are a number of events taking place across Cardiff to the build up of the Olympics Games which in Cardiff will climax in the city hosting the first event of the London 2012 Games.

“The live screen showing of the Striling Concert is a fantastic way to bring the United Kingdom together to celebrate Great Britain making history by hosting the games.”

Related posts:

1. Olympic Countdown: Help Set a Hockey Record on the Hayes Hockey takes centre stage at The Hayes on Monday when...
2. 5X60 = 300 DAYS TO GO IN OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN Wales’ biggest free school sports initiative is encouraging Cardiff school...
3. Cardiff Celebrates the Official Countdown to the Olympic Games This month will mark one year to go until the...
4. Shadow Minister writes to Commission calling for a Senedd countdown clock to Olympic opener With 285 days to go until the very first event...
5. Cardiff Celebrates Future Paralympians in Countdown to London 2012 To celebrate 300 days until the London 2012 Paralympic Games,...

The special flag-raising ceremony is part of a national initiative – Fly a Flag for our Armed Forces – that marks the beginning of Armed Forces Week, and heralds the main Armed Forces Day event at Cooper’s Field, Bute Park on Saturday, June 30

Cllr Jones will be joined by veterans, cadets and members of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for a short ceremony to commemorate those who serve and have served in the Forces, before the event culminates with the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag on the corner bastion of the Castle wall.

The flag-raising event is one of hundreds taking place throughout the UK on the same day.

The focus for this years Armed Forces Day will be to comemorate the  60th Anniversary of the Korean War and 30th of the Falklands conflict.

Local Armed Forces Day organisers have been busy compiling a varied and interesting programme, promising fun for all the family at their free event at Coopers Field, Bute Park on Saturday 30 June. Starting at 10am, it will include a City Centre parade, the band of the Welsh Guards, displays by the RAF Falcons free-fall parachute team and The White Helmets motorcycle display team, music from local artists and many other displays, stands and activities.

Cardiff Council’s Vice Chair, Cllr Keith Jones, said: “Armed Forces Day helps the nation to show its support for the men and women who are currently serving in the Armed Forces and those who have served our country. We owe them a debt of gratitude and Cardiff is proud to be joining Cities, Towns and Villages across the UK in raising the Armed Forces Day flag at Cardiff Castle to signify our continued support for all they do. I am delighted to be representing the City at this important event.”

Captain (Retd) BEM Dave Morris, Chairman of the Armed Forces Day Committee added “It is pleasing to see both Fly the Flag for our Armed Forces and Armed Forces Day become such well established and well supported events in this Country’s annual calendar. It is a great comfort to everyone connected with our armed forces – past, present and future – that the nation is grateful for the work they do, in difficult and dangerous circumstances”

There are a number of events taking place in Cardiff during the week leading up to Armed Forces Day, full details of these and the Armed Forces Day event itself can be found by visiting www.armedforcesdaywales.co.uk

Related posts:

1. Swansea set to fly the flag for our Armed Forces Veterans of armed conflict across the world and across generations...
2. Armed forces day flag raising ceremony Members of the Armed Services together with representatives of the...
3. Regiment Raises Armed Forces Day Flag in Newport Ahead of the celebrations for Armed Forces Day tomorrow, the...
4. South Wales Police: Armed Forces day in Cardiff on Saturday On Saturday 26 June 2010 Cardiff will host the second...
5. Armed Forces Day in Gwynedd The Ministry of Defence has requested that every county council...

The 2011 Scrutiny task and finish inquiry into Cardiff’s Night-time Economy” won the “Raising the Profile” and the overall “Scrutineers’ Choice” category at the glittering awards ceremony organised by the Centre for Public Scrutiny in Local Government House, a stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

The Council’s Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee undertook the Night Time Economy inquiry.  Councillor Craig Williams, Chair of the Committee, said “These two awards are a tribute to the hard work and vision of the many Councillors, officers and partners who supported the Night-time Economy Inquiry, and in particular to Councillor Richard Cook who led the inquiry.  It also sends out a good message about the quality of scrutiny undertaken in Cardiff, which helps ensure the effectiveness and value of the Council’s services”.

The “Raising the Profile” award was presented by Baroness Hamwee, Chair of the judging panel.  The “Scrutineers’ Choice” category was voted upon by scrutiny Councillors and officers from across the UK from a short list of five projects, and Cardiff’s entry won 54% of the popular vote. It was presented by David Brindle, Public Services Editor of the Guardian newspaper.

The scrutiny inquiry examined the economic impact and management of the night time economy. It enjoyed great interest in the local and national media, and secured 3000 public responses to an online night time economy questionnaire.

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Heather Joyce said, “To be recognised by your peers in this way is a great achievement and I’m delighted for all involved.  Scrutiny is an important part of local democracy and our committees produce excellent and insightful work time and time again.  This particular report on the night-time economy is timely and topical and has rightly gained national attention.  I congratulate Cllr Williams, Cllr Cook and the Economy and Culture Committee as well as all the scrutiny officers who provide such wonderful support, these two awards are richly deserved.”

Scrutiny is a method for Councillors from all political parties to work together to challenge the Council’s Cabinet and service areas to produce the very best public services.  Scrutiny operates through five Scrutiny Committees – Children and Young People, Community and Adult Services, Economy and culture, Environmental, and Policy Review and Performance.

