Wow! A heartfelt moment that staff and volunteers at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice weren’t expecting but one they’ll never forget.

Yesterday, after carrying out an official engagement to Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill in West Wales, Tŷ Hafan’s Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales made an impromptu stop at the charity’s shop shop in Lampeter.

Maree Thomas, Regional Sales Manager for Tŷ Hafan, who was in our Lampeter shop at the time, said:

Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Irfon Rees added:

Leading academics in devolved countries team up to provide independent analysis as voters head to the polls

Academics will be providing comprehensive analysis of the economic challenges facing devolved governments in Wales and Scotland as elections get underway.

Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre and the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde have been awarded funding by the Nuffield Foundation to provide timely analysis of the fiscal issues facing both countries as voters have their say in the ballot box.

The project will deliver timely and rigorous analysis before, during, and after the elections scheduled for 7 May 2026, providing authoritative commentary to inform public debate.

Pre-election reports examining the fiscal context and outlook for each nation will be produced, including detailed analysis of government spending and funding following the last pre-election Budget.

During the campaign period, the project will deliver regular blogs and podcasts addressing emerging issues, manifesto analysis, and examination of how party proposals align with projected funding and expenditure outlooks.

The team will host four public events across Scotland, Wales, and London, with Welsh events delivered bilingually.

The project will also employ innovative methodologies to analyse government spending data, combining economic categories with functional spending breakdowns to provide unprecedented insight into how public money is allocated across health, education, transport, and other key services. This approach will enable the research team to answer detailed questions about spending trends and create informed scenarios for the next parliamentary terms.

Post-election coverage will analyse coalition or supply-and-confidence negotiations and examine how any agreements might affect spending and tax priorities in both nations.

Dr Ed Gareth Poole, Reader in Politics at Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre, said:

Dr João Sousa, Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow and Deputy Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said:

Feature image: Senedd, Cardiff Bay | wts wikivoyage, Public Domain, Source

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a £57,015 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a major new exhibition, “HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery”, to open on 8^th June 2026.

The exhibition will mark the 200th anniversary of the launch of HMS Erebus by reconnecting the local community with one of Pembroke Dock’s most remarkable yet under-celebrated global stories. Built and launched in the Royal Dockyard on 7^th June 1826, Erebus embodies the exceptional skill of Pembrokeshire’s 19th-century shipwrights and the far-reaching impact of Welsh maritime craftsmanship.

Erebus went on to play a pivotal role in some of the most important explorations of the age, including the pioneering Ross Antarctic Expedition, and was tragically lost in the ill-fated Franklin expedition to the Arctic. Her rediscovery below the icy waters of the Canadian Arctic in 2014 reignited worldwide interest in the mystery and legacy of polar exploration.

The new exhibition will interpret Erebus as a powerful symbol of exploration, innovation, and human endurance. For the first time, rare artefacts recovered from the wreck will be displayed to the British public (courtesy of the Royal Navy Museum, Portsmouth), offering tangible connections to life on board and the extraordinary challenges of 19th-century polar exploration.

The exhibition will also place HMS Erebus within the wider heritage landscape that shaped her creation, exploring the Georgian dockyard, Pembroke Dock’s role in Britain’s maritime expansion, and the community that grew around naval industry. Through bilingual interpretation, digital interactives, and an immersive Arctic diorama with scale model, visitors will discover how a ship built in a small Welsh town contributed to major advances in global scientific knowledge. Undersea footage (courtesy of Parks Canada) from the wreck site and contemporary environmental perspectives will link historic exploration to modern discussions about climate change and the fragility of polar environments.

Community engagement sits at the heart of the project. The exhibition will draw on oral histories and shared memory, celebrating the pride that continues to surround Erebus’ legacy. Local schools will be invited to co-produce elements of the exhibition, ensuring that contemporary voices are embedded in the narrative and that the story resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Andrew White, Director, The National Lottery Heritage Fund – Wales, said:

John Evans, Patron of Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, said:

HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery will open to the public on Monday 8th June 2026.

Feature image: Model of HMS Erebus

Wrexham has welcomed an iconic new landmark as a bespoke set of large-scale letters spelling WRECSAM is unveiled in Queens Square on Tuesday 3^rd February.

Twelve months in the making, the installation has been expertly handcrafted by renowned local artist Simon O’Rourke, whose vision and craftsmanship have transformed a single fallen oak tree into a powerful celebration of place, history and community.

The idea for the WRECSAM letters began over three years ago, when Wrexham Council’s Tourism Manager Joe Bickerton first spoke with Simon about creating a distinctive, moveable landmark for the town. Simon’s inspiring vision steadily took shape, and momentum arrived last January when fortune intervened: a large oak tree, almost 200 years old, fell in Trevalyn.

Since then, Simon has meticulously crafted the wooden letters, while Phil Salmon of AEC Engineering in Wrexham has designed and fabricated the steel skyline structure on which they sit, echoing Wrexham’s built heritage.

The oak itself tells a remarkable story. Its growth rings include dates of huge local significance, including 1864, the year Wrexham AFC was formed, and 1876, Wrexham’s Year of Wonder. Adding another layer of meaning, Simon’s team have worked with local community groups to intricately carve sections of the Wrexham County Borough map across the letters, featuring villages and landmarks that root the artwork firmly in its landscape.

Speaking about the commission, Wrexham-based Simon O’Rourke said;

Sam Regan, speaking on behalf of the This is Wrecsam Tourism Partnership added;

The result, revealed today, is a truly distinctive piece of public art that blends history, creativity and local pride. As well as creating an iconic new backdrop for photographs, the WRECSAM letters are designed to be relocatable, allowing them to possibly “pop up” in different locations across the county in the months ahead.

Councillor Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism, said:

The WRECSAM letters can now be viewed in Queens Square, outside the Old Library. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to come along, explore the details, and capture a photo with Wrexham’s newest landmark.

This project is also part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Tesco is calling on Wales organisations running food projects for children and young people to apply for grants of up to £1,500

Schools and community groups across Wales are being encouraged to apply for funding through Tesco, as the retailer looks to support more local projects helping children and young people access healthy, nutritious food.

The community grant scheme awards up to £1,500, with shortlisted projects going forward to a customer vote in participating Tesco stores. Shoppers receive a blue token and can vote by placing it in the in-store unit for the cause they want to support. Each funding round features three local projects, with grants awarded based on the number of tokens received.

This year, Tesco is particularly keen to hear from initiatives with a clear food focus, including breakfast clubs, holiday food provision, access to healthy snacks for youth groups, community pantries, cookery and nutrition sessions, and food growing projects that help children learn where food comes from.

The call for applications comes as the latest Government diet survey shows that fewer than 1 in 10 children and young people aged 11–18 meet the recommended 5-a-day, with 11–18-year-olds eating an average of around 2.9 portions of fruit and vegetables per day*. Tesco believes every child should have the opportunity to enjoy healthy food and is committed to backing practical projects that make a difference locally.

Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said:

Already across Wales, a number of local causes have benefited from the Stronger Starts blue token initiative, helping to improve children’s access to healthier food and nutrition education, including Prestatyn primary school, Ysgol Melyd.

Teacher, Tom Herd, said:

For more information about Tesco Stronger Starts and how to apply, visit: www.tescoplc.com/sustainability/communities/strongerstarts.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) are celebrating another successful Farmhouse Breakfast Week. The 23 breakfast events held across Wales this January raised more than £21,000 for charities and local causes, including £17,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance charity.

The Farmhouse Breakfast Week once again brought together FUW members, rural communities, politicians and stakeholders to enjoy a hearty breakfast, while engaging in discussions on key farming issues with FUW staff and officials, and raising funds for charitable causes.

Events were hosted across Wales, showcasing the very best of Welsh produce. Attendees enjoyed locally sourced bacon, sausages, eggs and dairy products generously donated by a range of businesses across the country. This highlights the strength and sustainability of Wales’ food and farming sector.

As part of the week, a breakfast was held at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. The event was sponsored by Samuel Kurtz MS and attended by numerous Senedd Members and key stakeholders. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, delivered the keynote address. The Cardiff breakfast also provided an important platform to highlight the FUW’s key manifesto demands ahead of the forthcoming Senedd election.

Reflecting on the success of the week, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said: 

Get Jerky Rally North Wales has launched its 2026 event this week, announcing a new look format for the Welshpool-based rally on March 28.

After being forced to cancel in 2025 due to the effects of Storm Darragh in the region’s forests, the popular event will return with a re-vamped route and a host of premier rally championships using it as a counting round of their respective series.

Organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club, the event continues to enjoy support from title sponsor Get Jerky, which ensures the rally remains in Welshpool, offering a perfect base and service area at the town’s livestock sales facility.

Such is the support from the region, the rally will make a welcome return to the town centre during the day. Crews will assemble after the first loop of stages for a re-group in the heart of Welshpool, enabling fans to get up close to the cars and stars of the event.

The town centre will also host the finish celebrations and champagne spray at the end of the day.

Out on the stages, a brand-new route is in store for the crews as they tackle six tests over 45 competitive stage miles. This year, the iconic Dyfnant and Aberhirnant Forest complexes will be utilised to the fullest, ensuring competitors can sample classic stages which some of the world’s best drivers tackled during the former Wales Rally GB era.

Heading to the event will be a host of top-line series, which is likely to ensure the rally is a sellout for entries, as crews are eager to get their rally season off to the best possible start.

The Fuchs Lubricants Motorsport UK British Historic Rally Championship makes a welcome return, bringing a national series to the weekend, with some of the best drivers in historic machinery through the ages doing battle on the gravel.

The Pirelli Motorsport UK Welsh Rally Championship gets its season underway in Welshpool and the popular Protyre BTRDA Rally Series brings the top loose surface competitors to the event.

The West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, Category One and Mini Cup will also mark it as a counting round, along with the T.C.S Plant Rally Challenge and ANWCC series.

More information for spectators will be released in the coming weeks.

Visit: www.rallynorthwales.co.uk

Cleaner rivers, stronger regulation, better accountability: Wales charts new course for water governance

The Welsh Government has today published a Green Paper setting out once-in-a-generation proposals for fundamental reform of the water system in Wales.  It will mean cleaner rivers, stronger regulation and better accountability.    

Shaping the Future of Water Governance in Wales responds to the findings of the Independent Water Commission, established jointly by the Welsh Government and UK Government and published in July 2025.   

The Commission undertook the most comprehensive examination of the water sector since privatisation.  

Today’s proposals include creating a new, dedicated Welsh economic regulator for water, supported by new legislation and a modern regulatory framework designed to encourage investment, protect the environment and deliver a water system that works for Wales.  

Speaking at a Dŵr Cymru site at Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs this morning, the Deputy First Minister, said:

Since 2022, the Welsh Government has invested more than £56 million to tackle water quality challenges through enforcement, monitoring and nature-based solutions. We have made progress on improving water quality but there is much more to do.    

As confirmed in the Budget last week, in 2026-27 we are investing £5m in water quality, to strengthen enforcement and drive improvements in our rivers and seas. This fund was first established as part of the budget deal with Jane Dodds MS last year and ensures momentum on improving water quality is maintained. 

The Welsh Government is committed to creating a regulatory environment that supports long-term investment in Welsh water infrastructure while protecting the public interest.  

We will continue to work with the UK Government to seek additional legislative competence and bring forward a new Water Bill.  

The Deputy First Minister concluded:

Feature image: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs – Huw Irranca-Davies

St John Ambulance Cymru is stressing the literally lifesaving importance of CPR and defibrillator skills this February, with the charity’s volunteers having helped save the lives of four people at public events last year alone.

The first aid charity for Wales’ annual Defibruary campaign is providing more ways for people to learn lifesaving skills and find out where their nearest defibrillator is, so they can act quickly should a cardiac arrest happen nearby.

