Digital series voiced by Jonny Owen aims to reconnect communities with the Wales they recognise

A NEW digital storytelling project launched by Welsh broadband company Ogi is shining a spotlight on the real stories of modern Wales — including one rooted in Milford Haven — after new research revealed nearly half of people in Wales feel misrepresented on screen.

Broadcaster and filmmaker Jonny Owen has voiced the first chapter of “Local Legends”, a collection of short films capturing community spirit, humour and resilience across the nation. The series was developed in response to Ogi’s survey which found that forty-five per cent of people in Wales feel disconnected from how Welsh identity is portrayed in TV and film, with two-thirds saying the version of Wales they recognise is “invisible”.

Three stories chosen

Earlier this year, people across Wales were invited to submit their own real-life stories. From these, three tales have been selected and brought to life on film:

A Mountain Comeback – Cwmaman
The story of Mike from Cwmaman, who believed his hiking days were behind him after being diagnosed with MS. A community effort helped him achieve something he never expected — a remarkable ascent of Pen y Fan.

Teamwork on Tour – Rhymney
A chaotic rugby tour in the former Czechoslovakia turned into a triumph of pure teamwork after a mechanical problem with a bus forced the squad to improvise and pull together.

Lifting a Nation – Milford Haven
An inspiring incident from Milford Haven that sparked an unexpected journey of strength, determination and community pride — and went on to demonstrate Welsh grit on the world stage.

Owen said the aim of the project was simple: to show Wales as it is lived every day, not as it is often portrayed.
“These stories are funny, moving and completely real,” he said. “They show Wales today — communities coming together, people finding their place, and that brilliant mix of pride and humour we do so well.”

Reconnecting Wales with itself

Ogi says the project is part of its mission to reflect the communities it serves through its broadband rollout across Wales.

Sarah Vining, Brand Marketing Director at Ogi, said: “Local Legends shines a light on the everyday moments that make Wales extraordinary. It’s about connection — both online and off — and celebrating the voices that make this country what it is.”

The first films are now available to watch at ogi.wales/local-legends, and the public is being invited to submit further stories as the collection grows during 2025.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 20 flood alerts across the country as forecasters warn that conditions are set to deteriorate heading into the weekend.

A 24-hour yellow weather warning for heavy and persistent rain has been issued by the Met Office, taking effect from 6am on Friday, 14 November, until 6am on Saturday, 15 November. The warning covers much of Wales, with South Wales expected to bear the brunt of the downpours, although disruption and flooding are also likely elsewhere.

NRW has warned that the wet weather could have a “significant impact” on parts of the country and is urging residents to remain alert and take action to protect themselves and their property.

Alun Attwood, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “The yellow rain warning in place from the early hours of Friday and into Saturday could lead to significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see flood alerts and warnings issued.

“We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service.

“We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so it’s important for everyone to know their flood risk.

“If there is flooding we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. We want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and do not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath.

“Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit our website for the latest information on flood warnings, and find practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.”

At present, 20 flood alerts are in force across Wales, meaning flooding is possible in the following areas:

• North Gwynedd catchment
• River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli
• Conwy catchment
• North and west Pembrokeshire
• Glaslyn and Dwyryd catchment
• Western Cleddau
• Lower Severn catchment in Powys
• Rivers Bran and Gwydderig
• Rivers Nant-Y-Fendrod and Nant Bran
• River Ewenny and Vale of Glamorgan west
• Vyrnwy catchment
• River Ely
• Lower Teifi
• Lower Towy
• Upper Towy
• Rivers in Llanelli
• Rivers Gwendraeths
• South Pembrokeshire
• Rivers Loughor and Amman
• Rivers Taf and Cynin

Residents are being urged to monitor updates closely and to take extra care when travelling, particularly in areas prone to flooding.

Pembroke Dock nurse recognised with national honour after transforming care home

A MOTHER-OF-THREE from Pembroke Dock who defied the odds to qualify as a nurse has won a prestigious Wales Care Award.

Sarah Lees, 47, was honoured with the Silver Award in the Independent Sector Nurse of the Year category at this year’s ceremony, held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel.

Described by colleagues as “a champion in social care who transforms the lives of those around her”, Sarah was praised for her inspirational journey and her impact on residents and staff at Shaw Healthcare’s Cartref Cleddau care home.

Sarah, who is also due to receive her Queen’s Nurse badge and certificate at a ceremony in London this month, completed her nursing qualification at Oxford Brookes University as a mature student while going through a divorce and caring for her three children — one with learning difficulties and another with ADHD.

“It required a lot of juggling,” she said. “Looking back now I don’t know how I got through my course, but I had lots of help around me which I’m so grateful for.”

After several years working as a carer, Sarah decided to train as a nurse to enhance her knowledge and influence the direction of care. She joined Cartref Cleddau in 2019 as deputy manager and was promoted to service manager in 2021.

Among her proudest achievements is transforming the home’s care provision so that residents with dementia can now receive “whole of life care” without having to move elsewhere.

She explained: “Previously, a dementia diagnosis meant residents had to move, which caused huge disruption. That’s no longer the case — all staff are now fully trained to care for people with dementia, keeping their care stable and secure.”

Outside work, Sarah enjoys reading and spending time with her three dogs, who love chasing a ball along the nearby beach.

Sean Tregonning, Head of Marketing and Communications at Shaw Healthcare, said: “Sarah doesn’t just manage a care home — she transforms lives, those of her residents, their families, and the staff she mentors. When she took on the role, morale was low and many beds were empty. Through her drive and compassion, the home now has a waiting list and a happy, motivated team.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the awards celebrate the “unsung heroes and heroines” who make a vital difference to vulnerable people’s lives.

He added: “The Wales Care Awards underline the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together. Our mission has always been to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”

A poignant moment came when Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, presented one of the evening’s awards in tribute to her husband’s long-standing support for the social care sector.

“Dafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing,” said Mr Kreft. “He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on through his immense contribution to public life and his impact on communities across Wales.”