Each of the Committees are currently developing their work programmes for 2012/13, and welcome ideas from the public on topics that they could consider during the year.  If you have ideas on the kinds of services that you feel could usefully be challenged to improve their effectiveness or value for money, you are welcome to write to scrutinyviewpoints@cardiff.gov.uk or contact the Council’s C2C Contact Centre on Cardiff 2087 2087.

To view a short video on the night-time economy please click the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE3rav-f7Io&feature=plcp

The photograph is the presentation of the “Scrutineers’ Choice” Award, presented by Sue Turner (second left – Health Scrutiny Manager of the CfPS) and featuring left to right Paul Keeping (OM Scrutiny Services), Emyr Williams (Principal Scrutiny and Research Officer), Steve Davies (Principal Scrutiny Officer) and Councillor Craig Williams (Chair of the Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee)

Related posts:

1. Scrutiny Reports on Cardiff’s Childrens Services A Task and Finish Inquiry into the case management of...
2. Overview and Scrutiny Board shortlisted for UK award Councillors in Swansea who are helping make a difference to...
3. Cardiff at Night – Have Your Say Cardiff Council is keen to hear people’s views on the...
4. City’s Transport Scheme Mobilises Itself to National Awards Cardiff Council’s City Centre Management team has been nominated for...
5. Cardiff playground strategy to be scrutinised The Council’s Economy and Culture Scrutiny committee has undertaken an...

The Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) is originally from the Mediterranean where it is pollinated by a native bee species.  To attract the pollinating bees the plant has evolved flowers which look and smell like the female bee and males, in trying to mate with the flower, pick up pollen and transfer it to the next one they visit.  In Britain we do not have the bee but fortunately the Bee Orchid is self-pollinating so even without it’s special bee pollinator it can still reproduce and thrive so that we can wonder and marvel at its unusual beauty.

Including the Bee Orchid the reserve hosts seven orchid species including the following:-

Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Southern Marsh-orchids (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) being from the same Orchid family often cross-pollinate giving rise to hybrid forms which produce a range of beautiful flower spikes in shades between the pale pink of the Common Spotted-orchid and the deep purple of the Southern Marsh-orchid.

Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) has a spike with a pyramid of pink flowerets and reaches an average height of 10–25 centimetres (4–10 in) of height. The stem is erect and unbranched. The arrangement of  flowers in a compact pyramidal shape is very distinctive and gives the orchid its common name. The colour of the flowers varies from pink to purple, or rarely white, and the scent is described as “foxy”.  The flowering period extends from April through July.

Broad-leaved Heleborine (Epipactis helleborine) is a tall, dark orchid with leaves that spiral around the stem and purple-tinged, drooping flowers. It flowers from July to September and can be seen mainly in woodlands and scrub.

An unusual green flowered Orchid the Twayblade (Neottia ovata) is to be found on the Wildflower Heathland, these are called Twayblade referring to the single pair of leaves from which the single flower spike emerges with small and yellowish-green flowers.  Flowering period May to July.

Related posts:

1. Stunning orchid showcase There’s something for everyone at the Wales Orchid Festival –...
2. Chelsea winner comes to Wales for the Fourth Orchid Festival The fourth Wales Orchid Festival will be held at the...
3. Nice for the Dormice Howardian Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is 32 acres tucked away...
4. Llŷn AONB Guided Walks – Discover History and Beauty on your Doorstep The Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit has...
5. Doorstep Danger Warning Whilst the majority of sellers at your door are genuine,...

Canfod, the Glamorgan Archives online catalogue, contains over 163,000 entries detailing the holdings of Glamorgan Archives, which span over 800 years of Glamorgan history.

For the first time this catalogue is now available to search anywhere in the world. To access Canfod visit www.glamarchives.gov.uk.

The catalogue can assist those interested in tracing their family tree, help to uncover the history of your house, help you to discover more about your town or village, or assist with school, college or university project research.

The material described in Canfod is available to view in the public searchroom at Glamorgan Archives in Leckwith, Cardiff.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Huw Thomas, said:” The catalogue will help a whole new audience to access the range of documents held at Glamorgan Archives.

“A simple click of the button can open up a whole host of history for users of the service and will provide a vital tool for those undertaking  research, whether it be for their family tree or university work.”

To find out more about Glamorgan Archivist, visit www.glamarchives.gov.uk.

Glamorgan Archives serves the County Borough Councils of Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan and the City and County of Cardiff.  It has over 8 kilometres of records in its strongrooms, dating from the twelfth century to the present day.

Related posts:

1. Fill up on History at Lunchtime Talks at Glamorgan Archives Take a bite out of history this summer with speical...
2. Four star standard for Gwynedd Archives Gwynedd Council’s Archives Service has received high praise in an...
3. Gwynedd Council Archives: The doors are open There is a unique opportunity for people to learn more...
4. Archives Service helps Jennifer trace her roots More than 1,000 people each month are now visiting the...
5. Richard Burton Archives: The New Home of Swansea University’s Archives A £1.2 million refurbishment project at Swansea University to create...