This year’s campaign includes opportunities to take part in hands-on demonstrations, learn online, highlight defib locations, as well as donate to support the charity’s work to make Wales a community of lifesavers.

Though there are now over 8,500 publicly accessible defibrillators in Wales, recent research suggests only 25% of people had been trained to use them and they were only used in 8% of cases when someone suffered a cardiac arrest outside of hospital.

St John Ambulance Cymru Chief Executive and Paramedic , Richard Lee said:

To help raise awareness of where defibs are located your community, St John Ambulance Cymru has launched a #DogsAtDefibs social media campaign, where people can post a photo of their pooch next to a defib while they’re out for a wander.

You can check where your nearest defibrillators are located via The Circuit’s Defib Finder website: www.defibfinder.uk.

To support St John Ambulance Cymru’s Defibruary campaign, text DEFIB to 70480 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us.

If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text DEFIBNOINFO instead.

To find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru’s Defibruary campaign, including where public events are taking place, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk/defibruary.

British Wool is once again partnering with the CFfl Cymru/Wales YFC to provide subsidised shearing training for Young Farmers Club (YFC) members across the UK.

Now in its eighth consecutive year, the collaboration offers CFfl Cymru/Wales YFC-affiliated YFC members a 50% discount on British Wool machine or blade shearing and wool handling courses. The offer applies to both machine and blade shearing courses, supporting young farmers at every stage of their shearing journey.

British Wool’s two-day shearing courses and one-day wool handling courses are delivered nationwide and cover the core principles of effective and efficient shearing. This approach enables attendees to refine their technique while receiving expert guidance on animal welfare, correct use of shearing equipment, and maintaining safety in the shearing shed.

The discounted training is available to absolute beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced shearers. British Wool and the CFfl Cymru/Wales YFC actively encourage Young Farmers to continue developing their skills through further training opportunities.

YFC members can access the exclusive discounted rate of £115 plus VAT for a machine or blade shearing course and £42 plus VAT for wool handling course by registering by the 30 April 2026. For non-members, the courses remain available at £230 plus VAT, offering excellent value for high-quality, small-group tuition.

Lowri Evans, Wales Shearing Regional Lead at British Wool, said:

To register your interest please contact, please see the British Wool website Shearing Information – British Wool

St John Ambulance Cymru recently hosted the Hospitaller of the Order of St John at its national headquarters to celebrate the enduring humanitarian links between Wales and the Middle East.

A renowned consultant ophthalmologist at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital, Mr David Verity KStJ MD MA (Oxon) BM BCh FRCOphth, addressed staff and volunteers on the critical work of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group, which has been treating patients in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem for over 140 years, regardless of ethnicity, religion or the ability to pay.

His visit underscored the vital connection between the Welsh Priory’s local efforts and the Order’s international mission to provide life-changing eye care in some of the world’s most challenging regions.

Members of St John Ambulance Cymru’s Eye Hospital Panel presented Mr Verity with a cheque for £30,000, which has been collected via a range of fundraising activities in aid of the Eye Hospital Group, including the annual Christmas Carol Concert held at St John the Baptist City Parish Church in Cardiff, as well as donations made by The Hospitaller’s Club of Wales who were represented at the event by the President Adam Bruce and other committee members.

St John Prior for Wales and Chair of the Board of Trustees at St John Ambulance Cymru, Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ JP DL, said:

Mr Verity’s journey with the Order began at age 16 with a formative visit to the eye hospital in Rafah, Gaza. This early exposure to the organisation’s frontline medical work shaped his entire professional trajectory.

“The seed had been sown at an early age,” Mr Verity explained.

Since 2005, Mr Verity has served in multiple senior leadership capacities, including as a trustee on the Board of Governors for the Eye Hospital Group. In his current role as Hospitaller, he acts as a bridge between the clinical sites in Jerusalem and Gaza and the global community of supporters.

During his address, Mr Verity praised the Welsh Priory for its distinct contribution to the Order’s 1,000-year history of service. He emphasised that while each national priory provides essential local services, the Eye Hospital Group remains the “international heart” of the organisation’s charitable identity.

One of the primary objectives of Mr Verity’s visit was to provide transparency and gratitude to the Welsh supporters whose donations sustain these international medical facilities.

To find out more about the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group and support its work visit: www.stjohneyehospital.org.

To get involved with St John Ambulance Cymru, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.

Feature image: Mr David Verity KStJ MD MA (Oxon) BM BCh FRCOphth, Hospitaller of the Order of St John (centre) receives the cheque on behalf of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Group from Dr Akram Baig CStJ (left), the outgoing Hospitaller of the Priory for Wales and Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ JP DL (right), the Prior for Wales and Chair of the Board of Trustees of St John Ambulance Cymru.

Pupils at Ysgol y Faenol in Bodelwyddan have put in a ‘treeific’ effort to provide new habitats for local nature at their school ground.

Pupils have joined together with Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity and Countryside Service team members to plant over 1,000 trees of varied species at the school.

This work is funded by the UK Government through the 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has granted Denbighshire County Council £278,600 for nature recovery works across the county.

Rolling up their sleeves, pupils have been busy planting hedgerows and standard trees at Ysgol y Faenol.

Standard size trees planted include alder, sessile oak, rowan, hazel, silver birch, bird cherry, guelder rose and elder.

The children also planted wayfaring trees, which have an interesting history for the pupils to learn along with facts about the other species. Wayfaring trees were named in the 1500s after been noticed on the routes between Wiltshire and London. If you see a wayfaring tree, you are said to be on or near a path.

Over 1,100 smaller trees of different varieties planted at the school will also create hedgerows and woodland that will help pupils learn more about the habitat benefits to local nature as they develop and mature.

The trees planted to create these areas included wild pear that will provide a food source for birds and mammals and its flowers a haven for local pollinators. Also planted by the pupils is dogwood, the leaves of which are eaten by the caterpillars of some moths, including the case-bearer moth.

The habitat creation at Ysgol y Faenol will not only give the pupils an area to learn about local nature but will also contribute locally to the absorption of carbon emissions thanks to extra trees in the ground.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said:

A breach on the Llangollen Canal near New Mills Lift Bridge, Whitchurch, happened in the early hours of 22 December.

Moving the boats

The incident has been deeply distressing for the boat owners affected, with footage circulating online showing events as they unfolded. Since the initial incident, we have been working to move the affected boats away from the breach and out of the hole that was created.

Narrowboat Pacemaker has now been moved further along the canal and successfully refloated after it was left precariously suspended over the breach.

The two boats, Sefton and Ganymede, which were washed into the breach, will soon be removed. An excavator is being used to reprofile the edge of the breach hole into a gentler slope, allowing the boats to be winched from the bottom of the hole back into a section of drained canal channel.

Our teams are ensuring that pipes and pumps are in place to safeguard a continued flow of water around the breach site, so boats downstream are kept afloat. This is also important because of the role the Llangollen Canal (along with others across the UK) plays today in moving fresh water for public water supply.

Investigating the breach

Julie Sharman, our chief operating officer, said:

• Residents and businesses in Penmachno, a rural Welsh village in the valleys of Eryri National Park, are no longer cut off from the outside world after EE becomes the UK’s first operator to deliver mobile coverage to the community.
• Until recently, Penmachno’s 600 residents were living in the ‘forgotten’ four percent of the UK that had no reliable mobile signal from any operator.
• EE’s connectivity is now being used to improve safety for residents and tourists, provide access to critical online services, and boost the local economy.

27th January 2026: Residents and businesses in the scenic Welsh village of Penmachno are celebrating the start of a new, connected era after EE became the first UK operator to deliver reliable mobile connectivity to the community.

Situated in the Machno Valley, a few miles south of Betws-y-Coed, the village is steeped in centuries of rich history with a strong farming community and 30 kilometres of renowned mountain bike trails. However, its 600 residents were, until recently, living in part of the ‘forgotten’ four percent of the UK that is without reliable mobile signal from any operator. ¹

Living in one of the UK’s last remaining mobile not-spots left the community isolated for many years, with residents having to travel to nearby villages to make phone calls, struggling with organising home deliveries of food and medication, and left stuck with restricted access to secure online banking and other digital services.

That has all changed now. EE, with the support of Bro Machno Community Council, has discreetly built a new mobile mast at the edge of a forest on the slopes of the Machno Valley, providing fast and reliable 4G connectivity to the village, as well as critical signal for the emergency services as part of the Home Office’s Emergency Services Network. ²

“We’ve always been 100 percent behind the mast and that has helped our journey to where we are today, with a mast in the forest and signal for everybody,” said Daniel Tomos, Clerk of Bro Machno Community Council.

Greg McCall, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group, added:

“As part of our work to connect the unconnected, we’re going further and faster than anyone else to ensure every rural community in the UK has the reliable connectivity they need. There is more to do to completely eradicate the UK’s digital divide but our collaboration with the local residents of Penmachno is a shining example of what can be achieved when mobile operators and communities work together to tackle the issue head on.”

Connected and protected

Being in the heart of Eryri National Park means Penmachno attracts a lot of tourists, including hikers and mountain bikers. Residents David and Emma Dallimore, who regularly ride Penmachno’s mountain bike trails, believe the additional safety offered by reliable mobile signal will encourage more people to visit the area:

“Safety was quite a concern for people coming into the area because there was no mobile reception. If people were injured, particularly if they were out riding on their own, there was no way of getting hold of anyone to help.  The fact it is now safer is a very good thing for all of us.”

They are also excited about how the new mobile connectivity will enable them to use more sustainable technology, including a smart meter and EV charging point:

“There are people that we know in the village that have got mobile reception for the very first time and are chuffed to bits. It’s important for mobile operators to come to places like this and offer what the rest of the country has, as it enables us to contribute and live and work in the way people in more urban areas can.”

Full bars under the stars

Paul Huckstep is co-owner of Benar Cottages, a local holiday-let business offering luxurious stays in 16th century cottages overlooking the surrounding valley. The new mobile connectivity is having a positive impact on his customers, many of whom come to explore Penmachno’s forest and river walks, as well as its natural scenery.

“Now that we’ve got the mobile mast, it will make running our business easier. In the past we have had guests leave us negative reviews because of the lack of mobile phone service, but now all that has gone away. Guests can arrive, open their phones when they get here, find out where they are staying on-site, and keep in contact with everyone they need to,” he said.

Future-fit connectivity for future generations

The new mast in Penmachno is part of EE’s ongoing work to help close the UK’s digital divide so rural communities can thrive in the modern age and attract future generations to live and work in countryside communities.

Owen Davis is a father of four and has lived in Penmachno for more than 25 years. He said:

“Having a mobile network here in the village is making an immediate difference to everyone who lives here, helping them feel that they have the same opportunities as other places. When I think of my family and particularly my younger children, it’s reassuring to be able to track them using tools like Find my iPhone and just know where they are, as we don’t want to restrict them when we live in such a lovely area.”

Owen is also a co-ordinator for Penmachno’s new Community Hub – the village’s old memorial hall which has been renovated into a vibrant and modern community space running events, fitness classes, and skills sessions for all ages.  

He believes the new connectivity will also help support the local economy while bringing the tight-knit community even closer together:

“One of the opportunities we’re exploring with the Community Hub is starting a monthly local producer’s market, for people to sell their eggs and fresh vegetables. The opportunity to be able to use the mobile signal to take online card payments will be a benefit to us.”

Research from analysts at Farrpoint examining the impact of mobile connectivity in Trawsfynydd, which is a 30-minute drive from Penmachno, shows that 4G signal from a single EE mast can deliver up to £383,000 in economic value to rural Welsh communities over its lifetime.

