“This is very worrying news for the workers affected and their families.

“This emphasises the fragile nature of the Welsh economy and the need for Welsh Labour Ministers to cooperate with the UK Government to create the conditions for economic growth.

“I hope Welsh Ministers will provide whatever support they can to the workers affected and work to secure the future of the factory.”

Related posts:

1. Davies: Bosch must reassure community over plant closure Welsh Conservative AMs will travel to Germany next week to...
2. Ramsay: Statement on Chirk job losses Commenting on reports of job losses at Kraft in Chirk,...
3. Ramsay: 164 job losses at Panasonic Commenting on the news that Panasonic is shedding 164 jobs...
4. Help for Vulnerable Children in RCT and Merthyr Tydfil Vulnerable children and families across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr...
5. Ramsay: More support needed for jobs creation Welsh Conservatives have today called for the Welsh Government to...

On Monday (April 16), at around 1.45am, a local man called the police when he was awoken by the crash of a vehicle as it reversed through the glass doors of the Coral betting shop, which is in the Market Square area of the Town.

Three males – one equipped with a crowbar – headed for the shop counter. A fourth person remained in the vehicle.

Almost as soon as they arrived at the counter, the three males headed back to the vehicle and drove away from the scene along Victoria Street and into Church Street.

Officers suspect they had lost their nerve after realising they had underestimated the shop’s security. They got away with nothing but caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The vehicle used in the incident, a dark coloured Diahatsu Fourtrak, was recovered – it had been dumped at a nearby location called Kingsley Terrace what police believe to be a short time later.

It is now known the vehicle used was stolen from New Tredegar, Gwent.

Detective Sergeant Roy Portlock, said: “We are appealing to anybody with information about this incident to come forward.

“We are looking for four people, and believe they may well be from the local area.

“We know the vehicle used was stolen from the New Tredegar area so somebody there may have noticed something suspicious.

“Or people may have heard something late that night as they dumped the vehicle to make their escape.

“The CCTV footage captures the whole scenario and it shows just how reckless they were. It was very lucky nobody was seriously hurt.”

Anybody with information is urged to contact Merthyr CID via 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Footage of the raid can be seen on youtube at http://bit.ly/HNaxCU

Related posts:

1. City centre shop assault: CCTV image Police in Cardiff investigating an assault at a city centre...
2. Cardiff shop robbery: Appeal for information Police in Cardiff are appealing for information on a robbery...
3. Stolen car found on fire: Police appeal and CCTV Police in Cardiff investigating the theft of a car which...
4. Mayor leads appeal for new Pontypridd charity shop Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor Cllr Simon Lloyd is leading the...
5. Shoplifting CCTV appeal Police are appealing for information on two men they wish...

At the touch of a button now, members of the public will now be able to access information about all the participating parks and gardens, located from Newport to Swansea – including Tredegar House, Cyfarthfa Castle, Caldicot Country Park and Gower Heritage Centre – on one, easy to use website.

Full information about all the parks and gardens in this partnership can be found at www.southwalesgardens.org or at South Wales Parks and Gardens page on Facebook. You can also be kept up to date at the touch of a button by following @SouthWalesParks on Twitter.

Speaking about this initiative, Peter Cole, Regional Strategy Director of CRT said: “In keeping with the Capital Region Tourism’s aim of creating opportunities and partnerships, I am delighted that we have been able to help provide funding for this campaign and are working with SWAP to promote our heritage, parks and gardens.

“This campaign is a cost effective and ideal way to keep people of all ages informed and up to date about the treasures in their back garden of South Wales. In this digital age, people are also able to get involved too via Facebook and Twitter which means we can all work together.”

Ruth Taylor-Davies, Chair of SWAP added:  “We are fortunate to live in a region rich in beautiful green space. At SWAP, we are passionate that our many beautiful parks and gardens are used and enjoyed by as many people of all ages as much as possible, especially as some are free to use.

“Using a dedicated website, Facebook and twitter people across South Wales and beyond, will have all the information they need at their fingertips. This will really help people and families to make the most of their free time together and enjoy the many historical and cultural gardens and parks on their doorstep.”

Photograph: Year 6 pupils: Alistair Mo, Kalisha Richards, Bethany Jones and Owen Pearce from Ysgol Y Graig Primary School in Merthyr at the launch of digital campaign at Cyfartha Castle

Related posts:

1. South Wales Police Christmas Drink Drive Campaign Cracks Down More drivers than ever before have been breath tested during...
2. “Outdoor Amour” Love Parks Week 23 – 31 July 2011 Butterfly strolls, blooming meadows, tree trails, and bat detecting are...
3. Launch of first Community Farm and Gardens map for Wales Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood today hosted an event to...
4. Green flag glory at four Swansea parks They attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and...
5. S4C’s digital switchover campaign scoops award S4C has scooped a top award at the UK’s biggest...

This new approach to procurement will lead to a more efficient buying service, covering everything from office stationery to multi-million pound contracts.

Steve Thomas CBE, WLGA Chief Executive said:

“The WLGA warmly welcomes this partnership between Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil councils. For some time now, councils in Wales have been working collaboratively to improve services and deliver efficiencies. We expect this new procurement partnership to deliver real benefits to both suppliers and the local council tax payer.”

“The WLGA has recently launched a new web-based Collaboration Compendium, a live tool with information about collaborative projects and joint working across Wales. The compendium can be used to search for other ongoing collaborative projects between Welsh authorities, across all regions of the country and all service areas.”

Related posts:

1. Councils and Trade Unions agree key principles for collaboration The South West Wales Trade Union Consultative Committee (SWWTUCC), a...
2. Councils reaffirm commitment to joint working All six North Wales councils have pledged to continue working...
3. Community crime fighters join forces with cops and council A network of community volunteers will meet with council and...
4. Councils sign up to joint working Working together is on the agenda for Conwy and Denbighshire...
5. Councils sign up to joint working Working together is on the agenda for Conwy and Denbighshire...

Jason Norman is studying forestry at Bangor University but is spending a year-long sandwich placement at the Commission’s Llandovery office – the first such student hosted by the district for more than ten years.

One of his key tasks will be to work with forest designers as they grapple with the threat posed by ramorum disease of larch, which has been identified in the woodlands surrounding the visitor centre.

Forestry Commission Wales has already felled four infected larch trees to try to stop the disease from spreading. Now, foresters are working on a new vision for the woodland which could include introducing the world’s largest tree – the giant redwood – to the area.

An area of larch trees equivalent to about 10 rugby pitches could become susceptible to ramorum disease of larch over the next few years, and so foresters are planning ahead to make the woodland more resilient to disease and the effects of climate change.

This could involve thinning or felling small areas of trees and replacing them with a range of tree species which will also add visual interest and, possibly, open up sight lines to view the wider landscape of Cwm Taf.

Visitor Centre Manager Sam Detheridge said, “While it will be sad to lose the larch that give Garwnant its wonderful woodland character, this is a great opportunity for us to re-imagine and re-invigorate the site with a new and exciting mix of trees and to consider all sorts of developments to appeal to the broadest possible range of visitors.”

Planning Forester Owen Davies said the loss of infected larch trees would completely change the character of the woodland around the visitor centre, giving Forestry Commission Wales the ideal opportunity to come up with a new vision for the landscape.

He said, “It’s a fertile, sheltered site so the potential range of species is very wide, from most conventional forest species like oak and Douglas fir but also including all sorts of more unusual forest trees or ornamental trees like redwoods, tulip tree or maples.

“Importantly, the planning and first steps need to be tackled now so that the site isn’t suddenly denuded of trees with nothing to replace them.

“By proactively thinning and felling small areas and planting other trees under the larch, we can diversify the site right now and get a head start if the infection does spread.”

Jason, 26, from Newport, said, “My placement with Forestry Commission Wales has presented me with a lot of challenges; tackling this detailed design of a small area is one of the more unusual ones.”

Photograph: Larch trees at Garwnant

Related posts:

1. Tree disease woodland gets a visitor-friendly makeover Foresters have turned adversity to their advantage by improving public...
2. Makeover for visitor facilities at Briton Ferry woodland Visitor facilities at Briton Ferry woodland near Neath have been...
3. Embargo lifted on licences to fell larch Woodland owners can apply to fell larch once again as...
4. Felling of larch put on hold over winter months A temporary embargo on issuing licences to fell larch has...
5. Hidden camera beams live owl images to visitor centre Forestry Commission Wales has set up its own version of...

The website was launched at the prestigious Outdoor Show that was held at the Excel in London over the weekend.  Cognation attended the event and promoted the mountain bike trail centres in South Wales including Afan Forest Park, Cwmcarn and a new bike park that will be opening in Gethin Woods, Merthyr Tydfil in 2013.

Cognation is a partnership project between Neath Port Talbot CBC, Forestry Commission Wales, Caerphilly CBC and Merthyr CBC and is part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government with match funding coming from the Welsh Government and partner organisations.

The new website provides key information about the different trail centres focusing on the trails and facilities available.  Also, it offers separate trail maps for each route and indicates the difficulty level of each trail. As well as this the website gives an overview of developments that will take place in Afan Forest Park, Cwmcarn, Gethin Woods and Margam Park over the next few years.

The mountain bike industry is fundamental to the development of tourism in South Wales and this website further promotes what the area has to offer.  Cognation, mtb trails South Wales is making continual investments in mountain biking across South Wales.

“Tourism is vital to the economy of South Wales and outdoor activity plays a massive role in attracting people to the area.  The new Cognation, mtb trails South Wales website really demonstrates the excellent mountain bike facilities we have and will attract people to come here and enjoy them” stated Cllr Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council.

The new website can be found at www.cognation.co.uk

Related posts:

1. Afan mountain bike trail to close for a year The Penhydd mountain bike trail in Afan Forest Park, South...
2. Mountain bike legend visits Cwmcarn Forest Cwmcarn Forest played host to a mountain bike icon on...
3. Forestry Commission Wales removes illegal bike jumps Forestry Commission Wales has begun to remove a number of...
4. New beginners’ route opens at iconic mountain bike venue The Coed-y-Brenin mountain bike trails – famed throughout the cycling...
5. Police warning on mountain bike thefts Police are working with the organisers of a mountain bike...

Wreckedlastnight.com is the first campaign of its kind as it is based on the alcohol-related concerns of hundreds of 14 to 16-year-olds, who were asked to say honestly why they chose to drink alcohol, or not, and their reasons behind those decisions.

Most of the teenagers who chose not to drink alcohol did so because of a risk of harm to their health or personal safety and for fear of causing embarrassment to themselves or others, as they had heard stories from the drunken nights of others.

Using this insight, partner agencies across Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent joined forces with Ethos Creative and launched wreckedlastnight.com.

The campaign has been directly inspired, shaped and informed by the very same people it will now go on to support and inform.

Wreckedlastnight.com includes messages delivered via 3D cinema adverts and website, with free 3D glasses being handed out to young people across the region. There will also be bus and billboard adverts to raise awareness and generate interest.

Teenagers who visit wreckedlastnight.com also have the chance to put their new-found knowledge to the test, by entering a prize draw quiz in which they can win their share of £1,000 in Apple vouchers.

Local Government and Communities Minister, Carl Sargeant said: “This campaign spells out the dangers of underage drinking and reinforces the Welsh Government’s substance misuse strategy.

“Preventing harm is a key action in our strategy and this includes helping children, young people and adults to resist or reduce substance misuse by providing them with information about the damage that substance misuse can cause to their health, their families and the wider community.”

Underage drinking, particularly binge drinking involving excessive quantities of alcohol, remains a priority issue, with concerns relating to the risks it presents, such as health, sexual health, mental health, as well as personal safety and other issues.

This has lead to the frontline agencies that work across the four areas under the “umbrella” of Community Safety Partnerships* coming together to deliver wreckedlastnight.com as a regional approach to a shared issue.

Supported by Welsh Government funding, the main aim of the campaign is to catch the imagination and attention of young adults and direct them to the bright, informative 3D website where they can secure the facts and further information they need to make the right decisions.