The Babies Remembrance Service, arranged by Cardiff Council Bereavement Services and supported by the Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths Society (Sands), allows those who have lost a baby as well as their families and friends to come together to remember them.

Councillor Ashley Govier, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Cardiff Council is glad to be able to offer families the opportunity to acknowledge their babies in a simple remembrance service in the Wenallt Chapel and to meet with other bereaved parents.  We know how much it means to the parents to have the life of their baby recognised, however brief that life was and this event provides love and support to all those affected in this way.”

The service will be led by members of the University Hospital of Wales Chaplaincy Team. Trevor Williams, Chaplain at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “I feel very privileged to take part in this Special Baby Memorial Service each year. One of the most traumatic things that can ever happen to parents and their families is the loss of a baby. A time of expectant joy, is sadly turned into sorrow and your world is suddenly turned upside down. Working in partnership with Cardiff SANDS and Cardiff Council Bereavement Services and within the wider community gives grieving parents the opportunity to remember their babies and I am honoured I can contribute to their day.”

Members of the Cardiff Branch of Sands will be available at the service. The group provides confidential advice and support to family members who have been affected by the death of an infant, including parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, neo-natal death or cot death.

During the service a memory card can be written. There will also be an opportunity for those attending to place a memory pebble in the memory bowl in the Ilex Garden.

Following the service, the new baby burial section and memorial at Thornhill will be dedicated by the chaplaincy team. Those attending the service are invited to attend.

Refreshments will be available at the end of the service.

For further information, please contact a member of Bereavement Services’ staff at Thornhill Crematorium on 029 2054 4820.

Related posts:

1. Babies Remembrance Service at Thornhill Crematorium Join Cardiff Council Bereavement Services for a special annual Babies...
2. Christmas Memorial Service at Thornhill Crematorium A Christmas Memorial Service, will be held at the Wenallt...
3. Christmas Memorial Service at Thornhill Crematorium A Christmas Memorial Service will be held at the Wenallt...
4. Palm Sunday Memorial Service at Thornhill Crematorium A Palm Sunday Memorial Service will be held at the...
5. Palm Sunday Memorial Service at Thornhill Crematorium Join Cardiff Council’s Bereavement Service this Easter to remember and...

Brenig, who took over the role from Nick Toye, began his career at GE Healthcare in Cardiff, before joining PwC and then Ernst & Young as a corporate finance advisor.

As an investment director at Excalibur based in London and Cardiff, Brenig is an experienced investor having completed over 30 investments totalling £0.5bn. Excalibur is Europe’s pre-eminent medical sciences investment firm.

Brenig said: “Excalibur is a venture capital business specialising in life sciences and healthcare investing in young exciting private companies. My chartered accountant qualification has been absolutely invaluable in my career as an investor, both to understand and assess businesses. This, combined with my background in life sciences gives me an unusually valuable skill set.

“I’m excited and absolutely delighted about being president. During my year I want to support entrepreneurship and encourage more involvement from members where possible. I run the corporate finance events for the local society which are very popular and very well attended. During my year I also want to ensure we provide a relevant and valuable service to members.”

Brenig studied pharmacology at Cardiff University and financial strategy at Oxford University, where he achieved a distinction. He is also an ICAEW chartered accountant. A fluent Welsh speaker, he went to school at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni.

He hails from Bargoed where his family and most of his friends still live. Brenig now lives in Dinas Powys with his wife Sarah and three children. His interests include outside work keeping fit, sciences and finance.

The new deputy president is Glyn Davies, well known as a former tax partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Next year the South Wales society will celebrate its centenary.

Related posts:

1. Chwarae Teg Chief becomes South Wales Accountants’ President Katy Chamberlain, the Chief Executive of Chwarae Teg, which promotes...
2. Engineering Graduate is South Wales Accountants’ New President Mechanical Engineering graduate Nick Toye, a director of Cardiff-based accountancy...
3. New “Special” Chief Officer for South Wales Police Mr Dale Cartwright has been appointed as the new Specials...
4. Message from Chief Constable Peter Vaughan of South Wales Police: From Chief Constable Peter Vaughan of South Wales Police: This...
5. Bank of England Agent gives corporate finance experts briefing on Welsh economy Neil Ashbridge, the Bank of England’s Agent for Wales, will...

Natalie Cox, aged 28, from Fairwater, Cardiff was also ordered to comply with an 18 month supervision order and to pay £300 costs. In addition, a restraining order was granted by the Court preventing Cox from having any further contact with her victims for a period of 3 years.

Cox had loaned money to a mother and daughter over a period of several months, totalling approximately £1000. The two women then repaid Cox at a rate of £125 per fortnight and, having parted with several thousand pounds, reached a point where they were no longer able to continue making payments.

Cox informed them that they had merely been paying interest off their loans and still owed the capital borrowed.  The prosecutor for Cardiff Council explained to the Court that, as a result of their refusal to continue paying Cox, the women were subjected to harassment and threats made both in person and via text messages including a threat to break their legs.

In mitigation the Court heard how Cox had befriended the family. Nevertheless, the Magistrates sentenced on the basis that there were aggravating factors in the case including the pre-planned nature of the offending, the distress caused to both the victims and their children and the length of the period of offending.

