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Olympics blog

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With just a week until the Olympic Torch Relay arrives in Wales, the Welsh Government has launched a blog which will run all the way through the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The blog has been created so that people across Wales and visitors can share their experiences of the Olympic Games in Wales starting with the Torch Relay, next Friday.

The site is also linked to a brand new Flickr channel where Olympic images from the around the country will be shared. We are also encouraging people to use the hashtag #2012cymruwales when sharing their thoughts and experiences of the Olympics.

See the Welsh Government website for more information.

Second Olympics for Sarah

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations Sarah Thomas who has been selected for Great Britain's hockey squad for the 2012 London Games.

Sarah, 31, who was born in Aberdare and grew up in Merthyr Tydfil, told BBC Radio Wales: "Being selected for Beijing was really special as well - my first Olympics.

"But to become a double Olympian is absolutely incredible, probably something I never thought I'd achieve, so it's the icing on the cake."

See our Olympic Competitors page and the BBC Wales sports for more information.

International Museum Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today is International Museum Day. In Wales entry to our museums is free, so you can enjoy a great day out that won’t break the budget.

Here is a sample of what’s on offer at Wales’s museums:

View on of one of Europe's finest art collections at National Museum Cardiff, home to Rodin's 'The Kiss' and Monet's 'Water lilies'. The museum is in easy reach, being in the heart of the capital city.

Enjoy a day out at St Fagans, one of Europe's biggest open-air museums. Explore the buildings from various historical periods in Wales and watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Go 300 feet underground at the Big Pit to see a real coal mine run by real miners.

Katherine Jenkins in Dancing Final

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh award winning mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins and her dance partner USA professional ballroom dancer and musician Mark Ballas are through to the USA Dancing with the stars final.

Katherine suffered a back spasm during the quarter final of the show. This caused much speculation over whether the singer from Neath, South Wales would make the final.

Katherine, one of our well known Welsh celebs, wrote on her Twitter page: 'Can't tell you how thrilled I am to be in the final... Thank you to all who voted and made this dream come true! #DWTS.'

Lots of fingers crossed on both sides of the "pond" for the pair!

Beckham brings Olympic Flame home

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

London 2012 ambassador David Beckham will attend the Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony in Athens and bring the Flame back to the UK ahead of its 70 day journey.

David will be joined by five young people, who have been selected from schools and colleges involved in the London 2012 Get Set Education programme and school linking programmes run by the British Council.

The young people are set to have a starring role in the Handover Ceremony expected to start at 19:00pm local Greek time (17:00pm BST) in the Panathenaic Stadium.

Wales is represented by Sean White, age 17. Sean, who attends Bishop Vaughan Catholic School in Swansea, is a Swansea Harriers athlete and Mumbles Rangers Football Club player.

Sean said: ‘I am really excited about visiting Greece and seeing Athens, the home of the Olympic Games. I am looking forward to the Ceremony and to taking the Flame back to the UK in preparation for the Olympic Games. I am really excited about coming home and sharing my experience, both in school, my running club and in the wider community and hope that this will help people to become even more excited and enthusiastic about the Olympic Games.’

The official delegation will be led by British Olympic Association President and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) Board Member HRH The Princess Royal, Chair of LOCOG Sebastian Coe, Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson and Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The Olympic torch will begin its journey in the South West and then arrive in Wales on Friday 25 May.

Monmouth is world's first Wikipedia town

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Monmouth is set to be the first Wikipedia town in the world. This Saturday sees the launch of "Monmouthpedia".

An appeal was launched asking people to assist in the project by providing information on aspects of Monmouth life. The appeal resulted in over 1,000 plaques containing items of notable interest being erected around the town. The plaques contain QRpedia codes which take visitors using a Smartphone to Wikipedia articles in their own language. To enable their use free public Wi-Fi has been set up throughout the town.

Monmouth was chosen for the project because of its history - it was the birthplace of Henry V and the medieval 13th century bridge over the river Monnow is unique in Britain as it is the only preserved bridge of its design remaining.

The town appears in the Domesday Book in 1086 and the Council for British Archaeology has designated it as the seventh best town in Britain.

Welsh Film Maker's Home Premier

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Raid premiers in Wales today at 11 simultaneous screenings throughout Wales, including Cardiff, Carmarthen and Llandudno.

Welsh born director Gareth Evans directs the martial art action film, touted as the best action film of 2012.Hailing from Hirwaun in the Cynon Valley, the director is a University of Glamorgan graduate who Variety named as one of 2012's "directors to watch".

This week also saw the London premier of the film Snow White and the Huntsman. Filmed in 2011 in and around Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire, the film stars Oscar winner Charlize Theron, Kirsten Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Lily Cole, Ray Winstone and Bob Hoskins.

Wales has provided the setting to Hollywood movies and television shows including Harry Potter and Dr Who. Find out more on our TV and Film pages.

Great week for Ospreys

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

One of the three osprey eggs has hatched in Glaslyn in north Wales.

The young bird is likely to the first osprey to hatch in the UK in 2012.Ospreys, which spend winter in Africa, are still a rare bird in Wales.

Glaslyn which means blue lake in Welsh, lies in the Snowdonia National Park, one of our many great landscapes. For more wildlife spotting in Wales visit our pages on UK family days out.

Great news for the Ospreys rugby team too! A fantastic win over Munster at the weekend secured them a place in the RaboDirect PRO12 final.

Welsh music collaboration at London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The British Council has curated a series of high profile collaborations including an Australian - Welsh music collaboration which will be showcased on the Oceania stage at BT River of Music on Saturday 21st July in Greenwich Park, London.

BT River of Music will be a spectacular weekend of free music from across the 204 Olympic and Paralympic nations presented at iconic sites along the River Thames on 21 and 22 July 2012. The performances will contribute to making the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games a truly international experience.

Mamiaith - Mother Tongue, is a new project that sees Australian Aboriginal arts collective The Black Arm Band Company collaborating with alternative Welsh folk roots group, 9Bach. They share a common experience, exploring musical connections and the preservation of language and culture through music and song.

In 2011, members of 9Bach travelled to Australia to meet and work with artists from The Black Arm Band Company and travelled with them to the remote Aboriginal community of Papunya, situated roughly 240 km northwest of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The Black Arm Band Company were able to share stories, and allow 9Bach to experience the Aboriginal Australian culture.

The two groups have continued working together, and in March 2012, songwriters and performers Lou Bennett and Shellie Morris of The Black Arm Band Company travelled to North Wales to work with 9Bach’s Lisa Jen and Martin Hoyland to develop joint material and learn about the thriving Welsh language speaking community.

Mamiaith - Mother Tongue will be showcased in a warm up performance in July at Galeri Caernarfon. The final production will premier at BT River of Music on 21 July.

Find out more about Wales' contribution to London 2012

Cardiff and China pool talent to fight disease

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Two new joint institutes for world class medical research have been created as highlights of a high-level Cardiff University visit to China.

Cardiff’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Grant, signed the agreements with two of China’s leading medical research centres, Peking University and Capital Medical University.

The first agreement created the Cardiff University-Peking University Joint Cancer Institute. The Institute will be based at Cardiff’s School of Medicine, Peking University’s School of Oncology and Peking Cancer Hospital. Together, the two universities aim to create the research capacity to tackle the most urgent questions in beating cancer. Projects will include cancer diagnosis, metastasis, new technologies and clinical trials.

During the visit, Peking also conferred its highest honour on two of Cardiff’s most distinguished academics. Professor Sir Martin Evans, winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Professor Wen Jiang, in the forefront of Cardiff’s drive against breast cancer, were made Honorary Professors of Peking University.

The Vice-Chancellor also signed an agreement to create the Cardiff University – Capital Medical University Joint Centre for Biomedical Research. The Centre will be jointly hosted by Cardiff and Capital Medical Universities and will create opportunities for research in a number of medical fields. Initially, the focus will be on cancer research and infectious and immunological diseases. In the future, the scope could expand to include such areas as neurology, dentistry, nursing and tissue repair.

The new Centre builds on a strong existing partnership between Cardiff and Capital Medical. Research Fellows from Capital Medical have been coming to Cardiff to work with Professor Jiang on how metastasis spreads around the body. They have made a number of significant discoveries and the partnership won the International Collaboration category at last year’s Times Higher Education awards. During the Cardiff visit, the most recent scholars on the scheme, from both Capital Medical and Peking, were awarded with their certificates at a ceremony in China’s Great Hall of the People.

Find out more about Wales' links with China in our China pages

Wales Coast Path opens for business

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Wales Coast Path will be officially opened tomorrow (5th May 2012). The opening of the coastal path means that Wales will become the first country in the world with a path around its entire perimeter. The Path has already attracted media interest, with worldwide travel guide Lonely Planet hailing coastal Wales as the top region in the World to visit in 2012.

The Path is expected to generate up to 100,000 extra visitors to Wales, boosting local economies around Wales’ coastline. The opening of the Path comes in the same week as an announcement that the number of Welsh beaches with excellent bathing water has risen by 20% to its highest number in 25 years. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide found 121 of 152 tested met the standard.

Celebratory events to mark the opening of the Path will be held at Flint Castle in North Wales, Aberystwyth Promenade, Ceredigion in Mid Wales and South Wales’ event will be at Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. The events start at 11.00am with music and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Full programme details are available on the Wales Coast Path website.

Garden receives ratings boost

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has been given a top rating by the readers of the consumer magazine Which?

The garden, in Carmarthenshire, rated 79% based on overall satisfaction and the likelihood to recommend to friends or family, following a survey of more than 4000 subscribers. This put it on an even score with some well known gardens such as Chatsworth, Blenheim Palace, and Hampton Court.

The garden opened in 2000 and features a collection of over 8000 different plant varieties, spread across 560 acres of beautiful countryside. It is also home to the world's largest single spanned glasshouse, designed by Lord Foster, that has the best display of mediterranean climate zone plants in the Northern Hemisphere.

Head of Marketing, David Hardy said 'This is a terrific accolade for the garden. We've certainly come along way in 12 years. To receive such high marks for our food quality, value for money and disabled access is proof positive that all the hard work going on here is really paying off'.

Acclaimed Indian dance company tour Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

From 30 April – 11 May, acclaimed Indian dance company Natya STEM Dance Kampni will perform two eye-catching and beautiful dance productions at venues around Wales.

Sanjog uses six Kathak dancers to show the purity and virtuosity of the dance style that inspired the birth of the Flamenco. Followed by Vajra (Diamond), a multimedia production that uses Kathak, martial arts and contemporary dance to create radiant poetic interpretations of the duality of diamonds and lightning.

STEM Dance Kampni hosted National Dance Company during its ground-breaking tour of India last December when NDCWales visited Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi, as part of an artistic exchange.

STEM’s tour to Wales is an exchange with NDCWales supported by Welsh Government, British Council & Wales Arts International. Find out more about Wales' links with India on our International pages.

Tour dates:

Brecon, Theatr Brycheiniog
30 April, 8.00pm
www.theatrbrycheiniog.co.uk
Swansea, Taliesin Arts Centre
03 May, 7.30pm
www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
Cardiff, Dance House
05 May, 8.00pm
www.wmc.org.uk
Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre
09 May, 7.30pm
www.rct-arts.co.uk
Wrexham, Theatr Stiwt
11 May, 7.30pm
www.stiwt.co.uk

New home for the Olympic Rings

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Olympic Rings have taken position on Cardiff’s City Hall lawns and were officially launched on Wednesday (25 April 2012), three months before the London 2012 Olympic Games start.

The launch of the Rings celebrated the London 2012 Festival which will feature 19 different events taking place in 12 towns and villages across Wales over a 12-week long festival. Running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world.

Wales will be hosting competing international teams including Australia and New Zealand in the run up to the games for their pre-games training camps, as well as football games at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. The first match will be played on 25 July when Great Britain women's football team play New Zealand, two days before the official opening ceremony.

Find out more about visiting teams and fixtures on our London 2012 pages.

The Queen visits Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Several high profile visitors have been welcomed to Wales this week.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are on a two day tour of Wales to mark her Diamond Jubilee. They are visiting various communities in south Wales and yesterday, attended a National Thanksgiving Service for the Diamond Jubilee at Llandaff Cathedral near Cardiff and met the Welsh rugby team.

First Minister Carwyn Jones has also welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to the UK to Wales for talks on the relationship between the two countries. His Excellency Keiichi Hayashi, Japanese Ambassador is in Cardiff as part of a two day visit to Wales.

Purple Poppadom is Welsh Curry House of the Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Festivals Company has declared the Purple Poppadom Restaurant in Cardiff Welsh Curry House of the Year 2012.. The announcement was made by Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales at a glittering Awards Gala Dinner at The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay on Monday 23 April 2012.

“We knew the National Award would eventually go to South Wales but we didn’t think it would take six years. The Purple Poppadom is a restaurant that represents a vision of the future but is a reality we can enjoy today. Imagination, flair and confident execution were all in evidence at this fine Indian restaurant which we believe can happily compete on the world stage. This is a restaurant that Cardiff and Wales can be proud of. The Purple Poppadom is a new restaurant that lives up to the hype. The attention to detail is quite spectacular and at the heart of the dining experience is one of the best chefs in the world, Anand George,” said Niaz Taj, the Jury Chair.

Find out more about Wales' relationships with India on our India pages.

Brazil coming to Wales for 2012 Olympic Games

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The first event of the 2012 Olympic Games will take place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on July 25 at 4pm when Great Britain women's football team play New Zealand, two days before the official opening ceremony.

Great Britain then face Cameroon on July 28 in Cardiff before concluding their group campaign against Brazil.

The Millennium Stadium will welcome the Great Britain men's football team when they complete their Group A fixtures against Uruguay on August 1, having already played United Arab Emirates and Senegal at Old Trafford and Wembley Stadium respectively.

Football fans will also have the opportunity to watch Brazil, seeded as the "all-time top Olympic performer", play Egypt in Cardiff on July 26.

The men's team is made up of under-23 players with three over age players permitted per squad.

Cardiff's multi-sports venue will host 11 Olympic Football matches in total from July 25 and August 10 including the prestigious men's quarter-final and the Bronze Medal matches.

Millennium Stadium General Manager Gerry Toms said: "The London 2012 football tournament in Cardiff is a huge coup for Wales and for many sports fans it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Olympic Games.

"With 11 games taking place in our 74,500 capacity stadium there's plenty of chances to get involved."

Great Britain women's coach Hope Powell has urged the general public to come out and support the host nation in the opening event of the Olympic Games at the Millennium Stadium.

Powell said: "With tickets going on sale again pretty soon then I'm sure there will be a big push from LOCOG (London's Olympic Organising Committee) and the British Olympic Association.

"It's the opening event of the game and we hope to have a big support. It was highlighted to me quite a while back when the dates were confirmed that the first game would be at the Millennium Stadium and I'm excited about that.

Fixture's at the are as follows:

Olympic Football

Men's schedule
Group A
August 1 - 19:45 - Great Britain v Uruguay - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Group B
August 1 - 17:00 - Mexico v Switzerland - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Group C
July 26 - 19:45 - Brazil v Egypt - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Women's Schedule
Group E
July 25- 16.00 Great Britain v New Zealand
July 25- 18.45 Cameroon v Brazil
July 28- 14.30 Great Britain v Cameroon
July 28- 17.15 New Zealand v Brazil
Group F
July 31- 14.30 Japan v South Africa

Quarter-finals
August 4 - 19:30 - Winner A v Runner-up B - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Bronze Medal match
August 10 - 19:45 - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Find out more about Wales' involvement in London 2012

Canoe World Cup Slalom coming to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Plans and preparations are well underway for the World Cup Slalom Event which takes place at Cardiff International White Water this June.

The official team registration process has now been launched and Russia have confirmed that it will be sending a team of 10 paddlers to compete - the first team to confirm their arrival. They will be training at the centre in advance of the World Cup as well as after, in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic games.

The World Cup:
Wales’ newest and most innovative sporting facility will host the last major sporting event before the London Olympics. 145 of the World’s best canoe slalom paddlers from 38 nations will compete at Cardiff International White Water in June’s World Cup.

The event will act as the final selection race for Olympic team places for many of the countries attending. This guarantees top class action and huge pressure high stakes competition as the athletes risk all to earn the right to be at the Olympic start line.

The event runs from the 8th – 10th June 2012 and tickets have now gone on sale on the event’s website. Tickets to view official training which take place between 4th and 7th June will be available on the door at £1 per person.

Source: Canoe Wales

Flower show returns to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We’re hoping for some sunshine this weekend as the The Royal Horticultural Society's annual spring flower show returns to Cardiff (20 – 22 April 2012). Set in the grounds of Cardiff Castle’s Bute Park, the first RHS show of the year is a great way to celebrate the start of spring.

Features at this year’s show include:

52 Floral Marquee Exhibitors - with more this year than ever before, exhibitors will be creating a spring spectacle spread over two marquees.
Talks Theatre - a packed programme of gardening conversation and advice from exhibitors and other experts.
Spring Allotment Feature - a hub of Grow Your Own advice and practical demonstrations.
Show Gardens - we are seeing some new garden designers this year, such as Harry Rich with his Naturalistic garden echoing the Brecon landscape and also welcoming back regulars like Gaynor Witchard. Gaynor will be showing us clever, contemporary ways to create an urban sanctuary in a small space.
Trade Stands - a mix of Trade Stands will feature high quality furniture, gardening gifts and tools.
Wheelbarrow Competition - ever popular, this year the Wheelbarrow Competition challenges local schoolchildren to create a display with a sporting theme to tie in with London 2012.
Food - this year the Food Court will see an uplift to incorporate local produce and artisan producers
Farmers Market - a very popular area of the event showcasing local producers and speciality products.
Craft Market - local artists and craftspeople make this a bustling area of the show.
Cycle Rickshaws - decorated by NAFAS taking visitors around the show ground.
Bandstand - a lively programme of events will take place here throughout the event.

View photos of last year’s event on Visit Wales Flickr stream.

Double triumph for Cardiff scientists

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Breakthroughs on the physical structure of memory and geoenvironmental engineering processes have won two Cardiff University academics one of world science’s highest honours.

Professor John Aggleton and Professor Hywel Thomas, both Welsh-born, have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society, widely regarded in the UK as second only to a Nobel Prize in prestige. The Society, the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence, includes Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Professor Stephen Hawking among its past and present members.

Professor Thomas, born in Llandovery, came to Cardiff’s School of Engineering in 1980. His research centres on highly complex movements of heat, liquids and gases through the soil. The models he has built have proved of worldwide importance in understanding thermal and physical conditions underground. Professor Thomas also built what is thought to be the world’s first research centre in this field at Cardiff.

Professor Thomas said: “We have applied this research in geo-environmental engineering, particularly in solving problems in waste management. I have worked in this area for twenty years, looking at how best to contain radioactive material deep underground. We are also setting up satellite research centres in Ghana and Nigeria to deal with problems of ground contamination, for example the case of Persistent Organic Pollutants. We are also working with the Indian Institute of Science on a sustainable groundwater project.”

Professor Thomas’ expertise has been called upon by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. He has also been appointed to a UNESCO Chair in the Development of a Sustainable Geoenvironment. More recently he has been exploring the possibilities of underground heat as sources of renewable energy.

Professor Aggleton, born in Cardiff, joined the University’s School of Psychology in 1994. When he started his research, ideas about how day-to-day events are remembered were heavily focussed on one part of the brain called the hippocampus. Professor Aggleton’s highly influential research has revealed the roles of other brain structures to create a far more comprehensive picture of how different types of memory are formed and recalled.

Visit our study pages for more information on education in Wales.

Dance drama Chitrangada performed at RWCMD

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tuesday 17th April 2012 saw a performance of dance drama ‘Chitrangada’, based on the play by Rabinoranath Tagore, in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

The performance was attended by over 130 people, including invited guests Jitendra Kumar, 1st secretary at the Indian High Commission in London, Welsh Minister for Finance and Leader of the House Jane Hutt AM, Mr P Ravichandran from the Nehru Centre and Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Hilary Boulding.

The Cardiff performance, which was arranged by the India Centre with support from the College and the Welsh Government, was part of a wider UK programme organised by the Nehru Centre.

500 new jobs planned as Toyoda Gosei opens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones will welcome a major boost to manufacturing in Wales when he officially opens Toyoda Gosei’s new site in Gorseinon today (Thursday 19 April 2012).

The Japanese car parts company plans to create more than 500 new jobs at the plant over the next five years. The Welsh Government backed facility will produce interior parts for cars from this year and Toyoda Gosei has invested more than £10 million in the factory.

The automotive industry is central to the economy of Wales, with 150 companies employing over 20,000 people.

The First Minister said:

"This is another vote of confidence in Wales and Welsh manufacturing. This investment, supported by the Welsh Government, will create 500 new highly skilled jobs. This is a real boost for the local economy.

"It is a pleasure to celebrate the grand opening of this new site. The fact Toyoda Gosei opted to place this factory here in Wales shows that as a country we have a workforce that can compete for world-class manufacturing facilities. My government will continue to do all that we can to help Toyoda Gosei grow and prosper."

100 days to go and counting!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today marks 100 days until the official opening of the London 2012 Olympics on 27th July. The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff has the honour of hosting the very first event of the Games, with women's football matches starting on 25th July. It will also be hosting the men's bronze medal match later on in the games. The football tournament will see some of the top players in the world taking part as well the stars of the future .

Wales is also hosting a number of teams for pre games training leading up to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games including New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa.

More glowing reviews for Swansea

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea is continuing to enjoy success both on and off the pitch thanks to the exposure it’s receiving as its football team continues to enjoy the benefits of playing in the Premier League.

Swansea gained a 3-0 victory over Blackburn at home this weekend but also got some well deserved coverage in football’s respected Four Four Two magazine which boasts over a dozen foreign editions. It described Swansea as “classy, vibrant and metropolitan city with some of the friendliest people on Earth.”

This coverage comes on top of various positive features about the city in football magazines around the world. The nearby Gower beaches also recently received praise from American writer Michael Kew, a Santa Barbara-based surfer.

For more details, read the full article on Wales Online.

First Minister meets Indian Minister Kapil Sibal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As part of his visit to India First Minister Carwyn Jones met with Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Kapil Sibal yesterday, to identify areas of future cooperation between Wales and India. The Minister’s portfolio covers Education; he is also the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.

The meeting coincided with the launch of a new partnership between Cardiff Metropolitan University and Planet EDU, geared towards providing distance learning for students. This innovative partnership will offer both undergraduate and postgraduate management programmes across India.

First Minister launches Welsh products in India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

On the 11th April 2012 First Minister Carwyn Jones launched a new range of products from leading Baglan-based natural cosmetics company Montagne Jeunesse; a successful South Wales based business which specialises in natural beauty products. Montagne Jeunesse’s range of cruelty free and environmentally friendly body care and beauty products is being launched in conjunction with its partner in India, Smart Brand.

First Minister’s trade mission to India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has touched down in India (11 April 2012) for a three day trade mission to promote Wales as a place to invest, visit and do business.

Accompanying him will be a delegation of Welsh business and academic representatives who will aim to raise the profile of Wales. The visit will begin in the capital New Delhi where the First Minister will hold talks with representatives from the Indian Government, host an event to promote Wales as a tourism destination and conduct interviews with the Indian media.

Whilst in New Delhi he will also launch the products of Montagne Jeunesse, a successful South Wales based beauty-product business which specialises in natural beauty products.

The First Minister will attend a cultural event with the British Council where he will highlight how Cardiff is hosting the 2013 Womex world music showcase, the most important international professional market of world music. The UK High Commissioner and UK Trade & Invest will then brief the First Minister on the trade and business opportunities presented by India.

The trade mission will then move Mumbai, India’s financial and business centre where the First Minister will meet with representatives from Tata Group, owners of Tata Steel Europe, a major employer in Wales.

The Welsh Government will host a business lunch for Indian companies before the First Minister meets with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra state, Prithviraj Chavan. Maharashtra state is the wealthiest in India and has a population thought to be close to 112 million.

The First Minister will also hold interviews with media from the state before attending a reception with the British Deputy High Commissioner in the city. Parts of the trade delegation will then move onto Bangalore, another major commercial city if India.

The First Minister said:

"The bonds between Wales and India are already strong and well established and I am visiting the country to strengthen further our open, positive relationship.

"I am under no illusions that Wales is but one of many nations vying for the attention of India and that is why the Welsh Government wants to continue to build our partnership so we can generate more business, education and cultural links.

"Indian businesses already employ a significant number of people in Wales. From the Tata Steel and Tritech, through to the pharmaceutical companies Wockhardt UK and Bilcare, the Welsh-Indian business relationship is already a reality and I want to see it strengthened.

"Wales has so much to offer India. Top-class education facilities, a highly skilled workforce and excellent opportunities for Indian businesses and investors to set up their European operations here in Wales. My visit is about how our two nations can work together to mutual benefit and ultimately create jobs."

Recently the Welsh Government reiterated its commitment to developing economic and educational links with India when it announced a further three years funding of £300,000 for the UK India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI). The funding will help Welsh universities, who are committed to working with their Indian counterparts to access funding to support their research, innovation and educational activity in the global economy.

To further promote partnership working the trade mission will include Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan, Glyndwr and Bangor universities.

Find out about our links with India in our International pages.

First Minister’s visit to India begins

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has touched down in India for the start of a three day trade mission to promote Wales as a place to invest, visit and do business.

Accompanying him will be a delegation of Welsh business and academic representatives who will aim to raise the profile of Wales. The visit will begin in the capital New Delhi where the First Minister will hold talks with representatives from the Indian Government, host an event to promote Wales as a tourism destination and conduct interviews with the Indian media.

Welsh producers at Singapore food show

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 5 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

One of the world’s biggest food trade events takes place later this month, when the biennial FHA (Food & Hotel Asia) Singapore opens its doors.

Taking part will be a number of Welsh food and drink producers who are exhibiting at the event in Singapore as part of the Welsh Government's Wales the True Taste Pavilion.

First held in 1978, FHA has been the premier sourcing platform for food and hospitality trade buyers in South East Asia, and an estimated 40,000 trade visitors from over 90 countries will attend this year's event held at the Singapore Expo, with around 2,600 companies from 65 countries and regions exhibiting.

Singapore is a highly attractive and increasingly important market for food and drink producers, and in 2010 UK food and drink exports to the country grew by 80% to £38.5 million.

With one of the highest per capita income levels in the world Singapore's increasingly sophisticated and health conscious consumers are fuelling demand, in particular, for healthy, organic, natural and functional foods. While the country has a growing tourism market attracting nearly ten million tourists annually.

Singapore's free port status ensures it remains the major hub for product distribution throughout the South East Asian Region, including Hong Kong and Thailand. In addition its open, duty free market only imposes tarrifs on liquors.

Among the companies exhibiting at the Wales the True Taste Pavilion is The Anglesey Sea Salt Company, which began with a saucepan of water from the Menai Straits on the Aga in the Lea-Wilson family's kitchen. Now exported around the globe the company's hand harvested sea salt is used by some of the world¹s best chefs and restaurants.

At the Show a selection of products will be exhibited including a new range of sea salt gifts, as well as salted caramel sauce, laverbread, crisps and pork scratchings all made with the company's award-winning Halen Môn sea salt.

Also exhibiting will be Real Crisps, which produces a range of handcooked crisps, using the best potatoes and combining classic and innovative flavours. The company, which is owned by the Tayto Group the UK's third largest manufacturer of crisps and snacks - has been making crisps at its South Wales manufacturing base since 1997. Among the group range on show in Singapore will be eight Real Crisp flavours, four flavours of Real Chips, as well as flavours from re-vamped sister brand Jonathan's Crisps.

Llanllyr Spring Water supplies many of the world's top restaurants and hotels. This international award winning company will be showing a range of its still and sparkling premium bottled water in glass, 330ml and 750ml, and 100% recyclable 330ml sparkling cans. A carbon neutral company, the water is drawn from certified organic land and a donation is made from every bottle sold to the charity 'Just a Drop', providing clean water around the world where there is none.

Rhug Estate's organic farm covers around 6,000 acres of North Wales and produces award-winning organic beef, lamb, salt marsh lamb, chicken, pork, turkeys, geese and game which are used by top restaurants and chefs across the UK and exported around the globe including the Far East. The company, which is headed by Lord Newborough, will be showing a range of its meat, including cuts of venison. In addition, a selection of Rhug's award-winning organic pies will also be on show in Singapore, along with the company's pâtés.

Burts Biscuits and Cakes Limited is the export arm of Ogmore Vale Bakery, which has been run by the Burt family for nearly 70 years.
At FHA the company will be showing its latest product - Welsh Whisky Cake - as well as its full range of fruited cakes and novelty shortbread.
Burts currently exports to the USA, Asia and Europe, while retaining its UK distribution and home retail business with a number of high street stores in South Wales selling a wide range of bakery goods.

Product tastings sessions will be held at the Wales the True Taste stand featuring products from the companies exhibiting at the show and also the traditional teatime favourite, Welsh cakes.

Paralympics New Zealand Swim Team train in Swansea

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 4 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Paralympics New Zealand Swim Team had a taste of Swansea life last week while training there in preparation for the British International Disability Swimming Championships (BIDSC) which starts on Friday.

The team trained at the Wales National Pool between 28th March – 2nd April and described the facilities there as “fantastic”.

You can read about what the Paralympics New Zealand Swim Team got up to in Swansea on their news page – including a day out to Mumbles, one of Wales’ beautiful seaside villages. There are a few photos of the team’s visit on the Paralympics New Zealand Facebook page too.

The Paralympics New Zealand team will be back in Wales in August for pre Games training in the run up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

A number of countries have chosen Wales for their pre Games training camps to acclimatise and fine tune preparations to compete in London 2012.

The world’s greatest sporting event will spread wider than London this summer – find out about Wales’ role in London 2012.

Wales marks Earth Hour

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 2 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Some of Wales’s most iconic landmarks, including Tintern Abbey, Castell Coch and the castles at Caernarfon, Kidwelly and Llansteffan were left in darkness on Saturday night (31 March) to mark the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour initiative.

The Cadw owned sites, along with other iconic landmarks such as the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd, turned off their lights between 8.30-9.30pm, as part of a worldwide initiative to raise awareness of environmental and sustainability issues.

Last year a record 1.8 billion people across 138 countries took part, including thousands of people from Wales, and Cadw once again encouraged people to join the initiative by signing up and switching off.

Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing Regeneration and Housing said,

“From Wales’s coastal and maritime heritage to ancient buildings and sites, it’s vital that as a nation we work towards a greener environment to safeguard our country’s diverse and unique heritage for future generations to explore.

“The Earth Hour blackout of these iconic buildings provides a poignant picture of how Wales could look if we don’t consider our natural environment.”

John Griffiths, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, said,

"The Welsh Government is committed to tackling the challenges presented by climate change and is pleased to support Earth Hour. Lights will be turned off at many major sites across our estate and we are encouraging other public sector bodies in Wales to do the same.

“I urge people across Wales to join hundreds of millions of people around the world in switching off non-essential lights on Saturday evening. This is your chance to make a contribution, however small, to a world-wide event which highlights concerns about our planet's future."

Walking Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve been lucky enough to have some sunshine in Wales this week, which makes it the perfect time to explore our beautiful landscape. Wales is full of perfect places for exploring on foot.

This weekend walkers will test their powers of endurance at the South Wales Three Peaks Trial. Taking place this Saturday (31st March), hundreds of walkers will descend on the Brecon Beacons to take on the challenge of climbing three mountains – the hardest route talking participants over Crug Mawr, Pen Cerrig Calch and Sugar Loaf.

Another big date for the walking calendar is the official opening of the Wales Coast Path – 5th May 2012. Wales will become the only country in the world with a continuous coastal path, stretching some 870 miles. A number of events have been planned to mark the official opening of the path including the Big Welsh Coastal Walk.

In the run up to its official opening, travel Writer David Atkinson is currently walking the Wales Coast Path and writing exclusive blogs for Visit Wales along the way.

The sun also gives a great excuse to discover our beaches and coastline. Wales has some of the UK’s top rated Blue Flag beaches.

Although the sun doesn’t need to be out to explore the great outdoors. Our landscapes can be enjoyed all year round.

If you’re thinking about planning a short walking break to Wales, take a look at our sister site Visit Wales.

London 2012: Line-up announced for Cardiff concert

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The line-up has been announced for a concert to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic torch in Cardiff in May.

Rock band You Me At Six, Brit award winner Emeli Sandé and Cardiff-born Kids In Glass Houses will perform at the free event in Cooper's Field which will be held as part of the Olympic torch relay celebrations.

The ticketed show, for 16,000 people, will be held on 25 May as Cardiff hosts the London 2012 Olympic torch relay.

The torch will be in Wales between May 25, when it arrives in Monmouth, and May 30, when it leaves after visiting Welshpool.

Music concerts will be held around the UK in the build-up to the Games.

There will be music and celebrations in all parts of the UK with 66 nights of celebrations during the Olympic torch relay. The relay begins on 19 May at Land's End and ends 70 days later on 27 July at the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium in London.

The event in Cardiff is one of four Special City Celebrations to feature leading musicians, with further large-scale, free concerts being held in Glasgow on 8 June, Leeds on 24 June and Birmingham on 30 June.

A finale concert will be held in London's Hyde Park on 26 July - the day before the opening ceremony.

New Children’s Literature Festival for Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff is to host its first ever Children’s Literature Festival in 2013. The Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival will take place on Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 March 2013. It will bring together some of the best contemporary children’s writers and illustrators.

Celebrated children’s author Jacqueline Wilson is the first to be confirmed for the festival programme. "I am delighted to have been asked to take part in Cardiff’s first festival dedicated to young readers" said the former Children’s Laureate. "Books enable children to become explorers, both of themselves and the wider world, and it’s vastly important that they are celebrated and encouraged."

The Festival will enable young people to meet and interact with some of the most creative minds in children’s books. It will promote literacy and the arts with an inventive and accessible programme of cultural events in key venues across Cardiff, in both the Welsh and English language.

"We will transform Cardiff into a wonderland of myths and magical characters" says Literature Wales’ Chief Executive Lleucu Siencyn "What better way to start a jam-packed year of literary activities for children and young people than to awake their creativity with a major festival in the capital city".

The Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival is organised by Literature Wales, Cardiff Council, Cardiff University and The National Museum of Wales.

More information about the festival will be released throughout the year by Literature Wales.

First Official Doctor Who Convention in Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff will open its doors to the first official Doctor Who Convention since the series returned to screens in 2005.

Taking place this weekend (24 – 25 March 2012), the Convention will give Doctor Who enthusiasts a rare chance to see behind-the-scenes of the world’s longest running sci-fi show.

Stars of the show (including the Doctor himself, Matt Smith) will take part in panel discussions along with the Creators and Directors of Doctor Who.

Fans will have a chance to delve into the inner workings of the hit TV show and learn how it’s created. The Doctor Who special effects production team will show spectators how they create effects, with live demonstrations of pyrotechnics. Plus prosthetic demonstrations by the team responsible for creating many of the monsters and characters that have been featured on-screen since 2005.

Fans are even being offered the chance to tour the TARDIS.

Yesterday, the BBC announced that actress Jenna-Louise Coleman will become Doctor Who’s latest companion.

Filming for the seventh series of the sci-fi drama began last month in Cardiff.

Five Welsh festivals for 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Spring is in the air and it’s got us thinking about how great it is to be outdoors…and what’s better than a festival? If you’re starting to think about festival plans for the summer, we’ve got a great mix of festivals in Wales, little and large. Here are some to look out for:

Green Man Festival
17 – 19 August 2012
Set in Glanusk Park in the Brecon Beacons, Green Man has grown to become one of the most attended music festivals in Wales. A happy, relaxed and independent music festival (not to mention the great line up) set in some of Wales’ most beautiful scenery.

Wakestock
6 – 8 July 2012
Wakestock is Europe’s largest wakeboard music festival. It’s all about the world's best wakeboarders, great bands & DJs overlooking the sandy beaches lining Cardigan Bay, North Wales. Ed Sheeran headlines on the Sunday.

Hay Festival
31 May—10 June 2012
The world’s most famous literary and arts festival. When Bill Clinton came to town he called it ‘the Woodstock of the mind’. Past programme events and performances crossed literature with cabaret, cinema, circus, comedy, environment, film, music, politics, science, screenwriting and visual arts. Children's Festival Hay Fever runs alongside the Hay Festival every year.

Dinefwr Literature Festival
29 June – 1 July 2012
A new festival for 2012 celebrating Wales' literature and landscape. Dinefwr is promising an eclectic mix of high quality literature, music, comedy and cinema. Writer Howard Marks, musicians Julian Cope and Gruff Rhys and poets Sir Andrew Motion and Gillian Clarke have just been confirmed as part of the line up.

Abergavenny Food Festival
15 -16 September 2012
Local produce and international delicacies, celebrity chefs, masterclasses, tastings and street stalls. Abergavenny Food Festival is one of the biggest events on the UK foodie calendar.

There’s plenty more great festivals too! Find more festivals taking place in Wales this year on our music and arts pages.

Six Nations: Grand Slam victory for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is celebrating after a 16-9 win over France at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday, taking the Six Nations title and winning their third grand slam in eight seasons.

Speaking from the Millennium Stadium after Wales’ Grand Slam victory over France, First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said:

“Today, we witnessed the arrival of a new generation of Welsh rugby heroes – a group of players who have equalled the success of those great Welsh teams of the past.

"The pressure was entirely on Wales to perform today and they won in style. This match - more than any other in this year's Six Nations tournament - showed just how mature this young team really is.

“In the space of just five months, they have reached the World Cup Semi-Final and won the Grand Slam. Today, Welsh rugby moved up a significant notch. We are now without doubt, the predominant rugby team in the Northern Hemisphere.

"My congratulations go to the players, to Warren Gatland and the coaching staff for what they've achieved for our country today. They have made Wales proud.”

The Welsh Government will congratulate the Grand Slam winning Wales rugby squad and their coaching and backroom team in a ceremony at The Senedd today (March 19) on behalf of the people of Wales.

Fans are being invited to watch the ceremony on the steps of the Senedd to add their own tributes to the squad.

The event is being supported by the Welsh Rugby Union as an opportunity for the squad to show their gratitude to the supporters who have inspired them to victory in all their RBS 6 Nations 2012 games.

The event will start at 6pm on Monday March 19 when the squad arrives at the Senedd to be greeted at a private reception hosted by the First Minister and the Presiding Officer.

Wales Captain Sam Warburton and Head Coach Warren Gatland will then lead the squad, coaches and backroom team onto the steps to greet the fans.

That moment will be the signal for the crowd to show their appreciation of how the team has beaten all their international opposition to claim the ultimate international prize in the northern hemisphere.

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said:

"This victory is a fantastic reflection of the talent, grit and determination our team has displayed throughout the tournament. I want to congratulate them on making the nation proud and taking our Grand Slam tally to three in the last eight years.

"On Monday we will welcome the team to the steps of the Senedd so the people of Wales can come together to celebrate this remarkable sporting achievement."

London 2012: Torchbearers and Relay route revealed

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) today confirmed over 7,300 inspiring people who will be carrying the Flame in the Olympic Torch Relay.

An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Flame during its 8,000-mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July at the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

More than 80 Welsh towns, villages and cities will see a glimpse of the torch as the relay passes through Wales from 25-30 May.

It will arrive in Monmouth on May 25, six days after the relay starts in Land’s End, before being carried through south and west Wales, up Cardigan Bay and across north Wales, leaving Welshpool on May 30.

A street-by-street online map has been released today by LOCOG as well as details of Torchbearers who will carry the Flame in the relay.

LOCOG have also released some of the highlights of the relay. In Wales, they include a trip to the summit of Snowdon on the Snowdon Mountain Railway and a ride on the land train along the Promenade at Mumbles.

A free 16,000-ticket concert, Move to the Beat, will be held in Cardiff's Coopers Field on Friday, May 25, while Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor are all planning events.

London 2012 will kick off in Cardiff on 25 July with football at the Millennium Stadium, two days before the event officially begins in London.

RBS Six Nations: Wales’ Grand Slam game

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Wales will take on France this Saturday (17th March) at the Millennium Stadium - Cardiff, in their final game of the RBS Six Nations Championship.

Unbeaten so far, a win for Wales will mean the RBS Six Nations title and a Grand Slam. In the last RBS Six Nations Championship in 2008, Wales’ victory over France provided them with a perfect 10 of Grand Slams.

Wales last played France in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in Auckland last October - a game where Wales’ World Cup hopes were dashed after being defeated, 9-8, by France.

Sam Warburton will return as captain after a knee injury for Wales’ final game of the championship. The full line up for this Saturday has been announced by the Welsh Rugby Union.

It’s set to be an exciting Saturday here in Wales. The sell out Grand Slam showdown at the Millennium Stadium is said to be attracting 250,000 people to Cardiff, with big screens showing the match in the city centre.

Brush up on the Welsh National Anthem ahead of tomorrow and join in with a full house at the Millennium Stadium.

Pob lwc (good luck) Wales!

View First Minister Carwyn Jones' good luck video message to the team.

Welsh music gets an international showcase

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh music has had a platform in Texas this week as musicians and businesses from across Wales descended on South by South West (SXSW), one of the world’s biggest and most important music showcase festivals in Austin, 13th-18th March 2012.

Three Welsh acts were chosen to perform at the festival; Skindred (voted Best UK Live Act 2011 at Golden God Awards by readers of Metal Hammer Magazine), Future of the Left; one of Wales' most critically-lauded exports and Siôn Russell Jones; who has been championed by Craig Charles on BBC Radio 2.

Cerdd Cymru, in association with Swn Festival, have been responsible for taking Wales to the festival. The three acts took to the stage yesterday (14th March 2012) at the Wales Showcase at the British Music Embassy in the centre of the festival strip.

But it’s not just the artists who are in Texas. Selected Welsh music industry enterprises are taking part in a trade mission to SXSW organised to build relationships and business opportunities with music professionals internationally which has been supported by the Welsh Government.

With international bookers, promoters, record labels, agents, media and brand managers at the festival, it’s an incredible opportunity for Welsh musicians and the Welsh music industry. It’s also another step for Swn Festival as their first time curating at SXSW and their first event overseas.

The Welsh presence at SXSW has been made possible by Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales, a new partnership between Welsh Music Foundation and Wales Arts International, and Arts Council of Wales who recently announced their success in bringing another leading music expo, WOMEX, to Cardiff next year.

Find out more about music in Wales and our festivals and events.

Wales talks tourism with the US

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones was in the USA last week promoting Wales with a packed schedule of meetings and events (Weds 7th to Sunday 11th March).

Starting off in Washington DC, the First Minister then went on to New York to undertake a series of meetings and events around business, tourism and cultural links as well as opening the Jewish Tales of Wales Film Festival.

At a tourism roundtable event at the Harvard Club the First Minister met tourism operators and media to highlight Wales as a tourist destination.

The First Minister said;

"Tourism is an important sector and a sector that we recognise needs to be developed in years to come."

"From our point of view it's important to understand what the needs of US visitors are and where we can improve the offering we can make to satisfy those needs."

"It's right to say that we are working very hard to try and promote tourism from the States and from Canada. We had the Ryder Cup held last year which was a boost for us."

President of the United States Tour Operators Association, Terry Dale said;

"Certainly this opportunity to talk about tourism growth and development in your country sends a strong message to our industry."

“Wales can capitalize on the trend in experiential tourism or "the e-factor" which is becoming more and more popular in international travel. Wales has that e-factor because it has so many unique offerings that allow visitors to touch, taste, and immerse themselves in the country and its wonderful, friendly people.”

You can see how the First Minister of Wales got on in the US by looking at our Flickr set of his visit.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to Wales, our sister site Visit Wales has plenty of information to help you.

Three events to open Welsh Coast Path

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Environment Minister, John Griffiths, has announced that three events will open the 870 mile / 1,400km Wales Coast Path on Saturday 5 May 2012 (a Bank Holiday weekend).

Celebratory opening events will be held at Flint Castle in North Wales, Aberystwyth Promenade, Ceredigion in Mid Wales and South Wales’ event will be at Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. Detailed arrangements for the events will be announced soon.

These events will reflect the importance of the Wales Coast Path and showcase sections of the Path, local heritage and points of interest. All events will highlight the health, economic and social benefits associated with improved countryside access.

The Minster said:

“The opening of the Path will be an exciting day for Wales. We will become the first country in the world to have a formal trail the whole way around our coast.

“The Path opens just before the world's eyes will be on the UK for the Olympics. We hope many of the extra visitors coming to London for the Games will take time to visit Wales and its coast.

"Since this project began in 2007 we have created over 130 miles of new path and improved more than 330 miles of existing pathway. When open, the Path will provide a real boost to local economies around Wales' coastline.”

Ramblers Cymru are organising the Big Welsh Coastal Walk, to celebrate the official opening of the Wales Coast Path. The Big Welsh Coastal Walk will be a series of led walks along the Coast Path over its opening weekend. The aim is to get as many people as possible walking around the coast of Wales in the largest mass participation event Wales has ever seen.

The Wales Coast Path has been developed by the Welsh Government in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales, 16 local authorities and two National Parks.

In addition to funding from the Welsh Government and coastal local authorities of approximately £2 million per year, the European Regional Development fund has allocated nearly £4 million over four years in support of the project.

Completing the Wales Coast Path is a Programme for Government key action for creating sustainable places for people in Wales.

New studios a boost for Welsh creative industries

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The creative industries in Wales entered a new stage when First Minister Carwyn Jones officially opened the BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studio complex in Cardiff Bay today, Monday 12 March 2012.

The studios are part of the Welsh Government owned and backed Porth Teigr development, which is being developed in partnership with "igloo" - an Aviva Investors Real Estate Fund.

Porth Teigr is a strategically important mixed-use development that will provide up to 2 million sq ft of commercial, retail and residential space, creating an economic stimulus for South Wales. BBC Cymru Wales’ 175,000 sq ft complex is the first completed building on the site.

The studios are home to popular BBC TV productions such as Doctor Who, Casualty and Upstairs Downstairs. A new Russell T. Davies project is due to start filming on site in the spring.

Roath Lock is the size of three football pitches, has nine studios and three external filming lots.

The complex is the first industrial building in the UK to be given a Breeam outstanding certificate for its green credentials, the highest possible environmental rating.

The First Minister said:

"This studio complex is a major step forward for the creative industries in Wales and will be home to famous TV productions that are viewed across the world. The creative industries, from TV, film and theatre are of major importance to our economy, supporting jobs and investment and the Welsh Government is determined for this to continue. BBC Cymru Wales' Roath Lock is a symbol of what Wales can achieve and the bright future we have ahead of us.

Read more about the opening on the BBC website

First Minister opens US Film Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As part of his visit to the US, the First Minister invited representatives of the city of New York and partners in arts and media to see the play Look Back in Anger starring Matthew Rhys on Saturday evening. Guests included Bryn Terfel, who is appearing in Don Giovanni at the Met, and movie director Sara Sugarman, pictured here with the First Minister and Matthew Rhys.

On Sunday morning, Jewish Tales of Wales Film Festival at the Jewish Museum of Heritage was opened by the First Minister who talked about the rich diversity within the Welsh people and the contribution that Jews have made and continue to do so to Welsh life: citing Dannie Abse and the two film directors Gideon Koppel and Sara Sugarman as examples.

The movies shown were Solomon and Gaenor (Paul Morrison) and Sleep Furiously (Gideon Koppel) followed by a Q and A with Gideon. The event is a partnership between the MJH and the Welsh Government New York and is sponsored by Bangor University. The series is presented by Dr Nathan Abrams of Bangor University.

A third film Very Annie Mary will be shown on Wednesday and the festival will end with a Q and A with its director Sara Sugarman.

Find out more about Welsh events taking place in the US this spring.

Welsh sport: Football and rugby this weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It’s another exciting weekend for sport in Wales.

In rugby, Wales take on Italy this weekend in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship. Gethin Jenkins will lead the team in the absence of captain Sam Warburton in the match at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday – 10th March 2012.

Wales took home the Triple Crown after their last match in the tournament against England. If they defeat Italy this Saturday, the Welsh squad will still be on track to achieve a Grand Slam.

In football, Swansea City take on Manchester City at home at the Liberty Stadium. The match this Sunday is attracting quite a bit of attention to Swansea. The Manchester Evening News described the Welsh city as a top-flight destination. Even Germany will be reading all about Swansea with a journalist and a photographer from a top German football magazine attending the game.

First Minister in the USA: The visit so far

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones is in the USA this week to promote Wales as a business destination.

The visit is taking place from Wednesday 7th - Sunday 11th March, with a packed schedule of meetings and events for the First Minister in both Washington DC and New York.

The First Minister began his visit to the USA with a business breakfast meeting for representatives of some of the biggest companies in the defence and aerospace sector. But it wasn't all about American companies, also represented were some of the Welsh companies in this sector who have expanded into the lucrative US defence market.

Following an interview with the Washington Post and some one-to-one company visits, the First Minister ended the first day of his programme with an evening Reception at the official residence of the British Ambassador for 200 invited guests.

The First Minister is now in New York undertaking a series of meeting and events around business, tourism and cultural links.

International Women’s Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It’s International Women’s Day today and celebrations are taking place all over Wales.

Polar explorer, Tori James, will give a keynote lecture at an event today celebrating International Women’s Day. Hosted by the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, the event will take place in Cardiff Bay.

International Women's Day is celebrating its 101st anniversary, and concentrates on globally raising awareness of equality.

The Wales Millennium Centre have invited Patti Flynn to host World Women’s Stories - a morning of inspirational stories from a whole host of inspirational women.

Swansea University are marking the day with a public exhibition - Swansea Women: “Because They’re Worth It”. The exhibition celebrates the lives and achievements of successful - and sometimes famous - female graduates, from the early days of Swansea University.

Amongst the diverse range of graduates featured in the exhibition are politicians Siân James and Sylvia Heal, Mary Williams who became the first female professor in Britain, writer and broadcaster Mavis Nicholson, Olympic swimming hopeful Jazmin Carlin, TV journalist Penny Roberts, and Emily Dix, who was a leading palaeontologist and who received an MSc in 1926 for her work on the stratification of the Gwendraeth valley coal-field.

Find out about events happening all across Wales for International Women’s Day.

All-Wales Coast Path: Two months to go

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Imagine being able to walk the entire length of a country’s coastline - well you’ll soon be able to do that here in Wales.

With less than two months to go until its official opening, everyone is talking about the Wales Coast Path.

Due to be officially opened on 5th May 2012, the Wales Coast Path will see Wales become unique in being the only country in the world with a continuous coastal path, stretching some 870 miles from the Welsh border, near Chester, in the North to Chepstow in the South.

Travel gurus, Lonely Planet have even chosen the Wales Coast Path as the “World’s best destination for 2012”.

In the run up to its official opening, travel Writer David Atkinson is currently walking the Wales Coast Path and writing exclusive blogs for Visit Wales along the way.

Wales Online have also asked some Welsh celebrities about their favourite spot along our dramatic coastline.

To mark the official opening of the Wales Coast Path on 5th May, the Big Welsh Coastal Walk, is being organised by Ramblers Cymru. The ambition is to get as many people as possible walking around the coast of Wales in perhaps the largest mass participation event Wales has ever seen.

First Minister promotes Wales in the United States

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones will take the message that Wales is open and ready for business when he touches down in the USA this week.

He will be in Washington DC and New York (from Weds 7th to Sunday 11th March) to promote Wales as a business destination with a packed schedule of meetings and events.

In Washington DC he will be highlighting the success of the aerospace and defence sector in Wales to business leaders at an event being organised in conjunction with UK Trade & investment (UKTI). He will also hold talks with the UK’s Deputy Ambassador and General Dynamics, a major investor in Wales.

The First Minister will visit the US offices of FAUN TRACKWAY, an Anglesey based Welsh manufacturing firm that has expanded in the United States. In the evening the First Minister will host a business reception jointly hosted with the UK Deputy Ambassador.

In New York he will host a business breakfast with the His Excellency Peter Westmacott, the newly appointed British Ambassador to Washington, Danny Lopez, British Consul General in New York and Sir Terry Matthews, Welsh born entrepreneur and UK Trade & investment (UKTI). The event will promote innovation in Wales. He will then meet tourism operators and media to highlight Wales as a tourist destination.

In the evening the First Minister will be presented with the Hopkins medal by the St David’s Society for the State of New York in recognition for services to Wales. He will attend a performance of ‘Look Back in Anger’ starring Welsh actor Matthew Rhys and attend ‘Jewish Tales from Wales: a film series’, a Welsh Government backed event to promote Welsh – Jewish links.

The First Minister said:

"The US remains the world’s economic and political power house and that is why I will be taking a strong message that Wales is open and ready for business. We have a great workforce and a fantastic track record of welcoming of providing a welcome, supportive home to US companies. That’s why companies like Conduit and DRIAS Transnat chose Wales for their base into Europe.

"There are approximately 210 companies in Wales that are either US headquartered or owned. Between them these employ in the order of 30,000 people. They cover sectors such as aerospace, with the likes of General Electric and Magellan, through to the automotive sector with Ford, and life sciences companies like Biomet and ConvaTec. I want to build on this success and show the US what we have to offer. My government’s aim is to attract more American investment to Wales, while at the same time supporting Welsh businesses to expand their operations in the USA."

London 2012: Welsh swimmers qualify for Team GB

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Davies and Ieuan Lloyd have become the first two Welsh swimmers to book their places at the London 2012 Olympics.

Davies, from Swansea, qualified for the Olympic Games 100m backstroke at the British Championships last night and Penarth swimmer Ieuan Lloyd finished second in his 200m freestyle heat to qualify for the Great Britain relay team at the London 2012 Olympics.

The pair join sailor Hannah Mills and boxers Fred Evans and Andrew Selby as Welsh competitors who have qualified to compete in this year’s Olympic Games as part of Team GB.

Have a look at our London 2012 pages to read the full biographies of Welsh competitors who have been selected to compete at London 2012.

St David’s Day celebrations

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh flag was flying across the world on Thursday 1st March to celebrate our national day, St David’s Day.

There were celebrations around the globe including events in China, Brussels and the USA. There was a lot going on in London too. Welsh food and drink was on offer at a number of stores and Welsh food producers featured at a St David's True Taste Market at the Real Food Market in London's South Bank Centre. An event jointly hosted by the Welsh Government and BAFTA in London took place to showcase Wales - not just as a great location to film, but also to promote the thriving creative industry sector in Wales.

Here in Wales, we popped out to the St David’s Day Parade in Cardiff. Thousands of people filled the streets of our capital city to take part in the parade. There were a few familiar faces too. Have a look at our photos of the parade and see who you can spot.

St David’s Day doesn’t have to be over yet - there’s still time to try our St David’s Day quiz and test you knowledge of Wales. You even get a certificate!

How did you celebrate St David’s Day? If you have any stories or pictures of your celebrations we’d love to hear from you.

Happy St David’s Day!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We're all celebrating St David's Day in Wales today.