As well as the 3D information and advertising, wreckedlastnight.com will also be supported by staff working with 14 to 16-year-olds across the region, including teachers, youth workers, detached youth workers and more, ensuring as many people as possible get involved in the campaign.

Related posts:

1. Alcohol seized from underage teens as campaign continues This is the shocking amount of alcohol seized from underage...
2. Alcohol Diversionary Scheme launched As of today, Monday 17th May, people committing drink related...
3. Rape awareness campaign launched Gwent Police and the newly formed Onyx Unit which specialises...
4. Police launch hard-hitting campaign to reduce alcohol related violence this Christmas South Wales Police have launched a campaign on the eve...
5. Alcohol is NO Excuse “Alcohol is No Excuse” is the message of an important...

A group of five delegates from the Forestry Bureau of the Municipality of Chongqing in western China came to Garwnant on a fact-finding mission to see how Forestry Commission Wales balances public access with the needs of a thriving forest industry.

The party was given a guided tour of the Forestry Commission Wales centre just outside Merthyr Tydfil, which attracts thousands of people ever year to its walking trails, mountain bike trails, bike park, adventure play area and animal puzzle trail.

The visit built on an agreement signed in 2006 between Forestry Commission Wales and the Forestry Bureau of Chongqing to foster working relationships between the two countries despite the vast differences in scale.

Some 32 million people live in the province of Chongqing alone, compared with around three million in the whole of Wales, and while we have to manage squirrel and deer in our forests, they have to contend with pandas and tigers!

Terry O’Keefe, Forestry Commission Wales Head of Secretariat and Communications, said, “Although the province is four times as big as Wales and has10 times as many people, it was interesting to see that both countries have to manage similar issues, particularly how we encourage people to use woodland without it being damaged. Our Chinese visitors summed it up as a policy of protect and use.

“The scale of our operations and resources may be very different from how things are managed in Chongqing, but there were valuable lessons for both countries to take from the experience of other woodland managers, albeit thousands of miles apart.”

The visitors were particularly interested in how Forestry Commission Wales managed access to Welsh Government woodlands, which cover about six per cent of the area of Wales, and encouraged visitors from towns and cities to enjoy the woodlands.

Other issues discussed were how Forestry Commission Wales protects trees from damage by fire, pests and diseases and how it sustainably manages the woodland resource to ensure it continues to provide a wide range of public benefits.

The Chinese delegation also received a briefing from members of the Woodlands for Learning team on how they work with schools and use woodlands as a stimulating location for educating young people.

This was their second visit to Wales following the signing of the agreement to share knowledge and experience on forestry issues.

That collaboration forms part of a wider agreement between the Government of the Chongqing province and the Welsh Government to co-operate in areas such as education and training, the management of the environment and the stimulation of tourism to boost rural economic development.

Before returning home, the group also visited Switzerland and England to see how they manage their woodlands.

Photograph: Terry O’Keefe from Forestry Commission Wales discusses forest management with delegates from Chongqing

Related posts:

1. 35 new reasons to visit Gethin woodland Over thirty new Public Rights of Way will be created...
2. Foresters begin task of planting 2.9 million trees Work that will help to shape how the Welsh countryside...
3. Guide on tackling woodland crime launched in Troserch community woodland A guide on how to tackle crime in the woodlands...
4. Residents to be consulted on woodland plans People living near Chepstow Park and Wentwood forest are being...
5. Woodland grants may pass to Assembly control Forestry Commission Wales has embarked on a major review into...

Lee was born and bred in Penydarren. He attended Gwaunfarren School, and Pen-Y-Dre High School, where he was a keen rugby player. He played rugby for Merthyr minis and juniors from the age of 6, until he was 15 years-old.

After leaving school he went to work at St Merryn Meat Ltd, where one of his workmates introduced him to kick boxing. In no time he was picked to fight for Wales in Greece in the World Championships, where he came 4th. We were so proud.

At 21, he wanted a challenge and joined the Royal Engineers. Again, he excelled and by the age of 23, he’d earned his first stripe to become a Lance Corporal.

He recently completed a six and a half month tour of Afghanistan, returning home to his family in March.

Lee was a very caring person who put other people’s needs before his own. He was a larger then life practical joker, with a cheeky grin, and he’ll be missed by all that knew him, especially by his sister Lyndsey and his parents Paul and Sian, who were often the butt of his pranks.

Lee’s partner, Amanda, also said: “All my life, I’ve waited to meet someone like Lee – the most beautiful, amazing, caring person in my life. Love you forever my gorgeous boy – millions, billions, and trillions. Xxx”

Lee’s parents request that only family flowers are sent to the funeral.

Donations in lieu may be made to the Help the Heroes Charity, care of Mike Foley and Sons Undertakers.

The incident happened at approximately 10:10pm at the junction of the Eastern by pass and Church Street.

Lee Foley was in collision with a black Vauxhall Astra estate taxi.

A police Family Liaison Officer is currently supporting Lee’s family.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the movements of either the taxi or the pedestrian (Lee) who had been in company with a female beforehand, are asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 101.

Related posts:

1. A465 Fatal: Victim named and family pay tribute South Wales Police can confirm the woman who died as...
2. Tribute from the family of Philip Holmes Philip was looking forward to celebrating his 57th birthday with...
3. Tribute from the family Peter William Jones “During the early hours of Sunday 9th May 2010 our...
4. Sam Foley – Injury Status Dean Holdsworth, manager of Newport County has told us: “It’s...
5. Tribute to Matthew James Gregory Tribute to Matthew James Gregory who died following a collision...

About 180 pupils from Mountain Ash Comprehensive School spent a day at the Forestry Commission Wales centre at Garwnant, near Merthyr Tydfil, as part of a pilot scheme to inject real-life meaning to their lessons.

The year 10 students (aged 14 and 15), who are studying for their Intermediate level qualification, visited the forest centre in groups of 30 to carry out a series of activities led by Forestry Commission Wales education officer Ross Evans.

The Welsh Baccalaureate – known as the Welsh Bacc – is a qualification for 14 to 19-year-old students in Wales which combines personal development skills with qualifications like A levels, NVQs and GCSEs to make one wider award that is valued by employers and universities.

During their visits, the students learned about woodland ecosystems, how trees can help to tackle climate change and how Forestry Commission Wales manages the Welsh Government’s woodlands.

They engaged in problem-solving activities such as navigating their way around the woodland in teams, performing tasks at specific points like calculating the carbon content in a tree, identifying tree species and woodland creatures.

They also attended a workshop where they discussed forest management and planning issues and the importance of planting more diverse species of trees to make our woodlands more resilient to the effects of climate change.

Ross also gave the students a practical demonstration on making charcoal and discussed how woodlands had been used to meet a range of different needs through the ages.

He said, “This was the first time we’ve contributed in this way to the Welsh Baccalaureate curriculum, which gives broader experiences than traditional learning programmes.

“Woodlands provide a stimulating outdoor learning environment and the activities allowed them to work with others and offer real solutions to some of the challenges of woodland management that we deal with every day.”

The advanced Welsh Baccalaureate contains key skills core elements which count for 120 UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Services) tariff points – equivalent to an A grade at GCE A level.

The key skills are communication, application of number, IT, improving own learning and performance, working with others and problem solving. These are supplemented by various optional elements.

The Welsh Baccalaureate can be studied in English or Welsh, or a combination of the two languages.
Rebecca Thomas, science teacher and Welsh Baccalaureate co-ordinator at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, said, “The activity days gave pupils the opportunity to develop invaluable skills while learning about sustainability in a meaningful environment.

“Pupils were engaged and enthusiastic and able to complete areas of the Welsh Baccalaureate in a fun and interesting way.”

Photograph: Education officer Ross Evans brings lessons to life for a group of Welsh Bacc students

Related posts:

1. Minister Visits first Woodland in Wales to Crack the Carbon Code The Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, John Griffiths, last...
2. Interest in woodland education hits record levels The number of applications for financial help from a fund...
3. Woodland project unlocks potential of inner-city children A woodland is opening the eyes of inner-city children to...
4. Guide on tackling woodland crime launched in Troserch community woodland A guide on how to tackle crime in the woodlands...
5. Pupils get their teeth into new woodland menu School dinners have got a lot more fun for pupils...

Santa’s reindeer will take time out from his busy schedule to stop off at the visitor centre, just five miles outside Merthyr Tydfil, on Sunday, 27 November.

Children will be able to feed him during the day and there will also be fairground rides and children’s entertainers to get youngsters into the festive spirit, while mulled wine and roast chestnuts will be on sale in the courtyard for parents.

The festive fun day is just part of a Christmas extravaganza planned by Forestry Commission Wales to keep families entertained right up to the big day.

A Christmas arts and crafts fayre will be held at the woodland centre every weekend from this Saturday (26 November) right through to Sunday, 18 December from 12pm to 4pm (11am for Rudolph’s visit this Sunday).

Children will also be able to visit Santa, who will be handing out gifts at his woodland grotto, and caterers Just Perfect Catering will be offering seasonal specials in the restaurant/coffee shop.

Recreation Ranger Arnold Thomas said, “There will be something for all the family to enjoy at Garwnant as we count down the weekends to Christmas.

“The reindeer’s visit will set the scene for a colourful array of events and Santa will be taking up residence in the woods as the excitement builds towards the big day.”

For more details on meeting Rudolph, contact the café on 01685 373053. Tickets to meet Santa and receive a wrapped gift cost £5 per person, which includes parking.

The centre has a full events programme in place for the rest of the year. See www.forestry.gov.uk/garwnant for more details or call Garwnant Visitor Centre on 01685 722481.

Photograph: Santa will be stopping off at Garwnant each weekend between November 26 and December 18

Related posts:

1. Go wild at Garwnant Visitors to Garwnant will be able to meet some of...
2. Wedding fair at Garwnant Garwnant Visitor Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil, is holding its first...
3. Kick off your Christmas festivities in style this year in Merthyr Tydfil Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is pleased to announce its...
4. Warm up for Christmas at city centre event Street entertainment is among the fun being made available in...
5. A Magical Christmas 2010 in Neath Port Talbot Preparations are underway for a glittering Christmas 2010 in Neath,...

The youngsters built the willow framed structures in the woods beside the Forestry Commission Wales Visitor Centre at Garwnant, near Merthyr Tydfil.

It was part of a partnership between the Forestry Commission Wales Woodlands for Learning (WfL) team and the Rhondda Cynon Taf Prevention team to engage with disaffected young local people and allow them to experience the calming effect of working in a woodland.

Five teenagers aged 14 to 16 worked with Forestry Commission Wales Education Officer Ross Evans and Out to Learn Willow, a Bridgend-based company specialising in teaching the traditional craft of willow weaving, to build the roundhouses.

The houses, which can each accommodate about five children, were built beside the storytelling circle next to the visitor centre and will be used on WfL team-led educational visits by schools.

Ross said, “Woodlands provide a stimulating outdoor learning environment and, hopefully, this project with the RCT Prevention team will help these youngsters to go on and achieve something worthwhile with their lives.

“They worked hard, braving midges and rain, to build the roundhouses and the skills they learned and the teamwork they demonstrated will put them in good stead for the future.”

The project was sponsored by the Arts Council of Wales Splash Arts Cymru programme, which aims to offer positive and constructive activities for 13 to 17 year olds.

This was the third year that Forestry Commission Wales and the RCT Prevention team had joined forces to work with disaffected youngsters in the area and teach them practical skills.

Last year, a group of eight young people helped construct the storytelling circle at Garwnant and, in 2009, a group of seven youngsters helped to develop an outdoor classroom area by building willow hurdles.

It’s hoped to continue the partnership next year, with Ross planning to extend his roundhouse village to provide a bigger outdoor learning environment at Garwnant.