Cardiff Council’s Cabinet member for Environment, Councillor Ashley Govier, said: “This sentence sends a stark warning to those engaged in illegal money lending that we will do all we can to tackle this despicable crime and will do everything in our power to ensure our residents do not become their victims. Loan sharks are motivated purely by greed. They do not offer a community service and cause nothing but misery.”

“Turning to a loan shark will never solve your money problems. Loan sharks don’t give you paperwork explaining the terms of the loan, and you have to keep paying them back until they decide you can stop.”

Cardiff Council’s Trading Standards team advise residents who are facing financial hardship to use the Cardiff and Vale Credit Union, a fundamental community service for all residents in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan.”

Councillor Govier added: “It is well placed to give vital financial support to those who are in difficulty or who do not have access to a bank account, and as such is an ideal resource.”

Related posts:

1. Suspected Loan Shark Arrested in Caerphilly Officers from the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit have arrested...
2. Merthyr Loan Shark Due for Sentence A loan shark who preyed on a vulnerable woman is...
3. Cardiff Load Shark Due for Sentence A loan shark who preyed on vulnerable people is due...
4. Loan shark from Swansea convicted A Loan Shark was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court yesterday...
5. Cardiff Loan sharks convicted Two Loan Sharks were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court today...

A day packed full of medieval all-action adventure is promised, with the Knights of Royal England, all set to dazzle audiences with their horseback stunts, knock-about humour and death-defying demonstrations of the noble art of jousting.

With a medieval encampment to explore, strolling minstrels, combat displays, junior jousting skills and drills, storytelling sessions of spell-binding myths and legends, visitors will easily imagine they have stepped back centuries. Everyone is encouraged to be part of the action, come in medieval costume and join the parade around the Joust arena.  And new for this year, is the appearance of a huge dragon, certain to create mischief on the day, with children invited to join the dragon procession through the site.

Cllr Huw Thomas said,  “Joust is a fabulous event that is one of the highlights in our calendar, an event which is thrilling and hugely entertaining. Everyone gets into the spirit of the time, particularly the children who come in costume, so don’t forget to dress the kids up for the day as a princess or knight.”

Tickets are now on sale, with special discounts if you book by Thursday 14 June. Children under 5 are free.

This event is part of the Cardiff Festival.

Call the Cardiff Castle Booking Line on 029 2087 8100 or book tickets online www.cardiffcastle.com

Related posts:

1. Jousting returns to the Castle Now firmly established in the city’s events calendar, Joust! makes...
2. Jousting returns to the Castle Now firmly established in the city’s events calendar, Joust! makes...
3. A Grand Medieval Mêlée returns to Cardiff Castle What would Cardiff Castle have been like 700 years ago?...
4. There be dragons! Grand Medieval Mêlée at Cardiff Castle Time travelling at its best as we go back to...
5. Half term holiday action at Cardiff Castle A busy half term holiday is in store at Cardiff...

Cardiff has three gaming periods which cover the 11 Olympic football matches being staged at the Millennium Stadium:
24 – 28 July
30 July – 4 August
9 – 10 August.

Any trader or business intending to operate in the ‘event zone’ – the area surrounding the Millennium Stadium – during these periods will need to strictly adhere to the Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) advertising and trading regulations. Anyone caught in breach of these rules and regulations could face a heavy fine and/or prosecution by the ODA and the London Olympic Games Organising Committee (LOGOC).

Councillor Ashley Govier, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Although the ODA is solely responsible for the introduction and enforcement of these regulations, we appreciate that some traders may still be confused about the process and what is required from them.

“We have strong links with Cardiff’s business community and we want to work with retailers and traders to ensure that everyone is able to make the most of the games and the added footfall the city is likely to attract.

“This is one of the reasons why our Trading Standards officers are on hand to give free support and advice to any business or trader wanting further information or clarification about the regulations ahead of July 25.”

In order to meet host venue qualifying criteria, as with other host cities, Cardiff Council had to sign up to certain Olympic rules and regulations and these are no exception.

Councillor Govier added: “Last month’s hugely successful Torch Relay saw thousands flock into Cardiff’s city centre to enjoy the event. We anticipate the actual games will have a similar effect.

“Although these advertising and trading regulations did not apply during the Torch event so businesses and retailers could operate as normal; had they applied, certain promotional materials that were distributed and displayed by businesses in public places would have been in breach of these rules.

“This is why we want to ensure that everyone is aware of what is expected from them, to enable traders to operate as smoothly and profitably as possible and within the law.”

Full details about the Olympic Delivery Authority’s rules and regulations on advertising and trading and a map of Cardiff’s designated event zone can be found at www.london2012.com/advertisingandtrading

If you would like to speak to someone from Cardiff Council Trading Standards for help or advice about these regulations, please contact (029) 2087 2059 or email tradingstandards@cardiff.gov.uk

Related posts:

1. Don’t fall foul of rogue doorstep sellers – advice on hand from Trading Standards Trading Standards officers from Blaenau Gwent Council will be offering...
2. Web Advertising Con Warning Businesses have been put on alert by Cardiff Council’s Trading...
3. Trading Standards issue advice over rogue builders Monmouthshire County Council’s Trading Standards service is advising residents to...
4. Are your bathroom scales accurate? Find out for free with Trading Standards How accurate are your bathroom scales? We all rely on...
5. Olympic Countdown: Help Set a Hockey Record on the Hayes Hockey takes centre stage at The Hayes on Monday when...

