News

Welsh pair named as UK’s unbreakable lockdown heroes following BT’s Nationwide search

Published

5 years ago

June 2, 2021

BT HAS today revealed that Laura Llewellyn Jones, alongside Iestyn Griffiths, from Pembrokeshire, have been named as one of the UK’s everyday ‘Unbreakable’ heroes.

The entries follow a call to action to the public to nominate those individuals who used the power of the internet to make a difference during a unique and challenging year, as BT marks the roll out of the UK’s first unbreakable home wi-fi service backed up by EE, the UK’s most reliable mobile network.

Laura, who co-founded The West End of Wales Orchestra with Iestyn Griffiths, harnessed the power of the internet to support out of work Welsh musicians throughout the pandemic, with virtual performances and educating and mentoring young musicians – in the most challenging of times. An online celebration of Wales for St David’s day gwlad! streamed to over 1200 households, with the pair collaborating from a distance of over 100 miles, bringing together musicians based all over the UK in the finest of virtual music making, raising over to £25,000 in the process.

“Iestyn and I, along with the West End of Wales are thrilled to be named as BT Unbreakable winners. For us, it celebrates our first year of work as a collective, at a time when the Arts industry was so devasted by the pandemic. To be titled “Unbreakable” really does sum up how we as musicians faced the challenge of the last year, and thankfully we were all able to stay connected.”

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who teamed up with BT to help find these unsung heroes of lockdown, delivered the news via video call to the hero ‘Unbreakables’, including Laura and Iestyn from Wales, who were both highlighted for their unique use of the power of the internet to keep people going during lockdown.

Sophie, whose own iconic live-streamed Kitchen Discos were a constant source of fun and escapism for millions, used the calls to learn more about the inspirational stories of connection behind each Unbreakable hero and thank the trio for their commitment to helping others.

To commemorate the achievements of these unsung heroes, Sophie will perform in BT’s Unbreakable Disco on Thursday 3^rd June 2021 at 6:30pm, in a one-off live-streamed performance, powered by BT’s Hybrid Broadband, the UK’s first unbreakable home wi-fi that’s backed up by EE award-winning mobile network. During the show, the Murder on the Dancefloor songstress will perform her favourite tunes, dedicated to the newly crowned Unbreakables, as well as share special shout-outs to some of the nation’s nominated heroes.

Kerry, Laura and Chris were amongst a host of unsung members of the public nominated for harnessing the power of the internet to help people stay connected and motivated in their own unique way during lockdown.

BT’s Unbreakable virtual gallery – a dedicated online gallery space featuring the nation’s nominations – showcased hundreds of individuals over the past month, who used the power of the internet to make a difference during a unique and challenging year.

Sharon Meadows, Director of Propositions, BT’s Consumer Division said: “We set out on our search to find the nation’s Unbreakables, to celebrate the everyday heroes across communities who used the power of the internet to help others during this difficult time. The inspirational stories of Kerry, Laura and Chris are three great examples of this, their own unique efforts kept thousands of people entertained, connected and upbeat during lockdown.”

She adds: “As well as the dedication and selflessness shown by each Unbreakable, access to a reliable internet connection was at the heart of making these stories possible. So we’re proud to be celebrating their achievements and the wider list of everyday heroes during BT’s Unbreakable Disco with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a special one-off live stream, powered by BT’s Hybrid Broadband, the UK’s first unbreakable home wi-fi, backed up by EE’s award-winning mobile network.”

Fans can tune into BT’s Unbreakable Disco with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, powered by BT’s Hybrid Broadband on Thursday, 3 June 2021 at 6:30pm live on BT’s YouTube page

Climate

Blue sea creatures wash up on Welsh beaches including Tenby

Published

9 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS to Welsh beaches have been warned not to touch unusual blue sea creatures which have washed ashore along parts of the coastline.

Hundreds of velella velella, commonly known as by-the-wind sailors, have been reported on beaches in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Tenby.

The small, bright blue marine creatures are free-floating hydrozoans and are related to Portuguese man o’ war, sea anemones and corals.

They get their name from a small sail-like structure on their body, which catches the wind and carries them across the surface of the sea.

One was spotted on Tenby South Beach on Tuesday (Jun 16), where beachgoer Maxine Allinson described it as “fantastic” and “like a crystal”.

Marine experts say the creatures are often seen after changes in currents or stormy weather, which can push large numbers ashore at the same time.

Although they are much smaller and less dangerous than Portuguese man o’ war, they do have stinging cells.

Their sting is usually mild, but people are being advised not to pick them up, especially as contact with the face, lips or sensitive skin could cause pain or tingling.

Experts also warn that the stinging cells can remain active even after the creatures appear to be dead on the beach.

The advice is to admire them from a safe distance and leave them where they are.

Caption: Maxine Allinson spotted a velella velella on Tenby South beach Tuesday

Local Government

Mayor to hold drop-in session for Haverfordwest residents

Published

9 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST residents will have the chance to raise ideas, concerns and local issues directly with the town’s mayor this week.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner will hold a Talk to Your Mayor session on Thursday, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

The initiative is aimed at giving residents an opportunity to speak directly with the mayor about matters affecting the town and wider community.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said communication and engagement were “vital”, adding that the session was about listening to local people, working together, and ensuring every voice had the opportunity to be heard.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment is asked to contact the Haverfordwest Town Council town clerk.

The mayor said: “Together, we can continue building a stronger and more connected community. Together we can make Haverfordwest the best in the west.”

News

Senedd rejects Reform call to end Welsh Government international spending

Published

11 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE SENEDD has rejected a Reform UK motion calling for an end to all Welsh Government international spending, after a heated debate which saw several Members walk out of the chamber.

The motion, tabled by Reform MS Llŷr Powell, was defeated by 48 votes to 37 on Wednesday (Jun 17).

An amended motion, backing Wales’ reputation as an “internationalist, tolerant and outward-looking nation”, was then passed by the same margin.

The debate followed warnings from Hub Cymru Africa and other campaigners that ending international spending would damage Wales’ global reputation and undermine projects linking Welsh communities with partners overseas.

Reform argued that Welsh Government money should be focused on domestic pressures, including the NHS, schools, transport and the cost of living.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar backed the Reform motion, saying foreign relations and international development were matters for the UK Government rather than Cardiff Bay.

But Plaid Cymru and Welsh Government speakers rejected that argument, saying Wales’ international work supported trade, public services, education, health partnerships and the country’s reputation abroad.

The debate became heated after comments by Reform MS Joe Martin, who criticised overseas schemes including beekeeping and tree-planting projects in Uganda.

Several MSs left the Siambr during his contribution, with the Llywydd later urging Members to reflect on the tone of the debate.

Hub Cymru Africa had said before the vote that Wales’ international solidarity budget represented a tiny fraction of overall spending and helped deliver work in public health, climate action, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

The organisation said the vote was an opportunity for the Senedd to reaffirm Wales’ place in the world.