Photograph: Ross Evans puts the finishing touches to one of the roundhouses

Related posts:

1. Woodland project unlocks potential of inner-city children A woodland is opening the eyes of inner-city children to...
2. Children to design their woodland classroom Children in Pontrhydfendigaid have been given the go-ahead to design...
3. Mini forest trails target younger children The world famous trails at Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park which attract...
4. Make-believe workshop brings real benefits for children Bryngarw Country Park in Bridgend became a fantastic make-believe world...
5. Pond dipping platform gets children closer to the action Visitors to an award-winning woodland near Llandovery can get closer...

Sonny Wharton, who has performed all over the world in front of thousands of people, dropped in to Coleg Harlech to meet with students on the music technology course.

Among them were four friends, Josh Palmer, Jordan Williams, Josh Evans and Nathan Robertshaw.

They have gained vital Coleg Harlech and Welsh Government joint funding to enable them to come and live at the college for a year to attend the course.

Nathan, 21, who has been ‘obsessed’ with playing the decks since he was lent a pair as a young teenager, was bowled over meeting Sonny who is one of his DJ idols.

He said: “I was a bit overwhelmed to be honest. I couldn’t believe it. To think he has performed in front of so many people, all over the world, is such an inspiration. And he is such a down-to-earth person. It has been really interesting to find out how he has made it to such an amazing level.”

Sonny left his supermarket job in the summer of 2002 and went to Ibiza to follow his dreams of becoming a household name in the world of house music.

While he was there, he won a prestigious DJ competition which propelled him to the top of his game, producing his own music and performing to sell out crowds at clubs such as Space, Pacha and Ministry of Sound.

He played to more than one million people at The Berlin Love Parade and also does sets in other countries including China.

Originally from Welshpool and now living in Shrewsbury, he has visited students at Coleg Harlech for the last five years.

He said: “It’s really nice to be able to give information and a bit of advice to guys potentially doing what I do in a few year’s time and I wish I had the same opportunity.

“It is a difficult industry to get into and you are going to get knocked back and have people close doors in your face but I suppose I just want to tell them that they need to be persistent and have that drive to do it.”

Nathan, like his three friends, was struggling to find work and felt there was little in the way of life opportunities in Merthyr Tydfil. The South Wales town has some of the highest youth unemployment rates in Britain and is classed as one of the most deprived areas in Wales.

He said: “In the last few years, I have had about nine months worth of work and I was trying for around 20 odd jobs a week but nothing was coming back and if I am honest I was beginning to feel depressed.”

His friend Jordan, 20, agreed and said: “I just didn’t like the fact that there is just nothing in Merthyr and I didn’t want to turn out like a lot of people in the town who are just happy to sit around on benefits, doing nothing with their life, it’s not want I want.”

The four youngsters were helped by Linda Bevan, a Communities First Support Worker for Dowlais Community Development Forum, who specialises in helping with CVs and researches jobs and training courses for people.

She received an email from Coleg Harlech about the music technology course and spotted its potential for putting the spark back in the lives of the four music mad youngsters.

She said: “Within three weeks, I had seen the email, they had the applications forms, sent them off and they were accepted and it was wonderful.”

Seeing them at Coleg Harlech on the day of Sonny’s visit, she said: “The change in the four of them is just amazing. They look well, they look interested, their heads are higher and their body language says it all. They are excited about things again and it is terrific to see.”

All their accommodation and food at the college for the year they are on the course is paid for thanks to a joint pot of money stumped up by Coleg Harlech and the Welsh Government, making the chance to attend the course a realistic opportunity rather than a distant dream.

The Coleg Harlech course is designed to give those who pass, access to university because it is the equivalent of around 3 A-levels, regardless of what qualifications they have, if at all. It covers modules in radio journalism, recording studio techniques, language and theory of music but also business skills the students may need such as the marketing and promotion of music.

Witnessing the students’ new found enthusiasm first hand is Trevor Andrews, one of the main Coleg Harlech tutors running the course.

Trevor, who has worked at Coleg Harlech for more than 20 years, said: “The ‘Mini Merthyr’ lads have been so enthusiastic about the course and they seem to be really enjoying themselves and learning so much. They are inspiring to the other students around them.

“They are all so full of life and they have come a long way from home to be here but they don’t seem phased by that at all.

“For them it is a change in life well worth making because I think, from what I have seen, they are going to do extremely well.”

Nathan said: “There is no doubt that being on this course has completely changed my life for the better. It has been such a positive thing to happen to me.

Josh Palmer, 20, said: “If I had stayed in Merthyr this year, I would have either stayed on the dole or done a pointless college course just to fill the year because nothing like this was available to me there.

“My family are really proud of me and I think they are relieved because we all feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my life.”

All of the young men now have aspirations to move on to university and already have in mind which courses they would like to move on to.

Josh Evans, 21, said: “Up until now, I had resigned myself to going from one dead end job to another for the rest of my life but coming here has given me hope for the future. I plan to go from here to Plymouth University to carry on studying music technology and it is amazing to think what is out there for me now.”

Photograph: Students from Merthyr Tydfil, Joshua Palmer, Jordan Williams, Nathan Robertshaw and Josh Evans with DJ Sonny Wharton (right)

Related posts:

1. Music students go live Listen up music fans! Great news for those who never...
2. Royal Welsh College Music Students compose their own soundtracks for the new facilities Contemporary Music students at the College have been inspired to...
3. Nature inspires enterprising students Sandy beaches, glistening sea and beautiful coastlines inspired creative students...
4. Spotlight on star students The spotlight will be firmly focused on Swansea College’s star...
5. West End star puts students in the spotlight When you only get one shot to impress, a polished...

Walkers out enjoying the Welsh Government woodland could have been forgiven for thinking they had stumbled into a mid-winter time warp – but this was no ordinary snow.

For the Forestry Commission Wales-managed woodland was transformed into a frozen landscape with artificial drifts for the Dr Who Christmas special.

Matt Smith, who plays the Doctor, and other stars of the hit BBC series descended on Gethin Woods along with a 50-plus production crew for three nights to capture key scenes for the eagerly-awaited special, which will be shown on Christmas Day.

But even the legendary time traveller had to keep one eye on his watch – or should that be calendar? – as filming had to be completed before essential forest operations and harvesting work began nearby.

Mike James, Dr Who fan and Forestry Commission Wales Community Ranger in the area, said, “Woodlands are great places for recreation and enjoyment, but they also support a thriving forest industry which even Dr Who has to work around!

“I’ve watched Dr Who since Tom Baker played the Doctor many years ago, so it’s been exciting to be involved in helping to set the scene, especially for the Christmas special.”

Mike and other district staff trawled the South Wales forests with the production team to find suitable sites for filming.

Two areas of Gethin Woods were identified as ideal for the storyline, one for its natural “magical” qualities and a second which had recently had a path cleared through it for harvesting work, which created more space in the trees.

Iwan Roberts, BBC Wales Location Manager for Dr Who, praised Forestry Commission Wales staff whose “enthusiasm and suggestions found us the perfect location”.

He said, “Finding this perfect location has been a very long process. We had several ‘recces’ with FC Wales staff to many woodlands around South Wales.

“In the end, we decided on Gethin Woods as it has the magical feel that we require for the Christmas episode of Doctor Who.”

Gethin Woods is the latest to feature in a long list of TV credits which Welsh Government woodlands have to their name, including another BBC Wales hit, Merlin.

Photograph: A snowbound Gethin Woods was the perfect location for the Dr Who Christmas special

Related posts:

1. Young swimmers kick up a storm A record 16 Pembrokeshire swimmers have been selected for Welsh...
2. Being Human – in the woods Instead of spotting woodland wildlife, visitors to Hensol woodlands near...
3. Out of the Woods – A Free Outdoor Festival Bute Park is hosting its annual Out of the Woods...
4. Kick off your Christmas festivities in style this year in Merthyr Tydfil Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is pleased to announce its...
5. True Taste Welsh produce market set to take London by storm for second year running The market will be held on Friday 26 February 2010...

Forestry Commission Wales hosted a seminar on best practice on tree safety and recreation at Garwnant Visitor Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil.

Delegates learned the “tricks of the trade” used by Forestry Commission Wales to maintain safety on the 126,000 hectares (311,000 acres) of woodland owned by the Welsh Government.

Local Area Manager Paul Dann gave an insight to the “zonal” risk assessment system used to check the condition of trees, along with other well-established systems to ensure people’s safety.

Monitoring of trees and the way records are kept of any actions taken or required were also discussed during the seminar, which was hosted by Planning Forester Mansel Jones.

Mansel, a member of the new body for countryside professionals, Natur, arranged the seminar following a request from fellow members who said they had limited knowledge on managing tree risk and the public.

He said, “Woodlands offer wide-ranging and exciting opportunities for recreation and enjoyment, but it’s obviously vitally important that our woods remain safe places to visit.

“This was a great opportunity for Forestry Commission Wales to pass on its professional experience to fellow land managers, so that people can enjoy our woodlands in safety.”

The seminar examined various options open to land managers carrying out tree risk assessments, depending on how popular a woodland was with the public and the way it was used.

“The forests are zoned into three areas – high, medium and low risk – and this gives a monitoring timescale, for example, a high zone will be checked at least once a year, a medium zone once every five years and a low zone may not need to be checked,” said Mansel.

“Typically, the area around a visitor centre and way-marked trails would be classified as high, whereas the middle of a large forest with no visitors, such as Tywi forest, would be low.

“If a tree is deemed to be unsafe, options could be felling it, pollarding the tree (to ensure it still has value for conservation), removing dying branches, moving a path or relocating a bench from under a tree.”

Delegates, who included Natur members from various organisations such as the national parks, county councils, arboricultural consultants and private landowners, also learned of the tell-tale signs to look for when checking the health of a tree.

As well as public safety, the seminar looked at landowner responsibilities in relation to European protected species and considered the cost implications of carrying out operations and possible liability if accidents happened.

Training companies, such as LANTRA, run courses to become a competent assessor.

Photograph: Mansel Jones shares some tree safety tips at the best practice seminar

Related posts:

1. Council replacing trees Councillors at Neath Port Talbot have today agreed to adopt...
2. Carmarthen business seminar success The spotlight was put on the latest developments in the...
3. Carmarthen Business Seminar There’s a chance to catch up on the latest developments...
4. Students attend art seminar A group of Art and Design students from Gower College...
5. ‘Working Lives’ Seminar Series Launch A team of researchers from the University of Glamorgan and...

Forestry Commission Wales has joined forces with BTCV to give jobseekers valuable experience on a variety of tasks – and the environment is set to benefit, too.

Under the link-up, volunteers will perform a range of duties such as improving forest entrances, habitat management on Sites of Special Scientific Interest, removing regenerating conifer trees from heathland and clearing overgrowing vegetation around Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

They will also undertake drainage work on walking trails in Welsh Government woodlands and have a chance to try their hand at dry stone walling.

It’s hoped the experience they gain carrying out the tasks under the supervision of FC Wales staff will give the volunteers a vital edge as they try to get back into work.

FC Wales community ranger Mike James said, “The expanding forest sector employs thousands of people in Wales and offers a variety of career opportunities across a broad range of professions.

“We want to encourage the use of our woodlands for training purposes so that they can help people to gain the skills they need to improve their prospects in the jobs market.”

This is the second year that FC Wales has awarded a contract to the Cardiff-based BTCV to help carry out habitat management and environmental improvements in the Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr and Bridgend county borough areas.

People are referred to BTCV after claiming benefits for a period of time and are offered the opportunity to re-build their confidence, self-esteem and become a part of their own working community once again.

BTCV can overcome barriers by helping to engage with employers to offer “trials of work”, financial assistance, re-training and development, and by offering in-work support.

Terry Rowlands, BTCV manager, said, “Our partnership with FC Wales enables BTCV to offer a clear route into employment with the conservation and environmental sector, ensuring our volunteers are fully prepared for the world of work.

“All our volunteers gain accreditation in a range of skills and competencies relating to woodland management, such as basic chainsaw operation, brushcutting and wood chipper work.”