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, library members can download bestsellers from Stieg Larsson, Anita Shreve,  Dan Brown  and many more to play on their MP3 player, iPod or computer from home or anywhere in the world.  All that is required is a PC or Mac with broadband internet access and their library membership details.

Each title has unlimited availability, which means any number of library members can download the latest bestsellers at the same time. This makes waiting lists a thing of the past and means reading groups will be able to listen to the same book at the same time.

There are over 600 titles in the collection with something for all tastes and ages and new titles will be added each month.

Make a Noise in Libraries (MANIL) Fortnight is an annual campaign to bring public libraries and blind and partially sighted people together to improve access to books and information.

Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning and Libraries, Cllr Julia Magill, said: “This is an important development for Cardiff Libraries to modernise its service and attract new members. The new eAudiobook service means our borrowers can enjoy the latest bestsellers wherever and whenever it suits them at a touch of a button.

“The simple download process is user friendly for listeners of all ages and every library member will be able to access and enjoy the new eAudiobook format.”

For more information about the range of eAudiobooks available through Cardiff Libraries, plus our eBook service, please visit our website www.cardiff.gov.uk/bookstodownload

Related posts:

1. New e-books library service launched Readers will be able to read e-books online free of...
2. Free beach blockbusters on offer at the click of a mouse An innovative new service that gives borrowers the chance to...
3. Library Service Scoops National Marketing Award Denbighshire have scooped a national award in the Welsh Libraries...
4. Conwy’s Library Service Public Consultation starts on Monday The eight week consultation on the future of Conwy’s Library...
5. Monmouthshire library surveys reveal top marks for customer care and service Two recent surveys have given the thumbs up to Monmouthshire’s...

In December of last year, Evan-Evans started the search for a group of beer tasters to help the award-winning brewery with the development of its new beer range for the summer of 2012.

The company received more than 250 applications for what was described as the best job in brewing.

The first 25 successful tasters met last month for a training session headed by Evan-Evans brewery Chief Executive Simon Buckley and Ian Swanson of The Beer Academy.

Now, tomorrow (June 9), a second batch of tasters are to be put through their paces on a specially-designed beer tasting course.

The course, being held at The Cricketers in Cathedral Road, Cardiff, will cover a variety of topics and include the tasting of a series of beer styles and the skills required to become a professional beer taster.

The course culminates in an exam and a final tasting session at the bar of The Cricketers, the top food pub in Wales.

Mr Buckley said: “This will be the second training session for our new beer tasters.

“Once it is complete, we can get down to the serious work of brand building with their help.

“On the first training course, it was a delight to see so many genuinely enthusiastic tasters determined to grasp the complex subject of beer production and the intricate flavours we produce.

“We can now move forward with our plans for the development of new cask and bottled beers, knowing that the tasters will give us their considered opinions.

“We are the only brewery in Wales and probably in the UK to have our own tasting team and we feel confident that with the feedback from the tasters we will continue our expansion as a major drinks brand company.

“We hope to launch a new range of cask beers in July and follow that with a new range of bottle beers for the autumn.

“I am grateful to the tasters for coming to the training and to The Beer Academy for their help.”

For more information see http://www.evanevansbrewery.com

Photograph: The Evan-Evans Brewery tasters at the first training course at The Cricketers Cardiff, Simon Buckley is pictured centre

Related posts:

1. Free beer for 30 new brewery beer tasters! The international award-winning brewer Evan Evans is offering the best...
2. Rhymney Brews the Best Beer in Wales A brewery from Merthyr Tydfil has completed a clean sweep...
3. Best Beer writers freelance in the Welsh Valleys The award winning, family run Otley Brewing Company, has joined...
4. Tafarn @ NosDa Beer Festival Nos Da, the 5 star back-packer hostel in Riverside, Cardiff...
5. Caerphilly gets a beer festival The historic town of Caerfilthy will be getting a beer,...

Cardiff Council is providing an excellent variety of courses over the school holidays at venues across the city. The Summer Learning Festival is for all students’ currently attending years 7 – 10 in Cardiff secondary schools.

From July 23 to August 10, young people can try their hand at a selection of over 80 courses available for as little as £3.00.  Courses are available through the medium of Welsh and all courses are free for those who are eligible for free school meals.

During the first three weeks of the summer holidays, Cardiff youngsters will have the opportunity to try fashion design, street dancing, climb Pen y Fan, mountain biking, and theatrical make up, as well as learning the basics in hairdressing and beauty techniques or vehicle maintenance skills.

The courses aim to give young people new ideas and interests, build confidence and can help to improve exam results. Anyone interested in signing up should check the course availability before applying.

All courses are allocated on a first come first serve basis and the enrolment forms must be submitted by Friday 6 July 2012.

Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning and Libraries, Cllr Julia Magill, said: “The Summer Learning Festival is a fantastic opportunity for young people aiming to broaden their interests and try new activities.

“The summer school is an excellent example of the wider learning experiences available for young people living in Cardiff which are not only educational, but also a lot of fun.”