EE’s investment has seen it expand and strengthen its network in more than 1,800 rural locations across the UK in the last five years, including some of the most remote and hard-to-reach communities – taking its mobile coverage in Wales to record levels, with reliable signal now covering more than 90% of the country’s landmass.

Feature image: David and Emma Dallimore, Penmachno Residents

Hafren Dyfrdwy is urging customers not to become “Traitors” to their pipes and follow advice that could help to protect their homes. 

As the popular BBC television show, The Traitors, comes to its tense grand finale this week, the water and waste company is highlighting everyday household items that can pose as innocent “Faithfuls”, but can quickly turn into silent saboteurs of the sewers, drains and pipes. 

To help customers stay one step ahead, Hafren Dyfrdwy is sharing practical tips that can “banish” bad habits throughout the home, protecting them from costly blockages while helping to save water at the same time.  

By making just a few small changes, households can help keep the sewer network running smoothly and avoid the unpleasant fallout of blocked pipes. 

Top tips for customers to think about include: 

1. Remember only the faithful three: 

• Only flush pee, poo and (toilet) paper – nothing else! Wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary products belong in the bin  

2. Be a Binner, Not a Blocker  

• Scrape leftover fats and oils into a container and pop them in the bin – not down the sink  

• Use kitchen roll to soak up grease from pans before washing up  

3. Bin the Wipes  

• Even ‘flushable’ wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. Keep a bathroom bin handy and toss them there instead  

4. Make Water-Saving Resolutions  

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth – it can save up to 6 litres a minute  

• Fix dripping taps – one drip per second can waste over 5,000 litres a year  

• Shorten your shower by just one minute – every drop counts  

Grant Mitchell, Blockages Lead for Hafren Dyfrdwy, said: 

Howard Perry, Network Operations Lead for Leakage, added: 

Hafren Dyfrdwy provides a water only service in Wrexham and parts of Denbighshire and Flintshire and both a water and wastewater service in Powys.     

Further information on how the home can be prepared for winter can be found here.

A litter pick was recently held to reduce the impact of littering on Prestatyn beach towards localised flooding and the surrounding environment.

Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team orgainsed the event and with the support of local volunteers tackled the beach areas near the East Nova car park.

Marine litter can block up waterways and drainage, obstructing water flow and causing localised flooding further upstream.

By removing the marine litter more help is provided to the area’s natural defences. Cleaner beaches and healthy coastal environments including dunes and seagrass beds are more able to maintain their natural function as defences against the sea.

Twenty-six volunteers managed to collect 22 bags of litter from the beach and surrounding area on the day. Keep Wales Tidy also provided some of the litter picking equipment used at the event.

Claudia Smith, Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Officer, said:

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added:

Cardiff researchers team with BAFTA-Cymru winning cinematographer on film project about migration, architectural and urban histories, and intercultural heritage.

Chinese restaurants are a mainstay of nearly every Welsh city, town, and village – but what can they tell us about the people who work and dine in them?

New research led by Cardiff University is exploring the stories behind these popular spaces.

The team, in collaboration with BAFTA Cymru award-winning cinematographer Keefa Chan, will produce a film revealing stories of migration, family connections, cuisine cultures, and how these spaces have shaped neighbourhoods and communities.

The feature will challenge stereotypes and prejudice, by instead helping to highlight nuances and diversity within the Chinese diaspora community, according to the researchers.

Project lead Dr Lui (Radium) Tam from the Welsh School of Architecture, said:

Focusing on Cardiff, Swansea, and Cwmbran, the team will interview people who have managed and dined in these spaces over many decades.

The work, funded through the Welsh Crucible programme, will capture the stories via a dining interview format filmed in different restaurants across the South Wales cities and town. 

Dr Helena Lopes, from the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, said:

For cinematographer Keefa Chan, documenting these spaces transcends architectural study; it is a philosophical pursuit through the lens. He frames each restaurant as a vessel of quiet history, seeking the subtle textures of displacement and the enduring silhouette of colonialism upon community life. 

For Chan, this inquiry is intimate. His own identity was shaped within the sanctuary of his family’s Chinese takeaway, a refuge forged after escaping the aftermath of the French colonial and American wars in Vietnam. 

The project will involve local Chinese restaurants and the broader community through the spring, leading to a celebration event in the summer of 2026.

The gathering will be a chance to savour the many flavours of China in Wales through both a film screening and a Chinese feast.

Carers UK and Standard Life have joined forces to launch the first ever UK-wide Power of Attorney Day which will take place on Wednesday 22 April 2026. The initiative aims to raise awareness and understanding of powers of attorney and to encourage more people to put them in place. 

Despite the importance of powers of attorney, many people delay setting them up due to myths and misconceptions about what they are and how they work.  

This campaign will tackle these misunderstandings and highlight how having power of attorney can make a vital difference, particularly for the 5.8 million unpaid carers across the UK who support someone who is seriously ill, older, or disabled. 

A power of attorney is a legal document that can ensure a person’s wishes are respected, should they be in a position where they are no longer able to express this directly. For carers, having power of attorney in place can provide clarity and avoid stressful decision-making during difficult emergency situations.  

In England and Wales, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows an individual to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf. Anyone aged 18 or over can set up an LPA, but it must be done while they still have mental capacity to make their own decisions. There are two main types of LPA: 

• Health and Welfare – covering decisions about medical treatment, care, and daily living 
• Property and Financial Affairs – covering decisions about money, bills, and property 

In Scotland this is called Power of Attorney (PoA) and in Northern Ireland this is called Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). Having these in place provides reassurance and peace of mind, reducing additional stress during challenging times.  

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said:  

Cath Sermon, Head of Public Engagement and Campaigns at the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement, said: 

To find out more about our Power of Attorney Day, visit powerofattorneyday.org.uk  

For more information about Power of Attorney and how to make one visit: www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

North Wales Housing Association’s Assistant Director of Homes, Ruth Lanham-Wright, has been newly appointed to the board of Community Housing Cymru’s (CHC).

Ruth will officially join the CHC board next month for her first meeting after her appointment was confirmed in December.

Community Housing Cymru is the representative body for housing associations in Wales, acting as the collective voice of 30 not-for-profit housing associations that provide almost 174,000 homes to 10% of the Welsh population.

Ruth said:

Ruth brings a wealth of experience to the board having held various roles within the housing sector, and beyond. This breadth of experience gives her a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing social housing in Wales.

She added:

Cardiff dairy farmer Abi Reader has been unanimously elected as the new President of NFU Cymru.

Supporting Abi in her new role will be livestock farmer Paul Williams of Nebo, Clwyd who was elected as the new Deputy President of the union.

The duo were elected at a meeting of NFU Cymru Council in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday 20th January.

New NFU Cymru President Abi Reader is a third-generation farmer, farming dairy, sheep and arable at Goldsland Farm in partnership with her parents and uncle in Wenvoe, just outside Cardiff.

A passionate advocate for promoting food and farming to the next generation and the wider public, Abi is a co-founder of the Cows on Tour movement and regularly engages with schoolchildren both on farm and in classrooms. A former NFU Cymru Wales Woman Farmer of the Year, she was honoured by the Queen with an MBE in 2019 for her services to agriculture.

Abi first became involved with NFU Cymru in 2012, taking up a vacancy for the position of NFU Cymru Vice County Chair just six months later. During her time in the union fold, Abi has served as NFU Cymru Glamorgan County Chair, NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chair and for the last four years has served as NFU Cymru Deputy President. Abi replaces outgoing NFU Cymru President Aled Jones, who decided not to stand for re-election after a long and distinguished career with the union.

Speaking on her aspirations for her time as President of NFU Cymru, Abi Reader said:

New NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams farms beef and sheep at Cae Haidd, Nebo, near Llanrwst in partnership with his wife Dwynwen and their three children. Paul has been an active NFU Cymru member for over 20 years and has previously served as NFU Cymru Clwyd County Chairman. He was instrumental in the iconic display of 5,500 pairs of wellingtons laid outside the Senedd in 2023 to show the industry’s opposition to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme framework at the time.

Speaking after his election, NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams said:

Feature image: New NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams and new NFU Cymru President Abi Reader

Hafren Dyfrdwy and a range of local organisations are once again joining forces to host free community drop-in sessions, giving people the chance to access advice and support all under one roof. 

The Support in the Community events will return in January and February, offering a welcoming space for anyone looking for guidance on everything from energy bills and wellbeing services to housing and financial advice. 

These free events are open to everyone and will feature a wide range of partners ready to offer friendly conversation and practical help. Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with organisations such as Age Cymru Powys, Warm Wales, Severn Wye, Powys County Council, Ponthafren, Cyfle Cymru, NERS, Job Centre Plus and Wrexham Council.

The three new dates are:  

• Tuesday, January 20^th – Ty Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham, LL13 8BB
• Tuesday, January 27^th –Welshpool Town Hall, 42 Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 7JQ  
• Tuesday, February 3^rd – Hafan Yr Afon, Back Lane, Newtown, SY16 2NH 

Each event will run from 10am to 2pm and is designed to be informative and accessible, helping people discover what support is available in their local area. 

Lucy Bates, Hafren Dyfrdwy Community Connector, said: 

Visit: www.hdcymru.co.uk

“Snow stopped play on Friday and although other areas of the country fared far worse, the effects of Storm Goretti brought us different conditions each day: Friday snow; Saturday frosty but bright; Sunday cold, damp and breezy”. Said Restoration project manager, Tom Fulda.

Overnight snow on Thursday came with Met Office amber warnings for large parts of the country. The Friday work party was abandoned apart from four volunteers in the locality who made it to site in the afternoon for some housekeeping and prep jobs. Continued significant rainfall since the December work party kept the channel south of Schoolhouse Bridge out of bounds, but thankfully, plant activities in the channel north of the bridge remained possible, though muddy. However, most volunteers retreated to higher ground and more great progress on towpath and hedging works was achieved.

Continuing on from last month’s work on the towpath in Phase 3, the remaining 100 metres of base layer aggregate 3 was completed and compacted. Attention then turned to laying and compacting aggregate up to the top of the boards. With three deliveries of aggregate squeezed into the compound since last month, there was no risk of running out of material. Due to prolonged rainfall, it was wet and claggy making raking it even both hard work and somewhat ineffective. Instead, it was manually levelled between the boards. Thank you, Josh. Working, from the far end at Malthouse Bridge back to the compound 175 metres has now been completed, half the length required. Completing the job will become progressively quicker and easier as the distance from the compound reduces.

In Phase 2, north of the compound, a mini digger was used to level off the towpath area which greatly simplified the task of installing the towpath boards. By the end of the work party, 65 metres of boards has been laid in readiness for filling with aggregate.

Channel profiling continued in Phase 2, also in readiness for lining and blocking to commence when weather conditions permit.

Hedge laying and planting whip in gaps continued in Phase 2. Brash and arisings from both the hedge works and overhanging branches on the off-side bank were removed and burned. Also in Phase 2, several ash trees by overhead power lines were removed by Scottish Power Energy Networks contractors before Christmas as they were suffering die-back. A number of logs and trunks were left in the channel for volunteers and locals to help themselves.

Despite the cold weather and some being snowed in, there was no shortage of volunteers, and much was achieved. Fresh air is the common theme, but activities are as diverse as the volunteers – there is something for everyone, just come suitably dressed.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Shropshire Union Canal Society or donating to help us along the way, please go to shropshireunion.org.uk/membership.

• Welshpool confirmed as the start of stage three of the men’s Tour de France, with the route passing through key valleys in south Wales before finishing in Cardiff
• Start and finish locations announced for 2027 Grand Départs in the UK
• ‘Yellow Line’ illumination links all 10 host towns and cities across the UK
• ‘Joy’ social impact programme launched to tackle three core missions

Welshpool has been confirmed tonight as the starting point of the third UK stage of the 2027 Tour de France, as organisers revealed the start and finish locations for the historic men’s and women’s Grand Départs.

