An institute at Aberystwyth University is a founder member of a new alliance of 35 of the UK’s foremost research agencies and institutes launched today (10 December).

The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) located in Gogerddan is the sole Welsh member of the new National Research Organisations Group. 

Dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities, the group is designed to be a trusted partner for government, academia and industry to give an authoritative perspective on science, policy, and research investment.

It will also inform decisions to meet national priorities, such as growth, security and resilience, while driving progress toward net zero and UK environmental goals.

Professor Iain Donnison, Head of the IBERS research institute, which is part of Aberystwyth University and strategically funded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, said:

UK Government Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

The NRO group brings together many agencies and institutes that provide unique national and international capabilities.

Dr Stuart Wainwright, NRO Group Director and CEO of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said:

The new alliance is underpinned by a formal partnership agreement and further information can be found at www.nrogroup.org.

The main activities for the December work party were towpath construction, channel profiling and hedge-laying. The first two required some adaptation to the ideal approach but thankfully this didn’t prove to be a hindrance. Plans are there to be changed!

Each day two to three teams of volunteers worked on towpath construction in Phase 3 with separate teams positioning and fixing towpath boards and others delivering and compacting aggregate over a geotextile membrane. Whereas last month we had worked from the far end back towards the compound delivering materials along the channel this was no longer an option due to heavy and prolonged rainfall in the meantime. With access only possible via the towpath itself work progressed from the compound end, aggregate being delivered along the newly constructed towpath. Progress was so exceptional – boards are now completed all the way to Malthouse Bridge – that we ran out of aggregate. The boards are currently filled and compacted to half height. The final fill and compacting will be done from the far end back to the compound to avoid excessive tracking by plant on the newly finished surface. Further space has been created in the compound for extra deliveries of aggregate before we resume work next month.

On Friday we were joined once again by volunteers from Aico who did sterling clearance work in preparation for hedge laying until rain stopped play mid-afternoon. Over this month and last Aico volunteers have now cleared a 75-metre length of brash and undergrowth in front of the hedge line. An enormous help – thanks go to them all. With the site cleared, hedge laying could commence and by Sunday afternoon 25 metres had been completed. Two new volunteers, Neil and Craig, practiced their craft under the expert supervision of Margaret – the Society’s hedge laying guru – and the result looks impressive.

Unlike Phase 3, the site in Phase 2 was not under water although it was pretty muddy in places. However, some profiling could continue. 45 metres is now ready for lining and blocking when weather conditions permit.

As can be seen from the three previous work party reports much clearance has been done at Waen Wen in preparation for Canal & River Trust tree work contractors to come on site. They now have! A full report will be sent out separately. A small area remains which the contractors will return to before long. The 8-tonne digger spent Friday of this work party creating the required access for the tree contractors.

The drone footage was taken on Sunday afternoon showing Phase 3 with towpath works underway and the cleared Waen Wen Basin beyond.

Thanks are due to all the volunteers for achieving such great progress over the last 12 months.

Schools across Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) have charged ahead in the fight against waste, recycling nearly 800kg of used batteries.

This impressive total comes from schools participating in the annual School Battery Recycling Competition, saving 792.6kg of used batteries from the waste stream — that’s roughly the weight of a Highland bull!

The initiative, hosted by CCBC’s Waste and Recycling Team in partnership with the European Recycling Platform UK (ERP) encourages pupils, parents, and staff to collect and recycle domestic batteries throughout the school year.

The competition splits schools into small, medium, and large categories, with prizes awarded to the top recyclers in each group. This year’s overall winner and 1st place in the small school category was Llanfabon Infants, who alone recycled an incredible 330kg of batteries!

Other winning schools included:

• Glyn Gaer Primary
• Ystrad Mynach Primary
• Cwmaber Junior
• Pengam Primary
• Ty Sign Primary School

The competition aims to help the county meet its recycling targets, reduce waste and carbon emissions, and most importantly, inspire the next generation to think green.

Cllr Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member responsible for waste and recycling said:

The competition will return for the 2025/2026 school year, with participating schools receiving a free battery collection box. Pupils will be encouraged to bring in batteries from home—including AA, AAA, button cells, tool power packs, and mobile/laptop batteries. Winners will be those who collect the most by weight, proportionate to school size, and will receive exciting prizes.

For more information on CCBC’s recycling and reuse services, visit: www.caerphilly.gov.uk/services/household-waste-and-recycling

Young people from 1st Johnston Scout Group spent their Saturday morning making a positive difference in their community by planting around 1,000 purple crocus corms in Withybush Woods, Haverfordwest, as part of a global movement to help eradicate polio.

The planting session contributes towards the Group’s Community Impact work and for many of those taking part, it offered the chance to take local action linked to a global cause.

The purple crocuses carry an important message. They represent a worldwide effort to end polio, a virus that mainly affects children under the age of five. Polio can lead to paralysis, breathing difficulties and in some cases, death. Routine vaccinations mean young people in the UK are protected, but the virus remains present in parts of the world. Until polio is eliminated everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk.

The colour choice is deeply symbolic. During mass vaccination campaigns in some parts of the world, children’s fingers are marked with purple ink once they receive the vaccine. This is an easy visual way for health workers to track progress. When the crocuses bloom in spring, they will stand as a reminder of the children still waiting for the vaccine.

This planting was delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Haverfordwest who supplied the corms through a national initiative, where donations support vaccination programmes backed by the World Health Organisation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Simon Preddy, Group Lead Volunteer said:

Now tucked safely beneath winter soil, the crocus corms will wait for spring, ready to bloom into a field of purple hope.

A simple gesture of care, community, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and a meaningful way to mark the season of giving.

St Mary’s RC Primary School in Wrexham is celebrating following its recent Estyn inspection.

Inspectors visited the school in September 2025. The report, published this week, notes that:

“At S. Mary’s RC Primary School, the headteacher, senior leaders and governors provide purposeful and effective leadership. This provides a clear, strategic direction and fosters a strong sense of community.

“Leaders set high expectations and model professional values that inspire collaboration and trust among staff. This results in a dedicated and cohesive team who work together to create a nurturing and safe environment where pupils feel valued and respected.”

The report also says:

“The school’s provision to promote pupils’ social, moral, spiritual, and cultural development is particularly strong. Adults and pupils from many cultures and backgrounds work and play together well.

“As a result, everyone feels known, cared for, and valued. Carefully planned experiences nurture pupils’ empathy and sense of responsibility, resulting in a caring and inclusive community.”

Inspectors praised teaching and learning:

“Lessons are lively, well planned, and engaging. Most pupils behave well, and nearly all show enthusiasm for their learning. There are warm and respectful relationships between pupils and staff.

“This creates a happy, motivated, diverse community where everyone is valued and able to succeed.”

A particular strength highlighted was language development:

“A majority of pupils speak English as an additional language and start at the school with a limited vocabulary. Through patient, systematic teaching and rich exposure to high-quality children’s literature, pupils become confident speakers, readers and writers by Year 6.”

There were two positive ‘spotlights’ highlighted from the visit –

• Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support pupils to develop creative writing, and;
• Using professional enquiry to build a learning community through innovative professional development.

The reports concludes with the following:

“Overall, the school provides a vibrant, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment where pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. High-quality teaching, a rich curriculum, and compassionate leadership enables the school to support nearly all pupils to make very strong progress, and develop the confidence, curiosity, and respect that prepares them well for the future.”

Headteacher Rachel Acton said:

Esther Bennington, Chair of Governors added:

Inspectors made one recommendation following the visit:

“Ensure that teaching across the school encourages all pupils, particularly the more able, to achieve as well as they could.”

You can read the full report on the Estyn website: estyn.gov.wales/app/uploads/2025/12/Inspection-report-St-Marys-R.C.-Primary-School-2025.pdf

With lung conditions the third biggest killer in Wales, Asthma + Lung UK Cymru is calling for better diagnosis to help people with lung conditions get the care they need and help prevent hospital admissions.

As we head deeper into winter and emergency hospital admissions rise for people with lung conditions, the charity says many of these could be avoided with earlier diagnosis of hidden breathing conditions.

They are urgently calling for the establishment of easily accessible respiratory diagnostic hubs across Wales. These diagnostic hubs should be designed to serve the local population and offer testing to help diagnose a variety of respiratory conditions. They should use a “one-stop shop” approach, with people tested, diagnosed and referred, in a single, streamlined service.

As many as 50,000 people in Wales are misdiagnosed with asthma, costing an estimated £9 million every year.

The diagnostic hubs will not only save the NHS money but will also help someone get the correct diagnosis and treatment for their lung condition as quickly as possible, helping to prevent subsequent health issues.

For example, breathlessness brought on by lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma, can mean people stop being as active,  becoming more prone to other medical problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

There can be additional harm caused by inappropriate prescribing, which is costly for the NHS, providing medication that is not needed or worsening symptoms. Indeed, late diagnosis results in a 16% increase in direct costs per person over the two years following a COPD diagnosis.

Added to this, the Wales primary care clinical audit report 2021-23 found only 1 in 5 people with COPD (21.4%) had received spirometry (key test to diagnose and monitor COPD) in the last two years.

Analysis by PwC in Asthma + Lung UK Cymru’s ‘Saving Your Breath’ report found an uptake in spirometry testing in primary care to 40% of those eligible could save £3.2 million and lead to a reduction of 3,420 bed days occupied per year.

The report also found that if fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a test that measures the levels of nitric oxide in your breath, were made available to all GPs, its use could save

£6.6 million through optimising asthma treatment.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung Cymru said:

To read Early Detection, Better Outcomes: Neighbourhood Respiratory Diagnostics report can be found here.

The Maelor School praised for inclusive ethos, effective teaching and strong leadership in latest Estyn Report

The Maelor School in Penley has received glowing feedback in its recent Estyn inspection report – highlighting its “welcoming and inclusive community” where pupils are supported effectively and “display positive attitudes to learning”.

Following the school’s Core Inspection in October 2025, inspectors highlighted that pupils “behave well in lessons and are eager to contribute to discussions.” Maelor Sixth students were also recognised for their active engagement and enthusiasm for learning.