For more information regarding the Summer Learning Festival, please contact Rebecca Brockway, SLF coordinator on 029 2087 2704.

Related posts:

1. Young People Achieve Arts Success A group of young people who are turning their lives...
2. Summertime Services for Young People Fun in RCT Thousands of young people across Rhondda Cynon Taf have been...
3. Safeguarding Young People Who Work Cardiff Council is warning businesses they could face heavy fines...
4. What do Flintshire’s young people think of libraries? – Library survey for young people Throughout the week starting 28 February, Flintshire Library and Information...
5. Commissioners give wholehearted support to Island’s young people Commissioners at the Isle of Anglesey County Council have endorsed...

Julia joined the Cardiff-headquartered business just eight years ago as an audit senior and was an associate at Watts Gregory before being promoted to partner.

Julia, who studied accountancy at Cardiff University, heads up the practice’s audit department and also specialises in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Julia said: “I’ve enjoyed working at Watts Gregory ever since I joined eight years ago, so I’m delighted to become a partner in such a prestigious practice.

“Watts Gregory has an excellent reputation for client service and as a partner I’m joining a very experienced and highly professional team.”

Julia, who was educated at Porthcawl Comprehensive, initially worked as a self-employed accountant after leaving university before joining a practice in the Lake District. She later returned to South Wales to work at a Newport firm before joining Watts Gregory. Julia lives in Porthcawl and is married with two children.

Lindsay Hogg, Managing Partner at Watts Gregory, which is based at the Cardiff Gate Business Park, said: “The partners extended the invitation to Julia in recognition of her contribution to the firm over many years, and is seen as a natural progression from her current position as associate.

“The practice has been in existence for more than 60 years and key to this success has been the partners ability to manage the succession process from one generation to the next. In recognition of the changes that will inevitable take place over the forthcoming years, the partners have adopted a strategy of promotion from within, and Julia’s promotion is testament to this strategy.

“We continue to recruit the best people available, and with training and guidance, hopefully develop the partners of tomorrow.”

Related posts:

1. Watts Gregory joins network of corporate finance experts Leading Welsh independent accountancy practice, Watts Gregory, have signed up...
2. Charities Cash in Thanks to Accountancy Firm’s Staff Generous staff at leading independent chartered accountants and business advisers,...
3. Accountancy staff raise more than £2,000 as it pledges to help battle against cancer Kind-hearted employees at Watts Gregory LLP, the Cardiff-based chartered accountants...
4. Cardiff Accountant is New President of the UK 200 Group David Challenger, a Partner at leading independent accountancy practice Watts...
5. Tribute to Matthew James Gregory Tribute to Matthew James Gregory who died following a collision...

As ever, the resourceful Sickies manage to persuade the promoter of the Globe in Roath, Cardiff to allow them to host a party on the Monday evening. It has to be said that the promoter, although a lovely bloke is also an ardent royalist but he had seen the Sicknote ‘Tribe’ before had had been overwhelmed by their good-nature.

As you can imagine, the event attracted a hand-full of the usual anarchist types, but as a black-bloc, low-church Tory I managed to ignore them until one of them kindly bought me a pint. The rest of the audience, which mainly consisted of people who remember punk from the first time round were as good natured as ever and just there for the music and a party. It was telling on my visits to the gents that the people saying thank you when a door was held open for them were people of my generation with a few of the youngsters barging in and out without so much as a nod.

First on were the Physicists. A four piece all-girl band. It would be a disservice to describe them as punk-metal but words are beginning to fail me. Their lead singer managed to maintain a vocal ferocity throughout the set that was perfectly matched by the aggression and dexterity of the guitarist. Particular mention must go to their pretty, petite bass player who walked on stage looking as if butter would not melt in her mouth and them proceed to let rip.

Mike Freear of Slamboree; and Tantrum resident DJ Tommy Tank did themselves proud on the decks (is that what young people call them these days?) and then it was time for the headline act – Sicknote.

As usual, the minute they came on stage and Flapsandwich started to play his hypnotic basslines the place erupted. Their shamanic (should that be shambolic?) dancer Dr Conker arrived on stage dressed as Queen Elizabeth and they continued to woo the audience with old favorites and a couple of new tracks. Yes dear reader, I even found myself tapping a toe along in time to the music.

All in all a fantastic evening and all that remains to be said is – God Save the Queen, We mean it Ma’am….

Photographs of the evening can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/welshicons/sets/72157629992099725/ and a new Flapsandwich re-rub can be heard at http://soundcloud.com/flapsandwich/sexpistols

Related posts:

1. The Royal Welsh College Celebrates the Diamond Jubilee with a Royal Harpist, a free Indoor Street Party, 6 concerts – and great audience figures “We are delighted to announce our new summer programme, with...
2. Review: New Wave Presents: Town, plus support, Clwb Ifor Bach, 1 March 2012 The Welsh Club celebrates St David’s Day with a foursome...
3. Review: The School, Buffalo Lounge, Cardiff, Friday 22 July It’s tough to know whether The School suffer from under...
4. Cardiff Council Management Review Consultation on the next stage of the senior management review...
5. Cardiff to Host London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay Cardiff has been confirmed as one of the cities to...