The announcement highlights Wales’ central role in the 2027 Tour de France, with stage three of the men’s race starting in Powys and finishing in Cardiff on Sunday 4 July 2027, passing through some of the region’s most scenic and challenging climbs, including the Côte de Rhigos and Côte de Caerffili in the final kilometres.

The announcement reveals the full UK routes, with the men’s Tour de France set to begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with an opening stage heading to Carlisle, before visiting Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.

The 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will start in Leeds on Friday 30 July 2027, before crossing the Pennines to Manchester, then returning to Sheffield via the climbs of the Peak District before concluding with a showpiece stage in London.

To celebrate the moment, Cardiff Castle and all 9 other start and finish locations were lit up simultaneously tonight, with a yellow beam sent up into the night’s sky.

Leeds Civic Hall – close to the Headrow, the start location for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift – was transformed into a striking canvas, celebrating past British Grand Départs and revealing all six UK stages for the first time, as they wind their way across the country.

From the castles of Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Powis, to the Moot Hall in Keswick, across the iconic Liverpool waterfront and the London skyline, the coordinated yellow beams celebrated each region’s role in welcoming the Grand Départ while uniting the UK in one national moment of anticipation ahead of 2027.

Alongside the host venues, first details of Joy, the social impact programme that will embed community impact at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ was announced, while British Cycling also confirmed that 7,000 volunteers will be recruited to support the delivery of the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event.

Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales:

Christian Prudhomme, Director, Tour de France (ASO):

Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said:

Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth:

Simon Morton, Director of Events, UK Sport:

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, British Cycling:

Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027:

Social impact

Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ, that aims to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, support communities to thrive, and to make Britain more productive and prosperous.

Six core programmes will be rolled out across the home nations, with organisers working collaboratively with governments, local councils, core delivery partners and community

representatives to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, break down barriers for girls in sport, and to showcase community culture through the voices of Britain.

Additionally, British Cycling will look to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers for the Grand Départ, inviting people across the UK to play a hands-on role in delivering the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. Thousands of opportunities will be available across route operations, spectator support and community engagement, offering people of all ages the chance to be part of Tour history, with more details to be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.

To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit letourgb.com

Pupils have rolled up their sleeves to experience creating a new habitat to help nature on their school grounds.

Guided by Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity and Countryside Service team members, Ysgol Llywelyn pupils have helped plant over 700 trees of varied species.

This work is funded by the UK Government through the 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has granted Denbighshire County Council £278,600 for nature recovery works across the county.

Supported by the Council staff, pupils have helped plant hedgerows and standard trees on the school grounds.

Varieties of trees planted included alder, downy birch, bird cherry, field maple, holly and cherry plum.

Hazel trees planted by the pupils, once established, will help the children learn how this species provides food for moths, butterflies and shelter for ground-nesting birds such as the willow warblers and yellowhammers.

The youngsters will also learn how the hazel trees provide a valuable source of early pollen for bees and the nuts provide food for small mammal species including squirrels and most notably the Hazel Dormouse which is named for its association with this tree species.

Hawthorn trees, also planted by pupils to make up the majority of the habitat, will support pollinators through its nectar rich flowers and its berries will provide food for birds.

Seventeen fruit trees were also planted to create a school orchard. The fruit trees were all local provenance Welsh heritage varieties, including the Rhyl Beauty apple and Denbigh plum, to help conserve these rare local species in their area of origin for cultural importance as well as biodiversity.

The habitat creation not only gives the pupils an area to learn about local nature but will also create an area that will contribute to the lowering of carbon emissions locally thanks to extra trees in the ground.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said:

North Wales Housing (NWH) has become the first registered social landlord in North Wales to sign up to the region’s Healthy Travel Charter, marking a significant commitment to promoting healthier and more sustainable travel.

Work to mobilise the Charter is led by the three public services boards (Anglesey and Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire, and Wrexham and Flintshire) and their individual member organisations.

By signing the Charter, North Wales Housing is pledging to support greener transport choices, recognising the benefits not only for the environment, but also for health and wellbeing.

Over the next two years, NWH will take practical steps to encourage staff, residents and visitors to walk and cycle more, use public transport, and make the transition to electric vehicles. These actions will help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and support healthier communities.

The Charter was signed at an event hosted by Helena Kirk, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing, who welcomed Chief Executives from registered social landlords across North Wales.

Attendees heard presentations from Healthy Travel Wales, delivered by Adelle Stopher, Senior Public Health Practitioner at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and and Charlie Gordon, Project Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Cymru.

Helena Kirk, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing, said:

She added that, as part of signing up to the Charter, North Wales Housing has completed a self-assessment of its current position, which will be reviewed again in two years to measure progress.

Dr Tom Porter, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and lead for the Healthy Travel Charters, said:

The North Wales Healthy Travel Charter can be viewed here.

The famous invitation club, founded 99 years ago by Mountain Ash’s Jimmy Austin, stayed true to its traditions when it outran the College side six tries to four – at Llandovery RFC’s Church Bank artificial surface writes Huw S Thomas

The club which celebrates its centenary in 2027 continues to give up and coming schoolboys and students “the opportunity to play without restriction in the best spirit of the game”  with many of its players going on to achieve the highest honours in the game – for Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

There was a minute’s silence to mourn the recent death of one of the club’s great stalwarts, Wynne Oliver, whose unstinting work as Honorary Secretary to Welsh Schools Intermediate Group 1996-2003 was without equal.

It is doubtful whether even the very astute Oliver would have spotted a future Gerald Davies, Keith Rowlands, John Dawes or Billy Raybould in the team brought together by the Accies Fixture Secretary – the former London Welsh and Wales centre Keith Hughes – but there was promise galore on both sides.

The College were missing their star player and fly half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones – more involved with the Scarlets than his school these days – and also gave chances to some up and coming young players.

The Accies squad was drawn from 15 different schools and colleges – 12 from Wales plus those from Clifton College, Filton College and Hurstpierpoint College in Sussex.

But it was Coleg Y Cymoedd full back Jack Piontecki who really caught the eye with a stunning run from 60 metres, slaloming past desperate tacklers for the try of the day.

There was pace on the wings in Josh Greyling (Llandaf Cathedral) ) and Zac Williams (Bridgend College), creativity in the centre from Eddie Hemingway (Hurstpierpoint) and muscle up front in the shape of lock and skipper Evan Davies (Whitchurch HS).

The Lilywhites were never in the lead but kept fighting all the way, finally outdone by the superior speed of the Accies backs and by a sharper response in the loose.

The College had a fine full back Evan Jones whose break put in scrum half Reuben Slade-Jones at the posts.

No 8 Albie Redpath along with locks Noah Brayley and Luke Bryant also had big games in a tussle that was only settled in the last 10 minutes.

Mercifully, neither side relied on the all too monotonous box kick as a point of attack and although there was the inevitable rolling maul try from a close range  line out, play was largely open and adventurous in intent.

Hookers Ioan Evans (Christ College) and Zac Robbins swapped early tries before Piontecki lit up the gloom of a winter’s day with his brilliant score.

Zac Williams with a try and two conversions gave the visitors a 19-5 lead before scrum half Slade-Jones brought it back to 19-12 at the break.

Replacement Alfie James’s converted try tied the scores and only desperate cover denied the burly but quick Evan Jones from nosing the College in front.

The rhythm of the game was affected by a lot of leg and hamstring injuries on the 3G pitch but uncontested scrums gave the Accies the extra room their backs craved for.

Greyling showed first speed and then strength for a brace of tries before flanker Josh Das was put in by schoolmate Hemingway to make the 500 mile round trip worthwhile for the Sussex boys.

Replacement Euan Amyett- Leir gave the Lilywhites the last word in the final play of an entertaining day of rugby.

Llandovery College

Tries : Z Robbins, R Slade-Jones, A James, E Amyett-Leir
Cons: R Lewis, E Davies

 Welsh Academicals

Tries: J Greyling (2), J Das, I Evans, J Piontecki, Z Williams
Cons: Z Williams (2)

GlobalWelsh is proud to announce ScoutsCymru as its Charity Partner of the Year for 2026. The partnership brings together two organisations united by a shared mission: to connect Wales to the world, empower people at every stage of life, and strengthen communities at home and abroad.

ScoutsCymru supports young people aged 4–25 from all backgrounds across Wales in building skills, confidence and resilience through adventure. As the national body for Scouting in Wales, it provides a safe, inclusive, youth-led movement where young people shape decisions, develop leadership skills and turn their ideas into action. Through practical experiences, teamwork and shared values, ScoutsCymru supports young people to make a positive difference in their communities, schools and workplaces.

As part of the global Scouting movement spanning more than 200 countries and territories, ScoutsCymru also provides young people with the opportunity to experience life-changing international experiences. These opportunities encourage global citizenship, cultural exchange and leadership, while showcasing Wales’s values and identity on the world stage.

This global outlook strongly aligns with GlobalWelsh’s belief in the power of connection, opportunity and lifelong skills to drive positive change for Wales and its people, and in amplifying the voices of the next generation of Welsh leaders, innovators and changemakers.

Walter May, CEO of GlobalWelsh, said:

The partnership will focus on raising awareness of ScoutsCymru’s work, supporting fundraising initiatives and creating opportunities for young people to connect with Wales’s global diaspora.

Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of ScoutsCymru, said:

Throughout 2026, GlobalWelsh and ScoutsCymru will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including awareness-raising campaigns, fundraising activity and community engagement. Together, they aim to inspire pride in Wales, strengthen global connections and help ensure more young people can access the life-changing opportunities that Scouting provides, at home and around the world.

Find out more about SCOUTSCYMRU and GLOBALWELSH

New research has uncovered how Wales sustains a little-known commercial moss picking industry.

The study, conducted by researchers at Bangor University and the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia, analysed the factors affecting its sustainability as an established small-scale forest activity helping farmers diversify their income.  

Their academic paper, published in Small-scale Forestry, warned the delicate ecosystem supporting the trade could become fragile if overlooked in potential policy restrictions.

Focusing on moss pickers in Mid-Wales, the study noted that they had limited formal knowledge of the species of moss and instead relied on accumulated experience of how it responds to being picked. By doing this they were able to ensure their practices encouraged moss regrowth and their businesses remained sustainable. 

Dr Jenny Wong, Honorary Lecturer at Bangor University said:

Moss has been historically collected from the wild for the floral industry, mainly funeral wreathes. It was also used as medical dressings in World War I.

In Wales, moss enterprises date back to at least the 1950s. Currently fresh moss is mainly used for wreaths and floral arrangements and in specialist horticulture and sold directly to the public in garden centres and online. 

While this activity is in decline, its relevance relies in its historical importance for Welsh rural households and its future potential within bioeconomic and rural development strategies. 

Moss is an international traded commodity and UK-harvested moss is in competition with supplies from New Zealand. Moss from Wales has a competitive advantage in UK and European markets as it is fresh this formerly supported a sizable trade in moss.

With recent snow and freezing temperatures across Powys, local charity Age Cymru Powys has boosted its Home Energy service to help more older residents battling to keep warm. The dedicated older people’s organisation has appointed two new Home Energy Officers, David Steer and Andrew Richards, joining existing officer Steve Cadwallader-Jones, to meet increased demand.

David brings extensive experience from his many years working with Dyfed-Powys Police, while Andrew has a strong background with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Both bring a wealth of practical skills, local knowledge, and a focus on safety to the Home Energy service.

Gail Colbridge, Chief Officer of Age Cymru Powys, said:

The free Home Energy service is available to all Powys residents aged 65+ who own their homes or rent, whether privately or in social housing.