The report praised teachers for their “secure subject knowledge”, effective use of language, and ability to adapt lessons to meet individual needs. Inspectors also praised the strong relationships between staff and pupils, saying “teachers foster strong working relationships with pupils and manage behaviour consistently well.”

Estyn also acknowledged the school’s commitment to digital competency and numeracy, describing digital skills as a “notable strength” with clear progression mapped across the curriculum. Estyn have invited the school to produce a case study on this work, which will be published on Estyn’s website.

Leaders were commended for their thoughtful approach to curriculum planning, effective collaboration with primary schools, and provision of enriching activities that broaden pupils’ experiences.

There was also praise for the school’s Resource Provisions, which provide “a calm and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and happy.” In addition, the school’s Additional Learning Needs (ALN) team was praised for its dedication to improving outcomes for all learners.

Leadership was praised throughout the report. New Headteacher Leanne Eyre provides “strategic, dynamic and thoughtful leadership”. Inspectors found that she has “managed change effectively” and “ensures pupils remain at the centre of the school’s work.” In addition, senior leaders were described as having “developed a culture of collaboration, reflection and accountability across the school” as well as prioritising national education goals effectively.

In addition, governors were praised for effective support and challenge and managing the school’s budget with diligence, even in demanding times.

The school has been given four recommendations to focus on:

• Continue to work towards reducing the budget deficit.
• Ensure that all leaders, particularly middle leaders, evaluate provision by its impact on pupils’ learning.
• Improve rates of whole school attendance.
• Strengthen the provision for the progressive development of pupils’ literacy skills, in particular their advanced reading skills.

Headteacher Leanne Eyre said:

Chair of Governors, Cora Suckley, said:

Four New Tiny Forests — Bringing More Nature, Wildlife and Community Spaces to Wrexham County

We’re excited to announce that four new Tiny Forests have now been completed in Borras Park, Ysgol Bro Alun, Rhos Community Garden and Gwenfro Community Primary School.

What are Tiny Forests?

Tiny Forests are mini woodlands about the size of a tennis court. They’re planted with a mix of native trees and shrubs, using a method developed by Earthwatch Europe.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for housing and climate change, said:

Working with Woodswork CIC

These small but powerful woodlands were created in partnership with Woodswork CIC, who played a key role in making the project a success. Their expertise in ecology, project management and community engagement helped ensure each Tiny Forest was carefully planned and planted, with strong involvement from schools, residents and volunteers.

Christina Walker, Chair of Woodswork CIC, said:

What will the new Tiny Forests bring to Wrexham?

More wildlife

The rich, layered planting attracts birds, insects and other animals, helping nature thrive even in built-up areas.

Climate action

Fast-growing native trees help absorb carbon and support Wrexham’s efforts to reduce emissions.

Cooler neighbourhoods

The shade and moisture from the trees help lower local temperatures, especially during hot weather.

Better drainage

Tiny Forests improve the soil so rainwater can soak in more easily, helping reduce surface water and the risk of flooding.

Community and learning spaces

These areas give pupils, residents and volunteers new places to enjoy nature, learn outdoors and take part in community activities.

Information boards will soon be added at each site. These will explain how Tiny Forests work, what wildlife people can look out for, and how locals can get involved in citizen science and other activities.

Ongoing work

These four new Tiny Forests are now part of Wrexham’s growing network of green spaces. As they develop, they will continue to offer real environmental and social benefits.

One of the Tiny Forest sites, Rhos Community Garden, has also recently won the Wrexham Civic Society Award for Landscape or Environmental Improvement.

At Wrexham Council, we will keep working with schools, community groups and Woodswork CIC to monitor their progress and explore more nature-based projects across the county borough.

If you’re a school or community group interested in working with us on our low carbon communities project, get in touch by emailing decarbonisation@wrexham.gov.uk.

The National Garden Scheme have just announced the 2025 Impact Report, categorising the share of donations between all the major health & well-being charities who have benefitted from the amounts raised this year. An astonishing and record-breaking £3,875,596 has been donated from funds gathered at garden openings throughout the UK this year, helping thousands of people living with cancer, Parkinson’s, poor mental health, or the pressures of unpaid caring, by supporting the nurses, health professionals and case workers who care for them.

These donations also reached hundreds of gardens and health projects, with 114 new gardens receiving Community Garden Grants funded by The Julia Rausing Trust, as well as funding the training & welfare of gardeners whose skills underpin horticulture throughout the country. We are proud to report that here in the county of Powys nearly £59,000 of the UK total was raised here by our generous garden owners together with the many volunteers and visitors who support them. Thank you all so much for all you do. You can read the full Impact Report at ngs.org.uk/record-donations-show-the-power-of-gardens-and-garden-visits-for-good-causes.

The short dark days of winter are upon us, but much can be done to improve general health & well-being by spending time in the garden. With 175 gardens due to open for The National Garden Scheme between January and March 2026, there will be plenty of opportunities to seek that all important health boost. Next year’s gardens are now live on the NGS website at findagarden.ngs.org.uk or you can pre-order The National Garden Scheme Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2026 from our website.

Looking ahead, 2027 marks the centenary year of The National Garden Scheme so the head office team and all the countrywide volunteer teams will be making big plans to celebrate this milestone. Originally set up in 1927 to support district nurses, the NGS has since donated over £74 million to some of the UK’s best loved nursing, health and gardening charities. Here in Powys we would love to mark the occasion by opening one hundred gardens for 100 years, so would be happy to hear from you if you can help. Have you ever considered opening your garden, or perhaps have a friend or neighbour who is an avid gardener? Maybe you live in a small village with three or more pretty gardens who could join forces and offer a community opening. To find out more please contact North Powys County Organiser at susan.paynton@ngs.org.uk

A green hearted band of Denbighshire volunteers have been recognised for their enthusiasm and passion for supporting a project to breathe life back into nature.

Today marks International Volunteers Day, a day to celebrate and thank people all around the world who dedicate their precious time and efforts to voluntary service.

Over at the Council’s local provenance tree nursery at St Asaph, volunteers have created a community that has stepped forward to support with their own hands several tree and wildflower growing projects.

The Council’s Tree Nursery is funded by the Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project and Local Places for Nature grant.

Through their interest and passion for helping nature and learning skills from the team at the tree nursery, the volunteers have helped bring new life to the Wild Service Tree. Fruit from this tree was also traditionally made into a fermented beer like alcoholic drink and it is believed that this beverage influenced the naming of many ‘Chequers’ pubs and inns across the UK

This year they have also helped the tree nursery team produce over 1,000 elder trees from an actual elder growing on the site through cuttings and nurtured over 1,800 wych elm trees which have been grown from seed collected at Loggerheads Country Park last year to help the tree resurge in Denbighshire.

Sam Brown, Tree Nursery Assistant said:

If you are interested in volunteering or need further information, please email biodiversity@denbighshire.gov.uk

Peatland restoration and growing biomass crops to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere can help achieve net zero targets, according to a new scientific report.

The report says that on top of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, measures are needed to take them out of the atmosphere.

There are a wide range of options to do this, from planting trees to more novel methods, like enhanced rock weathering, when silicate rocks are spread on farmland and react with CO₂ in the atmosphere to form bicarbonate ions.

The team of scientists, including experts from Aberystwyth University, also say that the methods have wider benefits, such as providing income for farmers from less productive land and reducing flood risks by re-wetting peat.

According to the report’s recommendations, technical trials have shown ‘promising results’ from using more than one technique in the same spot, for example incorporating biochar when restoring peat.

Among the report’s other calls is to establish a clear regulatory framework so that farmers and industry can make the most of the techniques. The experts also advise that public-private joint ventures would drive investment and the scaling up of the techniques.

Dr Judith Thornton from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University said:

The research is funded by UK Research and Innovation. The report was written by academics from the institutions involved in five demonstrator projects and the coordinating hub.

A greener mode of flexible transport has bussed Denbighshire residents on a number of around the world trips.

Fflecsi Electric powered transport vehicles operating around Ruthin and Denbigh have surpassed a major milestone this month.

Ruthin’s Fflecsi service was launched by Transport for Wales and the Council in 2022 and at the time started operations with the country’s first-ever zero emission 100 per cent battery-operated 16-seat minibus through support from the Welsh Government Energy Service.

The demand responsive transport service allows passengers to book their journey up to one hour ahead by either downloading and using the Fflecsi app, on the fflecsi.wales website or by phoning a dedicated call centre. The app can then keep the customer informed of any changes in pick-up times.

In 2023 Denbigh’s fflecsi service was expanded, through work by Transport for Wales (TfW) and Denbighshire County Council. The vehicle allocated to this expansion was a fully accessible, electric four passenger seat vehicle.

Since operating the Ruthin EV minibus has clocked up nearly 74,000 greener miles supporting local residents with their daily lives. That’s around 88 trips from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The Denbigh electric vehicle has also amassed around 52,000 miles of greener transport provision, the equivalent of about 610 road trips from Holyhead over the border to Chester.

Together these two electric vehicles operating in rural areas surrounding neighbouring towns have racked up enough greener miles for almost five round the world trips.

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

You can find information on the Ruthin Service here: tfw.wales/fflecsi/locations/ruthin

You can find information on the Denbigh Service here: tfw.wales/fflecsi/locations/denbigh

North Wales Housing is celebrating a double success after winning two awards at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Welsh Housing Awards 2025, held in Cardiff last week.

The organisation was recognised for its work on Tŷ Gwenllian, Wales’s first and only supported housing project dedicated to helping women transition safely from prison into the community.

The project won the Excellence in Preventing Homelessness Award, highlighting its impact in ensuring that no individual released from custody – while under Probation Service supervision – faces homelessness.

Delivered in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council and funded through CAS3, HM Prison and Probation Service, and the Housing Support Grant (HSG), the project ensures that no individual released from custody – while under Probation Service supervision – has to face homelessness.

Osian Elis, Head of Supported Housing at North Wales Housing, said:

North Wales Housing also received the Excellence in Customer Service Award, based on outstanding results in its 2024 STAR Survey (Survey of Tenants and Residents).

