News

Humans, not glaciers, moved Stonehenge bluestones from Wales, research confirms

Published

11 months ago

July 29, 2025

THE ICONIC bluestones of Stonehenge were transported from Pembrokeshire to Salisbury Plain by people rather than glaciers, according to new research led by Aberystwyth University.

For decades, archaeologists have debated whether the massive stones — some weighing up to four tonnes — were dragged more than 200km from west Wales by Neolithic people, or carried south by glacial ice during the Ice Age.

The latest study, carried out with University College London, the University of South Wales and the University of Exeter, focuses on a distinctive fragment known as the “Newall boulder”. Excavated at Stonehenge in 1924, the boulder has long been central to the argument.

Some earlier studies described it as a glacial erratic, suggesting it was moved by ice. But detailed analysis — including X-ray, geochemical and microscopic examination — found “no evidence to support” that theory. Instead, the research team concluded it is rhyolite debitage from Craig Rhos-y-Felin in north Pembrokeshire, most likely the broken top of Stone 32d, now a buried stump at Stonehenge.

Lead author Professor Richard Bevins said: “Our examinations show that the Newall boulder matches rock from Craig Rhos-y-Felin exactly. Combined with strong archaeological evidence for stone extraction at the site, we believe Neolithic people transported it all the way to Wiltshire. Stonehenge itself proves such an extraordinary feat was possible.”

The team also point out that if glaciers had carried the stones, similar boulders would be scattered widely across Salisbury Plain. Instead, bluestones are found only at Stonehenge and its immediate surroundings.

The findings, published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, are described as the most complete review yet of the Newall boulder evidence. The authors conclude: “There is no evidence of glaciation on Salisbury Plain. The bluestones were brought to Stonehenge by human hands, not by ice.”

Professor Bevins and co-author Professor Nick Pearce were also part of a 2024 study which revealed Stonehenge’s Altar Stone originated from north-east Scotland, not from the Preseli Hills as previously believed.

The research was supported by an Emeritus Fellowship from the Leverhulme Trust.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

5 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

11 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.