The service helps those finding it difficult to keep their homes warm, including people struggling with high energy bills, health conditions, fuel debt, or difficulty using heating controls.

The Home Energy Officers can visit your home to:

• Assess your heating patterns, health needs, and home environment
• Install simple, effective energy-saving measures for you, such as draught excluders around doors and windows, radiator reflector panels, low-energy lighting, cold alarms
• Provide practical advice and useful guides on keeping warm and saving energy tailored to your needs
• Coordinate additional services to support you eg Cost-of-Living help or accessing new heating systems according to eligibility

David Steer, Home Energy Officer, said:

Andrew Richards, Home Energy Officer, added:

Alys, 65, in Machynlleth, said:

Age Cymru Powys encourages older residents to get in touch now to book their home visit. Family, friends, carers, and professionals can also refer older residents who may benefit from the service.

To book a free Home Energy visit or make a referral, contact Age Cymru Powys:

Age Cymru Powys, Old Warehouse, Parker’s Lane, Newtown, Powys SY16 2LT
Call: 01686 623707 | Email: enquiries@acpowys.org.uk  | Website: www.agecymru.org.uk/powys

A St Asaph nature site has received further support to help boost its biodiversity heading into the 2026’s spring and summer seasons.

Denbighshire County Council’s Climate team, Countryside Services and volunteers joined together to help plant 150 additional trees at the Glan Elwy Community Nature Space.

The site was created in 2024 as part of the Council’s Woodland Creation Project which received £800,000 from the UK Government through the 2023-25 UK Shared Prosperity Fund for this and other similar developments in the county.

Glan Elwy provides stronger habitat spaces for nature as well as improved access and facilities for residents young and old to enjoy. It provides an opportunity to observe and learn about local wildlife, especially from the purpose-built viewing platform located next to the public footpath.

St Asaph City football club youth teams and Elwy Care Group helped originally plant nearly 2,000 trees on the site alongside council officers and other volunteers.

The new trees planted in December supplement the 2024 stock, taking account of continuous monitoring and aftercare by Countryside Rangers through the year, and include replacements for some trees that unfortunately did not survive the long periods of exceptionally dry weather faced by the UK in Spring and Summer. The additional trees received funding from the UK Government through the 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has granted Denbighshire County Council £278,600 for nature recovery works across the county.

The winter maintenance work has allowed the opportunity to look at new planting areas on the site and introduce different species and varieties of trees to increase resilience against any future drought conditions.

Countryside Ranger Matt Winstanley who is managing the development of the site explained:

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity champion added:

Work has started to open up a stretch of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

The section of waterway in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, will be cleared of weeds and silt thanks to £65k from the Members’ Choice Fund.

A large fallen tree which crosses the stretch between the Five Locks Flight and Mount Pleasant Road will also be removed.

It’s hoped the work will encourage more people to use that section of the canal for walking and cycling and facilitate future uses on and around the canal in vicinity.

Work will take place between Monday 8 December and will be completed by the end of January 2026. The canal towpath will remain open during the work.

Cllr Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said:

A breach on the Llangollen Canal near New Mills Lift Bridge, Whitchurch, happened in the early hours of 22 December.

A distressing incident

The incident has been highly distressing for the boat owners affected, with footage online showing the situation unfolding. Heartbreakingly, two boats were washed into the breach hole.

Initially, a further boat, narrowboat Pacemaker, was precariously hanging over the breach hole but Trust colleagues were able to ensure it was saved, using a specialist ‘tracked’ winch bought in from Leicestershire to haul it away from the edge, at around 10pm on 23 December.

Dams put in by the Trust either side of the breach site meant that six further boats, initially grounded on the canal bed after the water beneath them ran out of the canal, were able to be carefully refloated on Christmas Eve.

Engineers and the local canal team have been on site over Christmas and New Year working to ensure that pipes and pumps are in place to safeguard a continued flow of water around the breach site so boats downstream are kept afloat. This is also important because of the role the Llangollen Canal (along with others across the UK) plays today in moving fresh water for public water supply.

Engineers have started investigations into the likely cause of the breach. Speaking from site on Friday 2 January, chief operating officer Julie Sharman said that the cause of earth embankment failures is not always clear. They can be complex structures, and whilst there are a number of possibilities as to what might be the cause, it is still too early to be certain. Julie also confirmed that repairs would take much of the year and cost several million pounds.

Recovering the remaining boats

This week attention will turn to recovering the three remaining boats: narrowboat Pacemaker, winched away from the breach hole before Christmas, and narrowboats Sefton and Ganymede which were washed into the breach hole.

Pacemaker will be refloated by winching the boat into a section of dry canal before installing a dam and refloating it with canal water.

Sefton and Ganymede are also likely to be winched from the breach site before they are assessed and hopefully refloated. Before that is possible, the Trust will need to bring in an excavator and carefully reprofile the steep side of the breach hole so that there is a gradual slope that the boats can be winched along.

Julie comments:

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Canal & River Trust, comments:

EPSRC Open Plus Fellowship helps researcher develop innovative catalysts and champion equality, diversity and inclusion

Researchers at Cardiff University are developing new catalysts for sustainable manufacturing processes that could accelerate efforts to combat climate change.

The team, led by Professor Stuart Taylor from the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI) in the School of Chemistry, aims to create innovative catalysts which can convert carbon dioxide—a major greenhouse gas—into useful fuels and chemicals.

His research, enabled by an Open Plus Fellowship award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), supports the UK’s ambitions toward net-zero carbon emissions and a sustainable circular economy, he says.

Professor Taylor’s work challenges traditional thinking in catalyst design.

Instead of relying on highly ordered crystalline materials, his team will harness disordered solid-state precursors created using advanced techniques such as supercritical antisolvent precipitation. These precursors can be transformed into highly active catalysts, offering new opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The team will work collaboratively with experts across the UK and internationally, and also closely with industrial partners including Johnson Matthey, Drochaid Research, and Green Fuels, ensuring that discoveries could move rapidly from the lab to real-world applications.

Dr Cathy Dwyer, Managing Director of Drochaid Research, said:

Championing inclusivity in science

Professor Taylor’s award is the first time a Cardiff University researcher has secured this highly competitive Fellowship.

Unique in its focus on high level science support, it also offers the opportunity to champion under-represented groups within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

This is something that is close to the heart of Professor Taylor who, in the early stages of his academic career became registered blind. The transition continues to present challenges, he says, though it is not something he views as a hindrance but instead a source of motivation to focus on what he can achieve.

He hopes to impart a similar ethos in the next generation of researchers by leading initiatives to make science more accessible for underrepresented groups, particularly those with visual impairments, creating opportunities for young learners and promoting inclusive practices across academia and industry.

Feature image: Professor Stuart Taylor’s award is the first time a Cardiff University researcher has secured this highly competitive Fellowship, which couples high level science support, with the opportunity to champion under-represented groups in STEM.

British Wool, in collaboration with the National Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), CFfl Cymru/Wales YFC and Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club (SAYFC) is proud to launch ‘Ewe and Your View’ an exciting new competition designed to give young farmers a platform to share their voice.

The competition is open to YFC members aged 18–30 and invites young farmers to create a short video of up to two minutes exploring their thoughts and experiences within the wool industry.

Entrants can choose from a range of engaging themes, including what British Wool (the organisation) means to them, how the shearing course discount supports young farmers, ways to promote British Wool to the next generation, or why supporting the wool industry is so important. These topics encourage creativity while highlighting the vital role wool plays in British farming and rural life.

Participants may enter more than one video, giving them multiple opportunities to showcase passion, pride, and innovation within the agricultural community.

The competition launches on Wednesday, 7th January, providing young farmers with an opportunity to plan, film, and submit their entries. The closing date for entries is Friday, 23rd January, and all entries will be judged during the week commencing 26th January. Winners will be announced in the week commencing 2nd February via British Wool’s farm social media channels.

Entries will be judged by Cammy Wilson of The Sheep Game and Emily Ashworth from Farmers Guardian, both respected voices in UK agriculture with experience in social media and digital communication.

On being asked to judge the competition, Emily said:

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement, said:

For those successful in the ‘Ewe and your View’ competition, the overall winner will receive a cash prize, while other standout entries will receive a free place on one of British Wool’s shearing courses. 

Successful entries will also be featured across British Wool’s social media channels, offering valuable exposure within the industry.

Research to help reduce inflammation in the uterus of livestock animals could help pave the way for developing new drugs to treat infertility in women, according to a new scientific review. 

Using best ethical practice, scientists at Aberystwyth University have been exploring new ways of treating endometritis in sheep, cattle and other farm animals.

Endometritis causes inflammation in the uterus, bringing discomfort to the animal as well as affecting future fertility and production.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that endometritis can also be an important cause of infertility in women.

Researchers hope the recommendations and the knowledge gaps identified in the review paper will help inform understanding among clinical staff treating women with the condition, as well as lead to the development of effective drugs. 

Their findings have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature Reviews Immunology. 

Dr Debbie Nash from the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: 

Dr Nash is currently working with two Welsh-based companies to develop potential products for treating endometritis.

The review of the research by Dr Nash and Joanna L Giles from the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University is published in full in Nature Reviews Immunology (2025):
doi.org/10.1038/s41577-025-01200-2

Strengthening mobile networks and tackling digital communications challenges will be top of the agenda for the recently launched North Wales Regional Telecoms Forum. Its first meeting took place in December, marking a positive milestone in efforts to improve connectivity and promote the region’s digital transformation. 

The new forum brings local authorities, government, industry leaders, emergency services, telecoms and transport operators, and Eryri National Park together to help shape the future of mobile and broadband infrastructure in North Wales. It aims to remove investment barriers, streamline planning processes and simplify engagement with industry to maximise the impact of funding from both public and private sectors. Ultimately the goal is to make North Wales a more attractive destination for digital investment. 

The first session was chaired by Alwen Williams, Chief Executive of Ambition North Wales, who shared her vision for the role the organisation – as the region’s Corporate Joint Committee, would play in supporting the Forum and promoting the mobile industry. Members were also given an insight into the 25-year North Wales Strategic Development Plan and how it will support national planning policy and Local Development Plans, highlighting opportunities for industry engagement with major developments across the region.  

Alwen Williams said: 

The initiative is part of the wider North Wales Growth Deal Digital Connectivity Programme, which focuses on delivering quality, affordable digital access across the region. It will work alongside other major Growth Deal projects, including Connected Key Sites, which address mobile coverage and low power wide area networks, particularly in areas of strategic economic importance. 

Niall Waller, Service Manager – Enterprise and Regeneration, Flintshire County Council and Senior Responsible Owner for the Ambition North Wales 4G+ project, said: 

The Forum will come together on a quarterly basis, with this first meeting signalling the beginning of a coordinated programme of work, with plans to improve mobile coverage and accelerate 4G and 5G rollout across North Wales. Public and private sector organisations are expected to contribute to this process, which will focus on practical measures to overcome connectivity challenges at key sites, strengthen digital infrastructure, and support long-term economic growth across the region. 

If you would like to discuss the Regional Telecoms Forum with the Digital Programme Team, please send them an initial email at digital@ambitionnorth.wales

Feature image: Alwen Williams, Chief Executive, Ambition North Wales

1 January 2026, is the centenary of landmark legislation which, for the first time, created a right to walk and ride on significant areas of common land in town and country. This law was largely thanks to the Open Spaces Society (then the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society), Britain’s leading campaigning organisation for commons. 

On this day 100 years ago section 193 of the Law of Property Act 1925 came into effect in England and Wales. It granted the public ‘rights of access for air and exercise’ to metropolitan commons and commons in a former borough or urban district, about one-third of the total area of common land (i.e. about half a million acres).

Some of the old urban districts were very extensive and included many rural commons. Thus people were granted rights to wild, mountainous commons, such as Langdale Fell and Grasmere Common in the Lake District because they happened to lie in the former Lakes Urban District.

