Community

Wrap up water pipes as temperatures plummet

Published

10 years ago

February 4, 2015

WITH freezing temperatures taking an icy grip of Wales, households are being urged by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) to act now to avoid the risk of a burst water pipe.

Cold snaps, like the one currently sweeping the country, increase the risk of water pipes becoming frozen with potentially costly and disruptive consequences.

According to CCWater research fewer than half of us have taken steps to wrap up our pipes, which is why the water watchdog is calling on households to act now by lagging the pipework in their home.

Diane McCrea, Chair of CCWater’s Wales Committee, said: “While most of us are wrapped up warm in our winter woollies, it might have slipped our mind that our water pipes need protecting from the cold too. Leaving pipes exposed to freezing weather can have miserable consequences so don’t take the risk. Lagging your pipes will give you peace of mind throughout the winter.”

CCWater research in 2013 revealed only 46% of water customers had taken steps to avoid frozen pipes – down from 55% in 2012.

Young people aged 24 to 35 are most at risk of not being properly prepared, while one in five water customers have no idea what to do if a pipe freezes in their home.

Problems with pipes in our own homes are our responsibility so it’s worth taking time to check they are well insulated.

Even if you live in a rented property it’s also worth investigating whether they have been lagged by the landlord, as a burst pipe could end up wrecking your possessions.

By following our simple advice you can reduce the risk of suffering a burst pipe:

Act now:

Get your pipes and water tanks insulated – visit your local DIY store or shop on line for a variety of products that can help.
Wrap bends or hard-to-get-at pipes with securely fixed strips of insulation.
Find your stop tap – being able to turn the water off quickly could save a lot of damage.
Insulate outside taps or turn them off at the stop tap and drain the water from them.
Fix any dripping taps or overflows. A build-up of ice can cause a blockage.
Get contact details of a good plumber – if you do have a problem you will want a professional on hand as quickly as possible.
On very cold days, open the hatch to your loft to let warm air in from other parts of the house and prevent pipes from freezing.
If you go away for a few days, leave your heating on low and set it to come on at least once every day.

What to do if you do have a problem with a frozen pipe:

Find your stop tap and turn it off.
Make sure any nearby cold taps are turned on, to allow the water to escape when it thaws.
Don’t turn hot taps on until the central heating is switched off.
Do what you can to protect or remove anything which might be damaged if the pipe bursts when the water thaws.
Check all visible pipes for damage or evidence of freezing.
If you can identify which pipe is frozen apply a hot water bottle or hot wet towel.
If you notice a leak once the water has thawed and pressure in the pipe has built up again, turn off the stop tap and call a plumber.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

19 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.