The organisation recorded sector-leading satisfaction levels, including 97% for its Repairs service, 96% for scheme managers in Older Persons accommodation, and 97% for support workers in Supported Housing projects.

Claire Shiland, Operations Director at North Wales Housing, said:

Feature image: North Wales Housing receives the Excellence in Preventing Homelessness Award.

The ExoMars team at Aberystwyth University has welcomed the UK Space Agency’s renewed backing for the Rosalind Franklin rover mission, a flagship project that will see Europe’s first Mars rover launch in 2028.

Scheduled to land on the Red Planet in 2030, the rover will drill up to two metres beneath the Martian surface to search for signs of past or present life, a capability unmatched by any previous rover.

The UK Space Agency confirmed a £1.7 billion investment package in European Space Agency programmes at the recent Ministerial Council in Bremen, securing continued support for high-profile missions including the Rosalind Franklin rover.

Built in the UK by Airbus, the rover will carry cutting-edge instruments developed by British universities and research teams, including Aberystwyth University’s Enfys infrared spectrometer.

Enfys will work alongside the rover’s PanCam imaging system to identify mineral targets and pinpoint optimal drilling sites. Samples collected will be analysed by an onboard laboratory designed to detect organic compounds and biomarkers – potential indicators of past or present life.

Dr Helen Miles, Operations Software Lead for Enfys at Aberystwyth University, said:

The development and testing of the Enfys instrument is led by Aberystwyth University, in collaboration with partners including Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) at UCL, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Qioptiq Ltd.

Aberystwyth University was given greater responsibility for the mission after the cancellation of collaboration with Russia’s Roscosmos following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Publican Rhiannon Metters from The Halfway in Tal-y-Coed, Wales, visited 10 Downing Street this week talking with Prime Minister Kier Starmer to highlight the vital role that pubs play in supporting local communities. 

The Halfway joined five other artisan food producers and creative retailers for a Christmas market-style showcase hosted by the Prime Minister ahead of Small Business Saturday. The event was celebrating small firms, frontline workers and community champions and included the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Rhiannon, along with her son Ben, hosted a Christmas stall inside the Prime Minister’s residence showcasing the activities that the pub hosts to bring people together in this isolated rural community. 

She chatted with him highlighting the important impact the pub has on community cohesion and helping local people to overcome loneliness and social isolation.

As the hub of this rural area, where many residents, including farmers, live and work alone, The Halfway provides essential opportunities for social interaction. With support from Pub is The Hub, the pub has opened a village store and a community marquee.

The village store has proved so popular that its range of products have been expanded to support more than 15 other local businesses that supply items such as flowers, butter and local chocolate – all from within 10 miles of the pub. 

The marquee has become a vibrant space for social connection, hosting creative workshops such as chunky knitting, lino printing, wreath-making, and even CPR and defibrillator training to ensure locals can use the pub’s life-saving equipment. 

Rhiannon Metters said: 

Feature image: Publican Rhiannon Metters presents Prime Minister Kier Starmer with a Pub is The Hub apron at Downing Street. (Left to right: Rhiannon Metters, PM Kier Starmer and Victoria Starmer)

Many congratulations to Tanya Thomas, Team Leader for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Powys, who won in the category of Mental Health Nurse at last week’s RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards.

Tanya’s work in helping to set up and lead the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Crisis Hwb in Powys has seen significant improvements in the care of young people experiencing mental health crises.

She has shown excellent leadership skills, creating a shared vision to support young people to feel heard and to access appropriate services in a timely manner.

Tanya has been instrumental from the start, recruiting staff and working alongside estates to ensure the new Hwb would provide a setting that was as inviting as possible to offer assessments, support, and treatment to young people up to the age of 18.

The data so far speaks for itself, with a 25% reduction in hospital attendances for mental health concerns among Powys young people, and excellent feedback from young people and their families.

Tanya leads by example and is always on hand to offer support and advice. She continues to work with young people and never shies away from getting involved to support those who need help most.

Tanya always has the patients’ best interests at heart and will go above and beyond to ensure that not only their mental health needs are met, but that all aspects of their lives are being supported.

Everyone at PTHB is extremely proud of the work that Tanya and her colleagues carry out and this award is well deserved.

Landmark regulations that secure Wales’ climate commitments and enable the roll-out of the Sustainable Farming Scheme have been passed in the Senedd.

Members today approved bold new regulations that reinforce climate action and transform agricultural support.

Collectively, they mark a major step forward in Wales’ response to tackling the climate and nature emergencies and promoting sustainable land management and food production.

The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, described the moment as “historic for the Welsh environment”.

Wales has already cut its emissions by more than a third since 1990. The new climate regulations set Wales’ fourth carbon budget at a 73% reduction in emissions and require the third carbon budget to be met entirely through domestic action.

After seven years of development, the agriculture regulations are the final step in ensuring the Welsh Government can launch the Sustainable Farming Scheme in January. This provides the stability and support farmers need to be more resilient, productive and sustainable.

The Deputy First Minister said:

An electric vehicle remake of an iconic van sold in the 1950s is set to be made in Wales, thanks to Welsh Government support.

Morris Commercial Ltd will establish a production facility at Bro Tathan for its modern-day reimagining of the Morris J-Type – the Morris JE.

The classic van was once a popular sight on British roads and the all-electric version will retain a number of its original features. With its distinctive design and lightweight recycled carbon fibre monocoque body the new Morris JE has a 250-mile range.

The project will also establish Wales’s first manufacturing facility for electric vehicles.

Morris Commercial will receive some financial support from the Welsh Government’s Economy Futures Funding to establish the production facility. It will create around 150 highly skilled jobs.

The zero emission, carbon neutral Morris JE is expected to rival vehicles such as Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and VW ID Buzz. It is due for full launch in late 2026.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

CEO of Morris Commercial, Dr Qu Li said:

The Age Cymru Network has released heart-breaking new statistics^[i] revealing the true extent of loneliness and social isolation amongst the older generation this Christmas. The Charity is urging everyone who can to donate to its Christmas campaign so that it can continue supporting older people when they need it most.

Loneliness and social isolation are issues all year, but winter, and Christmas especially, can be particularly tough. With routine services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, colder weather, shorter days and changes in people’s health, it becomes harder for many to sustain social connections, whether they celebrate Christmas or not.

The Age Cymru Network, which consists of Age Cymru, Age Cymru Dyfed, Age Cymru Gwent, Age Cymru Gwynedd a Môn, Age Cymru Powys, and Age Cymru West Glamorgan, believes that no older person should ever feel alone and isolated, and wants to change this for as many older people as possible.

They are calling on the Welsh public to support older people, by donating to support their vital services. Every donation, no matter the size, can help Age Cymru Network partners provide the human connection that too many older people live without.

Often painted as a season of joy, togetherness, and non-stop celebrations, Christmas is known for family feasts, childhood magic, and friendly reunions. Yet Age Cymru’s new research highlights the stark reality of just how lonely this time of year is for older people:

• two in five say they don’t feel the joy they once felt at Christmas time
• more than one in five say they are no longer surrounded by family and friends at Christmas
• a sixth of respondents say they miss the sound of laughter at Christmas time

The outlook for those over the age of 65 doesn’t get much brighter on Christmas Day either:

• almost 36,000 older people won’t see or speak to anyone on Christmas Day
• in excess of 97,000 older people will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day
• more than 17,000 older people won’t have anyone to exchange presents or cards with this Christmas.

Age Cymru’s chief executive, Victoria Lloyd said:

To donate to Age Cymru to support older people across Wales, please visit: www.agecymru.wales/get-involved/donate/

[i] Age UK calculation based on data (weighted to be representative of the UK population) from Yonder online and telephone polling for Age UK (weighted sample of 2659 people aged 65+ in the UK, between the 31^st October and 10^th November 2025) and ONS mid-year 2024 population estimates. All statistics are drawn from this polling.

Nichola Chegwin has returned from an extraordinary five-day trek across the Sahara Desert, raising more than £4,300 for St David’s Hospice.

The hospice, which supports adults and their families across Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy, needs £6 million a year to operate. With only 24% of that coming from the Welsh Government, fundraising efforts like Nichola’s play a vital role in keeping its services running.

The challenge involved covering 100km over four days, often trekking for six to ten hours at a time. Temperatures climbed to 35°C, and the route alternated between soft sand dunes, stony plateaus, volcanic rock, sandy stretches and long, exposed plains.

One of the moments that stayed with Nichola came on the third night, when the group camped at L’erg Zaher, home to some of the tallest dunes in the region. She climbed the highest dune to watch the sunset and returned again at dawn.

The trek was far from easy. The heat, long days, and complete lack of shade were challenging enough, but by the third day the rocky terrain had begun to take a toll on her feet.

Before signing up, Nichola hadn’t realised how heavily the hospice depends on fundraising.

Her original fundraising target was £1,600. She has now raised £4,353, a figure she describes as overwhelming and a testament to how widely valued the hospice is.

Nichola works as a Development Project Manager at North Wales Housing and held a cake sale at the office to raise money. She said:

Completing the trek has encouraged Nichola to take on more challenges. In 2026, she plans to complete the Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours, and in 2028 she hopes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Anyone wishing to support Nichola and St David’s Hospice can do so via the link below.

St David’s Hospice: ST DAVID’S HOSPICE SAHARA DESERT TREK

St John Ambulance Cymru recently welcomed representatives from the West Wales Freemasons to learn more about the Community Support Unit their donation has helped purchase as part of a visit to the charity’s Divisional building in Carmarthen.

The West Wales Freemasons kindly donated £20,000 towards the purchase of the vehicle, which is being used to support the charity’s work to provide first aid support across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, as well as further afield for events of national significance.

In addition to being equipped with a range of first aid equipment, as well as a gazebo, tables and chairs to support visibility at events, the specially adapted vehicle also has space for six St John People and is equipped with facilities to support volunteer welfare.

As well as being shown the various features of the Community Support Unit, the West Wales Masons were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and were thanked by Trustee Prof. Jean White CBE as well as local St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers, staff and members of the St John Council for Dyfed.

