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Welsh Office signals new attitude towards devolution

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crabbPRESELI PEMBROKESHIRE MP Stephen Crabb has signaled the Wales Office is poised to change its attitude to Welsh devolution. Mr Crabb said that the UK Government’s second loss in the Supreme Court over Welsh laws “gave food for thought” over how things should develop.

New Welsh Office Minister Mr Crabb and the two Wales Office Ministers – Baroness Jenny Randerson and Alun Cairns – pledged to build relationships outside of the government and with Welsh Government

Asked whether Wales should take inspiration from Scotland to launch a bid itself – or whether he agreed with Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt’s withering assessment of the Games Mr Crabb said: “I’m not of the Usain Bolt opinion. I was really privileged to go up last Wednesday to have a couple of hours with the athletes and coaches of Team Wales and share in some of the atmosphere with them.

He added: “I was impressed was I with their focus and their passion. They’ve already surpassed their medals target just one week into the Games and you can see why. Experiencing the opening ceremony – and also the business conference which the Prime Minister kicked off that afternoon before the opening ceremony, using these major events as a hook for investment in the same way we’d like to with the Nato summit. I would love a big eye-catching event like the Commonwealth Games to come to Wales. We’ve shown in the past with the Ryder Cup, with the fantastic rugby internationals that we put on and going to show with the Nato sumnmit as well, just what quality of hospitality visitors to Wales can expect. The quality of our infrastructure as well.

“Sometimes in Wales we are very good at talking ourselves down and actually if we’re thinking seriously about the potential for Wales to host the Commonwealth Games, we need to be talking about what we do well. I think we are approaching a place where we could be in a position to host that.”

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Oleria Hunamr

    August 26, 2014 at 4:14 pm

    Never in a million years would I want to see and independent Wales. I am Welsh. We are currently ruled by Cardiff and everything of benefit is within the home counties of Cardiff, Glamorgan and Monmouth. Everything outside of that is forgotten. Its exactly the same as it is in England. If you live within the home counties of England you get the money north of the Watford Gap, forget it. Scotland must be nuts if it wants to be independent. Not because its not a good idea, its a great idea and in theory it works fine. But once the politicians get in, it will be jobs for the boys in whatever capital city they decide and the regions will be lost in the mists of scotland. We have been witnessing the farce that has been enacted out for us at PCC and you want us to have more independence so that the local boyos can feather their nests…you must be nuts.

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Business

Why there will be regular flights from Wales to a little-known Chinese city

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CARDIFF Airport has launched a new flight route with thrice-weekly services to Ürümqi, an expanding city in northwestern China with a population of around four million. Though little known in Wales, Ürümqi has a complex history, highlighted in 2009 when it gained international attention due to ethnic tensions. Now, Cardiff and Ürümqi are linked as strategic cargo hubs, set to speed up deliveries and bolster Welsh businesses seeking export opportunities, including those in Pembrokeshire.

The new route, operated by European Cargo, offers a chance for Welsh exporters to reach China more swiftly. Speculatively, if fishermen in Milford Haven could ship Pembrokeshire crab to China while still fresh, it could open a lucrative market.

UK-based freighter operator European Cargo has chosen Cardiff International Airport as its latest base, launching the service to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport with initial plans for three flights weekly and a possible fourth soon. The airline’s specialized A340-600 converted freighters, designed for high-capacity loads, will transport e-commerce and other cargo directly from Wales to China.

Ürümqi – The city has a bigger population than Wales but you probably never heard of it

Jason Holt, CEO of European Cargo, described the expansion as a natural progression: “As we continue to grow outward from Bournemouth, Wales offers a prime location for investment. Cardiff Airport’s 24-hour operations and excellent motorway access make it ideal for our logistics network.”

The move has garnered praise from Welsh trade groups. Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Trade, Customs, and Borders, Josh Fenton, called the flights “fantastic news,” highlighting the route’s potential to boost trade links for Welsh businesses. “This service showcases Cardiff Airport’s potential as a freight hub, and we look forward to seeing more routes connecting Wales globally,” he said.

Cardiff Airport has been struggling post-Covid. Qatar has still not returned, but its now on the up (Image: File)

With Cardiff now serving as European Cargo’s second UK base, after Bournemouth, the airline’s Cardiff operations join routes to Chinese cities like Chengdu, Haikou, and Ürümqi. The airline’s A340 fleet, suited for high-volume loads with a 76-tonne payload capacity, is poised to meet the growing demand for e-commerce transport to and from China.

Cardiff Airport CEO Spencer Birns echoed the optimism surrounding the new route. “This investment reflects the high-quality facilities and committed teams we have here. Cardiff is well-positioned to support large-scale cargo operations,” he said.

