One of Wales’ most enigmatic and successful fashion designers – Huw ‘Fash’ Rees – is to hang up his tailors’ shears for good later this year following his announcement that his bridal gown company – Huw Rees Brides – is to close.

In an announcement made on social media last weekend, Huw said his ongoing health issues leaves insufficient time for running his business in Llandeilo.  As a result, Huw Rees Brides will close by the end of March, 2025.

“It’s been a difficult decision, not taken lightly,” he said.

“But all our brides have been contacted and we will continue to work with all current brides until their weddings. There is no scandal, and no one will be left without a dress.”

Huw went on to say that later this year he will become an official celebrant.

Huw Rees Brides was launched in 2008, since when it has won no fewer than 14 national awards.  He is also a regular face on S4C’s ‘Prynhawn Da’ and ‘Heno’ magazine programmes where he presents the regular fashion slots.

Huw was first admitted to hospital in 2019, complaining of severe stomach pains. Tests confirmed that he had been suffering from kidney disease for a considerable period of time. The initial prognosis was that with medical treatment coupled with a healthy diet, he wouldn’t have to undertake dialysis nor a new kidney. But nine months later he was told that he would have to commence dialysis.

“I was worried, as I knew the effects that dialysis can have on a person’s life,” he said in a previous Radio Cymru interview.

“You have to be on the machine three times a week, for four hours a day, and to me, this felt like ‘broken heart syndrome’.

“But I knew how important it was to follow the guidance of the specialists, listen to what they had to say and start dialysis as soon as possible.”

His treatment began just two days after Christmas, 2019.

“I went in for a blood test and was told that things had got considerably worse, with the result that they decided to begin dialysis that very same day,” he said.

Throughout his treatment, Huw feared that his work would one day have to take a backward step.

“My work has always been my life, as this is what I love doing,” he said.

“But the care I’ve received from the NHS has been exceptional.

“The dialysis team has been so supportive, and not once have I been left feeling isolated.

“Also, the response I’ve had from the public since announcing the closure of the business last Saturday has been incredible and the messages of support have been pouring in.

“Those messages have meant a great deal to myself and to the girls, but the decision to close is a positive one, which will allow me some freedom to pursue other less consuming interests.”

Huw ‘Fash’ went on to say that instead of selling wedding gowns, he will soon become a licensed celebrant.

Latest Welsh government figures confirm that Kidney Replacement Therapy treatments, such as dialysis,  are currently being given to around 1,400 Welsh residents a year.

There are also almost 1,800 Welsh patients living with a functioning kidney transplant, who require ongoing clinical review, psychosocial support and immunosuppressive drug treatments. All forecasts consistently demonstrate that the need for these services for adults will grow by between 4 and 5% year on year.

The number of children reaching end stage kidney disease per annum is around two per million of the total population. In Wales this corresponds to approximately six new cases per year. There are approximately 50 children on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) in Wales at any one time, many with a kidney transplant.

Meanwhile Huw Rees has confirmed that all stock, including current gowns, is now being sold for £350 or less.

NEW figures reveal Dyfed-Powys Police has paid out £324,000 in compensation over the past five years, following nearly 200 claims made by members of the public.

A Freedom of Information requests show a whopping 186 claims were lodged against the force between 2019 and 2024, with compensation payments peaking in 2021/2022 at £138,111. Claims included allegations of unlawful arrest, financial losses, personal injury, and failure in duty of care.

In 2019/2020, 36 claims were made, with nine settled. The following year, 22 claims were lodged, with nine again resulting in payouts. Numbers rose to 38 claims in 2021/2022, with 11 settlements, before dropping slightly in 2022/2023 to 36 claims and eight payouts. However, the most recent figures for 2023/2024 show a significant rise, with 54 claims and seven settlements.

Lucy Parker, a solicitor from JF Law, said: “Claims against police forces highlight the importance of accountability. Issues such as wrongful arrest, assault, and negligence must be addressed seriously.”

Nationally, UK police forces have paid out millions in compensation, with property damage from botched raids cited as a frequent reason.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for comment.

RAIL passengers in west Wales are being “let down” following the cancellation of more than 650 Transport for Wales (TfW) trains on routes to Swansea and beyond in just 12 months.

Between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, a total of 654 services were cancelled, impacting key routes to Llanelli, Carmarthen, Pembroke Dock, Fishguard, and Milford Haven. The cancellations have sparked frustration among passengers and raised concerns over the reliability of rail services in the region.

Transport for Wales, which took over day-to-day rail operations from Arriva nearly seven years ago, has faced ongoing criticism for service quality. A Rail User Survey in 2023 revealed that only 72% of passengers were satisfied with TfW services, making it the worst-rated operator in the UK at the time. By comparison, Southern Railway scored 80%.

Recent surveys show some improvements. Between February and September 2024, overall satisfaction rose to 85%, with punctuality increasing to 73% and frequency to 66%. However, these numbers remain below national averages, and the situation in west Wales continues to lag behind other regions.

Passengers in west Wales have long expressed frustration over frequent delays and cancellations. One traveller recounted a 60-mile journey from Cardiff Central to Carmarthen that resulted in an overnight stay in Cardiff due to multiple delays and cancellations. Replacement buses offered little reprieve, with onward journeys stretching well into the early hours.

Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Transport, criticised the situation, saying: “These statistics show that Welsh passengers are being let down. Historical underinvestment in our rail network and infrastructure has led us to this position. In order to create a Welsh rail network that works for the people of Wales, it’s vital that decisions regarding Welsh rail are made in Wales.”

Mr Griffiths added: “Only Plaid Cymru fights for the devolution of rail infrastructure to ensure we can secure consistent investment in our network and deliver reliable services.”

Despite some recent improvements in customer satisfaction, the sheer scale of cancellations highlights ongoing issues with rail services in Wales, particularly in west Wales where consistent, reliable transport remains a challenge for many commuters and travellers.