On 1 March each year we celebrate our patron Saint, Dewi Sant or St David who died on that day in 589AD. To mark the day, Welsh people around the world wear one or both of our national emblems - a daffodil or leek -and celebrate at special concerts and processions.

Find out what's going on here and around the world on our events pages. Or, you can try our interactive St David's Day quiz.

For a full run down on how to make the most of Wales' national day (including recipes and children's activities), have a look at our St David’s Day pages.

If you're on twitter, use #stdavidsday #dyddgwyldewi to show your support and let us know how you're celebrating. We'll be tweeting updates @walesdotcom

Happy St David’s Day! Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus!

Welsh flag flies around the world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh flag flies around the world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh flag is flying around the world today (1 March) to celebrate our national day - St David's Day.

St David's Day wishes from the USA

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Secretary Clinton on the Occasion of St. David’s Day in Wales

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Wales as you celebrate St. David’s Day this March 1 (2012).

This is an opportunity to reaffirm the strong bonds that unite us and to reflect on the rich and varied contributions Welsh people have made to America over the centuries. Several of our founding fathers – including former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams – were able to claim Welsh ancestry. Today, almost two million people living in the U.S. can trace their roots back to Wales. I am proud to say that I am one of them.

But there is far more to our enduring relationship than our heritage. Today, we enjoy shared values, extensive cultural exchange, and benefit from a vibrant trade in goods, services and knowledge. As we continue to deepen these ties, our friendship will only grow stronger.

As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States is committed to strengthening our partnership as we work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for all our people.

Source: US Embassy website

World Book Day 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It’s World Book today and it just so happens to fall on national day this year, St David’s Day – 1st March.

To celebrate the love of the written word, the Welsh Book Council is encouraging people to give a book to mark St David's Day 2012.

We are marking the occasion by picking up some works from our favourite Welsh authors such as the famous poet, Dylan Thomas who wrote 'Under the Milk Wood' and children's favourite Roald Dahl whose books include 'Matilda' and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. There are plenty more Welsh writers to choose from too.

Wales is also home to one of the world’s most famous literary and arts festival – Hay Festival. When Bill Clinton came to Hay he called it ‘the Woodstock of the mind’. Find out more about literary and arts festivals in Wales.

New funding for Wales strengthens links with India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A further three years funding of £300,000 for the UK India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI) has been announced today by Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews.

In announcing his decision, the Minister said:

“I know that Welsh universities are committed to working with their Indian counterparts and are already developing long-term partnerships.
“It is essential that our institutions are able to access UKIERI II to support their research, innovation and educational activity in the global economy.”

The funding from the Welsh Government will enable all Welsh further and higher education institutions to have access to support for the duration of the programme in fields including leadership development, innovation, vocational skills and student mobility. The second UKIERI II call for proposals closes on 15 March.

Praising the work already underway in both Wales and India, the Minister said:

“The Welsh Government is always looking for new ways to collaborate with India, so it is very pleasing to see just how successful our universities have been in applying for UKIERI II support.”

“We know that our universities have plenty to offer on the world stage, particularly in key areas such as advanced manufacturing engineering, medical engineering and energy systems and technologies.”

“The funding that I’m announcing today will ensure that we continue to build on previous achievements and further cement our academic links with India.”

Speaking about the Welsh Government’s announcement Professor Hywel Thomas at Cardiff University said:

“Previous UKIERI initiatives have helped build some very productive working relationships between Cardiff University and Indian partners. For example, our School of Engineering is working with Institutes in Madras and Tiruchirappalli on more sustainable forms of energy. We are delighted to see the Welsh Government’s commitment to this fresh UKIERI initiative and hope it will lead to further projects benefiting both Wales and India.”

Swansea University was also delighted that Welsh Government support through UKIERI is to continue for the next three years. On hearing the announcement Professor Iwan Davies noted:

“Funding won by Swansea University in the last UKIERI round is enabling the College of Health and Human Science to build research links in audiology with the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped. With funding for the scheme now secure, we hope for further success with bids in this and other subject areas.”

In support of the second call for proposals, UKIERI is holding a pre-bid workshop for potential applicants at the British Council’s offices in Cardiff on 29 February. The workshop is open to all Higher and Further Education institutions.

Gary Speed Memorial Football Match

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A football match to celebrate the life and achievements of Gary Speed takes place tonight as Wales take on Costa Rica at Cardiff City Stadium.

Fans and footballers will take the opportunity to honour the late Gary Speed’s contribution to Welsh football both as a player and a manager at the match tonight.

The former Wales manager made his international debut for Wales against Costa Rica back in May 1990 at Ninian Park in Cardiff, and Wales won by a goal to nil.

A host of former Wales football internationals will honour Gary Speed at the memorial match. Ryan Giggs, John Hartson, Mark Hughes, Neville Southall and Robbie Savage are among up to 50 stars to be introduced at half-time

A number of Welsh musicians will also perform ahead of the memorial football match tonight including Bryn Terfel, Super Furry Animals and Only Men Aloud.

Tom Jones limited edition single only in Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Spillers Records in Cardiff will be the only shop in the world to stock a limited edition version of the new single from Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones and former White Stripes frontman Jack White.

There will be just 100 copies released of the tri-coloured 7in vinyl version of the single, Evil. Sir Tom himself has insisted that Spillers Records in Cardiff is the only shop in the world to stock the three-coloured vinyl single.

Spillers Records, reputed to be the world’s oldest record shop, will only have one day to sell the record. The small outlet in Cardiff, where Sir Tom Jones bought records as a teenager, will be selling the limited edition version of the single this Saturday, 3rd March.

You can listen to Sir Tom Jones’ new single - Evil, on the Thirdman Records website.

The best of Welsh cuisine in London

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Londoners will be able to celebrate St David’s Day in style with a series of free foodie events taking place across the capital to celebrate Wales Week in London 2012.

From a Welsh Food Market on the South Bank of the River Thames, tastings and tutorials, to in-store food and drink sampling, there is something for everyone.
The events are being organised under the Welsh Government’s Wales the True Taste banner in partnership with John Lewis, Waitrose, The Real Food Market and renowned grocer Partridges.

Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries said:

“Wales Week in London affords us an excellent opportunity to spread the word about our food and drink. We have such a wonderful array of produce, and we want to share it with as wide an audience as we can!

“There is of course a strong link between the Welsh and London, and I hope the events planned for the city will not just evoke memories and prompt ‘hiraeth’ for some but also promote all-year-round interest in Welsh food and drink.”

The three-day St David’s Day True Taste Market at the Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall (March 2-4) will be a feast of Welsh food and drink excellence.
The market will showcase some of Wales’ best produce, featuring a variety of Welsh producers, along with street entertainment, recipe ideas to try at home and cookery demonstrations at the True Taste Truck (demonstration kitchen) from top chefs including James Sommerin of the Michelin starred The Crown at Whitebrook, Jim Hamilton of the Llansantffraed Court Hotel, Rhodri Edwards of Y Ffarmers, and No 18 from Crickhowell.

Elwen Roberts from Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales will be preparing Welsh Lamb for the True Taste Truck; and sampling will focus on food that is available in London/South East England or online.

On Friday and Saturday evening celebrations will include special Welsh themed cocktails created by the Wales Millennium Centre’s ffresh Bar & Restaurant, featuring Wales the True Taste award-winning ingredients!

Welsh flavour will be coming to the Kings Road on St David’s Day (March 1st) where Partridges will be holding in-store tastings including cheese, organic meats, chocolates and more. While the in-store café will feature Welsh cakes, handmade preserves, and traditional Welsh rarebit made with Welsh cheese and Monty’s Brewery Welsh ale.

Also on St David’s Day there will be special events at the John Lewis Foodhall in Oxford Street, and the Waitrose flagship store in Canary Wharf.

Shoppers in the John Lewis Foodhall will be able to sample award-winning Welsh food and drink from 17 producers and enjoy musical delights too from Welsh harpist Amanda Whiting and singer Joanne Thomas.

Whisky lovers are in for a treat too with in-store tastings from the Welsh Whisky Company, while cheese fans can learn about Welsh cheese and how to pair it with beer at three free tutored tasting sessions. There will also be a draw to win one of three True Taste hampers for participants.

Welsh farmhouse cheeses, Welsh Whisky and Brains beer will sampled at Waitrose Canary Wharf, where that traditional teatime favourite – Tan Y Castell Welsh cakes will be served to shoppers, who will also enjoy some Welsh entertainment by harpist Siobhan Swider throughout the day.

Close engagement with Europe benefits Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones has been in the heart of the European Union to highlight the importance of Wales’s relationship with Europe when he visited Brussels.

The future of EU funding for Wales will be on the agenda when he meets the Commissioner for Financial Programming & Budget, Janusz Lewandowski, and the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn.

During his visit he will set out how a stable, vibrant European Union is vital to both the UK and Wales and how the Welsh Government is committed to remaining an active and constructive partner on the European stage.

The First Minister will also host a St David’s Day reception to promote Welsh goods and Wales as a place to invest. As well as quality Welsh lamb there will be an array of Welsh Seafood on offer, with over 10,000 tonnes exported annually alone from Anglesey to Europe, highlighting the strong links between Europe and Wales.

The First Minister said:

"I am deeply committed to maintaining and growing Wales’ relationship with Europe and that is why I am here to take this message to the heart of the EU. The harsh rhetoric of the critics of the EU often drowns out the benefits of membership. I have no doubt that communities across Wales see real benefits from our relationship with Europe.

"Look at the Common Agricultural Policy - it pays agricultural businesses in Wales over £350 million every year, keeping businesses afloat and thousands of people in work, ensuring the viability of our rural communities by filtering money through shops, village pubs and other suppliers of goods and services.

"Structural Funds make a huge contribution to the Welsh economy, invested around the country to help people into work and supporting business. During the recent economic troubles this source of EU funding has been especially helpful. The joint, and innovative, investments we have made with the EU directly support a range of activity, from research and development, regeneration, to helping people who have been out of work gain new skills and find jobs.

"Then there is our trade relationship – the EU is of major economic importance for us in Wales. The vast free market it provides gives us barrier free access to 500 million consumers, which directly boosts growth and jobs.

"I want to see a continuing role for the EU in helping us emerge from recession and promote our economy. I am determined that the voice of Wales will continue to be heard loud and clear in Brussels as we seek to make sure our communities continue to benefit from membership of the EU."

Wales and Europe – facts and figures

The EU is Wales’ biggest trade destination, with exports totalling over £5 billion.
This trade supports over 150,000 jobs in Wales.
The Common Agricultural Policy provides £350 million of support to Wales every year.

European funded projects in Wales include:

The £25 million South West Workways Project in Neath Port Talbot which provides work opportunities by matching economically inactive people with local businesses.
The Growth in Environmental Marine Sciences scheme which has been recognised by the EU for the innovative way it is supporting businesses in North West Wales.
Wales's first full scale tidal stream energy generator – Deltastream – is up and running thanks to £6.4 million of EU funding.
£2.7 million towards creating a centre of excellence for design and innovation in Welsh industry.
£3 million investment to create job opportunities and thriving local businesses by revitalising town centres in North East Wales.

Wales Week in China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The sixth Wales Week in China is to be held in Chongqing from 27th February to 2nd March 2012.

Wales Week is jointly organized by the Welsh Government, Foreign Affairs Office and Information Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government. The week is designed to further promote Wales to the people of China and explore new opportunities and areas for collaboration with education and business partners.

During the week, a series of events on education, science, arts, business and culture will take place. Here are some of the events happening during Wales Week in China:

“Barcode Wales – Beyond the Visible” Photography Exhibition (27th February – 7th May 2012)

Taking place in the huge and beautiful glasshouse of Nanshan Botanic Garden - This exhibition showcases the cutting-edge photography concept of Dr Andrea Liggins, Swansea Metropolitan University and the “Barcode Wales” project, a plant DNA barcoding project of the National Botanic Garden of Wales. The exhibition features images and artwork illustrating a project to DNA barcode the flowering plants of Wales.

“Under Milk Wood” Stage Performance (29th February – 3rd March 2012)
The performance is adapted from “Under Milk Wood”, the famous poem written by one of the most influential lyric poets of the 20th century, Dylan Thomas. The actors are students from Coleg Powys, majoring in Performing Arts and the performance costumes are specially designed and made by students from Coleg Morgannwg. Fully supported by British Council Wales and the Cultural and Education Section of the British Consulate-General, the performance will be held in Chongqing Art School and Chongqing City Management College from 29 February to 2 March. A show for the general public will be held in Nanshan Botanic Garden on 3 March.

Wales Business Workshop (1st March 2012)
Working with the Chongqing Economy and Information Commission, officials from the Welsh Government will introduce the business resources and development needs in the sectors of creative industry, advanced material and manufacturing, energy and environment to Chongqing companies. Meanwhile, they will learn the current situation and development needs of Chongqing companies in these sectors, exploring opportunities for substantive cooperation and stir up new ideas and opportunities.

Wales Higher Education Training Workshop and Wales Summer School Taster Workshop (29th February and 2nd March 2012)
Working with the Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission, Chongqing Education Commission and UK Trade and Investment, representatives from Wales International Consortium and Wales public sector colleges will introduce the Welsh resources in enterprise training, study tours, short-term English language training and summer schools, to the government organizations, companies, schools and universities in Chongqing, as well as learning more about the market in Chongqing.

Exhibition puts Wales in the spotlight in China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The science and art of the National Botanic Garden of Wales are taking centre stage in China at the Wales Week celebrations.

An exhibition at Nanshan Botanic Garden in Chongqing – entitled ‘Barcode Wales - Beyond the Visible’ – features images and artwork illustrating the project to DNA barcode the flowering plants of Wales.

Photographs taken at the Garden by Professor Andrea Liggins, the Dean of Faculty of Art and Design at Swansea Metropolitan University, are the focal point of the exhibition and are presented alongside visual representations of the plants’ DNA barcodes produced as part of the National Botanic Garden of Wales' Barcode Wales project.

The aim of Barcode Wales was to make Wales one of the first nations to DNA barcode all of their native flowering plants (all 1143 species) and to use the barcodes for biodiversity conservation and to improve peoples’ lives.

The exhibition is at the Nanshan Botanic Garden, Chongqing, from 27th February for three months. It is anticipated that the exhibition will see 500,000 visitors in March and April.

Wales’ big sporting weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Good news for sports fans…

There’s a big weekend ahead for Wales in sport. Not only does the Welsh rugby team take on England in the Six Nations - Cardiff City will take on Liverpool in the Carling Cup Final.

Six Nations: England v Wales

Wales take on England this Saturday (25th February) in the Six Nations at Twickenham. With a 100% record so far in the tournament, if Wales win this weekend they take home the Triple Crown – and will still be on track for a Grand Slam.

The First Minister of Wales, Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM, sent his best wishes to the Welsh rugby team ahead of their game against England this Saturday. The First Minister said: “Our games against Ireland and Scotland show that Wales has what it takes to beat England on the pitch. The hearts of all Welsh fans are quickening at the thought of a victory that would see us winning the Triple Crown for the first time at the home of English rugby. The entire nation is behind them and I wish the team all the best.”

Carling Cup Final: Cardiff City v Liverpool

One day later - In football, Cardiff City take on Liverpool this Sunday at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final. Cardiff are ranked underdogs in the final...but are determined to win. Cardiff City boss, Malky Mackay has told his team to help lead the way on delivering a great Welsh success this weekend.

The First Minister of Wales said, “I wish Cardiff City all the best for this weekend. This is the first time a Welsh club has reached the league cup final and it shows just how strong Welsh football is at the moment.”

Two important matches for Welsh sport - Pob lwc to the Welsh Rugby Team and Cardiff City.

Let’s hope for a memorable weekend and a Welsh sporting spectacular!

St David’s Day puts Wales on the map

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Government will be using St David’s Day once again to promote Wales around the world, First Minister Carwyn Jones announced.

A packed schedule of activity will be taking place across the globe – from China, New York though to Brussels and London - to celebrate the best of Wales.

The drive to promote Wales will begin next week in Brussels (Mon 27th Feb) where the First Minister will host the Welsh Government’s annual reception where Welsh food and drink will take centre stage. The First Minister will be at the heart of Europe to promote Wales and guests will include representatives from European institutions and the business community.

In China events will take place in Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing. Chongqing will host its own ‘Wales Week’. Activity will include Welsh Government receptions, Higher Education and Further Education promotional events involving universities and Further Education institutions from Wales, student collaborative workshops, an exhibition by the National Botanical Garden of Wales, and business seminars promoting the Energy & Environment, Creative Industries and Advanced Manufacturing & Materials sectors in Wales.

Across the Atlantic ‘Wales Week New York’ will take place, beginning with an evening with Matthew Rhys on the 27th February at the Soho Crosby Street Hotel. There will also be a premier screening of the Swansea-based film ‘Hunky Dory’ starring Minnie Driver. There will also be a Welsh – Jewish Film festival. The 80 members of the UN Security Council will get to taste the finest Welsh produce first hand when they are served a Welsh breakfast at the United Nations.

In Ireland, Visit Wales will begin a new marketing drive to get more Irish visitors to holiday in Wales. In London, Londoners looking to try a taste of Wales will be able to attend showcase events at stores such as John Lewis, Waitrose and Partridges. Award winning Welsh food and drink will be available during a three day market of Welsh producers on the Southbank. Hampers of Welsh produce will also be delivered to key Ambassadors.

The Welsh Government will also be hosting an event for the financial sector in the City of London and an event with BAFTA to promote the creative industries in Wales.

The First Minister said:

"St David’s Day is a time of celebration for all of us in Wales, but it also provides us with a unique opportunity to raise our international profile as a place to invest, do business and visit.

"The Welsh Government will be using the days leading up to St David’s Day and the day itself to showcase to the world the very best of what our country has to offer, from top class food and drink to being an excellent place to locate and do business. Wales has a distinctive culture with a history that stretches back to ancient times and I want to make people from places as diverse as China through to America to know more about who we are and what we have to offer."

The First Minister will continue to promote Wales when he visits the USA later in the month.

Filming starts in Cardiff on new Doctor Who series

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New adventures and surprises are in store as filming begins in Cardiff on a new series of Doctor Who.

The filming of Doctor Who has moved to the new BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studio complex in Cardiff Bay having previously been shot at the BBC’s site near Pontypridd, south Wales.

The Roath Lock studios will officially open on 12 March 2012. It has taken just over a year to construct the new facility, with 175,000 square foot of HD-ready studios.

The BBC’s Roath Lock complex recently achieved the highest possible environmental and sustainability rating – and became the first industrial building in the UK to obtain the prestigious BREEAM Outstanding certificate.

Filming on series seven of Doctor Who began on Monday, 20th February. As well as filming at the studio, it’s also possible to spot the cast of Doctor Who filming on location around Cardiff and south Wales.

The Doctor himself, actor Matt Smith, recently appeared in a video guiding viewers around his favourite bits of Cardiff.

Wales shows support for Fair Trade

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM has shown his support for Fair Trade by attending the Fair Trade Nation exhibition launch in Cardiff.

The exhibition will be on display in the Senedd, Cardiff Bay in the run up to Fair Trade Fortnight (27th February – 11th March). The inspiring images showcase the importance of Fair Trade and the difference it can make to the lives of producers and their communities.

As the world’s only Fair Trade Nation, Wales is proud to lead the world by example. Local Authorities, schools and towns across the country are gaining Fair Trade status, learning about the importance of Fair Trade and making a big difference across the globe.

The First Minister said:

"I am very proud that Wales continues to lead the way in support of Fair Trade. I encourage people to come along and see the inspiring exhibition on display and take part in the events across the country during Fair Trade Fortnight."

Fair Trade is more than tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas. With more than 4,500 products available on the market, from olive oil to beauty products, clothing to gold, it’s easier now than ever before to choose Fair Trade.

In Mali, one of the world’s poorest countries, the average school attendance is 43%. For the children from a Fairtrade co-operative the figure rises to 95%.

Welsh boxing camp prepares nations for London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Promising boxing stars from underdeveloped nations are coming to Wales to get the best possible chance of qualifying for the London Olympics.

The boxers, who include women for the first time in Olympic history, will attend a demanding three-week training camp in Cardiff. They hope to get in shape for Olympic pre-qualifying competitions, so they can return to the UK this summer to compete at London 2012.

The ‘Road to London’ training camp, run by the Amateur International Boxing Association and supported by the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association, will be using the highly-advanced training facilities at Cardiff University. The Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Cardiff Council are all backing the venture, which sees Wales pulling together for the benefit of less wealthy nations.

Some 51 male boxers and 17 women will arrive in Wales on February 19 to start the high-intensity training regime. They represent 44 countries, taking in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia and the island nations of Oceania. The boxers have a full training programme planned for them, but there will also be time to tour Cardiff and get a sample of Welsh culture.

Three boxing rings have been set up at the Cardiff University’s Sport Training Village, along with 15 punchbags and the latest in conditioning equipment. The training schedule will include conditioning work, bag and pad work, and sparring, under the expert eye of an experienced coaching team. The largest of the boxing rings is the only Olympic specification ring in Wales at the moment. It will remain in Wales after the training camp, part of the Olympic legacy.

Welsh amateur boxers will also be training with the overseas athletes, giving them the chance to match up against some of the very best in the world. Wales’ own World Light Heavyweight Champion - and Cardiff University Maths graduate - Nathan Cleverly will also be dropping in to give some advice, as he builds up for his WBO title defence in Cardiff.

Head coach for the camp is the National Coach for Wales, Colin Jones, himself an Olympic boxing competitor from the 1976 Games in Montreal. Colin fought twice for the World Welterweight Championship and is also a former Welsh Sports Personality of the Year.

Colin said: “It’s fantastic that we in Wales can help boxers who have not had the same advantages. Welsh amateur boxers will also learn a great deal from training alongside some world-class fighters. The Olympic-specification ring will be part of a great legacy from London 2012 for sport here in Wales.”

Sport Minister Huw Lewis said: “The AIBA choosing Wales is a testament to our world class training facilities, proximity and quality of accommodation, and state of the art sport support services. The camp will help raise the profile of the Olympic Games in Wales and the reputation of Wales in the world whilst also promoting Welsh boxing.

“I wish the boxers, coaches and support staff a warm Welsh welcome and the best of luck in the qualifying tournaments and general preparations for the London Olympic games.”

Stuart Vanstone, Head of Cardiff University Sport, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming the athletes of the ‘Road to London’ training camp to Cardiff University. These are all very promising fighters – but many are from countries where training resources are limited. We are putting the best Welsh expertise and facilities at their disposal, to give them the best possible shot at making it to London.”

US company chooses Wales for first European base

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DRIAS Transnat Ltd - a US company specialising in providing administrative outsourcing services for insurance companies - has chosen Cardiff as the base for its first European Centre of Excellence. The investment by DRIAS will create 30 jobs initially, rising to 50 over two years.

The investment is supported by £162,000 from the Welsh Government Economic Growth Fund.

It is the company’s first expansion outside of North America and Cardiff was chosen from a number of potential locations.

Business Minister Edwina Hart, who met Dick Votel, President and CEO of DRIAS this week, said it was a welcome addition to Wales’ rapidly expanding financial and professional services sector.

Mrs Hart said,

“I am delighted to hear that the strong, robust financial services and call centre labour force in Wales is to be the foundation for their pan-European expansion strategy. This is believed to be the first such investment from a US company in Wales for more than five years.

“DRIAS is widely recognised in the USA as a premier provider of administrative outsourcing services for insurance companies and the decision to base their first European centre in Cardiff reflects the region’s reputation as a centre for financial and professional services. I wish them every success.”

The Minister added that Cardiff is proving to be an attractive proposition for this high growth sector. The city is the only one in the UK to have a dedicated Enterprise Zone for Financial and Professional Services within a new Central Business District where plans include £1 billion investment to create capacity for 40,000 new jobs.

This latest investment follows on from an earlier announcement that Deloitte has chosen Wales as the location for a new hub for its risk operations team, creating up to 100 new jobs and D&B UK is to retain a strong presence in the city.

DRIAS President and CEO Dick Votel stated that,

"DRIAS chose Cardiff as the ideal location for it's European business after considering a number of countries across Europe.

“Support from Welsh Government and Cardiff Council's ambition for the Financial and Professional Services Industry were key considerations. The Government and Council were immensely supportive and very pro business.

“But people and skills are key. My long experience of administration outsourcing for the insurance and Banking sectors tells me great business needs great people. In Cardiff's fast growing City Region we found a rich pool of skilled professionals supported by academia."

Ken Poole of PWC ,the company's location advisor indicated that the decision by DRIAS, a new investor from North America, is a great boost to inward investment in Wales and Cardiff and hopefully the beginning of a new stream of investors from the worlds most important inward investment source market.

DRIAS, a privately owned company, administers group and individual life and health insurance plans on behalf of financial institutions and insurance companies.

They manage most functions normally performed by the financial institution or insurance company such as application processing, data capture, customer billing, policyholder communications, customer service and claims services.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota the company administers over 1.9 million paid for policies and maintain over 28 million records on their proprietary systems.

Its new centre will be based in the Global Reach Building, Celtic Gateway Business Park, Cardiff Bay and focus on high volume client contact and bespoke end-to-end product administration.

Lovespoons: Valentine’s Day the Welsh way.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today, many people around the world celebrate love in one way or another - although here in Wales, we’ve been in the mood for love for a few weeks now. St Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh alternative to St Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 25th January. The day celebrates the Welsh patron saint of lovers.

So what is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Flowers, chocolates, a big Welsh ‘cwtch’?

A traditional and romantic custom in Wales is the giving and receiving of lovespoons. Dating back to the 17th century, a lovespoon was a wooden spoon carved by a young man and presented to the woman he loved as a token of his affection.

The earliest surviving lovespoon is dated 1667 although it is believed that the custom was widespread before that date.

A lovespoon is usually decorated with certain symbols, with each symbol having certain significance and meaning,

Bell – weddings, anniversaries
Ball(s) in cage – number of children
Cross – faith
Diamond – wealth, good fortune
Heart – Love
Horseshoe – good luck
Key/Keyhole – security, home
Knot/Celtic knotwork – everlasting, together forever
Dragon – Protection, symbol of Wales

Today lovespoons are very popular and used to mark and celebrate many occasions such as births, christenings, weddings, anniversaries and retirement. Visitors to Wales often take home a lovespoon with them to have something uniquely Welsh to remind them of their visit.

Double BAFTA win for Newport film graduate

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

University of Wales, Newport Graduate - Asif Kapadia, has scored a double success at the 2012 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards for his documentary, Senna. Last night, Senna won the best documentary, and editing prize at the Awards.

Senna was based on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34.

In the documentary category, Senna beat Martin Scorsese’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World, and James Marsh’s Project Nim to win the top award.

Senna’s film editors picked up the editing category award against narrative features Drive, Hugo, The Artist, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Using interviews and archive footage, Senna paints a dramatic portrait of one of Formula One’s most famous drivers. The film follows Senna’s struggles both on track against his nemesis, French World Champion Alain Prost, and off it, against the politics which infest the sport.

Senna‘s documentary award is Kapadia’s second major BAFTA prize – in 2003 his narrative feature The Warrior won the Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film.

Asif Kapadia studied at Newport Film School - part of University of Wales, Newport, south Wales.

The Queen comes to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

To mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the National Musuem of Wales is hosting a collection of 60 of the most striking and resonant images of Elizabeth II, spanning her reign.

Running from 4 Feb – 29 Apr at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, The Queen: Art and Image explores the range of artistic creativity and media-derived imagery that The Queen has inspired.

Among the highlights are Annigoni’s hugely popular life-size 1969 commission for the National Portrait Gallery, Lucian Freud’s 2000-01 portrait from the Royal Collection, and Justin Mortimer’s painting where The Queen’s head floats away from her body against a huge background of flat vibrant yellow.

The Queen: Art and Image also includes a significant selection of unofficial portraits of the British monarch from major 20th century artists such as Gilbert and George, Andy Warhol and Gerhard Richter, as well as less formal portraits by such photographers as Eve Arnold, Patrick Lichfield and Lord Snowdon.

To find out more, take a look at the National Museum Wales website

Ffresh Festival celebrates filmmaking talent

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Now in its 10th year, Ffresh – the Student Moving Image Festival of Wales – takes place this week at the Newport Film School and the Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre.

The festival celebrates the best work being created by up-and-coming moving image talent in Wales, the UK and around the world. The week will also see some of the industry’s most renowned and respected figures deliver masterclasses, panel sessions and workshops.

Among the festival’s highlights; acclaimed British film director Mike Leigh imparting some of his knowledge, stories and expertise and American film-maker Jonathan Caouette will also preside over a unique masterclass.

The festival programme also includes all the shortlisted work for the prestigious Ffresh Awards, which consists of 14 categories of excellence, which students from around Wales and the UK can submit their work into.

The winners are announced during the Ffresh Awards Show on the final night of the festival.

The 2012 Ffresh Festival also includes a new exhibition called Newport Stories based on the community project of the same name, which encourages people to tell a story about the city in less than 50 words and a single photograph.

Ffresh is organised by The Festivals Company Limited who are also the creators of The Iris Prize.

Ffresh – the Student Moving Image Festival of Wales – runs from February 6th – 10th, 2012 at the Newport Film School and the Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre.

Export sales are sparkling success story

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Consort Precision Diamond Co - a highly specialist Welsh manufacturing company has reported significant export-led sales increases over the last three months and announced plans to build on that success by targeting China this year.

The Welsh Government’s international trade development programme is supporting the company’s export drive and commissioned an in-depth market report for Consort, highlighting new business opportunities in China’s aerospace sector.

Consort, which is based in Kinmel Bay, in Conwy borough, operates in a highly niche market and is one of the world’s leading companies producing Rotary Diamond Dressers that are used extensively across a wide range of industries in complex, high precision grinding operations.

They ensure the grinding wheels are maintained in optimum condition, an essential requirement to ensure the accurate, high-speed production of components for the aerospace, automotive, power generation, machine tool and specialised engineering industries.

A key area of Consort’s expertise is in specifying and manufacturing diamond dressers for bespoke applications.

Managing Director David Morris said they were pleased to report sales had increased by 21% during the past three months, with the majority of the increase in exports to the USA, Mexico and Brazil. He said:

“Despite difficult trading conditions globally, November was our best month ever for incoming orders and outgoing production. This increase was mainly due to recognising new opportunities and concentrating sales efforts in those areas in anticipation of likely problems in the Eurozone,”

This year the company plans to concentrate efforts on China which is a growing market, particularly in the aero engine industry which he said has advanced at an impressive rate over the past decade.

“Although we have been selling our products to China for a number of years the excellent in-depth study commissioned through the Welsh Government highlighted new potential for our products in the aerospace sector and will guide our efforts to expand this market.”

Consort’s Technical Representative Brian Jones made a re-assessment visit to China last month and the company is now actively looking for a representative there with experience in the aerospace sector.

Business Minister Edwina Hart congratulated the company on its success and said she was pleased to hear Consort is benefiting from the help provided by the Welsh Government to support companies to trade internationally.

“Exports not only offer new market opportunities for Welsh businesses, helping to create and safeguard jobs, but also have a positive impact on the Welsh economy. Helping businesses increase international trade is high on the Welsh Government’s agenda.

“Consort’s export success mirrors the latest export figures for Wales published in December which showed a healthy 22% increase over the previous twelve months”.

Consort, which operates in the key advanced materials and manufacturing sector, is also currently involved in a technical research project with Swansea University under the ASTUTE (Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies) programme with the assistance of the Welsh Government.

ASTUTE provides dedicated expertise to help companies improve their competitiveness, enabling them to operate at the leading edge of manufacturing technologies.

Mr Morris said they are hopeful of positive results which will be invaluable for further increased production.

Wales rugby: RBS Six Nations

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Following on from the excitement of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Wales started their journey in the 2012 RBS Six Nations yesterday. A great start for the Welsh Rugby Team securing a 21-23 victory over Ireland in a thrilling game at the Aviva Stadium.

With the Six Nations Championship now in full swing, Wales’ first win has put them on track for a Grand Slam (victory in every game). Wales' victory over France on the final day of the 2008 RBS Six Nations provided the team with a perfect ten of Grand Slams. Let’s hope for number eleven this year!

The Wales squad led by captain, Sam Warburton and coach, Warren Gatland have a few games to get through first though. Here are Wales’ upcoming matches in the RBS Six Nations:

Sunday 12th February 2012 – Wales v Scotland (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Saturday 25th February 2012 – England v Wales (Twickenham)
Saturday 10th March 2012 – Wales v Italy (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Saturday 17th March 2012 – Wales v France (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)

Olympic chiefs visit Millennium Stadium

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Senior officials of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) visited the Millennium Stadium this week, as the venue prepares to host 11 Olympic football matches during the 2012 Games.

LOCOG Head of Sport Competition David Luckes arrived in Cardiff with a delegation from the IOC for a final tour of the venue before London 2012 kicks-off in Cardiff with the first event on 25 July.

Both the men’s and women’s GB football teams are set to play at the home of Welsh sport which is also the confirmed venue for the prestigious men’s quarter-final and Bronze Medal.

The Millennium Stadium was described as ‘very impressive’ by David Luckes as the London 2012 visitors - including former Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson and Welsh international football player Jessica Fishlock - completed their tour of the world-class facilities.

“This venue is very impressive. It is a stadium that regularly hosts major stadium events and we know their track record. We have been impressed by the attention to detail and the staff,” said Mr Luckes. “The Olympics starts here at 4.00pm on July 25 and I think it will get the Games off to a cracking start.”

Former Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson is also looking forward to the Olympic football in Cardiff: “I am so excited about the Olympics coming to Wales. I just can’t believe that my home city of Cardiff will be hosting an Olympic event,” he said.

“People often ask what the Olympics atmosphere is like but now they will have the chance to experience it for themselves. This is a once in a lifetime chance and people should not miss out. I am not going into the Village until July 27 so will be heading down to Cardiff to watch the opening event.”

Roger Lewis, Group Chief Executive of the WRU, which owns and operates the Millennium Stadium, commented: “The eyes of the world will be on the Millennium Stadium when the Games kick-off in Cardiff two days ahead of the official opening ceremony and we are proud and delighted to be such an important part of this great sporting occasion.

“The stadium has a fantastic record for hosting world-class events, including some six years of first-rate football during the construction of Wembley, and it has been a pleasure to show our guests from LOCOG and the IOC what sporting fans all over the world can expect from Cardiff to mark the first home Olympic Games.”

Tickets are available now until Monday, 6 February for fans to be part of all the Olympic football action between July 25 and August 10 at the Millennium Stadium via the official website www.tickets.london2012.com

Line up announced for international art prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Artists from Cuba, India, Lithuania, Mexico, Slovenia, Sweden, and the UK are on the shortlist for the Wales based Artes Mundi 5.

From the flamboyant to the intimate, action and performance are the common threads that link the artists shortlisted for this year’s £40,000 Artes Mundi Prize. From Phil Collins offering reality TV contestants a platform to critique their manipulation by the media, to the meticulous understatement through which Teresa Margolles addresses drug violence in Mexico, the seven artists use a wide range of materials, actions, and strategies to engage with social issues and comment on society.

The shortlist for the fifth Artes Mundi Prize was announced today by Ben Borthwick, Artes Mundi’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director following an extensive research process by the two selectors - Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy, Curator of Contemporary Art at Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, New York and curatorial agent for dOCUMENTA (13), and Anders Kreuger, Curator at M HKA in Antwerp, Belgium. The selectors chose from over 750 nominations, including 576 individual artists from more than 90 countries, identifying artists whose work explores and comments on lived experience.

The seven artists picked for this year’s Artes Mundi, sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch as part of its Arts and Culture Programme, and publicly funded by the Arts Council of Wales and Cardiff Council are:

• Miriam Bäckström (Sweden),
• Tania Bruguera (Cuba),
• Phil Collins (England),
• Sheela Gowda (India),
• Teresa Margolles (Mexico),
• Darius Mikšys (Lithuania) and
• Apolonija Šušteršic (Slovenia).

Some of the artists look at specific cultural or historical contexts while others engage with broader themes of human experience. The range of nationalities, themes and artistic media demonstrates the scope of the Artes Mundi Prize, which will be underlined in a major exhibition of works by the shortlisted artists at Wales’s new National Museum of Art from 6 October 2012. The 14-week exhibition will be installed in almost 800 square metres of new contemporary art galleries, reinforcing Artes Mundi’s longstanding partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales.

An international judging panel will award the £40,000 prize midway through the exhibition in November 2012. All other shortlisted artists will receive a new award of £4,000 each.

Ben Borthwick, Artes Mundi’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director who joined the team from Tate Modern in 2010 said:
We are delighted with the exceptional quality of this shortlist which was drawn from a very strong field of nominations. I look forward to welcoming the artists toWales and creating an exhibition in October that will give audiences the opportunity to engage with the most exciting international contemporary art.

Anders Kreuger, one of the selectors, added:
Shortlisting for Artes Mundi has been an honour – and a responsibility to be taken seriously. Almost 600 artists were nominated this year, and it was a huge challenge to whittle these highly accomplished individuals down to just seven. We have chosen seven very different but equally talented artists, of different generations and from all across the globe, to exhibit at National Museum of Art this autumn.

Wales reach Grand Final at global schools debate

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has achieved its best ever result at the World Schools Debating Championships, reaching the Grand Final in a competition between 48 nations taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.

In the final, Wales faced Scotland, debating the motion “This house regrets South Africa's decision to use the Truth and Reconciliation Commission rather than prosecuting perpetrators of crimes committed under Apartheid”. The Welsh team comprises Amy Jones, 18, of Y Pant Comprehensive School, Pontyclun; Helen Price, 17, of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls; David Wigley, 17, of Bishop of Llandaff High School, Cardiff; and Piers Digby, 17, of Monmouth School. The team has been coached by Harry Thomas.

Wales won 6 of its 8 initial debates, achieving a ranking of 7th place after the preliminary rounds. They then defeated India and Ireland in the first two knock-out rounds. Wales then met England in the semi-final, defeating them by 6 judges to 1 on the topic “This House supports a 100% tax on inherited wealth”.

The World Schools Debating Championships is an annual event, first organised in Australia in 1988. Teams debate a mixture of prepared topics (provided several weeks in advance) and impromptu topics with only one hour’s preparation. The Welsh team is selected from outstanding competitors in the Wales Schools Debating Championships, organised by the Welsh Centre for International Affairs with support from the British Council.

Martin Pollard, Chief Executive of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by four dedicated young debaters. We’ve been taking part in the World Schools Debating Championships for nearly 20 years and this is the first time we’ve reached the Final, so everyone is very excited. This competition is all about communication and bright ideas, and it’s great that we can show off the skills of young Welsh people to so many other countries.”

Information on the World Schools Debating Championships: www.schoolsdebate.com

Happy St Dwynwen's Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and we celebrate St Dwynwen’s day on the 25th January.

The story of Dwynwen dates back to the 5th century. Dwynwen fell in love with a Prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but her father Brychan Brycheiniog was determined that she would marry another man.

Dwynwen was devasted that she couldn’t marry her true love and begged God to make her forget Maelon. She was visited by an angel who gave her a potion that was supposed to make her have no memory of Maelon and turned him into a block of ice.

Dwynwen was then granted three wishes. Firstly she wished for Maelon to be thawed, secondly that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and thirdly she wished that she would never marry. She devoted the rest of life to God’s service, founding a convent on the island of Llanddwyn and you can see still see the remains of the church today.

Also on the island is a well where according to legend swims a sacred fish that can predict the happiness of relationships. Visitors still visit the well today hoping that the water will boil meaning that love and good luck will follow them.

Have a look below for some ideas to celebrate St Dwynens Day and don’t forget to say ‘Dwi’n dy garu di’ (I love you) today!

Recipes
Cook your loved one something special from Wales

Lovespoons
History and meanings behind the traditional gift of the Welsh lovespoon

Breaks
Some of our favourite places for a break away in Wales.

Stories
Read some of our romantic myths and legends from Wales

Wales and China celebrate Chinese New Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dragons of Wales and China come together for Chinese New Year

The growing links between Wales and China will be celebrated this evening when First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomes guests to the Senedd to commemorate Chinese New Year.

The event follows a high-level delegation to China last year where the First Minister led talks to promote Wales as a business destination and place to invest, as well as promoting educational opportunities in Wales.
During the visit he held talks with the Chinese Government and signed co-operation agreements with the Municipalities of Beijing and Chongqing to explore areas of collaboration.
Before Christmas the First Minister welcomed to Cardiff the Joint Economic Trade Commission, a UK and Chinese Government forum for talks on business opportunities. The Chinese Government team was accompanied by a delegation of Chinese companies who had the opportunity to learn more about what Wales has to offer.

Those attending the event in the Senedd will include representatives of the Chinese Embassy and people from the fields of business, education, and culture who have links with China, as well as from the local Chinese communities and student population. Proceedings will start with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance performance.

The First Minister will wish the guests happy new year in Mandarin and Cantonese.

He said:

“The Dragon of course, is the national symbol of Wales. The Welsh flag, named Y Ddraig Goch in Welsh, literally translates as The Red Dragon. The dragon is just one thing that China and Wales have in common.

“My government is committed to Wales’ relationship with China and late last year I returned from an extremely productive and enjoyable visit to the country, the first of what I hope will be many as First Minister of Wales.

“The warmth of the Chinese people and the welcome I received will remain with me for ever. During my visit we signed a number of new deals that will be mutually beneficial to both our nations, including renewing the Co-operation Agreement with the Municipal Government of Chongqing and a new agreement with the Municipal Government of Beijing.

“Our relationship embraces a wide range of areas, from business, energy, education and health and I want this journey to continue. I sincerely hope that the Year of the Dragon will bring lasting peace, common prosperity and harmony between our two nations.”

Cardiff to host UK round of Extreme Sailing Series

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The UK round of the award-winning Extreme Sailing Series now in its sixth year will be staged in Cardiff between the 30 August - 2 September, 2012.

In a three-year deal, Cardiff won the bid to host the UK event of this global sailing circuit that is only one of four events with ISAF (International Sailing Federation) Special Event status, positioning the city alongside the other seven premium international sporting venues hosting an Extreme Sailing Series Act in 2012. The host venue agreement with Cardiff City is backed by a Welsh Government grant for 2012-2014.

The Extreme 40 catamarans, raced by many of the world’s best sailors, will race on Cardiff Bay over four days with the event open to the public between the 25-27 August as the Extreme 40 fleet race in the circuit’s action packed ‘stadium’ format. First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said:

"I am delighted to announce that the Extreme Sailing Series will be coming to Cardiff Bay from 2012.

"This is a top-level, international sporting event which puts the Welsh capital alongside cities such as Singapore, Istanbul, Nice and Boston.

"By supporting events like this, the Welsh Government is aiming to promote Wales as a world class sailing and water sports venue, as well as generating economic benefits by attracting more visitors to our shores."

Executive chairman of the organizing company behind the series, Mark Turner of OC ThirdPole, said:

"The circuit continues to represent perfectly the developments in the world at large, with its balance of east and west, different cultures and languages and variety of conditions."

"Year on year the commercial value to the host cities of securing this event for the host cities has steadily increased, and this is reflected in 2012 developments. A pro-active and innovative host venue is critical to the success of the event, and we are very excited in this respect by the partnership with Cardiff and the Welsh Government"

The 2012 Extreme Sailing Series will be staged at eight different international venues across three continents, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators. Alongside other significant media exposure, once again a dedicated TV series will be produced and broadcast on up to 40 channels around the world, including CNBC, Bloomberg, Channel 4 (UK), Sky (UK), Al Jazeera, Fox (Latin America, Australia Middle East), ESPN, Sport+ (France), RAI (Italy).

Welsh stars of 2012: The ones to watch

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We’re a talented bunch here in Wales. Many of our home grown stars have gone on to have success worldwide; Anthony Hopkins, Rhys Ifans, The Stereophonics come to mind. A new year brings new talent, so here are some of our own that have been highlighted as “ones to watch” for 2012.

Music:
The inaugural Welsh Music Prize highlighted some of the best music in Wales last year - 12 artists, 12 albums, one award - the very first award going to Gruff Rhys for his third solo album Hotel Shampoo. Wales Online have featured 40 Welsh bands to look out for in 2012. On the list, The Gentle Good (the work of Cardiff based folk singer-songwriter Gareth Bonello) who was recently given the opportunity to take part in a 6 week programme in Chengdu, China giving innovative British musicians the opportunity to explore new musical territory, reach new audiences, and write new material.

Sport:
With less than 200 days to go until the Olympics, the spotlight is very much on our sports men and women. In the run up to the London 2012 four Welsh sporting stars have so far been confirmed as part of Team GB: boxing duo Andrew Selby and Fred Evans, plus sailor Hannah Mills. Sailor, Steve Thomas has been confirmed for the GB Paralympics Team. With more Team GB selection announcements to come, many more Welsh contenders are still hoping to compete in the world’s biggest sporting event.

Literature:
Recently announced as the very first writer in residence at the Welsh Rugby Union, Owen Sheers is a poet, author and scriptwriter brought up in Abergavenny, South Wales. His first novel Resistance was translated into 10 languages and shortlisted for the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Book Award. Resistance was made in to a feature film starring Michael Sheen and released in November 2011 – HRH Prince Charles even attended the premiere.

With so many more talented people shining through; writers, actors, musicians, film makers, artists, sports stars (too many to list on our blog in fact), keep an eye out for Welsh stars in 2012. We like to make an impact.

Swansea v Arsenal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend sees Swansea take on another of the Premier League's big clubs. Swansea welcome 3 time premier league winners Arsenal to the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, 15th January.

Arsenal are famous for their slick passing and attractive style of football and were the only team to go through a premier league season undefeated. They recently re-signed one of the ‘invincibles’ on loan Thierry Henry. Henry, who could feature in his first Premier League game since 2007, has high praise for Swansea and their style of football saying ‘Swansea are an amazing team’.

With two teams playing such attractive football it’s all set up to be a fantastic day! And Arsenal supporters coming from London might be more familiar with Swansea and the beautiful surrounding areas than they first might have thought. Pictures of the Gower, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and beaches such as Three Cliffs Bay have been featured on an advertising campaign on the London Underground.

There is also a dedicated site on the visit Swansea Bay website for Premier League fans to check out before they travel to Swansea. So if you are heading down to catch a game at the Liberty Stadium why not check out what else is on offer.

Wales in the US update

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There is good news from the USA this month as Wales has made the New York Times’ list of top 45 Places to Go in 2012. Other destinations featured include Tokyo, Florence and Moscow. The focus of the Wales entry is our new hiking path - the Wales Coast Path – which will create a pedestrian route around the country. For the full listing, see http://tinyurl.com/6mlw478

Also this week, Sophie Lewis, Manager of Sinfonia Cymru (Wales) is in New York at the ISPA (International Society for the Performing Arts) Annual Congress at the Times Center in New York. She is representing the UK along with the senior managers of five other UK Orchestras. Sinfonia Cymru is Wales’s foremost chamber orchestra consisting of talented musicians under the age of 28 and is the resident professional chamber orchestra at the new Dora Stoutzker Hall at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

And some good news for Cardiff University; American pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb has agreed the purchase of US biotech company Inhibitex, in a $2.5Bn (£1.6bn) deal which includes the promising new anti-hepatitis C drug INX-189, first designed and prepared in Cardiff University.

The buy-out means Bristol-Myers will continue the development of INX-189, created by Professor Chris McGuigan at the Welsh School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Professor McGuigan said: “At this drug’s current highly promising stage, Bristol-Myers Squibb is the ideal partner for quick progression to clinical approval. …This purchase is highly significant for Cardiff University, which stands to benefit financially at each stage of the drug’s progress.”

For the full story, see the Cardiff University website.

For more information on Wales’ links with America, take a look at our Wales and the USA pages.

Living and working in a National Park in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

GUEST BLOGGER: Nancy Cavill
Nancy is based in a village eight miles from Brecon and runs Everymedia Solutions.
www.everymediasolutions.co.uk

IT’S not every lunch break that offers you the chance to listen to the sound of sheep munching. But that’s how it is for me when I step out of my office into my garden, which is adjacent to a field. I live and work in my home, which is in a small village in the always beautiful – even in the rain – Brecon Beacons National Park.

Outside there are wall-to-wall views of mountains, with the odd forest and river thrown in. From inside my office (in my converted garage, the glamour!) if I crane my neck I can see a 550-metre mountain peak – when it’s not surrounded by cloud.

What a difference a few years can make.

Back then I was working as a freelance journalist, writing and subbing for newspapers and other magazines, and living in Wales’ capital city, Cardiff.
I love the city and I had to be dragged kicking and screaming by an outdoorsy husband to start a new life in the country. How would we cope with the commute to town, I asked. And what if no-one talks to ‘outsiders’?

I needn’t have worried. Village life turns out to be just as sociable, if not more so, than urban dwelling. And the issue of the commute never reared its head.

My work life has been transformed. I no longer write for print but for all things online – so, of course, it doesn’t matter where I live. Or rather, it matters to me where I live but not to the people I write for!

One minute I can be speaking to the switched-on landlord of a local pub who wants ‘things to do’ content for the pub’s website (visitors bring in much of the pub’s trade and tourism is a major industry here). The next I’m talking to a marketing manager in central London who wants his firm’s brochure copy re-written.

Local business meetings take place in the pub – usually with coffee rather than a pint – and some now even offer free wi-fi. Just like the city! For business meetings further afield Skype works wonders.

I have a virtual network of colleagues now thanks to social media. But then again, I know colleagues in a busy city office who sit in the same room but tweet each other rather than wander over for a chat, so I don’t feel too deprived.

200 days until the Olympic Games

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With 200 days now remaining until the London 2012 Olympic Games, another four countries have signed Memoranda of Understanding to formalise their agreement to prepare for the Games in Wales.

The latest four countries to commit to basing their pre-Games training camps in Wales are: the Botswana National Olympic Committee, Lesotho National Olympic Committee, Liberia National Paralympic Committee and Mexican Paralympic Committee. The announcements follow the recent decision by Athletics New Zealand that they will train in Wales which has been supported by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: “With 2012 now upon us and with 200 days left until the world’s biggest sporting event takes place on our doorstep, I’m delighted that we are able to make this announcement. The decisions reflect the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and its partners over the past few months and shows that Wales has the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for.

“Pre Games training camps will also provide opportunities to develop sporting, educational and cultural exchanges with countries that come to Wales and provide opportunities for children and local communities to get involved, resulting in a positive Games legacy for Wales. “

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: "It’s great to hear that National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees from Africa and the Americas are continuing to develop strong relationships with Wales to aid their training in advance of London 2012. It’s a great opportunity for the nations to develop sporting, educational and cultural links that last beyond the Games. I wish the teams and their Welsh colleagues all the very best in their preparations for London 2012.”

It is anticipated that teams from at least 19 countries will train in Wales in the lead in to the Games involving close to 1,000 athletes and support staff with a direct investment into the economy running into millions of pounds.

West Wales to host a major new literature festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Literature Wales is pleased to announce that a lively new festival celebrating the very best of literature will be held at Dinefwr Park and Castle in west Wales in 2012.

The Dinefwr Literature Festival is a collaboration between Literature Wales, the National Trust, and the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David (as lead partner in the Coracle programme).

The Arts Council of Wales has generously awarded £65,000 to this new project from its Festivals Fund.

The bilingual festival, which will be the first of its kind, takes place from Friday 29 June to Sunday 1 July 2012. It will feature an eclectic mix of literature, music, comedy, cinema and children’s activities – doing for literature what the Green Man Festival has done for music. High quality literature events will be programmed alongside other art forms in the beautiful and inspiring surroundings of Dinefwr Park and Castle.

The impressive line-up will include multi-award-winning novelists, local storytellers, performance poets, children’s authors, singer-songwriters, script-writers plus a whole host of fringe acts guaranteed to appeal to children and adults alike. The festival site will have a dedicated camping field to set up a temporary home from home for the weekend. The site will also be brimming with outdoor entertainment, a variety of stalls, excellent local food and much, much more.

Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire has a long and prestigious association with Welsh literature. It was the seat of the medieval Princes of Deheubarth and is steeped in culture. This area of Carmarthenshire is known for the part it has played in the promotion and celebration of Welsh culture throughout the centuries.

Justin Albert, Director of the National Trust in Wales, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project and partnership for the National Trust to be involved in. Everyone loves good stories, poetry and music and Wales has such a rich and fantastic tradition in these areas. Dinefwr is rightly seen as one of the cradles of Welsh culture, so holding the festival at this site will surely play a massive part in further invigorating pride in Welsh literary and musical achievement. We congratulate Literature Wales and the other project partners in successfully bringing this bid together and laying the groundwork for what we are confident will be an amazing festival and celebration of Welsh culture.”

Dominic Williams, Coracle Development Officer, says: “The professional development of any creative community, including that of creative writers, is the driving force behind the Coracle programme. Arts festivals are the showcases that often convert those communities into industries. This local and international festival will have a hugely positive impact upon the region by attracting lovers of culture to this Welsh home of literature.”

Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales, says: “Literature Wales’ vision is to take literature to all corners of Wales to as wide an audience as possible. This new festival allows us to do that. Working in partnership with the National Trust and Coracle will enable us to be more ambitious in our programming than ever before. 2012 will be a great year for literature.”

Watch out for more information and future announcements about the festival, including the launch of a new festival website in the New Year.

In the meantime, visit the project partners’ websites:

Literature Wales www.literaturewales.org
National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dinefwr
Coracle www.coracle.eu.com

Free entry to National Botanic Garden this January

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Whatever the weather this January, you can rely on a Mediterranean experience in the Great Glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales – where admission is FREE for the whole month.

A series of weekend-long events has been arranged throughout the month to help encourage more people to visit the Garden – which The Times newspaper branded the “Number 1 Winter Wonderland in the UK”.

Through the month, the highlights include: an Antiques Fair , Woodcraft Weekend and a ‘Local Producer’ Food Fair – all taking place in the stunning surrounds of Lord Foster’s Great Glasshouse.

The Antiques Fair is on Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15, and is billed as two days of high-quality antiques stalls with china, jewellery and furniture - organised by Derwen Fairs.

Saturday and Sunday, January 21-22, sees the return of the popular Woodcraft Weekend, an event for all woodworkers including demonstrations of woodturning, toy-making, carving, intarsia, pyrography, with international craftsmen such as Mark Raby, Mick Hanbury, Bob Neill, Mark Baker, Simon Hope showing off their skills.

On the last weekend of FREE January (Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29), there will be a festival of local food and drink with more than 30 stalls offering the best that the west has to offer in terms of local produce.

Also on at the Garden in FREE January are the next two performances in the Celtic Women Concert Series which feature singer, pianist, and entertainer Amanda Painting (Sunday January 8 at 2pm) and harpist, songwriter, poet and storyteller Hazel Saville on Sunday January 15.

For more information, call +44 (0)1558 667149 or info@gardenofwales.org.uk. For a full list of what’s on at the Garden, go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk

Merry Christmas/Nadolig Llawen!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Nadolig Llawen (that’s Welsh for Merry Christmas) from Wales.com.