Photograph: Derek Perkins of BTCV supervises volunteers training in Gethin woodland, near Merthyr

Related posts:

1. Volunteers set up new centre to look after local woodlands A group of volunteers is planning to turn a disused...
2. Williams: Back to Work Regime Will Not Work if Jobs Aren’t There Plaid Cymru’s Work and Pensions spokesperson Hywel Williams MP has...
3. Woodlands offer early learning for nursery children Children as young as two years old are to be...
4. Former Library goes back to Work The former Milford Haven Library has been given a new...
5. Monmouthshire Council To Train People Back to Work Monmouthshire County Council is to develop a dedicated work based...

Philippa had recently transferred to Solihull where she completed a term as a teacher at Arden High School. Her parents and two brothers, who she was visiting at the time of the collision, reside in the Merthyr area and have paid the following tribute to her:

“Philippa was a deeply spiritual and intellectual fun loving girl who conducted herself with integrity in all life’s opportunities and endeavours. She took great pleasure in educating young people’s minds and will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her and by the students and colleagues at Arden High School in Solihull.”

Officers investigating the collision are appealing for witnesses to the incident which occurred at 4.55pm on Monday 1st August 2011 on the A465 at Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil.

A Silver Mitsubishi Colt motor car driven by the 26 year-old was travelling west along the A465 in the general direction of Merthyr when it collided with a black Mercedes E220 motor car, driven by a 53 year old male, travelling in the opposite direction east along the A465.

The driver and passenger from the Mercedes were taken to hospital suffering from multiple injuries and shock. Their injuries are not serious.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses to contact them, and specifically to anyone who was at the scene following the incident but did not provide their details.

The carriageway was closed for approximately 4 hours whilst the police conducted initial investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the South Wales Police Roads Policing Unit in Gwaelod y Garth, Cardiff on 02920 633438 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Related posts:

1. Victim of Fatal Road Traffic Collision, A48, Named Gwent Police have announcec: “The victim of the fatal road...
2. Appeal for Witnesses following Fatal Road Traffic Collision, A465 Gwent Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal two...
3. A465 Collision: Appeal for Witnesses South Wales Police is appealing for witnesses to a collision...
4. Cardiff murder: Victim named and police appeal South Wales Police have confirmed that a young man murdered...
5. Merthyr Vale Murder Inquiry: Victim Named South Wales Police can confirm that the body discovered outside...

The children, aged between 13 and 15, were introduced to the huge variety of jobs working with woodlands during the Forestry Commission Wales Children’s Conference held at Garwnant Visitor Centre, just outside Merthyr Tydfil.

Environment and Sustainable Development Minister, John Griffiths, dropped in on the conference and welcomed the opportunity it gave pupils to consider a career in forestry.

He said, “I’m very pleased to see this event taking place to give young people an insight into the breadth of careers available within the industry and for them to gain some hands-on experience.

“This type of information is vital to broaden young people’s career choice and to encourage them into the wider rural industry.”

The conference, which was supported by the local Education Business Partnership, was organised by the Commission’s Woodlands for Learning (WfL) team, which has hosted similar events every year since 2002.

Children from four secondary schools in Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taff took part in workshops run by independent forestry-related companies and learnt why wood is a sustainable building material, how to use a bow drill to light a fire and how to make products from green wood – as well as the qualifications needed to work in the industry.

FC Wales staff opened the children’s eyes to the different types of jobs involved in managing the 126,000 hectares (311,000 acres) of woodland owned by the Welsh Government.

They learned about the role of wildlife rangers who manage the different types of animals in our woodlands, how to plan woodlands to help combat climate change and what it’s like running a busy visitor centre like Garwnant.

The children were also taught how to estimate the volume of timber from a single tree – a pebble in the ocean for a timber industry that supports more than 4,000 jobs in Wales and is worth £400 million a year to the Welsh economy.

During the day-long conference, the children got a close-up view of the battle FC Wales is waging to halt the progress of a deadly tree disease called ramorum disease of larch.

The fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum that causes the disease can be spread easily and the children cheered excitedly as a large, diseased Larch tree was felled with a chainsaw in a bid to contain the outbreak.

Sue Williams, head of the Woodlands for Learning team, said, “The felling of the tree was an unexpected bonus but was a striking illustration of the variety of career opportunities available across a broad range of professions.

“The conference was hugely successful and gave the young people present food for thought at a time in their lives when they are considering how to make their way in the world.”

The schools taking part in the conference were Hawthorn High School in Pontypridd, Pontypridd High School, Cantonian High School in Cardiff and Y Pant Comprehensive School, Pontypool.

Photograph: Forestry Commission Wales’s Juliette Staples with pupil from Hawthon High School using a shave horse and draw knife to shape a component part for a bird feeder

Related posts:

1. Pupils gain insight into a career in forestry Two pupils from John Beddoes School, Presteigne have been finding...
2. Danny’s lessons in forestry A pupil from Llanidloes High School has gained an insight...
3. Deadline approaches for prestigious forestry award Time is running out for nominations for this year’s Ian...
4. School pupil finds out about forestry A pupil from Llanidloes High School, has gained an insight...
5. Apprenticeship contracts to plug forestry skills gap Forestry Commission Wales is taking action to plug a growing...

The Valleys healthcare company has developed a decontamination unit, which allows bed mattresses and covers to be cleaned thoroughly at high temperatures, ensuring they are infection free when used for other patients.

Cymru Healthcare, which was advised by leading independent chartered accountants and business advisers, Watts Gregory LLP of Cardiff on a move to the Triangle Business Park in Merthyr – where tripling of space to 12,000 sq ft has cleared the way for expansion. The family business was set up 13 years ago in Taffs Well before moving in 2000 to Aberdare.

The firm developed the unit in response to government legislation that called on hospitals, care homes and other healthcare providers to confirm to decontamination standards, minimising the spread of hospital superbugs

Wynne Willliams, Managing Director of Cymru Healthcare, which supplies medical and surgical items mainly to nursing homes and those caring for patients in the community, said: “Infection control is vital, both in the interests of protecting our clients in their businesses and their patients, by ensuring clean and safe products are provided.

“We’ve developed a contamination unit so that pressure mattresses and covers that are sent to us are treated hygienically so there is no possibility of infection when they are used by other patients in the future.”

Cymru Healthcare, which began operations with just two employees, has seen its turnover rise to £1.5m a year.  The number of people it employs has increased to 11 with more jobs to be created as the business continues to expand.

Aberdare-born Wynne Williams said: “The NHS obviously has its own arrangements but I’m not aware of any private healthcare company in South Wales or even Wales which is offering this decontamination service.”

Wynne Williams, who has worked in the medical supplies industry for 24 years, mainly within the nursing and the residential care sector, said the business had continued to develop well despite the UK recession. “The recession has not had an impact because of the nature of the sector we supply to. We provide professional operators with quality products and support. We do not supply to the public, although they do get referred to us.

“The advice and support we received from Watts Gregory in making the move to Merthyr was first class.”

Lindsay Hogg, Managing Partner at Watts Gregory LLP, which is based at the Cardiff Gate Business Park, said: “Cymru Healthcare is an ambitious and go ahead company which I’ve watched develop into a very successful business.

“We helped raise the finance for the expansion of the business as well as submitting the application to the Welsh Government for grant support, providing the final piece in the jigsaw.

“Wynne Williams is hugely respected in the healthcare field and I’m pleased we’ve played a part in Cymru Healthcare’s continuing development and I’m sure their new venture will be a success.”

Photograph: Lindsay Hogg and Wynne Williams in the decontamination unit

Related posts:

1. Convalescence service launches in Carmarthenshire A new convalescence service to help people recuperate following discharge...
2. Early warning system to prevent common infection developed by Cardiff scientists A unique monitoring system offering healthcare providers an early warning...
3. Awards to celebrate the Spirit of Innovation in the Valleys Entries now open for businesses to showcase their innovation and...
4. New firm has a nut-free guarantee A local businessman’s personal experience of the dangers caused by...
5. Key firm ‘graduates’ from medicentre A major research company that submits evidence on the performance...

Daily beginner’s swimming lessons are FREE to children aged between 4 and 16 years and under 16’s can swim for FREE throughout the holidays at both Merthyr Tydfil Leisure and Aberfan Community Centres.

Canoeing, water polo, junior lifesaving and junior aquacise are also at both centres, with rugby, football, street dance, trampolining, athletics and many more activities available exclusively in Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

For more information or to book your place telephone Aberfan & Merthyr Vale Community Centre on (01685)727373 or Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre on (01685) 727476.

For more information see http://www.merthyr.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/79008D8C-2ECA-4B5C-BE18-6C607D93ED9A/0/SummerHolidayActivitiesFINAL.pdf

Related posts:

1. Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre scoops National safety award Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre has scooped an Institute of Sport...
2. New club accreditation scheme ‘Focus Sport Merthyr’ launches in Merthyr Tydfil A new club accreditation scheme is being launched by Merthyr...
3. Update on cryptosporidium outbreak at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre Dr Gwen Lowe, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for the...
4. Update on cryptosporidium outbreak at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre Dr Gwen Lowe, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for the...
5. Check out Merthyr’s improved leisure centre Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is delighted to confirm that...

Forestry Commission Wales wants to mark the new centre’s first birthday in style with a host of events designed to create a real party atmosphere.

The centre, just five miles outside Merthyr Tydfil, was closed for nearly three years while an extensive refurbishment set a new benchmark for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

Among the activities on offer during the family fun weekend, which takes place between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday (9 and 10 July), will be guided walks, a climbing wall, face painting, arts and crafts, have-a-go archery and much more.

Sam Detheridge, Visitor Centre Manager, said, “This is the first birthday of the new-look centre and we’re hoping everybody will help us to celebrate this special occasion.

“We’re really proud of the wide-ranging and exciting opportunities we can offer to people to enjoy this wonderful location, just minutes away from all the hustle and bustle of modern life.”

Facilities include a new information centre, an education hall / conference facility, a restaurant, upgraded walking trails (including an all-ability walking trail), mountain bike trails, a bike park, an animal puzzle trail and an adventure play area.

The fun weekend heralds the start of what promises to be a busy schedule of events to keep youngsters busy throughout the school summer holidays.

Children aged between five and 10 years old will be able to join in the fun of running the centre by becoming Junior Rangers every Tuesday and Thursday between 19 July and 1 September for just £4 a day.

Children need to be accompanied by an adult and booking is essential by phoning 0300 068 0300 or email garwnant@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Many other activities are planned and the on-site restaurant/coffee shop will offer a range of hot and cold food, beverages and ice cream provided by Just Perfect Catering.

Sam added,”The family fun weekend will get our summer programme off with a bang and there will be something for everyone to make Garwnant Visitor Centre an essential destination throughout the summer.”

All activities (except Junior Rangers) are free, but there will be a car parking charge of £2 per car for the day. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/garwnant for more details or call 0300 068 0300 and ask for Garwnant Visitor Centre.

Related posts:

1. Quality award for newly-opened forest centre The Forestry Commission Wales centre at Garwnant has been recognised...
2. Fun-packed weekend at Garwnant as centre celebrates its new look Garwnant Visitor Centre will officially re-open its doors with a...
3. Forest centre’s food is Just Perfect! The forest centre at Garwnant will be showcasing the best...
4. Wedding fair at Garwnant Garwnant Visitor Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil, is holding its first...
5. Go wild at Garwnant Visitors to Garwnant will be able to meet some of...

‘Local Authorities in Wales have made steady progress in increasing the percentage of municipal waste, although the size of the gulf in recycling rates between the best and worst performing Councils remains a concern’

‘Councils such as Merthyr and Blaenau Gwent which achieve recycling rates of 34% lag considerably behind the Wales average of 43% on key indicators for municipal waste reuse, dry recycling and composting rates must examine the policies and practice of the region’s more successful recycling authorities such as the Conservative run Monmouthshire Council which achieves a rate of 48%.’