Verdi’s scintillating Shakespearian comedy is a feast of romance, intrigue and comic confusion.

This lavish and exciting new production is set to captivate BP Summer Big Screen audiences all over the UK.

Conductor Daniele Gatti is sure to bring an authentic Italian sparkle to a joyful work performed here as part of the World Shakespeare Festival, which is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company for London 2012 Festival.

The Live Site area will have grandstand seating in place for this event. The first act will start at 7.30pm, with an interval of 30 minutes in between act two and act three, the showing will finish at approximately 10.30pm.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “Showing performances by renowned companies such as the Royal Opera House is a wonderful way of utilising the Live Site, and brings great culture to the heart of the city.

“This is a great way for Opera and Theatre fans, as well as those new to the genre, to enjoy Shakespeare in a unique outdoor setting.”

For more information please visit www.roh.org.uk/bpbigscreens

Related posts:

1. From opera to soap opera in Wrexham A pioneering care organisation is championing a project to bring...
2. Art house, 3D blockbusters and live opera links at Theatr Mwldan These days cinema-goers know Theatr Mwldan as the place to...
3. Opera singers selected for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2011 Opera singers from across the globe have been selected to...
4. Cardiff opera star wins national competition A Cardiff University opera star has won one of the...
5. Cardiff to Host a Right Royal Showing This Friday the nation will be gripped by Royal Wedding...

The Urban Street Games will provide children ages 12 and 13, with the opportunity to take part in several competitive Olympic style sporting activities including football, athletics, street dance, baseball, vollleyball and tug of war whilst mixing with other children from neighbouring schools.

The project aims to promote community spirit through sport amongst children and events will take place in four locations across the city, attracting up to 400 year eight pupils from several Cardiff High Schools.

It will bring together youth from different abilities, culture and schools through the medium of sport and provide them with a unique experience which will hopefully inspire them to continue to play sport in the future.

National School Sport Week is a sporting celebration for primary and secondary schools and aims to generate interest in sport for pupils of all ages.

The nationwide campaign runs from Monday, 25 June to Friday, 29 June and attracts almost 14,000 schools and five million children from across the UK, encouraging them to take part and enjoy sporting activities.

Last year Cardiff was chosen to host the closing ceremony at Llanishen High School which saw 400 children take part in Olympic and Paralympic sports as well as attempting to beat their personal best.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “The Urban Street Games is an essential project which aims to get young people involved in sport and enables them to engage and interact with other children from other schools.

“By providing competitive sports provision in schools it is hoped children and young people will be inspired to partake in regular sporting activity, essential for a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Divisional Commander for Cardiff, Chief Superintendant Alun Thomas, said: “As a police force we see the positive impact sport can have in bringing communities together and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Sport teaches young people discipline, respect and team spirit which benefit not only themselves as individuals but the wider community.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams regularly organise local sporting events from football tournaments to skating sessions which help take young people off the streets where they can become victims or perpetrators of crime and disorder.

“Crime is at a 25-year low in South Wales but we cannot become complacent.

“Events such as these and now the Urban Games also encourage positive contact between young people from different parts of the city, therefore improving community cohesion.

“With the Olympics right here on our doorstep, there is no better time to encourage our young people to get involved in sport.”

The Urban Games is supported by partners, South Wales Police and Proud Capital.

Schools involved in the project are Glyn Derw, Michaelston Community College, Cantonian, Plasmawr, Cardiff High, Llanederyn, Rumney and Llanrumney.

Related posts:

1. National School Sports Week in Flintshire Argoed High School was one of 35 schools in the...
2. Flintshire’s schools celebrate Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week Many of Flintshire’s primary and secondary schools are celebrating Lloyds...
3. National School Meals Week Primary schools across Cardiff will be marking National School Meals...
4. New School Sports Facility Hosts CCFC Launch A brand new multi-use games area (MUGA) at Rhydypenau Primary...
5. Ysgol David Hughes wins national sports award Ysgol David Hughes in Menai Bridge has been rewarded for...

Gym and Play combines gymnastics and play and is an excellent way for young children to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and coordination whilst having fun and enjoying exercise.

Each session is lead by a qualified and experienced gymnastics coach who offer small, structured group activities for children who wish to participate. Alternatively parents can supervise children to play freely on the equipment.

The classes aim to encourage children to learn basic gymnastic moves in a safe and fun environment where they can experience using a variety of equipment.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said:  “The Gym and Play programme not only teaches children the basics of gymnastics but also helps prepare them for other sports and activities they may take up in the future.

“The sessions are aimed at both parents and children and is an ideal opportunity for them to take part in activities together whilst providing parents with the chance to meet other parents from the same communities with children of a similar age.”

Gym coach Julie Matthews said: “Gym and Play is great for child development in so many ways. The sessions are run as a group which creates interaction and communication between the children, parents and with coaching staff before children experience this when they start school.

“During the sessions we do various activities to music and rhymes which encourages expression and improves timing, movement and speech.

“The children get to have fun and improve their fitness including balance, strength, co-ordination, and flexibility.”

The classes are currently running at Eastern Leisure Centre and Fairwater Leisure Centre with Star Centre, Pentwyn Leisure Centre and Llanishen Leisure Centre planning to start them in the near future.