The first aid charity for Wales has purchased over 15 of the vehicles to support its work to provide first aid cover at a range of events large and small across the country.

Head of Fundraising and Communications for St John Ambulance Cymru, Owen Thomas said:

The latest support from the West Wales Masons follows the donation made in 2024 to support the purchase of an ambulance vehicle.

James Ross, Head of West Wales Freemasons said:

To find our more about St John Ambulance Cymru’s work across Wales and how you can donate or get involved, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.

Feature image: Representatives from the West Wales Freemasons with St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers, Dyfed Council Members and Trustee Prof. Jean White CBE MStJ are pictured with the Community Support Unit outside the charity’s Divisional building in Carmarthen.

The Open Spaces Society, the leading pressure group for commons and greens in England and Wales, is celebrating the generosity of brothers Malcolm, Andrew and Stuart Gray, who voluntarily registered some of their land as a village green. This is at Ty Glasfryn (known locally as Maes Glasfryn) in the heart of the city of St Davids, Pembrokeshire, and it is thereby protected for ever for local people to enjoy.

The land comprises about 1.57 hectares of open grassland which the local community has started planting. Schoolchildren from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA came out to plant trees with one of the landowners to celebrate this wonderful gift to the people of St Davids. The land contains a main field with hedgerows, new copses, meadow areas and paths, and a community orchard area with 52 fruit and nut trees.  The intention is for this to become a nature haven with plenty of community access.

Jeremy Wadia from EcoDewi, a local environmental social enterprise, who helped with agreeing on the future of the new green says:

Adds Helen Monger, a case officer with the Open Spaces Society:

On Saturday 25 October 2025, the annual St John Ambulance Cymru Visitation and Investiture service took place at St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales, acknowledging those who have selflessly given their time to support the charity and their local communities.

The Priory for Wales is the Welsh branch of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, which traces its origins back to the Knights Hospitaller in the Middle Ages.

The occasion saw new admissions and promotions within the Order of St John, including Craig Jones, Commissioner for North Wales, who was promoted to Commander for 36 years of voluntary service and leadership. 

Several volunteers were formally admitted as Members, among them Eric Goulden, honoured for raising more than £71,000 by walking over 1,000 miles around Wales, Ceri Hibbert, North Wales Deputy County Training Manager, Hannah Jones of Wrexham Division, and Collette Stanford of Holywell Division. 

Long-service awards were also presented, recognising between 10 and 40 years of dedicated contribution. Marion Thomson of Aberystwyth received a 10-year award. Isobel Brandon, Stephen More and Collette Stanford were honoured for 15 years. Alyn Carroll received a 20-year award, Peter Carroll marked 25 years, and David White, Chair of the North Wales St John Council, was recognised for 40 years’ service. 

Youth achievements were also highlighted as part of the ceremony. Four Cadets were presented with the Grand Prior Award, the organisation’s highest youth honour, while three members of the charity’s Badger groups received the Super Badger Award for completing over three years of development and community work. 

The Prior for Wales also issued a Priory Vote of Thanks to the North Wales Freemasons in recognition of their support for upgrading the charity’s fleet of Community Support Units.

Reflecting on the weekend, Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ JP DL, Prior for Wales, said:

St John Ambulance Cymru leaders said the Visitation offered a visible moment of thanks, providing formal recognition while renewing volunteers’ commitment to delivering lifesaving first aid, community training and event support across Wales. Following the service, attendees mingled to share stories and connect across divisions, reinforcing the charity’s strong local presence.

Feature image: Some of those who attended and were recognised at St John Ambulance Cymru’s 2025 Visitation and Investiture Service at St Asaph Cathedral

NFU Cymru display sends clear family farm tax message to UK Government ahead of Autumn Budget

An impactful NFU Cymru display at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair has encapsulated rural Wales’ opposition to UK Government’s inheritance tax reforms ahead of the Autumn Budget.

More than 400 Winter Fair-goers each played their part in the visual spectacle on the second day of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd on Tuesday 25^th November. The timely mosaic message – spelling out ‘NO IHT’ – was delivered just a day before the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget announcement and signalled the strength of feeling amongst rural communities against the UK Government’s planned changes to inheritance tax reliefs.

The Winter Fair display is the latest activity in a long line of campaigning activity conducted by the union since the shock changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) announced last year. On the eve of the 2025 Autumn Budget statement, NFU Cymru is calling on the UK Government to follow the recommendations of the cross-party House of Commons’ Welsh Affairs Committee1, which is seeking a pause in the implementation of the policy to enable a full impact assessment of the effect on Welsh farming.

Speaking after the display, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said:

Feature image: NFU Cymru’s ‘NO IHT’ mosaic display at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Ysgol yr Hafod in Johnstown is celebrating following its recent Estyn inspection.

Inspectors visited the school in September 2025. The report, published this week, notes that:

The report also says:

There were two positive ‘spotlights’ highlighted from the visit – purposeful learning opportunities that foster independence and creativity, and the effective and innovative professional development procedures.

Headteacher Alison Heale said:

Chair of governors, Victoria Williams, said:

Inspectors made two recommendations following the visit:

• Ensure that learning experiences provide the right level of challenge to meet the differing needs of pupils
• Improve the quality and consistency of feedback to pupils so that they understand the next steps to move their learning forward.

You can read the full report on the Estyn website.

https://estyn.gov.wales/app/uploads/2025/10/Inspection-report-Ysgol-Yr-Hafod-2025.pdf

Last week saw the official opening of the Richardson Centre for Mental health and Wellbeing in Llandrindod Wells. Named after a much-loved colleague who sadly passed away, the centre replaces the former ‘Hazels’ building in a modern, accessible setting.

The Richardson Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing is the home for the mid-Powys Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). The CMHT provides a range of community based mental health treatments and therapies for people who need support for their mental health issues.

Drew Richardson was a Mental Health nurse who dedicated over 30 years to supporting and looking after people in and around Llandrindod Wells and the wider Powys community. His partner, Austin Allen spoke beautifully at the opening ceremony of their love for the area and Drew’s dedication to his colleagues and clients.

Austin explained:

Drew’s manager, Sharan Sharman went on to say:

Austin went on to unveil a plaque dedicating the building to Drew and a wonderful portrait of him, painted by local artist Sorell Matei. Sorell was unable to attend the event but her husband, Stefan, explained:

The Community Mental Health Team takes referrals from GPs, Acute Inpatient Mental Health Wards and from other Mental Health Teams such as LPMHSS, Crisis Teams and CAMHS for transitioning patients. In addition, people who have previously been under the care of the CMHT and have been discharged from the service within the last 3 years, can re-refer themselves to the team.

Additionally NHS ‘111 press 2’ for mental health is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people of any age who have an urgent mental health concern themselves or  about someone they know.

Karen Morgan Awarded British Empire Medal for Outstanding Service to Lymphoedema Care

Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network hosted by the Swansea Bay University Health Board proudly announces that Karen Mogan, Clinical and Education Lead of Lymphoedema Wales, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her exceptional contributions to lymphoedema care in Wales and internationally.

The medal was presented at a special ceremony held at Singleton Hospital Chapel, where dignitaries, colleagues, family, friends, and well wishers gathered to celebrate Karen’s achievements.

Mrs Louise Fleet, Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, presented the award on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, commending Karen’s global impact and unwavering dedication to improving lives.

Tributes poured in from across the healthcare community. Mrs Jan Willilams CBE, Chair of Swansea Bay UHB expressed gratitude for Karen’s leadership, while Paul Davies, Acting Executive Nurse, described her as the ‘leader of P’s – Passionate, Persistent, Persuasive and always Patient-focused.

Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower called Karen’s work ‘Inspirational and truly deserving’ of national recognition.

Dr Melanie Thomas, Clinical Director of the Lymphoedema Network Wales, added

In her acceptance speech, Karen reflected:

Plans are progressing to create a bright new future for a popular visitor destination located in the heart of South Wales Valleys.

Earlier this year, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Caerphilly County Borough Council invited interested parties to submit proposals to enhance the recreational offer at Cwmcarn Forest Drive and visitor centre.

The popular visitor attraction boasts a breathtaking scenic drive as well as a visitor centre, coffee shop, camping facilities, play areas and lodges.

A number of ambitious bids have been submitted and the council and NRW are now in the process of assessing and shortlisting the proposals, before a successful bidder is selected. 

This process will cumulate in the site being offered to a commercial developer. They will be given the opportunity to operate the current facility and to build on it, by funding, designing and constructing additional recreational facilities at the site, helping to add value to the current offer.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly council said,

NFU Cymru has called on Welsh Government to find a solution to the serious impact that the 182-day threshold for self-catering accommodation is having on diversified farm businesses.

Members across Wales have repeatedly expressed frustration that, while they have been encouraged by government to diversify, the increase from 70 to 182 bookable days has pushed many farm based self-catering units into unaffordable council tax liabilities when they fall short of the new threshold. For many diversified businesses, the shift implemented in April 2023 has turned what was intended as a supplementary and stabilising income stream into a source of financial stress.

The union shared its members’ concerns in its response to Welsh Government’s consultation on proposed changes to the classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes. While the consultation proposes an ‘averaging rule’ to account for variations in booking patterns, NFU Cymru believes this change does not go far enough for genuine Welsh self-catering businesses that cannot realistically reach 182 days. Tourism patterns, weather, farming workload and school holiday changes all influence booking levels in a way that is largely outside farmers’ control.

NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board Chairman Hedd Pugh said:

Elidyr Communities Trust are looking for festive donations to help grow an exciting new programme of music therapy for young adults with additional learning needs and/or disabilities that live and learn with the charity located near Llandovery.

Elidyr’s onsite therapy team already includes occupational, speech & language, and positive behaviour support. Having a qualified team available means that every person who attends the charity’s specialist further education college – Coleg Elidyr – or their community residency programme – Inclusive Lives – gets the benefit of tailored individual therapeutic support.