Here’s some of what happens over the festive season here in Wales:

Christmas Eve
An old Welsh tradition on Christmas Eve is Taffy making. This special kind of toffee was boiled up in pans as families and friends would share stories to pass the dark hours of Christmas Eve's night.

Children all over Wales will hang up their stockings eagerly awaiting a visit from Father Christmas. Be sure to leave out some mince pies for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer too.

Christmas Day
Traditionally on Christmas Morning, families open their presents and start preparations for a Christmas feast – turkey with all the trimmings! Here’s a great recipe to add a little Welsh to your Christmas feast.

For those who like something a little unusual, how about a festive trip to the beach?
Every year participants brave the weather and plunge into icy waters around Wales for a Christmas sea swim. The Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim sees hundreds of people take part every year.

For those who prefer to be in the warm, there’s always the Dr Who Christmas special. Dr Who actor, Matt Smith recently talked about his favourites parts of Cardiff, where the show is filmed in Dr Who’s Guide to Cardiff.

Boxing Day
As well as families feasting on the left over turkey, Boxing Day sees another famous Christmas sea swim in Wales. The Tenby Boxing Day Swim was recently highlighted in Tesco’s Christmas advertising campaign.

Not to forget the football – Swansea City will play Queens Park Rangers at home and Cardiff City will play Watford away.

New Year’s Eve
For a very different New Year’s Eve, the Nos Galan Races commemorate the Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran. Held annually on New Year’s Eve in Mountain Ash, in the Cynon Valley, South Wales, the Races follow a 5km route around the town.

The legendary stories of Guto Nyth Bran are plentiful, including how he could catch a bird in flight, and how he once ran seven miles (to Pontypridd, South Wales and back) before the kettle boiled.

When he was 37, a challenge came from the ‘Prince’ of Bedwas to run the 12 miles from Newport in Monmouthshire to Bedwas Church Caerphilly. Guto won the race, but the celebratory ‘slaps’ on the back proved too much for him and he died in the arms of his sweetheart, Sian o’r Siop.

His body was taken to its final resting-place in the graveyard of Llanwynno Church near Mountain Ash – where the annual races now take place.

New Year’s Day
Another old Welsh tradition is Calennig – a New Year’s gift.

All around Wales, groups of young children would go from door to door, carrying three-legged totems singing verses and asking for calennig - gifts of small change.

This was symbolised by the skewered apples, stuck with corn and sprigs of evergreen, which they carried in their hands.

Whatever your plans over the holidays, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Nadolig Llawen!

Brunei Minister visits Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Hazair, visited Wales on the 9th and 10th December as part of a wider visit to the UK.

Pehin Hazair met the Minister for Housing, Regeneration & Heritage, Huw Lewis AM, to discuss Wales’ experience in hosting major sporting events such as Ryder Cup and the success in attracting Olympic and Paralympic teams to use Wales as a training base ahead of the London 2012 Games. The Ministers also discussed the Welsh Government’s commitment to encourage wider participation in sport.

After the meeting Minister Hazair took the opportunity to tour the sports facilities of Cardiff Metropolitan University and visit the Cardiff School of Management. There was also time to meet students from the Brunei Darussalam Student Society Wales (BDSSW).

On this day in Welsh history…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The City of Cardiff was officially named as the capital city of Wales. Cardiff was named as a city in 1905 and 50 years later in 1955 achieved its capital city status.

Cardiff was proclaimed capital city just in time to host the 1958 Commonwealth Games. Branded as “The Empire Games”, at the time it was the largest sporting event to be held in Wales. In 2012 Cardiff will be hosting the very first event of the Olympic Games on 25th July.

The population of Cardiff is around 320,000. The city is home to the Millennium Stadium and its very own castle (to name just a few of its landmarks). The stylish Cardiff Bay also houses the Wales Millennium Centre.

Wales has a number of other cities, Swansea, Bangor and Newport as well as the smallest City in the United Kingdom, St Davids.

As part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, a total of 26 towns across the UK will compete for the right to become a city. Both St Asaph and Wrexham in North Wales are in the running to become one of Britain’s newest cities.

Your Celebrity Guide to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dr Who actor Matt Smith and film star Luke Evans show you around their favourite parts of Wales with some absolutely magnificent scenery along the way. We thought you might like to see these two great videos from Visit Britain highlighting some of Wales’ best bits.

Dr Who’s guide to Cardiff
Join Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, as he guides you around his favourite bits of Cardiff, where the show is filmed.

Luke Evans Guide to Wales
Film star and local boy, Luke Evans goes back to his roots and takes a trip around Wales’ glorious countryside.

Small Welsh company lands exclusive Chinese deal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A small Welsh company has announced that it has landed a multi-million pound exclusive dealership agreement with the giant Sany Group of Hunan province, China.

Tramor Ltd, a newly formed SME based in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, will sell the extensive range of Sany heavy industry machinery throughout mainland UK.

The news comes ahead of a high level UK-China Joint Economic Trade Commission meeting in Cardiff tomorrow (Thursday December 14) followed by a business lunch and Forum for Chinese and UK SME’s.

Speakers include Business Secretary Vince Cable, Vice-Minister Gao Hucheng, Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint and First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.

The Forum will discuss the outlook for UK-China SME co-operation, key investment opportunities between regions in the UK and China and opportunities arising from China’s green revolution. Forty leading Chinese companies will be present together with Welsh and UK businesses, including Sany and Tramor.

Business Minister Edwina Hart said she was pleased the Welsh Government’s key projects team had been able to provide support for Tramor both in Wales and in China.

"It is quite an achievement for a small Welsh company to sign an exclusivity agreement with one of the world’s largest construction machinery companies.

"China offers huge trading opportunities for Welsh companies and I am delighted to hear how Tramor is forging links with Sany and hope this week’s trade mission will mark the start of a growing relationship between our countries".

Sany Group is the world’s largest concrete machinery manufacturer and ranked 6th in the top 50 global construction machinery manufacturing companies employing over 70,000 people worldwide.

Following recent expansion in the European market with the opening of a €100 million manufacturing plant in Bedburg Germany, Sany’s globalisation through localisation programme has now entered the UK market.

Mr Xiang Wenbo, President of Sany Heavy Industry Group, said that in the engineering and construction machinery industry particularly, customers from different regions have different requirements for equipment according to their preferences

He emphasised:

"Going global should be based on localisation. Localisation involves not only products and talents, but also the production and operation system,".

As a result of the contract Tramor will be creating over twenty new posts in various fields including engineering, procurement and sales, accounts and admin.

Tramor Ltd's Directors John Lewis and Rhodri Morgan described the contract as a very positive move for the construction industry in the UK and would have immediate and encouraging economic implications for Wales.

John Lewis, who has over 30 years in the industry having previously run a successful UK Dealership, said they landed the exclusive deal after literally flying out to China and knocking on Sany’s door.

"We had identified the need for an alternative brand of machinery for the UK and undertook extensive market research on possible companies. A business colleague advised us to go to China to meet Sany which we did several times.

"It was only then that we realised the magnitude of both the Sany brand and that the manufacturing capabilities of the company were on a scale never before seen in the UK".

"The attention to detail, high level of quality and workmanship that this company strive to achieve is something that I haven’t seen in over 30 years in the industry. I have great confidence that our customers here in the UK will welcome the brand and also a new machine and company in the market".

Rhodri Morgan said they were delighted that Tramor was selected as both the first and also the exclusive representative of Sany in the UK.

The first consignment of machinery and spares, modified for the UK market, will arrive in Wales in the New Year with an official launch and marketing campaign by both Tramor and Sany to raise awareness of the brand.

John Lewis said:

"The implications for Wales are immense as the deal has the potential to attract serious investment to both Wales and the UK as similar machinery currently available in the market start at £50,000 for a 7-tonne machine and in excess of £350,000 for a 65 tonne plus machine."

Add a Welsh twist to your Christmas feast

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you’d like a Welsh twist to your Christmas dinner this year, here’s a great recipe for a Christmas canapé by Welsh chef Bryn Williams.

Bryn was born in Denbigh in North Wales and is now chef and owner of Odette’s in north London. His Caerphilly cheese and thyme pastries are a nice way to ‘Welshify’ your Christmas menu.

Bryn, who spoke at the Hay Festival this year, also talked recently about his favourite Welsh ingredients and recipes.

You can find out more about Welsh produce on our Food pages. Or why not try out our Welsh Cakes recipe for a traditional and tasty Christmas morning treat?

Add a little bit of Wales to your Christmas feast this year!

Nadolig Llawen (Merry Christmas)

Wales’ Sports Personality of the Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Motorcyclist, Chaz Davies has been named 2011 BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year. The World Supersport Champion won the title as the result of a public vote.

At only 24, Davies became the first Welshman to win a world Superbike class title when he secured the overall crown in the 12-match series.

He succeeds footballer Gareth Bale to win the BBC Cymru Wales award and beat boxer Nathan Cleverly, hurdler Dai Greene, triathlete Helen Jenkins, and Paralympian Nathan Stephens to win.

To celebrate the past year in Welsh sport, the awards ceremony took place yesterday at Swansea's Liberty Stadium

The Welshman won six races in the 2011 Supersport Championship - the competition below the main World Superbikes Championship - at Assen, Monza, Aragon, Silverstone, the Nurburgring and the final race in Portugal.

According to Twitter, Chaz was celebrating his win yesterday with a pizza in California.

A weekend of festivities

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’re getting into the festive spirit this weekend all over Wales and as always we like to do things in our own uniquely Welsh way. Here’s just some of what’s going on:

In the north, hundreds of Father Christmases will be donning their running shoes in Llandudno and Wrexham in the annual Santa Fun Run.

Down south, Caerphilly Castle will be bathed in light for a twice nightly spectacular sound and light show. Illuminata, reflects the fascinating history of this iconic castle. It takes place as part of Caerphilly’s Medieval Christmas Fayre will take place10th – 11th December.

For something a little more quirky, Bridgend is looking to break its own record for the world’s largest gathering of elves on Saturday 10th December. Bridgend smashed New York’s previous record last year and are hoping for a crowd of up to 1000 people dressed as elves in Bridgend town centre.

For the food lovers, Abergavenny Christmas Food and Drink Fair takes place on 11th December. There are master-classes, tastings and some great produce to stock up your cupboards for the festive season.

London 2012: First Welsh Torchbearers announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) begins to make conditional offers to inspiring people in Wales to carry the Olympic Flame next summer during the 70 day Olympic Torch Relay.

Hundreds of people in Wales are today one step closer to becoming a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer and having their moment to shine next summer. The offers made today include the day of the Relay the Torchbearer is expected to carry the Olympic Flame.

90% of the total 8,000 Torchbearer places across the UK have been made available to people nominated for a personal best through a number of channels, including the four public nomination campaigns run by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay: Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. The remaining 10% of places are offered by invitation.

Of the 6,800 individuals with an offer today, over 5,600 inspirational people were selected through these four nomination programmes run earlier in the year. Each of the four campaigns focused on recognising and rewarding people with a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community with the once in a lifetime opportunity of carrying the Olympic Flame.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: ‘Thank you to everyone in Wales who took the time to nominate a friend, a colleague or a family member through one of the four campaigns. Today we are one step closer to giving hundreds of people across Wales their moment to shine during the Olympic Torch Relay next summer. The sum of the individual stories of our Torchbearers will show the world that the Olympic spirit is alive and well right across Wales.’

An average of 115 people a day will take centre stage next summer by carrying the Olympic Flame on its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Among the first people to be offered a place today include Elin Haf Davies, 35 from Gwynedd, nominated through Lloyds TSB’s public nomination campaign who has rowed 5691 miles across two of the world’s oceans and has raised nearly £250,000 for charity and Hannah Jarrett, 14 from Bridgend, nominated through Samsung’s public nomination campaign who despite having numerous medical complaints, including diabetes has raised over £2,000 for diabetes research.

Elin Haf Davies said; ‘I’m delighted to have been offered one of the first places as an Olympic Torchbearer through the Lloyds TSB nomination process. It will be a very proud moment for me to carry the Flame, it’s a once in a lifetime experience and such an honour to have the opportunity to represent all the children and families that have benefited from my extreme adventure, as well as celebrate others all over the country who work tirelessly to support those in their community.’

Hannah Jarrett said: ‘I am so excited at the thought that I could be a Torchbearer. It is such an honour to have received an offer. It will be a very special opportunity and I hope to represent my friends, people at my school and from my home town and all young people with type 1 Diabetes’

Huw Lewis Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, said: ‘The people chosen through this rigorous process should be immensely proud of their achievements. The stories and experiences that they have to share should be an inspiration to many and this opportunity will give them a well deserved moment to shine.’

Over 60,000 nominations were received across the UK across four nomination campaigns. Each campaign incorporated a rigorous selection process and the nominations were read and evaluated by independent selection panels. Those who have not been successful with a nomination are invited to join the journey to the London 2012 Games by becoming a Local Leader.

The additional conditional offers made today are to people who also have a story of personal achievement or contribution to the local community. 135 offers have been made to local heroes put forward by the 66 Local Authorities hosting an evening celebration event and Island visit requiring extra logistics on the Olympic Torch Relay, 70 to people who assist with delivering grassroots sport who have been selected by Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, sportscotland and Sport Wales, 205 by the BOA, and 71 by the IOC and 678 by other London 2012 Games commercial partners.

A further 1,200 conditional offers will be made by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners in January 2012.

The Olympic Torch Relay will visit Wales between 25 and 30 May 2012. The communities through which Torchbearers will carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame are listed on the London 2012 website.

London 2012: Carrying the torch in Wales…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today individuals across Wales were made offers to carry the Olympic Flame next summer during the 70 day Olympic Torch Relay.

People were asked to nominate individuals for their achievements or contributions to their communities.

Two of the nominations from Wales were Elin Haf Davies, 35 and Hannah Jarrett, 14 - who are now one step closer to becoming a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer and having their moment to shine.

And you can see why - both have some very inspiring achievements outlined in the nominations submitted.

Elin Haf Davies, from Gwynedd, rowed 5691 miles across two of the world’s oceans. Elin landed in Antigua to become the first Welsh woman to ever row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Fourteen months later Elin joined team 'Ocean Angels' to set a world record by becoming the first all female crew to row 3139 miles across the Indian Ocean

Elin has raised nearly £250,000 for her chosen charities.

Hannah Jarrett from Bridgend has a long list of impressive accomplishments noted in a nomination from her teacher:

“Hannah is one of my Yr 10's at Bryntirion Youth Centre and has numerous medical complaints including diabetes. Despite her own difficulties she has raised over £2,000 for Diabetes research….”

Hundreds of people in Wales today will have a smile on their face after being told they will carry the Olympic Torch. The remaining places will be offered in January.

The Olympic Torch Relay will visit Wales between 25 and 30 May 2012.

National Dance Company Wales impress in India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s the last day of the National Dance Company Wales’ tour of India and they’ve had a great response and glowing reviews so far.

The Company has wowed audiences in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi throughout the tour, which runs 25th November – 7th December 2011.

The tour is supported by, British Council, Wales Arts International and the Welsh Government. It’s included performances of B/olero and Black Milk by Ohad Naharin and By Singing Light by Stephen Petronio.

By Singing Light is inspired by the poetry of the late Welsh writer, Dylan Thomas and influenced by the Welsh songs of Mansel Thomas.

Wales Online has covered some the successes of the tour so far.

Continuing the India-Wales dance relationship, India’s STEM Dance Kampni will be visiting Wales in Spring 2012 for a tour of Wales.

A uniquely Welsh Christmas…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve always liked to do things in our own unique way here in Wales and Christmas is no exception.

Some of our old Christmas customs still happen in parts of Wales today. Tasty, tuneful and some a little strange - here a just a few of them:

Plygain
We live up to our name of the land of song with Plygain - singing from 3-6am on Christmas Day. In the early hours of Christmas morning, men gathered in the rural churches to sing. They would sing mainly unaccompanied, three or four part harmony carols in a service that went on for three hours or so. After Plygain, Christmas Day feasting would begin.

Taffy
Taffy making is an old Welsh Christmas Eve custom – for those with a sweet tooth.This special kind of toffee was boiled up in pans and ‘pulled’ while it was still warm.

Families and friends would pass the dark hours of Christmas Eve's night with taffy making and storytelling - leading up to the Plygain service.

The National Museum of Wales has a great recipe and more information on the custom of taffy making.

The Mari Lwyd
Perhaps one of the slightly stranger Welsh traditions - The Mari Lwyd (the Grey Mare) a pre-Christian tradition said to bring good luck.

A horse figure, made up of a horse’s skull with decorative ears and eyes attached, colourfully adorned with reins, bells, and ribbons wrapped with a white sheet is carried around on a pole.

The Mari Lwyd and its party would go door to door, singing and challenging the families inside to a battle of rhyming insults. At the end of the battle of wits (known as pwnco) the group would be invited into the house for refreshments.

The Mari Lwyd is still acted out in some parts of Wales. You can see this custom performed at the Museum of Welsh Life’s Christmas Fair.

Wales Sport: The weekend ahead

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As always, there’s plenty of sporting excitement in Wales this weekend.

It’s Wales’ first rugby match on home soil since the Rugby World Cup this weekend. Wales take on Australia this Saturday (3rd December) at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. It’ll be an interesting rematch after Australia edged past Wales, 21-18 in the third-place play-offs just over a month ago.

The test match will also be the last game for Wales’ Shane Williams, so a victory over the Wallabies would be a great send off for the Welsh winger. Williams is making his 87th and final appearance in a Wales jersey.

In football, Swansea City play Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in a Premier League match. Hopefully the Swans will have a similar result to Cardiff City who beat Blackburn 2-0 in the quarter final of the Carling Cup on Tuesday. Cardiff also take on Birmingham in the Championship on Sunday.

For something a little different, how about some extreme mountain biking? Red Bull Downforce is being held in Swansea on Sunday (4th December). World class mountain bikers will speed down some of Swansea's steepest slopes in an adrenaline-fuelled race through the city.

These are just some of the highlights of sport in Wales this weekend.

‘Tis the season…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

December is finally upon us and we can’t wait to tell you all about our festive events here in Wales.

The Hay Festival Winter Weekend takes place this week (2-4 December) in Hay on Wye, Mid Wales. This cosy winter festival is in its twelfth year and is guaranteed to get you into the seasonal spirit. Be entertained by the stories of compelling writers and performers while sampling some great food and drink. Literature, history, journalism, music and comedy are all at the Winter Weekend. It’s also a great place to get some Christmas shopping done.

Also this weekend, Santa arrives at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday, 3rd December.

He will take up residence in his Garden grotto for the three weekends before Christmas and a Santa Spectacular show will from 11am each day.

There’s plenty going on all over Wales throughout December to get you in the festive mood. Have a look at our Christmas in Wales page to find out more.

Cardiff to kick off London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff will see the first action of the entire London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Olympic Football Tournament will bring the Games to the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff with the first match taking place on Wednesday 25th July – before the opening ceremony.

The tournament will feature some of the best current players and stars of the future from across the world in action. Tickets to the Olympic Football Tournament are on sale from today.

Wales will also host a number of teams for pre games training leading into the London Olympic and Paralympic Games - New Zealand’s Athletics Team being the most recent to choose Wales as its training location.

Building Chinese into Welsh Schools’ Curriculum

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Schools across Wales have met with language experts to discuss the development of Chinese studies at all levels of Welsh education.

Welsh schools were invited to Conwy for a two-day round table discussion with language experts, modern foreign language advisors, Chinese tutors, validating authorities and language practitioners to explore the future of Chinese studies.

The third Wales-China Schools Forum was organised by Cardiff Confucius Institute, in partnership with Lampeter Confucius Institute. The discussions built on issues raised in earlier forum meetings in Cardiff and Carmarthen which involved representatives of Cardiff Council, the Welsh Government, British Council Wales and Cilt Cymru.

Scott Andrews, General Manager of Cardiff Confucius Institute based at Cardiff University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, said: “China is set to be the largest economy in the world within the next 10-15 years and mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. A better grasp of the language and of Chinese culture will enable future generations in Wales to be more equipped to forge links and to partner with China.

“This North Wales meeting of the Wales China Schools forum has attracted even more schools than previous meetings. The forum has demonstrated the increasing interest in the development of Chinese language opportunities as a genuine alternative to other modern foreign languages in both primary and secondary schools across Wales.”

The Wales China Schools Forum seeks to work alongside all schools in Wales currently engaging in activities with China and to raise aspirations for other schools that would like to see Chinese studies integrated into their programmes in the future.

The forums are part of the Confucius Institutes for Wales China Schools Project. The two Confucius Institutes aim to promote understanding of Chinese language and culture across Wales. Last year the project was able to support the provision of over 100 Chinese courses to schools from across Wales.

Cathays High School in Cardiff has been awarded Confucius Classroom status as a pioneer school for Chinese language provision. Mrs Eluned Davies-Scott, the Head of Community Languages for Cathays said: “I have always found the forum very valuable and am pleased to see the developments in Wales since the start of the forum.”

Tesco ad puts Wales in the spotlight

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tesco’s new television advert has put the spotlight on Wales in the run up to Christmas. The major UK retailer has re-created Tenby’s famous Boxing Day swim for its festive advert (as well as giving Caerphilly a mention) as one of 12 UK locations featured in the ad.

The Christmas advert, which recreates the famous sea swim among other festive scenarios, is currently being broadcast across the UK.

The Tenby Boxing Day Swim draws a crowd of around 600 swimmers and spectators every year - many in fancy dress. Last year nearly 400 of those were brave enough to take a swim in the freezing sea water at the town’s North Beach, all to raise money for charity.

The event, now in its 41st year, is one of Wales’ many Christmas attractions.

Poets pen insights on India Wales Writers Chain

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The British Council's India Wales Writers Chain is a project that marks and celebrates a growing relationship between Indian and Welsh literature.

In the latest stage of the project, Welsh poets Siân Melangell Dafydd, Robert Minhinnick, Twm Morys and Eurig Salisbury have recently travelled to Kerala in India to collaborate with Indian poets K Satchidanandan, Anamika, Sampurna Chattarji and Anitha Thampi.

This visit gave the poets the chance to work together in pairs and groups to develop creative translations of each other's original poems, as well gaining a better understanding of each other's cultural roots and inspiration. It follows on from summer workshops and performances that took place in Wales in June earlier this year.

The poets have shared their thoughts from the India Wales Writers Chain with BBC Wales Online, giving an insight into the visit to Kerala and the work that took place there.

First Minister welcomes Wales’ rugby heroes

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones and Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler have welcomed members of Wales’ Rugby World Cup squad to the Senedd to toast their success and look ahead to the sport’s future.

At a reception in the home of the National Assembly for Wales, they hosted an event for both players and support staff who contributed to Wales’ highly successful World Cup campaign in New Zealand.

Sam Warburton, George North and Rhys Priestland were among those who attended.

Also present were the next generation of Welsh rugby stars with young players from the WRU’s regional academy programme.

The First Minister said:

“I would like to say thanks to our national team, who for six weeks united Wales as one in pride.

“What we witnessed was the result of a number of things coming together. First, leadership – a vision fired by ambition and knowledge of what we are capable of set by Roger Lewis and the management team and board at the WRU. Then, creating the right environment and driving the playing strategy and performance by the coaching team of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards, Rob Howley, Robin McBryde and Neil Jenkins; Team Manager Alan Phillips and all their support staff through to the Academy system and the relationship with the Regions.

“Then the players on the field. The skill, discipline, mental and physical strength and fitness shown by Sam and his team underpinned by relentless focus and hard work. That hard work is what enabled the inspiration to shine through reflecting the magical tradition of Welsh rugby.

“The team was so full of young talent. Sam and George 23 and 19 years of age, you represent the future. This evening is as much about celebrating the depth of young talent and the WRU’s Pathways programme and the investment we are making into high class facilities such as Parc Eirias in North Wales that I helped open last week.

“The future is bright, and we wish our national squad well for the forthcoming Australia game next week and also for the 6 Nations in the New Year.”

Wales will play Australia on 3rd December at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

Prince of Wales attends Resistance film premiere

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HRH Prince Charles last night attended the premiere of Welsh war film Resistance in Abergavenny.

It’s written in Wales, filmed in Wales and co-stars Welsh actor, Michael Sheen - Resistance last night also had its premiere in Wales.

The film, which was shot in the Black Mountains, is based on international best seller Resistance by acclaimed Welsh author Owen Sheers. The film opens in wartime Britain in 1944 and describes an alternative history where Hitler successfully invades Britain.

Baker Street Cinema (Abergavenny, South Wales) rolled out the red carpet for the Prince of Wales last night who was joined by a host of guests, including the story’s original author Owen Sheers.

Resistance is released in the UK this Friday, 25th November 2011.

Sir Alex Ferguson visits Swansea University

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It turns out Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, has quite an interest in American history. So it wasn’t only football on the cards for Sir Alex when Manchester United visited Swansea last Saturday for a Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium.

The United manager paid a visit to Swansea University on Saturday to see its collection of more than 3,000 books about the American Civil War. Professor of American Studies, Jon Roper, invited Sir Alex to the university after discovering his long standing fascination with the Civil War and American history.

Apparently Sir Alex was particularly interested in a book that recounts the story of two brothers from Scotland who fought on opposing sides during the Civil War. He spent an hour at the university’s library looking at their collection of precious books, including rare first editions.

The collection was donated to the university’s American Studies programme by private collector, Alan Milne.

Manchester United played Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday (19th November) winning 1-0.

New Zealand chooses Wales for London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New Zealand’s Athletics Team has chosen Wales as its training location leading into the London Olympic Games. The team will be based in Cardiff in the run-up to the Games utilising the first class facilities at Cardiff International Sports Stadium and surrounding areas.

Olympic athletes from New Zealand join the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team, International Boxers from around the world and Paralympic athletes from South Africa and Australia who will all be based in Cardiff. The New Zealand Paralympic team will also prepare for the Paralympic Games in Swansea.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“It is great news that the New Zealand Athletics Team has chosen Wales as its location for pre-Games training ahead of London 2012. The decision reflects the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and its partners over the past few months and shows that Wales has the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for. New Zealand’s athletes are amongst the best in the world and include Valerie Adams, the reigning Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion for the shot put. I’m sure the team will receive a warm Welsh welcome during their stay.”

Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Huw Lewis said:

“I am delighted to welcome the New Zealand Athletics Team to Wales. The decision proves that we have international standard facilities capable of hosting top-class sporting teams and events. I hope the presence of these world class athletes in Wales will inspire more young people to take up sport. We will be looking to work with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and Athletics New Zealand leading into the Games to maximise benefits for both nations in a sporting, educational and cultural context. ”

Athletics NZ Performance Director Scott Goodman said:

“I am working closely with the staff at the NZOC to ensure that our athletes have every opportunity to achieve our targeted outcomes in London. I visited the Athletics training venues in Cardiff in 2009 and I know that they will provide our athletes with everything we require for them succeed in London. All of the facilities are first-rate in relation to enabling our team prepare for the Games. In particular, the Sports Medicine facilities are the best I have seen. Most importantly though is the harmony between the two Nations through sport which has been reinforced by the recent Rugby World Cup. Both Nations love of sport and fanaticism for Rugby binds us together, so to me this is a logical partnership on a number of fronts”.

NZOC Chef de Mission Dave Currie said:

“I am working closely with Athletics NZ Performance Director, Scott Goodman, and his staff to ensure the success of the NZ Athletics Team in London. We believe that Cardiff is an ideal base for the Athletics Team members to prepare prior to joining the overall New Zealand Team in London. If all goes well we hope to extend this partnership for athletics, and possibly other sports, leading into the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games”.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said:

"It’s great to hear that athletes from New Zealand and the National Olympic Committee are developing a strong relationship with Wales to aid their training in advance of London 2012. And it’s fantastic to know that with less than a year to go plans are being developed to maximise benefits for both nations across sporting, educational and cultural agendas.”

National Dance Company Wales tour India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Following a successful development trip supported by the British Council Connections Through Culture India-UK scheme, National Dance Company Wales is working with STEM Dance Kampni, based in Bangalore, India on a 3-city tour of India from 25th November to 07th December 2011. The company will perform at venues in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi, and will lead master classes and discussions during their visit.

The tour is supported by, British Council, Wales Arts International and Welsh Government.

The tour will include performances of internationally acclaimed choreographers;
B/olero & Black Milk by Ohad Naharin and By Singing Light by Stephen Petronio.
Ohad Naharin, one of the world’s great choreographers, presents B/olero, a hypnotic female duet with elegant costumes set to Ravel’s famous score while Black Milk is a ceremonial dance that encapsulates the tribal physicality of five male dancers.

Inspired by the poetry of renowned Welsh writer, Dylan Thomas, Petronio created By Singing Light, a profound dance response to the power of Thomas as an artist of international stature. Performed to the lyrical, yet driven music of Son Lux, influenced by the Welsh songs of Mansel Thomas, this is a moving dance from one of the world’s leading choreographers.

Lee Johnston, National Dance Company Wales dancer said:

“We’ve been on many great international tours in the past 7 years I’ve been with the
Company including China, Cuba and mainland Europe. I’m very excited to be representing Wales in India with such a special work as By Singing Light especially as it includes our famous poet Dylan Thomas’ work”

Naomi Tadevossian, National Dance Company Wales Apprentice said:

“I am extremely excited to be going on my first international tour with the Company. This trip is made extra special for me as my Grandmother was born in India so I will have the opportunity to experience my cultural heritage whilst performing Stephen Petronio’s work in India”

The relationship between NDCWales and STEM began in August 2010 when the British Council supported choreographers exchange visits by the resident choreographers from each company and they were able to explore each other’s companies, meet a wide variety of people and plan future collaboration.

Ann Sholem, Artistic Director National Dance Company Wales said:

“This tour has grown out of a cultural exchange and partnership with STEM Dance Kampni in Bangalore. I’m delighted to bring NDCWales to tour Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi. As a national dance company, we bring the work of world class choreographers to Europe and beyond and it is a privilege to present Wales on the world stage with this tour in India”

Louise Wright, Senior Adviser, Arts, Creative Industries and New Media, British Council said:

“Over the last few years a growing number of our best writers, artists and creative companies from Wales have formed strong relationships with their counterparts in India, and the British Council is committed to working with key partners in Wales to nurture and support these collaborations.

This tour further increases recognition for Welsh arts excellence and distinctness, taking it to new international audiences; and by working together to develop exciting exchanges and collaborative opportunities, National Dance Company Wales is building trust for Wales with partners in India and increasing our understanding of each others culture.”

Madhu Nataraj, Founder & Director Natya & STEM Dance Kampni:

“We are honoured to be bringing NDCWales to India to perform as a very special part of our international festival Namma Bengaluru Dance Utsav. Our relationship with NDCWales is a significant partnership for us, exchanging artists, ideas, training opportunities as well as performances and tours in each others countries”

Rt. Carwyn Jones, First Minister, Welsh Government said:

"I am delighted that National Dance Company Wales will be performing in India in the coming weeks and am sure that they will be great ambassadors for Wales, as well as highlighting the creative talent that exists in our country. It is encouraging to hear that they have developed a strong partnership with Stem Dance Kampni in Bangalore and I look forward to the reciprocal visit by Stem Dance to Wales next Spring.

We are keen to see such collaboration between India and Wales being taken forward, not only in cultural activity but also in areas such as education and business. I look forward to strengthening our links with India when I visit next year."

STEM Dance Kampni will be visiting Wales in Spring 2012 for a tour of Wales.

Export success for south Wales defence firm

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff based defence firm, BCB International, has developed the "Wall Breaker" system that fires office water cooler bottles into buildings to help gain entrance to them.

They have sold the system to countries including the USA and Thailand and export products to 96 countries worldwide. Their success has also seen them opening offices in the USA and India.

Check out this video on the BBC website to see how the unusual device works.

Cardiff University celebrates Bob Dylan at 70

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Leading experts on the life and music of Bob Dylan are gathering in Cardiff today at an event held by Cardiff University’s School of European Studies.

Bob Dylan’s Birthday Bash celebrates the career of the legendary singer-songwriter who turned 70 this year.

Dylan, a famous fan of the late Welsh poet - Dylan Thomas, has a career that has spanned over five decades.

The event also explores the music icon’s connections to Dylan Thomas (whose birthday has also recently been celebrated) featuring some of the world’s top authorities on both men.

Welsh writers at Hay Festival Kerala

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With Hay Festival Kerala taking place in India this week it’s good to see some good news stories about our Welsh writers in the Indian press.

Twm Morys, participant in the Wales - India writer’s chain project, speaks about a multilingual poetry event at the festival on IBN Live.

Yentha.com reviews the festival, also highlighting the 'Reading Wales, Translating India' session at the festival’s bandstand venue.

The three day festival finishes tomorrow but will hopefully be back next year.

New section of the Wales Coast Path opens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Environment Minister, John Griffiths, will be in Flintshire today to open another section of the Wales Coast Path.

The Minister will formally open a new stretch of the path that runs the four miles from Flint through to Greenfield Dock.

The Welsh Government has invested up to £2 million a year since 2007 to realise its ambition of creating a continuous, 870 mile path that runs right around the coastline of Wales.

The Flint to Greenfield Dock section of path has benefitted from £750,000 of funding from the Coastal Access Improvements Programme (CAIP) which has funded improvements including new rights of way, resurfacing work, and the installation of new gates to make the route more accessible to walkers.

For this section of path, Welsh Government and European funding has also been has also been supplemented by additional revenue from local businesses and community groups keen to maximise the local benefits that the Wales Coast Path will bring.

Speaking ahead of the opening, the Minister said:

“I am pleased to be visiting Flintshire to open this important section of the path, and delighted that we remain on course for the formal opening of the whole of the Wales Coast Path on 5th May 2012.

“The Wales Coast Path is already ensuring world wide recognition for our beautiful coast. Indeed only last month, Lonely Planet named Wales the greatest region on Earth to visit in 2012.

“We expect the Wales Coat Path to attract an extra 100,000 new visitors to our coast each year. This is great news for coastal businesses, great news for our tourism industry and great news for Wales’ economy as a whole, particularly at this economically challenging time.

“The fact that the Wales Coast Path will be open ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, when the eyes of the world will be on the UK is another real plus point. However the path is not just for tourists, and I really hope it will encourage people in Flintshire and across Wales to get out and about and enjoy their local coast line and country side”.

Councillor Tony Sharps, Flintshire County Council's Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment, said:

“The Flintshire Countryside Service and its coastal rangers have worked incredibly hard to make improvements to huge sections of the Path. This project is not just about a path, it's also been about re-linking the communities to the coast and improving the quality of the environment, both natural and man-made.

“We are very thankful to the Countryside Service and rangers, workers businesses, volunteers and community groups for their strong support."

The Minister will mark the opening of the new section of path by lighting a beacon at Greenfield Dock at 12 noon. A second beacon will be lit at the same time at Flint.

The Minister congratulated Welsh local authorities, including Flintshire and the Countryside Council for Wales on their hard work so far, but emphasised that there was a still a lot to do ahead of the opening of the Wales Coast Path on 5th May 2012, and beyond.

Improvements to the alignment and the quality of the route will continue with Welsh Government support until March 2013.

Swansea v Manchester United

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This Saturday, 19th November, sees Swansea City taking on the might of Manchester United. Manchester United, who have won a record 19 league titles will be coming to the Liberty Stadium.

Manchester United have been in impressive form this season, putting 8 goals past rivals Arsenal and with players like Wayne Rooney, Nani and the Welsh legend Ryan Giggs in their squad it could be a tough day for Swansea.

Swansea though have had a great start to their first ever premier league season and are currently 10th in the league. They also have an impressive home record against the red devils. Swansea have never lost at home to Manchester United despite 8 attempts…Ok, so the last time the teams met in South Wales was in 1982, but if Swansea can hold out at the Liberty Stadium to keep this home record it'll be a fantastic achievement

And if you are heading to Swansea for the game or for a spot of shopping at Wales' largest indoor market be sure to dress in red and white as Swansea are holding a red and white themed day.

Boys Village wins at Beijing Film Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Boys Village written and directed by Till Kleinert has won its first international award when it was presented with the audience award at the 10th Beijing Film Academy International Film Festival.

The film is the second short film produced by the Iris Prize. Presented annually at the Cardiff based film festival of the same name the prize enables the winning filmmaker to make a short film with a budget of around £25,000.

“We are delighted for Till and the amazing cast and crew who worked on this project. Film making is a collaborative process but when you have a talent like Till leading with his vision and well crafted story telling skills you know that you will get something special,” said Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize Festival Director.

“The film was well received at its premiere screening in Cardiff, but you would expect this from a local audience. The real test is when an international audience gets to see the work. Winning the audience prize at Beijing is a great start for Boys Village as the film embarks on its journey around international film festivals,” he added.

The film has also screened recently at Reeling, the Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival and the Hamburg Queer Film Festival. Festival screenings are being dealt with by The Festivals Company Grant@thefestivalscompany.co.uk

Soundtrack Film Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today, 16th November, sees the start of the Soundtrack International film and music festival. 2011 is the third Soundtrack film festival and is a celebration of the World of music and movies.

The opening of the festival tonight sees Oscar winning producer Ian Canning, one of the producers on the Kings Speech, attending and taking part in a Q&A.

The Soundtrack Festival will be running in a number of different venues in and around Cardiff and Newport until the 20th November.

Wales v Norway

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales host Norway this Saturday at the Cardiff City Stadium in an international football friendly.

The Welsh manager Gary Speed has named a strong squad with a host of premier league players from teams such as Arsenal, Swansea, Wolves, Liverpool and Spurs in the squad.

With two previous wins in international games, Welsh fans will be hoping for three in a row and with players such as Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in fine form for their clubs we might just get it!

Helping Welsh children explore the Chinese world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh schoolchildren are growing up in a world where China is an increasingly influential player.

A Cardiff University-led project aims to equip pupils with language skills and cultural awareness which will help them to work with Chinese partners in the future. Last year, the pan-Wales China Schools Project delivered more than 100 different Chinese courses across the country.

The University’s Confucius Institute, which runs the Project, has just been successful in its bid to create three new Confucius Classrooms to act as hubs for the delivery of Chinese language. The three – Cathays High School. Cardiff, Argoed High School Flintshire and Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy - will join the two existing Confucius Classrooms at Llandovery College and Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn in Carmarthenshire. The schools will run language and culture courses and qualifications at secondary school level and will also help local primary schools deliver Chinese teaching.

Cardiff Confucius Institute has also launched a Welsh Government-funded initiative to identify a further seven Welsh Confucius Classrooms over the next 12 months.

Scott Andrews, manager of the pan-Wales China Schools Project, which is a joint initiative with Lampeter Confucius Institute, said: “We were delighted to hear the news from China that our bid to have these three schools recognised as Confucius Classrooms had been successful. They will provide a critical and strategic platform from which to further promote learning opportunities for Chinese language and culture for school children across Wales.”

Dawn Spence, Headteacher at Argoed High School, said: “This is a very exciting development which will benefit not only pupils but also our community. The opportunities it extends pupils through links with China and its culture and language are excellent and we are very excited about the next phase of this development.”

Mrs Eluned Scott-Davies, Head of Community Education at Cathays High School, said: “We are delighted to receive the news that we have been accepted as a Confucius Classroom. This is an exciting development in our partnership with the Confucius Institute of Cardiff University and will lead on well from our successful application for a British Council Chinese Language Assistant to be based at the school this academic year.”

Mrs Ann Bradshaw, Deputy Headteacher at Ysgol Aberconwy said: “We are delighted to be able to have the opportunity to work with the Cardiff Confucius Institute and develop the teaching of Mandarin and Chinese culture throughout our local area. The Confucius Classroom opens the doors to a world which our pupils need to explore. Our local community as well as our own pupils will benefit greatly from the extra dimension this award will bring.”

Find out more about Wales' links with China on our China pages.

The Gentle Good in China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh musician the Gentle Good, aka Gareth Bonello, has been given the amazing opportunity to take part in a 6 week programme in Chengdu, China organised by the British Council and PRS for Music Foundation, and we've been following him on his blog.

The residencies are designed to enable innovative British musicians to explore new musical territory, reach new audiences, and write new material. This is a once in a life time chance for Gareth and will culminate in an album of collaboration inspired by both Welsh and Chinese culture. We look forward to hearing the album when it's released!

Fulbright Programme expands in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Fulbright Programme has been going from strength to strength and 2011 sees the greatest number of exchanges between Wales and the USA for quite some time. The Programme, which was created in the aftermath of the Second World War, seeks to promote learning and understanding between cultures through international exchange. Fulbright scholars contribute to an international network of professional and academic researchers, students and teachers who work not only in their fields, but serve as a community of cultural ambassadors as well. The number of exchanges has been bolstered by a Wales themed Summer Institute hosted by three Welsh universities: Aberystwyth, Bangor and Cardiff. This was a six week summer programme for American undergraduates to explore Welsh culture and geography. In total, 13 exchanges will take place during 2011-12.

For more information on the Fulbright Programe, go to www.fulbright.co.uk

Wales and India writers chain

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This November sees an exciting new phase of the British Council’s India Wales Writers Chain project. From 12th – 17th November 2011, Welsh poets Siân Melangell Dafydd, Robert Minhinnick, Twm Morys and Eurig Salisbury will travel to Kerala, Southern India, to collaborate with four Indian poets: the Malayali literary legend K. Satchidanandan, renowned contemporary Hindi poet Anamika, Mumbai-based Bengali poet Sampurna Chattarji and Malayali poet and translator, Anitha Thampi.

Following a series of successful summer workshops and performances in June 2011 in Wales between three Indian and four Welsh poets, this unique collaboration is now set to continue in India, and aims to further strengthen cultural connections between Wales and India through literature, focusing on translation and language diversity.

Welsh poet, Robert Minhinnick said:

“It's wonderful to be part of this ambitious project and to meet a host of both new and established writers. This is further evidence of how important it is to develop the scope of our arts. In Kerala we will exchange ideas and learn about life in a multilingual - not simply bilingual – society and I’m looking forward to exploring the creative possibilities and opportunities emerging when languages meet and play.”

Indian poet, Anamika said:

“Umra-bhar ek mulakat chali jati hai: One meeting lasts a lifetime.

I visualize different moral geographies, various cultural histories walking up to each other for a dialogue that'll keep us charged all through. Richly rewarding would be this vibrant cultural exchange of dreams, memories, ideas and visions of a truly pluralistic society paved with alternative modernities.”

India - Wales Writers Chain 2010-2012 has been developed by British Council and Wales Arts International, in partnership with Wales Literature Exchange, and is supported by Welsh Government, Hay Festivals and Literature Across Frontiers Wales.

Through an intensive workshop organised by Wales Literature Exchange, the eight poets will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and understand the cultural roots and inspiration of each other’s work. Collaborating in pairs and groups, the poets will develop creative translations of each other's original poems.

Led by Dr Sioned Puw Rowlands, Director of Wales Literature Exchange, one of the group's aims is to eventually create a body of work suitable for publication in poetry anthologies in Welsh and English as well as in Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam.

Dr Rowlands said:
“As a bilingual nation, Wales is keenly aware of the richness of language and its use and, like multilingual India, is well aware of the doors literary translation can open. With this phase of the Writers’ Chain project we are continuing the work of helping both emerging and established Welsh writers get their works translated into the languages of one of the fastest growing publishing markets in the world. It will also help bring to light for Welsh audiences the poetic trends and literary revolutions that are currently taking place all over the Indian sub-continent.”

The translation workshops will take place at the Surya Samudra Kovalam from 12th – 17th November 2011.

The project will culminate in a series of exciting performances and conversations at the second Hay Festival Kerala held in the Kanakakunnu Palace, Trivandrum to be held 17-19 November 2011. New poetry and translations in Welsh, English, Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam will be showcased and will also be included in future publications in both India and Wales.

Wales’ Welsh language Children’s Laureate/Bardd Plant Cymru, Eurig Salisbury, will also be introducing school children in southern India to the Welsh language and to Wales as part of a series of classroom events with well-known Indian children’s poet, Sampurna Chattarji on 21st and 23rd November. The workshops will focus primarily on creative writing and adaptations.

Louise Wright, Senior Adviser, Arts, Creative Industries and New Media, British Council said:

“The activities this November in Kerala highlight the close cultural connections that have been forged between writers in Wales and India. These relationships have been sustained by a dynamic and vibrant set of partners, supported by British Council initiatives since 2009. The creative exploration of language by writers of both countries continues to deepen understanding of each others cultural experience, creating a truly extraordinary international collaboration and uncovering new opportunities for the future.”

Harry McIver, Co-director of Wales Arts International, said:

“Wales Arts International is delighted that the Writers Chain is continuing to deepen relationships between Wales and India through exchanges of words and ideas, highlighting the powerful role the arts can play in making genuine links between people across the world. Multilingualism, the diversity of language and creative collaboration are at the heart of the Writers Chain program, which aims to connect writers, publishers, translators and readers in Wales and India. This exciting activity follows a series of events, initiated by Wales Arts International and British Council over the last three years, which has seen Welsh authors starring at major Indian literary festivals, Indian translators journeying to Wales to understand the roots of our literatures, innovators in media and publishers coming together and school children in Wales and India connecting digitally to share their passion for words. We look forward to supporting relationships and ideas as this programme grows."

Building on creative links with Canada

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Canada's top representative in Britain was welcomed to Wales for the first time last week by First Minister Carwyn Jones.

Mr Jones held talks on Thursday 3rd November in Cardiff with High Commissioner Gordon Campbell who has been in post since September this year.

The First Minister said:

"I am pleased to formally welcome the High Commissioner here to Wales for the first time. We discussed the Welsh Government’s commitment to continue to support companies to develop trade links with Canada. We already have strong relationships through the creative industries and I want to encourage any further opportunities for our two nations to do business with each other."

Gordon Campbell, High Commissioner for Canada said:

"I'm pleased to be here for my first trip to Wales - the first, I hope, of many - and I had a very productive meeting with the First Minister. Canada and Wales have both established a strong reputation for creativity, and I'm sure that there are many opportunities for Canadian and Welsh companies to work together in areas such as film, the literary arts, and digital interactive technologies for entertainment and education."

There are a number of links between Wales and Canada through the creative industries, including:

Machine Productions which co-produced the first series of the children’s TV show Tati’s Hotel with Canadian production company Screen Door Ltd.
Ha Ha Hairies Ltd set up in Cardiff last year by Jan Page and Mellie Buse, the creators of Grandpa in my Pocket. Canada-based company Decode was appointed to distribute the TV show internationally.
Rondo Media recently worked with Canadian-based production company Rhombus on a documentary entitled The Devil’s Horn about the history of the saxophone.
Dinamo productions are working on a new project called Badly Drawn Roy and will be working alongside a company called Lizard Brain Animation based in British Columbia.
Calon is developing a project with a company in Montreal, called Cinegroupe, for an animated series for a grown-up audience.

During his time in Wales the High Commissioner toured the Senedd, the roof of which is constructed from Canadian Red Cedar wood.

Olympic Flame to Visit Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’re really looking forward to next year when the Olympic flame will be carried through Wales!

The flame will travel through Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli, Aberystwyth, Bangor and Wrexham to name but a few of the 80 towns and villages that the flame will travel through.

The flame will also reach the summit of Snowdon as well as travelling on a boat over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and on a Ceredigion Cob horse in Aberaeron

For more information on the route of the flame through Wales and the rest of the UK check out the BBC article

Wales Rally GB

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s going to be an exciting few days here in Wales with the start of the Wales Rally GB!

Up for grabs is one of the biggest prizes in motor rallying and the Wales Rally GB will test the drivers to their limits as it’s one of the most challenging events out there.

Starting in Llandudno on the 11th November Wales Rally GB will see some 80 cars from around 32 different countries competing. The event will finish on the 13th November in Cardiff.

Indian Summer for November in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It might not be in terms of weather, but there is definitely an Indian flavour to November for us here in Wales.

The Hay Festival Kerala starts on the 17th November and will include three days of speakers and authors from across India and the World. The Hay festival in Wales is one of Britain’s biggest and best literature festivals and was described by a former president of the United States as a Woodstock of the mind.

A new phase of the successful British Council Wales-India writers chain will take place at the festival in Kerala. Prior to the Festival both Indian and Welsh poets will collaborate in a literary translation workshop

And from the 28th November National Dance Company Wales will be touring India and performing in Bangalore and Delhi. National Dance Company Wales is a leading European dance company, producing an engaging and exciting repertoire.

Pioneering cancer treatment to extend to China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Surgical treatment which is helping thousands of British breast cancer patients could soon be helping patients in China.

Cardiff University scientists, who developed sentinal node biopsy training in the UK, will help establish it as a standard technique in one of China’s leading cancer hospitals.

The arrangement is part of a new partnership signed by the University and Chongqing Cancer Hospital during a Welsh Government business and education trip to China led by First Minister Carwyn Jones.

Sentinal node biopsy was pioneered by Professor Robert Mansel, of the University’s School of Medicine. It means breast cancer patients need only have one lymph node removed from the armpit to check if the cancer has spread. Previously, all the lymph nodes had to be removed, often unnecessarily. The technique has now been rolled out across the UK, saving thousands of patients from surgery and discomfort every year.

Under the new agreement, Cardiff will help establish a practical and standardised approach to sentinel node biopsy at Chongqing Cancer Hospital, which is the most advanced cancer hospital in Western China, with more than 1,000 beds. The agreement will also allow doctors and researchers from Chongqing to visit Cardiff for training and research directed by Professor Wenguo Jiang in the School of Medicine. Cardiff and Chongqing will also conduct joint research projects on breast cancer and hope to extend this to other tumours, such as lung and prostate cancer, in time.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony at Chongqing by Cardiff University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and International, Professor Hywel Thomas and the Director of Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Dr Qi Zhou.

First Minister Carwyn Jones, who attended the signing, said: “Cancer has become a leading killer in both Wales and Chongqing so I am delighted to see Cardiff University and Chongqing Cancer Hospital joining forces to advance research and training to combat this disease.

“I hope this important link will further strengthen the relationship between Wales and Chongqing and that the outcomes of the collaboration will benefit people in our two nations and beyond.”

Professor Ling Zhang, Deputy Director of Chongqing Health Bureau said she was very pleased to see colleagues from Cardiff and Wales and particularly grateful for the First Minister’s support for the new agreement. She said: “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship and collaboration between the two institutes. I hope there will be fruitful research projects and exchange of scholars over the years to come.”

During the visit Professor Wen Jiang and Professor Robert Mansel also delivered lectures to the Chongqing International Cancer Forum. Professor Jiang spoke on “Molecular and cellular basis of cancer metastasis” and Professor Mansel on “Sentinel node therapies in breast cancer, state of the art.”

Positive talks with China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones held positive talks with the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Fu Ying during his trade and education mission to China last week.

On Friday 28 October 2011, he also formally signed a new co-operation agreement with the municipality of Beijing to explore areas of collaboration.

The First Minister said:

"I have had a very positive discussion with the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Madame Fu Ying.

"The meeting included a wide ranging discussion on a number of mutual important issues such as education and culture but mainly focussed on trade and investment.

"I was also keen to raise issues of how to strengthen Wales and China’s relationship and how China’s diplomatic presence in Wales might be enhanced."

Prior to his meeting the First Minister was fully briefed on UK - China relations and on Chinese current affairs from the UK Deputy Ambassador Christopher Wood.

Take some time to stand and stare...

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As the world reaches 7 billion people and the pace of life becomes ever more hectic why not take some time to read a poem by Welsh poet William Henry Davies.

Davies was described as 'A Welshman, a poet of distinction, and a man in whose work much of the peculiarly Welsh attitude to life is expressed with singular grace and sincerity' . Davies was born in Newport in 1871 and led an interesting life. In 1911 he wrote a poem that you might well have heard but might not have known that it was a Welsh poet that wrote it.

Leisure is all about taking a step back and watching life pass you by so, in the poem's centenary year, why not take some time to stand and stare…

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
WH Davies
From Songs Of Joy and Others (1911)

Welsh Coast is Number 1

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh coast has been named as the number one region to visit in 2012 by the Lonely Planet.

The All Wales Coast Path will officially open in May 2012 and will make Wales the only country in the world where the entire length of its coast will be accessible to explore.

And the Welsh costal path isn’t the only place in Wales to have been named as a top destination by the Lonely Planet. Recently, Llyn y Fan Fach in Wales’ Black Mountains made Lonely Planet’s list of 1000 Ultimate Sights across the globe.

Take a look at our Visit pages to start planning your trip to Wales in 2012.

Wales strikes gold, silver and bronze for 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Athletes are now one step closer to the dream of winning a medal at next summer’s Games as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic medals go into production, at the Royal Mint headquarters in Llantrisant, South Wales.

The Royal Mint has brought together a specially selected team of Royal Mint designers, technicians and craftsmen who have been testing and refining the minting process to ensure every medal produced meets highly exacting specifications. They will produce around 4,700 medals which will be awarded during the 805 Victory Ceremonies taking place at venues across the UK during the Games.

Taking around ten hours in total to complete, each medal will be struck fifteen times with 900 tonnes of weight on a special press. After each first five strikes the medals are slowly rolled through a 750 degree furnace to soften the metal allowing the designs to be replicated perfectly.

The designs for both the Olympic and Paralympic medals were unveiled earlier this year. The Olympic medals have been designed by British artist David Watkins and the Paralympic medals by practising Jewellery artist and senior lecturer in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martin’s College of Arts and Design, Lin Cheung.

Paul Deighton, LOCOG CEO, said: ‘It’s great to see businesses across the UK benefiting from the Games and I’m absolutely delighted that the Olympic and Paralympic medals for the Victory Ceremonies are being made in South Wales.’

Adam Lawrence, Royal Mint Chief Executive, said: ‘We are immensely proud and honoured to be able to strike the Olympic and Paralympic medals. More than 800 local people are employed by the Royal Mint, and now each one will be able to tell their children and grandchildren that they - and South Wales - had a hand in creating a piece of Olympic history.’

The ore for the medals is supplied by London 2012 sponsor Rio Tinto and is mined at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper Mine near Salt Lake City in America, as well as from the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia.

Happy Halloween!!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend we will no doubt see a few ghost and ghouls wandering around as we prepare for our Halloween fun.

At the National Waterfront Museum you can take part in the big beastly bug draw and find all things that slither, creep or crawl.

Or if you fancy celebrating Halloween Celtic style why not head over to National Roman Legion Museum and check out their Samhain celebrations.

Samhain is thought to be the ancient Celtic festival on which Halloween is based, It was thought to be the time of year when the boundaries between this world and another were thought to be at their thinnest and a time when the spirits could return.

And if you are looking for an event to inspire the mind why not head over to the Dylan Thomas festival, Dylan Thomas’ works are renowned for the continuing process of life and death and the new life that linked the generations; 'Death shall have no dominion here' and 'Do not go gentle into that good night' are amongst his most famous works

Welsh Coast is number 1

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at our Visit pages to start planning your trip to Wales in 2012.