The Act also enabled landowners to dedicate a revocable or irrevocable right of public access over other commons. By 1963 there were deeds covering 187 square miles.  About 100 square miles of these are the commons in Wales dedicated, on the Open Spaces Society’s initiative, by the Crown Estate Commissioners in 1932. These cover a wide variety of landscapes, such as 2,000 acres on Pumlumon (Plynlimon) on the border of Ceredigion and Powys, and 2,000 acres at Penmaenmawr on the Gwynedd coast.

In 1998 the right to ride on section 193 commons was confirmed in the high court. In 2000 the Countryside and Rights of Way Act provided a right to walk on all remaining commons, but the section 193 right endures.

The Open Spaces Society became involved in the Law of Property Act’s long passage through parliament because it feared the Act would lead to the enclosure of commons.

Says Kate Ashbrook, the society’s general secretary:

Drones and AI will be used in a new £2.5 million Aberystwyth University-led effort to wipe out malaria hot spots in Africa, supported by funding from the Gates Foundation.

Malaria is one of Africa’s most devastating public health challenges, causing hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year.

A new international research project in Zanzibar, led by Aberystwyth University, will target the aquatic habitats of mosquito larvae before they mature.

The project will exploit the latest drone, satellite and artificial intelligence technology to help identify these sites more effectively. It builds upon success in previous projects that used smartphones and drones.

The initiative brings together researchers, public health experts, and community stakeholders to develop sustainable, locally-led strategies for mosquito control, supported by funding from the Gates Foundation.

The research team will overcome the limitations of conventional mapping by using drones equipped with advanced sensors – including near-infrared and thermal imaging – to tackle challenges such as water hidden by dense vegetation. Satellite imagery will also be used to map larger water bodies. The combination of these technologies will enable mosquito habitat mapping over a large area without requiring extensive fieldwork.

Artificial intelligence will be trained to analyse the images and accurately find mosquito breeding grounds, even in complex or obscured environments like rice paddies or swamps with thick aquatic vegetation or algae cover.

Key software developed by the project will be open source, with the ultimate goal being to create a transferable and scalable model for malaria-hit regions worldwide.

Dr Andy Hardy, lead researcher from Aberystwyth University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, said:

“This project is reinventing mosquito control in a bid to tackle one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most urgent public health challenges. By using drones, satellite imagery, and AI, we can rapidly and precisely map breeding grounds, making interventions more targeted and effective.

“Our focus on the ecology of mosquito habitats and collaboration with local communities will help build a scalable, sustainable model that could serve as a blueprint for malaria control across the globe.”

In addition to technological innovation, the project will invest in community engagement, in order to overcome any concerns or resistance to the new technologies, and to train people in methods of eradicating mosquito larvae before they emerge from the water as adults.

The three-year project will create a digital toolkit to streamline mosquito control operations. It will feature a central dashboard for managers to plan and oversee activities, alongside a smartphone app that will help field staff to map, spray, and monitor tasks.

The system will recommend the most effective way to map an area based on terrain and budget and include guidelines to support consistent and effective implementation.

Dr Shija Joseph Shija from the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Program which is collaborating on the project, said:

“Zanzibar has made tremendous progress in the fight against malaria, yet we continue to face the persistent challenge of mosquito breeding sites that are often difficult to detect and control. This new £2.5 million initiative, led by Aberystwyth University and supported by the Gates Foundation, represents a powerful step forward in our efforts to eliminate malaria from our islands.

“We are particularly encouraged that the tools and software developed through this project will be open source. This means Zanzibar will be among the first regions globally to benefit from a fully transferable, data-driven model that can support real-time planning, monitoring, and decision-making in larval source management.”

Other partners on the project include the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, and Zzapp Malaria.

Feature image: Drone image of a mosquito habitat in Stone Town, Zanzibar

A new study exploring the secretive lives of feral and free-roaming cats in Wales could shed light on wildcats’ return to the country.

Scientists at Aberystwyth University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Vincent Wildlife Trust are investigating the role that elusive free-roaming cats may play in the transmission of diseases to humans and other animals.

The study will inform ongoing work by Vincent Wildlife Trust to investigate the feasibility of restoring the European wildcat to areas it used to inhabit in Wales.

The true size of the UK’s population of feral and free-roaming cats is unknown. Living independently and often avoiding human contact, these cats typically form loose colonies around sources of food and shelter, such as rural outbuildings, farms, and industrial sites.

They can act as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens – diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans – making them a public and veterinary health concern, especially in rural areas where monitoring and management are more challenging.

The new project will study free roaming cat populations across Wales, investigating their behaviour, population dynamics, and the pathogens they carry.

The research team will use a combination of techniques, including camera traps and genetic testing, to estimate population sizes and study how these cats behave and move around rural areas.

Lead researcher Sophie Harries, a OneZoo-funded PhD student from the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University said:

By analysing DNA from collected samples, the research team will be able to identify individual cats, determine their sex, and assess genetic relationships. This will help build a picture of how connected different populations are, how far cats travel, and whether behaviours such as inbreeding influence disease transmission.

The study will also explore how free roaming cats interact with other species – especially through hunting and feeding – as these behaviours can play a key role in spreading diseases between animals and humans.

To understand their diet, scientists will analyse faecal samples (droppings) to identify prey species and dietary patterns.  These samples will be processed at Aberystwyth University’s state-of-the-art VetHub¹ facility, where they will be screened for a wide range of zoonotic agents, including parasites, viruses, and bacteria.

The project will also examine how factors like human population density, land use, and vegetation types influence the spread of diseases carried by free roaming cats.

Dr Niall McKeown, an expert in wildlife ecology at Aberystwyth University, added:

Research collaborator, Dr Jenny MacPherson from Vincent Wildlife Trust said:

The project – ‘Investigating the zoonotic infection risk from feral cats in rural landscapes’ – forms part of the OneZoo initiative, which brings together experts across the UK to tackle the complex interface between wildlife, livestock, and human health.

Other project collaborators include Dr Amanda Gibson, Dr Bibi Linden, and Professor Luis Mur from Aberystwyth University, and Dr Sarah Helyar from Queen’s University Belfast.

Feature image: Sophie Harris, Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University 

Christmas is all about joy, laughter, and plates piled high with festive favourites, but the last thing anyone wants is a plumbing problem stealing the spotlight. 

Hafren Dyfrdwy is urging customers to keep the cheer flowing by giving their drains the ultimate Christmas gift, a break from fats, oils and greases (FOG).

While turkey and trimmings belong on your plate, gravy and grease definitely don’t belong down your sink. Pouring them away could lead to a festive fiasco that is costly to fix and that’s one Christmas surprise nobody asked for.

Grant Mitchell, Blockages Lead at Hafren Dyfrdwy, said: 

Top tips to keep your home happy this Christmas:  

In the Kitchen:   

• Wipe plates and pans with kitchen roll to soak up grease before washing. 
• Pour cooled fats, oils and grease into a container and bin it – not down the sink.   

In the Bathroom:   

• Wet wipes are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to blockages. Even those labelled ‘Fine to Flush’ or ‘Biodegradable’ can cause costly problems and should never go down the loo. 
• Only flush the 3Ps: pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Everything else belongs in the bin, not the bowl!   

Hafren Dyfrdwy is calling on customers to team up and take action because together, we can avoid turning Christmas into a plumbing nightmare.   

The company provides a water only service in Wrexham and parts of Denbighshire and Flintshire and both a water and wastewater service in Powys.   

For more tips on how to prepare your home for winter, visit www.hdcymru.co.uk

Funding announced on 4^th December, 2025 by the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, will ensure security for businesses, communities and wildlife that depend on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

The funding will support a vital water supply agreement between Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.   

The Welsh Government will provide cover for up to £400,000 every year, for the next five years.  

The Canal & River Trust will also contribute up to £100,000 annually, while discussions will continue with other partners to secure further contributions over the long-term.  

The move follows a short-term agreement announced in April 2025, which was due to expire in March 2026.  

The historic waterway contributes over £30m to the Welsh economy and supports more than 1,000 jobs. The Welsh Government has therefore brought together partners to find a sustainable solution.  

The Deputy First Minister said:  

“The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is a treasured part of Wales’ heritage and a vital economic asset for our communities, but climate change and increasingly variable weather patterns have intensified the difficulty of maintaining adequate water supplies.  

“We will always look to protect Wales’ cultural heritage whilst supporting jobs and tourism and we’re committed to working with all partners to find sustainable solutions.  

“This agreement builds on the £5m we have already committed to refurbish the Manorafon pumping station and creates the space to develop long-term resilience for this precious waterway whilst we continue our important discussions with our stakeholders.”

Ben Cottam, Regional Director for Wales and South West at Glandŵr Cymru added:  

“225 years after the first shipment of coal made its way up this canal to Brecon, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal remains as essential as ever to people in South Wales.  

“As the charity maintaining this man-made historical waterway, we know only too well the impact of climate change and the difficulty recent uncertainty has presented to all those who love this canal. We are grateful therefore to Welsh Government and the Deputy First Minister in helping to bring much greater resilience to the canal and establish a network of partners to ensure that it remains at the heart of Welsh life.”

The UK Government should look to other countries to learn what works, argue fellows of the British Academy in a new report

The British Academy report shows that, around the world, Public Service Media is crucial for audiences, creative industries and democracy

A new report brings together international evidence about what works for public service media to help inform decisions about the BBC’s future.

British Academy Fellows Professor Justin Lewis of Cardiff University and Professor Georgina Born OBE of University College London (UCL) convened colleagues internationally to examine Public Service Media (PSM) in eleven countries around the world.

Their report findings, they say, provide a strong evidence base from which to make decisions on the funding and governance of the BBC as it approaches its Royal Charter review in 2027.

They note that most countries with PSM have scrapped a licence fee as a funding model, favouring either a household levy (with exceptions for poorer households), as in Germany, or general taxation, favoured by the Scandinavians.

The evidence also shows that PSM play a key role in boosting creative economies, generating thriving independent and commercial activity, and providing both skills and innovation for sectoral growth. Countries with strong PSM create a stronger, more sustainable landscape for commercial activity.

They say the evidence also points overwhelmingly towards the need for a new institution – independent from government and party politics – to make long-term decisions on the BBC’s funding. Several countries have pursued this, with Germany’s KEF (Kommission zur Ermittlung des Finanzbedarfs) – an independent commission that assesses the funding requirements for public broadcasters – being one example.

Professor Justin Lewis, based at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture, said:

Professor Georgina Born of UCL added:

The full report, Future of Public Service Media, is available to view here.

Researcher is driven by her own experiences to improve support for children and young people in care

Dr Lorna Stabler from Cardiff University is one of a group of volunteers wrapping gifts for a very special Christmas Day event.

Now in its fourth year, the Cardiff Christmas Dinner offers food, gifts, activities, and company for young people who are care-experienced in Cardiff. 

Care-experienced young people are those who lived in foster care, kinship care or residential care homes when growing up. When they leave care, they may experience social isolation due to a lack of family network, and moving around in the care system. They are twice as likely to report feeling lonely most or all of the time than other young people in the general population.

Lorna, who is a researcher in CASCADE Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre, was instrumental in starting the yearly celebration in the Welsh capital, knows first-hand what it’s like for them; she was living on her own from the age of 16, after spending much of her young life in foster care.

Growing up in the North East of England, Lorna and her two younger brothers were separated when they were taken into care. It meant the festive season brought with it mixed emotions.

A positive focus

Lorna has always been determined to pursue higher education, attending the University of East London and gaining a First in International Development.

She was offered a job after graduating, but instead had to return to the North-East to become a kinship carer for her youngest brother.