For more information please call into your local leisure centre or visit www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure

Related posts:

1. Come on kids – Gwynedd play schemes this summer Come rain or shine, there will be something for Gwynedd...
2. Tons of fun for tots at local libraries Young children can enjoy a range of activities at libraries...
3. The Language and Play Team Bounce Back After losing all their equipment in a fire earlier this...
4. The Language and Play Team Bounce Back After losing all their equipment in a fire earlier this...
5. Super Cardiff Schemes to Play Out all Summer Exciting playschemes are being held all over the city to...

Together both organisations are presenting Opera Unmasked at Cardiff Central Library on May 24 when for only £5 you can enjoy an operatic performance to remember.

The Wales International Academy of Voice exists as a centre of excellence, providing an opportunity for singers to prepare for the world stage. Their coaches, language experts and vocal technicians are complemented by visiting eminent conductors and international stars from the world of Opera.

Academy Director Dennis O’Neill, who will present the evening at the library, has enjoyed a long career as one of the world’s leading operatic tenors appearing for all the leading companies of the world.

Alongside Dennis the evening will feature performances from students from the Wales International Academy of  Voice, which will be punctuated with explanations of the content.

Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Julia Magill,  said:”Opera Unmasked will appeal to those who already have a love for Opera and for those who may not have discovered it.

“The event provides a perfect location for students of the Wales International Academy of Voice to showcase their performance and I am delighted that we are able to support and nurture such talent. Who knows, the future Katherine Jenkins and Bryn Terfel may be performing at Opera Unmasked.

“Central Library might not be the conventional place to hold an operatic performance but amongst all the great stories the performances will be right at home.”

Tickets cost £5 and customers are welcome to bring their own bottle of alcohol or there will be soft drinks on sale.

Tickets are available from Central Library for more information contact 029 2038 2116. centrallibrary@cardiff.gov.uk

Related posts:

1. Cardiff opera star wins national competition A Cardiff University opera star has won one of the...
2. From opera to soap opera in Wrexham A pioneering care organisation is championing a project to bring...
3. Opera singers selected for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2011 Opera singers from across the globe have been selected to...
4. Santa saved by angel in a seasonal soap opera A down-at-heel Santa, distraught after his wife left him, was...
5. Difa Opera at Theatr Mwldan As its contribution to Cardigan’s 900th anniversary celebrations Opera Teifi...

Dr Barry Morgan will bless the carpet which will hang on a wall at St Michael’s College, Llandaff. It was commissioned by the Friends of St Michael’s College to support Afghan Action– a charity set up by a clerygman to improve life for youngsters in the conflict ridden country.

The carpet bears the college’s coat of arms and Welsh symbols such as Celtic crosses and knots, harps and daffodils – the national flower of both Wales and Afghanistan. It was designed by the Revd Marianne Osborne, former student at the college and now youth chaplain in St David’s Diocese. It is made from Ghazni wool which comes from high grazing mountain sheep in Afghanistan, and was coloured and woven in conditions as cold as minus 20 degrees.

Measuring 4.2m by 2.3m, it cost £3,000 to make and will take pride of place on a wall in the college’s refectory.

Afghan Action runs a Training and Business Incubation Centre for young men and women, some disabled, in Kabul. They make handmade carpets to traditional and modern designs and also provide literacy and numeracy classes, a free midday meal and healthcare for all staff and trainees. Their goal is to help young people help themselves through training and jobs.

The Archbishop said Afghan Action offered hope to a country torn apart by war, corruption and drugs.

He said, “Sadly so much of what we hear about Afghanistan is negative – a country torn apart by conflict, corruption and drugs. Yet here is a project which is trying to reverse that by offering young people an alternative future – one in which they can become self-sufficient by building on their tremendous heritage and culture. This carpet, which they have made, will remind all the students and visitors at the college of what can be achieved when all the odds seem stacked against you.”

Carol Cobert, chair of the Friends of St Michael’s College, said, “We think this is a truly international piece of work – one that represents the best of both Welsh and Afghan cultures, but one that is also something striking and enduring. Most importantly, it has helped in some small way to assist with alleviating the poverty and cycle of drug-orientated living in which so many Afghan people are trapped.”

Following the blessing ceremony, there will be a display and sale of other traditional handmade carpets from Afghanistan.

The event takes place on Monday, May 21, at 7pm, at St Michael’s College, Cardiff Rd, Llandaff.  All are welcome to attend.

For more information about Afghan Action, please visit: www.afghanaction.co.uk

Photograph: The Principal of St Michael’s College, Dr Peter Sedgwick, with the carpet on the wall of St Michael’s College refectory

Related posts:

1. Red Carpet treatment for Young Film-Makers Gypsy youngsters from Pembrokeshire will be the centre of attention...
2. Archbishop of Wales to help choose next Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Wales has been elected to serve on...
3. Archbishop talks to professions on business ethics The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev Dr Barry Morgan...
4. Archbishop praises inter-faith work in Wales The Archbishop of Wales will praise the “open and honest”...
5. Archbishop: the two tragedies of Father Paul’s death Following the publication of Health Inspectorate of Wales’ report into...