Dylan Thomas Birthday

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today, 27th October, marks the anniversary of the birth of Wales’ greatest poet, Dylan Thomas. Born in Swansea in 1914 and renowned for works such as ‘Under Milk Wood’, ‘Do not go gently into that good night’ and ‘Death shall have no dominion’
To celebrate, the Dylan Thomas festival will running in Swansea from the 27th October to the 9th November. The Dylan Thomas website also has a wealth of information about the poets’ life and works.

First Minister seals links with Beijing

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones will sign a new co-operation agreement with the municipality of Beijing before meeting senior representatives of the Chinese Government for talks whilst in the Chinese capital.

The activity is part of a Welsh Government mission to promote business and education links with China.

The First Minister’s two day schedule in Beijing (Thurs 27th + Fri 28th Oct) includes meetings with Vice Foreign Minister FU Ying, the State Administration for Foreign Experts Affairs and the Chinese Government body that controls food imports. He will also meet with the British Embassy and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to see how the Welsh Government can continue to promote Welsh interests in China.

On the agenda will be promoting Welsh businesses and higher education, whilst also working to lift a lamb export ban.

Accompanying the First Minister are representatives from Welsh industry and education sectors.

China was Wales 9th largest trading partner, accounting for £162 million in Welsh exports in 2009. In 2010, this figure grew by 42%, to £230 million.

When trade with Hong Kong and Taiwan are also taken into consideration, the figure for 2010 was £500 million.

On Friday the First Minister will attend a ceremony with the Mayor of Beijing, Guo Jinlong , to sign a new agreement with the Beijing Municipal Government to explore areas of collaboration.

The schedule includes a higher education event promote Wales as a study destination to the Chinese media and Swansea University signing a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the possibility of establishing a China Europe Standards Institute at the University’s campus.

The Welsh Government will be holding a reception to promote Wales as a business location and give Welsh companies the opportunity to meet their Chinese counterparts.

Efforts to open up Welsh lamb exports to China will continue with the First Minister again meeting a top official from the body that controls the import and export of food to mainland China, the Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine (AQSIQ).

The First Minister said:
"I am delighted to be here in Beijing on my first official visit to China as First Minister. The UK and China have agreed to double the amount they trade by $100 billion by 2015, and I am here to make sure Wales benefits from this.

"Our aim as a government is to continue raising the profile of Wales in China. We have a ‘Can Do’ attitude. With a population of just three million, we are small enough to be personal and attentive – but our attitude and spirit enable us to compete and win against some of the stiffest competition in the world. We provide an ideal platform from which to serve the wider European market."

First Minister to visit China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones is visiting China this week for a business and education mission.

The visit will take place between the 23rd to the 29th of October. The First Minister will be taking a delegation of Welsh business and academic representatives with the aim of raising the profile of Wales as a business destination and place to invest. It will also seek to push forward education and academic links.

Business delegates travelling with the First Minister include representatives from the Wales Aerospace Forum, the Welsh Automotive Forum, the Welsh Optoelectronics Forum and the Life Sciences Sector. Universities that will be represented include Cardiff, Swansea, Glamorgan, Glyndwr, Bangor and Newport Universities.

The First Minister said:

"Our relationship with China will be vital to the future of Wales. I am delighted to be visiting the country to build on our business, cultural and education links.

"It is essential that the Welsh Government and Wales’ business and education organisations continue to do all they can to develop and advance our relationship with China. Only by promoting ourselves abroad can we look for opportunities to grow our economy and academic sector.

"The message I will be taking is simple – Wales is an excellent place in which to locate and do business. We offer excellent opportunities and possibilities for Chinese companies and academic institutions to set up their European operations here in Wales. Our academic links go from strength to strength and we have much to learn from each other for mutual benefit."

During the visit, the delegation will visit Beijing and Chongqing. The First Minister will hold talks with Chinese Ministers, business and academic institutions.

The schedule includes:

Meeting the Mayor of Chongqing and signing a new agreement with the Municipality of Chongqing.
A Visit to the 8th China International Garden Expo in Chongqing where the National Botanical Gardens have designed a Welsh Garden, the only UK nation to do so.
Launch of Welsh Higher Education Sector Training Consortium to tap into the training and development market of Chinese Universities and Provinces.
Signing of Cardiff University – Chongqing Health Bureau Agreement on Cancer training and research collaboration.
Meeting with Bo Xilai, Chongqing Party Secretary.
Meetings with Ministers and representatives of the Chinese Government, to discuss foreign trade, economic cooperation and foreign investment.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Beijing Municipal Government to explore areas for collaboration, especially in the fields of business and education.
Signing of Swansea University Agreement to establish a China Europe Standards Institute on the new campus site at Swansea, which would bring Chinese students to the Institute.
Signing of Cardiff University Agreement with a Chinese Government backed organisation to jointly fund some scholarships at Cardiff University.
Press conference with Chinese media to promote Wales as a study partner and destination.
Launch of Wales-Chongqing Further Education Consortium

For more details of our links with China, please visit our China pages.

Art Across the City: Art takes over Swansea

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Visitors to Swansea have been enjoying a selection of new and exciting public art works across the city over the last week, as Locws International launched their 2011 exhibition of temporary site specific work at some of Swansea’s most famous and recognised locations.

Artists from Sweden, Wales and further across the UK have been taking inspiration from the culture and heritage of Swansea City to transform the popular sites and venues or simply add to the already inspiring landscape.

Today (19 October) at 1pm, Locws Director David Hastie, and one of this year’s artists Mark Folds, will be at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery to talk about the diverse projects for 2011 and to lead an open discussion about public art and the role of artist.

Project Co-ordinator for Locws, Erin Rickard said, "It’s been inspiring to work with these artists who have created such diverse and engaging artworks for the people of Swansea to enjoy. Artists have focused on the historical and future aspects of the city as well as being inspired by famous creatives from the region including poet Dylan Thomas and Polish born painter, Josef Herman."

Artist Mark Folds new work Dylan’s Pencil, was inspired by the presence of a 30 ft tree stump standing in Cwmdonkin Park.

The city’s famous poet, Dylan Thomas, was said to have penned many of his early work in or about this beautiful location and this new sculptural work represents simple humble beginnings, ideas jotted down on paper as the starting point for creativity.

Other works in this year’s offering include S Mark Gubb’s Ambition Is Critical, displayed at the city Bus Station, which includes the rough translated text upon a series of flags from the current twinned towns of Swansea.

Art Across the City runs until 30 October and all artworks are free and open to all. For more details visit the information point at Swansea’s Civic Centre, where an exhibition of Locws’ education work with schools can be seen.

Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our food here in Wales is definitely something to celebrate. Tomorrow we’ll do just that at the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards.

As one of the most anticipated events in the Wales food calendar, the Awards were created to highlight excellence in Welsh food, drink and hospitality and to raise the profile of Welsh food and drink throughout Wales and beyond.

As a country, we pride ourselves on supplying some of the finest produce in the world. The 1,017 competition entries from 366 companies, large and small, across Wales just goes to show how proud we are of our great ingredients.

The shortlisted finalists will be independently judged in 16 different categories.

Wales’ very own ‘food Oscars’ also celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year. The awards ceremony takes place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno tomorrow (20^th October) where the category winners will be revealed.

The prestigious (and we imagine, delicious) awards dinner will be prepared by the in-house team at Venue Cymru headed by executive chef, Rob Lawton.

This year’s awards also coincide with the annual North Wales celebration of food and drink – Gwledd Conwy Feast (October 22nd & 23rd).

Held in the ancient town of Conwy, the Feast features a variety of activities and exhibitions including a True Taste Winners Food Hall.

Lightning research advances at Cardiff University

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff University launched a new research facility on Thursday 13^th October, the Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory.

The facility is set to tackle the emerging trend to use composites within the airframe (mechanical structure) of an aircraft. Composites are light and strong; ideal for efficient and greener transport. Thorough testing of all parts and new designs is essential to keep the world’s fleet airborne.

The Cardiff School of Engineering facility is named after Rhodri Morgan, former First Minister of Wales, and Dr Jean Botti, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) Chief Technical Officer, both instrumental in establishing the laboratory.

The Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory, with around £1.6M joint funding by the Welsh Government and EADS Innovation Works, is the most advanced University based lightning test facility in the UK. It will be able to generate up to 200,000 Amps. To put this in context, an average lightning strike has 32,000 Amps and the maximum amount of electricity powering a house is about 100 Amps.

The facility will complement the expertise within the Cardiff School of Engineering’s High Voltage Energy Systems research group, and combined with the practical knowledge of EADS will provide a unique research and testing facility for businesses in Wales involved in composite materials and structures.

Mr Philip Leichauer, Lightning Laboratory Project Manager, said: "Our new laboratory will generate controlled lightning, which will be used with advanced test and measurement methods to further understanding of lightning effects on materials, and ensure future aircraft remain safe, as they are today."

Professor Manu Haddad, Cardiff School of Engineering, added: "This new facility will allow Cardiff University to work closely with manufacturers and users of composite materials and components to optimise the electrical properties of the material and structure designs, and, ultimately, the research aims to contribute to the development of more environmentally-friendly and safer aircraft".

The Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory will be used by manufacturers of composites, lightning conductors and aircraft manufacturers, including the Next Generation Composite Wing programme which will provide novel technical concepts to forthcoming aerospace programmes.

Dr Jean Botti, EADS Chief Technical Officer said: "EADS is very pleased, once again, to expand its research footprint in Wales and also partner with a leading academic institute like Cardiff University. The importance of the research that will be conducted at the new lab cannot be understated, given its importance to civil aviation. The expansion of our partnership with Cardiff University is another milestone in our commitment and strategy to work with the tremendous technical talent that exists across the UK."

Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales said: "I am delighted the Welsh Government has been able to support this unique facility, which is the only one of its kind in the UK to provide access to lightning simulation for both research and testing purposes.

"This is a flagship centre for aerospace research within Wales, and will provide a magnet for industries developing composite materials and encourage Research and Development investment into our country."

Airbus’s Welsh base takes flight

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, officially opened Airbus’s new north factory at Broughton, north Wales on Thursday 13^th October.

The new facility will build the wings of the new A350 aircraft and help to secure thousands of jobs. The aircraft is revolutionary as more than 50 per cent is made from composite materials, such as carbon fibre. This will help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent compared with previous generations of aircraft.

The Welsh Government has invested £29 million in the 46,000 sq m factory to support employees, helping them retrain and have the skills needed to make the wings.

The First Minister signed a A350 wing which will be placed at the entrance of the building to commemorate the opening of the facility. He also met Airbus apprentices.

The First Minister said:

"This is a fantastic day for both Airbus and Wales. The wings being made here showcase us at our best – a world class company based here in Wales making a product that will be used across the globe.

"The Welsh Government has a very close and highly valued working relationship with Airbus which is an important company for the country. We have invested £29 million to ensure that the North Factory was opened here in Wales and that the new, significantly lighter A350 wings could be assembled at this site.

"Our investment has allowed staff to retrain in composites, allowing workers to upgrade their skills and transfer from metal to composite wings. This has enabled the safeguarding of a significant number of jobs. Our assistance has created highly transferable skills sought by the aerospace sector and created demand for training with education institutions.

"We are proud our partnership approach with Airbus, Glyndwr University and Deeside College to create the Advanced Composite Training and Development Centre next to this site, which has not only facilitated the training of Airbus staff to work in this wonderful new factory, but is also open for use by other businesses with an interest in new composite technologies.

"Our approach with Airbus shows how the Welsh Government is working to create the jobs and growth Wales needs to prosper in the modern world."

Wales v France: Rugby World Cup semi-final

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The excitement is building here in Wales for one of the most important matches in Welsh rugby history. With a place in the Rugby World Cup final at stake, Wales will take on France tomorrow in Auckland, New Zealand.

The semi-final showdown is attracting support for Wales from all over the UK and the world – the Welsh flag will even fly over Downing Street tomorrow in support of the last British team remaining in the Rugby World Cup.

But it’s nothing like the bubble of anticipation that’s building here in Wales. Even with the match being played thousands of miles away in New Zealand, we still know how to support our boys. The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff is opening tomorrow for a special showing of the Rugby World Cup semi-final and is expecting a crowd of over 60,000 to cheer on the Welsh squad from the other side of the world.

You can already see a wave of Welsh flags and rugby shirts across the country and the buzzing atmosphere of pride, passion and enthusiasm is like nothing else.

A win for Wales tomorrow would mean a place in the Rugby World Cup final against either New Zealand or Australia and who knows, maybe something very special from there.

Pob lwc/Good luck Wales!

Food, glorious food

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We love our food here in Wales. We’re on countdown to our very own food Oscars - Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards and there are some fabulous food festivals to get you in the mood.

Tantalize your taste buds at Llangollen Food Festival this weekend where you can enjoy live cookery classes and take part in the Real Ale Trail and discover local beers. There’s also some great food and drink in the local producers market.

The 10^th anniversary Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards will take place on October 20^th at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The Awards were established to celebrate and highlight excellence in the food, drink and hospitality sectors, and create awareness of the quality and range of produce and services in Wales.

Taste Dolgellau also takes place this weekend (15th - 17th October) in Snowdonia, North Wales, celebrating Wales' newest food festival. In the shadow of the dramatic Cadair Idris mountain range and Mawddach Estuary, there’s a choice of over 28 gastronomic events to satisfy your cravings.

Five things you didn’t know about Wales:

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For a small country we have a lot of big stories to tell. Here are some interesting facts that you may not know about Wales…

1. We’re a nation of original thinkers: We’ve had many ‘world firsts’ here in Wales. The world’s first canned beer was developed at Felinfoel Brewery, Llanelli in 1935 and the world's first mail-order shopping began in Newtown. Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, a draper from mid Wales, invented home shopping in the 19^th Century when he saw the potential of emerging railway networks and a reformed postal system to expand his market. Even Queen Victoria was one of his customers!

2. Mount Everest: It may not be in Wales, but it gets its English language name from Welshman, Sir George Everest from Crickhowell. Proof that wherever you find a challenge, you’ll find a Welsh person taking it on. In Sir George Everest’s case, as Surveyor General of India in 1865. Our mountains may not be as high as Everest but we’re just as proud of them.

3. We’re home to the world’s oldest record store: The land of song lives up to its reputation with Spillers Records. Established in 1894 and based in Cardiff, it is widely considered to be the world’s oldest record shop.

4. How we adopted the daffodil: We have a number of national symbols in Wales such as the leek, our unmistakable flag and the three feathers of the Prince of Wales. The daffodil came about in a slightly different way. The Welsh for leek (the original national emblem) is Cenhinen, while the Welsh for daffodil is Cenhinen Pedr. Over the years they became confused until the daffodil was adopted as a second emblem of Wales. Now a much loved and used symbol in Wales, you’ll see the yellow flower on jackets across the country on St David’s Day and even at our international football and rugby matches. Count how many you can see on Saturday at the Rugby World Cup semi final.

5. Wales is a popular Hollywood backdrop: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Ironclad and Tomb Raider 2 are just some of the Hollywood blockbusters that have used Wales as a filming location. The last few weeks has also seen Snow White and the Huntsman, directed by Rupert Sanders, being filmed in Pembrokeshire.

Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only a couple of weeks remain to the most eagerly anticipated event in the Welsh food and drink calendar - the Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards 2011-12.

The annual Welsh Government managed awards, is celebrating its tenth anniversary, which is being held in association with leading organic dairy, Rachel’s.

The Awards were established to celebrate and highlight excellence in the food, drink and hospitality sectors, and create awareness of the quality and range of produce and services in Wales.

A moveable feast, this year the awards ceremony is heading to North Wales, with Venue Cymru in Llandudno hosting the event on Thursday, October 20th, when the category winners will be revealed.

The presenters for the ceremony will be BBC Wales presenter Jason Mohammed and S4C presenter Heledd Cynwal.

Jason said:

"Over the past ten years the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards have been an important showcase for our producers and products, and I am delighted to be part of the competition’s anniversary event.

"As a reporter and presenter I have covered many stories about the highs – and sometimes lows – of Welsh food producers. I am always amazed by the growing quality and popularity of our food and drink."

Heledd said:

"I am a firm believer in supporting local produce and businesses. I live in Llandeilo, which has a great variety of food shops and produce, and you get to know the people and how they work.

"The True Taste Awards recognise all the effort and hard work the producers and businesses put in – and it gives them a boost."

The Awards dinner will be prepared by the in-house team at Venue Cymru headed by executive chef, Rob Lawton, while for a group of Coleg Llandrillo Cymru hospitality and catering students, the True Taste Awards ceremony will provide a rare opportunity to gain experience working at such a prestigious and large scale event. Some of the 12 to 14 of the students will work in the kitchen alongside the professional staff, while others will be involved in service and front of house activities; and will be supervised by College lecturing staff.

The independently judged awards feature 16 categories which aim to cater for all areas of the food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors.

This year there were some 1,017 entries from 366 companies in the overall competition, drawn from companies large and small across Wales.

Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries said:

"Year on year the Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards has grown in popularity and stature, and is recognised in Wales and beyond as a mark of the quality and diversity of produce and services offered by the industry in Wales.

"I am sure it will be a wonderful showcase evening for Welsh food and drink. I look forward to hearing about the winners."

The sponsors of this year’s Awards include multiple retailers, food organisations and businesses as well as media companies.
Among them are: Asda, Bangor Mussel Producers Ltd, Bodnant Welsh Food, Brains, Decantae Natural Mineral Water, Fine Food Digest, Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, Fine Food Digest, Food Technology Centre at Coleg Menai, Harlech Food Service, Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales, Imperial Hotel, Menter a Busnes, Puffin Produce Ltd, Real Food Festivals, Taste of Christmas, Tesco, The Grocer, Western Mail, Welsh National Opera, and Zero2Five Food Industry Centre at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

While the Awards supporters include: Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, Conwy County Borough Council, Farmers Union of Wales, National Farmers Union Cymru, Pembrokeshire College, S4/C, Tinopolis Interactive, UWIC, and Venue Cymru.

This year’s awards also coincide with the annual North Wales celebration of food and drink – Gwledd Conwy Feast (October 22nd & 23rd).
Held in the ancient town of Conwy, the Feast features a variety of activities and exhibitions including a True Taste Winners Food Hall.

It’s Our Football & Rugby Sports Blog!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Another weekend of sports in Wales, kicking us off this weekend will be the Wales v Switzerland football game at the Liberty Stadium tonight!

Well, if we’re honest it will be Wales v Switzerland part 2, as a Swiss team from Fachhochschule Berne will play a team from Glamorgan University at 2pm today, Friday 7^th October.

Both groups will then be heading to watch the game at the Liberty Stadium. On the Saturday the Swiss students will take on Cardiff University, could we have a hatrick of wins over the Swiss?

Whatever the results, I’m sure our Swiss friends will relish the opportunity to catch the Wales v Ireland Rugby World Cup game! We’ll be taking on our Celtic Cousins at Eden Park in New Zealand!

Good luck to all our sport teams and people this weekend.

Movies and Music

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If our previous blog on sports isn’t quite your cup of tea, then don’t worry there are plenty of other things going on in Wales this weekend!

The Iris Prize Festival is well underway with the winner of the festival being announced on Saturday, 8^th October, good luck to all the filmmakers! The Iris Prize is the only short film prize in the world which allows the winner to make a new film!

Newport is also hosting a celebratory weekend of fire, spectacle and entertainment! The Big Splash kicks off today, with a host of Fire Spectacular, Motorcross Stunts, Escapologist, Roller Derby, BMX Stunts, SWICA Magick, Gigantic Puppet Show BRAN, Climbing Wall, Waterwalker Balls, Danters Fairground and Food and Craft Stalls.

If that’s not enough the very first Hay Walking Festival takes place this weekend as well! And we have the Michael Jackson Concert on Saturday 8^th October at the Millennium Stadium.

Phew! There should be plenty there to keep you busy

Iris Prize Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 5 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wednesday 5^th October sees the start of the Iris Prize in Cardiff!.

There will be a host of feature films, panel sessions, parties and screenings of some 30 short films competing for the Iris Prize. And the International gay and lesbian short film prize is the only short film prize in the world which allows the winner to make a new film!

Running since 2007 the festival has gone from strength to strength, and has partner festivals in Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, Dublin, London, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Miami, Montreal and Hong Kong.

What will WOMEX do for Wales?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Following the news that Cardiff has been selected as the city to host WOMEX, the leading world music expo, in 2013, what will WOMEX bring to Wales?

The obvious answers are the economic gains of visitors and tourism but there are many other opportunities that come along with the prestigious international showcase event.

Bringing the world music market to our doorstep, it is the first major arts trade showcase Wales will host.

There is a real opportunity to develop the music industry in Wales on the back of WOMEX and to build on international projects that are already taking place- One example being the Indigenous Australian performance group The Black Arm Band Company and members of Welsh band 9Bach coming together for a unique project exploring place, identity, culture and the preservation of language.

Supported by the British Council, 9Bach have travelled to Australia to spend a month with members of The Black Arm Band Company, first in Melbourne, then in the Northern Territory region of Papunya.

The two musical ensembles, from opposite sides of the world, have a similar approach – both perform and record in their respective country’s historical languages. For 9Bach, it is the Welsh Language; and for The Black Arm Band Company, it is the many tongues of the Australian Aboriginal people.

The musicians will re-develop The Black Arm Band’s 2009 production, dirtsong, to produce a new work, tentatively titled Mother Tongue which will be staged as part of the River of Music event at the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad in the UK.

Wales has a musical heritage that has both cultural and economic value and WOMEX could act as a catalyst to develop music in Wales.

WOMEX 13 Cardiff will bring an opportunity for traditional music in Wales to be given international exposure and to showcase our talents to a much wider market.

Caws Teifi Cheese success at British Cheese Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caws Teifi Cheese has been named ‘Best Welsh Cheese’ at the British Cheese Awards, for a record sixth time.

Ceredigion cheesemakers Paula van Werkhoven and John-James Savage-Onstwedder received ‘The Dougal Campbell Memorial Trophy’ for their Teifi Natural cheese, at the awards ceremony at Cardiff City Hall.

It is the sixth time the Llandysul based artisan cheesemakers has won the Welsh Government sponsored trophy.

The company’s latest accolade follows previous success in numerous cheesemaking competitions with its range of cheeses including top honours at The World Cheese Awards; Product of the Year at the 2010-11 Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards; and has twice won the Supreme Champion title at the British Cheese Awards.

Also among Caws Teifi Cheese’s trophy cabinet is the highest award in British Artisan Cheesemaking – ‘The James Aldridge Memorial Trophy for the Best British Raw Milk Cheese, which was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Said Caws Teifi Cheese founder, John Savage-Onstwedder,

"We have been making cheese for 28 years at Glynhynod Farm and we are delighted that the cheese we started with all those years ago has won again this year.

"We can confidently say that over the past 28 years Caws Teifi Cheese has proved to be the most highly awarded cheese in British artisan cheesemaking."

A number of Welsh cheesemakers came away with medals including: Y Cwt Caws, Caws Cenarth, Trethowan’s Dairy, South Caernarfon Creameries, Carmarthenshire Cheese Company, Holden Farm Dairy, Pembrokeshire Cheese Company, Abergavenny Fine Foods Company, and the Snowdonia Cheese Company. While The Wynnstay in Machynlleth was named Best Welsh winner in the Best British Cheese Board competition, with The Kings Head from Gower recommended.

The awards were held on the eve of the Great British Cheese Festival, which was once again hosted by Cardiff Castle. The two-day festival featured Britain’s Biggest Cheese Market, master-classes, and entertainment as well as more unusual activities such as cheese skittles and cheese tossing.

More sporting success for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Another victory for Wales in the Rugby World Cup this weekend after an impressive 66-0 win over Fiji. The team’s success in the last of the group matches means that Wales have secured place in the quarter finals where they will take on Ireland on Saturday in Wellington.

Once again, it’s not only rugby success for Wales. In football, Swansea City claimed a 2-0 victory over Stoke- their second win of the Premier League at home at the Liberty Stadium.

In Taekwondo, World Championship silver medallist Jade Jones won her first British Open title in Manchester on the weekend. The 17-year-old from north Wales, beat world number five Marlene Harnois of France 10-8.

There was more victory for Wales in Manchester, at the National Track Championships, where Welsh duo Becky James and Jon Mould both claimed senior titles. James won her first National Womens Sprint Championship on day 3 followed by claiming her 2nd title on day 4 of the Championships with a comfortable win in the womens Kierin event.

We’ve also seen another world record here in Wales. Mountain biker, Dave Buchanan, has set a Guinness world record with a gruelling non-stop ride across Wales and back. Buchanan, 41, from Hengoed, Caerphilly, finished his trip in just over 59 hours, covering 721 km (448 miles), while climbing the height equivalent of Mount Everest two and half times. He set a new record category by cycling 571 km (355 miles) between Cardiff and Caernarfon in 48 hours. Guinness World Records confirmed the ride last week.

Sport in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales take on Fiji this Sunday in New Zealand in their last game of the Rugby World Cup group stages. The Welsh rugby squad have put in some strong performances so far and are hoping for a place in the quarter-final.

But Wales will have something to prove this weekend after losing to Fiji, 38-34, in the 2007 World Cup, eliminating them in the final game of the group stages.

In football Swansea continue their Premier League journey as they take on Stoke City at their home ground- the Liberty Stadium, while Cardiff City play away this Saturday against Hull in the Championship.

Wales has also been visited by a US Olympic swimming champion, Rebecca Soni, this month as part of Team USA’s campaign to explore Britain prior to the 2012 Olympics. Rebecca visited the Millennium Stadium (which will host 11 football matches as part of the 2012 Olympics), tried her hand at coasteering, enjoyed a traditional Welsh breakfast and explored the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

Rebecca said,

"The lasting impression I’ll take home from Wales: Sometimes you see pictures of a place before you visit, and it turns out to be not quite as impressive… this trip was the opposite. Wales was so much more than I expected and is a place that must be experienced firsthand!"

You can find out more about Rebecca Soni’s many other adventures during her trip to Wales by reading her blog.

US students experience life in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This summer, eight undergraduate students from across the United States spent six weeks at the Fulbright Commission’s UK Summer Institute in Wales. Hailing from universities in cities such as Chicago, Seattle, Tampa, New York and Pittsburgh the students all came to the UK with a common goal: to learn about the history and culture of Wales and to experience the day-to-day realities of contemporary Welsh life.

In order to provide its participants with as wide a view of Wales as possible, the Summer Institute was held at three different Welsh universities: Cardiff, Bangor and Aberystwyth. Each institution focused on different aspects of Welsh history and culture, planning bespoke academic sessions, educational field trips and outdoor activities for the eight students. The students spent two weeks at each Institution.

Each student commented that they felt privileged to have been able to spend their summer in Wales. They felt that during their time they got to see a side of the UK that was not represented in US popular culture and visited places that are not necessarily on the US tourist destination map. From field trips to Mynydd Parys Copper Mine, St Fagan’s National History Museum, Conwy, Caernarfon and Cricieth Castles to the National Library of Wales, the Centre for Alternative Technology and King Arthur’s Labyrinth they travelled the length and breadth of Wales discovering a country rich and varied in its history and innovative and dynamic in its present. The programme aimed to look at Wales on a local, national and global level as well as explore the contributions Wales is making to culture, politics and energy policy in the United Kingdom. Thus the students’ field trips were backed up by information-packed academic sessions on topics as diverse as "Regeneration in the South Wales Valleys", "Contemporary Welsh Language Policy", "Wales and Empire" and "A Sustainable Wales." The educational sessions and field trips were complimented by a series of outdoor adventures designed to highlight the stunning natural beauty of Wales. In Cardiff they drove up to Penarth to enjoy panoramic views of the bay, whilst in Bangor they visited Snowdonia National Park and went gorge scrambling up the Afon Ddu. In Aberystwyth they visited Llangrannog beach and completed a Go Ape! outdoor pursuits course.

Overall the students commented that they had a wonderfully enriching time in Wales. They enjoyed themselves immensely and learned a great deal about their host country with many wishing they could have stayed for longer than six weeks. They found Wales to be an incredibly hospitable country with excellent and engaging professors, warm and friendly inhabitants and a university staff willing to go above and beyond to look after them. Asked to describe the programme in five words, one student wrote that it was an "amazing, unforgettable educational and cultural experience."

All eight students have gone back to the States ready and eager to spread the word about Wales, their university hosts, the UK and Fulbright. The Fulbright Commission would like to thank all the university staff at Cardiff, Bangor and Aberysthwyth for the hard work they put in to making such a successful programme.

The Commission hopes to run between three and five Summer Institutes in the year 2012. We are currently accepting proposals from higher education institutions around the UK. We very much hope to run another Summer Institute in Wales next summer.

Cardiff wins international bid to host WOMEX 2013

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff has been selected as the city to host WOMEX, the leading world music expo, in 2013. The announcement made today at the Wales Millennium Centre comes at the end of a year-long campaign to bring the event to the Welsh capital.

Described by UNESCO as the most important international professional market of world music of every kind, WOMEX evening performances will be held at the Wales Millennium Centre, and the day time showcases, trade fair, conference and film screenings will be held at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

The fully programmed, prestigious international showcase event is expected to include around 60 concerts featuring 300 plus artists, a trade fair exhibiting in the region of 650 companies from over 90 countries, as well as more than 400 national and international journalists, and will take place between 23-27 of October, 2013.

Cardiff presented WOMEX with the best all-round offer in the bidding process and beat tough international competition to host WOMEX including Glasgow and Dublin (shortlisted cities).

Welcoming the news Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister said:

"WOMEX is a great opportunity to bring the most important world music stage to Wales as well as developing the sector in a sustainable way within our country. WOMEX 13 Cardiff will place the music from Wales on the world stage alongside more established markets so that Wales’ authentic music traditions become more widely known internationally and are positioned beside music from our Celtic neighbours. Hosting WOMEX will allow us to grow the profile of Wales's traditional music, both within and out of the country."

The bid to host WOMEX in 2013 was led by Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales, a partnership between Welsh Music Foundation, Wales Arts International and Arts Council of Wales, with support from British Council and Welsh Government. It aims to accelerate the export-ready music sector, promote the music sector of Wales internationally and to bring the world stage to Wales. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Council and Cardiff & Co, are all formal partners for WOMEX 13 Cardiff .

Dai Smith, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said:

"This is a wonderful achievement for Wales. Persuading WOMEX to come to Wales has been a longstanding ambition for the Arts Council of Wales and our partners. This event, of worldwide significance, is an important part of our wider plans to develop a vibrant and exciting music industry in Wales."

Daniela Teuber, WOMEX Director of Production added:

"We're very happy that Cardiff will be hosting WOMEX in 2013. The city offers a most favourable setting for our complex event and its 2500 delegates and artists from all over the globe. The production partners in Wales are truly professional and highly motivated. The wonderful venues are in close proximity and match our multifaceted needs. Wales has outstanding cultural wealth, hospitality and scenic beauty."

As part of the Cardiff 2013 campaign, "Queen of Harps" and Music Ambassador Catrin Finch fronted a Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales showcase to a packed audience of world music industry professionals at WOMEX 10 Copenhagen . She welcomed the news:

"It’s fantastic news that WOMEX will come to Cardiff. WOMEX is a really exciting event for musicians and music lovers. For us in Wales, it’s a chance to hear the best in the world on our doorstep and a chance to make sure that Welsh music is known and heard around the globe."

The ambition to host WOMEX is supported by Welsh Government’s new Major Events Strategy, which aims to develop global events in Wales.

Hollywood chooses Wales…again!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has once again become the backdrop to a Hollywood blockbuster, with our picturesque Pembrokeshire coastline as the chosen spot.

Scenes for Snow White and the Huntsman, directed by Rupert Sanders, are currently being shot on Marloes Sands, with armoured knights on horse back already being spotted in the area!

Kristen Stewart, who played Bella Swan in the vampire-themed Twilight saga, stars in the lead role of Snow White.

The film, which is due for release next summer, boasts quite a cast, including Oscar winner Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Lily Cole, Ray Winstone and Bob Hoskins.

Wales has been a popular location for Hollywood movies over the years with films such as Ironclad, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Tomb Raider 2 being filmed across our landscape. Find out more on our TV and Film pages.

An exotic mix of music, dance and culture

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’re indulging ourselves in a weekend of culture here in Wales. Music, dance, fair trade and food are across the country over the next few days.

Currently underway is the North Wales International Music Festival which is running up until the 1^st October. Founded by William Mathias in 1972, the festival’s aim is to bring the finest international classical artists to Wales. Some of the highlights are a fiddler and former busker, Bruce MacGregor and harpist Angharad Wyn Jones who performed alongside Sir Elton John in New York on 10 consecutive nights. I Fagiolini will sing Caro dolce ben mio and the first ever commercial recording of Alessandro Striggio’s 1566 mass for 40 voices.

In South Wales, renowned Welsh dance Company India Dance Wales present an evening of exquisite classical Indian dance and music on 1^st October. Taking place in Cardiff’s brand new theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, the Bharatanatyam Dance Recital will see performances from exceptionally talented student dancers who attend award-winning dance training programmes. India Dance Wales is just one of many cultural links between Wales and India.

The largest fair/ethical trade event in Wales also takes place this weekend. The event features 30 stalls selling fairly traded goods from all over the world and an African march and with drumming. On 1^st October the Wales World Trade Fair will be in Brecon, followed by Abergavenny on 2^nd October.

WOMEX comes to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s just been announced that Cardiff was won the bid to host the annual gathering of the world music industry, Womex, in October 2013.

The World Music Expo (Womex) showcases traditional music talent from around the globe.

Up to 60 concerts featuring more than 300 artists will be held at the Wales Millennium Centre, with a fair trade exhibition at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena.

http://www.womex.com/realwomex/2013/cardiff.html

Llyn y Fan Fach makes global Ultimate Sights list

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Llyn y Fan Fach, a remote lake in Wales’ Black Mountains has made Lonely Planet’s list of 1000 Ultimate Sights across the globe.

The influential travel authority named Llyn y Fan Fach as one of the most unusual lakes in the world.

The mid Wales spot was the only place in Wales to make the list and is surrounded by mystery and folklore.

Llyn y Fan Fach has its very own Lady of the Lake legend- you can read the tale of the beautiful water fairy on our Myths and Legends page.

Lonely Planet’s 1,000 Ultimate Sights said of the lake, "This isolated drop of blue, beneath a cirque of raw Welsh hills, is enchanting – and enchanted."

Sporting success for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh rugby team has had a victorious day racking up a dozen tries in an 81-7 victory over Namibia. Now 30 points better than Pool D rivals Samoa, the Welsh squad are on track for a World Cup quarter-final place.

Although it’s not only rugby success for Wales. The Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Championships, which took place this weekend, saw triumph for Wales’ John Pares, who picked up the Commonwealth Men’s race gold medal.

North Wales, which played host to the gruelling race, was also the backdrop to a new world record. Lizzy Hawker (England) smashed the world best 24 hour performance by a woman on the road by 3.423 km.

Ashes come to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is welcoming the news that an Ashes test match will be held at the SWALEC Stadium, home of Glamorgan Cricket Club, in 2015.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones welcomed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decision and said:

"I'm delighted that the ECB has made the decision to award an Ashes test Match to Glamorgan Cricket Club in 2015.

"The Welsh Government was fully supportive of Glamorgan Cricket's vision to bring an Ashes Test to Wales in 2009 and we have been working closely with the Club to build on that historic achievement.

"We now look forward to working in partnership with Glamorgan to deliver a series of world class events here in Cardiff over the next few years which will further enhance Wales' growing international reputation as a major events destination."

In total, the SWALEC Stadium will now host a further 8 internationals up to 2016, in addition to staging the 2012 Friends Life t20 Finals Day.

Glamorgan Cricket Chairman, Barry O’Brien, added: "In the past decade, Wales has led the way in staging a number of successful high profile sporting events – these include the 2009 Ashes Test match, the 2010 Ryder Cup and countless FA Cup and Heineken Cup Finals.

“The ECB’s announcement will also enable Cricket Wales to implement its exciting plans to further develop cricket..."

Bread of Heaven: A fabulous foodie weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There’s something for food lovers everywhere in Wales this weekend- from North to South to West!

Cardiff Castle will be hosting The Great British Cheese Festival (24-25^th September), where visitors can try, taste and buy from the finest selection of Great British cheeses. Samplings and tastings, master classes and demonstrations- it offers a real insight into the subtle art of cheese making.

Up in the North, it’s Mold Food Festival, which saw over 11,000 visitors last year. Now in its sixth year, Mold Food Festival showcases outstanding local produce, celebrity chef expertise, live music and entertainment.

Across to the west- it’s Narberth Food Festival. Also running from 24-25^th September. The friendly and enjoyable food festival has tastings, talks and something for everyone.

And for those who want something a little bit out of the ordinary, Wales has its own alternative food festival. Feastival, which takes place in Bridgend from 30th September & 1st October, is a food festival with a difference. A Welsh artist who creates celebrity portraits using marmite on beds of toast and the Great Welsh Leek Relay are just some of the unique additions on top of promoting the best of local produce in Wales.

Learn more about Welsh food in our food section.

Wales’ moment to shine

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is set to benefit culturally from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as Power of the Flame is officially launched today by BBC Radio Wales presenter, Nicola Heywood Thomas at the Wales Millennium Centre. Led by Arts Council of Wales, Power of the Flame is a distinctive and unique contribution from Wales to the Cultural Olympiad.

The Wales-wide project is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity dedicated to creating a cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK. Power of the Flame embraces Wales’s unique heritage sites, the history of our sportsmen and women, our disabled young artists, our Eisteddfodic traditions and it also forges exciting links with South Africa.

Wales will have five major unique projects under the banner of Power of the Flame:

Cauldrons and Furnaces – Bringing history to life at 8 of Cadw’s extraordinary heritage sites, inspiring out younger generation to re-interpret our ancient monuments;

Following the Flame – A new history of the Olympic and Paralymic Games and the Welsh athletes since 1896 who have shared Wales’ success; this is a major exhibition accompanied by a specially produced film and a written appreciation and history of our athletes;

Mzansi Cymru – Bringing Wales and South Africa together in a major piece of musical theatre which is based upon two unique events of 1964 the filming of Zulu and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela;

Whose flame is it anyway? - Increasing the voice of disabled young people in Wales, including a performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales of a symphonic work specially composed by Lloyd Coleman, an 18 year old composer from Bridgend;

Kindling Talent – will be developed with Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the largest youth organisation in Europe and in 2012 focuses on a brand new Urdd National Youth Theatre, the Message of Peace and Goodwill from the the children of Wales to the world and the Urdd National Eisteddfod’s arts and crafts exhibition which will be based upon Olympic themes.

Dai Smith, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said:

"These cultural events will be bringing unlikely groups together to work for a common goal. The aim of this ambitious programme of events and activities is to inspire and engage with the children and young people of Wales to deliver a lasting legacy of creativity beyond the next four years and beyond the Olympics themselves. Ultimately it is up to the people of Wales to make the most of the situation, and to leave a legacy with a uniquely Welsh flavour."

The programme focuses on the creation of art centred on participation and excellence, getting young people involved in telling stories about Wales’ heritage and using music as a way of getting people involved.

Dai Smith continued:

"We are immensely proud to be playing our part in the biggest celebration on the planet next year and we are delighted to be contributing to the projects that will be showcased during the Cultural Olympiad."

Moira Swinbank, Chief Executive, Legacy Trust UK added:

"Legacy Trust UK is delighted to be funding five key projects in Wales, which are bringing a diverse range of cultural activity to communities and building a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Power of the Flame programme brings these cultural and heritage projects together as part of the Cultural Olympiad, and will showcase their activities across Wales. Our mission is to leave a lasting legacy from London 2012 across the UK and with these fantastic individual projects now part of the pan-Wales Power of the Flame programme, we are confident that the legacy of our funding will continue in the country long after the Games have ended."

Arts Council of Wales is proud to be a key partner in the delivery of the Cultural Olympiad in Wales. The diverse range of activities happening in Wales promises to excite the whole of Wales and to bring the values of the Olympics to our diverse linguistic and cultural communities. The aspiration is that it will leave an enormous legacy in the landscapes of Wales and in the minds of our children.

Sport this weekend in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea City’s premier league adventure continues this week as they take a trip to Chelsea, on the back of a 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion, Swansea will surely feel confident.

Meanwhile Cardiff will take on Leicester City this Saturday; it may feel a bit like groundhog day as they only played them on Wednesday in the Carling Cup, but we wont be complaining if the result goes the same way! Cardiff won in a thrilling penalty shoot out.

And not forgetting our Rugby Squad on the other side of the World in New Zealand who take on Namibia! I’m sure our friends in Namibia will be watching!

And if athletics is more your thing, there are athletes from more than 17 different commonwealth countries in Llandudno this weekend for the The Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Championships!

Former Wrexham student celebrates Emmy win.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A former student of Wrexham Art College is celebrating a string of Emmys for period drama Downton Abbey.

Brian Percival, who studied in Wrexham in the 1980s, won best director at US television's awards show in Los Angeles.

Originally from Liverpool, he lived in Penyffordd, Flintshire while studying audio-visual studies in Wrexham before taking a degree course in Manchester.

The star-studded award ceremony on Sunday saw Downton Abbey scoop four awards, including one for outstanding directing in a mini-series.

The show also won best mini-series, as well as a best-supporting actress Emmy for Dame Maggie Smith, and the award for best writing in a mini-series for Julian Fellowes.

The popular drama, which is now in its second series, follows the fortunes of life in an English country house during World War I and the impact of the horror on everyone, from the aristocrats to the servants.

Director Brian Percival, 49, has already won three Baftas including one for Downton Abbey. His other TV credits include The Ruby in the Smoke and The Old Curiosity Shop.

Downton Abbey, which also airs on American television, has earned rave reviews and has been a rating winner worldwide, selling to almost 200 countries.

First Welsh athlete chosen for London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sailor, Hannah Mills has become the first Welsh athlete to be selected to compete at the 2012 London Olympics.

The 23-year-old is among 11 sailors who are the first confirmed names in Team GB's 550-strong squad for the Games.

Mills and crew Saskia Clark are World Cup runners-up in the 470 class.

Mills' Olympic bid will begin on 2 August at the 2012 Games sailing venue at Weymouth near Mills' new home in Portland.

The women's 470 class medal race and victory ceremony is on 10 August where Mills, who was born and raised in Cardiff, hopes to go one better from the silver she won on that course in August's Olympic test event.

The former world junior champion along with Saskia Clark, was sixth at the 2008 Olympics, in February 2011.

Read the full story of Hannah Mills at London 2012 at BBC Sport.

New section of the Wales Coast Path opens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A new section of the Wales Coast Path was opened in Chepstow yesterday (19 September) by Environment Minister, John Griffiths.

The Minister formally opened five and half miles of coast path that will run from Chepstow to Black Rock.

The Welsh Government has invested up to £2 million a year since 2007 to realise its ambition of creating a continuous, 870 mile path that runs right around the coastline of Wales. Once completed, the path will run from Chepstow, right the way to Queensferry in Flintshire.

Speaking about the path, the Minister said:

"I am pleased to be in Chepstow today to open this important section of the Wales Coast Path, and delighted that we are on course for the formal opening of the path on 5th May 2012.

"The Wales Coast Path will be great news for Wales’ economy as we predict that it will attract an extra 100,000 new visitors to the Welsh coast each year, and I know that this is welcome news to the tourist industry.

"I am also very pleased that the Wales Coast Path will be open ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, when the eyes of the world will be on the UK.

"However the path is not just for tourists, and I really hope it will encourage people in Wales to get out and about and enjoy their local coast line and country side, whilst at the same time boosting their levels of activity."

Put on your Blue Suede Shoes this weekend…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The king of rock and roll is coming to Wales.

Every September thousands of Elvis fans from across the world descend on the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl for a unique celebration of The King.

The Porthcawl Elvis Festival is the largest event of its kind in Europe featuring official shows and a fringe festival across twenty venues in and around the town.

The festival takes place this weekend (23^rd-25^th September) and features ‘The Elvies’- the world's leading award show for Elvis tribute artists.

It is also rumoured that The King himself may have been Welsh. A Cardiff academic published evidence that Elvis' ancestors could have hailed from the Preseli hills in west Wales.

Porthcawl will definitely be an interesting site this weekend with jumpsuits, sideburns and a celebration of all things Elvis along the seafront.

Wales' Junior Commonwealth Games Team Excel

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The future of Commonwealth sport in Wales is looking bright after an outstanding display of talent saw Wales finish fifth in the medal table at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Coming home with a staggering 26 medals from 31 sports, Team Wales’ Chef de Mission Chris Jenkins said;

"Team Wales have put on an outstanding performance here at the Commonwealth Youth Games and I am extremely proud of each and every one of the athletes. We’ve shown that Wales can compete at the highest level of sport and threaten sporting giants like New Zealand and South Africa."

And Jenkins was keen to emphasise the ‘team’ in Team Wales;

"Bringing back 26 medals from a team of just 31 athletes demonstrates just how well everyone has performed and not just athletes. Credit must go to the support networks and coaches here at the Games and back in Wales, who have prepared them to compete so well. It’s been a genuine Team Wales effort."

After a successful Youth Games in Pune 2008 where the likes of Jazz Carlin, Georgia Davies and Jemma Lowe racked up the medals for Wales the pressure was on to emulate their success in the Isle of Man, and as Jenkins explains the team of 2011 certainly rose to the challenge.

"In Pune 2008 we finished sixth in the medal table with 16 medals which was seen as a great result. Our challenge for the Isle of Man was to support a team that could outperform those results and we’ve done so, and then some.

"When athletes compete you ask them to do their best and even those that didn’t come away with a medal outperformed themselves; picking up personal bests and welsh records. We had a number of agonising fourth place performances that on another day would have been medal winner, but that just goes to show the strength and depth of the team and shows real promise for the future."

And even before the closing ceremony for the Commonwealth Youth Games takes place, talk has already begun of the next step and the senior Games in 2014;

"The athletes that have performed here at the Youth Games have done so because of their potential to claim Welsh medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 and beyond. Combine these stars of the future with existing and proven athletes such as Jazz Carlin, Geraint Thomas and Sean Mcgoldrick and it makes for an extremely exciting prospect.

"Wales is unusual in that Sport Wales and the Welsh Government have aligned sport’s performance strategies to delivering medals at Commonwealth Games, if we continue with that policy over the next two cycles we’ll see Wales position in the medal table continue to rise."

So as the curtain closes on the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, all eyes will be on the likes of our gold medallists and stars of the future Ieuan Lloyd, Angel Romaeo and Ffion Price to bring home the same success in Glasgow 2014 as they have in the Isle of Man.

Indian cricket team come to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Indian cricket team play their first ever match at the SWALEC stadium, Cardiff today where they take on England in a one day international. Despite a testing tour of the UK, where they have struggled to come to grips with the vagaries of the British summer weather, India remain World Champions at this form of the game.

India won the World Cup on home soil back in April this year, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. The Sri Lankan team were also visitors to Wales earlier in the summer when they played a test match against England. This followed the staging of the first ever test match in Wales when England played Australia at the SWALEC Stadium in the Ashes series opener in 2009.

While the Indian team take in their new surroundings they will no doubt be able to call upon advice from Ravi Shastri and Sourav Ganguly, both Indian test cricketers who also played for Glamorgan. Their current coach, Duncan Fletcher, will also feel at home, having guided the Welsh county to a championship win in 1997.

The acting Indian High Commissioner, Mr Rajesh Prasad, will be one of those in the capacity crowd who will be hoping for a change of fortunes for the Indian team.

A tasty weekend in Abergavenny...

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cheese, chilli and chocolate are just some of the tempting treats on offer at the Abergavenny Food Festival this weekend.

The event, which has been described as the 'Glastonbury of food festivals' is expecting up to 40,000 visitors. Taking place from Saturday 17th September to Sunday 18th September, the Abergavenny Food Festival is now in its 13^th year.

Showcasing local produce and international delicacies, more than 200 stalls are set to take over the town. The festival will also see some of the world’s most respected chefs come to Wales.

A programme of almost 60 culinary events will spread out across a number of venues in the historic town including tastings, talks and top-end masterclasses.

Pop-up restaurants, diverse dining experiences and yurts are just some of the quirky additions to the festival this year, which is attracting food and drink lovers from afar.

Wales take on Samoa in the Rugby World Cup…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After a great performance but a close loss against South Africa last week, Wales will take on Samoa this weekend in their second match of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Taking place at the Waikato Stadium, New Zealand, Warren Gatland’s Welsh squad are in for a tough match after Samoa defeated Namibia yesterday. However, Wales are fully prepared and looking for a win this Sunday, 18^th September.

Wales v Samoa will definitely be significant for one 17 year old boy who was named after Samoa’s 1994 victory against Wales. Samoa won the match at Moamoa field, with a score of 34-9. While the game was underway, a boy was born in a small village called Sapapalii and named, Wales Manu Samoa 9-34 Moamoa Gale by his family of rugby fans.

Good luck/pob lwc to Wales this weekend. It will certainly be an exciting match to watch!

Swansea Uni leads partnership on algal bioenergy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A major €14 million (approx £12.3 million) initiative is bringing experts from across North West Europe together to develop the potential of algae as a source of sustainable energy.

The four-year transnational Energetic Algae – or EnAlgae – project, led by Swansea University, is a strategic initiative funded by the INTERREG IVB North West Europe Programme and backed with £629,000 from the Targeted Match Fund through the Welsh Government, together with a range of co-sponsors.

It involves 19 Partners and 13 Observers across eight EU member states; France, Belgium, UK, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, and aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and dependency on unsustainable energy sources, through the accelerated development and deployment of algal-based biomass and bioenergy technologies.

In 2009, the EC Greenhouse Gas Inventory reported that North West Europe was responsible for more than 40 per cent of the EU’s total Greenhouse Gas emissions. This was due to the region’s high population density and its intensive level of industrial and rural development.

Given such considerable pressures on the environment and current energy sources, sustainable bioenergy innovations could help provide a solution to tackling CO₂emissions across the region, encouraging growth of a Low Carbon Economy.

Currently, algal bioenergy technologies are immature, but rapid advances are being made in the field.

The EnAlgae initiative will allow expert centres across North West Europe to form an integrated pilot network to support and accelerate the development of new algal-based technologies to the point of commercialisation.

The project is unique in developing best practices that will influence European policies on algal biomass production, bioenergy and bioremediation technologies, thereby de-risking and accelerating commercialisation of the sector.

The project’s manager Dr Robin Shields, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR) at Swansea University’s College of Science, said: "Algal bioenergy has been identified as a strategic priority by the INTERREG IVB NWE Programme. The EnAlgae expert partnership has been formed to develop and implement technologies tailored to the unique socio-economic and environmental conditions of North West Europe.

"Thanks to close transnational cooperation, EnAlgae partners and stakeholders will gain access to those sustainable technologies most suited to their local operating conditions.

"As project lead partner, Swansea University is delighted to extend its industry-focused research on algal bioremediation and biorefinery technologies, in partnership with acknowledged experts from across North West Europe."

Welsh Government Finance Minister, Jane Hutt AM, said:

"Diversifying our bioenergy sector by developing sustainable biomass sources will not only help us meet our targets for reducing CO₂ emissions, but also our reliance on fossil fuels in the challenge to tackle climate change. I am delighted that we have been able to provide support for this innovative project with resources from our Targeted Match Fund."

For further information visit Enalgae or contact Dr Robin Shields, Tel: 01792 602030, or email: r.j.shields@swansea.ac.uk.

Cardiff hosts Paralympic Torch Relay

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales will help lead the UK in to the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games with Cardiff confirmed as a host to the Paralympic Torch Relay.

Cardiff's flame lighting and Flame Festival will follow those planned across next summer's August bank holiday weekend in London, Belfast and Edinburgh.

Cardiff will light a torch and host a Flame Festival on 27 August 2012, just two days before the Games' official opening.

London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) has revealed that torch relays will be held in London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Stoke Mandeville.

Our capital city is the final host city before a special ceremony is held at at Stoke Mandeville (home of the Paralympic Movement) on 28 August to create the Paralympic Flame before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday 29 August 2012.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will run from 29 August until 9 September with more than 4,200 athletes, with a variety of disabilities, from 150 nations taking part.

Wales will host pre-games training camps for a number of Paralympic teams, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Oceanic Islands as they make their preparations in the lead-up to London 2012.

What links Sarah Jessica Parker and Kings of Leon?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales!

In the news this week, Nashville based band, Kings of Leon have discovered their Welsh roots. The band which comprises of brothers Nathan, Caleb and Jared Followill, and cousin Matthew Followill, found out that they descend from Welsh ancestors.

The bass guitarist Jared Followill updated the world via Twitter writing: “Finally found out where Followills came from. It was originally Followell and we came to Virginia from Wales in the 1700s. I’m Welsh. Cool.”

It would seem that there are also other Wales/America links in the creative world this week.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s new film, ‘I don’t know how she does it’, which opens nationwide in cinemas on Friday is the Hollywood adaptation of the book by Welsh writer, Allison Pearson. The Swansea born journalist wrote the book about a frantic working mum trying to balance motherhood with the perfect career.

This week also sees a television documentary following the Fron Choir’s debut visit to New York. The North Wales based choir, who are signed to one of the world’s biggest record labels- Universal, visited New York as they prepare for the launch of their fifth album.

The documentary, Côr y Fron: Efrog Newydd 2011, airs on S4C on Thursday 15^th September.

Tour of Britain: Welshpool to Caerphilly, today!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Top cyclists from across the world will be in Wales today for stage four of The Tour of Britain.

The Tour of Britain takes place over eight days and nine stages in 2011 and is Britain's biggest professional cycle race. The event began in Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Sunday and finishes in London on Sunday 18th September.

This stage of the tour will see riders race between Welshpool and Caerphilly.

Beginning in the heart of Mid-Wales at Powis Castle, Welshpool and finishing outside the spectacular Caerphilly Castle this afternoon- cyclists will pass through Builth Wells, Brecon, Aberdare and Ystrad Mynach along the way.

Cyclists will be in for a tough race today, climbing some of the most challenging Welsh hills including a seven kilometre climb of the Brecon Beacons.

The Tour of Britain is the UK's largest free-to-spectate live sporting event so if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth paying a visit to see some of the action!

Roald Dahl Day Today!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

September 13^th is officially Roald Dahl Day! One of the greatest children’s storytellers of all time, Roald Dahl, would be celebrating his 95^th birthday today.

Born in Wales in 1916 to Norwegian parents, Dahl's books have entertained generations of children, and who doesn’t love to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG or The Twits to name but a few!

2011 also sees the 50th anniversary of James and the Giant Peach- one of Dahl’s most famous stories.

In fact, we’d be happy to spend the rest of our day just reading our favourite Roald Dahl stories!

New Zealand PM welcomes First Minister of Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones met the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key yesterday for talks on relations between the two countries.

The First Minister also held meetings in the New Zealand capital Wellington with Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture David Carter, Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs, Minister of Health Tony Ryall, and Anne Tolley, Minister of Education.

Issues covered in the meetings included economic development, rural affairs, language and education.