Related posts:

1. Wales’ recycling rate reaches 45 per cent Wales recycled or composted 45 per cent of its municipal...
2. Assembly Minister’s visit to see Council’s recycling services Jane Davidson, the Assembly Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and...
3. Drop in Powys Recycling ‘Disappointing’ Cllr Aled Davies, Leader of the Welsh Conservative Group on...
4. Monmouthshire’s recycling figures head in right direction The introduction of twin recycling sacks last December has seen...
5. Plaid AM Welcomes Action on Recycling Commitments Plaid Cymru AM Nerys Evans has today welcomed action by...

The Festival plays hosts to the competition every year and it is open to all 40 or so breweries in Wales, who between them brew over 350 different beers each year. The beers are tasted by CAMRA members throughout the year before an independent panel of beer experts sample the finalists on site at the Festival.

Rhymney Brewery was founded by father and son team Steve and Marc Evans in 2005 and have previously won Champion beer of Wales with their Dark.

According to Festival Organiser James “Arfur” Daley, “Congratulations to Rhymney Brewery on their success in the Champion Beer of Wales competition. Well done to Steve and his family for winning both awards, Rhymney Dark is a fantastic beer and it is so good to see an old brewery name resurrected and now being served from beer engines in pubs across the South Wales valleys.

This article first appeared on the Brew Wales website

Related posts:

1. Free beer for 30 new brewery beer tasters! The international award-winning brewer Evan Evans is offering the best...
2. Tafarn @ NosDa Beer Festival Nos Da, the 5 star back-packer hostel in Riverside, Cardiff...
3. Champion Beers of Wales – full results This afternoon at the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival...
4. Update: Swansea Beer Festival We at Welsh Icons always like to be first with...
5. Best Beer writers freelance in the Welsh Valleys The award winning, family run Otley Brewing Company, has joined...

Michael Rees charged the woman extortionate rates of interest on an initial loan of £500, taking up to a £1000 pounds a month including the victim’s benefit payments for the month which he collected by using her post office card.  The initial loan was £500 and she had to pay back £3000.

Rees exploited his victim by encouraging her to take out further loans including one for £1300 where the interest charged was £4800.

Police and Officers from the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (WIMLU) raided his house in Tonteg and discovered the woman’s post office card as well as £48000 in cash under his bed.  The cash was thought to be profits from his illegal money lending operation and working capital.

Deputy Leader and Portfoilio member for Customer Services of Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Councillor Tony Rogers commented: ““The Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit has again shown their expertise in protecting Merthyr Tydfil residents from the threat of illegal money lenders preying on the vulnerable. In today’s tough economic climate I would urge consumers to seek expert advice from a Credit Union or the Citizens Advice Bureau instead of turning to a loan shark. Those who are currently victims of a loan shark please come forward and seek help and advice.”

Steven Hay, Operational Manager of Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit said: ‘Michael Rees’ actions were despicable and caused great upset and harm to his victims.  Loan sharks prey on the vulnerable in our communities, if anyone needs help or knows anyone who is involved with  a loan shark should contact the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit on our confidential 24 hour hotline:  0300 123 3311’

Related posts:

1. Suspected Loan Shark Arrested in Caerphilly Officers from the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit have arrested...
2. Cardiff Load Shark Due for Sentence A loan shark who preyed on vulnerable people is due...
3. Former Tax Inspector convicted as a Loan Shark A former Inland Revenue Tax Inspector was convicted at Cardiff...
4. Loan shark from Swansea convicted A Loan Shark was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court yesterday...
5. Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit uses Coronation Street as a lesson on how to clamp down on loan sharks Millions of Coronation Street viewers are currently gripped by a...

Irene, now 60, was the first woman to join the old Mid Glamorgan Ambulance Service back in 1976 and its first female Divisional Commander as well as being the new Welsh Ambulance Service’s first Locality Officer.

In that time the Tonypandy girl whose appointment was hailed in her local paper with the headline ‘Blonde joins ambulance service’ has become one of the most respected ambulance officers in Wales.

She joined up on November 15, 1976, and said: “I was working for Securicor and thought I was applying for a job to drive a bus to take elderly people to the day centres in the Rhondda.

“It wasn’t until I got to the interview in Cathedral Road in Cardiff and there was a big white ambulance with a blue light on top that I realised I would be an emergency ambulancewoman but I was very excited about it.

“In those days you just didn’t see any women in the service and I think they put me in Trealaw station because it was the only one with two toilets.

“They weren’t sure what to do with a woman. They didn’t have a uniform to fit me so they gave me a blue nylon one and when I went to the hospitals people would ask me for a cup of tea – they thought I was WRVS.

“The men used to have a blue peaked cap but they didn’t have one for women so they gave me a policewoman’s hat with a white top and I had my picture taken with the Chairman of the Mid Glamorgan Ambulance Service.”

Irene trained as an emergency medical technician and later as a paramedic.

She had risen to become a leading ambulancewoman and progressed to station officer and divisional commander in charge of Taff Ely and Ogwr Vale and when the all-Wales service was formed in 1999 her title was changed to locality ambulance officer.

In her time Irene has been in charge of Cardiff and the Vale – now two localities – Merthyr and Blaenau Gwent and during her time at Merthyr they were the best-performing locality in Wales with 80 per cent of emergency calls reached in the target of eight minutes against a national target of 65 per cent.

She said: “I did enjoy all my time with the ambulance service but I suppose my happiest days were on the road, dealing with people and helping them.

“Some of it was sad but some of it was funny as well and I met some wonderful characters.

“Over the years I’ve been very lucky to have worked with some wonderful and very professional people for whom I have the greatest respect and I’ll never forget them.

“The best part was being able to help people and getting good outcomes and you’d go home feeling you’d really done something worthwhile but I enjoyed the challenge of the management side as well.

“You had to deal with the sad days too but you couldn’t get hardened by it. If you get hard you shouldn’t be in the job because your compassion goes.”

Irene takes away some fantastic memories, like delivering her first baby under Pontypridd Bridge: “This young girl had been diagnosed with renal colic by the doctor, we didn’t even realise she was pregnant. I’m not sure she did.,

“Suddenly she said she wanted to start pushing. Her mother was in the back of the ambulance with me and she definitely didn’t realise her daughter was pregnant. It all worked out fine in the end though.

“In those days the men used to be worried about drunks and if there was a fight but I found I could deal with the drunk men, they wouldn’t pick on a woman as much – I used to leave the drunk women to the men though.”

Her own pregnancy – she and husband James have a son, Lee – caused its own issues: “I don’t think the Mid Glamorgan Service had ever envisaged this happening, that they’d have someone who was pregnant on emergency ambulances.

“I carried on working, carrying stretchers and things, until seven months, with my trousers held up by elastic.”

Irene has also suffered her own serious illness but is now recovered and celebrated retirement with a holiday in Costa Rica before returning to the smallholding she and James have bought in Trelewis, between Pontypridd and Caerphilly, where they keep a horse and three ponies – she is a keen rider – eight sheep and over 30 hens.

“I have ridden since I was three and I still enjoy it and where we live we have wonderful views of the countryside.

“I’ve shown my horses and have even won a couple of times at local shows and now I’m retired I’d like to do more of that and visit more country shows.”

Related posts:

1. AM’s concerns as volunteer ambulance service faces uncertain future Pembrokeshire’s volunteer car ambulance service is facing an uncertain future,...
2. Sickness rates challenge for Ambulance Service Commenting on figures released this morning showing the Welsh Ambulance...
3. Police helicopter assists Ambulance Service The North Wales Police helicopter came to the rescue of...
4. Davies: WAG must work with Ambulance Trust to improve service Welsh Conservatives have today praised the dedication of Welsh Ambulance...
5. Cardiff Business Technology Centre, Centre Administrator, Eileen Verallo retires after 24 years service Eileen Verallo started working at CBTC Ltd 24 years ago...

Sheena joined her Woodlands for Learning (WfL) team colleagues at the Commission’s Garwnant visitor centre, near Merthyr Tydfil, to learn woodworking skills to pass on to children and young people.

Eight-month pregnant Sheena used her last day at work to turn a large beech log into a four-legged stool – and just nine days later gave birth to a 7lb 6oz baby boy named Aled Peter Phillips.

She said, “In my job, I’ve been used to teaching others about the value of growing trees and harvesting them for the many wood products they provide.

“Thanks to this training day, I was able to put into practice what I’ve been preaching by producing something which will come in very handy to rest on, now that I have a little son to look after!”

Members of the WfL team learned how to use shave horses, axes and other hand tools to turn pieces of wood into useful products such as bird feeders and musical instruments under the supervision of Scott Blytt Jordens, from Dragonfly Creations.

Using newly-cut – or green – logs, Scott demonstrated how easy it was to split wood to make a variety of products using the correct techniques and tools.

The green wood working course will be particularly useful for Forest School programmes and Forest School Leader training courses, as the projects learnt can be accomplished by learners over several sessions.

The skills are also useful when delivering sessions to older age groups, as well as children.
Carol Travers, the WfL team manager in South Wales, said, “Team members have been asking for this type of professional development for some time and it was well worth it.

“It has given the whole team the confidence to work with green wood and to pass on the skills learned to the many groups we work with in woodlands across Wales.”

Photograph: Sheena O’Leary creates a wooden stool on her last day at work

Related posts:

1. Bates: Wood stove exclusion from renewable heat scheme makes no sense On 1st February 2010, DECC announced its response to the...
2. Tremains Wood local nature reserve opens Children from Tremains Primary School and other invited guests have...
3. New venture is child’s play for Swansea businesswoman Young children will soon be the stars of their own...
4. New playground is child’s play for Glanrafon supermums A group of young mums have been hailed as “real...
5. Business is child’s play for young Swansea entrepreneur Setting up a business has been child’s play for one...

Dr Barry Morgan will preach at a special service at St Matthias Church on Saturday (May 14), which is St Matthias Day, at 11am, and join parishioners afterwards for a garden party in the church grounds.

The service will be part of a four-day festival to celebrate St Matthias and the end of a year of upheaval as the church was repainted and refurbished with new chairs and layout. It will open today (Thursday) in stunning array on Thursday with a flower festival featuring 12 displays by local organisations and schools on the theme of musicals – The Show Must Go On! There will also be two concerts – Con Voce choir on Thursday evening and Treharris Male Choir on Friday evening, both at 7pm.

Priest-in-Charge of St Matthias, Father Matthew Gibbon, said, “This will be a great occasion for us and we are delighted the Archbishop is able to come. Everyone has worked hard over the past year to transform the church and we hope the whole community will celebrate with us as we mark the end of the project and begin a new era.”

The Archbishop said, “St Matthias was an ordinary person who simply followed Jesus and through his life and witness testified to his saving power.  And that is of help to us because it is ordinary everyday Christians whose efforts of opening churches, making up rotas, providing the music – these are the things that keep the church alive in our land and which have kept this church going over the last 100 years and which symbolise a beacon of hope for so many people.  And members of this congregation throughout the decades have tended each other, taken care of others, helped those in need and have been there at times of loss, bereavement and loneliness.  That’s the essence and stuff of sainthood – those small acts performed with great love.

“So I am very much looking forward to joining in the celebrations and seeing the work which has been done on the church to make it a better resource not just for the congregation, but for the whole community.”

All are welcome to the service and to the flower festival.

Related posts:

1. Archbishop preaches at festival of 350-year-old charity The Archbishop of Wales will preach at the festival service...
2. Festival celebrates church life The Archbishop of Wales is inviting parishioners from South Wales...
3. Festival celebrates church life The Archbishop of Wales is inviting parishioners from South Wales...
4. “RE is a vital part of a child’s education” – Archbishop launches national festival for schools Learning about religion and faith is a vital part of...
5. Telford Winter Festival Last year Ysgol y Borth, the primary school in Menai...

Whilst taking his daughter for a driving lesson, Mr Vaughan observed a suspicious package being passed between two parked cars in Treharris Library car park. Having recorded the registrations on his mobile phone, he promptly reported the activity, the suspect was arrested and cannabis plants discovered in the suspect’s attic.

In court, Christoper Williams from Treharris admitted producing and supplying cannabis. He was given a 32 week suspended sentence and ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.