The music therapy programme started in September following the recruitment of Sally Greenaway, who said,

Rhythm, melody and structured activities that incorporate music help to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and support emotional regulation. It often encourages participation and connection in ways that feel safe and enjoyable, especially for those who struggle with traditional forms of communication or who may be non-verbal.

Paul Lawless, Head of Development said,

Martyn is a long-standing resident on the Inclusive Lives provision, and he has become the poster man for the charity’s festive appeal as he has always had a deep connection to music.

Martyn was one of the first people to get stuck in when we had a taster session with a music therapist earlier in the year. He’s been a keen performer and attender of gigs and musical events his whole life.

Martyn’s dad, Steve explains,

If you’d like to help Elidyr Communities Trust fill hearts and hallways with the sound of music, please consider donating to the appeal.

Donate now: www.elidyrct.ac.uk/festive-appeal

There is broad support for regulated lethal control of wild deer to reduce their numbers and impacts among subscribers of nature organisations in England and Wales, a new study has found.

According to research led by Bangor University and published in People and Nature, it was the most supported and widely used deer management practice.

The authors of the study believe that the findings might help nature organisations and decision makers feel more confident about recommending its use.

Researchers at Bangor University and the universities of Reading and Southampton co-designed a questionnaire with nature organisations Forest Research, Woodland Trust, Sylva Foundation and Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust to investigate perceptions toward wild deer and their management.

Of the 3,936 people surveyed, 85% either supported or strongly supported lethal control, followed by tree guards (82%), and deer fencing (69%).

The questionnaire was distributed to subscribers of five national nature organisations. Two of these organisations (Sylva Foundation; The Woodland Trust) focus on woodland management, while three (British Association for Shooting and Conservation; British Deer Society; Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust) focus on wildlife management.

The research team, which also included academics from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand and University of Leeds, collected data from farmers, land managers, deer stalkers, foresters, conservationists, and people not involved in land management.

Wild deer populations are increasing across the northern hemisphere, posing challenges to the environment and people. As well as damaging food crops and trees, increased deer numbers are causing significant damage to the ecology of our woodlands reducing the diversity of plants, insects and birds that use these habitats. There are also concerns about more deer-vehicle collisions and disease transmission to livestock and humans.

In addition, increasing deer numbers present a challenge to UK government policies aiming to expand woodland cover and transition to net zero by 2050.

The work was funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) project iDeer, which is led by Dr Becks Spake, Associate Professor in Climate and Environmental Change at the University of Southampton. The purpose of the project is to enhance strategic woodland creation and management that minimises deer impacts.

Postdoctoral Research Officer at Bangor University Dr Elena Cini said,

Dr Freya St. John, Reader in Conservation Science at Bangor University said,

Dr Becks Spake, Associate Professor in Climate and Environmental Change at the University of Southampton said,

Powys Teaching Health Board is inviting Powys residents to a series of 13 community drop-in events as part of its Better Together programme.

The “Your Health Services” drop-in events are taking place between November and February, beginning in Brecon on Wednesday 26 November and concluding in Crickhowell on Thursday 12 February.

Adrian Osborne, Deputy Director with Powys Teaching Health Board said:

Residents will be able to speak with members of the health board’s Engagement Team, find out more about the Better Together programme, and share their views on health services.

Alongside Better Together and temporary service changes, information will also be available on a range of services including the free online SilverCloud mental health support service, Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys, Help Us Help You and more.

The 13 drop-in events are taking 3pm to 6pm at a series of venues across the county:

• Wednesday 26 November at the Guildhall in Brecon
• Friday 28 November at the Strand in Builth Wells
• Tuesday 2 December at Hafan Yr Afon in Newtown
• Thursday 4 December at the Miners Welfare in Ystradgynlais
• Tuesday 9 December at the Corn Exchange in Welshpool
• Wednesday 10 December at The Comm in Knighton
• Tuesday 6 January at the Institute in Llanfair Caereinion
• Thursday 8 January at Y Plas in Machynlleth
• Thursday 15 January at the Youth & Community Centre in Llanfyllin
• Wednesday 22 January at the Swan in Hay & Talgarth
• Tuesday 27 January at the Community Centre in Llanidloes
• Tuesday 3 February at the Pavillion in Llandrindod Wells
• Thursday 12 February at Clarence Hall in Crickhowell

AROUND 80 pupils aged 16–18 from nine schools across south Wales stepped into the shoes of politicians, journalists and lobbyists today (Tuesday, 18 November) to debate the future of the planet.

Taking part in a COP30 Climate Simulation Negotiation at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff, the students experienced what it’s really like to negotiate a global climate deal.

The event, which was delivered by British Council Wales and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, was held in parallel with COP30 in Belém, Brazil – used cutting-edge simulation software developed by MIT to recreate the pressures, compromises, and diplomacy that shape real-world climate negotiations. The pupils took on roles as delegates from major nations, corporate lobbyists, and international media representatives, all working to tackle the critical goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C.

Guided by facilitators Dan Boyden and Professor Matthew Davies from Swansea University, participants spent the day negotiating how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support developing nations and adapt to the impacts of climate change to protect people and cities worldwide, before concluding with remarks from Huw Davies, Managing Director of the Centre for Multilateral Negotiations.

Although the group ultimately agreed on a final outcome of 1.9°C, the process highlighted the difficult decisions and trade-offs faced in real global negotiations.

Leading the negotiations were Jamie Rey and Rosanna Koo, pupils from Cardiff & Vale College and Cardiff Sixth Form, who took on the role of the United Nations Secretariat.

Speaking at the event, Jamie said:

Hayley Morgan, Chief Executive WCIA, commented: 

This Cardiff event follows successful simulations held in Edinburgh, London, Brazil and Belfast, with  COP30 in Belém, Brazil running until this Friday, 21 November 2025.

Ruth Cocks, Director, British Council Wales, added:

The simulation forms part of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme, which links schools in the UK with others around the world. Through this programme, the British Council helps educators bring international perspectives into the classroom and supports young people to build the knowledge, skills, and global outlook needed to respond to shared challenges such as climate change.

Through its Climate Connection programme, the British Council is also supporting people worldwide to find creative and practical solutions to the climate crisis — working with educators, students, artists, researchers, civil society, and policymakers in the lead-up to and beyond COP30.

This event continues the British Council’s work, building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. To find out more about their work in Wales visit wales.britishcouncil.org/en or follow on X Facebook, and Instagram.

Feature image: Pupils from Llanishen High School, who represented the USA, Ireland, Nigeria and fossil fuel lobbyists at today’s event at the Temple of Peace.

Ahead of World COPD Day (November 19^th), Asthma + Lung UK Cymru is urging people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other respiratory illnesses to follow the charity’s health advice to help keep well this winter.

Winter COPD hospital admissions in Wales are 50% higher compared to summer COPD hospital admissions.

COPD is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions, which cause breathing difficulties, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and symptoms of the disease include breathlessness, wheezing, a cough, coughing up phlegm and repeated chest infections.

In Wales 185,000 people are estimated to have been diagnosed with COPD and it is reported that many thousands are left undiagnosed.

People with lung conditions like COPD can end up seriously unwell over winter – as seasonal triggers like cold and flu, cold air, damp and mould make it harder to breathe. 

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru, said:

Dr Anthony Gibson, Clinical Lead for the National Strategic Clinical Network for Respiratory Conditions said:

Liz Moore 63 was diagnosed with COPD 5 years ago. She lives in Cardiff. She said:

If you have COPD, stay warm and try to heat the rooms you spend a lot of time in to at least 18°C. Keeping your home warm and well-ventilated can also help prevent condensation, which can lead to mould and damp.

When you’re outside, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to warm up the air you’re breathing in. Stay inside if it is too cold and windy for you. Protect yourself from colds, flu and viruses by getting your flu jab and other vaccinations you are eligible for, including RSV, COVID-19 and pneumonia, and avoiding people you know are unwell.

Take your medicine as prescribed even if you feel well. If your symptoms get worse, follow your self-management plan if you have one, and make an urgent appointment to see your GP. Do not wait for your symptoms to get better on their own.

To lessen the treat of becoming seriously unwell, the charity has a free Winter Wellness Guide to help people stay well this winter, which can be found here: www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/withyouthiswinter

The charity found that 96% of people who signed up last year found their winter health guide useful for managing their lung condition, and 71% of people who downloaded it last year said they felt better able to manage their lung condition through the winter season.

St Davids, Pembrokeshire – Twr y Felin Hotel, Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, is delighted to announce the opening of its brand-new couple’s spa – a sanctuary of serenity designed to restore balance, renew the senses, and relax body and mind.

The exclusive new addition invites guests to unwind with hydrotherapy in a private setting, blending modern wellness design with calming natural elements. The spa is centred on the restorative power of water and offers a tranquil space for couples or small groups to indulge in moments of deep relaxation.

Guests can immerse themselves in the soothing, deep-seated whirlpool bath, induce improved circulation in our infrared sauna and cleanse in our steam shower. With heated loungers and a private terrace, accented by soft lighting and gentle music, it’s the perfect backdrop for an hour – or more – of rejuvenation. 

One Hour Spa

For those seeking a shorter yet equally indulgent experience, the spa offers one-hour sessions, ideal for slipping away into serenity.

• Monday – Thursday | £50 per person
• Friday – Sunday | £60 per person

One-hour slots are bookable online. Should you wish to stay longer, additional hours must be arranged directly with the hotel and are subject to availability.

In addition to spa access, guests can enhance their wellness journey with an extensive menu of treatments, including aromatherapy massage, therapeutic body massage, Indian head massage, body exfoliation rituals, and Twr y Felin’s signature Encapsulate treatment.

Booking Information

The spa is open daily, with one-hour slots available to book online. Packages and extended visits must be reserved directly with the hotel’s reception team. Please note the spa is an adult-only environment and not suitable for pregnant guests.

For further information, bookings, and full terms and conditions, please visit: twryfelinhotel.com/treatments/

The Community Garden in Presteigne were recently presented with a plaque by new National Garden Scheme County Organiser for South Powys, Dr Alison Kemp, in recognition of their hard work by completing further development of the site. Founded in 2022 by a small group of volunteers led by Angie Sutton, Presteigne Community Garden is located at the former kitchen gardens at The Sydney Nolan Trust.

