News

Celebrity favourite tortoise comes to St Davids bookshop

Published

1 year ago

October 14, 2023

CNHILDREN in St Davids could have close encounters with tortoises, yetis and dinosaurs thanks to a visit to a bookshop by TV writer turned author Ian Brown.

Ian, who has written for shows like The Simpsons, is appearing at Falcon Boats, New Street, St David’s, Pembrokeshire on October 31. He will be reading from his Albert the tortoise and Hugg ‘n’ Bugg series of picturebooks.

The former TV writer, producer turned children’s author has proved a hit with youngsters on his storytime sessions. The event starts at 11am.

As well as reading his stories, Ian talks about real Albert the tortoise who is a big hit on social media and the inspiration for the picturebooks. He’s also won over a host of household names.

A journalist before working in television, Ian’s TV credits include The South Bank Show, big red book tribute show This Is Your Life and Top Gear. He’s written or produced for the likes of Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Caine, Trevor McDonald, The Simpsons, Martin Kemp, Jamie Oliver, Bob Monkhouse, Ian Wright, George Michael, Des O’Connor, John Barnes, Davina McCall and Ross Kemp.

Real Albert the tortoise is more than 80 years old and has been a pet in Ian’s family more than 50 years.

With his own pages on facebook, X, tiktok and a website, Albert has gathered thousands of fans around the world and his appeal has grown since the release of the first book, Albert Upside Down. All the books are illustrated by Eoin Clarke and are published by Cardiff-based Graffeg Books.

The event at Falcon Boats will feature other titles like Albert and the Wind, Albert Supersize, Albert in the Air, Albert and the Pond, Albert and the Shed and a board book for first readers called Albert and His Friends.

The books have been added to by Ian and Eoin’s new creations Hugg ‘n’ Bugg FINDING HOME and THE COMB about a messy abominable snowman and a flea who doesn’t like the cold.

Picturebook Albert is not only a hit with young readers, he’s taking the celebrity world by storm too. His fans include Jeremy Clarkson. Petrolhead, farmer and former tortoise owner Clarkson said, “I like this book. I like tortoises. What’s not to like?”

Danny Miller, former I’m A Celebrity King and ex-Emmerdale star is another famous face to be charmed by the tortoise. He described the books as his son Albert’s “favourite”.

Others praising the adventures of illustrated Albert are funnymen Julian Clary and Paul Whitehouse, star of Youtube and Strictly Come Dancing Joe Sugg, former TOWIE star Lydia Bright, Game of Thrones and

Vicar of Dibley actor Clive Mantle, Allo Allo and EastEnders actress Vicki Michelle and TV veterans John Craven of Countryfile and Michael Aspel.

Influencer Lydia Bright posted to her 1.3 million followers on Instagram that Albert Upside Down was a “new favourite” book for her daughter Loretta.

It’s been quite a journey for real Albert. He was rescued more than 50 years ago by Ian’s wife Millie when she was a little girl.

ALBERT THE TORTOISE Author PRESS RELEASE

Ian, who lives in east London, said, “Coming to St David’s is a real treat. I can’t wait to share the stories. Albert seems to be taking all this in his stride. We’ve all been amazed at how his popularity has grown. He has fans across the UK, USA, Japan and Australia. It took me thirty years to get a publishing deal, trying in between TV work, but Albert was the inspiration I needed. It’s a delight to visit bookshops, schools and libraries and share Albert’s world. Luckily they seem to like the stories and we hand out stickers and colouring sheets too. Putting words into the mouth of picturebook Albert has been a joy.”
In his story events Ian is accompanied by a lookalike tortoise, made from a coconut, as well as a yeti and a T Rex. “The props help me talk about real Albert but also to tell the stories,” added Ian. “We have a have a lot of fun.”
In the first story Albert finds himself on his shell, upside down. Can his garden friends team up and help him back on his feet? Book two, Albert and the Wind, sees his food blow away and was published soon after by independent publishers Graffeg. Book three, Albert Supersize, features dinosaurs as Albert has a big dream. In Albert In the Air, our hero escapes from his garden home and goes on a journey of discovery beyond. Albert and the Pond sees Albert make a new underwater friend. Albert and his Friends introduces early readers to garden creatures in a gentle way, friendship and Albert himself. Albert and the Shed sees Albert take shelter from a storm in a shed – but get locked in. His animal friends launch an hilarious rescue mission.
The Fast Show and Gone Fishing star Paul Whitehouse called Upside Down: “Utterly brilliant and charming.” Julian Clary, also a children’s author, declared it “Beautiful and heart-warming.” Countryfile stalwart John Craven said “What a treat.” Joe Sugg called it “A great story.”
The Albert the Tortoise picturebooks Albert Upside Down, Albert and the Wind, Albert Supersize, Albert In The Air, Albert and the Pond, Albert and the Shed and Albert and his Friends and the Hugg ‘n’ Bugg books are available now. There is more about Albert at www.AlbertTortoise.com

Health

Eluned Morgan on NHS: ‘I’ve listened, I’ve heard, I’m making it happen’

Published

8 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FIRST Minister Eluned Morgan is set to announce an additional £22 million to tackle NHS waiting lists, bringing the total funding commitment to £50 million in a bid to address the longest delays in NHS Wales.

The announcement will form a key part of her speech at the Welsh Labour Conference on Saturday in Llandudno, marking her first as Welsh Labour Leader. Morgan will emphasise the strength of partnership between the Welsh and UK Labour Governments, showcasing their shared commitment to delivering for the people of Wales.

The funding pledge comes two weeks after Rachel Reeves unveiled a historic £21 billion funding settlement for the Welsh Government—the largest since devolution. Drawing on her summer listening tour, where she engaged with thousands across Wales, Morgan will declare: “I’ve listened, I’ve heard, I’m making it happen.”

Focus on NHS and Green Growth

During her tour, the First Minister heard the pride people feel for the Welsh NHS and its workforce, as well as the importance of safeguarding its future. Today’s funding boost underscores Welsh Labour’s commitment to addressing key issues, distinguishing it as the only party serious about governance and delivery.

In addition to NHS investment, Morgan will highlight her administration’s ambitions for green jobs and growth. Five new renewable energy projects are set to be unveiled, alongside plans to streamline infrastructure planning by 12 weeks—a move aimed at accelerating progress in Wales. These initiatives are expected to create hundreds of skilled jobs, reinforcing Labour’s commitment to a greener, more prosperous future.

Conservative Perspective on NHS Wales

The Welsh Conservatives have expressed concerns regarding the current state of NHS Wales. They have highlighted issues such as prolonged waiting lists and underfunding, attributing these challenges to longstanding Labour governance. In a recent statement, the Welsh Conservatives emphasized the need for increased investment and support for NHS staff, proposing the establishment of an NHS Covenant to guarantee such commitments.

Additionally, the Welsh Conservatives have criticized the Labour Government for not allocating the full Barnett consequential funding to the Welsh NHS, arguing that this shortfall has exacerbated existing challenges within the health service.

Delivering for Wales

The Conference will celebrate the achievements of the Welsh Labour Government while setting out its future priorities. From tackling NHS challenges to driving renewable energy development, the event will demonstrate Morgan’s focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Wales.

Eluned Morgan’s speech is expected to reaffirm Welsh Labour’s ambition to lead with purpose, listening to the public and working closely with the UK Labour Government to deliver tangible results.

News

Young Changemakers Drive Wales Toward a Net Zero Future

Published

9 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AS world leaders gathered at COP29 to address global climate challenges, young people in Wales were making their own mark on the path to a greener future. The Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon, held last Friday, showcased the ingenuity, passion, and practical solutions of 26 young finalists from across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

This flagship event, hosted by Pembrokeshire-based education enterprise Cymbrogi Futures, is part of a year-long programme empowering young learners with the skills and confidence to tackle climate challenges head-on.

THE WINNING IDEA: FAIR FASHION

The team from Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthenshire, stole the show with their innovative project addressing fast fashion waste. Their idea? Personalised soft toys crafted from discarded fabric destined for landfill. By engaging with local businesses and charity shops, the team not only demonstrated creativity but also gained practical insights into the environmental impact of textile waste.

Nia John, lead teacher for the team, shared: “This project allowed us to incorporate real-world learning into the classroom. Pupils were thrilled to interact with industry experts, growing their ideas through meaningful collaboration.”

Ariana, the team leader, reflected: “I enjoyed learning skills like collaboration and creativity, which will help me in the future. This experience has inspired me to start our school’s Climate Action group.”

OTHER FINALISTS: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Equally impressive was Milford Haven School’s ‘Cafe Cleddau’, a visionary concept featuring a solar-powered boat to connect communities along the Haven waterway. With sustainable snacks, a soft-play area, and hydro-powered backup systems, the idea aimed to revolutionise tourism and nightlife in the region.

All finalist teams received vouchers for the ethical online store Social Supermarket, while the winning team took home a £300 cash prize to fund biodiversity projects at their school.

BUILDING A NET ZERO FUTURE

Cymbrogi’s founder, Liza Lort-Phillips, underlined the importance of initiatives like Tomorrow’s Changemakers:
“Today’s learners will face far greater challenges in a climate-changed world than any of us. By sparking their imaginations now, we can equip them to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

The programme was supported by major partners, including the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental, who provided real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities in Wales’ green economy.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, remarked: “This initiative is vital. Empowering the next generation with green skills and confidence ensures they are ready to lead the charge toward a net-zero future.”

A COMMUNITY-ROOTED CHALLENGE

The hackathon is the culmination of a three-stage learning journey inspired by the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the UN Global Goals. The programme began with an online course introducing topics such as the circular economy and systems thinking, followed by mini-challenges rooted in real-world scenarios in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Learners explored diverse challenges, including:

Sustainable Tourism: Imagining a car-free holiday in Milford Haven.
Energy: Exploring renewable solutions for rural Wales.
Fashion: Tackling fast fashion waste.

The finalists worked with industry experts, visiting sites such as the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental to gain hands-on experience.

A CALL TO ACTION

Samuel Kurtz, MS for South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, praised the event:
“The curiosity and ingenuity of these students are truly inspiring. Their ambition shows they are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. Initiatives like this are essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.”

Cymbrogi Futures hopes to expand the programme to schools across Wales, with plans to reach Wrexham and Neath Port Talbot in 2025.

As Wales leads the charge toward a net-zero future, the Tomorrow’s Changemakers programme reminds us that the solutions of tomorrow lie in the hands of today’s young minds.

Pictured above: Young innovators: Queen Elizabeth High students celebrate their Fair Fashion project victory (Pic: MHPA).

Community

Port supports Cruising Free’s Atlantic Dash with donation of safety equipment

Published

9 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced a donation of vital safety equipment to support local group Cruising Free, who will be embarking on a challenging 3,200-mile rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew of Cruising Free will row from Lanzarote to Antigua to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Port of Milford Haven’s donation includes a comprehensive range of safety gear designed to support the crew’s journey and ensure their safety during this extraordinary expedition. Items provided include:

Flare Kit
Satellite Phone
VHF Radios
First Aid Kits
GPS Equipment
Lights
Safety Lines
And more

The Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy Port, is committed to supporting local maritime initiatives. This donation is a key part of the Port’s ongoing efforts to promote safety in all aspects of maritime activity, particularly for adventurous projects like Atlantic Dash.

“We are proud to support the amazing crew of Cruising Free as they undertake this monumental challenge,” said Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven. “Safety is paramount for anyone taking to the sea, and we hope that the equipment we’ve provided will support them as they navigate the Atlantic. Their journey will not only raise vital funds for two incredibly worthwhile causes but also inspire people across the UK and beyond. We are excited to be part of their journey and wish them the very best of luck.”

The Atlantic Dash will see the team of experienced rowers tackle the gruelling transatlantic journey, which is expected to take several weeks. The funds raised by Cruising Free will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports research and care for people living with cystic fibrosis, and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides specialist palliative care services to individuals in West Wales.

“We are truly and eternally grateful to Port of Milford Haven who have provided us with the essential safety equipment needed to embark on our 3,200 mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua. We are hoping not to need to use the flares or safety lines, but the satellite phone and VHF radio will keep us connected with land and loved-ones through the entire 2-month journey. Thank you!” said Polly Zipperlen, team member of Cruising Free.

Cruising Free’s row across the Atlantic will begin in January 2025, and the crew’s journey will be tracked in real time to allow supporters to follow their progress. The team is already actively fundraising and plans to hold several community events in the lead-up to their departure.

To learn more about Cruising Free’s Atlantic Row and how you can support their cause, visit their Linktree here.