After the case Mr Vaughan said:

“Tackling drugs in our communities is high on our agenda, and we will act on all information to put drug dealers out of business and to take them out of the community.

“If anyone sees anything suspicious, I would encourage you to report it to the police. We need the public to keep telling us where these individuals are.”

Related posts:

1. Final Interview with Acting Chief Constable Acting Chief Constable Clive Wolfendale will complete his last working...
2. Message from Chief Constable Peter Vaughan of South Wales Police: From Chief Constable Peter Vaughan of South Wales Police: This...
3. New Chief Constable appointed in North Wales The new Chief Constable of North Wales is Mark Polin....
4. New Chief Constable takes to the streets Bringing down crime and improving trust and confidence are the...
5. New Chief Constable Appointed Gwent Police Authority has announced the appointment of Carmel Napier...

The Forestry Commission Wales-run centre, which has re-opened after a three-year refurbishment, is hosting a murder mystery event where guests will be invited to become super sleuths to solve the dastardly crime.

The script for the whodunnit was written by Garwnant’s own Recreation Ranger Arnold Thomas and the play will be performed by students from the Atrium Theatre in Cardiff on Saturday, May 14 at 7.30pm.

The fiendish plot is set in the 1920s, in the fictional village of Huntsmanshire where a murder takes place at the manor of DCI Black.

The visitor centre has re-established itself as an important asset to the local community since it re-opened last summer.

In addition to the café and conference facilities in the centre, the waymarked walking and cycling trails draw visitors from far and wide.

Sam Detheridge, Visitor Centre Manager, said, “Garwnant is the perfect setting for this event, as the surrounding forest increases the mysterious ambience.

“Add that to the combination of great acting and an exciting script, and I know it will be an evening to remember. So come along and try your hand at solving the great Garwnant whodunnit.”

Tickets for the murder mystery evening cost £9 per person. Parking is available on site and is included in the ticket price. If you like, why not wear 1920s style clothes to fit in with the theme of the play?

For more information contact Arnold Thomas on 07849 626 652, or the Visitor Centre on 0300 068 030. Alternatively, visit the website at www.forestry.gov.uk/Garwnant

Related posts:

1. Wedding fair at Garwnant Garwnant Visitor Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil, is holding its first...
2. Come and meet Rudolph as Garwnant gears up for Christmas Rudolph the red nosed reindeer will be visiting Garwnant this...
3. Go wild at Garwnant Visitors to Garwnant will be able to meet some of...
4. Raising the spirits at Garwnant There’ll be some ghostly goings-on at Garwnant later this month...
5. Fun-packed weekend at Garwnant as centre celebrates its new look Garwnant Visitor Centre will officially re-open its doors with a...

Operation Delta was launched on the same day when schools break-up for the Easter Holidays in anticipation of an annual rise in nuisance behaviour, which is often fuelled by alcohol.

The aim of the Merthyr Tydfil Community Safety Partnership operation, which involved officers from South Wales Police, British Transport Police, St John’s Ambulance, and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council such as Trading Standards, Education Wellfare staff, was to deter youngsters from causing anti-social behaviour throughout the week-long holiday which lay ahead.

During the day time, police officers and PCSOs teamed up with education welfare officers to tackle truancy.

Across Merthyr, 125 youngsters were either returned to school, or if they were in the company of their parents when approached, the parents were quizzed as to why their children were with them and not in school.

South Wales Police Sergeant Richie Gardiner, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “We know that those who truant from school tend to hang around together in certain areas. Often the parents will think they are in school so they can’t go home and to avoid boredom they end up getting into mischief as they have to while away the hours they should be spending in the classroom.

“Some of the children caught truanting were doing so with their parents’ permission. Some of the excuses given astounded us; One parents deemed it acceptable to grant their child a day off from school just to have their hair cut; and another parent let their child off from school so they could get a dress for a party the child was attending that evening. One parent even admitted they had succumbed to their child because ‘he didn’t want to go and they didn’t want to argue with him’.

During the evening, the focus turned to under age drinking and for that neighbourhood police officers teamed up with licensing colleagues and with officers from Trading Standards.

A total of 31 anti social behaviour referrals were made throughout the evening. These refer individuals into an effective four-stage process which is proven to prevent further incidents of anti social behaviour by most individuals.

A significant amount of alcohol was also seized from underage drinkers, and three of those who were found to be under the influence of alcohol were taken to a mobile police station which was set up at the Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village where they were assessed by St John’s Ambulance staff. Their parents were contacted and made to pick them up to take them home.

In addition, one fixed penalty notice was issued and one person was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Trading Standards Officers targeted four off licenses and discovered one male who had been served alcohol using a fake driving license. The alcohol and the fake id was seized, and the male responsible was taken home. The owner of the off license was given suitable advice.

Chairperson of the CSP and Leader of MTCBC, Councillor Jeff Edwards, said: “Drink fuelled anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. The Community Safety Partnership works to address issues such as these and will continue to do so to make Merthyr Tydfil a safer place in which residents and visitors can feel comfortable”.

Licensing officers carried out one test purchase which proved compliant, and visited seven different licensed premises. One pub licensee is being investigated for breaching their license conditions after they were caught serving alcohol after hours.

Sergeant Richie Gardiner, said, “We focussed on enforcement because we wanted a strong, timely message to go out that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. It is vitally important that the Easter holidays are an enjoyable experience for everyone, not something to dread for fear of nuisance behaviour from young people. Young people, and their parents who aren’t doing enough to supervise what their children are up to, need to appreciate that.”

Related posts:

1. Police Crackdown on Youths Congregating in Ystrad Mynach Town Centre Officers in Caerphilly have been targeting anti-social behaviour and underage...
2. Merthyr youngsters rewarded for ASB decrease A group of young people from Merthyr Tydfil recently enjoyed...
3. Anti Social Behaviour Operation In Merthyr A week-long operation to tackle anti social behaviour has been...
4. Meirionnydd officers’ warning ahead of school holidays Officers throughout Meirionnydd are warning youngsters that alcohol-related anti social...
5. First Closure Order for Merthyr Tydfil A nuisance neighbour has been banned from her home following...

The Act contains serious implications for any person that offers a sunbed for use in commercial premises they occupy, manage or control.

While those offering sunbed sessions are subject to existing health and safety legislation, this new Act specifically identifies a breach of law where any person under the age of 18 is offered the use of a sunbed or is present in a ‘restricted zone.’

An offer is made if someone has indicated they are prepared to make a sunbed available.  It does not matter if payment is made or not or even if the offer is accepted.

Environmental Health Officers from the Public Health Team at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will work with businesses to ensure compliance with the Act and respond to information received.

Principal Environmental Health Officer Mrs. Susan Gow said: “The health case for this legislation is clear: skin cancer incidence is increasing and the main cause of skin cancer is over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from both natural sunlight as well as the artificial light produced by sunbeds..The European Commission Scientific Committee identified that the risk of getting the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma, seemed particularly high when sunbeds were used at a young age.  The Act now specifically bans sunbed businesses from offering treatments to children and young people under 18 and this will be welcomed by parents across the country’’

The Sunbed (Regulation) Act makes provisions for fines of up to £20,000 to any person in breach of the Act. If you have any queries please contact the Public Health Department on (01685) 724674.

Related posts:

1. Gwynedd Council ensuring better management of sunbed use Gwynedd Council is urging businesses within the county which provide...
2. Sunbed laws extended From 31 October, laws for operating and using sunbeds in...
3. Tough new rules protect children from sunbed dangers in Wales A ban on the use of sunbeds by people under...
4. Council set to remove sunbeds from leisure centres All sunbeds at Vale of Glamorgan Council leisure centres could...
5. Council set to remove sunbeds from leisure centres All sunbeds at Vale of Glamorgan Council leisure centres could...

He said: “Wales’ voters have big choices to make on May 5th – not just in the National Assembly elections; but on the referendum on electoral reform.

“Embracing the Alternative Vote would be disastrous for the UK.

“It is an expensive and complex system which will reduce the chances of strong government.

“Instead, it will lead to backroom agreements between politicians becoming commonplace. Party election manifestos may become increasingly irrelevant – meaning nobody will ever really get what they voted for!

“A system where some people’s votes are counted more times than others is not fair. Nor is a system when finishing third can let you win!

“Under AV, it can also take days to figure out who has won elections – alienating voters and replacing the drama of election night with a prolonged period of uncertainty!

“Voting no to AV will not mean an end to discussions on voting reform. But it will block the implementation of a confusing and costly voting system.

“Even Nick Clegg has described AV has a ‘miserable little compromise’. It is not proportional, it is not fair and we don’t need it. I urge people across Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney to turn out and reject AV”.

Related posts:

1. Roger Lewis Urges Voters to go out and Vote The ‘Yes for Wales’ campaign has urged voters to ‘go...
2. Merthyr Tydfil’s Public Health Department successfully prosecute the owners of ‘Merthyr Kebab’ Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Public Health Department have successfully...
3. New club accreditation scheme ‘Focus Sport Merthyr’ launches in Merthyr Tydfil A new club accreditation scheme is being launched by Merthyr...
4. Rhymney Brews the Best Beer in Wales A brewery from Merthyr Tydfil has completed a clean sweep...
5. Postal voters urged to make their vote count As 17718 postal voting packs start dropping through letter boxes...

The food and garden waste collections and your WOW box recycling collection will remain weekly.

It is hoped that by introducing this service change, they will encourage householders to manage their waste more effectively and increase the amount of waste being recycled and composted.

Like all authorities in Wales, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is facing strict targets set by the Welsh Assembly Government that they have to meet on the amount of waste that they send for recycling or composting.  Failure to meet these targets can result in the Welsh Assembly Government imposing fines on local authorities. As a local authority, they are also limited on the amount of biodegradable waste that they are permitted to send to landfill. Again, failure to stay within our allowance will result in fines.

They are currently recycling around 36% of our waste within Merthyr Tydfil. Whilst they have improved year on year, in order to achieve our 2012/13 target of 52% of all waste collected being recycled or composted, they need to better manage their waste and to ensure that the wheelie bin is only used for the materials that we are unable to recycle. Around 80% of the waste that householders generate can be recycled.

Related posts:

1. Flintshire Refuse collection changes The way Flintshire County Council collects waste will be changing...
2. Refuse Collection Changes at Christmas Pembrokeshire householders whose waste is collected on Fridays are being...
3. Refuse collection changes – the team go out and about Flintshire County Council’s recycling team could be coming to a...
4. Refuse collection update for Swansea residents Tractors are among the Swansea Council vehicles that have been...
5. New club accreditation scheme ‘Focus Sport Merthyr’ launches in Merthyr Tydfil A new club accreditation scheme is being launched by Merthyr...

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided Davies with training and after cleaning all their cars for the past couple of months, awarded him a NVQ in Vehicular Cleansing.

Davies, 42 told us:

“It’s a bit of a trek to get Chingford every month but I’m sure my bicycle is up to it. I bought it down the pub for a tenner so it has to be good”.

Davies continued:

“I completely agree with Mr Smith that old people do not wish to claim means-tested benefits, neither should stay-at-home mothers and we will be winners from a universal State pension – Heil Hitler”.

Related posts:

1. Merthyr man complains to ASDA When this arrived on our offices last week it had...
2. AM’s plea to employers to help part-time firefighters Big business needs to be stronger in its support for...
3. Tuition Fees Boost for Part-time Students Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert has welcomed the move set out...
4. Tuition fees boost for Welsh part time students in Neath Part-time students domiciled in Neath will get the same fee...
5. New club accreditation scheme ‘Focus Sport Merthyr’ launches in Merthyr Tydfil A new club accreditation scheme is being launched by Merthyr...

The Welsh Assembly Government agreed £4m of funding for the project last week and today the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a First Round Pass* of £2m. These will be major contributions to the £8 million funding package proposed for the refurbishment project, which also includes a £100,000 contribution from CADW and funding from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

The HLF first-round pass* means Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association (MTHA), who owns the building, can now progress to the next stage of the HLF application process and submit more detailed plans to see the £2 million of HLF support rolled out.

Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association is working with Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre to develop plans to restore the 112 year old building so it can be used as a vibrant arts and creative industries centre for the community as well as a social focal point for the town. Chapter will operate the building after completion and will work closely with Soar Chapel, the Welsh language and community facility and the Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute project to encourage public access to the arts and lifelong learning.

When the works are completed the refurbished building will have over 2500 square metres of floor space, including offices, rehearsal spaces, studios and work spaces for visual, performing arts and media. It will accommodate events such as music concerts, theatre and dance performances and exhibitions.

Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies, AM said:

“This is great news for the people of Merthyr and an excellent example of how regeneration is about so much more than bricks and mortar.

“The refurbishment project will provide job and training opportunities as well as improving the appearance of the town and the Arts Centre will provide the space for the community to come together to experience something new, to learn new skills or meet new friends.

“It’s also an excellent example of organisations working together for the good of the community and I wish Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Chapter the very best of luck with their joint venture.”

Dan Clayton Jones, Chair of HLF in Wales, said:

“This project aims to restore the Grade II Old Town Hall and return it to the heart of the community as a much needed focal point. Local people are expected to play an important part in the development of the centre with great opportunities for volunteers of all ages to get involved in researching the story of the building,  and oral history projects to share Merthyr’s heritage with visitors to the area.

“What’s more the project will compliment the proposals for the Pontmorlais Townscape Heritage Initiative.  We have awarded a Round One pass to the Old Town Hall project in recognition of the potential difference it could make to Merthyr and the surrounding area, making it a better place to live, work and visit.”

Karen Dusgate, Chief Executive of Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association, said:

“We are celebrating because these vital funding announcements mean we should be able to start work on the £8m restoration of the Old Town Hall soon.

“This is exciting news for people in Merthyr because the new Arts and Creative Industries Centre is a community project right at the heart of the plans for the regeneration of the town centre. As a local, community-based organisation, we are proud to be working closely with Chapter, Soar and the Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute project.”

Janek Alexander, Director of Chapter said:

“The Old Town Hall stands in the centre of Merthyr Tydfil and is a testament to its proud and unique industrial heritage. Now a major change is underway again and Chapter is looking forward to playing a key role in that change. Our centre in Cardiff also started as a semi derelict, old building but now attracts over 750,000 visitors a year.  It’s a vibrant hub for the local community and artists set around a welcoming social space and Merthyr Old Town Hall deserves the same success.”

Councilor Jeff Edwards, Leader of the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said:

“The restoration of the iconic Old Town Hall building is a watershed in the regeneration of the town centre.  We are delighted that the Council has been able to help win this essential funding. Now we are looking forward to a successful partnership with the Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Chapter that will energise creative arts and media right across the Heads of the Valleys.”

Related posts:

1. More Lottery success for Merthyr Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is delighted to announce that,...
2. £26.7m boost to revitalise Merthyr A £26.7m investment to transform Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre and...
3. New club accreditation scheme ‘Focus Sport Merthyr’ launches in Merthyr Tydfil A new club accreditation scheme is being launched by Merthyr...
4. Heritage & Regeneration Conference Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and Merthyr’s Heritage Trust is...
5. Merthyr project up for People’s Millions The 3G’s Development Trust in Merthyr Tydfil have been chosen...

It is the first time the town side has reached the last eight of the competition and the club is buzzing with anticipation.

Merthyr enjoy a close relationship with Pontypridd and many players from the Heads of the Valleys unit have progressed to play for the Sardis Road team.

Coaches and players from Merthyr also sing the praises of the Pontypridd head coach, Dale MacIntosh who works closely with the Division One East side to manage player development.

But on quarter final day the competition will be fierce when the two sides meet at the Wern Field in Merthyr Tydfil.

The home game is expected to attract the biggest crowd of the season to with the mouth watering prospect of facing the Premiership division’s current leaders.

Training has been going well in Merthyr with an extra edge to preparations as the players prepare for their big day.
Merthyr Director of Rugby Craig Dummett said: “There are a lot of local boys in our side so we will be going into the game with a lot of pride. Training has been going well and we know we are going to be tested to the limits because Pontypridd are playing excellent rugby at the moment.

“We have a big pack of forwards who will make their presence felt and you can be sure we will be determined to put in a good performance.”

Merthyr is one of the founding clubs of Welsh rugby and has provided scores of players to top class rugby down the decades.

The Dragons second row Robert Sidoli was the first Merthyr product to win a senior cap for Wales and Blues and Wales winger Tom James is also a product of the town’s youth and senior teams.

The current Merthyr squad also has the former Blues and Wales winger Craig Morgan in its line up and the brand of rugby being played by the team has seen them have a successful season so far in Division One East.

Club Captain, No 8 or flanker, Gareth Williams, said: “We know what we are up against but the boys are really looking forward to the game.

“We have huge respect for Pontypridd but we will go into the game determined to give our best and show people we can play rugby.

“A few of our boys have experienced rugby at Premiership level and we know what pace and commitment Pontypridd will bring. We have great supporters and we are absolutely certain that the game will be a great occasion at The Wern.”

The other quarter finals are; Swansea v Newport; Tonmawr v Llandovery and Cardiff v Aberavon.

Related posts:

1. SWALEC Cup preview Having accounted for Division One East leaders Newbridge and Premier...
2. SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl Preview SWALEC Cup Preview Round Three Pontypridd must quickly recover from...
3. SWALEC Bowl preview The SWALEC Bowl for clubs in Divisions Four, Five, Six...
4. SWALEC Bowl preview Cardiff Medicals have proved to be the shock side in...
5. SWALEC Plate preview Aberdare of Three South East made the long trip to...

Triumph, which has a site in Merthyr Tydfil, has gone into administration and has announced the redundancy of 110 people across the company.

Following the announcement, Chris said: “This is really disappointing news and clearly a major blow to the Welsh economy.

“It is devastating for the workers involved and their families.

“It is imperative that the Assembly Government works closely with the company and helps those facing job losses.

“The news acts as another worrying indicator of the challenging times facing Wales’ economy.

“We need a clearer strategy for economic growth and new stewardship of the Welsh economy.

“Welsh Conservatives want to see business flourish all across Wales. We will abolish business rates for the majority of small businesses.

“We will also launch enterprise zones to give our economy a real boost. Within these areas, businesses can benefit from full business rates relief and lighter touch regulation”.

Related posts:

1. Asghar: Calls for Assembly Government to take more action on business rates Shadow Minister for Equality Mohammad Asghar has called on the...
2. Millar & Melding: Households and businesses burdened by Assembly Government Welsh Conservatives will tomorrow highlight the burden placed on Welsh...
3. Ramsay: 164 job losses at Panasonic Commenting on the news that Panasonic is shedding 164 jobs...
4. Ramsay: Statement on Chirk job losses Commenting on reports of job losses at Kraft in Chirk,...
5. Melding: Unemployment biggest challenge facing Welsh economy Commenting on the latest employment figures, Shadow Minister for the...

He has been charged with being absent without leave and is due to appear before Caerphilly Magistrates court today, Tuesday 15th March.

Gwent police took immediate action after being notified that the he failed to return to prison and the operational plan was activated to locate him.

Related posts:

1. Prescoed prisoner arrested 40 year old Alan Coggins who failed to return to...
2. Prescoed Prisoner Arrested Twenty five year old Francis Barry Edwards who absconded from...
3. Re-appeal for information – Prescoed prisoner Graham Dean Gwent Police would like to re-appeal for information regarding the...
4. Prescoed Prisoner located Twenty seven year old Leon Passmore who absconded from HMP...
5. Appeal after prisoner absconds from HMP Prescoed Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of an...

In February 2010 he was sentenced to three years at Merthyr Crown Court after being convicted of arson.

He is described as white, 6’1” tall, of medium build, with red hair and blue eyes.

He is not a registered sex offender.

It is believed there may be a potential risk due to the fact that he  is no longer in the custody of the prison service

Gwent Police has activated its operational plan with the aim of locating him and the prison is co-operating fully with us.

It’s believed Christopher could be in the Merthyr area where he has contacts.

Members of the public are advised not to approach him but to call police if they have any information regarding his whereabouts on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Related posts:

1. Appeal for information for Prescoed Prison absconder Lee Pearson Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of Prescoed ...
2. Appeal for informaton to locate Pontypool teenager Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate 17 year...
3. Appeal for Information to Locate Hospital Absconder – St Cadocs Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate a patient...
4. Re-appeal for information to loacte Prescoed prision Neil Fry Gwent Police is re-appealing for information to locate 39 year...
5. Appeal after prisoner absconds from HMP Prescoed Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of an...

The event is being organised by on-site caterers, Just Perfect Catering, in conjunction with wedding fair organisers, Eternity with Love.

Local suppliers of wedding services such as vehicles, outfits and catering will be at the event.
Visitors to the wedding fair can also have a look around Garwnant Visitor Centre which has recently become a venue for wedding receptions.

And, as an added incentive to visit the fair, the first couple at the event to book Garwnant Visitor Centre for their wedding reception will get the venue free of charge. All other bookings made on the day will receive a 10% discount on the venue hire.

Garwnant Visitor Centre is managed by Forestry Commission Wales. Centre Manager Sam Detheridge said, “Garwnant is set in 400 acres of forest and is a beautiful and unusual place to have your wedding reception.

“I hope lots of local couples come along on the day to find out more about holding their reception in the newest venue in the Brecon Beacons and to meet suppliers of wedding services.”

The fair will run from 11.00 -16.00. Entry is free of charge, with complimentary canapés and bubbly on arrival. Garwnant Visitor Centre is situated on the A470, five miles north of Merthyr Tydfil.

For more information visit www.eternitywithlove.co.uk or contact Garwnant Visitor Centre on 01685 722481.

Related posts:

1. Wedding Fair at the National Botanic Garden of Wales All things bride and beautiful take over the National Botanic...
2. Come and meet Rudolph as Garwnant gears up for Christmas Rudolph the red nosed reindeer will be visiting Garwnant this...
3. Go wild at Garwnant Visitors to Garwnant will be able to meet some of...
4. Get to the Church on Time for a Special Wedding Fayre The newly-renovated Norwegian Church has everything you need for your...
5. Raising the spirits at Garwnant There’ll be some ghostly goings-on at Garwnant later this month...

The incident which happened at around 1.00pm (March 3 2011) involved an artic lorry and a green Vauxhall Astra.

It is believed the lorry left the carriageway and came to rest on an adjacent grassy verge after it was in collision with the Astra.

Two adult occupants of the green Astra and the single occupant of the lorry were taken to hospital with injuries that aren’t believed to be life threatening.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or the manner of driving of either vehicle during the moments leading up to the incident, is urged to contact 101.

The A465 has been closed in both directions whilst the emergency services and the highways department carry out their investigation and maintenance work.

Related posts:

1. Appeal for Witnesses following Fatal Road Traffic Collision, A465 Gwent Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal two...
2. Appeal for fatal collision witnesses to come forward Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal road collision...
3. Renewed appeal for fatal collision witnesses Police are renewing and expanding their appeal for witnesses to...
4. Appeal for Witnesses Following Fatal Road Traffic Collision – Old Raglan Road, Abergavenny Gwent Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal road...
5. Appeal for Witnesses Following Fatal Road Traffic Collision Gwent Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal road...

Voters that want to have their say in the referendum need to have registered to vote by Wednesday 16 February.  The electoral register is updated annually and if your details have recently changed, for example if you have moved house, then you need to register with your new details if you want the opportunity to vote in the referendum on 3 March.

If you are a student, you can register at your home and term time addresses which ensures that you have a choice of where to vote on 3 March.

Gareth Chapman said: “Registering to vote is simple, quick and easy. You can got to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, print off a registration form and send it to us.  It only takes a few minutes to secure your vote for this important event, so make sure you do so now.”

“This is also a good time to consider where you will be on 3 March and if you would find it more convenient you could apply to vote by post or by proxy, where you ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you.  To do this, you will need to fill in a form, which is also avaible on www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

“The National Assembly for Wales is the democratically elected body that takes decisions and makes laws that affect you, so it is important that you take part in the referendum so that your voice is heard on its future”.