Looking to the future, Fenton emphasized the need for continued governmental backing. “Logistics is central to Welsh economic growth. We urge the Welsh government to publish the Welsh Freight and Logistics Plan and appoint a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain,” he stated.

With the addition of this route, Cardiff is set to play a significant role in bridging Wales and China, fostering global trade links essential in today’s interconnected economy.

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Business

Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December

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THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP in Haverfordwest has announced it will close its doors on December 14, 2024. This news has left many saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in to celebrate the store’s role in the community and the people who made it special.

In a recent social media post, the management of The Original Factory Shop shared their gratitude for the community’s support, stating: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.” The announcement marks the end of an era for a store that has been part of the town’s retail landscape for many years.

Among those reflecting on the closure is Nigel Shinner, a former employee whose journey with The Original Factory Shop began in Haverfordwest. Nigel shared his experience on social media, reminiscing about his time with the store and how it became a meaningful part of his life and career:

“I know there are sadder things happening in the world today, but this makes me sad. This was my point of entry into The Original Factory Shop family. I joined as just a weekender, while I was raising my kids, but it wasn’t long before I became a supervisor and farmed out to help at other stores. I really stepped up a notch when my life took a turn, and I became Head Office staff and part of the new store merchandising team, often working ten-hour days, unloading wagons, building equipment, dressing stores, and training staff. That job took me far and wide, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from east coast to west, and to many locations across the home nations.”

Local customers also expressed their sadness at the upcoming closure, with comments pouring in on social media. Long-time shopper Julie Parry wrote, “I will be so sad to see this lovely little shop going. Always such friendly, helpful staff. Good luck, ladies, in whatever work you do next.” Another customer, Lyndsey Gould, shared fond memories of shopping at the store, saying, “Awww, such a shame you’re closing. Will miss getting my balloons from you guys.”

The closure of The Original Factory Shop marks another loss for Haverfordwest’s local shopping scene, which has seen several changes in recent years. The community now prepares to say goodbye to a much-loved establishment, with the store welcoming customers for a final visit until December 14.

For those wishing to express their farewells, the store remains open for one last month, inviting the community to visit, reminisce, and say goodbye to the team that has been a part of their shopping experience for years.

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Entertainment

Other Voices Cardigan celebrates record attendances

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THE fifth Other Voices Cardigan 2024 Festival was a record breaker, having attracted more than 15,000 music fans from across the world to the pretty Mid Wales coastal town over three days.

The event, which ran from October 31to November 2, featured a curated programme celebrating music, friendship, language, ideas and culture from both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.

Festival highlights included stellar performances from Nadine Shah, Bill Ryder Jones, and Fabiana Palladino.

St Mary’s Church audiences were treated to an acoustic performance by Manics’ frontman James Dean Bradfield, who performed special renditions of the classics ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘A Design for Life’, and ‘Ready for Drowning’.

Other Church performers this year include Charlotte Day Wilson, Melys, Victor Ray, and Georgia Ruth. 

Providing an extraordinary and inspiring programme across a myriad of musical genres, events took place in cafes, bars, places of worship and arts venues.    

More than 42 established and emerging acts from Wales and Ireland played the Music Trail and around 300 artists and crew worked and performed. The festival also boosted the local economy, with many businesses reporting increased foot traffic and sales during the event.

Over the past weekend, the festival saw more than 15,000 individual event admissions to more than 100 performances across the weekend, representing a 36% increase on 2023.

Visitors from outside Wales also increased significantly by 41%, with music fans coming from Ireland, Italy, New York, Sweden and Germany.

“This year has been another fantastic success,” said Dilwyn Davies, chief executive of Mwldan, co-producers of the event. “We’ve celebrated the vibrancy and vitality of the music scenes on both sides of the Irish Sea, and the spirit of our communities.

“The audience response has been incredibly positive and joyous, and we can’t wait to bring everyone together again in 2025.”

Phillip King, founder of Other Voices, added: “Cardigan/Aberteifi came alive with great music and stimulating and provocative banter when Other Voices came to town this past weekend.

“The event is growing and expanding year on year, attracting more visitors to this beautiful town. It’s a real delight to bring Other Voices across the Irish Sea, to collapse between Ireland and Wales and to bring us together in a way that deepens and strengthens every aspect of our relationship.”

Church performances were live-streamed on Other Voices YouTube channel and simultaneously streamed to the big screen at Mwldan in Cardigan. Highlights will be later broadcast on BBC Wales TV, BBC iPlayer and RTÉ and RTÉ Player via media partners. The event was presented by BBC DJ and Other Voices regular Huw Stephens.

Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and Government of Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.

The festival is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Ceredigion County Council.

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