Mr Jones said:

"This is the first time I have had an opportunity to formally meet the Prime Minister face-to-face and discuss a wide range of issues, such as economic development and education. I thanked him for inviting me as a guest to New Zealand and giving me such a warm New Zealand welcome.

"As countries we have much in common, from our size and history, through to our ambition to punch above our weight on the world stage.

"My meetings have covered a number of important issues where we can learn from each other, from how to boost agricultural exports to creating sustainable health services that deliver for our people. Our relations go from strength-to-strength and my government appreciates the links we have formed with New Zealand."

New Zealand and Wales celebrate language links

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Aside from rugby, Wales and New Zealand have a shared interest in bilingualism. We all speak English in Wales but the Welsh language is thriving with over 20% of the population speaking Welsh fluently.

The three official languages of New Zealand are English, Maori and NZ Sign Language. English is the language of day-to-day business within New Zealand. Maori is a Polynesian language similar to the languages of other Pacific Island cultures.

As with other regions in the world where two cultures have been mixed, English has influenced Maori and Maori has influenced English. Many places in New Zealand have been christened with two names - one English and one Maori. This is similar to Wales where we often see two versions of place names on road signs.

These similarities were celebrated at events last week arranged by the British Council in New Zealand. The event was aimed at gaining a better understanding of the issues faced by those promoting bilingualism in New Zealand.

The First Minister of Wales experienced Maori culture first hand during his short tour of New Zealand, taking a tour of Auckland from a Maori perspective and visiting Maori Television.

Yesterday also saw The First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM meet the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key for talks on relations between the two countries.

Wales’ Rugby World Cup opener

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend (Sunday 11 September) Wales will play South Africa in their first game of the Rugby World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand. Warren Gatland’s team, captained by Sam Warburton, will be cheered on by the First Minister of Wales who will be attending the game during his short tour of New Zealand.

The Welsh Rugby Team has just announced their line up as:
James Hook; George North, Jon Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), Toby Faletau.

Porirua City, New Zealand is playing host to Wales during the Rugby World Cup where the squad have been preparing for Sunday’s game against South Africa.

The last time that Wales beat the Springboks was at the opening match in the Millennium Stadium in 1999 so a win at the Wellington Regional Stadium would be a great boost for the team.

South African fans may also be surprised to learn that their Paralympic athletes will be based in Cardiff in the lead up to London 2012. The team will include the high profile Paralympians 'blade runner' Oscar Pistorius (double amputee and world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400metres) and amputee swimmer Natalie De Toit. The swimming team have recently returned from a training camp in Cardiff.

Welsh composer nominated for Emmy Award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Welsh composer has been nominated for one of the world’s most prestigious television awards.

Mark Thomas, 54, has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the BBC comedy series, Episodes, starring Friends actor Matt Le Blanc.

Thomas, who grew up in Swansea and studied music at Cardiff University, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category at the 2011 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

The composer who now lives in Somerset has written scores for major film and television companies including penning the Bafta-award winning score for cult Welsh film Twin Town. He is currently working on a new comedy, Stella, written by and starring Wales’ Ruth Jones.

Mr Thomas said he owed debt of gratitude to Welsh language broadcasting in the early days and puts some of his success down to his Swansea music teacher who taught him violin from the age of eight.

The 2011 Creative Arts Emmy Awards are being held this Saturday, 10^th September, at Hollywood’s Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Wales Day at Te Papa Museum, Wellington

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

To coincide with Wales’ first match in the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand’s Te Papa Museum is holding a Wales Day on 11^th September.

The Welsh Society of Wellington, is inviting visitors to join them to celebrate Wales with a day of traditional Welsh music, folk songs and children’s activities.

The First Minister of Wales will be speaking at the event before supporting Wales at their first game of the Rugby World Cup against South Africa during his short tour of New Zealand.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum and art gallery of New Zealand, located in Wellington. It is branded and commonly known as Te Papa and Our Place.

In November 2009 a private repatriation took place which saw the skeletal remains of one female and bones of 11 others, returned to their original community in New Zealand. In addition to these 12 koiwi tangata a smaller collection of skeletal remains were also returned to Te Papa. Until then the skeletons formed part of the Welsh national collection at National Museum Cardiff.

Wales celebrates Paralympic Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today the countdown continues to next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games with International Paralympic Day. Events will be taking place to showcase the 20 Paralympic sports at London 2012. Our capital, Cardiff, is joining in with the finals of the GB Cup Wheelchair Rugby Competition taking place at Sophia Gardens. Team GB will come up alongside tough opposition as they compete against Paralaympic teams from Belgium, Sweden, Japan and Australia.

Disability Sport Wales has gone from strength to strength in recent years with 31 Welsh athletes representing Great Britain in the Beijing Paralympics where they won 25% of Team GB’s gold medal haul.

Further afield, our First Minister is attending an event in Auckland, New Zealand to highlight the developing relationship between the Welsh Government, Disability Sport Wales and New Zealand Sporting Organisations. Pictures throughout the First Minister’s visit to New Zealand are available on Flickr.

The New Zealand Paralympic team will be based in Swansea for pre-games training in the run up to the 2012 Paralympic Games. Athletes from the Oceanic Region Paralympic countries: Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, will also be training in Wales prior to the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Wales strengthens sporting links

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones will today (Thurs 8th Sept) join New Zealand sporting legend Sir Murray Halberg and Jon Morgan from Disability Sport Wales to celebrate the developing sport relationships between Wales and New Zealand.

The event in Auckland also marks International Paralympic Day celebrations in New Zealand.
The Welsh Government and Paralympics New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see New Zealand’s Paralympic athletes being based in Swansea ahead of the 2012 Paralympic Games.

At the event the First Minister will also sign a new with the Oceania Paralympic Committee, which represents the Islands.

The two agreements mean that all the Oceanic Region Paralympic countries - Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands - have agreed to locate to Wales prior to the 2012 Paralympic Games.

The First Minister said:

"Wales is committed to providing a first class environment for athletes and the combination of world class training facilities, proximity and quality of accommodation, access to state of the art support services together with a Welsh welcome that is second to none, is a compelling offer which has resulted in Paralympic athletes from many nations deciding to choose Wales."

Disability Sport Wales and the Halberg Trust will be entering into a partnership which will further explore best practice between the two nations in the area of community disability sports development.

Jon Morgan from Disability Sport Wales said:

"Our partnership with Paralympic New Zealand and Halberg Trust provide a unique opportunity to create a legacy that lasts well beyond the lifetime of the London 2012 Games. What better time than on International Paralympic Day to announce this exciting initiative."

Halberg Trust spokesperson Nicki Turner said:

"Wales is consistently achieving above expectations, right from grass roots participation through to elite Paralympic level. This is a reflection of the country’s commitment to prioritise disability sport across the board, and the partnership between Wales, Paralympics New Zealand and the Halberg Trust presents a great example of an international collaboration that will no doubt enhance New Zealand’s disability sport pathway – from participation to elite competition."

Ironman comes to Wales…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

No, not Robert Downey Jr. but the renowned Ironman triathlon!

Athletes are in for a gruelling test of endurance this weekend as Ironman Wales takes over the county of Pembrokeshire.

Scheduled for Sunday, 11^th September, the Ironman triathlon is a non-stop event consisting of swimming 2.4 miles (3.8k) cycling 112 miles (180km) then running a marathon 26.2 miles (42.2km).

The exhilarating and demanding challenge will see 50 qualifying slots allocated for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii 2012.

Located on Wales’ South West coast, Pembrokeshire is known for the breathtaking landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The 186 mile coastal path was recently named one of the world’s top hiking destinations.

Competitors will certainly be in for some inspiring scenery along the way. The race starts at South Beach in the seaside village of Tenby. After exiting the waters of Carmarthen Bay for the 3.8km swim, the athletes will take on the challenge of the 180km bike course through the countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, passing numerous castles and iconic landmarks. The medieval town walls and picturesque beach front provide an impressive backdrop for the concluding marathon through Tenby.

An arduous challenge of stamina along some of Wales’ most spectacular coastline- Ironman Wales will be a tough and exciting event!

Wales welcomes Piers Bramhall.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After being thrown into the limelight as part of Visit Wales’ new marketing campaign last month, Piers Bramhall arrived in Wales yesterday for a week long holiday.

In August, Visit Wales launched a quest to bring Piers Bramhall to Wales and called upon the people of Wales to invite him, tell him about where he can find the best experiences in Wales, what to see and do and where to eat and why. 160 invitations have been left for him on www.facebook.com/visitwales.

Piers arrived in Wales yesterday to take up the challenge of a having a different holiday to his usual ‘fly and flop’ holiday. The week will prove to be an eye opener for Piers as he has never ventured outside Cardiff on previous trips to Wales. Along with his girlfriend Emma, Piers was welcomed at the Blue Anchor Pub, Aberthaw by Rugby Star Gareth Thomas before flying to Anglesey to begin his adventure.

He’ll have plenty of opportunity for an adrenaline rush and some excitement here in Wales. There will be ample time to taste some of Wales’ best produce from Penderyn Whisky to Joe’s Ice Cream. He’ll play a round at the 2010 Ryder Cup Course at the Celtic Manor and even have an opera singing lesson with the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff Bay. If that isn’t enough, GwdiHw Bar in Cardiff have also organised a festival in his honour ‘Pierstock’ will be Showcase of Welsh bands.

His holiday will be filmed and will be the basis of the new Visit Wales TV advert which will launch in January.

International Football and Rugby

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh football team is looking to give their fans something to celebrate tonight as they take on England at Wembley. England are by far the strongest team in the group but with premier league players like Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in the squad Welsh fans will be looking for a win!

Welsh Captain Aaron Ramsey will also be likely to feature for Arsenal on Saturday 10^th September as they take on Swansea, who are still looking for their first premier league win, but at the same time so are Arsenal! A win for Swansea at the Emirates would be quite something!

Aaron Ramsey’s former club Cardiff will be taking on Doncaster this Saturday in the Championship as they look to secure a place in next years premier league

And if that’s not enough, this weekend sees the beginning of the Rugby World Cup!! Everyone in Wales in looking forward to the competition, Rugby is our National Sport after all!

Wales kick of their tournament against South Africa on Sunday! And everyone wishes the squad the best of luck!

Cardiff plays host to the Wheelchair Rugby GB Cup

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 5 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Some of the world’s top wheelchair rugby players will descend on Cardiff this week for the 2011 Wheelchair Rugby GB Cup.

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) will play host to this international event in the build up to London 2012. Australia, Belgium, Japan, Sweden and Team GB will all be present at the tournament which is being held at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff from Tuesday 6^th September to Thursday 8th September.

The 2011 Wheelchair Rugby GB Cup is the highest-level competition for Team GB between now and the Paralympics in 2012.

A terrifying fusion of ice hockey, handball and rugby, the game was founded in Canada in 1977 and is a combination of brute force and tactical strategy. Eight rolling substitutes make up squads of 12, with four players on court per team at any time. The aim is to thunder across your opponents' goal line with two wheels in contact with the hardwood floor and the ball in your hands. Players in possession have to bounce the ball or pass with within 10 seconds of receiving it.

This tough and exciting tournament ends on International Paralympic Day, Thursday 8^th September and will provide perfect preparation for Team GB in their challenge for Paralympic gold.

Welsh Athlete Dai Greene wins world gold

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Llanelli born athlete won Britain's first gold medal of the World Athletics Championships in the 400m hurdles in South Korea in a time of 48.26 seconds.

The 25 year old now has the world, European and Commonwealth titles in the 400m hurdles to his name.

The First Minister of Wales congratulated Dai Greene while speaking at a press conference at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club to announce that Wales is to host the Senior Open Golf Championship.

The First Minister said:

"People from all over Wales, will be rightly proud of Dai Greene's performance in Daegu. He showed resolve and determination to power his way to Gold in the 400m hurdles. Well done Dai!"

Speed, Sport and Music: A busy weekend in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s all going on in Wales this weekend with some fast paced entertainment and a brand new music festival.

Merthyr Rock kicks off tonight for the very first time at Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr. The festival, which is hoping to become a firm fixture on the rock ‘n’ roll calendar, features some top Welsh talent and a host of alternative and indie bands. The Blackout, Funeral for a Friend, Ocean Colour Scene, Skindred, Goldie Lookin' Chain and Attack Attack are among those playing at the three-day festival.

Also tonight, the Welsh football team will take on Montenegro in a Euro 2012 Qualifying match at Cardiff City Stadium.

For the motor sport enthusiasts, the Red Bull Speed Jam will be taking over the streets and skies of Cardiff on Saturday 3^rd September. Red Bull motorsports teams from across the world will be displaying their talents at the event, featuring Formula 1 and Nascar champions plus the amazing aerial acrobats of the Red Bull Matadors.

A lively and action-packed few days ahead!

‘Talking Pictures’ exhibition launches in Chicago

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An exhibit featuring photographs of creative people inspired by Wales or carrying the DNA of Wales launches today in Chicago.

‘Talking Pictures’ is a multimedia photography exhibit by Cambridge Jones, an award-winning Welsh photographer who has photographed the Queen, four prime ministers, and many celebrities. It consists of 31 fresh and dynamic portraits of prominent figures in the arts and entertainment world.

At the end of each shoot, Cambridge asks his subjects to talk briefly about who or what inspired them. Viewers to the exhibit can enjoy listening to these comments and thus get the full impact of the ‘talking picture.’

A common DNA joins photographer and subject and that’s simply and magnificently - Wales.

Michael Sheen, Anthony Hopkins, Bryn Terfel, Terry Jones, Rhys Ifans and the Stereophonics are just some of the subjects of Jones’ photographs.

The exhibit has already visited Cardiff, London, New York, and Los Angeles and is now part of Chicago's Pop-Up Art Loop. The initiative of the Chicago Loop Alliance transforms empty storefronts in the Loop into a moveable feast of public art galleries, exhibits and studios.

For those of you unable to attend in person, we’re lucky enough to be able to share with you all 31 photographs from the exhibition. We also have the audio clips available to go along with each picture. You can find these on our ‘Talking Pictures’ section.

The ‘Talking Pictures’ exhibit is presented by the Welsh Government in partnership with the Chicago Loop Alliance and runs from 1^st September to 6^th October 2011.

First book published for Japanese Welsh learners.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A lecturer in Tokyo with a passion for the poetry of RS Thomas has published the first Welsh textbook in the Japanese language.

Japanese speakers can now learn Welsh thanks to Yoshifumi Nagata, 41, who developed his interest in the Welsh language after coming across the poetry of RS Thomas while studying at Meisei University in Tokyo.

Thomas was a poet and clergyman with a passion for the Welsh language. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature and died aged 87 in 2000.

Dr Nagata teamed up with Welsh learner Takeshi Koike to produce the book, who learned Welsh while at Trinity St David’s University in Lampeter.

The lack of text books for Japanese Welsh learners had inspired Dr Nagata to create his own with Takeshi Koike.

Ue-ruzu Go no Kihon (The basics of the Welsh language) is the first course book in Japanese for those wishing to learn Welsh.

The textbook picks up on Koike’s memory of his time in the west Wales University, and features examples of dialogue between Welsh and Japanese students living in the Ceredigion town.

Dr Nagata teaches Welsh culture at a number of Japanese universities and has written a number of essays on Welsh culture.

Welsh athlete breaks world javelin record

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

World champion Nathan Stephens has broken the F57 javelin world record with a distance of 41.37 metres, winning the Czech Athletics Open in Olomouc.

After victory at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships in New Zealand in January, the athlete from Bridgend peaked with his first ever throw in excess of 40m.

Stephens, who had both of his legs amputated at the age of nine, will be competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The 23 year-old athlete finished fourth in the javelin in his first Paralympics at the 2008 Beijing Games.

So what did the Romans ever do for Wales?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With the news that archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman port on the banks of the River Usk, Caerleon- what other influences did the Romans have on Wales?

Well to start- our place names. Places of Roman origin in Wales were often named using 'caer', a Welsh version of the Latin word castra meaning camp. It can be found in the names of many towns across Wales including Caerphilly, Caerwent and Carmarthen, as well as in Caerleon which means 'camp of the legions'.

Our language also has influences from the Roman Empire. There are a number of Welsh words borrowed from Latin such as, 'pont' (in Latin 'pons', a bridge), ‘ffenestr’ (‘fenestra’, window) and 'eglwys' ('ecclesia', a church).

Then there’s our national flag. The origins of the Red Dragon flag, or "y Draig Goch", could date back to the Roman period, when the dragon (or draco) was used by the Roman military. After the Romans left, the Red Dragon remained a key emblem of Wales.

As the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire, a huge variety of Roman remains that can be seen across Wales. In AD 75, the Romans built a fortress at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years. The fortress is now a national museum open to the public.

You can find out more about the Romans in Wales at the National Museum of Wales.

Welsh distillery awarded international gold

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Penderyn distillery has been awarded gold at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition for its Brecon Special Reserve Gin.

The award winning Brecon Special Reserve is produced in small batches at the Penderyn Distillery in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Brecon Gin follows a 100 year old recipe and is infused with ten botanicals sourced from across the world. These include; Juniper berries from Macedonia, orange peel from Spain, Chinese cassia bark, liquorice root from Sri Lanka, Madagascan cinnamon, French angelica root, Russian coriander, Indian nutmeg, Spanish lemon peel and Italian orris root.

Its water is drawn from directly beneath the distillery and is filtered through 340 million-year-old rock formations.

The judges of the prestigious competition said of Brecon Gin;

"Distinctly traditional nose with juniper in prominent yet with intriguing and undefineable nuances in the background! Big and full in the mouth with beautiful balance. Juniper lead flavours meld together to give lovely refreshing gin in traditional character."

The award is a great success for Wales and the Penderyn distillery.

You can sample some of Wales’ finest food and drink at Abergavenny Food Festival which takes place on 17^th – 18^th September.

Wales Rugby World Cup squad announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has just announced its squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The team will be led by Sam Warburton, who at 22 will become Wales’ youngest World Cup captain.

You can view the full list of players in the World Cup squad on the Wales Rugby Union website.

The Wales squad will play its first World Cup match against South Africa on 11^th September at the Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand.

Good luck boys! We’re sure you’ll do us proud!

Continued success for Aberystwyth University

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Aberystwyth University continues to be amongst the leaders for student satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2011.

The National Student Survey (NSS) results were announced today, Wednesday 17th August. With a mean score of 4.3 (on a scale of 1-5 for student satisfaction), AberystwythUniversity is in joint 4^th place for public residential universities in the UK and, for the seventh consecutive year, is the highest rated higher education institution in Wales - reinforcingthat the University continues to be held in the high regard by its students.

The NSS is an annual survey of final year undergraduate students, which aims to inform the choices of prospective higher education students about where and what to study.

Overall satisfaction at Aberystwyth University remains very high at 89%.

Professor Martin Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor said: "I’m delighted that Aberystwyth retains its place amongst the UK’s leading institutions. Despite a challenging and turbulent time for the Higher Education sector it is particularly pleasing that the University continues to meet students’ expectations in providing a fantastic and rounded educational experience."

Professor Jones continued: "These high scores in student satisfaction are also being translated into our application process with 2011/12 applications for undergraduate courses seeing a 16.6% increase. Successful applicants are also accepting Aberystwyth as their first choice in greater numbers than ever before. Furthermore, Aberystwyth will not be part of the Clearing process for the second consecutive year, demonstrating that Aberystwyth is attracting more applications from exceptional candidates."

Students were asked questions grouped into seven areas: ‘the teaching on my course’; ‘assessment and feedback’; ‘academic support’; ‘organisation and management’; ‘learning resources’; ‘personal development’ and ‘overall satisfaction’.

Aberystwyth University subjects achieving a very strong performance in the survey for ‘Overall Satisfaction’, with results of 4.5 and above on a scale of 1-5, include:

Accounting
Education
History
Human Geography
Physical Geography
Politics
Sports Science
Zoology

Subjects which significantly out-performed the UK average for ‘overall satisfaction’ include:

Accounting
Agriculture
Cinematics
Drama
Education
Human Geography
Physical Geography
Politics
Sports Science
Zoology

The NSS was conducted by Ipsos MORI. A total of 264,514 students participated in the survey this year, an increase of over 12,065 on last year and a response rate of 65%.

Data are available for prospective students, parents and advisors from the Unistats website (www.unistats.com).

A busy weekend of sport

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh rugby team will continue to prepare for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this September with a warm up game against Argentina on Saturday, 20^th August. This will be the last game for players to impress before the full squad is announced.

On the Football front, Cardiff City- who are doing well in the championship, will be playing Burnley. Swansea City will also welcome a familiar face to the Liberty Stadium with the return of Roberto Martinez in charge of Wigan.

We’re sure the former Swansea City boss will show his Wigan players some of the sites around Swansea. With some of Great Britain's most stunning coastline only 15 minutes away on the Gower, who wouldn’t be tempted!

For those of you who might be staying longer, why not head a bit further west and try out one of the worlds greatest hiking destinations in the shape of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

The race is on!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

How fast can you run? Do you think you could out run a train?...yes, I did say a train!. If you fancy trying why not head to Tywyn in Mid-Wales for the 29th annual race the train event.

This unique event for multi-terrain runners attracts a great deal of interest across the World. Runners from New Zealand, Australia, America, Hong Kong and Africa have all taken part.

With the London 2012 Olympics on track to start in a few months it may help inspire a future Olympian, so why not check it out.

Green Man Festival is just around the corner…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Music, magic and mysticism will hit the Brecon Beacons this weekend, with ticket holders already arriving at the Green Man Festival site in Mid Wales.

Green Man, which prides itself on authenticity and originality, attracts over 15,000 music lovers from across the globe and is set in the scenic backdrop of Glanusk Park.

Awarded ‘Best Medium Sized Festival 2010’, Green Man runs from Friday 19^th – Sunday 21^st August. Tickets are now sold out for the weekend, with this year’s line up including: Fleet Foxes, Noah And The Whale, Bellowhead, Explosions In The Sky, Squarepusher, Gruff Rhys, John MOuse, Ellen And The Escapades and Wild Nothing (to name just a few!).

Early arrivals will also get to see the one and only Tim Minchin perform this year. The Australian comedian, musician and songwriter will be kick starting the festival with a special evening gig on Thursday 18^th August.

Whatever the weather this weekend, festival goers will definitely be in for an eccentric, unique and unforgettable experience at one of Britain’s best loved festivals.

Iris Prize Film Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff's international gay and lesbian short film prize.

All the films shortlisted for the Iris Prize will be screened during the Iris Prize Festival, which will take place in Cardiff, from October 5th - 8th. The winner of the prize will be announced during the Iris Prize Awards show which will take place at Cineworld, Cardiff on Saturday, October 8th.

Swansea City v Fulham

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

10th December 2011

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Queens Park Rangers

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

26th December 2011

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Tottenham

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

31st December 2011

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Arsenal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

14th January 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Chelsea

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

31st January 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Norwich City

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

11th February 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Manchester City

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

10th March 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Everton

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

24th March 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Newcastle

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

7th April 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Blackburn

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

14th April 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Wolves

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

28th April 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Liverpool

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

13th May 2012

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Wigan Athletic

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

20th August 2011.

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v West Brom

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

17th December 2011.

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Stoke City

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

1st October 2011.

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Man Utd

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

19th November 2011.

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Sunderland

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

27th August 2011.

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Swansea City v Bolton

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

29th October 2011.

Premier league football match.

Swansea City home game at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Happy Independence Day to our Indian readers

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Independence Day to all our Indian readers! You may want to check our India pages over the coming months to find out more information about cultural and sporting activity involving India and Wales.

September will see the Indian cricket team play a one day international match against England at the SWALEC stadium in Cardiff, home of Glamorgan Cricket Club. Despite setbacks in the recent test series India remain the world champions at this version of the game.

During the following month Stem Dance Company of Bangalore will be performing in Swansea, Cardiff and Abergavenny. Stem Dance have been working in collaboration with National Dance Company Wales over the past year and NDCW will undertake a tour of India in late November, early December 2011. The tour will include performances in Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi.

In November the Hay Festival Kerala will again take place in Trivandrum. This follows the success of the inaugural festival in 2010 and will take place from 18-20 November.

Swansea City’s first Premiership Game

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Yes, that’s right it will be Swansea City’s first premiership game tonight against Manchester City.I’m sure the Swansea City players and fans can’t wait!

Swansea will take on the likes of Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli at the Etihad Stadium tonight, Monday 15th August. It's sure to be an exciting season for Swansea City who will also welcome teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to the Liberty Stadium.
The first home match in the south Wales city will take place next Saturday, 20 August, against Wigan Athletic. And if you want to find out more about the home of Wales' only premiership team, take a look at visitswanseabay

Swansea kept 21 clean sheets in the Championship last season, and we’re hoping they can pick up where they left off tonight!

Good luck Swansea!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?...

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It is in fact one of the Worlds fastest electric cars! Don Wales will try to break the 137mph land speed record for electric cars this weekend at Carmarthenshire’s Pendine sands.

Don is in good company when it comes to setting speed records, his late grandfather Sir Malcolm Campbell and uncle Donald Campbell both hold world speed records, and when it comes to location, he couldn’t have picked a better spot!

Pendine sands has a rich history when it comes to setting land speed records, with a number of attempts made there in the early parts of the 20^th century, today Pendine sands is still a site for rally events as well as events such as kite buggying!

Welsh film debuts in America

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh film, "Sleep Furiously" premiered in New York’s Cinema Village on 29^th July with showings to follow in Chicago, Cleveland and San Francisco.

"Sleep Furiously" is a 90-minute documentary art film by Welsh director Gideon Koppel set in Trefeurig, Mid Wales where he grew up. Gideon won the coveted ‘Guardian First Film Award’ for the film which also features a soundtrack by Welsh musician, Aphex Twin.

Our colleagues in New York were lucky enough to catch up with director, Gideon Koppel to talk to him about the film and his links to Wales.

Koppel talks about his, "strong and significant" childhood memories of a local Welsh farm and how his view of a constantly evolving world is reflected in the film. You can read the full interview with Gideon on our Movie Watch page.

The film has received great reviews in the UK and is already starting to get glowing praise from its American critics. The online movie service, Fandor has posted some of the comments from American reviewers as well as making the film available to watch online.

International film festival announces line up

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Entries from USA, Germany, UK, Brazil, Israel, France, Norway, Australia, Ireland, India, New Zealand and Spain have been selected as finalists for the 2011 Iris Prize.

The 30 films to compete for the prize, the world's largest international gay and lesbian short film prize, have been announced by festival organisers in Cardiff, UK. The winner will be offered a chance to make a new short film with the prize valued at £25,000.

The films will screen during this year's Iris Prize Festival which takes place from October 5^th - 8^th in Cardiff.

"The shortlist for the 2011 Iris Prize once again represents the best of the best. Half of the short-listed films have been nominated by our partner festivals - film festivals from around the world that have their fingers on the pulse of upcoming gay and lesbian filmmaking talent. I'm confident that amongst this year's shortlist we have yet another winner deserving of the Iris Prize," said Christopher Racster, Iris Patron and LA based Producer.

"Iris is now recognised for supporting talented film makers from all over the world. Two shorts, made with the prize, have been produced since we launched in 2007 and a third is just about to start production later this month. Iris is more than just a trophy that gathers dust or a certificate that yellows on the wall. Iris is what film makers need - funding, support and guidance."

Wales v South Africa

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

11th September 2011.

Rugby World Cup match at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington- New Zealand.

Wales v Samoa

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

18th September 2011.

Rugby World Cup match at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton- New Zealand.

Wales v Namibia

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

26th September 2011.

Rugby World Cup match at Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth- New Zealand.

Wales v Fiji

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

2nd October 2011.

Rugby World Cup match at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton- New Zealand.

Wales V Montenegro

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

2nd September 2011.

UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Football match at Cardiff City Stadium.

www.faw.org.uk

Wales v England

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

6th September 2011.

UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Football match at Wembley Stadium, London.

www.faw.org.uk

Wales v Switzerland

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

7th October 2011.

UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Football match at Swansea Liberty Stadium.

www.faw.org.uk

Wales v Bulgaria

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

11th October 2011.

UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Football match at Vasil Levski Stadium, Sofia.

www.faw.org.uk

Wales World Trade Fair

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

1^st – 2^nd October 2011

Brecon/Abergavenny

The Wales World Trade Fair, now in its 5th year includes 50 stalls selling fairly traded goods from around the world.

As well as African dancing and drumming there will be tasty Zimbabwean, Welsh and Carribbean foods to try.

The event will run at the following venues:

Saturday, 1 October - Guild Hall, Brecon
Sunday, 2 October - Market Hall, Abergavenny, Wales

www.ilovezimbabwe.co.uk

Etape Cymru

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

9th October 2011

Etape Cymru is a 100 mile cycling challenge with over 6000ft of climbing. The route of stunning scenery starts and finishes in Wrexham and passes through the Clwydian Range- an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This event is only the second fully closed road event within the UK.

http://www.etape-cymru.co.uk

Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

20th October 2011

The Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards were launched a decade ago to give public recognition to producers excelling in their sectors and to raise the profile of Welsh food and drink throughout Wales and beyond.

The awards ceremony will make its North Wales debut, with Venue Cymru in Llandudno hosting the event on Thursday, October 20th, when the category winners will be revealed.

There are 16 categories in the independently judged Awards which aim to cater all areas of the food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors.

www.walesthetruetaste.co.uk

Wales Rally GB

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

10^th – 13^th November 2011

The 2011 Wales Rally GB will be the final round of the 2011 FIA (Federation Internationale de L’Automobile) World Rally Championship and as one of the UK's leading sporting events, boasts an unrivalled history and legacy. The event attracts the world's elite rally drivers who will descend on Wales for this legendary sporting encounter on 10-13 November 2011.

www.walesrallygb.com

Merthyr Rock 2011

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

2nd - 4th September 2011

A brand new music festival to Wales, Merthyr Rock is set in the historic grounds of Cyfartha Park.

Headliners for the festival include Ocean Colour Scene and The Blackout, with over 40 bands appearing across the weekend.

With top Welsh bands such as Funeral for a Friend, Attack! Attack! and Skindred, along with plenty of upcoming talent, Merthyr Rock will be sure to make its mark on the festival calendar.

For more information visit:
www.merthyrrock.com

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path: One of world’s best

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, West Wales has been named one of the world’s greatest hiking destinations in a recent list published by online travel advisor, Cheapflights.

The 186 mile trail was ranked in the top ten alongside world famous destinations such as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- Peru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The path passes 58 beaches and 14 harbours with some picturesque towns and villages to visit en-route including Tenby, St Davids and Solva.

To read the full article on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path visit Wales Online.

Millennium Stadium gains sustainability accolade

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Millennium Stadium has successfully achieved certification making it the UK's first certifiably sustainable event stadium.

The standard for Sustainability Management Systems for Events confirms the venue's commitment to managing the social, economic and environmental impact of events at the Millennium Stadium.

Achieving BS (British Standard) 8901 is a major feat for Cardiff's iconic stadium which was built in 1999 without many of the innovative design elements in new stadia.

The certificate comes less than one year after the stadium bid to improve its sustainability credentials in line with the standard - which was launched in September 2010.

"The Millennium Stadium is leading the way in sustainability throughout the UK events industry and I am extremely proud to receive the British Standard," said Millennium Stadium General Manager Gerry Toms.

"To attain the standard ahead of any other UK venue is a fantastic achievement and this is especially impressive when you consider the size and structure of our building, which was built over a decade ago.

Speaking about this success, Environment Minister, John Griffiths said: "Sustainable Development is all about making decisions that support the long term wellbeing of people and communities.

"I am delighted that Cardiff's iconic Millennium Stadium is first UK stadium to achieve this sustainability certification and that the organisation's hard work to attain high sustainability standards has been recognised.

"The stadium is also a signatory of the Welsh Government's Sustainable Development Charter, an initiative that encourages organisations across Wales to put sustainable development at the heart of their work.

"The success of the Millennium stadium reflects the Welsh Government's own commitment to sustainable development as Wales is one of only three countries in the world with a statutory duty to promote sustainable development."

Find out more on the Millennium Stadium website.

Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

They have passed the last test, and now the wait is almost over for the shortlisted taste finalists in the 10th annual Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards.

The Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards were launched a decade ago to give public recognition to producers excelling in their sectors and to raise the profile of Welsh food and drink throughout Wales and beyond.

The awards ceremony will make its North Wales debut, with Venue Cymru in Llandudno hosting the event on Thursday, October 20th, when the category winners will be revealed.

This year there were some 1,017 entries from 366 companies in the overall competition, with 67 shortlisted taste category finalists.

Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries said,

"The shortlisted taste finalists demonstrate the tremendous variety of products and skills of those working in the food and drink industry in Wales.

"We will also be revealing the shortlisted finalists in the remaining categories soon - including Eating Out - which are currently in the final stages.

"The awards ceremony in October, when the gold, silver and bronze award winners will be announced will be an exciting occasion."

There are 16 categories in the independently judged Awards which aim to cater all areas of the food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors.

The Awards have grown in popularity and stature, and are recognised by trade and consumers alike, and play an integral part in the Welsh Government’s food strategy, ‘Food for Wales, Food from Wales 2010-2020’.

For more information on the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards, please visit:

http://www.walesthetruetaste.co.uk/

Sporting Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales will be playing host to a number of sporting events this week, the Welsh Football team will welcome their Australian counterparts tonight and this Saturday the Welsh Rugby team will play England at the Millennium Stadium.

The Wales Australia football game will be a good warm up for some of the Swansea city players in the squad as they prepare for life in the Premier league, Swansea play their first game against Manchester city on Monday night.

The Welsh rugby squad will also be looking for a winning performance to make up for last Saturday and to get into winning ways for the upcoming Rugby World Cup!

Whatever the results though we’re sure it’ll be a great few days.

Brecon Jazz

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

12th - 14th August 2011

The internationally renowned Brecon Jazz Festival plays host to the top names from the world of jazz, featuring Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, Allen Toussaint and Monty Alexander as headliners for 2011.

This three-day event takes place at the Brecon Beacons National Park and attracts visitors from across the globe.

Over 100 jazz, blues and rock bands from Wales will also perform in pubs and venues across Brecon Town over the festival weekend as part of the Brecon Fringe Festival.

For further information on the Brecon Jazz Festival, please visit:

www.hayfestival.com/breconjazz

Cardiff's Caribbean influence

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 5 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago's visit this week, we got to see the preparations by South Wales Intercultural Community Arts for the 22nd MAS carnival which will take place tomorrow (Saturday 6 August) in Cardiff Bay. As the carnival is inspired by the world famous carnivals of Trinidad, the High Commissioner welcomed the opportunity to meet the organisers and see the costumes being prepared by the people who will be wearing and dancing in them!

He also gave an interview for Radio Cardiff's Lime Hour which is dedicated to Soca, a style of music from Trinidad and Tobago which will be broadcast at 11:00 -12:00 on Sunday 7 August. Lime is a Caribbean term, which means different things on different islands, but basically means relaxed social exchange.

The carnival parade will be leaving Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay and travelling up Bute Street at 11.30am, arriving at the Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend on Cardiff City Hall Lawn at 13.30.

Wales China Week

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 4 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Over the last five years Wales has celebrated its close links with the Chinese province of Chongqing by holding a Wales Week in March each year around St David’s Day and to celebrate all things Welsh.

This year for the first time ever the Bureau of Cultural Relationships, of the Chongqing Government is holding a Culture Week in Wales! It’s set to be a fantastic experience with Chinese acrobats and demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts from the region of Chongqing all on display.

So why not head down to the National Museum or the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to check things out.

As well as the cultural events, three co-operation agreements will be signed during the week between:

the Wales Millennium Centre and Chongqing Performing Arts Group
Chongqing and Wales National Libraries (a donation of 500 Chinese books also being made)
Chongqing Culture Bureau and the Welsh Government’s Culture Department.

The cultural week will run from 4th – 8th August. In 2006 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed linking Wales to the Chongqing Municipal Government.

The agreement commits the two Governments to working together in the areas of economic development, education and training, the environment, culture, governance and agriculture.

And that’s not all that’s happening between Wales and China, the Chinese Olympic Weightlifting team recently chose to base themselves in North Wales for a training camp in preparation for London 2012.

First Minister's Ramadan Message

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones sends his best wishes to Muslim communities across Wales.

The First Minister said:

"I would like to send my very best wishes to Muslims across Wales as the holy month of Ramadan begins. This is a very special time for the Muslim communities as families and friends join together in a period of prayer, reflection and contemplation.

"The Muslim communities of Wales make a huge contribution to our society. Ramadan teaches the values of patience, charity and compassion - the very same principles that are shared by people right across Wales.

"I would like to wish Muslims in Wales and across the world a blessed Ramadan, "Ramadan Kareem". "

Wales gear up for Rugby World Cup

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh team will be training in front of fans at the Millennium Stadium today, Tuesday 2nd August, in preparation for their warm up matches for the Rugby World Cup.

Thousands of young fans will get a chance to see their heroes put through their paces in advance of the competition which is taking place in New Zealand in September.

Links between Wales and New Zealand are strong, the Welsh coach Warren Gatland hails from down under and the New Zealand Paralympic team is one of a number of teams to select Wales as a training base in the run up to London 2012.

Wales - Trinidad and Tobago links given a boost

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Relations between Wales and Trinidad and Tobago were given a boost today (Tues 2nd Aug) when First Minister Carwyn Jones met the country’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Garvin Edward Timothy Nicholas.

Links between the two nations are already well established, with the Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic team choosing Cardiff as their base during the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

A Memorandum of Understanding between Wales and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee has been signed to confirm the decision.

The Caribbean team said the decision was based on their confidence in the facilities on offer in Cardiff and the support they will receive from experienced high performance staff who have worked for many years with Olympic teams.

Speaking after the meeting, the First Minister said:

“The bonds between our countries are already very strong and we will soon be welcoming to our capital the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team as they prepare for the 2012 Games. The decision shows that Wales has world-class facilities and infrastructure that Olympic teams from around the globe are looking for.

“Our talks today have focussed on how to further strengthen these links and how we can continue to work together on areas of common interest.”

Wales Chongqing Cultural Week

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 1 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time ever, the Bureau of Cultural Relationships, of the Chongqing Government is holding a Culture Week in Wales (4th – 8th August). This builds on the success of Wales Week's in Chongqing events, which have taken place around St David’s Day in Chongqing for the past 5 years. You can catch performances by an acrobatic troupe and demonstrations of traditional arts from the region of Chongqing by a group of artists.

You can see both for free between 5- 8 August:

Acrobats will peform at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. For your free tickets, please phone 029-2039-1391.
Wood carvers, leaf, syrup and sand painters will be at the National Museum, Cathays Park between 10:00- 17:00

International students praise Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of international students have been graduating from universities across Wales during the last two weeks.

Ms Syeda Sadiqha Kauser, from Bangalore India, graduating from Swansea Metropolitan University with an MBA in July 2011, said:

"My favourite memory is when I got the awesome chance to meet the First Minster of Wales; I was selected as the representative of Swansea Metropolitan University. It was a great feeling.

"While I was studying I was appointed an International Students Ambassador, which I enjoyed fully. I got the opportunity to meet different people from all around the world during the international student welcome programmes. I am also Vice President of the Indian Society at Swansea Metropolitan and a member of the MBA Students' Society.

And Chi-Mao Wang, Taiwan, a PhD in Geography at Aberystwyth University, explains:

"I got two scholarships to study here, an Aberystwyth International Post-graduate Research Studentship (AIPRS) from Aberystwyth University and one from the Rotary Club which encourages ambassadorial scholarship students to become involve in local society; this includes presentations in various Rotary Clubs whilst we are studying abroad. People in my school and all around here are so friendly and also living in student halls provided an excellent opportunity to make friends. It's an excellent studying environment."

There are 10 universities recruiting international students into Wales as well as the Conservatoire, for Music & Drama,. Along with all UK universities and higher education institutions, they are part of a UK-wide quality assessment system which measures their research and teaching.

A number of the top research specialisations in the UK are based in universities in Wales including:

an award winning Film School
the leading Civil Engineering department
the leading Optometry & Vision Sciences department
the leading Architecture School
two of the top rated Psychology Schools
one of the leading International Politics departments
one of the top Materials Technology departments
three of the top Theology and Religious Studies schools
the top Accounting and Finance department in the UK (according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise).

And the last RAE saw strong performances in Wales over a range of subjects from art and design to physics, with world-class achievement in a number of areas including:

civil engineering
electrical and electronic engineering
computer science and informatics
psychiatry and neuroscience
psychology
allied health professions
business and management
politics and international studies
town and country planning
Celtic studies.

Wales is also home to the all-Steinway Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, one of the largest and most progressive Library Schools in Britain, two Business Schools that achieved the sought-after Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) approval, a renowned Manufacturing Engineering Centre and a Government Charter Mark holding university.

The film Why Wales? shows current international students explaining why they chose to come to Wales.

Maori Musical Treat

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A musical group called Lava from Wellington, New Zealand, will be stopping off in Wales during their World tour and giving a performance at the National Botanical Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire.

The group, who describe themselves as an "eclectic and versatile acoustic folk/pop/Celtic band" have already been wowing audiences in Australia, America, Canada and Germany with their stunning close harmonies and easy-listening melodies.

Quite a few of our friends from New Zealand will be in Wales in the next few months, the New Zealand Paralympic team will be based here in the run up to London 2012, and our friends in New Zealand might spot one or two Welsh people down under during the upcoming Rugby World Cup!

Wales leads learning on climate change

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A new much anticipated book on how universities are educating students about climate change has just been published under the lead of a University of Wales Professor.

Pedagogy of Climate Change includes 10 chapters authored by UK and Australian academics, telescoping from institutional campus-wide approaches to climate change education right down to ways in which students are assessed on climate change issues.

The books lead editor is Professor Simon Haslett, Dean of the School of STEM at the University of Wales, who realised the need for the book after he organised a symposium of the same name for the Royal Geographical Society.

In collaboration with the University of Wales, academics from the University of Chester, University of Plymouth and the Higher Education Academy, as well as others, have worked together in the production of the book.

Simon Haslett, who is Professor of Physical Geography, said that "climate change education faces significant challenges at present due to the limited success of recent international summits such as Copenhagen and the fact that Europe has experienced two of its coldest winters for many years.

"The public and students are now more sceptical about the scientific basis of climate change, and it is the job of lecturers to provide them with the knowledge and understanding to properly evaluate reports that come via the media.

"What is worrying is the growing 'green fatigue' that students display, because the current generation have been taught about climate change throughout their school years and so are often fed up with hearing about it again at university.

"Lecturers and universities need to be innovative and engaging so that students take notice - after all, the current generation of students may be last graduates capable of effecting meaningful change before severe climate change impacts occur. This new book gives could examples of how academics and universities have turned it around."

The book, published by the Higher Education Academy, is freely available to download from their website, so that it may be available to all. The book was also presented by a University of Wales team at the Climate Change Showcase in Swansea this week, and copies are to be sent to all University of Wales institutions. The publication of this book is part of the University's wider contributions to education for sustainable development and global citizenship in Wales.

Cardiff marks one year to Olympics

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you want to try your hand at an Olympic event why not head down to Cardiff Bay today, there’ll be Players from Cardiff City, Cardiff Blues, Glamorgan cricket and Welsh Athletics.

Find out more on the BBC website

Chinese Weightlifting team to train in North Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Government and Anglo-Chinese Sports and Culture Association (ACSCA) in partnership with Bangor University, Welsh Weightlifting Federation, Gwynedd Council and Sport Wales have announced that the Chinese Olympic Weightlifting Team will be based in Bangor for their 2011 pre Games training camp in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

It is anticipated that the Chinese Weightlifting Association, comprising a team of up to 48 athletes, coaches and support staff, will be in Bangor from 4-10 August 2011.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said:

“I’m delighted that the Chinese Weightlifting Association has decided to choose Bangor as their pre-Games training base. This is a real coup for Wales as the team has such an impressive track record and have very high hopes for the 2012 Games. This has been an excellent partnership between the Welsh Government and Bangor University and I’d like to thank all those involved for their hard work. We look forward to welcoming the team to Wales next month, wish them well with their preparations and hope that this is the beginning of a long lasting friendship.”

Arguably the world’s greatest weightlifting team, China won 8 gold medals from 15 available at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Dr Herman Wang, Director of the Anglo-Chinese Sports& Culture Associationand on behalf of the Chinese Weightlifting Association, said:

"We look forward very much to the training camp this August in Bangor. All key agencies in Wales are working in partnership to provide a first class environment for the Chinese team to train in a beautiful part of Wales on the Menai Straits and in Snowdonia National Park. We deeply appreciate the support the Chinese weightlifting delegation has received so far.

“We hope, that through this opportunity, we can build good relationships to promote weightlifting development between two countries.”

Bangor University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John G Hughes, said:

“We greatly look forward to welcoming the team to Bangor University and were delighted with the reaction of the Chinese Olympic team, who were very impressed by what Bangor University has to offer. In addition to the Sporting and Conference facilities, the Chinese Olympic Weightlifting Team will also have access to expertise at our School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, where there is a long track record of assisting Olympic athletes and teams.”

Jonathan Roberts of the Welsh Weightlifting Federation said:

“The Welsh Weightlifting Federation is pleased to welcome the Chinese Olympic weightlifting team to Wales. We are privileged to have the World’s Greatest Weightlifters training in our country and it is a fitting tribute to past and present Welsh Weightlifters who themselves have won medals in every Commonwealth Games since 1954. It is hoped that the visit of the Chinese weightlifters will inspire a new generation of champion lifters in Wales.”

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards, said:

“The Council and its partners have been working hard to attract top athletes to train in the area in the run-up to the 2012 Games. We are delighted that this hard work has paid off and that the world-beating Chinese weightlifting team have confirmed that they will be using Gwynedd as their pre-Olympic base.

“We will be working hard to ensure that this high-profile visit will inspire children and young people across the county to take up sports as well as raising the profile of Gwynedd and Wales amongst the people of China.”

Paralympic Teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have also chosen Wales as their base for pre-Games training. The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Welsh Government and its athletes, including the high profile track and field team, will be based in Cardiff.

Wales will play host to the Amateur International Boxing Association 'Road to London' training camp which will be based in Cardiff. The camp will involve over 100 boxers and trainers from developing nations around the world. The Irish Triathlon team will be based at the world class facilities at Swansea University.

In total, it is anticipated that camps will involve over 800 athletes and support staff who will train in Wales in the lead in to the Games with a direct investment into the economy running into millions of pounds. Pre Games training camps also provide opportunities to develop sporting and cultural exchanges with countries that come to Wales and potential opportunities for children and local communities to get involved.

The 25th July marks a Year to Go until the first Olympic football match to be played at the Millennium Stadium which will be the first competitive action of the 2012 Games. The Stadium will host a total of 11 football matches played over eight days of the Olympic Programme, including a bronze medal match.

Contracts won by Welsh companies to date are valued in excess of £38m and include fourteen high value top tier contracts. The Royal Mint in Llantrisant’s contract for Medals and commemorative packs is a significant contract.

Wales is also set to benefit culturally from the Games. The Power of the Flame is just one of the Cultural Olympiad projects in Wales. Led by the Arts Council of Wales this £2.85 million programme is designed to use the London 2012 Games as a catalyst to inspire young people to achieve their very best in their chosen field.

Wales will have five major unique projects - under the banner of Power of the Flame: Cauldrons and furnaces – Bringing history to life; Following the Flame – A new history of the Olympic and Paralymic Games and the Welsh athletes since 1896 who have shared Wales’ success; Msanzi Cymru – Brining Wales and South Africa together in a major piece of theatre; Who’s flame is it anyway? - Increasing the voice of disabled people in Wales, includes a performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales of a 2012 symphonic work specially composed by an 18 year old; Kindling Talent – will be developed with Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the largest youth organisation in Europe. The 2012 Games will encourage the development of ambitious projects which will embrace culture and sport.

Olympics in Cardiff - one year to go

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It's a year until the London 2012 Olympics opens - in Cardiff!

Yes, the first event of the 2012 Olympic Games will be a football match at the Millennium Stadium in Wales' capital city on 25 July 2012. The official opening ceremony will then take place two days later in London.

Find out more on the BBC website

First Minister holds Wales – Korea trade talks

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones today (Mon 25^th July) met the Ambassador for the Republic of Korea to discuss increasing trade between Wales and South Korea.

Mr Jones met His Excellency Choo Kyu-ho at the Senedd. The Welsh Government has organised trade missions to South Korea and the major exports from Wales to the country are chemicals and metals.

Academic links were given a boost last year when the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) announced a new degree in Master of Design franchised with the Samsung Art & Design Institute (SADI), giving Korean students the opportunity to study in Cardiff.

The First Minister said:

"I extend a warm Welsh welcome to the Ambassador and our meeting was an excellent opportunity to discuss ideas for increasing trade and investment between Wales and South Korea.

"This month saw the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement came into force and this represents an opportunity to increase business relationships between our two countries in the coming years."

Olympic Weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With only a year to go until the UK hosts the Olympic Games 2012 community events are set to take place right across Wales for everyone to enjoy.

The celebrations are part of the London 2012 Open Weekend which kicks off this Friday.

Festivities are aimed at more than just sporting enthusiasts with arts, crafts and music events amongst the more traditional Olympic themed activities.

History buffs can find out more about past Games at events in both north and south Wales. The 'Following the Flame' exhibition in Anglesey celebrates Olympians and Paralympians past and present, whilst large city centre screens in Cardiff and Swansea will show interactive films with footage of Olympics gone by.

Sport blends with history at Conwy Quay where visitors can take part in medieval themed sporting activities and organisers at Flint Castle are hoping to draw in the crowds for a ‘Flash Mob’ dance.

Along the more traditional Olympic theme, organisers in Newport are running a ‘replica’ opening ceremony featuring local and national role models whilst in Caerphilly people can take part in a host of Olympic sports throughout the weekend.

In Machynlleth the Centre for Alternative Technology has organised a wild life festival and visitors in Cardiff can enjoy the carnival and vaudeville themed activities on offer at the Blysh festival. Other activities are also planned across Wales.

Wales’ Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Minister Huw Lewis said this was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to take advantage of the rippling effect the Olympic Games is having across the country. He said:

“Wales is already set to benefiting from the opportunities arising from London 2012 such as hosting Olympic events, offering training facilities for athletes and taking part in the Olympic Torch relay.

“This is a chance for everyone to take advantage of the build up to the games whilst enjoying time out at some great attractions across the country.”

For a full list of events and activities happening near you, visit the Open Weekend pages on the London 2012 website: http://www.london2012.com/open-weekend

Longest train station name's new home in US

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

On Friday 15^th July a sign with the longest name of any train station in the world was unveiled at the railway depot in Remsen, New York.

The sign was a gift from the Welsh Government to the people of Remsen and will remain permanently on the station platform in Remsen in Oneida County, New York, a picturesque part of upstate New York in the Adirondack Park.

The original sign stands on the station of a village in the beautiful island of Anglesey in Wales, the current home to the royal couple Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge.

In the 19^th century, the citizens of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll came up with an ingenious plan to lengthen the name of the train station in order to attract the new railway tourists of the time.

Now travelers on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad will be able to enjoy the sign when the train pulls through Remsen on its journey across the Adirondack Park. The train carries up to 200 passengers and passes Remsen station at least twice a week in the summer months. In addition, the special event trains stop in Remsen for 20 minutes.

The colorful unveiling ceremony was celebrated with a band, speeches, and visitors had a taste of Penderyn Welsh whisky, Ty Nant water, Collier's Welsh cheddar, Patchwork Pate and Welshcakes supplied by the local community who are mostly of Welsh descent. Attendees were welcomed by Alan Heywood fully dressed in his Station Master uniform.

The Welsh Government representative in New York, Catrin Brace said:

"Our relationship with Remsen goes back several years, when we began to work with the Remsen Development Corporation, to help develop Remsen as a unique Welsh village in America. We are delighted to unveil this replica sign on Remsen's historic station. It's a marvellous opportunity to celebrate the connection that the communities of Remsen, Steuben and Utica have with Wales. From the late eighteenth century, Welsh settlers came to farm, quarry slate and set up printing presses in this beautiful part of upstate New York and the Welsh Government is proud to celebrate this important part of our Welsh -American heritage."

Find out more about our Welsh-American links on our US pages

Tidal stream energy generator

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales’ first full scale tidal stream energy generator has been given the go-ahead following a £6.4m EU funding boost.

The funding will enable the unique £11m DeltaStream device, which will generate clean electricity from the tides off the West Wales coast, to be manufactured ready for installation in 2012.

Backed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the funding provides a vital source of support for Welsh marine renewable energy company, Tidal Energy, in the development of a low-impact, sustainable source of electricity and a long-term business opportunity for Wales.

Announcing the funding, the First Minister said:

“Investing in renewable energy technologies is vital to build a low carbon economy and help drive forward Wales’ ambitions to become a more sustainable nation. We are committed to promoting the generation of clean electricity while protecting our natural environment.

“There is huge potential for marine energy in Wales and projects like DeltaStream will not only help meet our energy targets, but will provide further opportunities for local communities as well as businesses, creating both environmental and economic benefits.”

Invented by Pembrokeshire engineer Richard Ayre - following initial EU funding in 2009 - DeltaStream sits on the sea bed without foundations and uses tidal currents to generate clean electricity. It has been designed to minimise impact on the environment.

The device will be sited in Ramsay Sound, Pembrokeshire, and during the 12-month demonstration period will provide a sustainable source of electricity to the people of St Davids.

Consent for the DeltaStream demonstration project was granted by the Welsh Government and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in March this year.

Managing Director of Tidal Energy Ltd, Martin Murphy, said:

“This funding announcement comes at a pivotal stage in the project, and will provide Wales with a unique opportunity to develop and demonstrate a home-grown tidal stream technology.

"The next step for the scheme will be the manufacture of the DeltaStream device, ready for installation in 2012. Procurement for the fabrication and installation of DeltaStream is underway and the project will create a significant number of green jobs.”

Tidal Energy Ltd is backed by Cardiff based renewable energy company Eco2 Ltd. Eco2 has been recognised as being among Wales’ largest renewable development companies and has developed projects in biomass, wind and landfill gas. Its shareholders have provided £4.5 million of funds for the development and proving of the DeltaStream device.

Chief Executive of Eco2 Ltd, David Williams, said:

“This funding decision is crucial to the success of the project. We believe the DeltaStream device to be a world class product which combines innovative blade design with portability and high efficiency."

Royal Welsh

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Royal Welsh Show, Wales' premier agricultural event has been in full swing over the last few days, with over 60,000 people visiting the show on Tuesday. Today, Wednesday 20^th July, will see HRH The Duke of Kent visiting the show.

During a busy itinerary the Duke will see the open all nations sheep shearing competition, the judging of the sheep pairs championship, and the Fitzhugh championship of beef cattle.

The Royal Welsh is famous for its spectacular displays of welsh cobs. They attract visitors from across the UK and from many overseas countries who come to the Show especially to watch the cobs as they demonstrate their superb floating action in the main ring.