Over the past three years the volunteers enjoyed growing and distributing food for the local community, gradually cultivating the area with the aim of improving resilience in food production, eating healthily and being economically viable. The Community Garden Grant from the National Garden Scheme has enabled further development of the site by providing a shed for storage, scaffolding planks & soil for raised beds as well as materials to build protective cages for winter crops. Since the NGS Community Garden Grants inception, over £1.2 million has been donated to over five hundred community projects. Find out more at ngs.org.uk/who-we-are/community-gardens-grants  

A reminder to check out the beautiful range of National Garden Scheme Christmas cards, with every purchase helping to support the vital nursing and health beneficiaries supported by the NGS. We also have calendars and gifts for every occasion including our gorgeous Emma Bridgewater Honeysuckle collection. You can also pre-order the 2026 Garden Visitor’s Handbook, inspiring a year of garden visiting – the essential guide to over 3,000 gardens opening for the NGS next year. Find out more on ngs.org.uk/shop.

Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice has launched its new “Every Precious Life Appeal” which aims to raise £400,000 in just 60 hours. 

Donations made within the 60 hour appeal window, which will start at 10am on Sunday November 23 and finish at 10pm on Tuesday November 25, will be doubled thanks to a match-fund pot the charity has put together. 

Tŷ Hafan’s “Every Precious Life Appeal” focuses on stories of families who have experienced baby loss and who are being supported by Tŷ Hafan. 

Emrys Arthur was just 8 days old when he passed away on 14 March 2024 after he was born prematurely at 25 weeks on 6 March 2024.

His parents Gwenno George and Luke Nicholas, who live in Cardiff, were supported by Tŷ Hafan to be able to drive their beloved baby son’s body back to Gwenno’s home town, Criccieth, in North Wales, themselves where he was buried alongside other members of Gwenno’s family. 

Gwenno, Finance Director for Acuity Law, and Luke, who works for the Welsh Local Government Association, have also received counselling via Tŷ Hafan and benefit from ongoing bereavement support. 

Also sharing her story to support Tŷ Hafan’s “Every Precious Life Appeal” is Kath Keeble, from Merthyr Tydfil, mum of Tommy Keeble. 

Tommy was also just eight days old when he died on 30 October 2022, after having been born prematurely at 31 weeks on 22 October 2022. 

Kath, a community mental health worker, says:

Dan Bamsey, Head of Fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, said:

Works to March next year are supported by a grant from the Shared Prosperity Fund which covers channel restoration, towpath restoration and the winter environmental programme. This month saw the start of towpath restoration between Schoolhouse Bridge (Br 86) and Malthouse Bridge (Br 87) and the environmental programme.

As elsewhere, the unrestored towpath becomes muddy and slippery in wet weather and has plenty of trip hazards from tree roots. Before towpath construction could start stumps and tree roots growing in the channel bank and under the towpath had to be removed. Also, in preparation the hedge alongside the towpath which had become heavily overgrown was cut back to its previous line. Thanks to young volunteer Josh, newly qualified for safe working with hedge trimmer, for taking care of this.

The standard specification is for a 1.2-metre-wide towpath comprising compacted aggregate between boards. Starting from Malthouse Bridge back towards the compound 60 metres of towpath was constructed and surfaced with stone. The rate of progress will accelerate considerably now the preparation works have been completed and as we get closer to the compound at Schoolhouse Bridge where the materials are stored.

This winter’s environmental programme comprises hedge laying and hedge planting, starting by the compound and working back towards last year’s area nearer Crickheath. This got a massive boost on Friday with 5 corporate volunteers from Aico in Oswestry clearing and preparing this length ready for pleaching. So a big thank you to them – they certainly put in a shift and apparently enjoyed it so much that more colleagues are expected for next month’s work party.

In Waen Wen final preparations were made for tree work by contractors over winter. This will entail felling of trees at or below the future water level which have grown up since the channel eventually emptied of water several decades ago. At one end of the basin the remaining brash created last time was burned on Friday and Saturday. At the other end redundant drainpipes (which used to convey surface water to Crickheath after the canal fell into disuse and a mains water supply was available) were removed from the channel along with a brick inspection chamber. An access ramp into the basin was built and a further ramp over the culvert running beneath the basin was constructed. This enables plant access over the culvert whilst felling, clearance and site investigation activities are underway.

Finally, a word of thanks from Shropshire Council leader Cllr Heather Kidd. She and other senior councillors visited the canal on Friday viewing previously restored sections as well as the current work site. Cllr Kidd thanked the organisers and volunteers for the morning’s experience, which she said had really helped her and colleagues understand the scope of restoration efforts in Shropshire and how the canal could fit with the council’s connectivity, health and wellbeing, and economic priorities.

A volunteer who has dedicated 60 years to volunteering with St John Ambulance Cymru was among those recognised at the charity’s Mid and West Wales Regional Awards for 2025.

The ceremony, which was recently held in Swansea, saw a range of volunteers and staff receive awards and commendations for their work in a range of fields from responding to emergencies to securing funds from trusts and foundations to support the charity’s work.

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Assistant Chief Commissioner (Mid and West Wales), Beth Francis OStJ said:

Eunice O’Hara received an Ultra Long Service Medal and 2 Gilt Bars for her 60 years of dedicated service as part of St John Ambulance Cymru’s Fishguard and Haverfordwest Divisions.

Her long and distinguished career as a volunteer and fundraiser saw her become an Officer of the Order of St John, as well as a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards with the title Eunice Urdd Sant Ioan (Eunice of St John) to signify her synonymity with the charity she has dedicated so much effort to supporting.

Another significant award presented during the ceremony was the Gerallt Davies MBE CStJ Memorial Award, presented in memory of the former paramedic and National Paramedic Officer for St John Ambulance Cymru, who sadly died in 2020.

The cup is awarded to a St John Person who is active, dedicated, professional and aims to maintain and develop the highest standards whilst engaging and leading their colleagues. It is judged by an independent panel made up of external partners and members of Gerallt’s family.

The runner up, who received commendation for their impact was Gwion Morgan of Dyfed County, while the winner was Sam Davies, Operations Manager for Dyfed County, who also scooped the Volunteer of the Year Award.

There was also a Lifetime Achievement Award for Will Wall of the Abertawe Division in West Glamorgan, who has been a devoted member since 1988. In this time he supported events at Swansea’s Vetch Field for other three decades and has subsequently been on duty to support 200 games at the Swansea.com Stadium, as well as other events across the county.

Julie Carrod was the other recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, having dedicated almost 30 years of service to St John Ambulance Cymru in a range of roles including first responder, County Training Manager and Deputy Commissioner in Powys.

To find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru and to sign-up to volunteer with the charity, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.

Feature image: St John People from across Dyfed, Powys and West Glamorgan came together to celebrate the achievements of their fellow volunteers and staff at the St John Ambulance Cymru’s Mid and West Wales Regional Awards for 2025. They were joined by colleagues from across the charity as well as the Lord Mayor of the City and County of Swansea and Consort, H.M. Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan.

Full list of award winners

Commendation Certificates

Samantha Benson, Brecon Division, Powys

Huw Howells, Brecon Division, Powys

Compassion Award

Michelle Dennis, Response Operations

Quality Award

Shelagh Astley, Trusts and Foundations Manager

Jamie Line, Logistics Co-ordinator, Dyfed

Inclusion Award

Eleri Sargeant, Divisional Manager of Llanidloes Division, Powys

Integrity Award

Gwion Morgan, Deputy Operations Manager, Dyfed

Community of Lifesavers Award

Nicola Thomas-Botwood, Divisional Manager, Rhayader Division, Powys

Assistant Chief Commissioner (Mid and West Wales) Commendations

Sean Gundy, Divisional Manager, Knighton Division, Powys

Harry Marsh, Aberystwyth LINKS, Dyfed

Raymond McGovern, Deputy Commissioner, West Glamorgan

The Gerallt Davies MBE CStJ Memorial Cup

Commendation as runner-up

Gwion Morgan, Dyfed

Winner

Sam Davies, Operations Manager, Dyfed

Rising Star Award

Charlie Thomas, Llanelli Division, Dyfed

Volunteer of the Year Award

Sam Davies, Operations Manager, Dyfed

Lifetime Achievement Award

Will Wall, Abertawe Division, West Glamorgan

Julie Carrod, Deputy Commissioner, Powys

Long Service Awards

10-year service medal:
Melanie Thomas, Abertawe Division, West Glamorgan
Rhiannon Jones, West Glamorgan Clinical Division

15 years – first silver bar:
Janice John, Haverfordwest Division, Dyfed 

20 years – second silver bar:
David Thomas, Ammanford Division, Dyfed
Samantha Benson, Brecon Division, Powys

Ultra Long Service Award 60 years – 2 gilt bars:
Eunice O’Hara, Haverfordwest Division, Dyfed

British Wool has celebrated a year of positive progress at its Annual General Meeting and Conference, reflecting renewed confidence across the UK wool sector, with rising wool prices, stronger consumer engagement and continued improvements in services for its farmer members.

Stronger returns

The cooperative confirmed that its latest auction, held on 4 November, achieved the highest average prices for nine years, with the British Wool index up 27% in the past two months. The average auction price reached £1.21 per kg, compared to £1.00 per kg last season, marking a significant boost for producers across the UK.

Supporting farmers and strengthening services

The AGM also showcased a series of service improvements designed to make it easier for farmers to deliver and market their wool, including more convenient collection centres and enhanced support at regional depots.

British Wool paid tribute to its team and community, with long-serving Head of Shearing, Richard Scholfield, honoured for his outstanding contribution to the industry upon his retirement.

Driving demand through marketing and partnerships

In its 75th anniversary year, the co-operative’s focus on consumer engagement has also delivered impressive results. Its nationwide open days attracted widespread attention, with coverage on BBC, ITV, GB News and numerous radio outlets.

A visit from HRH The Princess Royal to the South Molton depot in October further underscored the organisation’s heritage and importance to the UK’s rural economy.