Once her brother moved into his own flat, Lorna continued her education, gaining a Master’s from the University of Newcastle in International Political Economy.

After finishing her Master’s, she began a research career, focusing on social work research, first in London before coming to Cardiff University.

Lorna’s brother, who she had cared for, came to live with her in Cardiff. But in 2020, tragedy struck when he passed away.

Her brother had only just turned 26 when he died.

Research to help others

Her brother’s experiences led Lorna to pursue a PhD, focusing on sibling kinship care.

Lorna graduated with her PhD in the summer of this year with her middle brother, mum and husband watching. But she admits it was bittersweet.

Supporting others

As Lorna looks forward to this year’s Christmas event for care-experienced young people, she is proud of its success and how it has grown over the years.

Members of the public can donate to the Christmas Dinner event here: Cardiff Christmas is fundraising for VOICES FROM CARE or buy a gift for a young person here: Amazon.co.uk

2026 promises the restoration of the channel between Crickheath Bridge to Malthouse Bridge and plans for Waen Wen Basin

November 2025 saw tree clearance at Waen Wen by Canal & River Trust contractors – a preliminary step towards working up the design for this section.

Waen Wen is the next section of the Montgomery Canal in Shropshire Gap beyond the current project site that runs from Crickheath Bridge to Malthouse Bridge. Waen Wen incorporates a large basin that will, in due course, become the next winding hole beyond Crickheath Basin (the current limit of navigation connected to the national network).

The final step of site clearance will be stump removal, which will be undertaken by volunteers in 2026, once the ground conditions become drier again, using a 13-tonne digger and root hook. Having cleared the site, ground investigation and water testing to inform the technical design can commence. It is expected it will take 2-3 years to finalise the design by which time the current project works as far as Malthouse Bridge should be completed. The final design will comprise not just the technical solution required for waterproofing but also location of moorings and re-vegetation – environment, ecology and heritage are always fundamental considerations.

Having been assessed by ecologists over the last 18 months volunteers cleared the site of vegetation and scrub between September and November till all that was left were large trees. These have been recently felled by contractors in accordance with the Forestry Regulations 1979. Due to the close stand and interlocking canopy, the method used for most of the felling was to grab the trunk at high level, cut and then lower the tree in a controlled manner in line with canal. In places the ground was very soft thanks to recent rainfall, not least from Storm Claudia. Logs generated by the felling were used for tracking to prevent the digger from getting stuck. These were placed and removed as the digger progressed. Felling was completed in 3 days. All the material was dragged along the channel to several large stacks, and it was important to clear the site promptly, so a whole-tree chipper was used, being continuously fed from the stacked material. Chipping was completed in a little over two days. A small section remains at the southern end which will be addressed shortly.

And good news from Canal and River Trust as it plans a new access ramp from Long Lane down to the towpath of the Montgomery Canal at Schoolhouse Bridge. The reconstruction of the bridge and the ongoing channel restoration means that access to the towpath is currently diverted to the south of the works compound. However, once the compound is no longer required, a direct ramp from the road to the towpath will be installed by the side of the bridge embankment. Meanwhile, don’t forget that the towpath remains fully open under the bridge and is accessible via the diverted path. Indeed, the Society has made great progress improving the surface as far as the next bridge, Malthouse/Waen Wen.

The canal breached in 1936 near Welsh Frankton and was officially abandoned in 1944. Over time, different sections dewatered at different rates according to prevailing ground conditions. Where the canal adjoined pasture, grazing kept the channel fairly clear, but at Waen Wen trees started to eventually colonise the channel. Local residents can remember Waen Wen holding some water long after the breach. It is estimated that the oldest trees in the channel were up to approximately 45 years old and some had grown to a substantial size. Those at or below the future water level needed to be removed. All others, for example on the towpath embankment, were to remain.

Feature image: The befores and afters

Hafren Dyfrdwy has issued fresh advice to customers to help them avoid burst pipes as winter and colder weather approaches.  

As temperatures across the UK start to fall and soon turn freezing, the water company issued tips to customers to ‘get winter ready’ and protect their pipes from the freezing conditions by lagging them – and knowing where their stop tap is in case the worst happens.  

Howard Perry, Network Operations Lead at Hafren Dyfrdwy, said: 

Top tips for protecting pipes;  

• Wrap all pipework, fittings and storage tanks in unheated areas of your home (such as lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages) with insulation.  It’s best to use good quality waterproof foam lagging which can be found at your local DIY store. 
• If you have outside taps, either insulate them or drain them down to the pipework that links to the tap. 
• If you’re concerned about your own DIY abilities, a registered plumber can check your household pipes to make sure they’re properly lagged and fill in any gaps. Hafren Dyfrdwy supports watersafe.org.uk – a dedicated online search facility for qualified and approved plumbers, so you can get plumbing help from someone you can trust. 
• If you do have a problem with your water supply this winter, with either low pressure or no water coming out of your taps, first check to see if your neighbours are having similar trouble. If their water supply is normal it’s likely that you’ll need to call a plumber. If more than one household is affected then call our 24 hour emergency number to report the problem – 0800 052 0130 .  

Hafren Dyfrdwy provides a water only service in Wrexham and parts of Denbighshire and Flintshire and both a water and wastewater service in Powys.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has awarded its 2025 FUW Lifetime Achievement Award to Terry Bayliss, recognising his long-standing contribution to the UK sheep sector and farmer-led processing initiatives.

Terry’s involvement in the agricultural industry took a significant step forward in 1998, when he and four fellow farmers established Farmers Ferry in response to poor returns for UK sheep producers. Their aim was to create a more efficient route for exporting lambs directly from farms to continental markets. By its second year, Farmers Ferry was exporting around 1.2 million lambs, quickly becoming a notable development within the sector. Terry has served as Company Director and Chairman for 27 years.

The early success of Farmers Ferry led to the formation of Farmers First, which attracted over 2,750 farmer investors, and later to the creation of Farmers Fresh in 2000, operating from a slaughterhouse in Kenilworth. This expansion provided farmer-controlled access to European markets for lamb carcasses and helped increase competition within the UK marketplace.

In 2018, the company acquired the Fairfield Meat Abattoir in Wrexham, creating Farmers Fresh Wales. Over the years, the business has navigated major sector challenges, including foot-and-mouth disease, Brexit-related uncertainty and the Covid-19 pandemic, while maintaining trade in the EU and developing new markets in the UK, Canada and the Middle East.

Terry’s contribution has been previously recognised, including receipt of the John Gittins Memorial Award in 2021 and the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy in 2019, for both of which the FUW provided nominations.

Presenting Terry Bayliss with the FUW’s Lifetime Achievement Award, FUW President Ian Rickman said: 

Feature image: Ian Rickman and Terry Bayliss

Pub is The Hub may be able to offer grants of up to £6,000 to publicans in rural, remote, or deprived areas, who want to offer additional services and/or activities in their pubs to help local communities.  

These can include a range of services from community cafes, village stores, allotments to activities such as theatre and craft bringing people together to help combat social isolation and loneliness.

Pub is The Hub recently revealed it will be helping and advising more pubs to diversify their local services and activities after receiving access to Government funding.

The not-for-profit organisation, founded by HM King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, offers independent specialist advice to publicans and their communities on service diversification and activities, so they can provide viable local services at the heart of their communities.

Pub is The Hub, regional advisor for Wales, Malcolm Harrison said:

Publican Rhiannon Metters of The Halfway, Tal-Y-Coed, Wales has opened a village store and a marquee events space with the help from Pub is The Hub.

As well as helping the publicans to engage further with their local community, projects can also add social value to an area.  For every £1 spent on a new project through the Pub is The Hub, £8.28 of social value is created. 

Social value measures the added value an initiative brings to society and takes into account the wider social, economic and environmental wellbeing benefits that a service or project can bring to an area.

If you would like further information, then please go to www.pubisthehub.org.uk

Are you a pub that wants to diversify your services or activities? Read more: www.pubisthehub.org.uk/news/are-you-a-pub-business-that-wants-to-diversify/

Then please contact enquiries@pubisthehub.org.uk or fill out this Expression of Interest Form.

Feature image: Tafarn yr Heliwr, in Nefyn, Gwynedd, diversified its pub’s offer by opening an outdoor events space to help improve health and wellbeing, tackle loneliness and give the opportunity for locals to learn new skills.

So many awards such brilliant businesses.

It is always a pleasure to recognise those Welsh businesses that go the extra mile for their customers but also those communities around them.

We start with Andrew Rees Butchers in Narberth. 

They always support their local food festival in September and have to be congratulated as being one of the few shops open on the Sunday of the festival. 

They offer a competition with local schools across Pembrokeshire & Ceredigion to create a Welsh-themed flavour and name for a special edition sausage to be initially sold at the Narberth Food Festival later being available from the shop

Andrews Rees butchers told Welsh Country:

“We were delighted to meet our competition winner, Amelia Jones from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, who came up with the idea of ‘Clwc Cenarth’ – a chicken sausage with Cenarth cheese and leek. As our winning entry, Amelia received a pack of her special edition sausages to enjoy at home. A special thank you also goes to Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo, who kindly donated a family ticket voucher.

The Clwc Cenarth sausage was a great success and proved popular with the members of the public. During the two-day event, all sausages were sold out by midday on the second day.

Thank you to all pupils who took part in the competition – we had a great range of ideas and flavours to choose from.

The photo below shows when we met up with our competition winner Amelia. To the left of Amelia is David Townsend (High Street Shop Manager) and to the right is Tomas Rees (Managing Director).”

But this is not all they pride themselves in using locally sourced meat for sale in the shop. It was therefore no surprise for Pembrokeshire YFC to talk to them about their stock and carcase judging.

“We had the pleasure of helping Pembrokeshire YFC – CFfI Sir Benfro with their annual Winter Fair competition day at Whitland Mart.

“Tom delivered some fine lambs and chickens for their carcass and jointing competitions. We were also asked if we could supply a judge for the lamb carcass competition so we even sent Teagan down for a morning at the mart

“It was inspiring to see so many young people competing as well as those supporting the Young Farmers movement. Great to see the next generation come through with interests in such a vital sector”

Visit: www.andrewreesbutchers.co.uk

Staying in Narberth we must congratulate Welsh Cake baker Tan Y Castell.

Autumn 2025 Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society launched The Pembrokeshire Food & Farming Awards. The one category voted by the public within these awards is the Taste Of Pembrokeshire Award for which Tan Y Castell got to the final five.

It was at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Winter Fair that Izzy’s Butchers/Pennant Valley Game went home with a fistful of rosettes for items such as Venison Scotch eggs, Game pies, Pheasant sausage rolls, Venison Suet puddings plus the award for the Champion Exhibit of the Best Meat Hamper.

Staying with showground venues it was the United Counties Showground…

The Welsh Dairy Event that saw Jon Lewis, CEO of Gower View Foods, the home of Shirgar butter, winning the FUW/NatWest Cymru 2025 Award for Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry.  Jon commented:

“It’s humbling to be recognised by the farming community, without who there would be no industry and no #Shirgar.”

Bluebells and Thyme the mail order business that offers Timeless gifts, vintage charm, artisan food and wonderful stories told Welsh Country of their prestigious news.

“More Than Just a Hamper: The Good Housekeeping Taste Approved Perfect Christmas Gift We’re over the moon that our signature hamper earned the Good Housekeeping Taste Approved 2025 logo after rigorous testing! The experts loved the delicate floral black tea and called our butterscotch fudge the ‘highlight’. The experts had their say!

“Love the light florality from the tea, classic but elevated.” @chantlerteas

“Chocolate makes me think of Christmas.” @coco_pzazz

But what makes Bluebells & Thyme truly special?

Timeless Gifts, Vintage Charm: Every hamper reflects a lifelong love of vintage elegance, turning a gift into a cherished memory.