Other highlights include the Royal Welsh Food Hall. There you can see and sample some of the tastes of Wales - Welsh meats, dairy products including many famous Welsh cheeses, wines, delicacies, fruits, preserves, honey and other products of the land and sea.

Come out to play

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cross-dressing, shipwreck and a bizarre love triangle are on the menu at the National Botanic Garden of Wales this month.

Taking Flight Theatre are back at the Carmarthenshire attraction on Sunday July 31 with their production of Twelfth Night.

The players will give two performances of the bitter-sweet Shakespeare comedy at 12noon and 4pm.

Taking Flight, the UK only integrated outdoor theatre company, is promising a "bright and funky" promenade, outdoor performance with live music - supported with British Sign Language throughout. The performance is accessible for wheelchair users.

Why not bring a picnic (and your own low-backed seating, rugs etc)? Normal Garden admission applies, no additional charge to watch the play.

For more information, call 01558 667149, email info@gardenofwales.org.uk or go to gardenofwales.org.uk

South Wales castle reopens following refurbishment

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The first phase of an ambitious project designed to improve access to Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles, Swansea, was officially unveiled at the weekend.

A spectacular 10m high glass bridge has been installed allowing visitors into a part of the castle called Alina’s Chapel for the first time in hundreds of years. From the chapel there are spectacular views across Swansea Bay.

The chapel which is traditionally linked to Alina de Breos, daughter of William de Breos III, Lord of Gower, was added to the castle in the 14th century and is its highest point.

A number of other works have also been undertaken at the castle. These include a new visitor centre and outside activities area.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said:

“Oystermouth Castle is a great example of the terrific ancient buildings we have in Wales. Castles such as this are a physical reminder of our rich heritage and tell the story of our nation. The Welsh Government is delighted to be helping to fund the restoration work that will make the site a first-class attraction for Mumbles and Swansea and preserves the castle for future generations.”

For more information go to the Oystermouth Castle visitor pages

Why over 13000 international students chose Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales International Consortium has launched a new promotional film about higher education in Wales.

The film follows Liana Stewart, a University of Wales Newport graduate as she journeys through Wales to discover why over 13,000 students from outside Europe have chosen to study in Wales, UK, this year.

The journey takes her through Fashion Design courses at University of Wales Newport, Music at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University, Motorbike Engineering at Swansea Metropolitan University, Environmental & Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University and Cognitive Neuroscience at Bangor University.

Along the way she sees some of the best cityscapes and landscapes in Wales including the gorges of the Brecon Beacons and the breathtaking view from the top of Snowdon.

Virginia West, Director, Wales international Consortium said, "When we commissioned On-Par productions we wanted to go beyond the usual promotional film. In choosing to let international students talk about why they love Wales we have created a very simple and very effective film. Combined with stunning landscapes, we’ve simply let international students and Wales talk for itself."

Dr. Peter Noyes, University of Wales Newport Vice Chancellor and WIC Board Chairman said, "The film is quite touching. Some of the views literally take your breath away but in addition the international students are so clearly very happy in their studies and delighted that they chose to study in Wales. We couldn’t have better ambassadors for higher education in Wales. "

Why Wales? from Wales International Consortium on Vimeo.

Wales Chongqing Cultural Week

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time ever, the Bureau of Cultural Relationships, of the Chongqing Government is holding a Culture Week in Wales (4th – 8th August). This builds on the success of the Wales Week in Chongqing events, which have taken place around St David’s Day in Chongqing for the past 5 years.

You can catch performances by an acrobatic troupe and demonstrations of traditional arts from the region of Chongqing by a group of artists.

You can see both for free between 5 - 8 August:

Acrobats will peform at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. For your free tickets, please phone 02920 391391.
Wood carvers, leaf, syrup and sand painters will be at the National Museum, Cathays Park between 10:00 - 17:00

China Expo garden made in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has been chosen to come up with a bespoke design to grace the Eigth China International Garden Expo.

It's the first time that China's premier exhibition has been staged in Chongqing - Wales' regional partner in China. In building social bridges and breaking down cultural barriers, horticulture and the love of planting have a major role to play but to replicate the Welsh landscape in subtropical climes is no simple task.

Rupert Jensen is the Garden's man on a mission. Read his exclusive report from the latest edition of the Garden's magazine Yr Ardd.

Welsh Scientist given top NASA award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Harries, has been awarded the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most prestigious civilian honour in recognition of his distinguished public service in advancing knowledge of the Earth's atmosphere and climate changeThe Welsh Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Harries, has been awarded the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most prestigious civilian honour in recognition of his distinguished public service in advancing knowledge of the Earth's atmosphere and climate change

The Distinguished Public Service Medal is the highest honour NASA awards to anyone who was not a U.S. government employee when the service was performed. The contribution must be so extraordinary that the other forms of recognition by NASA would be inadequate.

A renowned atmospheric physicist, Professor John Harries has advanced remote sensing technologies and made a number of scientific discoveries that have contributed greatly to achieving NASA's goal of improving knowledge of Earth's atmosphere and climate system. He is particularly known for leading the team that produced the first direct observational evidence of an increase in the Earth's greenhouse effect. Published in 2001 in the journal Nature, this research provided fundamental evidence that significant rises in the emission of greenhouse gases - such as carbon dioxide and methane - are responsible for warming the Earth.

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said:

“I’m delighted that John Harries’ achievements have been recognised on an international level. This award from NASA is fully deserved.

“Not only is it a significant recognition of his own personal achievement, but it’s also a significant accolade to Wales and to the Welsh Government that we are able to draw on the advice of such a distinguished and internationally recognised scientist.

“As our Chief Scientific Adviser, John acts as the head of the scientific profession within the Welsh Government, leading, encouraging and supporting all our scientists in their work.

“As a Government, we fully recognise the importance of attracting and using the best researchers, on commercialising research to build a stronger and sustainable economy for Wales, matched with developing and retaining the scientific and technical skills to do that successfully. Professor Harries’ knowledge, expertise and international standing will help us considerably to achieve our ambitions for Wales.”

Accepting the award, Professor John Harries said:

“It is an honour and a privilege to accept this award. I would like to pay particular tribute to my many colleagues from across the World that I have had the good fortune to work with over the years, in particular friends and colleagues at NASA’s Langley Research Centre, in Virginia.”

“This award is a testament to their commitment, dedication and professionalism to advancing our knowledge and understanding of science, and to discovering the answers to many of the most challenging scientific dilemmas of our time – such as advancing humankind’s knowledge of the Earth's atmosphere and climate system.”

Lelia Vann, director of Science at NASA’s Langley Research Center, said:

“Professor Harries has provided exemplary scientific service that has greatly benefited NASA over the past 35 years, beginning with his studies of ozone depletion in the mid-1970s and, for the past two decades, leading innovative research into global climate change. His active work with NASA science teams has been invaluable in advancing our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere and the climate system.”

Marty Mlynczak, a leading NASA scientist, added:

“I’ve been fortunate to know John for my entire NASA career. His scientific knowledge is vast and he is also one of the nicest people to work within the entire field. He continues to play a leading role in developing new techniques for the measurement of climate change from satellites.”

Wales’s West Wing…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

No, not the highly acclaimed US political series, but six new contemporary Art Galleries know as the West Wing that will be home to a World Class Collection of Art

A new £6.5m museum showcasing Welsh and Welsh-owned art is to open to the public in Cardiff tomorrow, Saturday 9^th July.

There is a wide range of art on display with works by artists including Josef Herman, Bedwyr Williams, Francis Bacon and Richard Long.

The National Museum of Art will be a fantastic compliment to the already rich cultural heritage Wales has and will be sure to boost the reputation of Cardiff as a European city of culture.

Welsh organisations showcase skills

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Eleven Welsh organisations have won the right to ‘Showcase’ at the world's largest international skills competition

Ten colleges and mid Wales based Cambrian Training have all been successful in their bid to gain Showcase status at international Worldskills event which is taking place in London’s ExCeL Centre between the 5th and 8th October 2011. It is the first time the event has been held in the UK for over twenty years.

The Showcasing will range from building a traditional Yurt (Coleg Harlech), professional boatbuilding (Pembrokeshire College) to a masterclass in Welsh butchery skills (Cambrian Training Company). Coleg Menai will deliver three showcases; the only Welsh organisation to do so. Other successful colleges include: Coleg Gwent, Coleg Glan Hafren, Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Morgannwg, Deeside College, Coleg Sir Gar and The College Ystrad Mynach.

The event, which will see young people from across the globe competing to be the best of the best in their chosen field, is expected to attract 1,000 competitors from over 50 countries – competing in 46 separate skills competitions – and a massive 150,000 visitors.

The job of the Showcasing organisations is to inspire the visitors and competitors and help them to consider a wide range of possibilities for their future jobs and careers. Visitors can also ‘Have a Go’ at hundreds of different skills and get expert information, advice and guidance

Speaking about the Welsh colleges’ success in securing showcase status, the Deputy Minister said:

“I understand that colleges and training providers from across the UK applied in their hundreds to gain international Showcase status at this event, so I am extremely proud that ten colleges and a work based training provider from Wales have been selected.

“With this number of Welsh providers Showcasing, we are certainly punching above our weight and this is an excellent endorsement not only of the high quality of provision here in Wales, but also of our determination to engage with, and learn from education systems from around the world.”

The successful eleven have been assessed by both a Welsh and UK wide panel to ensure they comply with the high standards required for the Worldskills event.

Come October they will all be put under the spotlight when they stage a highly visual, entertainment-led programme of displays, workshops and demonstrations.

The Colleges will also highlight and promote a diverse range of skills from boat building to musical theatre, from culinary arts to woodcraft and from iron casting to creative industries.

Aidan Jones, Executive Director of WorldSkills London 2011, said:

“The huge range of Showcasing ideas that poured in from colleges across the UK is really impressive. With 150,000 visitors to the WorldSkills London 2011 Competition, the Showcase stages will demonstrate the widest range of skills that shape our world and be a really exciting part of the biggest, most inspirational and visual display of careers ever seen in the UK – all under one roof!”

With 46 skills on display ranging from fashion technology to mobile robotics, WorldSkills London 2011 is as varied as it is exciting and viewed by experts from around the globe as a highly prestigious event.

What links India and Wales?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 7 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Well, Welsh and Indian culture share a love of music, literature and the arts, and you don’t need to look far to see this, from the World renowned Hay festival being hosted in Kerala India to the exchanges that take place between our two nations. In January of this year there was the Wales-Rajasthan Arts exchange.

And more recently poets from India visited Wales to take part in the writers-chain; an initiative to promote links between India and Wales. the Malayalee literary legend K. Satchidanandan, the young Tamil poet Meena Kandasamy, Mumbai-based Bengali poet Sampurna Chattarji and Robin Ngangom - a poet and editor from North East India who writes in both English and Manipuri all arrived to take part in a series of events to help strengthen the ever growing relationship between Indian and Welsh literature.

On 24 - 29 June, they gathered at Ty Newyd National Writers' Centre for Wales to work on translations from Bengali, Malayalam, Manipuri and Tamil into Welsh and vice versa. You can read/listen to how it went on the British Council Voices blog post.

Welsh producers head to America

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 6 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh food and drink producers are preparing to travel across the pond for North America’s largest specialist food and drink marketplace, the Summer Fancy Food Show.

Traditionally held in New York, this year’s event will be hosted by the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the US capital, Washington DC.

Exhibiting at the event in the Welsh Government organised True Taste of Wales pavilion will be five Welsh companies: Llanllyr Water, Kealth Foods Ltd, The Anglesey Sea Salt Company, The Patchwork Traditional Food Company, and Wholebake Ltd.

Now in its 57th year the Show attracts more than 2,400 exhibitors showing 180,000 products from over 80 countries; and, for more than half a century, the Summer and Winter Fancy Food Shows have been North America’s largest specialist food and drink market place.

The Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Alun Davies said:

"The Summer Fancy Food Show has been a feature of the international culinary calendar for more than half a century, and I am very pleased to see Welsh food and drink companies continuing to take part in such an important world-wide showcase.

"The True Taste of Wales pavilion highlights some of the fantastic produce we have to offer, and I hope many of the show's visitors will take the opportunity to sample and learn more about our award-winning food and drink, and perhaps think about visiting Wales and experiencing the warm – and flavour-filled – welcome awaiting them."

Winner of numerous awards, including for export, Llanllyr Water is served at top restaurants and hotels around the world.The water is drawn from certified organic land and Llanllyr will shortly become a carbon neutral company.The company was recently accredited with a Green Dragon Award, which recognises effective environmental management, by companies. In Washington DC Llanllyr will be exhibiting its premium spring water, which is produced in still and sparkling variants in glass bottles (750ml, 500ml, 330ml) and 100% recyclable cans (330ml). However, behind the contemporary product is a centuries old story as the water’s source is on land used by a Cistercian nunnery over 800 years ago, and indeed St Madomonic is said to have established a hermitage on the site in the 6th century.

Baby and specialist meal producer, Kealth Foods Ltd, will be exhibiting its own brand of baby food - Truly Scrummy Organic – which it plans to launch into the US market. Carefully developed for babies’ budding tastes and needs, and featuring traditional recipes and quality organic ingredients, Truly Scrummy Organic is currently available in Sainsbury’s stores. Kealth Foods has become the most experienced baby food manufacturer in the UK using ambient, sterile pouches; manufacturing for leading baby food brands such as Ella’s Kitchen, Organix, Little Dish and Zilli, as well as Asda. The company was originally established to produce dysphagic meals for patients in hospitals - dysphagia being any form of swallowing and chewing difficulties. It is now a leading supplier to the NHS, its range also including allergy aware meals, vegan meals and meals for patients with kidney problems.

The Anglesey Sea Salt Company hand harvests sea salt from the Menai Straits on the North Wales coast. The company’s Halen Môn sea salt range is used by top chefs and restaurants across the world who use it in savoury and sweet dishes alike. The family-run business also creates stunning taste sensations by blending the salt with spices and smoking it over Welsh oak. New to the range is the Halen Môn Ceramic Sea Salt jar. Ready packed with 100g pure white flakes of Halen Môn Sea Salt, it includes a special commemorative limited edition variety containing salt harvested on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding day, along with an on-line competition. Sold on line, in delicatessens, national UK retailers Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, Halen Môn can be found across the globe in 22 countries – including the US.

One of the UK’s oldest artisan family food producers The Patchwork Traditional Food Company’s story began nearly 30 years ago when mother of three Margaret Carter started making pâté at her home in Ruthin, North Wales to supplement her family’s income. Three decades later Patchwork has become a multi-award-winning company selling its range of pâtés, pies, terrines, relishes, desserts and ice creams at home and abroad, online at www.patchwork-pate.co.uk, with the pâtés also available in retailers in the tri-state area of the US. Although now manufactured in commercial kitchens instead of Margaret’s home, the family-run company has maintained the same production ethos – all the products are hand-made in small batches with no artificial colourings, additives or preservatives, and follows Margaret’s dedication to ‘delighting lovers of fine food.’ At the Summer Fancy Food Show, Patchwork will beshowing three chicken liver pâtés (Brandy and herb, Mushroom & Garlic, Tequila & Cranberry) along with four vegetarian pâtés (Sun Dried Tomato, Stilton & Guinness, and Spinach & Nutmeg, Snowdonia Cheddar with Welsh Ale & Chives), Smoked Salmon mousse, and for the sweet-toothed a Chocolate Terrine with Baileys Irish Cream.

Healthy snackbar producer Wholebake Ltd will be showing it’s newly re-branded natural seed bars, 9bar. The uniquely nutritious range of 100% natural seed bars sell in over 3,000 outlets including major UK supermarkets. High in polyunsaturates with no-transfats 9bars are suitable for vegetarians and are gluten, dairy and wheat free.

Happy 4th July!!!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happy 4^th July to all our American friends!!!

America and Wales have a close history that goes back at least as far as the early 1700s and around 2 million people in America have Welsh ancestry. Americans of Welsh descent have helped shape the History of the United States, and today the ties between our two nations are as strong as ever.

If you want to research into your Welsh ancestry the National Museum of Wales has a wealth of resources for searching out your Welsh ancestry and the peoples collection Website has a host of information and tools to help you.

And if you want a taste of Wales and are in Washington DC next week be sure to check out the Welsh companies at the Summer Fancy Food show - North America’s largest specialist food and drink marketplace.

American Independence Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As the US celebrates Independence Day, First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones has spoken of the many ties between the people of Wales and America, and looked towards a future of continued cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

The First Minister said:

“On behalf of the people of Wales, I would like to send my warmest wishes to the American people as they celebrate Independence Day.

“Welsh-Americans have played an important role throughout American history. It is said that signatories of the Declaration of Independence were of Welsh descent, and Presidents Jefferson, Adams and Coolidge could all trace their heritage back to Wales. Let’s not forget, of course, that the current US Secretary of State has firm Welsh roots.”

Responding to the First Minister, US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr Louis B. Susman, said:

“As we celebrate Fourth of July many miles from home, it is wonderful to know that our friends in Wales are thinking of us on this special day. So I want to thank you for your warm words of congratulation.

“We are ever grateful for the contribution of Welsh-Americans to our national story. I have no doubt that, united by historical and contemporary bonds, Wales will be crucial to our shared aspirations for a brighter future.”

As Wales seeks to expand its business and trading links with the US, the First Minister stressed the importance of the American market to the Welsh economy. Next week, five Welsh Companies will head out to Washington DC to showcase some of the best food that Wales has to offer:

“Today, we have an opportunity to build on the friendship between our two countries as we look to promote Wales to an American audience. The Ryder Cup was, of course, one of the best possible showcases for Wales and now we’re continuing to build on this by promoting our world-class produce at events such as the Summer Fancy Food show - North America’s largest specialist food and drink marketplace. I’m sure that the Welsh companies heading out to Washington will leave a lasting impression on visitors to the show, tapping in to a vital market for our businesses.”

Happy Canada Day!!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Canada Day!!

We here in Wales would like to say a Happy Canada Day! To all our friends in Canada, we hope you have a fantastic day!

Wales and Canada have a long history, in 2006 around 440,965 Canadians identified themselves as having some Welsh descent with the province of Alberta recoding the highest numbers. Many Welsh people moved to the province at the start of the 20^th century from the Coal and Industrial regions of Wales to work in the mines around Edmonton.

"Canada's Greatest Geographer." David Thompson was a Welsh mapmaker who covered 130,000 kilometres on foot and surveyed most of the Canada-United States border in the early days of exploration. A truly remarkable feat.

So the ties that bind our two nations are strong!

Happy Canada Day From everyone here in Wales!

Welsh student to represent the UK on World Stage

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Carmarthenshire student has been selected to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the UK at WorldSkills London 2011.

David Bowen, who is working towards a BTEC National Diploma in IT at Coleg Sir Gâr, will compete against others from all over the world in web design. He is the only member of the team from Wales.

WorldSkills London 2011, which takes place at ExCeL from 5-8 October 2011, will be the world’s largest international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the ‘best of the best’.At the competition, 1000 competitors from over 50 countries will compete in 46 skill areas over four exciting days. The event will also offer visitors impartial advice and guidance on careers and apprenticeships.

David, who is 18, was selected as part of the 43-strong UK team after taking part in a four day selection competition in June. His route to this success included winning the silver medal at the WorldSkills UK Web Design competition in 2010, and prior to this winning the top place in the skillscompetition Wales web design competition earlier that year; one of the many skills competitions funded by the Welsh Government with the support of the European Social Fund.

During the tough international competition David, who built his first website when he was 12, will have to build and design a website in just 20 hours.

To celebrate his inclusion in Team UK, David joined the 42 other members of the team for a reception at Buckingham Palace.

Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert, said:

“I am delighted that David has been selected as part for the UK team for WorldSkills 2011. His selection is testimony to his talent and hard work, and I’m sure he will do Wales proud.

"I hope David’s achievements will be an inspiration to other people who are considering vocational training as a path to future success.”

David said:

“It’s a great honour to be selected for WorldSkills and I’m looking forward to competing against the best in the world. Being involved in this event has been a big-boost to my confidence and I have learned a lot competing and training for the finals.

"In the long term, I'm definitely interested in a career in web design. I'd prefer an apprenticeship to university, as I'm much more of a hands-on practical kind of person. It’s also great that local companies like James Good Limited have provided training in my skill area, meaning I was able to gain industrial experience in my skill.”

The members of Team UK have been and will continue to be supported in their training by Edge, the independent education foundation, the Premier Supporter of Squad and Team UK and Brathay Trust, the Premier Training and Development Partner of Squad and Team UK.

Duke and Duchess of Cornwall’s visit

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall’s annual week-long tour of Wales began yesterday. This year’s tour is focussing on promoting tourism, supporting the royal couple’s charities, and the green economy. Today the Duchess of Cornwall met contributors, supporters, and curators of The Cardiff Story Museum, before opening Phase 1 of the project. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales will see recycling initiatives and an anaerobic digester during a visit to All Waste Services Limited, Old Saw Mills, Llangadog.

Other highlights of the royal couple’s visit, include a reception, hosted by the Prince of Wales, to launch the Cambrian Mountains Ambassadors Scheme, which aims to promote rural enterprise, protect the environment and sustainable tourism in mid Wales, at his Welsh home, Llynywermod, near Llandovery. Llwynywermod was bought by the Duchy of Cornwall in November 2006, with completion in April 2007. His Royal Highness, as both Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales, was for some time keen for the Duchy to purchase a property in Wales. Llwynywermod is used by The Prince and The Duchess when they are in Wales on their regular visits and annual summer tour.

Richard Burton tribute for Music and Drama College

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A bust of late actor Richard Burton was unveiled at the opening of the £22.5 million refurbishment of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) yesterday.

Events are taking place over the next few days to celebrate the opening of the new building which includes new rehearsal space, a 450 seat concert hall and the 160 seat Richard Burton theatre.

See photos and find out more on the RWCMD blog and at Wales Online

Strengthening the links with Wales’ Celtic Cousins

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales’ special relationship with Brittany will be given a further boost today (Friday 24 June) when First Minister Carwyn Jones addresses the Breton Regional Council in Rennes, renewing the Welsh Government’s commitment to further cooperation between the two countries.

The First Minister was invited to Brittany by Monsieur Jean-Yves le Drian, President of the Regional Council.

Reflecting on the common ties between Wales and Brittany, the First Minister will praise the co-operation between the two countries on areas including culture, language, health, agriculture and sustainable development. He will say that the partnership is continuing to deliver real mutual benefit:

“By working together we shape and influence policy on an international stage and further promote the role of regional governments. Wales and Brittany are both longstanding members of The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR). With our work on Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy reform CPMR is an example of how regional cooperation can have real benefits.”

The First Minister will identify areas where the Welsh and Breton Governments could develop their work together, particularly in relation to climate change and a possible joint-bid to EuropeAid to increase the amount of community level engagement with sub Saharan Africa.

Monsieur Le Drian and the First Minister will later sign a document reaffirming continued co-operation between Wales and Brittany.

Indian poets come to exchange words in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Poetry from India will find a new Welsh voice later this month at the start of a unique collaboration between Indian and Welsh poets. British Council and Wales Arts Internationals India - Wales Writers Chain 2010-2012 project brings together eight renowned poets - four working in Welsh and four in a range of Indian languages, for an exciting program organised by Wales Literature Exchange.

Welsh poets Menna Elfyn, Eurig Salisbury, Hywel Griffiths and Karen Owen will spend a week collaborating with four Indian poets: the Malayalee literary legend K. Satchidanandan, the radical and outspoken young Tamil poet Meena Kandasamy, Mumbai-based Bengali poet Sampurna Chattarji and Robin Ngangom - a poet and editor from North East India.

India-Wales Writers Chain 2010-2012 was launched last year at Hay Festival Kerala and aims to build cultural connections between Wales and India through literature. It has been developed by the British Council in partnership with Wales Arts International, and is generously supported by the Welsh Government.

From 24 - 29 June the poets will be based at Ty Newydd National Writers’ Centre for Wales, working on translations that will see Welsh poetry travel into Bengali, Malayalam, Manipuri and Tamil. In turn the Welsh writers will introduce a colourful seam of contemporary Indian poetry into the Welsh language for the first time ever and a new audience here in Wales.

An evening reading will be held in Bangor at the Blue Sky Cafe on Sunday, 26 June, where the poets will perform their work in progress and talk about the literary alchemy of translation.

On Wednesday, 29 June, poetry lovers in Aberystwyth will be able to take part in a dinner in which they can enjoy an innovative performance of poetry, movement and language by the Indian and Welsh poets while enjoying the food at the renowned Ultracomida.

This project marks a growing relationship between Indian and Welsh literature with many contemporary Welsh novels and poems already translated and published in India in a variety of languages, much of which could not have been achieved without the support of Wales Literature Exchange, Literature Across Frontiers, Ty Newydd and Hay Festivals.

Mumbai-based Bengali poet Sampurna Chattarji told us:

"The exchange is important to me as it’s another link in that powerful chain forged out of friendship, poetry, and the mysterious affinity between languages. I hope to achieve a deeper understanding of Welsh poetic traditions and have the chance to share my own work, context and concerns with my fellow Welsh poets.

I’m particularly looking forward to meeting the poets who I have so far met only via their poems (and Facebook)! I find nothing comes close to the richness of real-time-and-space conversations, dialogue and exchange."

Louise Wright, Senior Arts Advisor, British Council Wales, said:

"It is a pleasure to welcome such distinguished writers from India to audiences in Wales, especially after the overwhelming response poets from Wales received at the Hay festival in Kerala last year. These exciting activities highlight the close cultural connections forged between writers in Wales and India developed over the last 3 years by partners, supported by British Council initiatives. This series of events provides a further opportunity for participants to explore and deepen understanding of each others cultural experiences across language and to access new audiences and markets, while promoting international collaboration and creative exchange."

Sioned Puw Rowlands, Director of Wales Literature Exchange said:

"The Writers’ Chain project fosters relationships between the Welsh and Indian literary scene. We have already made progress with the forthcoming release this autumn of three anthologies of Welsh short fiction in Tamil, Bengali and Malayalam. This phase of the project will bring to light for Welsh audiences the poetic trends and literary revolutions that are currently taking place all over the Indian continent. We’re also continuing the work of helping both emerging and established Welsh writers get their works translated into the languages of one of the fastest growing publishing markets in the world."

Harry McIver, Co-director, Wales Arts International said:

"Wales Arts International is delighted that eight renowned poets are coming together at the National Writers Centre for Wales to explore and celebrate their literatures and cultures and to create new translations for audiences in Wales. Multilingualism, the diversity of language and creative collaboration are at the heart of the Writers Chain program, which aims to connect writers, publishers, translators and readers in Wales and India. This exciting activity follows a series of events, initiated by Wales Arts International and British Council over the last three years, which has seen Welsh authors starring at major Indian literary festivals, Indian translators journeying to Wales to understand the roots of our literatures and school children in Wales and India connecting digitally to share their passion for words. We look forward to a great exchange of literature and ideas between Wales and India in the year ahead as this exciting program continues to develop."

Dance around the world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

25 June

Cardiff Library
12:00 - 17:00

Free Dance Festival featuring performances from all over the world:
Street, Hip hop, Ceroc, African, Ballroom, Appalachian, Chinese Fan, Bengali, Zumba, Latin American, Portuguese, Flamenco, Bollywood.

See the Dance around the World flyer for more details or visit the Cardiff Library events page.

Welsh composer's new work premieres in Hungary

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New work by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, will premiere in Hungary this week. The Bards of Wales / Beirdd Cymru is based on the iconic ballad by Hungarian poet János Arany.

Commissioned by Concer Masters International, the world premiere of The Bards of Wales cantata will be held at 19.30 on Tuesday, 21 June 2011 in Budapest at the Palace of Arts (MÜPA). It will be performed by Kodály Choir of Debrecen, Cantemus Choir of Nyíregyáza, Cor Caerdydd of Cardiff, The English Concert Singers and Symphonic Orchestra of MÁV and will be conducted by Karl Jenkins himself.

For more information view the prospectus for the project at Concert Masters International or go to the British Embassy in Hungary's website.

Welsh Performances at Edinburgh Showcase 2011

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The British Council's Edinburgh Showcase 2011 will give three of Wales' most innovative companies along with 26 other UK companies, a global platform like never before, with 70% of all UK performers making their debut. The Showcase will present Welsh language New Writing as well as dance for the first time, and the opportunity to engage with audiences worldwide through digital media.

The Showcase will take place from 22 - 27 August, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since the British Council's first Showcase in 1997, the event has given 146 drama and dance companies the opportunity to present their work to international delegates and subsequently tour overseas. This builds new relationships and opens up new markets for the UK's performing arts sector.

The eclectic line up for this year's showcase features leading Welsh producing houses such as National Theatre Wales, Sherman Cymru & Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.

Details of their productions are as follows:

National Theatre Wales and Told by an Idiot (based in England), The Dark Philosophers

A conjuring of the world, life and stories of 1940s Valleys writer Gwyn Thomas, one of the most distinctive Welsh voices of the last century. This critically acclaimed production comes to the Edinburgh Festival with an outstanding Welsh cast. Taking as its inspiration Thomas' ink-black comic tales, The Dark Philosophers is a funny, violent and passionate depiction of a community teetering on the brink of humanity. Using Told by an Idiot's trademark anarchic physicality and inventive storytelling, this adaptation brings out the bleak, wild humour in tales laced with sex, murder and Thomas' devastating Valleys wit.

Sherman Cymru and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Llwyth (Tribe)

The two leading Welsh theatre companies have joined forces to stage a new production of 'Llwyth (Tribe)' by the award winning writer Dafydd James. Rugby international night in Cardiff and the tribes are out in force. Wales has lost, but four gay friends are determined to have a night to remember, whatever the cost. Originally produced by Sherman Cymru in April 2010, 'Llwyth' received rave reviews and played to packed theatres throughout Wales, as well as having a sell-out run in London.

As well as presenting high-quality live performance, the British Council will for the first time curate a supporting programme of artist interviews, industry know-how sessions and critical debates which will seek to contextualise the work to be showcased. These include an introduction to UK theatre for the international delegates, hosted by Guardian critic Lyn Gardner.

The Showcase will also embrace the best of digital innovation in the UK, through elements including a panel discussion on the use of digital media in the Arts. This will be available to a worldwide audience as a webcast. Thanks to a new partnership with Arts Council England, a video trailer will be made for each of the 28 participating acts, providing them with a valuable tool with which to promote their work. For the first time, the Showcase will have its own public website. Wales Arts International is supporting the British Council digital activities to help promote companies from Wales. Over the last 12 months British Council and Wales Arts International have created a series of development seminars with partners, including Chapter Arts Centre and Aberystwyth Arts Centre. The seminars aimed to promote and discuss issues and benefits of international showcasing, with particular focus on the British Council Showcase.

Brendan Griggs, Head of Drama and Dance at the British Council, said: "We've made some changes to this year's Showcase to create even more opportunities for UK artists and better value for the international delegates. 70% of the companies performing this year are new to the Showcase. When choosing the acts, our aim has been to identify work that fits with the British Council's current programmes around the world and the interests of the partners with whom we work"

John McGrath, Artistic Director National Theatre Wales, said: "We are thrilled to be part of the 2011 British Council Showcase in Edinburgh. The showcase is an extraordinary opportunity for UK companies to build relationships with international promoters, and it's great that Welsh work is an increasingly strong part of the range of work on show. The Dark Philosophers is a vibrant, physical piece of theatre, which got a great response when premiered in Wales, and we hope that it will go down really well with delegates to the British Council Showcase."

Arwel Gruffydd, Artistic Director Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru said: "Being selected to be part of the British Council showcase is a fantastic opportunity for both Sherman Cymru and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. This exciting partnership between Wales' premiere new writing set up and one of our two national theatre companies, allows for a gloriously uplifting vision of Wales to be played out to an international audience at Edinburgh, as well as giving Welsh audiences the opportunity to see this landmark play once again when it returns to Wales in September.

We're delighted that this contemporary, sassy and celebratory vision of Welsh culture is given such a prestigious and prized platform. We very much hope that Edinburgh audiences and the international delegates will enjoy this particular take on Welshness, with its bardic references, acid house and mix of popular Welsh tunes and gay anthems, all delivered by a hugely talented cast and a mixed voice choir appearing live on stage, will set hearts racing at the Fringe as it did here in Wales last year."

Kath Mainland, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Chief Executive, said: "The British Council's Edinburgh Showcase remains a true benchmark of quality that inspires international promoters and ensures that performers continue to return to the Fringe. Everyone in the industry is aware of the extraordinary benefits the Showcase brings to the artists involved, not least to unlocking the door to international touring opportunities."

In organising the Showcase, the British Council has worked closely with a steering group of leading figures from drama and dance in the UK and those from Wales were: James Tyson, John McGrath and Fern Smith.

Welsh flavour comes to Taste of London

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Food Tourism will be the theme of the Wales the True Taste Pavilion at the festival, which will be held in Regents Park in the heart of the capital (16 -19 June).

Dubbed the ‘world's greatest restaurant festival’ Taste of London features 40 of the city's best restaurants, who will be dishing up their most popular dishes in an unbeatable alfresco gourmet feast, while 200 producers provide a bounty of the best food and beverages.

The Welsh Government organised True Taste Pavilionwill showcase a number of Welsh food and drink festivals and food tourism activities as well as sampling a range of award-winning produce.

Among them are: Gwledd Conwy Feast, The Great British Cheese Festival, Abergavenny Food Festival, Narberth Food Festival, Festivals Events Wales, and the International Craft Cider Festival.

The Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Award winning Teifi Farmhouse Cheese and Welsh Whisky Company will be present and giving visitors the opportunity to try their produce. They will be continuing the Food Tourism theme as visitors can also learn more about cheesemaking in the Teifi Valley and whisky production at the Penderyn Visitor Centre.

Visitors will be able to try some world famous Welsh Lamb too, courtesy of Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales. HCCwill also be highlighting the Welsh Lamb Club, a group of leading London restaurants dedicated to serving and promoting quality Welsh Lamb.

At noon on Friday (June 17th) FrancescoMazzei, chef patron of L'Anima and a founding member of the Welsh Lamb Club, will be talking about the versatility of Welsh Lamb and also highlighting the number of club members in London – which currently exceeds 50.

Also in the mix will be Wales Millennium Centre’s ffresh bar and restaurant, which will be offering cocktail recipes devised especially for the event featuring Welsh liqueurs and spirits. ffresh is the first venue in the country to pilot a Wales the True Taste Partnership, recognizing its commitment to sourcing and serving the best food and drink from Wales.

Another feature of the pavilion will be a daily quiz designed to test the most ardent food lover’s culinary knowledge!

Also on the stand will be The Welsh Rarebits Collection to help would-be visitors to Wales to find some of the country’s best, classic and contemporary hotels.

Take That live in Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Award winning music group Take That bring their Progress Live 2011 tour to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for two nights starting this evening (14 June 2011).

Fan's have travelled from all over to the Welsh capital to see the concert, selling out the tickets for the 74,500 capacity stadium.

Find out more at http://www.millenniumstadium.com/home.php

First Minister is guest of honour at Nehru Lecture

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 8 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This Friday, First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon. Carwyn Jones AM, will be the guest of honour at a lecture by renowned Indian Jurist, Parliamentarian, Columnist and politician Abhishek Singhvi MP.

Mr Singhvi’s lecture "Institutional Pillars of Indian Democracy" will be Cardiff’s 3rd annual Nehru Lecture, a highly successful series organised by the Hindu Cultural Association, which takes place every year.

The lecture will take place in the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff’s Reardon-Smith Lecture Theatre at 7:30pm on the 10th June 2011. Admission is free.

National Poet of Wales is streamed live in Mexico

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 8 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time, on 2 June 2011 British Council streamed an event live to an audience in Mexico to celebrate the launch of the inaugural Xalapa Festival in Mexico. The event was part of the British Council Series at Hay Festival Wales 2011 - Gillian Clarke's 'Nothing is until it has a Word', in which she reflected on her Laureateship, and the place of poetry in the life of the nation. Following the live streaming, questions were then taken from the audience in Mexico as well as from Kerala and Kenya via twitter.

Gillian Clarke, the National Poet of Wales, on the live streaming:
'To hear a question coming through this very minute, from the other side of the ocean was thrilling -their questions made me realise that they are just my next door neighbours and that we are exactly like each other.'

Simon Armitage, Michael Morpurgo, Germaine Greer and David Crystal also spoke at the Hay Festival as part of the British Council Series, a programme of five events and discussions that took place from 26 May to 5 June 2011.

In order to bring British authors to an international audience, as well as the live streaming to Mexico - all the events were recorded and will be shared with audiences world-wide throughout the year during the international festivals in Xalapa, Segovia, Nairobi, Kerala and Cartagena.

The global partnership between British Council and Hay Festivals, which launched in May 2010, saw the first festival take place in Kerala, India in November 2010 and looks forward to launching the first festival in Xalapa, Mexico in October 2011.

Gillian Clarke, the National Poet of Wales, on the Partnership between British Council and Hay Festivals:

"I think it's progress. Because you get synergy; you get the energy of Hay and the energy of the British Council, and I think that's more exciting than just being one organization ploughing one little furrow."

In 12-14 November 2010, three Welsh poets Gillian Clarke, Menna Elfyn and Paul Henry - travelled to Kerala, India to take part in the first ever Hay Festival Kerala. The festival, held at Kanakakunnu Palace, was dedicated to literary readings from, and inspired by Wales, in which they explored the challenges and opportunities of writing poetry across different languages. These activities were part of India-Wales Writers Chain 2010-1012 programme that aims to develop cultural connections between Wales and India through literature. India-Wales Writers Chain 2010-1012 has been developed by the British Council in partnership with Wales Arts International and is generously supported by the Welsh Government.

During the event, Clarke explored the issues of poetry and bilingualism, and discussed her ideas with the poet and novelist CP Surendran.

The purpose of the British Council's cultural relations work is to foster mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue with a greater appreciation of the UK's ideas and achievements. Hay and the British Council are also both working to bring writers from the countries in which the festivals take place back to the UK, to increase audiences for writing from around the world.

See a video clip at http://www.vimeo.com/24775550

Commonwealth Gold for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh boxer, Sean McGoldrick, has been awarded the gold medal in the Men's Bantamweight division from the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games Federation made the announcement following the removal of Manju Wanniarachchi from the results after the Sri Lankan boxer was found guilty of an anti-doping violation at the Delhi Games.

The opportunity for Wanniarachchi to appeal lapsed without the athlete taking any further action.

The disqualification of the Sri Lankan from all results in Delhi has led to a re-awarding of medals from the event.

McGoldrick, who at 18 was the youngest member of Wales' boxing team and lost the 56kg weight-division final on count back, now takes the gold.

The silver medal has been awarded to Tirafalo Seoko from Botswana, who lost to Wanniarachchi at the semi-finals.

The man who lost to McGoldrick in the semi-finals, Louis Julie from Mauritius, retains his bronze, while the second bronze medal has gone to Nicholas Okoth from Kenya, who was defeated by Wanniarachchi in the quarterfinals.

CGF chief executive, Mike Hooper, will present the gold medal to McGoldrick today (June 7) at a special ceremony in Cardiff being organized by the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales.

"Sean is a very deserving gold medallist" Mr Hooper said.

"It has been unfortunate that Sean has had to wait so long for a medal that is rightly his.

"He showed great sportsmanship during the Games at Delhi and this has continued throughout the months that followed, so I will be delighted to present the gold medal to him tomorrow.

Chris Jenkins, Chef de Mission of Team Wales in Delhi said his organisation was absolutely delighted for McGoldrick.

"Sean must be commended for not only his fantastic performance in Delhi but also for how he's handled himself since this all came to light," Jenkins said.

"He's proved himself to be the model professional and it couldn't happen to anyone more deserving."

"It's also a time for Wales to celebrate as we've seen our position in the overall standing rise by two, we now feature in 13th position, equal to Melbourne 2006.

"With Glasgow just over three years and the Youth Games just a matter of months away this gives our athletes yet another boost in their preparations."

Hooper said all medallists from the event had a right to feel proud of their achievements.

"Congratulations from the Commonwealth Games Federation go to all the medallists as they now stand.

"We will get the silver to Tirafalo Seoko and the bronze to Nicholas Okoth immediately.

"Their names, along with Sean's and the other bronze medallist, Louis Julie, will be enshrined in the Commonwealth Games records as the medallists for the Men's boxing 56 kilogram division from Delhi 2010 forever."

The Queen officially opens Fourth Assembly

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones today (Tues 7th June) welcomed Her Majesty the Queen as she officially opened the Fourth Assembly.

The ceremony marks the start of the Assembly’s business for new and returning Assembly Members following the election on the 5th of May.

The First Minister said:

"Today marks a new chapter for Wales. The historic vote on law making powers means that for the first time this institution will be able to introduce laws on devolved subjects without first needing to seek the powers from the UK Parliament.

"However, this new Welsh Government will not create legislation for the sake of it. These are challenging times and our focus will be to work tirelessly to improve public services in Wales and create opportunities for everyone. It is our job to protect the interests of our people and stand up for Wales."

www.wales.gov.uk

Cardiff ice hockey team set world record

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 3 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Cardiff Devils, Cardiff's ice hockey team, have secured a place in the Guinness Book of World records after winning 21 consecutive matches.

Their victories came last season between 30 October 2010 and 15 January 2011, playing in the Elite league.

Find out more about the Cardiff Devils at www.cardiffdevils.com

Swansea promoted to the Premiership

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea City football team have been promoted to the Premier League after beating Reading 4-2 at Wembley on Monday (30 May).

Fans flew in from as far afield as the US, South America, Canada, Australian, Denmark and Spain to watch Swansea take on Reading in the Championship play off final.

Promotion to the Premier League could net the club an estimated £90m in revenue.

Last night the Swansea players joined Rod Stewart on the stage at the Liberty Stadium to show their trophy. Stewart was playing in Swansea as part of his European tour.

Find out more at http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Home/

Increase in funding for international students

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Universities in Wales have announced further increases in scholarship and bursary provision for international students offering some of the best scholarships in the UK.

The expansion of schemes such as Bangor University's Anniversary Research Scholarships which aims to attract the best international students to Wales emphasises the commitment to expanding research capacity and international standing in higher education in Wales.

Scholarships and bursaries of between £1,500 and £5,000 are available for Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Research courses at Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Glyndwr University, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Swansea University,
University of Glamorgan, University of Wales Trinity Saint David and
University of Wales Newport in a range of courses including Business, Law, Creative Industries, Computer Science, Engineering, International Politics, Psychology, Environment and Journalism.

Alongside a large range of scholarships Cardiff University are offering international foundation programme scholarships of £1,000 to international students from Vietnam and Kazakhstan

University of Glamorgan offers the largest range of scholarships in Wales including offering students from Bangladesh, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Zambia, Zimbabwe awards of £2,500 as part of its Undergraduate International Development Scholarships.

This year has seen an increase in American Fulbright Scholars attending a diverse array of Welsh universities including UWIC, Cardiff University and Aberystwyth University. More Welsh students are also studying in the US with a Fulbright Award.

This year's Awards programme includes a further 28 new scholarships and 3 new Special programmes for US and UK students - more than £355,000 in additional funding.

Rafik Eshun received a Commonwealth Scholarship to studying at Glamorgan Business School. Rafik, 24, said, "Coming from Ghana my first impression on arriving in Wales is that it is a beautiful country, very green. The campus is beautiful too and the people are very friendly."

Rafik is studying an MSc in Forensic Audit and Accounting and on returning home to Ghana, he knows he will be more employable having graduated from a UK university with a Masters degree.

Peter Noyes, Chair of Wales International Consortium and Vice Chancellor of University of Wales Newport said, "We are pleased to be able to continue our commitment to attracting the best of international students to Wales by ensuring that the scholarship packages we offer are amongst the best in the UK."

The best afternoon tea outside London

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

According to The Tea Guild, the Top City and Country Hotel Tea in the UK for 2011 can be found at The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny.

With high tea accolades, a 2 Michelin star restaurants and the Abergavenny Food Festival - described as the 'Glastonbury' of food festivals, Monmouthshire is a must for food lovers.

Find out more at www.visitwyevalley.com

Vineyards celebrate Welsh Wine Week

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh wine is growing in popularity and critical acclaim, and to celebrate Welsh Wine Week (May 28th – June 6th) a number of Welsh vineyards are opening to the public and hosting special events.

Among those taking part are vineyards in north and south Wales, with some making their first forays into wine production, while other established Welsh vineyards are continuing to garner awards for their wine.

Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, Alun Davies said:

“Compared to some traditional wine growing regions Wales may be a relative new-comer, but in terms of quality and potential, Welsh wine is certainly making a name for itself at home and abroad.”

Indeed, hot on the heels from its success last week at the 2011 International Wine Challenge, where its Tintern Parva Bacchus 2009 won a silver award, Parva Farm Vineyard will be releasing Afon Gwy 2010 - a medium dry white - the first of its 2010 wines to be on sale.

Judith Dudley, who runs the vineyard with her husband Colin said they were “delighted with our win,” and are “very much looking forward to welcoming people to our vineyard and telling them about Welsh wine.”

The vineyard near Tintern will be open every day during Welsh Wine Week with self-guided vineyard tours - also a treasure hunt for the children – and wine tastings.

Also, for wine lovers who want to learn more there will be special guided tours with tutored wine tastings on Tuesday (May 31st) at 2.30pm and Thursday (June 2nd) at 5.30pm, and cost £5.

While fellow Monmouthshire vineyard, Ancre Hill Estates, which picked up two trophies at the 2010-11 Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards, will be releasing its first sparkling wine during the week.

The Monmouth vineyard’s owners, Richard and Joy Morris will be opening the vineyard every day to visitors between 10.30am and 4.30pm and offering twice daily vineyard tours with Welsh cheese platters available for lunch.

Welsh Wine Week will be particularly special for Pant Du Vineyard at Penygroes, Gwynedd. The Hughes family has planted a variety of vines on eight acres of the Nantlle Valley’s south facing slopes, and hope to officially launch their first wine during the week.

Named after the 400 year-old farmhouse from which the vineyard also takes its name, Pant Du is a red wine produced from four year-old Rondo vines. Early tastings have proved very positive indeed – the first bottle having raised £45 at a charity auction - and around 260 bottles will be produced in this first year with a potential 12,000 bottles in the future.

It will be a special year too for White Castle Vineyard, at Llanvetherine near Abergavenny, where owners Robb and Nicola Merchant expect to pick the vineyard’s first crop of grapes this autumn. Their vines were planted in 2009 and they aim to eventually produce around 10,000 bottles a year.

The vineyard will be open for visits on Saturday and Sunday (May 28thand 29th) between 10.30am and 4pm, and between 3pm and 6pm Monday to Friday (May 30th – June 3rd). For more information call 01873 821443.

Something different awaits visitors to Wernddu Wine, with Alpaca walking, a bouncy castle, as well as teas and cakes will be on the list of things to do.

The Monmouth vineyard will be releasing its 2010 organic dry white wine, which visitors will be able to taste. Owners Frank and Leigh Strawford will be opening the vineyard to the public on Tuesday (31st May) and Wednesday to Friday (1st - 3rd June).

Hay Festival countdown

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Telegraph Hay Festival begins tomorrow (26 May) in the Welsh town of Hay on Wye.

Running for 10 days until the 5 June the festival will feature writers, filmmakers, comedians, politicians and musicians from around the world.

Among the headline guests for 2011 are Nobel Laureates VS Naipaul, JMG le Clezio, Paul Nurse and Mohammed ElBaradei, historians Eric Hobsbawm, Michael Wood, Bettany Hughes and Niall Ferguson, broadcasters Chris Evans, Jenni Murray, Kevin McCloud and Evan Davis, actors Vanessa Redgrave, Ralph Fiennes, Rob Lowe, Gillian Anderson and Simon Russell Beale, and writers Paul Theroux, Linda Grant, Malorie Blackman, Michael Morpurgo and Jacqueline Wilson.

To find out more about the festival, accommodation, performances and to book tickets visit http://www.hayfestival.com/. You can also get up to the minute information on the festivals Twitter feed @hayfestival

For news, interviews and press coverage during the festival visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/

National Garden plants look 'amazing'

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

'Speaking as an Australian, I go there to see Australian plants because they look so amazing'

So says Australian writer, academic, journalist and scholar Germaine Greer of the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's arts and culture magazine programme Front Row she told listeners "If you want to see Australian plants looking fabulous you only need to go the National Botanic Garden of Wales - absolutely fabulous planting and it will make it all okay. Speaking as an Australian, I go there to see Australian plants because they look so amazing."

The plantings in question are in the Lord Foster-designed Great Glasshouse, the largest single-span glasshouse on the planet. Gathered together for the first time under one roof, plants from the five Mediterranean climate regions of Western and Southern Australia, California, central Chile, the Western Cape of South Africa and the Mediterranean basin itself are grown in geographical zones.

Although all these regions together cover less than 1% of the earth's surface, they contain more than 20% of the world's flowering plant species - a staggering diversity which makes them critically important for plant conservation.

The National Botanic Garden is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am-6pm.

Saab Wales Open

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

2 June - 6 June

Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

US Open champion Graeme McDowell returns to defend his trophy at this year's Saab Wales Open as big-hitting American John Daly makes his debut in the event.

Played over the same Twenty Ten Course which hosted such a memorable Ryder Cup in 2010, the Saab Wales Open will see many more superstars of the world game return to The Celtic Manor Resort to compete for the £1.8m prize fund.

The tournament has grown into one of the leading events on The European Tour International Schedule since its inception in 2000 and other past champions include Ryder Cup stars Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Ian Poulter, Paul Lawrie and Paul McGinley.

www.walesopen.com

Monmouth Music Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

29 July - 6 August

Monmouth

Monmouth Festival is one of the biggest and best free music festivals in the UK. It is now in it's 29th year.

www.monmouthfestival.co.uk

North Wales Bluegrass Music Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

30 June - 3 July

Conwy Civic Hall

Four days of bluegrass concerts in Conwy Civic Hall and marquees with an international line up of American, Czech, Italian, Irish and British Bluegrass bands, 24 bands booked so far! Appalachian dance teams, instrument workshops, camping, pickin' round the clock, music stalls, bars.

http://www.northwalesbluegrass.co.uk

Mold Food and Drink Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

24-25 September

Mold

'The Mold Food and Drink Festival' is a showcase and celebration of the quality food and drink that is produced, sold and served in the market town of Mold and its surrounding area.

http://www.moldfoodfestival.co.uk

Caerleon Arts Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

8 - 17 July 2011

Caerleon

The ancient Roman legionary fortress town will be host to a range of events. Sculptors of international repute will be creating works of art from wood and stone including children's reading chairs (in conjunction with the BBC Breathing Spaces project). Children's art will be created by local school children, there will be Shakespeare in the Roman amphitheatre, music and singing - folk, rock, pop, classical, jazz and choir, exotic dancing and art and craft exhibitions.

www.caerleon-arts.org

Comedy Night

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

27 May 2011

Cardiff Central Library

Following the success of last years stand up comedy workshops and comedy night 'Laughing Matters' for young people, Cardiff Central Library is once again getting ready to tickle your funny bone with a top comedy night.

This year the library are joining forces with the Cardiff Comedy Festival and the Gwanwyn Festival to create an event to show the world that comedy has no sell by date. Laughing Matters: 50+, offers older comedians the chance to showcase their comedy skills in front of an audience at Central Library.

Auditions and workshops have been taking place at Central Library over the past month with the funniest comedians being selected to perform at a gig to be held at the library on Friday May 27 at 7pm.

The event is free and comedian Matt Price will also headline the event.

www.cardiff.gov.uk/libraryevents

England v Sri Lanka - Next Stop Cardiff!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Your chance to welcome home our Ashes Heroes comes in the first npower Test, starting in Cardiff on Thursday 26 May and Sri Lanka's recent hugely impressive World Cup victory gave us all a vivid reminder of the quality players that England will face at The SWALEC Stadium.

Experience the excitement of Test cricket, and see if Andrew Strauss's team can gain instant revenge on home soil, in what will surely be a thrilling re-match. Buy tickets on the Glamorgan county cricket website.

Support for Size of Wales campaign

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Countryside Council for Wales marked UN International Day of Biodiversity (22 May 2011) with an announcement that it is joining the Welsh campaign to help protect an area of rainforest the Size of Wales.

Established in response to the challenges of tackling climate change, Size of Wales links Welsh partners directly to forest projects and communities in some of the world’s poorest countries, to help manage forest resources in a sustainable way. If successful, the projects will make a significant contribution to reducing global carbon emissions.

Roger Thomas, CCW Chief Executive said: “Whilst CCW’s day to day focus is on conserving and enhancing the quality of Wales’ natural environment, supporting the Size of Wales campaign reflects our commitment to taking our global responsibility seriously. In the face of climate change, it’s more important than ever that we share expertise, knowledge and experience with other conservation projects around the world – offering a more joined-up approach for a truly sustainable future.”

CCW is supporting the campaign in two ways. By becoming a campaign supporter, CCW will promote the Size of Wales’ aims by offering expertise to assess community based projects. CCW will also promote projects to potential funding partners. All this will be done from Wales, thanks to modern technology, without the need to travel.

Alongside its corporate support, CCW staff will get an opportunity to adopt a Size of Wales project and support it through fundraising.

Hannah Scrase, Project Manager of Size of Wales said: “We are delighted to have CCW on board. Many of our forest projects are located in internationally renowned biodiversity hotspots within Africa. We look forward to supporting the staff at CCW raise funds for a forest project of their choice, and hope both will develop a long lasting relationship.”

The Welsh Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy One Wales: One Planet recognises an international role in learning from others and sharing best practice. Supporting the Size of Wales project contributes towards this approach. It also supports the Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa initiative.

The destruction of the rainforest accounts for a quarter of the world's carbon emissions. This is more than the entire world's transport put together. Loss of tropical forests is also threatening the habitat of over 50% of the world’s species and the welfare of some of the world’s poorest populations.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable forest management.

www.sizeofwales.org

www.ccw.gov.uk

Gwyl Gobaith Music Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

26th - 28th August 2011.

Gwyl Gobaith Music Festival showcases the very best in Welsh and international music with performances suiting all tastes and ages from the contemporary to classical, soloists, choirs and orchestras.

To find out more go to www.gwylgobaith.org

Japan Fundraising concert

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

18 May 2011

Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff

Charity Concert featuring Bob Childs & Meyrick Alexander & a selection of the College's Japanese students

International renowned Dr. Robert Childs & Meyrick Alexander are generously giving their time to raise money for the British Red Cross Tsunami Appeal with an evenings entertainment at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Repertoire includes:

Sonata for Bassoon and Piano - Gustav Schrek

Allegro - Canon Telemann

Brilliante - Peter Graham

Folk Song, Aka Tombo - Japanese Trad.

And much more!

Weston Gallery at 7.30pm
Tickets: £8, available from the College Box Office. Call 029 2039 1391

Celtic Manor named Sport Venue of the Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Celtic Manor Resort, host venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup, has been named Sport Venue of the Year at the Sport Industry Awards 2011. The award caps a fantastic year for the five-star Resort, which was hailed as hosting the “greatest ever” Ryder Cup last October.