Speaking at the conference, Chris Tattersall from The Woolroom reinforced the commercial importance of British Wool’s traceability and sustainability from a customer perspective.

Highlighting the efforts that British Wool is taking to engage consumers of all ages about the benefits of wool, Andrew pointed to a successful initiative to engage primary school children and their parents.

Overall, the AGM reflected a positive outlook for the sector, with optimism for continued growth into 2026.

Haydn Evans wins 2025 FUW – United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award

Carmarthenshire farmer Haydn Evans has been awarded the 2025 Farmers’ Union of Wales – United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award, recognising his significant contribution to agriculture in Carmarthenshire.

An organic dairy farmer and Vice Chair of NFU Cymru Carmarthenshire, Mr Evans has been acknowledged for his long-standing commitment to the agricultural sector, both locally and nationally. 

He started his farming business from scratch 20 years ago, purchasing his own farm and a small herd of cows after a successful career in the banking sector. He farms a 97 hectare organic dairy farm split into two units, with one farm housing the milking herd, while the other is utilised as a youngstock rearing unit

In addition to running his own farm, Mr Evans plays an active role in industry representation through his involvement with NFU Cymru as well as chair of the Welsh Organic Forum. His professional background in finance brings a valuable perspective to these roles, especially in discussions around business resilience and policy.

As a mentor with the Farming Connect Mentoring Scheme, he offers practical guidance to farmers across Wales, helping those looking to diversify, strengthen their business operations.

Mr Evans is also a passionate advocate for agricultural education and public engagement. He regularly contributes to Carmarthenshire YFC’s “My Food Plate” event, an annual initiative that introduces schoolchildren to the principles of sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.

Further enhancing his technical expertise, Mr Evans recently completed the Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS). He now teaches at Gelli Aur Agricultural College, where he supports the development of the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The FUW – United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award was presented to Mr Evans at the FUW’s Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner at the Carmarthen Market on Tuesday 28 October 2025, sponsored this year by NatWest Cymru.

Sian Thomas, Chair of the United Counties and Hunters society, said:

Commenting, FUW President, Ian Rickman said:

Feature image: From left, FUW President Ian Rickman, Haydn Evans and Chair of the United Counties and Hunters society Siân Thomas.

Historians search for memories of the North Wales Jewish community, including the origins of the jeweller who made the royal wedding rings

The jeweller who made the King and Queen’s wedding rings had roots in Llandudno.

Now Historians unearthing the hidden Jewish history of the town want to hear from people who remember well-known businesses from its thriving heyday including landmarks like Wartski’s jewellers, Lazar’s department store on Madoc Street, the Oriental Stores on Mostyn Street, or Blairman auctioneers. They are keen to fill the gaps in what is known about the companies and people which made Llandudno such a flourishing centre of Jewish life in the early twentieth century.

The man who helped to make North Wales a magnet for visitors from Manchester and Liverpool was royal jeweller Morris Wartski originally from Poland. Today in London’s St James the company still holds ‘by appointment’ royal warrants from both the King and Queen and made the couple’s wedding rings, though they have dropped the ‘of Llandudno’ from the shop front.

After moving along from Bangor in 1907, Wartski prospered with the patronage of King Edward VII and other aristocratic customers, as well as celebrities like Hollywood star Bing Crosby. A trailblazer, he helped build the town’s Jewish community, attracting other businesses to follow his lead and seize the commercial opportunities of the seaside resort. Morris’s son Isidore became the first Jewish mayor of Bangor in 1939.

Also standing proud in the town’s main shopping street was Lazar’s a landmark department store and the ‘Oriental Stores’ run by Iraqi-born Joseph Gubay whose grandson started the Kwiksave discount supermarket chain. Blairman fine art and antiques established in the town now operates in Mayfair, a world leading auctioneer of fine art and furniture. As well as their department store, the Lazar family also ran an exclusive ‘private’ hotel.

Exhibitions and talks regarding the Jewish history and heritage of the area are being planned with Llandudno Museum and Conwy Archives for Summer 2026 and 2027. Though high-quality documentation is already held, curators say they lack the kind of first-person memories that would bring the story of the town’s Jewish community to life.

Laura Henley-Harrison of the Jewish History Association of Wales said,

The Jewish History Association of Wales recently dropped ‘South’ from the title to extend its work to Llandudno and the rest of the principality. Professor Nathan Abrams of Bangor University said:

Feature image: Morris Wartski’s family, Bangor 1892. Michael’s maternal grandmother, Sara is sitting on her mothers knee.

A cross-party House of Commons’ select committee report calling for a delay to the UK Government’s reforms to inheritance tax has been welcomed by NFU Cymru.

The House of Commons’ Welsh Affairs Committee has today (Wednesday 12^th November) published a report following its inquiry into Farming in Wales in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities. NFU Cymru had submitted both oral¹ and written evidence to the inquiry. Among the report’s conclusions is a recommendation that the UK Government must delay implementing its final reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and (Business Property Relief) until an impact assessment has been published and scrutinised by the committee.

NFU Cymru President, Mr Aled Jones said:

The release of the Welsh Affairs Committee’s report arrives just two weeks ahead of the UK Government’s autumn budget announcement on Wednesday 26^th November. Many of the conclusions and recommendations contained within the report – including the request for a pause in the rollout of the inheritance tax changes – echo those of another House of Commons Cross-party committee, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee.

Mr Jones said:

The School Health Research Network investigates health and well-being of children and young people in Wales

The most comprehensive study of primary school children in Wales reveals nearly a third of learners (30%) reported elevated or clinically significant emotional difficulties in 2024.

The School Health Research Network’s (SHRN) Student Health and Well-being Survey in Primary Schools of more than 50,000 children also found that nearly seven in ten learners reported problems sleeping. One in three learners reported using social media a few times a week or every day – rising to one in two among 10-11-year-olds. Most learners said they had positive connections with teachers, peers, and school life.

These and other insights are included in the inaugural primary school report from SHRN. Researchers, educators, policy-makers and health practitioners say the findings are informing effective interventions to help learners. 

SHRN is a policy-practice-research partnership between Cardiff University, Welsh Government, and Public Health Wales. Established in all secondary schools in Wales since 2013, the network’s expansion into primary schools began with a pilot in 2022, culminating in the inaugural report in 2024.This latest phase aims to provide insights into the issues affecting children from the age of seven to 11.

Dr Kelly Morgan, director of SHRN at Cardiff University’s DECIPHer, said:

Other key findings reveal:

•          Half of learners have reported being bullied at school;
•           Fewer than half eat fruit or vegetables daily;
•           One in ten learners report clinically significant behavioural difficulties;
•           Around one in seven learners go to bed after 10 pm;
•           Half of learners own a smartphone;
•           Vaping is emerging among learners in year 5 and 6;
•           Half of learners report exercising at least five times a week.

Schools are already using SHRN data to inform their practice, with bespoke anonymous school reports issued to participating schools. These reports are increasingly being used to support school development planning, prepare for Estyn inspections, and strengthen whole-school approaches to mental health and well-being.

At Cogan Primary School in the Vale of Glamorgan, pilot data highlighted areas for development in children’s well-being and peer relationships by Year 6. With support from The Health and Well-being Promoting Schools team, the school introduced the Flourish programme – a targeted initiative designed to support self-esteem and emotional resilience, helping pupils thrive both socially and emotionally.

Tom Lewis, Health and well-being lead at Cogan Primary School, said:

Lorna Bennett, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Wales, said:

Report co-author Dr Shujun Liu, also based at Cardiff University’s DECIPHer, said: “

Overall, 510 primary schools took part in the study from across all twenty-two local authorities in Wales, representing 42% of all state maintained primary schools. One independent school participated. In total, 51,662 learners in Years 3 to 6 completed the SHRN questionnaire.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said:

Creative Cardiff reflects on successes and achievements as it marks decade of activity

A network for creative professionals, which is based within Cardiff University, has this week marked 10 years of championing collaboration in the creative industries.

In the decade since its inception, Creative Cardiff, of the Centre for the Creative Economy, has engaged with more than 6,000 creatives.

They have hosted 140 in-person and online events across the 10 years including regular networking meet-ups, skills development workshops, coworking opportunities and socials.

The network, launched by Professor Sara Pepper in 2015, also hosted podcasts Get A ‘Proper’ Job and Rhywbeth Creadigol? with, and for, the creative community. It regularly spotlights and celebrates Cardiff’s creatives through interviews, articles and its monthly newsletter as well as carrying out research about the creative economy in Wales.

Creative Cardiff has awarded £80,000 in commissions to over 60 creatives for a range of projects which have all further joined up and developed the creative industries ecosystem. Support with the recruitment of more than 5,000 local creative opportunities through its jobs board and listings of over 200 spaces and places in the city and region are also among the network’s achievements.

Co-founder Professor Justin Lewis from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture, said:

A key role for the network has been championing the innovation and growth potential of the creative industries. Due to its convening power, grassroots foundations and industry reach, Creative Cardiff was the engine room for the Creative Industries Clusters Programme bid, which resulted in the £10m innovation project, Clwstwr, that delivered 100+ creative research and development (R&D) projects. From Clwstwr, a successful Strength in Places bid was built – Media Cymru – which is a £54m programme to make the Cardiff Capital Region a global hub for media innovation.

Professor Wendy Larner, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, said:

Creative Cardiff will be launching new initiatives in 2026. These include Creatives Mean Business, a series of workshops and mentoring with a focus on enterprise and sustainable growth and a community-wide survey on the needs of the creative community.

The network has also opened applications for their first Community Forum, which will form part of their strategy for 2026 and beyond.

Carys Bradley-Roberts, Manager of Creative Cardiff, said:

Arup delivers Flintshire’s first net zero carbon school in operation using IES Building Performance Tech

Global development consultancy, Arup, has designed a pioneering Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio) Welsh school campus using performance modelling technology from global climate tech firm, IES. IES’s Virtual Environment (VE) dynamic modelling software played a central role in the design of the Mynydd Isa Campus, helping to reduce carbon emissions by over 100 tonnes per year.