“The only way in which you can do this is by ensuring that you are registered to vote and that you do this by February 16.”

The Assembly has powers to make laws in 20 subject areas. In each subject area, the Assembly can make laws on some matters, but not on others. The referendum will ask voters whether the Assembly should now to be able to make laws on all matters in the 20 subject areas it has powers for.

For more information contact your local electoral services department on 01685 725284 or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Related posts:

1. 3 March is your chance to have your say On 3 March 2011 there will be a referendum on...
2. Make sure you have your say on March 3rd On 3 March 2011 there will be a referendum on...
3. Act now to vote by post in March 3 Referendum Time is running out for voters who want to have...
4. The 3 March 2011 is a big day for all of us The 3 March 2011 sees the referendum on the law...
5. The 3 March 2011 is a big day for all of us The 3 March 2011 sees the referendum on the law...

Standing as a fine example of a typical 19th century ironworker’s cottage, since 1977 Joseph Parry’s Cottage has been a small museum that tells the story of one of Wales’ most celebrated composers and shows exactly how Parry would have lived when he was a young boy growing up on Chapel Row in the 1840′s.

Volunteers are needed to work from April to September on Saturday’s and Sundays (or one or the other) from 2:00pm – 5:00pm.  Main duties will be to assist the public by giving them information on the history of the cottage, Parry himself, the town during the industrial revolution and providing basic tourist information (directions, other attractions, etc). Volunteers will also have the opportunity to work with the Education and Community Officers at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, researching historical projects and contributing to exhibitions, workshops and displays at both Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Joseph Parry’s Cottage.

Volunteers will be given training various areas, including customer care, general object handling, museum housekeeping, etc. They also encourage volunteers to attend in-house training courses when available.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a keen interest in the history of Merthyr Tydfil, or anyone looking for work experience to add to their CV.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Kelly Powell or Christopher Parry at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum by telephone on 01685 723112 or by e-mail museum@merthyr.gov.uk

Related posts:

1. Improvements planned for Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery will temporarily close on...
2. A new era for Shepherd’s Cottage Volunteers are needed to help a conservation project currently taking...
3. A new era for Shepherd’s Cottage Volunteers are needed to help a conservation project currently taking...
4. Help find missing Merthyr history Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery are looking for help...
5. Joseph rockets ahead to win Space-Hop challenge More than 2,000 young bookworms from across the Caerphilly county...

Officers investigating his death are appealing to anyone who is aware of Derek’s movements between 6pm on Wednesday (Jan 26) and 7am on Friday (Jan 28) to contact them.

DCI Richie Jones from the South Wales Police Major Crime Investigation team, said: “Anyone who thinks they may have information they believe may be relevant should contact the inquiry team.

“We have a full team of officers who are working hard to try and piece together the circumstances surrounding Derek’s death.”

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 01443 743 678, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 47 year-old man who is also from the local area has been questioned in relation to the incident, and is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

Related posts:

1. Cardiff murder: Victim named and police appeal South Wales Police have confirmed that a young man murdered...
2. A465 Fatal: Victim named and family pay tribute South Wales Police can confirm the woman who died as...
3. Murder of Ceri O’Sullivan, Merthyr, Police Appeal South Wales Police are again appealing for witnesses in the...
4. Police name Holyhead murder victim North Wales Police have today named the 21-year-old man who...
5. Victim of Fatal Road Traffic Collision, A48, Named Gwent Police have announcec: “The victim of the fatal road...

Marcus was reported missing from his home address in Bargoed on Monday 17th January.

He is described as being white, of slim build, 6 feet 2 inches tall with short brown hair.

It is believed that Marcus may be in the Merthyr area where he has links.

Police are concerned about the welfare of Marcus because this is the first time he has been reported missing and is out of character for him.

Marcus, or anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111.

Related posts:

1. Appeal for Information to Trace Missing Caerphilly Teenager Gwent Police is appealing for information to trace missing Caerphilly...
2. Appeal for information to trace missing Newport man Gwent Police is re-appealing for information to trace a Newport...
3. Appeal for information: Missing Blackwood man Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate missing Blackwood...
4. Appeal for information: Missing person, Sebastapol Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate Rachelle Scourfield...
5. Appeal for Information after Assault, Bargoed Police in Bargoed are appealing for information regarding an assault...

Each school held its own Dragons Apprentice competition in school with the winning teams representing them at the Final.  Each team had to put together a presentation on a charity event that they planned to hold in their schools.

This year the three Dragons, Verity Imm and Natalie Kell from the cancer charity Tenovus and Dr Kath Ringwald from University of Glamorgan, grilled the finalists on their charity campaigns and prizes were awarded in three categories – Best Presentation, Best Idea and Best Overall, with a prize of a £50 donation to the winning team’s chosen charity.

The overall high standard of the pitches was commended by the Dragons and the hard work and efforts of all pupils who had taken part was commented upon.  But in the end there could be only one winner and the ‘Best Overall’ category was taken by ‘Eclipse’ from Penydre High School, who also won the Best Presentation category.  The ‘Best Idea’ category was won by Music for Money from Cyfarthfa High School.

The event was funded by the Merthyr Tydfil 14-19 Network and was managed and organised by Mid Glamorgan Education Business Partnership.  Thanks are also extended to staff in Democratic Services for their help in preparing the venue.

Related posts:

1. Schools Closures in Merthyr Tydfil 14th January 2010 GURNOS NURSERY – Closed TREFECHAN NURSERY – Closed TREHARRIS NURSERY...
2. Merthyr Tydfil examinations arrangements due to severe weather Merthyr Tydfil’s Local Education Authority (LEA) would like to advise...
3. Merthyr Tydfil School Closure for 12th Jan 2010 Schools Open/Closed in Merthyr Tydfil LEA Tuesday, 12th January 2010...
4. Merthyr Tydfil School closures – Jan 7th 2010 In the interest of public safety and due to the...
5. New club accreditation scheme ‘Focus Sport Merthyr’ launches in Merthyr Tydfil A new club accreditation scheme is being launched by Merthyr...

Over the past few months, you will have seen in the media, coverage of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and the Welsh Assembly Government’s provisional settlement and how both of these will affect public services, communities and individuals in Wales.

As a County Borough, we face challenging times ahead, with a provisional settlement of 1.7%  we face a cut in resources of £1.5 million in providing services to the community.

It is appreciated, that you will be concerned about what affect this will have on the services that we deliver to you and we recognise how important it is to communicate and consult with you, and to enable the local authority to identify their service priorities and continue to provide an effective service delivery.

So why not come along and get involved in the process of developing the Council’s budget for the forthcoming year by telling us, what you think the priority areas for expenditure should be.

Alternatively, should you not be able to attend this public consultation event,  as from Monday, 17th January, 2011 you will be able to complete an online budget consultation questionnaire ,which can be accessed on the Council’s website on www.merthyr.gov.uk, giving you the opportunity to make a difference.

Related posts:

1. Have your say on Council budget Swansea residents can have their say on Swansea Council’s budget...
2. Residents invited to have their say over the Council’s budget plans Flintshire County Council is keen to hear residents’ views as...
3. Council thanks residents for budget feedback Caerphilly county borough council is thanking all the local people...
4. Conwy sets Budget and Council Tax At a meeting of the Council today (Thursday 25 February...
5. Budget: ‘We’ve taken the hit ourselves’ says Monmouthshire Council Monmouthshire residents will see a council tax increase of 2.9%...

The Engine House provides young people from the local area a safe place to meet with friends and have fun. The Engine House offers a number of different activities for young people in the area such as football and netball to get them involved in the community and improve their quality of life.

The funding is part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Communities First programme that aims to improve the opportunities and quality of life for people living in the most disadvantaged communities in Wales.

Working closely with local schools, employees and volunteers at the Engine House work to develop and educate the young people of Dowlais and other areas of Merthyr Tydfil, allowing them to achieve their own personal goals and ambitions.

The funding will help support the Engine House and the valuable work it continues to do for the young people of Merthyr Tydfil. The money will contribute to staffing costs, training and materials as well as heating and lighting costs.

The Minister said,

“I am pleased to provide funding for this project that continues to make a real difference to the lives of so many young people in Merthyr Tydfil.

“Projects such as the Dowlais Engine House have a positive impact on the lives of so many people from disadvantaged communities, offering young people a chance to get involved in the local community.”

Related posts:

1. Boost for community groups in South East Wales A £13.5m initiative to help third sector organisations to grow...
2. Merthyr youngsters rewarded for ASB decrease A group of young people from Merthyr Tydfil recently enjoyed...
3. Cash boost for innovative scheme for Swansea young people A ground-breaking counselling service in Swansea for 11 to 25...
4. Cash boost for creative teens Swansea has secured £200,000 funding to help develop the creative...
5. Cash boost for community schemes Seven community groups within the Caerphilly county borough are set...

Seasonal crimes such as dwelling burglary, retail crime, and violence against the person, all decreased by more than half during a time when significant increases are anticipated.

Officers have attributed the drop in crime to a blend of robust preventative policing plans, and adverse weather conditions, which together made life tough for criminals.

Merthyr Superintendent Dawn Hubbard, said: “This substantial reduction in crime is testament to hard work from my officers especially during the bout of snow. They spent many hours patrolling streets across Merthyr in sub zero temperatures, some walking miles in the snow to report for duty.”

South Wales Police officers worked closely with colleagues in partner agencies such as the local authority, to implement effective initiatives to prevent alcohol related crime and shoplifting in Merthyr Town Centre.

Superintendent Hubbard added: “Of course, the weather did play its part, but we haven’t experienced a hike in crime since the weather subsided which is positive, as it could be anticipated that those who make money from criminal activities may use the earliest opportunity after the snow cleared, to do so.

“I would like to thank the public who played an important part in behaving responsibility, and by taking on board crime prevention advice to protect their property from thieves.”

Latest crime information can be found via the crime mapping link at www.south-wales.police.uk

Communities can find contact details for their local Neighbourhood Police Officer at www.ourbobby.com

Related posts:

1. Late Night Crime Down in Newport City Centre The Safer Newport Partnership has reported a significant drop in...
2. Check out Merthyr’s improved leisure centre Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is delighted to confirm that...
3. Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre scoops National safety award Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre has scooped an Institute of Sport...
4. Conwy Drop-in Centre to help tackle Doorstep Crime Doorstep crime is under attack in Conwy as the new...
5. Merthyr Tydfil’s Public Health Department successfully prosecute the owners of ‘Merthyr Kebab’ Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Public Health Department have successfully...

Demolition is taking place as a precursor to redevelopment of the site as part of the wider Town Centre Regeneration Programme and is being undertaken by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Corporate Estates and Physical Regeneration teams.

In order to provide safe working space for the demolition and access for contractors vehicles, Castle Yard will be closed to through traffic whilst the work is undertaken. Access will be preserved to the BT Depot which lies off Castle Yard.

As a result of the closure, all traffic entering and leaving the Civic Centre Car Park, the Crown Court building, Abermorlais Car Park and the main Castle Car Park will have to travel via Glebeland Place.

Disruption and delay at peak times is expected, particularly at the junction with Castle Street. All users should take note and be prepared to allow extra time for their journeys particularly in the afternoon peak period.

The demolition may also require the selective closure of Pontmorlais to allow certain operations to proceed in safety. Any planned closures of Pontmorlais will be limited to Sundays in order to minimise traffic disruption along the one way section of carriageway.

Related posts:

1. Work to begin on Castle Street crossing Work is to be carried out in Castle Street connecting...
2. Christmas at Cardiff Castle 2011 Christmas is always a magical time at Cardiff Castle and...
3. Emergency Road Closure – Church Road An emergency closure of a road in Church Village will...
4. Temporary Road Closure – A483 A section of the A483 Wrexham bypass will be closed...
5. Castle Street reopened for the Ryder Cup Cardiff Council is working to ensure that the Ryder Cup...