The Sport Industry Awards are Europe’s largest and most prestigious commercial sports awards and Celtic Manor won the award after a judging process involving more than 60 key industry figures and 50 hours of intensive scrutiny. Celtic Manor beat off competition from The O2 and Ascot Racecourse to win the award, whilst it was also shortlisted for “Best Use of PR in a Sport Campaign” on what proved to be a memorable evening for the Resort.

Celtic Manor’s Marketing and Commercial Director, Gareth Rees Jones, and PR Manager, Paul Williams were on hand to collect the award, which was presented by Olympic Gold Medallist, James Cracknell and TV presenter, Charlotte Jackson. The award recognises the venue that offered the most flexible, creative and meticulous approach to hosting events and serving the needs of its visitors in 2010.

Commenting on the win, Gareth Rees Jones said: “The whole team at Celtic Manor is delighted to have won this prestigious award. We’ve had a very memorable year with The 2010 Ryder Cup proving a successful climax to more than a decade of hard work from everyone involved in the Resort.

“The Ryder Cup effect continues to have a very positive impact on our business and we look forward to hosting more exciting events including the upcoming Saab Golf Week and Elemis Polo at the Manor.

“This award further highlights the calibre of our venue and the facilities it has to offer visitors coming for golf, family holidays, leisure breaks, corporate events and weddings.”

The latest recognition tops a remarkable 12 months for Celtic Manor, which is shaping up to host Saab Golf Week from 30 May – 05 June. It was crowned Europe’s ‘Golf Resort of the Year 2011’ by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the UK’s Top Conference Hotel for the fourth year running and the UK’s Best Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel awards 2011.

Set in 1,400 acres of wooded parkland in the scenic Usk Valley, South Wales, The Celtic Manor Resort boasts three hotels, two luxurious spas and health clubs, tennis courts, shooting, fishing and the choice of no fewer than six restaurants, as well as its three championship golf courses.

Sporting Cardiff is inspired by London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sport.Cardiff has been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark for four of its sporting projects.

The Inspire programme aims to help bring the benefits of the 2012 Olympic Games to every part of the UK and recognises non-commercial organisations that are delivering projects genuinely inspired by the London Olympic and Paralympic Games

It is only awarded to schemes of the highest standard that demonstrate they are accessible, participative, inspiring and stimulating and will become part of the London 2012's brand family.

The first project to be awarded the title was the Sport.Cardiff Volunteer Scheme which recruits volunteers to support the delivery of Cardiff's involvement in the 2012 Olympic Games, sporting infrastructure and coaching. This includes the football matches to be hosted at the Millennium Stadium, and the Pre-Games Training Camps selected by the Australian and South African Paralympic squads and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team.

The other Sport.Cardiff projects to be awarded the title include Legacy 500, an event which marked the official 500 day countdown to the Paralympic Games, Disability Hockey in the Community and the Every Player Counts disability football project.

Sport.Cardiff can now associate its work with the London 2012 Olympic Games and is provided with valuable recognition for the excellent work that the team carries out.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: "Sport.Cardiff has successfully provided a wealth of opportunity through innovative and accessible projects.

"It is fantastic that this has been recognised by the Olympic and Paralympic Games and further encourages Cardiff to maintain its legacy following London 2012, including improving club, competition and coaching infrastructure and the development of grassroots sport provision for young people."

www.cardiff.gov.uk

Olympic torch to make Welsh tour

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Olympic torch will be carried through Wales as part of its route around the UK before the London 2012 Olympics.

The torch, carried by around 500 runners, will make overnight stops in Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor from the 25 May - 29 May 2012.

Read the full story of the route through Wales at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-13392089

4 teams, 2 finals, 1 city

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff is gearing up to host two major cup final matches this weekend. The Amlin Challenge Cup Final takes place at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday 20 May and the Heineken Cup Final on Saturday 21 May at the Millennium Stadium.

The finalist teams for the Amlin Challenge Cup Final are Harlequins v Stade Francais Paris while the final of the Heineken Cup on Saturday will be between Leinster and Northampton Saints.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: "I am delighted that Wales will showcase not just one, but two, European Club Rugby Cup Finals over two days this weekend, providing a weekend feast of top class rugby at two of Wales’ finest Stadia. Wales is proud to host these high calibre sporting events.

"Hosting these cup final matches is another important milestone towards achieving Wales’ ambition to stand out amongst the global crowd as a world class major events destination. We are confident that Cardiff and Wales will give rugby fans from across Europe a great visitor experience and wish them all a very warm welcome."

On Saturday 21 May, pre and post match there will be the European Champions Village (fan zone) in Cardiff Arms Park to include entertainment, interviews, true taste food, autographs and photos with players and the Heineken Cup Trophy.

Events for the Heineken cup final on Saturday are as follows:

Saturday, 21st May

Handover of Heineken Cup ‘Trophy’ from Paris (2010 host City) to Cardiff (2011 host City)

Raphael Ibañez , Heineken Cup Ambassador (former Heineken Cup winner in 2007 with London Wasps), arrives in Helicopter with 'Trophy' at Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay .

Ieuan Evans, Heineken Cup Ambassador (former Heineken Cup winner in 1998 with Bath) receives the Trophy.

Raphaël and Ieuan transfer the Heineken Cup to an Open Top ‘Trophy Tour’ Bus and join other legendary players, to include Stephen Jones, George North, James Hook, Alun Wyn Jones, Lee Byrne and Leigh Halfpenny.

12:10 Bus departs Cardiff Bay

12:20 Bus arrives at Mill Lane and pauses

12:25 Bus parade via Hayes, Working Street, St John’s Street, Castle Street and Westgate Street

12:45 Bus arrives at ‘European Champions Village’, Cardiff Arms Park

Champion's Village activity:

European Champions Village is FREE entry

Autographs in Adidas zone from Players Lee Byrne, Leigh Halfpenny, Stephen Jones, James Hook, Alun Wyn-Jones, George North

Live band, Sponsors tents, food and Heineken bar

13:00-14:00 Photographs with Trophy in ERC Dome

16:00 Champions Village closes and re-opens after game

17:00 KO Heineken Cup Final, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

KO Heineken Cup Final, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Finalist Teams: Leinster (Ireland) v Northampton Saints (England)

Post match – Champions Village re-opens

Final highlights played on big screen

21:00 Champions Village closes

Church reopens on Norwegian Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The iconic Norwegian Church on Cardiff Bay's water's edge reopens at 11am this morning (Tuesday, May 17th), following extensive renovations.

The newly refurbished Norwegian Church Arts Centre, which has been revitalised with a complete refurbishment programme funded by the Landfill Communities Fund, with assistance from Hordaland County Council, will reopen as Norwegians celebrate their national day.

The renovations include a new terrace with pinewood donated from the Hordaland county in Norway.

The church is famous for its connection with children's author Roald Dahl, born in Cardiff to Norwegian parents.

Find out more at http://www.norwegianchurchcardiff.com/

First UK wind turbine factory opens in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In a landmark day for the UK renewables sector Charles Hendry MP, the Minister for Energy and Climate Change, officially opens the UK's first wind turbine tower manufacturing facility in Chepstow, South Wales, today (Thursday 12 May).

Mabey Bridge has invested £38m in the state-of-the art facility and has created 240 skilled jobs in the South Wales region. Mabey Bridge is currently the sole UK-based manufacturer of wind turbine towers.

The plant is already open for business with wind turbine towers rolling off the production line. At full capacity the factory can produce 300 towers per annum.

Last year Mabey Bridge secured a preferred supplier agreement with REpower – one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of wind energy.

Peter Lloyd, managing director said: “No longer will companies in this country have to import wind turbine towers but instead they can now buy British.

Charles Hendry MP, Minister for Energy and Climate Change, said:

“This investment is a great sign of confidence in the skills of the UK and South Wales in particular. Today’s inauguration is a huge step forward for the renewables industry in Wales, and the UK sector as a whole.”

Welsh presenter to host US X Factor

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh TV presenter Steve Jones will host the American version of the X factor with US pop star Nicole Scherzinger.

Simon Cowell's show, which has been an huge hit in the UK seeks to find undiscovered talent to be given a chance to win a $5 million recording contract.

Cowell will be on the judging panel with Antonio LA Reid and UK star Cheryl Cole.

Read the full story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13326902

Japanese experts follow Cardiff’s lead

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Japan’s first network of leading scientists, policy makers and patients interested in gaining greater understanding, treating and changing attitudes towards mood disorders has been set-up following a visit by Cardiff University experts.

Modelled on the successful Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN) led by Professor Nick Craddock, School of Medicine -the network will help bring together researchers investigating the underlying causes of mood disorders.

Professor Craddock said, "Much of the world's attention has focused - quite rightly - on the recent Tsunami in Japan and the devastating impact this has had on their country.

"The implications of this tragic event brings into focus the need for extra support for those people in the country who suffer or may suffer with mood disorders in the future."

"By establishing a network of experts - from academia, government and sufferers themselves this will add an additional focus and impetus to tackling these problems."

The setting-up of the group followed a visit by Cardiff experts to Japan, organised by the British Embassy. The trip saw Cardiff University's Professor Craddock, Professsor Michael O Donovan and Dr Ian Jones, School of Medicine, visit Tokyo to take part in the Japan Mood Disorder Workshop.

The workshops brought together experts in mood disorders including scientists, media and senior government advisers. The three delivered lectures and talks on their research into mood disorders and the importance of creating a network to help effect change.

Professor Craddock added: "It's satisfying to know that the work we've done here at Cardiff is helping to influence decision makers in Japan.

www.cardiff.ac.uk

"Our recent visit was an ideal opportunity to share our knowledge and experience, which we hope will help influence decisions over the way mood disorders are seen and treated in future."

Brecon Beacons in Hollywood demand

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you go down to the Beacons today….

You could be in for a big surprise…well if you go down at any time this year you could be in for a treat! Not only will you get to enjoy beautiful views in one of the most spectacular national parks in the UK but you may just get to see some Hollywood stars there too!

2011 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for movie inquiries about filming in the park. Since January it has received interest from eight major film makers. There have also been 80 enquiries from TV companies and advertisers.

Find out more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-13269857

Catherine Zeta Jones supports Snowdonia appeal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea born actress Catherine Zeta Jones has backed a National Trust appeal to buy a farm in Snowdonia.

The campaign to raise £1m to purchase the 600-acre Llyndy Isaf will ensure the beauty and the landscape of the area remains unspoilt.

Catherine Zeta Jone's support follows an appeal made by actor Matthew Rhys to help to raise funds.

Read the full story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-13326510

Welsh medal at World Championships

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 4 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Flintshire's Jade Jones has won a silver medal for Britain at the Taekwondo World Championships in Gyeongju.

The 18 year old from north east Wales has won three medals in her first two Open events this year. This is her first major World Chmapionships in the senior scene.

Read more and watch an interview with Jade at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/taekwondo/13277402.stm

Swansea alumnus in the spotlight

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pavan Kumar Sriram, an Erasmus Mundus student who graduated from Swansea University in 2010, has won the South East final in the Shine International Students Awards 2011 - a major initiative from the British Council.

To enter the competition Pavan wrote a letter to his aunt, in India, detailing his many 'out-of-class' achievements and his passion for student life in the UK. His letter, judged one of the best of more than 1,200 entered by students from 118 countries, was selected as one of twelve regional winners.

Pavan, originally from Bangalore, said: "Winning this prestigious Shine award, in the face of strong competition, has inspired me to continue to work with the local community to help motivate young people to gain the social and vocational skills that they need to achieve their personal dreams and ambitions."

The Swansea alumnus started his Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Mechanics at Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in Spain before moving to Swansea University in 2009. He graduated with a first class distinction and received the Dorothy Hodgkin's award. He is currently studying for a PhD at ISVR, University of Southampton.

Pavan concluded: "As one of the top three universities in the UK for engineering, my experience of studying for an MSc at Swansea University was truly rewarding.

"It is a chapter of my life that I will always treasure. It gave me the confidence, knowledge and skills to pursue my academic studies and get involved with a wide range of other activities including Youth Venture - an organisation that I've recently set-up to help combat human trafficking and violence against women."

Pavan received his £1,000 prize, commemorative trophy and certificate at the national awards ceremony in London. The winning entry is published online: http://blog.britishcouncil.org/2011/04/shine_awards_8/

Cardiffs arts centre launches its opening season

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This summer sees the opening of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama's £22.5 million new facilities. The exciting and varied opening season showcases the best work, from exceptional emerging talent to the best international artists. There's also a chance to come and have a look around the new building for yourself!

Opening Festival 23 - 26 June:

Richard Burton mini-festival featuring unique events celebrating the great man's achievements in radio, film, stage and recording. Events include a chat-show style evening where Claire Bloom, Victor Spinettiand Robert Hardy and others will share their memories of the actor and his work, and Jeff Wayne, creator of the musical version of The War of the Worlds, renowned for Burton's spellbinding narration, takes the audience through this huge arena show.

Andrew Kennedy: Since his triumph in the 2005 Cardiff Singer of the World competition, Kennedy has established himself as one of the greatest singers of his generation. He sings at the Gala Evening to launch the Dora Stoutzker Hall.

Welsh National Opera Opening Residency: a special series of concerts in the new purpose built recital hall including Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, conducted by Lothar Keonigsand including his first UK performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Jazz Sunday featuring Dave Stapleton Quintet and a rolling programme of live jazz sets and talks, free performances in the stunning new foyer.

Grand Finale Concert with Only Men Aloud a rare opportunity to hear Classical Brit winners in an intimate and acoustic environment

Explore! Come and share these fantastic new facilities- for free! Events include learning stage combat, playing loud percussion, and how to stage musical theatre.Other events coming up include Penguin Cafe with their only Welsh date, and the International Piano Series featuring Noriko Ogawa. Cardiff Comedy Festivalcomes to RWCMD in July, as well as student productions including King Lear and The Sea by Edward Bond.

Find out more at http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/

A Welsh Royal Wedding

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With only two days to go, we've put together some quick welsh related facts on the Royal wedding.

The Royal Couple

The groom, Prince William of Wales, and his bride-to-be Catherine Middleton live on the Island of Anglesey, north Wales. William has a job with the Royal Air Force (RAF). Known as Flight Lt. Wales, William is a helicopter pilot at RAF Valley in Anglesey where he helps out with mountain rescue, the coastguard and air ambulance services.

Enjoying Life in Anglesey

Quote from HRH Prince William of Wales From a BBC interview on BBC.com, April 1st http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12937069

“I’m very much looking forward to spending the first part of married life on Anglesey. It’s been a fantastic time. I have very much enjoyed it. And so has Catherine; she has loved being here. We’ve had an extremely warm welcome, couldn’t have asked for any better. Everyone has been so supportive, so sweet, and just generally very caring and considerate about stuff. So I couldn’t say anything more positive about Anglesey.”

The Ring

The gold for the royal wedding ring will be made from very rare Welsh gold. The use of Clogau Welsh gold in royal wedding bands is a tradition that started with Prince William’s great-grandparents, the Duke of York (later King George VI) and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) when they wed in 1923. Clogau gold has been used in royal wedding rings ever since.Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), Princess Diana and Prince Charles had their wedding bands made from the same nugget of Clogau Welsh gold.

The Wedding Ceremony

The Archbishop of Canterbury will officiate at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the established, Church of England and, symbolically, of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The current Archbishop of Canterbury is Dr Rowan Douglas Williams, born and raised in Swansea, Wales.

Welsh Harp Music

Following the Wedding Service at Westminster Abbey, Welsh harpist Claire Jones the Official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales, will perform at a reception hosted by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The harp is the national instrument of Wales.

West Wales Food Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

14 - 15 May

National Botanic Garden

The biggest names in Welsh food are lining up for the West Wales Food Festival on May 14-15.

Bryn Williams, Stephen Terry, Gareth John and Angela Gray are some of the key ingredients for this year's event at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

For more information, go to www.westwalesfoodfestival.com

The Passion

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Micheal Sheen's hometown of Port Talbot in south Wales has been extremely busy this weekend as the setting for Sheen's marathon theatre production of The Passion.

The 72 hour performance began at 05.30 on Friday the 22 April and concluded on Sunday (24 April) and took place at various venues across the town. Sheen starred as the christ-like character.

The play, written by poet and novelist Owen Sheers saw more than 1,000 local residents and 15 professional actors take part in it.

See pictures of the performances at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-13180992

Beaches

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With a long bank holiday and the lovely sunshine we are enjoying in Wales at the moment what better way to spend it than on one of our many blue flag beaches. We're dead lucky here, surrounded by sea on three sides, we've got a lot beaches.

The Pembrokeshire coastline is 186 miles (300km) long, which means it would take about two and a half weeks to walk it and involves more ascent than climbing Everest. However you don't need your hiking boots to see the visitors to our shore such as dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, Atlantic grey seals and leatherback turtles.

Tenby is one our most popular resorts along the coast and has three Blue Flag Beaches which stretch for three miles. It is also on the list for having one of the most sandcastle friendly sand in Britain.

Colwyn Bay in North Wales has one of the longest promenades anywhere in the UK. It also has a thriving farmers market where the organic pork is especially good. Or you can catch your own dinner from the end of the pier.
Llandudno is framed by a pair of limestone headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme. With two Blue Flag Beaches in between and a perfectly preserved Victorian seafront.

Porthcawl in South Wales is really popular with surfers and other water sports fans. Nearby is the Merthyr Mawr Warren which has some of the largest sand dunes in Europe.

More beaches in Wales....

Cardigan Bay

Carmarthenshire

The Llyn Peninsula

Isle of Anglesey

Swansea Bay and the Gower peninsula

Bucket and spade packed!

Welsh Crystal wedding gift for the Royal couple

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Prince William and Catherine Middleton will receive a specially-designed piece of Welsh crystal as a wedding gift from the people of Wales to mark their marriage on April 29.

The unique piece has been crafted by the Welsh Royal Crystal company, Wales’ only manufacturer of handcrafted glass, who are based in Rhayader, Mid Wales.

The company has recently changed hands with two of the company’s employees taking over the running of the company from the original owner. This special gift is the first commission for the new owners.

The Welsh Royal Crystal company was originally set up in 1986 to create jobs and tourism in the area.

This will be a joint gift from the Welsh Assembly Government and the National Assembly on behalf of the people of Wales.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "It is fitting that the happy couple receive a unique piece of Welsh crystal as a wedding gift from the people of Wales as they have strong links with the country and this is where they have chosen to make their home. I wish the Royal Couple all the very best for their big day, and every happiness for the rest of their lives together."

Presiding Officer of the National Assembly, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said: "I am delighted that both William and Catherine have settled so well on Ynys Mon, and the people of the island and the north Wales mainland have made them welcome. I hope they will accept this gift as a sign of our affection for them, and our warmest good wishes for their future together."

David Thomas of the Welsh Royal Crystal company said: "It has been an honour and privilege for both Alan O’Neill and myself as the new owners of Welsh Royal Crystal to have designed and handcrafted such an important gift for the Royal couple and we wish them all the success for their future happiness together."

For more information about the Welsh Royal Crystal company, visit www.welshroyalcrystal.co.uk

Nominations open for UK's largest art prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

One artist will receive a £40,000 prize and all other shortlisted artists will receive a new award of £4,000 each.

The call for nominations begins an international research process that enables Artes Mundi to recognise and support contemporary visual artists whose work engages with social reality, lived experience and the human condition. It gives a platform to artists who are established in their country or region and are emerging internationally but who are under recognised in the UK. The two selectors will be announced during the nomination period, and the artist shortlist will be revealed this September.

Artes Mundi 5 will be installed in almost 800 square metres of new contemporary art galleries atthe National Museum Cardiff, opening in September 2012and running for three months. In announcing a move from the spring dates of previous Artes Mundi exhibitions, Ben Borthwick, Artes Mundi’s new Chief Executive and Artistic Director, said:

"By moving Artes Mundi 5 to the autumn, it will join a group of headline events in the international visual arts calendar that also take place in the UK during that season, including the Turner Prize, Frieze Art Fair and Liverpool Biennial. This is the appropriate context in which Artes Mundi will celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The National Museum has created exceptionally beautiful spaces that sensitively combine a white cube aesthetic with the building’s various architectural histories. This is a clear statement of the role of contemporary art in the Museum’s vision and Artes Mundi is proud that the positive audience reaction to its first four exhibitions has contributed so much to the development of that vision over the last decade."

An international judging panel awards the Artes Mundi Prize midway through the exhibition in November 2012

www.artesmundi.org

Seven wonders of Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We've spotted this interesting blog by Visit Britain detaling their personal 'Seven Wonders of Wales'. It includes some of our amazing sights and attractions such as the Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall and the highest mountain in England and Wales - Mt Snowdon. Plenty of inspiration for you if you are planning your trip to Wales.

See the blog at http://www.visitbritainsuperblog.com/2011/04/the-seven-wonders-of-wales/

Wales ready for Record Store Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Record Store Day is an annual celebration of independent record shops across the world, this year happening on Saturday 16th April. Here in Wales, record stores will mark the occasion with in-store events and special gigs that customers can be part of whilst seeking out selections of exclusive vinyl and CD limited releases.

Spillers Records, the world's oldest record shop, who are now based in The Morgan Arcade, Cardiff, have planned a packed schedule. From hosting special customer DJ sets and performances, to badge making and record sleeve design activities. Look out for lucky bags, a raffle with exclusive Spillers goodies, plus, a fanzine featuring recommends and content from long-term regulars. And that's not all. As well as a set from Y Niwl in the shop during the afternoon, later that evening, Future of the Left headline Clwb Ifor Bach for a Spiller's Record Store Day gig.

Customers at Cob Records, Bangor can look forward to live music from Y Niwl before they travel down the country to Spillers, plus, bands including Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog and Heldinki will take to the store's floor space and play live.

Catapult in Cardiff's High Street Arcade is gearing up to offer promotions across the store and live in-store sets from Hospital Records' brothers in arms Nu:Tone and Logisitics. Also, expect a series of local talent DJing in the basement, including Lung and future garage outfit CRST. The store will also be using the occasion as an opportunity to launch its very own record label 'Catapult Records', showcasing talent in South Wales.

Simon Thomas, manager of Catapult Records said
"Record Store Day gets better every year; it's something we and our regular customers have started to look forward to celebrating every year."

Diverse Music in Newport are joining the festivities and will have an assortment of limited releases in stock, Sarah Howells from Paper Aeroplanes will grace the store with live music from their new album and there's the chance to see The Redlands Palomino Company perform an acoustic set. Goody Bags, a raffle and even vinyl cupcakes from the nearby Secret Garden Cafe are being prepared too.

Carmarthen's only independent record shop, Tangled Parrot, will host Alex Dingley, Trwbador and H-Hawkline who will each be performing live throughout the day at the store's brand new location on Kings Street, Carmarthen. Tangled Parrot invites music enthusiasts to bring along their favourite records in the evening for a night dedicated to swapping stories, recommendations and musical tastes.

Lisa Matthews, Manager at Welsh Music Foundation said
"The importance of independent record stores and the role they play in the music scene cannot be overstated. There are a number of long-serving stores in Wales, at a time when closures are reported across the UK and in other countries."

Across Wales, independent stores like Andy's Records in Aberystwyth will be stocking a limited selection of special releases and Derrick's Records in Swansea are set for the occasion, too.

Please see www.recordstoreday.co.uk for further details.

Wales V Barbarians

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales V Barbarians 130th Anniversary Celebration Game - 4th June

Devauden Music Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The second Devauden Music Fest will be held at Devauden Village Hall on Friday 20th May and Saturday 21st May 2011.

The music is scheduled to run from 7pm to 9.45pm on Friday and from 1pm to 10pm on Saturday.

It promises to be a weekend of live music from bands and solo artists playing a wide variety of musical styles.

The event is being held to raise money for Devauden Village Hall.

The Laugharne Weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A weekend festival in Laugharne, of literature, music and more, 15th-17th April2011

The Laugharne Weekend, an intimate event where visitors, performers and locals rub shoulders in the streets and pubs of a tiny Welsh town, returns for its fifth year

USA surname map highlights Welsh roots

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We stumbled across this US surname map on the National Geographic website and were pleased to see several Welsh surnames appearing across the US. The map shows the top 25 surnames in each state and we spotted Welsh names such as Williams and Jones again and again. Maybe your family name is on there too, take a look at http://spatialanalysis.co.uk/2011/01/21/whats-in-a-surname/

Gwledd Conwy Feast

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

22 - 23 October

The ancient walled town of Conwy and its quay play host for an eigth year to a food festival which celebrates the best of Welsh and borders foods.

Since it began in 2003 Gwledd Conwy Feast has grown into North Wales` biggest food festival and the second largest in Wales.

This tasty two-day event, held within Conwy`s medieval town walls and on its quayside, boasts 100+ stalls, celebrates the best of Welsh chefs and local produce and attracts 25,000 visitors.

There`s a varied programme of cookery demonstrations, music, entertainment and workshops and loads for children to do.

For more details see Gwledd Conwy Feast

Sand, Sun? Music & Wakeboards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 7 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s got to be Wakestock! yep, Europe’s largest wakeboard festival runs from the 8^th – 10^th July; set on the stunning Llyn Peninsula in North Wales the festival returns for the 12^th time and sees successful Welsh band Kids in Glass Houses as one of the acts performing.

See here for more events in Wales

Spring Events

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here is just a flavour of what's to come!

If you go down to the woods today…

The National Trust is opening up Penrhyn Castle woodland and inviting everyone to join in with their BIG Lottery funded Wild in the Woods events, which provide a great place for mums, dads and the kids to explore the woodland for free. For more information call 01248 353084, or email mailto: penrhyncastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Plays and pageantry

Commencing in April and running through until December, Wales's most famous castles and abbeys will provide dramatic backdrops for plays, pageants, battles and light displays. Visitors are in for a treat over Easter as the brave knights of the Plantagenet Medieval Society stage a league tournament in the historic castles of Chepstow, Raglan and Caerphilly over three days, Saturday 23rd April, Sunday 24th April and Easter Monday 25th April. For further information about the 2011 Cadw events, go to the Cadw Events website. Events are from 11am-4pm (unless otherwise stated) and normal admission charges apply.

Top names on the menu…

The biggest names in Welsh food are lining up for the West Wales Food Festival on May 14-15. Bryn Williams, Stephen Terry, Gareth John and Angela Gray will be appearing at this year's event at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. For more information about the festival, visit the West Wales Food Festival website , call 01558 667149 or email mailto: info@gardenofwales.org.uk.

Hay Fever

Once described by Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the Mind”, the Hay Festival will take place from Thursday 26th May – Sunday 5th June. The Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council of Wales are sponsoring Llwyfan Cymru / the Wales Stage which will host fascinating events featuring leading authors, directors, scientists and historians. Or why not drop by the Wales The True Taste stand for a flavour of the best food and drink Wales has to offer.

History Wales/Hanes Cymru sees Cadw, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, Historic Houses Association and History Research Wales joining forces for the first time at Hay 2011 to promote and raise awareness of the rich and varied heritage of Wales. A series of exciting History Wales/Hanes Cymru events and field trips will be announced soon via the Hay Festival website over the next few weeks. A series of heritage lunchtime 'conversations' will also be held on the History Wales/Hanes Cymru stand throughout the week.

Welsh companies at European seafood exposition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 1 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Five Welsh fishing companies are hoping to net new markets by taking part in the world’s largest seafood fair – the European Seafood Exposition (May 3-5).

The companies:

Bangor Mussel Producers;
Selwyns Penclawdd Seafoods;
Anglesey Sea Bass Selonda UK;
The Lobster Pot, and
Bay Seafoods

will be among 1600 exhibitors from the fishing industry taking part in the event which will be held at the Brussels Exhibition & Conference Centre in the Belgian capital.

Attracting buyers and sellers from over 140 countries, the Welsh companies – among them True Taste Award winners - are exhibiting under the auspices of the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Welsh stand will showcase the companies and a range of their produce including Anglesey seabass, scallops/ queen scallops, lobster, cockles, mussels and laverbread. Visitors will also be able to taste the high quality of the Welsh produce with an on-stand chef cooking a variety of dishes.

The UK seafood market is worth around £2.72 billion, and consumer expenditure on fish has increased at a faster rate than other foods with fish and shellfish products now accounting for 5.9 per cent of food expenditure.

Around 80 per centof Welsh fish and shellfish are exported to the continent, where the Welsh catch is highly prized.

Welsh waters are home to a wide variety of fish and shellfish, with more fish landed in Milford Haven than Brixham or Plymouth Docks.

Bass, ray, megrims, coley, plaice, gurnard, soles, brill and turbot can all be found off the Welsh coast as can whelks, scallops, brown crab, spider crab, lobster and prawns.

While to encourage more opportunities for Welsh fish and seafood in the home market 2008 saw the launch of the Welsh Assembly Government’s long-term vision for fisheries – the Wales Fisheries Strategy.

Covering commercial sea catching, recreational sea angling, aquaculture and inland fisheries, it was developed in partnership with stakeholders including environmental organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund Cymru.

Step closer to capturing tidal energy potential

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A unique project that will develop innovative technology to test clean electricity generation from the tides off the West Wales coast has received the necessary consents from the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Minister, Jane Davidson announced today.

The consents will allow Tidal Energy Ltd’s device, to provide a sustainable source of electricity to the people of St David’s during its 12 month test period, and will see the project powering around 1,000 homes. The project has received more than £500,000 from the European Regional Development Fund.

The 1.2MW tidal energy demonstration project which will be located at Ramsey Sound off Pembrokeshire will be the first of its kind in Wales.

The technology for the project is due to be assembled locally in order to provideskilled jobs and a welcome boost for the local economy. The device has been specifically designed to be sensitive to the local environment.

Speaking about the announcement, the Minister said:

“Our energy policy statement, A Low Carbon Revolution, outlines that Wales has the potential to produce nearly twice the amount of electricity it currently uses, through wholly renewable sources by 2025.

"Developing and investing in renewable technologies such as ‘DeltaStream’ is vital if we are to meet our energy targets and drive forward Wales’ ambitions to become a more sustainable nation. Today’s announcement takes us a step closer to the sustainable delivery of marine energy in Wales.

“This project shows our commitment to getting pre-commercial devices into the water, so that their performance can be monitored. This will help to move the industry along and support the development of much needed field data. It demonstrates Wales’ commitment to leading the way inproducing clean, renewable energy for the benefit of our communities and for Wales’ beautiful environment.”

Martin Murphy, Managing Director of Tidal Energy Ltd said:

“This is tremendous news for Tidal Energy Ltd, for Pembrokeshire and for Wales as a whole. We have taken a great stride forward today, which will enable us to deploy our first full-scale DeltaStream device in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire in early 2012.

“We are grateful for the support and positive engagement of the community in Pembrokeshire and the consultees involved in the consenting process.

“Following a successful 12 month technical and environmental test of the device, we will look to develop a pre-commercial array in 2014. This is the first consented tidal stream project in Welsh waters and we are honoured to be at the forefront of the tidal energy industry in Wales.”

The announcement follows the recent publication of the Welsh Marine Renewable Energy Strategic Framework which provides a unique illustrative tool which maps the marine energy environment around the coast of Wales providing an evidence base for use by developers and the wider marine sector.

The findings of the Framework show that even when the various environmental and technological constraints are taken into account, there is still the potential for Welsh waters to produce enough energy to power up to two million homes per year.

Funding announced for New Innovation Campus

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Assembly Government is providing £15 million to Swansea University to deliver the proposed Bay Science and Innovation campus that will be located on Fabian Way across a 69 acre site.

An economic study by the University estimates the project will contribute more than £3 billion to the regional economy over the next 10 years and create thousands of jobs.

Plans on display for the new campus include a research and testing facility operated in partnership with Rolls-Royce; integrated teaching and research facilities for the University’s Schools of Engineering, Business and Economics, Maths and Computer Science, as well as student residential accommodation.

The major research and development facilities are designed to encourage industry to work side by side with researchers, academia and students.

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has approved outline planning consent for the new Bay Science and Innovation Campus on the 22nd February 2011.

Mr Jones said,

“This project fits into our vision for the Welsh economy with its focus on innovation and research and development. For Wales to succeed in the modern economy, academia and businesses must work together. Wales must move towards a more knowledge based economy where the right conditions exist for innovation to flourish so we can unlock our full potential.

“That is why the Assembly Government is pleased to be providing £15 million to help make this campus become a reality. The University’s research shows the project has the potential to create thousands of jobs for the region and pump millions into the local economy. Of course our funding will be subject to a business case appraisal and the University demonstrating its ability to fund the ongoing operation of the project. Innovation is key to our future in Wales. It is what can pave the way to success both in our businesses and academia. That is our path to further prosperity as we adapt to stay at the forefront of developments. For that reason, this development will be a significant step forward.”

Professor Richard B Davies, Vice Chancellor, Swansea University said,

“This is a bold and innovative project. It promises to be a global exemplar of universities and industry working together, creating high technology clusters and hugely enhancing the career opportunities for students. We have a number of multi-national companies as partners, but a project of this massive scale could not have proceeded without the assistance of the Welsh Assembly Government. We thank in particular the Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones for his support and encouragement and for allocating funds from his own department budget to make the whole project financially feasible.”

Exhibition ‘Ghosts in Armour’

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Monday 28 March 2011 18:00 – 19:30

European Parliament, Brussels

RSVP by 21 March - E-mail: EUevents@wales.gsi.gov.uk

E-mail: EUevents@wales.gsi.gov.uk

A multidisciplinary artistic exploration into the emerging postindustrial landscapes of Europe’s declining steel industry.

A multidisciplinary artistic exploration into the emerging postindustrial landscapes of Europe’s decliningA multidisciplinary artistic exploration into the emerging postindustrial landscapes of Europe’s declining

Steel Industry, documenting and contextualizing the lossescurrently shaping a number of communities. The project aimsto document the tangible traces of industry and preserve thenon physical elements of industrial heritage; the stories, urban legends and memories accumulated over several generations.

The curatorial agenda focuses a diverse group of international artists on the industrial spaces and associated communities of three areas: Wales; the Basque Country and the Ruhrgebiet region of Germany.

‘Ghosts in Armour’ is evolving through a series of site specifific installations, with supporting documentary film and collaborative music projects, to contribute to a contemporary artistic discourse that draws upon concepts and experiences of loss, departure, abandonment, growth and regeneration.

is evolving through a series of site specifific installations, with supporting documentary film and collaborative music projects, to contribute to a contemporary artistic discourse that draws upon concepts and experiences of loss, departure, abandonment, growth and regeneration.

is evolving through a series of site specifific installations, with supporting documentary film and collaborative music projects, to contribute to a contemporary artistic discourse that draws upon concepts and experiences of loss, departure, abandonment, growth and regeneration.
is evolving through a series of site specifific installations, with supporting documentary film and collaborative music projects, to contribute to a contemporary artistic discourse that draws upon concepts and experiences of loss, departure, abandonment, growth and regeneration.

The project seeks to combine established and emerging artists, writers, employees and neighbours of operating and abandoned industrial sites to help develop the expression of their unique and honest voices.

Exhibition runs from 28th March 2011 until 31 March 2011 at the European Parliament and the Welsh Assembly Government EU Office, Wales House . Viewings possible at Wales House, by appointment only, to book please contact euevents@wales.gsi.gov.uk

runs from 28th March 2011 until 31 March 2011 at the European Parliament and the Welsh Assembly Government EU Office, Wales House . Viewings possible at Wales House, by appointment only, to book please contact euevents@wales.gsi.gov.uk

runs from 28th March 2011 until 31 March 2011 at the European Parliament and the Welsh Assembly Government EU Office, Wales House . Viewings possible at Wales House, by appointment only, to book please contact euevents@wales.gsi.gov.uk
runs from 28th March 2011 until 31 March 2011 at the European Parliament and the Welsh Assembly Government EU Office, Wales House . Viewings possible at Wales House, by appointment only, to book please contact euevents@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Further information at: http://www.ghostsinarmour.com/

Battle of the Bands: Live Final

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Battle of the Bands: Live Final

Saturday 16^th April

Cardiff Central Library

Doors open 7pm, first band on at 8pm.

Ticket price £3 in advance / £5 on the door

Tickets can be bought from Cardiff Central Library reception

For more details contact 029 2038 2116 or email centrallibrary@cardiff.gov.uk

Wales and Cyber Security

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Wales has signed a deal with the world-leading Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop solutions for cyber security research and education.

Wales has strong links with MIT, the University of Wales has awarded Professor John Williams, Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Geospatial Data Centre (GDC), with a Visiting Professorship.

This development follows on from the recent announcement that Fujitsu had been named as the successful bidder to partner with the Universities in Wales to create a unique £40 million world-class super computing network, a research and innovation institute and a skills academy.

Movie Watch

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Just opened in USA -wide cinemas - thriller movie Limitless starring Robert de Niro, Bradley Cooper and Welsh actor Andrew Howard.

Here's what some of the reviews have been saying.....

The ultimate you-can-have-it-all fantasy -- a pill allowing users to harness 100% of their brain power -- turns into something close to a nightmare for a rags-to-riches author in the propulsive, unexpectedly funny thriller "Limitless." (Robert Koehler writing in Variety)

"It's actually Howard who gets the best (and funniest) material as the brainless thug hiding surprising ambition. He winds up as living proof that, like Limitless's entirely possible to be dumb and smart at the same time. Simon Howell Sound on Sight

"Howard is exceptional in the role; his in-character performance stands out over the other actors" 28dayslater.com

"Howard registers strongly as a thug who maintains a disturbing credibility even at his most over-the-top" Variety

Picture: Andrew Howard with businessman and ex Welsh rugby international player Lyndon Faulkner at the Welsh Assembly's launch of Talking Pictures in Los Angeles on March 1

Bangor University opens office in Beijing

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bangor University has officially opened an office in Beijing, China with the launch being led by the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor John G Hughes and including speeches by both the UK's Ambassador to China, Sebastian Wood CMG and Director An Yuxiang of the Chinese Services Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). The event also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CSCSE and Bangor University.

In his introduction Professor Hughes said "Bangor is well established as a destination of choice for Chinese students and China forms a key part of Bangor's strategy to recruit 20% of its students from overseas." However the underlying theme of the event was not one of recruitment but partnership, Bangor's commitment to which was illustrated by the agreement with CSCSE that was signed at the same event.

Professor Hughes said "Partnership is the way forward and that is not just in the terms of student recruitment and exchange but in areas such as research collaboration and quality assurance. These partnerships need to be underpinned by deep, trusting relationships and joint activities." He went on to add "In my opinion the UK Education sector has a lot to learn from their Chinese counterparts. This new office and the MoU with CSCSE demonstrate Bangor's intention to be at the forefront of this knowledge exchange."

In his address Ambassador Wood took up the partnership theme saying, "The Prime Ministers of both China and the UK have recently confirmed their commitment to a 'Partnership for Growth' in which they will contribute to each others development strategies."

He went on to talk about how, as China moved into the next phase of its development that the UK was well placed to be a valuable ally in the development of the Chinese service sector particularly in areas such as finance, business and education. He concluded by congratulating Bangor on the establishment of its Beijing office saying "I am confident that it will lead to a further deepening of Bangor's relationships with its Chinese partners to mutual benefit."

Before signing the MoU Director Yuxiang, again echoing the theme of partnership, said that "It is a special day for the CSCSE and Bangor as this MoU will deepen cooperation between the two institutions, to the benefit of both, and provide greater opportunities for Chinese students."

Summing up the success of the event Dr Xinyu Wu, Bangor's International Development Director concluded by saying that she expected that this type of activity would allow partners to increase "Mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutually beneficial collaborations."

Also present were British Council Education Marketing team, senior representatives from a number of Bangor University’s partner universities based in Beijing including Beijing Normal University, China University of Political Science and Law, Renmin University, Beihang University, State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) and the Chinese Services Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) and a number of Bangor's Chinese Alumni.

Six Degrees of Separation?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Six degrees of separation is a theory that we are all connected to each other in one way or another by on average about 6 steps! It’s proved a popular way to think of our world as a smaller interconnected society.

Researching a family history is a great way to see how this theory can apply and we get many emails from people all over the World asking for information on resources to help them trace their Welsh ancestors.

There are a number of resources available to help in this search. The National Library of Wales has a wealth of resources for searching out your Welsh ancestry and there are a host of hints and tips on getting started on the DirectGov website.

The First Minster of Wales has recently used the Peoples Collection Website here in Wales to try and shed some light on his own family history.

Researching and solving a family mystery can bring out the detective in all of us and can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing us to place a family story in the context of historical events. Why not have a go and see what connections you unearth.

World-class super computing network

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Global technology giant Fujitsu has today (Tuesday March 22) been named as the successful bidder to partner with the Universities in Wales to create a unique £40 million world-class super computing network, a research and innovation institute and a skills academy.

HPC Wales is being supported by £24 million from the Welsh Assembly Government, including funding from the EU Convergence programmes, £10m from the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and £6million from collaborating institutions and private sector and research income. HPC Wales will give Wales a supercomputing capacity and network at a scale not attempted anywhere else in the UK or Europe.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, described it as a major investment in the future of Wales – providing both the supercomputing facilities and staffing needed for future growth.

“It will provide crucial support for key industry sectors as well as stimulate the growth of ICT and other industries. It supports our Economic Renewal programme, giving businesses real competitive edge, encouraging higher value-added industry and making Wales an attractive location for high value investment.”

The contract is worth £15 million over four years to Fujitsu, who will provide infrastructure and services, giving Wales the most advanced and evolving computing technology available.

Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said it would open up a new era of commercially focussed research across Wales, forging close collaborations between businesses and universities.

“The academy and outreach programmes will also drive forward high level skills, with hard objectives for building skills levels in information and communication technologies and computational based science. It will help businesses in every part of Wales, complementing the support delivered through the Economic Renewal programme.”

A spokesperson for Fujitsu said,

“Our work with HPC Wales will be one of the most significant enterprise-class grid systems in Europe today and will be Fujitsu’s largest HPC project in Europe. We’re confident that our work with HPC Wales will bring significant technology, skills, research, jobs and economic development to the region.”

Reception for alumni of Welsh universities

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Reception for alumni, and education, industry and business contacts of universities in Wales will be held at the Leela Palace Kempinski in Bangalore on the evening of 19^th March 2011. The event is being arranged by the Welsh Assembly Government in conjunction with the British Deputy High Commission and will be hosted by the Deputy High Commissioner, Richard Hyde. Dr Thanga Prabhu, an alumnus of Swansea University has accepted the invitation to attend as Special Guest.

This follows a similar Reception held in Delhi last year at which 100 alumni met a delegation from Wales at the High Commissioner’s residence for a reception to celebrate Wales’ national day.

Since the visit in 2010, universities in Wales have been continuing to explore opportunities in research, teaching and commercialisation and to build on the wide ranging links that already existed between universities in Wales and India.

Dr Peter Noyes, Chair of the Wales International Consortium of universities, will attend the event as Chief Guest to represent the higher education sector in Wales. Looking forward to the event Dr Noyes said:

“We are very proud of our Indian alumni and the place they are taking in making India one of the leading emerging economies in the world. These alumni are also at the heart of the developing relationship between Wales and India which has already seen the formation of numerous prolific partnerships ranging from cutting edge Low Carbon Research to the recent first ever Wales-India film student exchange between New Delhi’s Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) with students and tutors from the Skillset Screen & Media Academy Wales. “

The event will be an opportunity to highlight the emphasis that Welsh universities place on collaboration with industry and business.

For enquiries about Wales and its links with India contact Avik Debnath on Tel: +91 11 2687 2161

For enquiries about business opportunities with Wales contact Dr Kant Singh on Tel: +91 23 3953 7229

Dr Peter Noyes: Chair, Wales International Consortium (http://www.walesinternationalconsortium.com/) and Vice Chancellor University of Wales Newport (http://www.newport.ac.uk/)

Happy Holi!!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Indian festival of Holi, sometimes known as the festival of colours, is taking place on the 19^th and 20^th March this year and we would like to say a happy Holi to all our friends celebrating this colourful festival! both in India and around the World!

A delegation from Wales was in Dehli last year, as part of a week long programme to explore higher education links between the two countries, and some of the group took the opportunity to see this festival and spread some of the Welsh ‘Hwyl’ to our friends inIndia. The ties between our two countries continue to grow, last week a major trade delegation from India visited Wales, led by the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, HE Mr Nalin Surie and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

This weekend, 19^th March, a networking reception will be held in Bangalore for alumni of Welsh Universities, representatives of partner institutions in India and invited guests from Indian companies.

Honoured guests will include Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, Member of the Planning Commission in the Government of India, Dr Thanga Prabhu, Clinical Director at GE Healthcare IT India and Dr Deepak Sharan, Medical Director & Owner of RECOUP Neuromuscuoskeletal Rehabilitation Centre.

This year's event takes place against the background of cricket's world cup which India is co-hosting. While Wales may not have a team in the competition there will be an opportunity to see the Indian side in action later in the year when they play a one day international against England at the SWALEC stadium in Cardiff.

Iconic Nant Gwrtheyrn centre opened

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The iconic Nant Gwrtheyrn centre in North Wales was officially opened yesterday [Thursday 17 March] by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, following a major refurbishment to transform the centre into a unique tourism hub.

The £5m renovation of the Victorian quarry village was unveiled to include 4 star accommodation, a new access road, a function room for conferences, weddings and events as well as new heritage displays with a 1910 period house.

Backed with £3.8m from the Welsh Assembly Government, including the European Regional Development Fund, the redevelopment has taken three years and is aimed at generating investment for the North Wales economy, attracting some 25,000 visitors last year alone and now employing 15 full time staff.

Further funding has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Linbury Foundation, the Pantyfedwen Foundation, Gwynedd County Council, Hansen plc and donations from individuals.

First Minister Carwyn Jones, said:

"Nant Gwrtheyrn is a centre of national and international significance, as well as an important local employer. The new facilities will attract many more day visitors, tourists and local visitors for learning and to enjoy its unique location bringing greater economic benefits to the area."

www.nantgwrtheyrn.org

First Minister Welcomes Indian High Commissioner

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On Friday the 11th March the First Minister met witth the India High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Nalin Surie.

Further details on this story can be found here

Dazu Carvings Exhibition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales’ National Museum is hosting a unique exhibition of exceptional rock carvings originally found near Chongqing, China.

‘From Steep Hillsides: Ancient Rock Carvings from Dazu, China’ will display a selection of the 50,000 figures that were carved in to the rocky hillsides of the World Heritage site during the 9^th to the 13^th century.

In China, the rock carvings have been dedicated a World Heritage site for their aesthetic quality, their rich diversity of subject matter, and the light that they shed on everyday life in China during the time they were made. They also show the coming together of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

In Wales, the exhibition will consist of superb examples of these sculptures which have been detached from their original setting, along with some accurate replicas of some of the most important carvings that are still in situ in Dazu. It promises to be an outstanding spectacle and will give visitors an idea of what it is like to see the ancient carvings in their original settings.

Further details can be found at the National Museum Wales Website

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago visits Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday 16^th March the First Minister met with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar MP, in Cardiff Bay. As part of her visit the Prime Minister was given a tour of the Senedd building by Assembly Commission member Lorraine Barrett AM before taking the time to sign the guestbook.

The Prime Minister was visiting Wales to deliver the keynote speech at the Commonwealth Local Government Conference held in Wales for the first time at Cardiff’s City Hall. The conference, held annually in cities across the Commonwealth, brought together local and regional government representatives from across the 54 member states.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is made up of an archipelago situated in the Caribbean near the coast of Venezuela.

Wales’s International connections

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Last week was a big week for Wales with a host of key International visits and events taking place. Representatives of some of the biggest economies in the World, USA, China and India, have been visiting Wales and the First Minister hosted a reception in London for Diplomats based there.

On Monday 7^th and Tuesday 8^th March the Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Liu Xiaoming, visited Wales and met with the First Minister, the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones. Mr Liu Xiaoming also celebrated the cultural links between Wales and China by visiting the exhibition of ancient Stone Carvings from Dazu. This is the first time these carvings have been seen outside China and are on show at the National Museum of Wales. Whilst at the exhibition, the Ambassador gave an impromptu Mandarin lesson to visiting school children. Mr Liu also undertook visits to two Welsh companies and gave a lecture at Cardiff University.

Wales again played host to an Ambassadorial visit on Wednesday 9^th March, this time it was the turn of the American Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Louis Susman, who co-hosted a business lunch with the First Minister and discussed Business opportunities for American companies in Wales. The Ambassador extolled the benefits to business of coming to Wales, citing the ‘terrific workforce and business friendly Government’ as well as paying tribute to the way the Ryder Cup had been extremely well done and was a showcase for Wales.

On Thursday 10^th March the First Minister hosted a reception held in London for the International Diplomatic Corps and business contacts to help further promote Wales on the International stage.

Friday 11^th March saw a visit by the India High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Nalin Surie who led a trade delegation to Wales to develop business links between Wales and India. The High Commissioner also urged Welsh companies to look to India as a market for their products and highlighted the strong economic growth of India.

FM welcomes Commonwealth Representatives

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones will welcome local government representatives from all over the Commonwealth to Cardiff today.

Around 500 delegates, including Ministers, Chief Executives and senior local government staff from 54 Commonwealth countries, are in the Welsh capital to attend the Commonwealth Local Government which begins in City Hall later today.

Opening the conference, which aims to promote global issues and international co-operation, the First Minister said:

“It is an honour and privilege for Wales to host the Commonwealth Local Government Forum conference.

“Wales is a nation built on a strong culture with a firm belief in the power of our communities to shape and support our destiny. A thriving and healthy democratic process is vital to that.

“Although we are from all corners of the Commonwealth, as politicians and senior public sector leaders we share the same challenges. Increasing the prosperity of our communities is perhaps the most important one. Through better understanding of approaches, the sharing of knowledge and best practice between us, this conference can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The First Minister will also meet the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who is also the Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office. The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team have chosen Wales as the location for their pre-Olympic Games training in ahead of London 2012.

Commonwealth Day celebrations in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today, March 14th, is Commonwealth Day and is an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of the Commonwealth’s organizations, which aim to improve the lives of its citizens.

It is celebrated on the second Monday in March every year.

The Wales Millennium Centre will be holding a series of activities to celebrate the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the commonwealth communities in Wales and there will be a performance by Indian Dance Wales performer Vibha Selvaratnam at midday.

Irish Fans in with a chance of a ‘Welsh cwtch’

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Fans from Ireland coming to Cardiff for this weekend’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales will get a real sense of a warm Welsh welcome as the Millennium Stadium ‘Cwtch Cam’ will be back in action.

First launched for the Millennium Magic Rugby League event around Valentines Day, the ‘Cwtch Cam’ is part of a marketing initiative by Visit Wales.

During the match on Saturday, which will celebrate the 130th anniversary of the founding of the Welsh Rugby Union, a promotional video by BBC pundit and rugby legend Jonathan Davies will be played to encourage everyone to enjoy a ‘Cwtch’. The cameras will go around the stadium showing people ‘Cwtching’ on the big screen and then zoom in one ‘Cwtching’ couple. This lucky pair will win a weekend for two in Cardiff.

In addition, there will be 10 ‘Cwtchers’ wearing red T-shirts who will offer a ‘Welsh Cwtch’ to as many Irish fans they can find. Once the deed is done, they will present them with a special ‘I had a Welsh Cwtch’ badge.

Roger Pride, Visit Wales Marketing director, said: "The ‘Magic Cwtch’ for the Millennium Magic Event last month was such a success we were keen to develop the idea for the Six Nations and have worked with the Millennium Stadium on the ‘Welsh Cwtch’ for those fans visiting Wales. It’s a great way to remind people of the warm and friendly welcome that awaits any visitor to Wales and will add to the atmosphere of the city and stadium on match day. We wanted to find a new, more memorable way of saying ’Welcome to Wales’. "

Gerry Toms, the Millennium Stadium General Manager, added: "We pride ourselves on being one of the most friendly venues in the world and were delighted with the response of the rugby league fans to the innovative ‘Magic Cwtch’ campaign used by Visit Wales last month.

"Given that Saturday will be the 130th anniversary of the WRU, it will be great if everyone celebrates the occasion with a ‘Welsh Cwtch’. The Irish fans always travel in great numbers and have a wonderful rapport with their Welsh counterparts and the Millennium Stadium."

First Minister meets American Ambassador

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones, met the US Ambassador to the UK, his Excellency Mr Louis Susman, today Wednesday 9th March 2011.

Further details on this story can be found here

Cake fit for a Royal Wedding

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We were pleased to hear that Chefs from the Welsh National Culinary Team have been commissioned to bake a wedding cake for Prince William and Kate Middleton.

International Womens Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today (Tuesday 8 March) we’re celebrating the hundredth International Women’s Day. Established in 1911 this day and throughout March sees hundreds of events occur worldwide to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

And it’s got us thinking about some of our inspirational Welsh women. Here a few we’ve come up with

Dame Tanni Grey Thompson
Dame Tanni is Britain’s most successful British Paralympian. The Cardiff born athelete has won 11 Paralympic gold medals and six London marathons. She has recently been ranked top woman in The Times newspaper’s most influential people in British sport

Catherine Zeta Jones
From Swansea to Hollywood, Oscar winning actress Catherine Zeta Jones is one of our most famous exports. Last week she was awarded the top honour from New York’s St David’s Day Society for promoting Wales around the world.

Duffy
Singer-songwriter Duffy has achieved UK and international success, picking up a Grammy for best Pop Vocal on her album Rockferry. Duffy who is from the Welsh village of Nefyn is currently making her acting debut in the film Patagonia

Jan Morris
Named by The Times as one of the greatest British writers since the War, Morris was correspondent who accompanied Edmund Hillary on his successful Everest expedition and claimed one of the century’s greatest scoops, announcing that the mountain had finally been conquered on Coronation Day. She was recently part of the Talking Pictures exhibition in Cardiff, London, New York and Los Angeles.

The Davies sisters

Gwendoline Davies and Margaret Davies two sisters from mid-Wales, amassed one of the great British art collections of the 20th century. Their collection, which they bequeathed the National Museum of Wales included examples of the work from Cezanne, Daumier, Puvis de Chavannes, Signac and Pissarro.

And that’s just a starter for ten!

International Women’s Day Wales have organized many events across Wales to celebrate International Women's Day 2011. Their theme is ‘A Celebration of Women's Achievements over the last 100 years’. Visit http://www.cymruwomen.org.uk/ for more details. Many events being held in Wales are being supported by funding from the Welsh Assembly Government

Support for International Womens Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Women’s support networks across Wales are organising a host of events to mark International Women’s Day thanks to grants from the Welsh Assembly Government.

The 13 successful organisations will share £30,000 for events which celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

Soroptimist International is planning an exhibition at Swansea’s Waterfront Museum to include workshops and lectures whilst the University of Wales Newport is holding a dinner to celebrate the successes of women throughout the past 100 years.

Elsewhere in Wales, Welsh Women’s Aid is running events in Aberystwyth, Bangor and Cardiff to showcase women’s achievements and also highlight global initiatives to protect women’s rights.