Our collections are much more than just food hampers; they are curated experiences built on the principle of ‘Gifting & Giving,’ providing a unique and timeless collection that remain with the recipient long after the edible treats are enjoyed, making the memory of a lifetime.

Gifting & Giving: With every purchase, we donate 5% to The Farming Community Network , supporting those in agriculture.

The perfect timeless gift, with a purpose! Choose the classic Tea or the rich Ground Coffee version—both are GHI approved!”

Visit: bluebellsandthyme.com

The Plough Hotel & Restaurant situated just north of Llandeilo on the A40 is such a versatile venue from a family Sunday lunch to a base for a vintage lorry run. But on this occasion we celebrate it being awarded the winner of the Best Boutique Wedding Venue in West Wales.

Telling Welsh Country:

“We are blown away to have been awarded the title of Best Boutique Wedding Venue in West Wales 2025 at the Welsh-National Wedding Awards.

“So many thanks to make…

“JR Events & Catering for hosting a fabulous event, year after year, not only to allow the wedding industry to come together but to recognise the hard work all wedding suppliers contribute to making the industry in Wales a vibrant one. Diolch.

“Our Plough Couples – firstly thank you for trusting us with your special day and thank you for taking the time to submit the votes in order for us to be able to achieve this prestigious accolade.

“The Team – Our team work so hard to ensure weddings at the hotel are perfect for our couples and always strives for service excellence day in, day out. Without your hard work and dedication, we would not be able to host these wedding days and for that, we are truly grateful.

“And last, but not least, thank you to our Wedding Coordinator Sara. She has been with the hotel for 13 years, and cannot thank her enough for the passion and commitment she has shown to every wedding and The Plough.

“This is an achievement and accolade we as a team are very proud to receive. Thank you again to everyone who has made this award possible.”

Visit: www.ploughrhosmaen.com

Welsh Country celebrated and congratulated Pure Indulgence and Joanna Jones Massage on winning the Travel & Hospitality Award for 2025 in the category ‘At Home Spa of the Year’.

Joanna & her team were also a finalist in the Business Growth Wales Health & Wellbeing.  Well 2026 awards are just around the corner and Business Growth Awards amongst them. Pure Indulgence and Joanna Jones Massage are finalists in two categories Weddings & Events plus Wellness & Lifestyle. We wish Joanna & her team all the very best.

As can be seen we have some incredible businesses across Wales and Welsh Country is more than happy to recommend them for you to enjoy their products or services.

Feature image: Pen-y-Pass Snowdonia, Crown Copyright, Source

Ruth Jones and Steve Spiers Join the Volunteer Crew

Volunteer crews from Porthcawl and Barry Dock RNLI recently welcomed actor Ruth Jones and her best friend Steve Spiers as part of filming for Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love, a new programme due out over Christmas that follows Ruth as she shows Steve around her hometown.

Ruth has a long-standing family connection with Porthcawl RNLI. She was joined on the day by her sister, Maria, a local GP who volunteers as medical advisor with the Porthcawl crew. The family links run deep: Maria’s husband, Etienne, volunteered as a crew member for 19 years; Ruth’s niece, Anousha, also volunteered as crew before going to university; and her brother, Julian, is the lead organiser of the RNLI Samtampa Memorial Run. After a briefing in the boathouse and getting kitted up, the group spent time on Barry Dock’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat while Porthcawl launched their Atlantic 85, giving them a clear picture of how the two stations train side by side.

Ruth, Steve and Maria joined in a short exercise centred around rescuing a person from the water, with volunteer crews demonstrating how they operate together during training and on shouts. Even with filming taking place, both lifeboats remained fully search and rescue capable throughout. With full crews aboard and both boats working close to shore, we were ready to respond immediately should the Coastguard have needed us.

There was plenty of laughter, conversation and more than a few selfies with Ruth and Steve taking time to chat with crew and members of the public throughout the afternoon.

Last night, volunteer crews from Porthcawl and Barry Dock were invited to a private preview screening of the programme, hosted by BBC Cymru Wales and ITV Cymru Wales. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Ruth and Steve, who shared behind-the-scenes stories from the filming and spoke warmly about the work of both stations.

Andrew Walmsley, Porthcawl’s Lifeboat Operations Manager said:

“It was great to meet both Ruth and Steve, and we really appreciated them coming down to spend time with the crew. Visits like this give us a valuable chance to share key RNLI safety messages, especially at this time of year when the sea can be even more unpredictable than usual and incredibly cold.”

Look out for ‘Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love tonight on Monday 15 December at 9pm, BBC1 and keep an eye out for your Porthcawl and Barry Dock crews in action alongside Ruth, Steve and Maria. 

Don’t forget, if you find yourself or see someone else in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. As always, our volunteer crews remain on call 24/7 throughout Christmas and the New Year, ready to respond whenever we’re needed.

Every December, while most of Wales slows down for the festive break, St John Ambulance Cymru gears up for one of its busiest periods of the year. Over Christmas, the first aid charity’s volunteers and staff provide round-the-clock medical support for communities across the country.

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Head of Response Operations, Darren Murray, who has volunteered with the organisation for nearly 15 years, says the scale of the charity’s Christmas operation is significant – and often overlooked.

The schedule quickly intensifies. On Christmas Eve, teams support community events across Wales before the Christmas Morning Swim in Porthcawl

By Boxing Day morning, volunteers are already out at iconic Welsh fixtures, including the Walrus Dip in Pembrey, the boxing dip in Deganwy and Cardiff Rugby.

From an ambulance operations perspective, rotas are organised early to guarantee essential coverage.

Darren added:

For large events – including police-supported operations in North Wales – planning can start in late summer. Many Boxing Day events are booked a year in advance.

Darren is quick to highlight the personal sacrifices behind this work.

When asked what message he would give those volunteers, he didn’t hesitate:

Darren, still a volunteer himself, will be out supporting a Boxing Day dip, as well as assisting police partners elsewhere in Wales – though he hopes to enjoy some family time too.

Over his 15 years of volunteering, Darren has witnessed first-hand the difference St John Ambulance Cymru can make.

He also stressed that much of the charity’s impact happens quietly, at small community events or in moments that never make headlines.

For Darren, the sense of purpose – along with the friendships formed over many years – is what keeps him returning.

St John Ambulance Cymru provides lifesaving support at events across Wales and delivers first aid training to people of all ages. To get involved, book training, or support their work, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk. 

Just in Case: Stories from St John is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes set to release every month.

To to listen on Apple Podcasts visit podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-in-case-stories-from-st-john/id1830427277

To listen on Spotify visit: open.spotify.com/show/05SXgJnpuJ2oX176hzSAcq

Feature image: Tenby Boxing Day Swim 2024

Einstein’s theory comes wrapped up with a bow: astronomers spot star “wobbling” around black hole

Study confirms general relativity predictions as Einstein foretold more than 100 years ago

The cosmos has served up a gift for a group of scientists who have been searching for one of the most elusive phenomena in the night sky.

Their study, presented today in Science Advances, reports on the very first observations of a swirling vortex in spacetime caused by a rapidly rotating black hole.

The process, known as Lense-Thirring precession or frame-dragging, describes how black holes twist the spacetime that surrounds them, dragging nearby objects like stars and wobbling their orbits along the way.

The team, led by the National Astronomical Observatories at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and supported by Cardiff University, examined AT2020afhd, a tidal disruption event (TDE) where a star was torn apart by a supermassive black hole.

A swirling disk formed around the black hole made up of the star’s leftovers, from which powerful jets of matter shot out at nearly the speed of light.

Through rhythmic changes in both X-ray and radio signals coming from the event, the team observed the disk and the jet were wobbling in unison, repeating every 20 days.

First theorised by Einstein in 1913 and then mathematically defined by Lense and Thirring in 1918, the observation confirms a general relativity prediction, offering scientists new avenues for studying black hole spin, accretion physics, and jet formation.

Dr Cosimo Inserra, a Reader in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University and one of the paper’s co-authors, said:

The team modelled X-ray data from the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (Swift) and radio signal data from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to identify the frame dragging effect.

Further analysis of the composition, structure and properties of the cosmic matter with electromagnetic spectroscopy enabled them to describe and identify the process.

The paper, ‘Detection of disk–jet coprecession in a tidal disruption event’, is published in Science Advances.

Feature image: An artist’s impression depicts the accretion disc surrounding a black hole, in which the inner region of the disc wobbles. In this context, the wobble refers to the orbit of material surrounding the black hole changing orientation around the central object. Credit: NASA.

Support St John Ambulance Cymru with every step with limited-edition socks made by iconic Welsh brand Corgi

St John Ambulance Cymru has teamed up with renowned Welsh knitwear manufacturer Corgi to release a limited-edition pair of luxury socks in time for Christmas, celebrating the charity’s lifesaving work.

The partnership brings together two proudly Welsh organisations committed to supporting communities across the country. The charcoal-grey socks feature a playful pattern of St John Ambulance Cymru’s transport vehicles, woven in Corgi’s signature fine detail.

Corgi was founded in 1892 in Ammanford and remains a family-run company that produces luxury socks and knitwear for customers around the world. Today, Corgi holds a Royal Warrant, with every pair of socks still designed, knitted and hand-finished in their Welsh factory.

The socks have been produced exclusively for St John Ambulance Cymru to help raise funds for its vital services, including community first aid training, emergency response work and volunteer-led patient transport.

The limited-edition socks will be available to purchase throughout the festive period, priced at £10 with a 10% discount for St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers, making them an ideal Christmas gift while helping to support lifesaving work across Wales.

Sam Cook, Partnership and Relationship Manager at St John Ambulance Cymru, said:

The socks will be sold online, at select events, and by selected corporate partners, with proceeds directly supporting the charity.

To ensure your socks reach you in time for Christmas, please place your orders by Tuesday 16^th December via the following link: bit.ly/StJohnSocks.

To find out more about other ways you can support St John Ambulance Cymru visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.

Traditional countryside management skills were on show once again at an annual competition.

Denbighshire Countryside Service’s hedgelaying competition returned this year to take place on the Clwydian range above Clicain.

Forty participants including volunteers, took on the challenge of hedgelaying on land with permission of the landowner, just below the hill line.

As well as volunteers taking part there was also a staff category that included entries from Keep Wales Tidy, Flintshire Countryside Service, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Wirral Countryside Volunteers, Smithy Farm and Bodfari Environmental and teams from Denbighshire’s various countryside areas, together laying a total of 140 metres of hedgerow.

Denbighshire’s Countryside Service regularly lays hedges with the support of volunteers and to help them learn the skills, right throughout the county to support local nature.

They carry out the traditional skill to rejuvenate the hedgerows by partially cutting and laying the stems at an angle to encourage regrowth and fill gaps in the hedge.

This countryside management skill was widely used by farmers and landowners as part of their winter boundary managing efforts. Mechanical hedgerow maintenance then took over, but studies have shown how much more effective this older method is for the much-needed regeneration of hedgerows.

As the hedges become fresher and younger in appearance, this technique also allows the hedgerow base to thicken providing a denser habitat for biodiversity to thrive.

The results are included below and Cllr Barry Mellor, Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, and Biodiversity Champion presented the prizes.

Results

Volunteers category

1^st Peter Martin & Ann Shaw

2^nd Mal Edwards & Matt Jones

3^rd Ed Howath & Huw

4^th Fiona & Mary , joint with Terry Parry  & Roger Jones

Staff category

1^st Rich Masson

2^nd Phil Lewis

3^rd Sasha Taylor & Vitor Evora

4^th Imogen Hammond & Saul Burton, joint with Geraint Hughes and Richard

Senior Ranger Jim Kilpatrick said:

Cllr Barry Mellor added: