Community

A celebration of Welsh culture: The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024

Published

8 months ago

May 31, 2024

THE Eisteddfod yr Urdd, one of Wales’ most cherished cultural festivals, is once again illuminating the spirit of Welsh youth and talent. Held annually, this year’s event is bursting with vibrant activities, new initiatives, and an array of cultural showcases that exemplify the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage. This year, The Urdd Eisteddfod is being held from 27 May to 1 June at Mathrafal Farm near Meifod, Powys

Triban Festival: A festival within a festival

The Triban Festival, a standout feature of the Eisteddfod since 2022, is back with a bang. Celebrating the best of contemporary Welsh music and culture, Triban Festival is set to enthral attendees today and tomorrow. This year, the festival is curated by five young visionaries, ensuring it resonates deeply with the youth. Aur Bleddyn, one of the curators, highlighted the invaluable experience gained through this role, emphasizing the festival’s youth-centric approach.

The Triban Festival promises a feast of live music, street theatre, comedy, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit for all attendees.

Health and wellbeing take centre stage

In a significant move, the Urdd has launched a new health and wellbeing residential course in partnership with PABO (Paid â Bod Ofn – Don’t Be Afraid), led by the pop band Eden. The ‘Sa Neb Fel Ti’ (There’s No One Like You) stage in the Nant Caredig area offers a non-competitive platform for individuals to celebrate their uniqueness through performance.

This partnership will extend beyond the Eisteddfod, with a dedicated ‘PABO Weekend’ at Pentre Ifan Residential Centre in September. Aimed at Urdd members aged 14 and above, this weekend will focus on health and wellbeing, fostering a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

Expanding horizons: The #FelMerch Project in India

The Urdd is also broadening its international impact with the launch of the #FelMerch project in India. Supported by the Welsh Government, this initiative aims to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Kolkata. Partnering with Her Future Coalition (HFC), young Welsh volunteers aged 18-25 will engage in education and support programmes for at-risk children and young people in India.

First Minister Vaughan Gething underscored the significance of this project in raising awareness and providing critical support. This initiative not only offers invaluable experience to Welsh volunteers but also aims to create lasting positive change in the lives of Kolkata’s youth.

Nurturing future talent: Young Cultural International Ambassadors

In collaboration with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), the Urdd has unveiled a new programme to cultivate the artistic talents of Wales’s youth. Six exceptional performers between 18 and 25 will be chosen from Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 2024 competitions to become Young Cultural International Ambassadors. This programme, an extension of the successful Urdd Bryn Terfel Scholarship, will provide masterclasses and international performance opportunities, showcasing Welsh talent on a global stage.

Honouring excellence: Crowning Ceremony

A highlight of today’s events is the Crowning Ceremony, set to take place at 2:30 pm at the White Pavilion Stage. This year’s crown, crafted by jeweller Mari Eluned, symbolises prosperity, unity, and hope, featuring elements that reflect the Urdd’s contributions and agricultural heritage.

The competition tasked participants with composing prose on the theme ‘Terfynau’ (limits), judged by Elin Llwyd Morgan and Caryl Lewis. The ceremony promises to be a poignant celebration of literary excellence, with the winner announced live.

Literary legacy: Cyhoeddiadau’r stamp publications

In an exciting development, Cyhoeddiadau’r Stamp will publish pamphlets featuring the works of the main literary prize winners, including those of the Drama Medal, the Chair, and the Crown. This collaboration ensures that the winners’ literary contributions are celebrated and accessible, extending the impact of their achievements.

A day with Guto Rhun

Today’s President, Guto Rhun, brings a wealth of experience from his role overseeing Hansh content on S4C. His career, spanning from presenting on Radio Cymru to commissioning diverse content for S4C, reflects his dedication to nurturing new talent and voices in Welsh media.

In a Q&A, Guto shared fond memories of his time with the Urdd, emphasizing the confidence and opportunities it provided, which have been instrumental in his career. His representation from the LGBT community underscores the Urdd’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Anticipating tomorrow: Composer Medal and Eisteddfod Scholarship

Tomorrow’s events include the awarding of the Main Composer Medal and the Eisteddfod Scholarship. The Composer Medal competition, judged by Guto Pryderi Puw and Gareth Glyn, challenges participants to create original compositions in various formats. The scholarship will recognise the most promising competitors in the age group of Year 10 and under 19, providing support and encouragement for the next generation of Welsh talent.

The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024 is a testament to the enduring spirit of Welsh culture and the dynamic potential of its youth. From innovative festivals and health initiatives to international projects and prestigious awards, this year’s Eisteddfod is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. As the events unfold, they not only highlight the achievements of today but also lay the foundation for a vibrant cultural future.

Community

Landfill odour sparks calls for inquiry and legal action

Published

3 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS near Withyhedge landfill in Haverfordwest are demanding a public inquiry and considering legal action after foul odours returned just weeks after the site reopened on 6 January.

The landfill, closed last May to address odour issues, was declared fit to reopen by operator RML, which claimed its improvements would protect nearby communities. However, Colin Barnett, of campaign group Stop the Stink, said: “People in Crundale, Haverfordwest, and Spittal are being subjected to horrendous smells again.”

Describing the site as a “stink bomb on steroids,” Barnett supported Conservative MS Paul Davies’ calls for a public inquiry. “We’ve been flanneled by NRW, public health, and Pembrokeshire council. It’s disgraceful,” he said, adding that delays in resolving the issue had left litigation as the only option.

RML, part of Dauson Environmental Group, is owned by businessman David Neal, who has previous convictions for environmental crimes in 2013 and 2017. Last year, another of Neal’s companies pleaded guilty to environmental offences.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported receiving 34 complaints since 6 January, with a rise in recent days coinciding with the end of a slurry-spreading ban. However, NRW stated no odours attributable to the landfill were detected and plans to inspect the site with Pembrokeshire council on 29 January.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I’ll keep a very close eye on this, and if concerns persist, we’ll discuss further steps with NRW.”

RML and the Welsh Government declined to comment.

Community

Public transport users urged to ‘check before travelling’ due to storm

Published

4 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT FOR WALES and Network Rail are urging all customers to check before they travel on Friday morning and into the weekend with weather warnings in place across the country.

With Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales and winds reaching 90mph on Friday morning, customers should expect disruptions and are strongly urged to check before they travel.

There will be alterations to rail services, replacement road transport on certain routes and blanket speed restrictions at some locations, meaning journeys could take longer than usual.

Stand by buses are being planned at key locations around the network in preparation for travel disruption.

Across Wales and the Borders, Network Rail have positioned response teams to address any storm related problems to keep disruption to a minimum.

TfW Operations Director Sarah Higgins said: “It’s so important for our customers to plan ahead when looking to travel this Friday.

“While we’ve made a number of changes to our services based on detailed forecasts, storms can still be unpredictable.

“We’ve seen the impact storms can have, with damage to trains and infrastructure sometimes taking weeks or months to repair, so our cross-industry approach will hopefully limit that and keep our colleagues and customers safe. We apologise to customers for any disruption to their journeys as a result.”

Network Rail Wales & Borders Operations Director Rachel Heath added: “Our priority is always keeping safe everyone who travels and works on the railway.

“Unfortunately, there will be some delays and cancellations on Friday, as trains will not run on some lines and there will speed restrictions on other parts of the route.

“We are working closely with our train operator colleagues to ensure we can safely reopen affected lines as quickly as possible and urge passengers to check before they travel.”

Rail service changes:

No services to run on the Conwy Valley Line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
No services to run on the Heart of Wales line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
Speed restrictions at various locations around the network, meaning some journeys will take longer than usual. These include:

  50mph speed restrictions imposed from 0200 to 1500 Friday on the North Wales Coast – Bodorgan to Llandudno Junction.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Carmarthen to Kidwelly.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Neath and Swansea.
  50mph restrictions from 0100 – 0800 between Newport and Llanwern.

Customers who have connecting tickets for the following operators who have suspended services due to the adverse weather conditions, we’ll honour tickets dated 24 January on either Thursday 23 January or up to and including Tuesday 28 January.

       London Northeastern Railway
       LUMO
       TransPennine Express
       Northern
       Grand Central
       Avanti

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service launches recruitment drive

Published

5 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has announced it is halfway through its recruitment window for Wholetime Firefighters. The service is actively seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to join their ranks and contribute to the safety and well-being of communities across Mid and West Wales.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM emphasised the evolving nature of the firefighter’s role, stating, “The role of a Wholetime Firefighter goes far beyond tackling fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues. Modern-day firefighters play a crucial part in educating the public and working to prevent risks to life and the environment.”

The MAWWFRS is keen to attract applicants with a wide range of skills and experiences, recognising the diverse challenges faced by today’s fire service. “We encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply, emphasising the diverse skill set needed for this challenging yet rewarding career,” added Thomas.

This recruitment initiative is seen as a vital step in ensuring the service has the necessary personnel to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain safety standards across the region. The MAWWFRS covers a vast area, encompassing nearly two-thirds of Wales, making it the third largest Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the MAWWFRS website for detailed information on fitness requirements, the application process, and how to apply. The online registration window closes at 12pm on Monday, 27th January 2025.

As the service continues its mission to create safer communities, this recruitment drive offers an opportunity for individuals to become part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Citations:
[1] http://eastwoodacademy.co.uk/docs/How%20to%20write%20a%20newspaper%20article.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_and_West_Wales_Fire_and_Rescue_Service
[3] https://midwestwalesfire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5689/HR%20People%20and%20Well-Being%20Update%20Report.pdf
[4] https://nickdale.me/2023/05/31/how-to-write-a-newspaper-article/
[5] https://www.gov.wales/find-your-local-fire-and-rescue-service
[6] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/current-vacancies/
[7] https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/questions/english/broadsheet-articles.html
[8] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk
[9] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/
[10] https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/mid_and_west_wales_fire_and_rescue_service