Designed in 2023 and completed in 2025, the two-storey, 10,500m² campus meets Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘Excellent’ standards, reflecting strong performance across areas such as energy use, materials, water and occupant wellbeing. 

The IESVE software was used to assess and refine energy performance, taking into account overheating risks under various climate scenarios, including typical years, warm summers and prolonged heatwaves. 

The solutions included installing more than 1,000 solar panels, which are expected to generate over 500,000 kWh of electricity each year. This enables the building to produce as much energy as it consumes. To manage comfort, a complex cross-ventilation chimney concept and a ‘traffic light system’ in classrooms is used to alert teachers to open/close windows. The project also made a 25-year performance commitment to ensure the building remains efficient and resilient to future climate conditions. 

Niall Gibson, Building Performance Specialist at IES, commented, 

Steven Burrows, associate building physics engineer at Arup, said,

The campus provides nursery, primary, and secondary education for more than 1,300 pupils. As local authorities and design teams face increasing pressure to decarbonise public infrastructure, the Mynydd Isa project highlights the vital role of whole-life performance modelling and trusted simulation tools in designing and delivering buildings that truly meet net-zero commitments.

Learn more about the project and IES’s pioneering technology here: www.iesve.com/discoveries/view/55765/arup-mynydd-isa

On November 7 the Restore the Montgomery Canal appeal group hosted a team from Shropshire Council on an introductory tour of the Montgomery restoration. Although political control of the council changed hands at the local elections back in May this was the first diary opportunity for senior councillors to view the work of the SUCS volunteers during one of their work party weekends.

Led by John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, representatives from Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, Friends of the Montgomery Canal and IWA Shrewsbury & North Wales Branch met the Shropshire Council team at Canal Central at Maesbury Marsh, before boarding the steam launch Ictus for a trip to showcase the recently-opened restored length from Gronwen Bridge to Crickheath Wharf, the current limit of navigation. A highlight, at least for some, was the chance to operate the council-owned Crofts Mill Lift Bridge to let Ictus pass through before rejoining the boat trip to Crickheath.

Disembarking at Crickheath, the party joined SUCS chair David Carter to walk the length from Crickheath Bridge, past Schoolhouse Bridge to Waen Wen basin, which will be the next possible turning point for boats as the restoration progresses towards the Welsh border at Llanymynech.

David Carter thanked Michael Haig (IWA) for arranging the visit and said,

An impressively large turnout of volunteers, including some corporate volunteers from Oswestry-based business Aico, were working at multiple locations along the approximately three-quarter mile stretch between Crickheath and Waen Wen, giving the visitors a first-hand view of the current restoration in its various phases – in water, lined and blocked, cleared and profiled, and still being cleared.

By car from Schoolhouse Bridge, the party paused first at Pant Bridge to view some of the obstacles awaiting the restoration volunteers, before moving on to Llanymynech Wharf, home of the trip boat George Watson Buck.

During a debrief over a light lunch at the village’s Bradford Arms (still in Shropshire!), council leader Cllr Heather Kidd thanked the organisers and volunteers for the morning’s experience, which she said had really helped her and colleagues understand the scope of restoration efforts in Shropshire and how the canal could fit with the council’s connectivity, health and wellbeing, and economic priorities.

As well as Cllr Kidd, the council group included Cllr Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities, Cllr Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance, and Cllr Andy Davis, Chair of People Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Also present was Andy Wigley, Policy and Environment Service Manager (and member of the council’s Canal Project Board).

Huge thanks are also due to Chris Bushnell and Maggie Ellis for the opportunity to use their boat, Ictus.

Feature image: David Carter (in hard hat) explaining the progress to the councillors.

Shropshire Union Canal Society Enhancement Team is Expanding

At a recent canal enhancement work party at Ellesmere, six candidates passed the hedge cutting training and can now play a full part in the project. David Carter has led the team for a few years now and said,

The team are generally out once a month so to find out more, go to www.shropshireunion.org.uk

Polly, from Wild Wolves Explorer Unit, is one of 15 Explorers representing ScoutsCymru in this year’s Remembrance Sunday Parade. The National Remembrance Day Parade is at The Cenotaph in London. Everyone marching submitted an expression of interest and Polly’s story really stood out.

Like so many, Polly’s great grandfather, Sergeant Keith Brown had a traumatic time during WW2. Captured in 1942, he was taken prisoner in South East Asia and survived despite being held in horrendous conditions for 3 years. He was hospitalised on several occasions with dysentery.  He only realised he was free when he woke up one morning to find just a handful of Japanese people and the gates of the camp open.

He may have been free but he had nowhere to go because he was in the middle of the jungle!

The Americans then parachuted into camp, brought rations and collected notes they’d written to loved ones to be delivered home. Eventually, after three weeks and one more hospital stay he boarded a troop ship for home.

It took Sergeant Brown weeks to sail home, and he finally arrived in Southampton during October in 1945 to be met by Polly’s great grandmother. He was safe but the trauma of the experience stayed with him for life.

Polly’s grandmother said,

“My dad was just 26 when he was captured. When he came home, he went straight back to work and suffered his whole life with PTSD.”

The story of her great grandfather’s experience in the war was recounted by Polly when she volunteered to take part in this year’s Remembrance Day March. Polly said,

“I think that Remembrance Day is an incredibly important. Having been a part of Scouting since Beavers, I would be honoured to represent the Scout movement in this National Event. On a personal note, my nan’s dad Sergeant Keith Brown, was taken a prisoner of war in 1942. He was kept in Changi Prison then was sent in a cattle truck to Kanchanaburi camp on Burma Railway and slept for 3 years on a bamboo shelf in all weathers. He did what he could for money including selling his wedding ring for duck eggs. My nan goes to London every year to march with COFEPOW  Children of Far Eastern Prisoners of War. She would be immensely proud if I was participating in the Remembrance Day March.”

Polly is a perfect representation for Scouts in Wales. Thank you to Polly and her grandmother for sharing their family story.

When Paul Griffiths became Prior for Wales in 2023, he took on one of the most historic voluntary leadership roles in the country. Two years in, he looks back on a period filled with pride, challenge and moments that made him pause and reflect.

His route into the charity was anything but traditional. It began in a car park in Newport, waiting for his son Joe to finish first aid sessions for his Duke of Edinburgh Award.

From those early days, Paul began volunteering locally, then moved into roles supporting property and infrastructure before serving as Chair of the Gwent St John Council for six years. In 2023, he became Prior for Wales and Chair of the Board of Trustees. Despite a long career in public service as a senior police officer, he says stepping into the Prior role meant learning fast.

Paul joined at a challenging time. The focus was clear: strengthen leadership and values, secure financial stability and improve the volunteer experience.

One of the biggest surprises was discovering the scale of St John globally.

Even so, the moments that stand out most for him are close to home, recognising Welsh volunteers at investitures and visitations.

Looking ahead, Paul knows what he hopes to leave behind.

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 listen on Apple Podcasts go to: 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: Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ JP DL, who became Prior for Wales and Chair of the Board of Trustees at St John Ambulance Cymru in 2023, has reflected on his first two-years in the role.

Positive Practice in Safeguarding is the theme of a wide-ranging programme of events taking place across Mid and West Wales for National Safeguarding Week, commencing 10^th November 2025.

The programme has been coordinated by CWMPAS and CYSUR, the Regional Safeguarding Board, and has been designed in response to some of the safeguarding themes and issues that are known to affect children and adults at risk and their families in the Mid and West Wales region.

The events will be attended by practitioners who are responsible for safeguarding children and adults in our communities, including social workers, police officers, nurses, health visitors, midwives, teachers, and youth workers, as well as members of the community.

A highlight of the week includes a conference for multi-agency practitioners, taking place at Yr Egin, Carmarthen.

This event will be hosted on behalf of the Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board by comedian, satirist, TV personality and respite foster carer Kiri Pritchard-McLean, who will undertake the Master of Ceremony role at the event.

The conference will include input from a number of keynote speakers, including Tony Jenkyn, who undertook a Learning Review into the tragic events that took place in Southport in July 2024, and workshops that will include input from those with lived experience of some of the issues being considered, including suicide.

A number of other events will take place across the week for staff working in safeguarding as well as the community.

These include events facilitated by well-known charities including the NSPCC, New Pathways and Llanelli MIND, as well as a staff webinar that will share lessons learnt from adult practice reviews across Wales.

Michael Gray, Chair of the Mid and West Wales Safeguarding Board for Adults, said: 

You can follow the Mid and West Wales Safeguarding Board on social media – Twitter @CYSURCymru, Facebook @CYSURCymru and Instagram @cysurcymru for safeguarding updates and information throughout the week. 

National Safeguarding Week: 10th to 14th November 2025

A team of researchers led by Aberystwyth University is conducting new research into the state of rural enterprise in Wales.

Funded by the UK government, the research focuses on how rural businesses are responding to current challenges – from post-pandemic recovery and shifting trade landscapes, to evolving business practices and consumer behaviour.

The goal is to build a clearer picture of the unique pressures facing rural enterprises and how these compare to their urban counterparts.

The project is part of the Cymru Wledig Local Policy and Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Rural Wales initiative. Led by Aberystwyth University, the initiative involves Welsh universities working in partnership with businesses, third sector organisations, communities, and policymakers to find solutions to the challenges faced by rural communities in Wales.

Dr Ellen Hjort, researcher on the project, said:

The survey explores a wide range of themes, including net zero adaptations, employment patterns, seasonality, and community impact. It also builds on previous work by Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales by asking businesses what growth means to them and how they contribute to the wellbeing of their local communities.

The survey is open until 21 December 2025 and invites responses from businesses operating in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Powys, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, the Vale of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire.

All participating businesses will be eligible to enter a prize draw for a business support package.

Aberystwyth University researchers have teamed up with Antur Cymru to distribute the survey and offer incentives to encourage participation.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru, said:

If you run a business in rural Wales, help shape future policy and support by completing the survey:

English version: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/aber/rural-wales-business-survey-2025  

Welsh version: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/aber/arolwg-busnes-cymru-wledig-2025