Announcing the funding, Wales’ Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said,

"Around the world, International Women’s Day marks a celebration of the economic, social, cultural and political achievements of women and recognises the challenges and discrimination still faced by women today.

"When the first event was held almost a hundred years ago, its success surpassed the hopes of the organisers. The continuing worldwide success of the events each year is a testament to their efforts, and to the continuing hard work and sacrifices of women throughout the past hundred years.

"I am delighted to show my support for International Women’s day and I hope the events are a roaring success."

The grants have been awarded under the Welsh Assembly Government’s Advancing Equality Fund.

First Minister meets Chinese Ambassador

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones met his Excellency Mr Liu Xiaoming, Chinese Ambassador to the UK, in Cardiff on Tuesday 8th Match 2011

Further details on this story can be found here

First Minister builds on links with the World

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Key representatives from three leading world powers meet the First Minister of Wales this week to build on important trade, tourism and education links with the USA, China and India

As Wales enters a new phase of political "coming of age" following last week's Referendum, First Minister Carwyn Jones said it was important to continue to develop our international relations.

He said:

"Wales is an old country with a world class reputation as a place to do business, visit or study. Our growing political confidence, as demonstrated by the positive Referendum result, is key to building on our international role.

"Hosting The Ryder Cup raised Wales' profile around the world as a place to visit and do business. The fact that the Ambassadors for the USA and China and the Indian High Commissioner have chosen to visit Wales in the same week is growing evidence of Wales' international reputation.

"The USA, China and India are all key contacts for us and I look forward to meeting the Ambassadors of China and the USA and the Indian High Commissioner this week to build on these important cultural and business links between our countries."

Following meetings with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister at the Ryder Cup last year, the Ambassadors of the USA and the China, and the High Commissioner of India are meeting the First Minister this week to discuss developing further the relationships between Wales and the countries they represent across a range of sectors including business, trade, education, tourism and culture.

During his visit, the Chinese Ambassador will celebrate the cultural links between Wales and China and will visit the ancient Dazu Stone Carvings from the Chonqing region, which are currently on display at National Museum Wales in Cardiff, the first time ever that they have left China. Ambassador Liu also addressed Cardiff Business Club and visited Flexicare, a medical device manufacturing company in Mountain Ash and Cenin in Bridgend, which manufactures low-carbon cement products. Wales signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese region Chongqing in 2006.

The US Ambassador's visit will focus on building business links between Wales and the USA. During his visit on Wednesday 9 March, Ambassador Susman will co-host with the First Minister a working lunch with business representatives and a reception for key Welsh contacts.

The purpose of the Indian High Commissioner's visit on Friday 11 March is also to develop business links between Wales and India with High Commissioner Surie leading a delegation of Indian companies to Wales.

This week, the First Minister will also host a reception for London-based diplomats and key business contacts as part of continued efforts to build relationships with international contacts.

Historic “Yes” vote gives Wales greater Powers

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Assembly Government welcomed the historic “Yes” vote that will give greater law-making powers to the National Assembly for Wales.

The decision by the people of Wales means that the National Assembly will be able to pass laws in devolved areas without first seeking the approval of the UK Government or Parliament.

The new legislative powers will speed up the legislative process and make it more efficient, enabling the National Assembly to deliver better results for Wales.

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said:

"I am very pleased that the people of Wales have voted in favour of the Assembly having greater law-making powers

"After more than a decade of devolution, we will for the first time now be able to legislate more effectively for the people of Wales, in Wales.

"The system we have used so far, under the Government of Wales Act, had an element of duplication, and created confusion about who was responsible for what. Removing that duplication will enable us to use our legislative capacity more effectively, and people will gain a clearer understanding of the role and responsibilities of the devolved institutions in Wales."

Deputy First Minister of Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones said:

"This vote represents a historic day for Wales that will provide the Welsh people with full law-making powers for the first time.

"I am also very proud that this referendum has marked the success of one of this Assembly Government's key One Wales commitments. This is a truly significant achievement that will resonate in this country every time legislation is needed. The people of our nation have voted for a more efficient and more effective legislature here in Wales, and future generations will benefit from their actions."

Assembly Government officials will now begin the task of introducing the relevant legislation so that the Assembly is able to use its newly acquired further-law making powers as soon as possible. This is expected to be from the start of the new Assembly in May.

Wales-Rajasthan exhibition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Friday 4^th March saw the opening of the Wales – Rajasthan Exchange Exhibition at the Howard Gardens Gallery in Cardiff, a vibrant visual arts exhibition that brings together the work of Welsh and Indian artists from Rajasthan. The exhibition was opened by John Howells, Director of Culture at the Welsh Assembly Government, with Vidhya Sagar Upadhyay, Suneet Ghidial and Ram Avatar Soni from Rajasthan present to discuss their work with guests.

The show has already been displayed in Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, one of the largest Arts centres in Asia, and is made up of work by eight Welsh and ten Indian artists. The exhibition has been organised by Richard Cox, Director of Howard Gardens Gallery, who was responsible for the visual arts exchange between Wales and Rajasthan which ran between 1993 and 1998. It involved the Arts Council of Wales working in collaboration with the British Council, The Charles Wallace Trust and INTACH. This exhibition is a result of the friendships made during this time which still flourish today.

The gallery will be playing host from the 4th to the 25th March 2011

Wales Government Office Opens in Chongqing

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

1st March, St David’s Day, and the National Day of Wales, saw the opening in Chongqing of a new Wales Government office. Located adjacent to the British Consulate General and British Council, the Wales office was officially opened in traditional Chinese style, complete with drums and dancing lions. The event marked the opening also of the 5th annual Wales Week in Chongqing.

Speakers at the official opening included Hao Ming, the Director General of Chongqing Foreign Affairs Office; Steve Smith, Deputy British Consul General; and Gary Davis, Director of External Affairs of the Government of Wales.

The Office will be responsible for maintaining and developing still further the extensive and very active relationship between Chongqing Municipality and Wales. The Wales-Chongqing relationship includes collaboration in the fields of education (schools, vocational and university links); health; academic development; low carbon research; culture (museum and library links); science and technology and environment. The office will be the Welsh Government in principal presence in China and work with other offices in Beijing and Shanghai to promote Welsh interests throughout China. Wales mandarin website – www.wales.cn is managed from the Chongqing office.

The 5th Wales Week include a Low Carbon Road show - Wales-Chongqing Low Carbon Building Retrofitting Seminar; a Skills Exchange Roadshow involving collaboration between the vocational education sectors in Chongqing and Wales; a collaborative exchange programme and joint performance between Chongqing Art School and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; a Wales Government sponsored presence at the International Education Exhibition in Chongqing (Discover Wales III) and participation in the Exhibition by several Welsh universities; and a Wales Government Reception.

The new Wales Office will continue the close working relationship established in Chongqing with the British Consulate General Chongqing and the British Council, and provide the bridge between partners in Wales and China.

It’s World Book Day!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Yep that’s right, it’s World Book day. To celebrate the love of the written word, of books and of the stories and places they can conjure up in our minds the Welsh Books council is giving every primary school in Wales a chance to participate in the biggest ever storytelling session.

Four specially commissioned World Book Day stories by four Welsh authors will be beamed into schools for school children between 7 and 11 years old, via short films hosted online so that all schools across Wales can watch the stories come to life

Wales a World leader in digital health care

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 2 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is firmly establishing itself as a world leader in the use of digital technologies to improve patient safety and the quality of health and social care, the Health Minister, Edwina Hart said today.

Significant investment has been made in delivering an integrated digital healthcare service, which puts the needs of patients at the centre of service delivery.

£4.7m has been invested in creating the Individual Health Record (IHR) system – which will allow healthcare professionals working in local Out of Hours Services to see a summary of a patients GP record.

Mrs Hart said the development of the IHR has been commended by international experts from as far afield as Canada, the USA, continental Europe and New Zealand, who have described the achievements in Wales as “a model for how to run a successful national ICT Programme”.

The Welsh Assembly Government has also:

established ‘My Health Online’ – which will, by later this year, allow patients to access a bi-lingual website to book appointments with their GP practice or to request repeat prescriptions;
invested £12.1 million to introduce a new, single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), to be rolled out later this year, will reduce the number of duplicated tests and mean that, no matter where a patient receives care, the results of tests will be readily available.This will improve pathology services for patients and clinical staff.
invested £2.5m for the first phase of the Welsh Clinical Portal.

The Welsh Assembly Government has also invested in developing world-class medical technologies, including robotic pharmacies, MRI and CT scanners. £16.5m has been invested in a new Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging Centre at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, which offers Welsh patients and University researchers a high-resolution scanning facility which can track cancers and other tissue in incredible detail, meaning diseases can potentially be detected at an earlier stage.

Mrs Hart said:

“Information is very much the nervous system of the NHS and in the future, health and care services will maximise the use of modern, digital technology.

“The investment we have made during the lifetime of this government in healthcare ICT is helping to maintain high quality care for patients and reducing harm, waste and variation. We are maintaining our investment in the health service in cash terms over the next three years – despite the impact of the UK Government’s cuts to the Welsh budget.

“In the digital age, people increasingly expect their public services to be convenient and available online. The better use of digital technology is an effective way of improving the safety and the quality of care the NHS in Wales provides.

“We are committed to delivering an all-Wales integrated healthcare service – a service that meets the needs of our citizens, that is not led by an internal market but is based on providing best quality care for all citizens in our urban, valley and rural communities.

“As a Government, we have pledged that the NHS will continue to be a priority. Through the use of this new technology, and reducing duplication, we will save money and improve patient care which is essential in this challenging financial climate.”

The Welsh Assembly Government’s Chief Information Officer for Health and Social Services, Dr. Gwyn Thomas said:

“The Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘made in Wales’ approach to delivering digital healthcare has been achieved by taking pragmatic, incremental steps to linking existing and new systems together to develop an all-Wales ICT infrastructure . We have not taken a ‘rip and replace’ approach but have combined the best internal NHS systems with the best commercial systems. Our main aim is to make sure that ICT supports staff and patients in the delivery of healthcare services.

“We designed the systems after listening to a variety of different users, taking on board their various requirements. This design work has been supported by rigorous safety testing, national standards, strong leadership and project management.

“This has meant that we have delivered what users want and achieved better Value for Money for the Welsh pound.”

The Chairman of the BMA’s General Practitioners Committee for Wales, Dr. David Bailey said:

“In general the IT strategy in Wales - particularly with the Individual Health Record, Welsh Clinical Portal and Laboratory Information Management System when it comes on stream - has been welcomed by GPs and has put Wales in the vanguard of IT developments whilst maintaining a proper regard for patient confidentiality.

“My Health Online also has the potential to improve services, particularly through repeat prescriptions, although online appointments are likely to remain only a small part of overall GP appointment services in order not to disadvantage patients who cannot readily use online services.”

St David’s Day Round Up!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 2 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Well, it was quite a busy Day in Wales with parades and events and Royal Visits going on to celebrate St David’s Day, and it wasn’t only Wales where events took place, there were celebrations across the World; America, China and Monaco to name but a few! And Hilary Clinton, who is an American of Welsh descent, sent a message to the people of Wales on our National Day.

In the digital world St David’s Day was one of the top ‘trending’ topics on social networking site twitter and over 1000 people used the Twibbon to show their support on face book.

Events are still going on and we will post updates here, so be sure to check back!

St David’s Day celebrated around the world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 2 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Events were held across Wales, from Cardiff to Wrexham.First Minister Carwyn Jones sent his St David's Day greetings around the world via YouTube and US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, also sent her St David's Day greetings to the people of Wales.

In London, the True Taste Kitchen visited Marble Arch where visitors sampled award-winning Welsh food and drink. A joint promotion with John Lewis on Oxford Street also featured Wales the True Taste award winning produce with cheese tasting masterclasses being held in the department store’s popular Foodhall. The Welsh flagcould also be seenflying over civic buildings in the city including,10 Downing Street,Westminster Abbey, City Hall, home of the Greater London Authority, and Westminster City Hall.

St David's Day was also being celebrated in the world of social media. Yesterday morning, "Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant" was trending globally on Twitter and the #stdavidsday hashtag, promoted by the Welsh Assembly Government, was being used by users right across the twittersphere, making #stdavidsday the top tweet in the UK for most of the day. Welsh American societies pickedupthe hashtag for the remainderof the day to promoteSt David's Day on Twitterin the United States. The Welsh Assembly Government's St David’s Day Twibbon, depicting the Welsh Flag and daffodils, was supported by over 1,100 Twitter and Facebook users.Viewers of BBC's The One Show last night will have also seen presenters Alex Jones and Matt Baker sporting daffodil corsages sent by the Welsh Assembly Government on behalf of the people of Wales.

St David's Day will continue to be celebrated around the world this week. In China, Wales Week in Chongqing runs until March 6. It features industry, education, and cultural elements and highlights exchanges, co-operation and progress between Wales and Chongqing. The Wales Government office wasofficially opened yesterday. There are also events in Beijing and Tianjin during the period.

In the United States, Wales Week runs until March 6th. The “Talking Pictures” exhibition by Llanidloes-born photographer Cambridge Jones opens at the Los Angeles Public Art Gallery on March 2. The exhibition features photos of Welsh celebrities such as Katherine Jenkins, Bryn Terfel, Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Sheen. On March 4, the St David’s Society of the State of New York Annual Dinner takes place where Catherine Zeta-Jones will be honored with the William R Hopkins Medal and on March 6, the official Dylan Thomas Walking Tour of Greenwich Village, run by New York Fun Tours, will be launched

Send St David's Day greetings around the world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 1 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Why not send an e-card to all your friends across the globe to celebrate Wales' national day? Try our interactive quiz and send greetings to all your friends to test their Welsh knowledge. Just click on the link - send to a friend!

US Secretary of States St David's Day Message

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 1 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hilary Clinton, who is an American of Welsh descent, has sent a St David's Day greeting to the people of Wales on behalf of President Obama

London Celebrates St David’s Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales comes to London on Tuesday, 1st March to celebrate our national day - St David’s Day - with a feast of Welsh food and music. And to mark the celebrations, the Welsh flag - Y Ddraig Goch – will be flown from 10 Downing Street, the Greater London Authority City Hall and Westminster City Hall.

Welsh people longing for home on Tuesday, Londoners and visitors to the Capital will be able to sample some of Wales’s finest food and drink as The True Taste Kitchen will be based at Marble Arch for the day as part of the 10th Anniversary True Taste Kitchen Tour. Visitors can try some traditional Welsh fare such as lamb cawl, roast lamb, Welshcakes, Welsh Rarebit and Bara Brith as well as some award-winning products including yogurts, pates, pies, waffles, cream liqueurs and Welsh whisky. A host of golden Welsh daffodils will be handed out to passers-by along with Happy St David’s Day cards.

The John Lewis store on Oxford Street will also feature Wales the True Taste award winning produce with cheese tasting masterclasses being held in the department store’s popular Foodhall. Guests attending the Masterclasses on Tuesday 1 March will be introduced to a range of delicious Welsh cheeses, with the opportunity to taste and learn how the cheeses are produced, and how their differing characteristics are developed. Cheeses will be available to taste from 11:30am until 14:30pm and 17:30pm until 19:30pm on 1 March 2011.

Many events have also been organised by the London Welsh, including Sing with your supper which will be held at the London Welsh Centre on March 1st. This will also be the date for the London Welsh St David's Day Dinner at the Guildhall, with entertainment from Mid Wales Opera. Also organised by the London Welsh centre is the annual St David’s Day walk which will take place this year on Saturday 5th March. For more information go to the London Welsh website

St David’s Day is very much a showcase for Wales around the world and events will also take place in Brussels, China, New York and Los Angeles. Wales’ First Minister Carwyn Jones will host a reception for the diplomatic community at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as part of the ongoing relationship with countries through their diplomatic representatives in London. A number of countries have already chosen Wales as the base for their 2012 pre-training and base camps to take advantage of our excellent sporting facilities.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“Thousands of people all over the world celebrate our national day in different ways because of their links with Wales so it is a great opportunity for us to showcase the best of Wales and raise the profile of our country around the world in areas such as food, drink, music and culture. I am delighted to wish London a Happy St David’s Day – Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus!”

Support St David’s Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There are a number of ways in which you can show your support for St David’s Day this year, you can add a Twibbon to you facebook page or use #stdavidsday to tweet your support

You can check out our home pageto get facts and information on St David as well as information about events going on, you can also see the First Minister for Wales the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones message for St David’s Day

If you fancy holding your own St David’s Day events our dedicated St David’s Daypages have lots of inspiration for you including welsh recipes and activities.

Celebrating Wales’ Cultural Heritage on St David’s

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government’s historic environment service is calling on people in Wales to familiarise themselves with their past this St David’s Day, by celebrating our national day through visiting one of Wales’ heritage sites.

Cadw is marking St David’s Day by offering free admission to all its directly managed monuments in Wales on Tuesday 1st March.

These include the magnificent Bishop’s Palace at St Davids, Britain’s smallest city; one of the world’s greatest medieval castles, Caernarfon Castle; the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales, Tintern Abbey, and dramatic Harlech Castle on its cliff-top location. Access to Caerleon Roman Fortress Baths and Blaenafon Ironworks continues to be free to ALL throughout the year.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said:

“I am delighted to continue the St Davids Day free entry initiative. Over the last three years Cadw has welcomed close to 9,000 visitors to its sites on this important day in the nation’s calendar. Visiting one of Cadw’s sites will give a fascinating insight into a piece of our past, and what better way to celebrate St Davids Day? We hope many more people will take this opportunity to visit a site in Cadw’s care and appreciate for themselves the magnificence of Wales’ historic environment.”

Another project which aims to give the people of Wales and visitors alike a deeper insight into our past is also nearing completion. The Welsh Cultural Heritage Initiative was awarded £2 million Welsh Assembly Government Strategic Capital Investment Funding in 2009.

The Welsh Cultural Heritage Initiative is targeted at particular sites of iconic significance to Welsh culture, heritage and nationhood. The programme of works has contributed to the conservation and to the provision of access to a number of sites throughout Wales.

The programme has included a mix of investigation, conservation, interpretation and physical access works at sites associated with the medieval princes of Gwynedd (Deganwy Castle, Llys Rhosyr and Abergwyngregyn), the princes of Deheubarth (Nevern Castle), Owain Glyndwr (Sycharth Castle, the Machynlleth parliament building and Glyndyfrdwy), and medieval monastic sites (Strata Florida and Cwm-hir abbeys).

The Heritage Minister, said:

“I’m delighted that the work on the Welsh Cultural Heritage Initiative is now nearing completion. The sites are key in telling the story of Wales and are strongly linked with our nationhood, language and culture. I’m confident people will feel a stronger connection with Wales and our story and I am grateful for the continued cooperation of the private owners of many of the sites in making them accessible for the public to visit. They play a crucial role in giving us a sense of place and purpose.”

Full list of Cadw sites open on St David’s Day 2011:

Beaumaris Castle
Caerleon Roman Baths
Caernarfon Castle
Caerphilly Castle
Castell Coch
Chepstow Castle
Cilgerran Castle (open unstaffed site)
Conwy Castle
Criccieth Castle (open unstaffed site)
Denbigh Castle (open unstaffed site)
Harlech Castle
Kidwelly Castle
Lamphey Bishop’s Palace (open unstaffed site)
Margam Stones Museum
Raglan Castle
Strata Florida Abbey (open unstaffed site)
St Davids Bishop’s Palace
Tintern Abbey
Valle Crucis Abbey (open unstaffed site)
White Castle (open unstaffed site)

New Kyffin Williams exhibition leads Oriel Ynys Mô

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, has praised the success of Oriel Ynys Môn as it celebrates its 20th birthday, during a visit to the new Patagonia exhibition at Oriel Kyffin Williams.

The exhibition, which runs until 4 September 2011, provides an insight into the landscape and people of Patagonia compiled by Sir Kyffin during his Churchill Fellowship visit in 1968-1969, when he recorded the descendents of the Welsh settlers.

The Minister said:

“Sir Kyffin Williams’ stunning paintings of Wales are well-known to many, so it is very interesting to see these works of a different landscape, but one which is close to the hearts of many Welsh people.

“Supporting the establishment of a gallery for one of Wales’ most prominent and important artists was a One Wales commitment of this Assembly Government. I’m delighted that we have been able to oversee this fitting tribute to Sir Kyffin Williams, within Oriel Ynys Môn. I am also very pleased to congratulate Oriel Ynys Môn and Anglesey County Council as it celebrates this anniversary.”

The Welsh Assembly Government provided £100,000 in funding via the Arts Council of Wales towards the establishment of Oriel Kyffin Williams.

Works on display at the Patagonia exhibition hail from the Oriel’s own collection, other private and public collections including a large selection from The National Library of Wales.

A collection of pen, ink, watercolour and oils are displayed ranging from paintings and large works on paper to small sketches from Sir Kyffin’s autobiography ‘Wider Sky’. A collection of photographs taken by Sir Kyffin is also on display.

The new exhibition begins the 20th birthday celebrations of Oriel Ynys Môn. A number of exhibitions and events are planned in the gallery throughout this year.

Today the work of local, national and international artists are shown in the Art Gallery. Over the last 20 years this Gallery has exhibited the works of artists such as Kyffin Williams, Peter Prendergast, Donald McIntyre, Gwilym Pritchard, Williams Selwyn, Mary Lloyd Jones, Shani Rhys James, Wilf Roberts and Wil Rowlands, to name but a few.

Pat West, Principal Officer – Museums, Culture and Archives for Anglesey, added:

“By now there is little doubt that Oriel Ynys Môn is one of the island’s gems having developed to become one of the best galleries in Wales. This is thanks to many, including the staff over the last 20 years and the visitors and users both local and seasonal for their continued support.

"In 2009 Oriel Ynys Môn was honoured to receive the Gold Award at the Anglesey Tourism Awards for Best Visitor Attraction and in 2010 it repeated that success by winning Best cultural/Heritage Venue. We very much hope that future years will be as prosperous.”

NY welsh society to honour Catherine Zeta-Jones

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The St David's Society of the State of New York is making Catherine Zeta Jones their guest of honour at it's 176th annual dinner dance in Manhattan.

The welsh Oscar winner will be awarded the New York Welsh society's highest prize, the William R Hopkins medal at their eveing on 4 March at the Yale Club.

Read the full story at Wales Online

Taste of Wales around the World on St David's Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

St David’s Day will be celebrated around the world in a number of different ways and First Minister Carwyn Jones will be in Brussels today to mark the start of celebrations for Wales’ national day

The First Minister will host a diplomatic reception in the heart of the European quarter to highlight Wales’ strong links with the European Union and to promote the best of Welsh produce. The event is supported by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales and Bangor Mussels Producers who recently won True Taste Export Achievement of the Year in recognition of the economic importance of this sector. Entertainment will be provided by one of Wales’ bright young talents, Claire Jones, the official Harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“Thousands of people all over the world celebrate our national day in different ways because of their links with Wales so it is a great opportunity for us to showcase the best of Wales and raise the profile of our country around the world in areas such as food, drink, music and culture. Last year, we played host to the Ryder Cup which was a tremendous success and this year’s events in Cardiff, London, Brussels, China, New York and Los Angeles are a great opportunity for us to build on the profile gained from hosting such a major sporting event. ”

In London, the True Taste Kitchen will visit Marble Arch on St David’s Day where visitors will be able to sample award-winning Welsh food and drink. A joint promotion with John Lewis on Oxford Street will also feature the Wales the True Taste award winning produce with cheese tasting masterclasses being held in the department store’s popular Foodhall. The Welsh flag will also be flying over civic buildings in the city including City Hall, home of the Greater London Authority and Westminster City Hall.

In China, Wales Week in Chongqing runs from February 28 to March 6. It features industry, education, and cultural elements and highlights exchanges, co-operation and progress between Wales and Chongqing. The Wales Government office will officially open on March 1st. There are also events in Beijing and Tianjin during the period.

In the United States, Wales Week runs from March 1-6. The “Talking Pictures” exhibition by Llanidloes-born photographer Cambridge Jones opens at the Los Angeles Public Art Gallery on March 2. The exhibition features photos of Welsh celebrities such as Katherine Jenkins, Bryn Terfel, Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Sheen. On March 4, the St David’s Society of the State of New York Annual Dinner takes place where Catherine Zeta-Jones will be honored with the William R Hopkins Medal and on March 6, the official Dylan Thomas Walking Tour of Greenwich Village, run by New York Fun Tours, will be launched.

As part of the St David’s Day activity taking place online this year, the Welsh Assembly Government is also using social networking site Twitter to get people to send their St David’s Day messages and greetings by using the hashtag #stdavidsday in a global bid to raise our profile.

The aim is to make St David’s Day one of the most popular Twitter topics around the world on Tuesday 1st March – known as “trending”.

A St David’s Day Twibbon has also been created depicting the Welsh Flag and daffodils so that users of social network sites like Twitter and Facebook can show their love for Wales by adding the Twibbon icon to their profile picture.

Visit Wales have launched a video called The 'Land of Song? You Decide!' on the Visit Wales Blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Since its launch last week the video has already had 1,500 hits.

The video was filmed around key locations in Cardiff city centre during a match day when people were asked to sing a line or two of the National Anthem. The performance of all those who took part has been summed up on the video as:

“Everyone may not know all of the words or the correct pronunciation to our National Anthem, but we always sing it with pride!”

People are being invited to record their own version and upload as a video response via YouTube.

Profile Picture Painting has also been successful on Facebook, with more than 800 requests to PhotoShop the Welsh Flag onto profile pictures. These pictures will be shared on Facebook as a gallery on St David's day. Both the video and the profile picture painting can be seen and linked to from the blog

St David’s Day Events

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only a week to go before St David’s Day and there is a whole host of eventslined up!

Swansea will be celebrating St David’s Day from Saturday 26th February with a week longseries of events, Cardiff will be hosting the annual St David’s Day paradeon March 1st and there are also tours of historic houses, Museums, concerts and Runs all on offer.

And it’s not just in Wales where events are being held! In fact there are events right across the globe; London, Paris, New York, Milan??...Well maybe not Milan yet but who knows next year!...Japan, China and India all to support and promote St David’s Day.

If you can’t quite make it to all these destinations, why not show your support for St David’s Daythrough a Twibbon or by using ‘#stdavidsday’ on you twitter account!

If your holding any events for St David’s Day why not contact us and we’ll see if we can add the information to our eventspages

Unique Exhibit at Royal Welsh College

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, and The Society of British Theatre Designers (SBTD) are hosting Transformation & Revelation, the UK Design for Performance Exhibition 2011, in March.

The exhibition will take place in the Royal Welsh College’s new exhibition arcade, showcasing the most innovative and groundbreaking designs from UK based performance designers, and members of the Society of British Theatre Designers between 2007 and 2011. Exhibitors include Antony Gormley and John Macfarlane, who have both just been nominated for Olivier awards for their designs, Es Devlin’s designs for Lady Gaga’s Monsterball tour. There will be the new designs for Billy Eliott’s New York production and the Lion King designer Richard Hudson’s latest works, as well as the designer from the Horrible Histories tour.

“Transformation & Revelation will show designs for productions from across the UK and internationally, featuring designs, models, costumes, puppets, and a complete record of some of the most exciting theatre, opera and dance work from many of the world’s leading designers,” explains Sean Crowley, director of drama at Royal Welsh College, and exhibition coordinator for SBTD.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity to host this acclaimed exhibition and to host it in the College’s purpose built exhibition arcade.”

The exhibitionwill feature an unprecedented amount of exhibitors, including emerging talents such as recent Linbury Biennial Competition winners. Since 2001 Royal Welsh College students have consistently been among this award’s finalists, with Jean Chan among the four winners in 2009, and Tom Scutt and Rhys Jarman winning in 2007.

The exhibits that will represent the UK in the next Prague Quadrennial (the international exhibition of Scenography featuring the work of over 400 designers from 50 countries) next June, will be selected from the work presented at this National Exhibition.

Spreading St David’s Day around the World

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Assembly Government is using social networking site Twitter to get people to send their St David’s Day messages and greetings by using the hashtag #stdavidsday in a global bid to raise our profile.

The aim is to make St David’s Day one of the most popular Twitter topics around the world on Tuesday 1st March – known as “trending”.

The Twitter campaign is designed to encourage people to find out more about Wales by linking visitors to Wales.com and the Visit Wales websites. Since its inception, the Assembly Government has used St David’s Day as a platform for raising awareness about Wales for tourism, education and inward investment. Visitors to the sites will find a wealth of information about our heritage, attractions for visits, food and culture.

The success of the St David’s Day Twitter campaign depends on Twitter users using the hashtag and Twibbon, getting their followers to do the same and re-tweeting messages. Overseas offices of the Assembly Government are getting involved by sending messages, or Tweeting, Welsh people living and working overseas. A number of Welsh societies around the world will also be spreading the St. David’s Day word.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“The 2010 Ryder Cup has raised our profile around the world and we must continue to build on this success. Social media allows us to start a global conversation about being Welsh and our pride in Wales on our national day. We want to tell the world about what makes Wales so special and why they should visit!”

For more information about how to install the Twibbon go to the Twibbon website

Support St David's Day!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Why not show your support for St David's Day by adding a Twibbon or a face painting to your facebook profile picture? A great way to show your virtual love for Wales!

To add the twibbon visit Join St Davids Day

To get your profile picture painted visit Face painting

Wales - Rajasthan Exchange Exhibition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Wales Rajasthan Exchange Art Exhibition will run from the 4th March to the 26th March at the Howard Gardens Gallery, Cardiff School of Art and Design, University of Wales Institute Cardiff

In the 1990s there was a flourishing programme of visual artists exchanges between Wales and Rajasthan. This was part of the Artists in Residence Programme organised by the Arts Council of Wales in collaboration with the British Council and the Charles Wallace India Trust between 1993-98. These exchanges were reciprocal, usually lasting for two months, during that five year programme 35 artists took part.

Amongst the host venues in Rajasthan were Banasthali Vidiapith, an all women's University in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan School of Art, The Blue Pottery, TAKHMAN-28 Arts Centre and several others. In Wales our visitors worked with Cardiff School of Art & Design, Berllanderi Sculpture Workshop, Old Library Artists Studios, The Pioneers Art Group and many more. The artists forged strong friendships many of which have been sustained over the last 18 years. It is with this background the current exhibition has been organised.

After the formal exchange ended the relationships between the artists and organisations remained and further visits and exhibitions have taken place over the intervening years. Those Indian artists exhibiting have been associated with the exchange, either as participants or collaborators; many more also played an important part of this long running project.

Several artists from India have visited the UK following their residencies including Shahid Parvez, Vinay Sharma, Samdar Singh Kangarot Sagar and Manish Kansara; all have returned and are showing their own work internationally.

This specific exhibition includes only three artists from Wales who were part of the original exchange. For this show Cardiff is represented by artists working in print and photography from Cardiff School of Art & Design, in particular the V-6 Group, who also host the second of this two part exhibition. Three additional venues will be showing this exhibition in India later this year.

Support for this exhibition has been generously provided by The Welsh Assembly Government, Wales Arts International, The Arts Council of Wales, The Lalit Kala Academy, Jawahar Kala Kendra , The Association of British Scholars, Jaipur, V-6 Group and Cardiff School of Art & Design, UWIC.

Olympic Games at Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The schedule for the 2012 Olympic Games has been released and the Millennium stadium here in Cardiff will host the first event! On the 25^th July the Stadium will play host to some of the opening games for the Womens Football tournament. Womens football is one of the fastest growing sports and there should be a great atmosphere for the first event to start the 2012 Olympic Games!

A Star for Burton

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A major fundraising campaign has been launched to lay an iconic star to honour Richard Burton, one of Wales’ most famous actors, on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.

The Western Mail, in partnership with The Welsh Rugby Union and Principality Building Society, launched A Star for Burton, a £40,000 fundraising drive, at Wales’ Millennium Stadium during the Wales v England Six Nations match last week. Half of the money raised will go towards Burton’s star and the other half will support scholarships at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where a new theatre has been named in his honour.

Despite being nominated for seven Oscars, Burton has never been recognised on the legendary Boulevard. The campaign has already received backing from major Welsh stars, including Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys and Burton’s actor daughter, Kate, who said: “I am delighted to support this campaign to recognise my father’s place in Hollywood history. I’m particularly excited that the fundraising will also support scholarships at the Royal Welsh College, particularly as much of that training will centre around the new theatre that will bear his name.”

The Hollywood Walk of Fame committee is currently seeking nominations for new stars for the Boulevard. However each nomination costs around £18,000 ($30,000), to fund installation and maintenance costs.

Hilary Boulding, principal of the RWCMD, said: “The College is delighted to be a part of this campaign. It seems only fitting that one of Wales’ most famous sons should also have a star on Hollywood Boulevard, while at the same time creating student scholarships in his name for future students at the college.”

Find out more about how to donate to the Star for Burton campaign here

Mediumship Evening

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An Evening of Mediumship at Cardiff Central Library

Friday 25^th February, 7pm

Presenting

Moya O’Dwyer

Martin Harrison

In Partnership with The Academy of Psychic & Spiritual Studies

Principal Stephen O’Brien

Tickets £5

Available from Cardiff Central Library

Scotland v Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After an opening game that didn’t quite go to plan for us, Wales are heading up to Scotland to see if we can get our six nations back on track. There is always a good atmosphere when our two nations meet and games between Wales and Scotland are traditionally fast and open games, so we are looking forward to an exciting game

Plant! celebrates 3rd Birthday

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Plant! A project to plant a tree for every child born or adopted in Wales celebrates its third year this week and has seen more than 100,000 trees planted!

The scheme was the idea of a Cardiff school girl back in 2008 who wrote to her Assembly Member with the idea.

Since then the project has grown and there are currently three young woodland areas across Wales. With 2011 being the International year of Forests, schemes like Plant! Shows how Wales is contributing to a global vision of conservation and sustainable management of forests.

Check out the link for further information on Plant!

Met Graduate Opens Uganda’s First Animation Studio

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Swansea Metropolitan University graduate has used the 3D computer animation and entrepreneurial skills he acquired in Wales to launch Uganda’s first animation studio.

David Masanso, thirty-seven years old and from the Ugandan capital city Kampala, graduated with a degree in 3D computer animation from Swansea Met’s School of Digital Media in 2007.

In late 2009, David started his own multimedia company, based in Kampala, called Crossroads Digital Media, which incorporates Uganda’s first ever animation studio. The successful business, which now employs twelve people, deals in a cross-section of multimedia productions but its speciality is 3D computer animation.

Crossroads Digital Media have already worked for some of Uganda’s biggest organisations. They have recently completed some award-winning projects with the Uganda Revenue Authority (the country’s tax body), as well as the nation’s second biggest brewery, Nile Breweries Uganda Limited. Their latest high-profile assignment is an animated advertising campaign for the NRM Uganda political organisation in preparation for the country’s 2011 presidential elections.

Three generations of David’s family have studied in the UK and this prompted him to enrol on a further education animation course at Amersham College.

David said: “I knew that I wanted to undertake an animation course before I came to the UK, after watching the 3D animated film Toy Story. When I was at Amersham College I had to choose a university to study a degree in 3D computer animation. Out of my three shortlisted universities, I choose Swansea Met because of its good structural course units.

“My time with the School of Digital Media was great and has been vital in my subsequent success. The structure of the animation course and its modules covered aspects from across the multimedia spectrum and has helped me to build a company and train my staff.”

About his future aspirations for Crossroads Digital Media, David said: “Our Company’s strength is demonstrated through the commitment to developing strong collaborative working relationships with all of our esteemed clients. We hope to provide quality 3D computer animation in Uganda, creating the best animated content in east Africa. I also wish to maintain my links with Swansea Metropolitan University.”

Scott Smith, Programme Director of Swansea Met’s BA (Hons) 3D Computer Animation course, said: “We are always delighted to hear about the global successes of our animation graduates. David’s achievements since setting up Uganda’s first animation studio are clear to see, with some of the nation’s biggest organisations calling on Crossroads Digital Media to assist their promotional work.

“As well as gaining high profile jobs within the 3D computer animation and special effects industries, we also have a large number of enterprising students who set up their own successful companies. David is an inspiration for future students who wish to take this entrepreneurial path.”

In recent years, leading computer graphics publications 3D World and 3D Artist magazines included the University’s School of Digital Media in their industry-chosen list of top animation schools from across the world. The School offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in 3D computer animation, interactive digital media, multimedia, creative computer games design and music technology.

Keep watching the skies

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Swansea Astronomical Society are back at the Garden for another evening of extra-terrestrial entertainment with fingers crossed for a stunning display of heavenly bodies.

But there will be plenty to do whatever the weather with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities: in the Marquee there is a telescope clinic, with help and advice being offered to beginners and/or anyone interested in taking up star gazing.

Feel free to bring your own telescopes if you need help and/or advice.Meanwhile, in the Theatre, there will be a presentation of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing and Society experts will be examining Astro myths.

The Star Party runs from 6.30pm until 9pm and entry is £3 with under-16s free. Refreshments – including the Garden’s fabulous home-made cawl – are available.For more information, go to garden of wales

Millennium Magic

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Rugby League invades Cardiff in style on the 12th and 13th February 2011. Two days of ‘back to back’ rugby league clashes looks set to grip the welsh capital. You can see the full line up here, there are some mouth watering clashes, including Wigan Warriors v St Helens (Saturday) and Leeds v Bradford (Sunday).

Experts of the future brought to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales’ leading universities have won a multi-million pound award to train top-level social scientists on a range of issues affecting society today.

The establishment of a Doctoral Training Centre will allow 33 new postgraduate studentships to be offered every year in Wales for the next five years.

The postgraduates will be trained in a range of important disciplines, including social policy, psychology, economics, environmental planning and linguistics.

Cardiff University will lead a Wales consortium with Bangor, Aberystwyth and Swansea in creating the Doctoral Training Centre, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Bangor will lead on three subject areas across the DTC: Psychology, Bilingualism and Economics and Finance, although all social science doctoral students in Wales will benefit from the closer collaboration across the four institutions.

In addition to those listed above, subject areas which will attract the fully funded studentships across the DTC include education, human geography, management and business studies, political science and international studies, science and technology studies, social work and social care, criminology, sociology, language based area studies and empirical studies in law.

Full details of the studentships and how to apply will be available soon via the websites of the collaborating universities.

The Wales consortium forms part of a national network of 21 accredited Doctoral Training Centres across the UK judged by the ESRC to deliver truly excellent postgraduate training provision.

Bangor University Director of Research, Professor Jo Rycroft-Malone said: ‘The DTC arrangements will add valuable new dimensions to the experience of postgraduate students by providing more varied pathways, more advanced training, and enhanced support. Training will be delivered in an interdisciplinary research environment across the four institutions, and Bangor is delighted to be involved.’

Dr David Grant, Vice-Chancellor Cardiff University said: “This successful collaboration furthers Wales’ international reputation for excellence in the social sciences.

“In gaining accreditation, the Wales Doctoral Training Centre has demonstrated excellence in the breadth of its social science postgraduate training, which is integrated into the highest quality research environment”

The studentships will start at the Wales Doctoral Training Centre in October 2011

Further information can be found at Bangor University

Welsh welcome for Swiss high flyers

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones will today host the Swiss Ambassador and representatives from Cardiff Airport and Swiss airline Helvetic Airways, who are in Wales to officially launch a new air route from Cardiff to Zurich.

Mr Jones, who is also the Minister for Economy and Transport, will welcome Helvetic Airways’ CEO Bruno Jans, as well as Anton Thalmann, the Ambassador of Switzerland to the UK, at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay for a reception commemorating this new service, as well recognising the unique relationship between the two nations.

Mr Jones said, "I am extremely pleased to welcome his Excellency, the Ambassador, as well as friends from Helvetic who will soon be providing a new and exciting service from Zurich to Cardiff Airport. I also look forward to welcoming the many new tourists and businesses to our shores each year.

“Wales is an attractive place to do business and we are more than committed to help businesses to flourish here. We have worked hard in recent years to create a strong bond between our two nations and with many Swiss companies already established here, today’s coming together can surely only enhance our relationship further.”

Bruno Jans, CEO of Helvetic Airways AG, said, “We are proud to announce the direct air link between Zurich to Cardiff. We hope this will allow the Swiss holidaymaker to discover Wales and to offer a convenient connection for Welsh and Swiss business travellers.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Welsh customers to show them the high Swiss standard, comfort and quality of the service on board of our aircraft”

H.E. Mr Anton Thalmann, Ambassador of Switzerland in the United Kingdom, said, “I am very pleased to be here today to celebrate a further strengthening of the ties between Switzerland and Wales. The new direct connection between Cardiff and Zurich will no doubt deepen the commercial, cultural and social exchange between Swiss and Welsh citizens and I wish Helvetic Airways every success in this new endeavour.”

Patrick Duffy, managing director of Cardiff Airport, said, “We are extremely pleased to be welcoming Helvetic representatives to Wales for this event, and are looking forward for the start of the route.

“The new route will offer customers a quick and convenient way to access one of Europe’s most attractive destinations, and research conducted by the airport and the airline demonstrated that Zurich is one of the most sought after business destinations from Wales.

We’re hoping the new route will be a success with outbound Welsh travellers, as well as with inbound Swiss passengers visiting the country for leisure or business purposes.”

From March this year, passengers will be able to fly direct from Cardiff to Zurich four days a week. Flights will operate from Cardiff on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.

The route will use the 100 seat Fokker aircraft and it will be the first time during the airport’s history that it has operated a direct route to Zurich. It will be a unique service to attract travellers to and from Wales as well as south western England.

Zurich is far more than a banking capital, and is a top class holiday destination with fantastic links to the Alps and lakes of northern Italy.

Wales v England

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We're looking forward to playing England tonight in the first game of the 2011 RBS Six Nations Championship at the Millennium Stadium, kick off is at 1945 GMT.

Everyone loves the Millennium Stadium and Wales have a pretty good record against England having won the last three Six Nations encounters between the two countries there. Wales will also welcome Ireland to Cardiff later on in the Championship.

Further info on the Championship (and the Welsh Team) can be found at the RBS6Nations Website

Ryder Cup Recognition for Visit Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

During the 2010 International Network of Golf (ING) Industry Honors Awards at the PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, Visit Wales were awarded the Public Relations/Promotions award for its Ryder Cup Promotions.

Visit Wales were shortlisted in a category alongside international brands such as Adidas Golf for their "Wear In The World" campaign and Golfsmith - for their "Win With Phil Mickelson" campaign.Roger Pride, Director of Marketing fro Visit Wales and Maebeth Fenton, Visit Wales’ US Golf PR Consultant picked up the award.

Visit Wales Ryder Cup PR activity in the US included an extensive programme of media visits, broadcast partnerships with The Golf Channel and NBC and respected golf travel writers as well as the development of online media facility, the production of golf branding material and the provision of HD footage. This was in addition to work with the US golf travel trade. The 2010 media coverage for Wales in USA had the advertising value of nearly $8 million.

Mike Jamison Executive Director ING, said:

“From the day the 2010 Ryder Cup was awarded to Celtic Manor in Wales, the host country had one major goal in mind: Introduce itself as THE hidden gem among all of the world’s golf destinations. Visit Wales’ marketing team developed a well-conceived plan, based on the theme “Golf As It Should Be.” They built a marketing fund that would allow them to reach all the key markets around the world. They travelled tirelessly to spread the message. And throughout the entire six-year campaign they carried out the plan with a humbleness, passion and sense of humour that is reflective of the entire Wales citizenship.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

"I’d like to congratulate the team at Visit Wales for winning this award and for gaining this recognition alongside international brands, the award is well deserved. The Ryder Cup was a huge success story for Wales and staging the event was a real team effort. I’m sure that golf in Wales will continue to benefit from the profile of being a Ryder Cup Host for years to come.”

The International Network of Golf is a media-based, non-profit association that since 1990 has been networking the golf industry. ING's stated mission is to enhance and promote communication and education in the golf industry.

The ING Industry Honors program is conducted yearly by ING to recognise outstanding achievement in the golf business. Nominees in a dozen categories are submitted throughout the year from the golf industry. Sub-committees that include experts in each category then trim the entries to the top three in each category with ING members then voting electronically to determine the winners.

Celebrating Chinese New Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Chinese New Year! Today (3 February 2010) marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit on the Chinese lunar calendar.

And we’re celebrating in Wales. The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff is hosting a free Chinese New Year Community Celebration from midday on the 6 February. In the University of Wales Trinity St David, a team of talented martial arts, tai chi and dance performers from Heilongjiang University in the north east of China are putting on a spectacular performance on the Lampeter campus. And our National Waterfront Museum in Swansea are hosting a Chinese New Year Fun Day where visitors can experience the ancient art of paper craft and enjoy performances from the Chinese Women Dance Group.

It’s also a great time to check out the Dazu Carvings exhibition at our National Museum. This is a unique exhibition of exceptional rock carvings originally found near Chongqing, China. It is the first time that any of these sculptures have been seen outside China.

Did you know that we have a Chinese language site? Visit www.wales.cn to view our information in Chinese and find out more about Wales’ relationship with Chongqing.

Ten new International Forestry Scholarships

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Staff at Bangor University’s School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography (SENRGy) are delighted to announce that the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) have agreed to fund 10 places for scholars from developing commonwealth countries to study on the MSc Forestry (distance learning) course. The scholarship will include international tuition fees, plus a travel scholarship to enable scholars to attend a field course in 2012 or 2013.

Dr James Walmsley, Distance Learning Co-ordinator, said "The CSC has previously funded individual PhD projects in SENRGy but this is the first time they have agreed to fund a taught postgraduate programme.

“There has been growing interest in our distance learning course from forestry professionals from developing countries in recent years. These prestigious distance learning scholarships will enable 10 international students to study for their MSc Forestry degree, whilst living and working in their own countries. We hope that, through studying this course, we can impart knowledge, skills and ideas to facilitate sustainable forest management in a number of developing commonwealth countries," he added.

The School have been running forestry-related distance learning courses since 2002 and have so far produced 71 graduates; people who would otherwise not had the opportunity to study for a postgraduate degree. The course team continue to revise and update teaching materials, with ever greater use being made of e-learning technologies, to enhance both individual and group work learning and assessment.

For further details please see the Bangor University website

Aerospace sector set to benefit

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A £3.8million industrial research collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on the worldwide aerospace industry by speeding up the inspection of composite materials.

Composite materials are used increasingly in aircraft, with the demand increasing on a global scale, but the rate of production is hampered by the speed at which the composites can be inspected during the manufacturing process.

A four-year research project led by TWI Wales is designed to speed up the inspection process by 400% using advanced non-destructive testing technologies.

IntACoM (Improving the Inspectibility of Aerospace Composite Materials), which has had funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, involves an industrial collaboration with Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace and Bombardier Aerospace, with academic support from Swansea University, Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales.

Launching the project, Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said it had the potential to make a significant contribution to industry, specifically to the aerospace sector.

“It’s great news to hear that Wales is leading the way on the research and development of highly sophisticated technologies with the potential to make a significant impact on the production of composites.

“I am particularly pleased the Welsh Assembly Government is supporting this research and that Wales is taking the lead and working with major players in the aerospace sector and benefiting from academic support from our Universities.

“Our Economic Renewal strategy highlights the need to build upon the expertise that exists within Welsh universities and businesses to harness the commercial opportunities of innovation and research. This is a good example of such collaboration between the private and public sector and between industry and academia.”

Philip Wallace, Regional Manager of TWI Wales, which is based in ECM², Port Talbot, explained that the advancement in composites had not been equally matched by an advancement of inspection capability.

“Composites inspection is a difficult and highly complex area and is not yet sufficiently developed to meet industry needs. The time it takes to carry out inspections at different stages of the manufacturing process is actually hampering and slowing down the entire process.

“Our aim is to increase the speed of the inspection process by 400% without losing reliability or sensitivity. Once we have developed the inspection technology at the manufacturing level, we will further develop testing and inspection capabilities for in- service maintenance and repair.”

Higher Education delegation from Saudi Arabia

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales will welcome a Higher Education delegation from Saudi Arabia from today (3rd February) until the 13^th of February as part of an annual study tour to the UK, with the aim of forming sustainable links between both nations. This is the first time that Wales has been given the opportunity to host the annual study tour and has been made possible through facilitation from the British Council in both Wales and Riyadh. The delegation is looking to ensure consistent standards across the expanding HE sector.

Victoria Grant, Deputy Director, British Council Wales said:

“The British Council is delighted to welcome this important delegation to Wales, and we are confident that both the visitors and the Welsh institutions involved in the study tour will find discussions interesting and beneficial. I hope the visit may result in long term collaborations between the sectors in both countries.”

The Saudi Higher Education sector has grown in the past five years from nine to 30 universities. The Saudi Ministry of Higher Education realised that quality assurance would be one of the concerns, and established the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA), who are funding the visit to Wales . NCAAA’s task is to bring all Saudi institutions to the same level of knowledge and train the new universities as well as older universities that have more mature quality assurance systems already in operation.

During the tour participants will be visiting a number of Welsh universities including Cardiff, Glamorgan and Aberystwyth, observing best practice and holding discussions on quality systems and strategic planning, teaching, learning, and assessment, student support, library/IT services and planning and conducting research.

Maggy McNorton, Head of International Partnerships at the University of Glamorgan has been heavily involved in organising the study tour and told us:

“I am delighted that the NCAAA has chosen to visit Wales this year for their annual study tour. Colleagues in all the Welsh universities, that the delegation will visit, have put together interesting programmes which will allow the delegation to experience and benefit from our experience as committed quality assurance practioners. The support from British Council Wales and Welsh Assembly Government’s Gary Davies, Director of European and External Affairs, clearly demonstrates the joined-up approach HEI’s in Wales are demonstrating in raising the profile of Wales in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.”

The delegation from Saudi Arabia is led by Prof Zuhair Salah Abduljabbar and comprises vice rectors, presidents, deans and national quality assurance practitioners and consultants. Each of the delegates is a key decision maker within their institutions and thus able, and expected, to apply the knowledge learnt during the study tour. The tour is also an opportunity to strengthen existing ties and further develop cooperation in research and partnerships between Saudi and Welsh universities, providing further consultancy work and study opportunities for Wales

£6m boost for next generation of technologis

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 2 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A £6million project to encourage young people to follow in the footsteps of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and other successful technologists and entrepreneurs has been announced today (Wednesday February 2) by Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths.

Led by Swansea University in partnership with the Universities of Bangor, Aberystwyth and Glamorgan, Technocamps will provide daily and weekly sessions to pupils aged 11-19 on a range of exciting topics, including robotics, games development, animation, digital forensics, software development and much more.

Backed with £3.9m from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, Technocamps will deliver a series of outreach programmes to schools and colleges; inspiring young people to study computing-based topics underpinning and aligned with the STEM subjects (Science Technology, Engineering, Maths) and pursue a career in one of the key strategic areas that drive economic growth and create wealth.

Over 2,600 pupils from across the Convergence area of Wales will get the chance to take part in interactive workshops, develop their technical skills and gain an insight into the wide-range of careers open to them.

Participating schools will also be encouraged to set up ‘Technoclubs’ to encourage pupils, particularly girls, to continue to learn about STEM-based subjects in a fun, friendly and interactive environment.

Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said,

“We are committed to ensuring our young people can acquire the skills and confidence to use digital technologies. Delivering a Digital Wales highlights how we can capitalise on the digital age and ensure more youngsters achieve higher level technology skills required to take advantage of the valuable opportunities for them to help grow Wales’ digital economy.

“It is vital that we get more young people interested in taking up science related subjects and getting them enthused and actively involved at an early age is key to this, which is why I am delighted to support Technocamps which aims to do just that.”

Pro-Vice Chancellor at Swansea University, Professor Ian Cluckie said,

“Technocamps, a long term transformational programme, will help to position Wales at the forefront of future technical advances through the delivery of a workforce equipped with the computing, science, mathematics and engineering skills demanded by employers looking to retain and grow their position as key players in the global economy.”

The Technocamps initiative will build on the achievements of a pilot project, delivered in 2004 to 36 students between the ages of 11-19, which provided young people with the chance to gain practical experience through the use of ‘real-life’ learning scenarios.

Professor Faron Moller, Director of Technocamps, said,

“I am very excited that all the hard work to get this off the ground is now paying off. The project – which is the only one of its kind in Wales – links up schools with Universities through novel, interactive and exciting workshops and master classes.

“Through these, young pupils will see how computational thinking underpins the STEM subjects and can be practically applied in the ‘real world’. They will then be inspired to work towards qualifications in computing and technology to satisfy the demand for highly-skilled, high-value jobs that will put them at the forefront of the exciting and rapidly-growing digital economy.”

Bangor University International Evening

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 2 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An eclectic mix of cultures and traditions will be on display at the University’s Prichard Jones Hall at 6.00 on Friday 11 February 2011.

The University's annual International Evening provides an opportunity to celebrate the University’s diverse community of international students who come to Bangor from over 80 countries as diverse as Kazakhstan, Iraq and Japan. The event provides an opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural diversity within the University, and gain a brief insight into many traditional and contemporary cultures that students bring with them.

Alan Edwards, the International Student Welfare Officer says: “There is a warm welcome to staff and students to join us and enjoy a feast of performances. We are usually treated to performances including singing, dancing and instrumentals - from students from all over the world. Food and drink will also be available. Come to celebrate the diverse cultures here at the University in a fun, lively and colourful evening!”

The performances are presented by some of the international student societies within the University as well as individual students. As well as a ‘welcome’ performance by the University’s Brass Band, performances promised for the evening include a traditional dances from Indian, Brunei and Vietnam and a dance performance by members of the Afro-Carribean Society. There will be a performance of a Chinese pop song by Chinese students and a solo performance of a South African song from a South African student.

Check out the Bangor University website for further details

Success for Welsh Paralympians!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 1 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh Athletes have had a successful time at the Paralympic World Championships in New Zealand, winning three Bronze medals and a Gold.

Hollie Arnold of Llanbradach, Kyron Duke from Cwmbran and Aled Davies from Bridgend took bronze while Nathan Stephens, also from Bridgend, won Gold with a lifetime best and Championship record of 39.11m/884 points in the F57/58 javelin.

The success of the Welsh athletes helped contribute to a third place finish in the medal table for team GB

Further details can be found at BBC News

EU Funds – Another Award for Wales!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has won a top European award for the way it runs its economic development policy.

The European Commission’s Regions of Excellence award has been given for the way the Welsh Assembly Government, with the help of its partners, successfully implements projects in line with the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Wales is one of just three European nations and regions to receive the award, says the EU’s Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn.

The accolade will be presented by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso to First Minister Carwyn Jones at an awards ceremony during the Cohesion Forum on 31 January 2011 in Brussels.

First Minister CarwynJones said: “I am very pleased that our approach of integrating the common European goals of Europe 2020 into our own tailor-made Welsh policies has been recognised as best practice in the EU.

“I also welcome the continued recognition of our successful management of European Structural Funds – a recognition I am keen to extend to our partners across Wales, who are just as important in successfully delivering these programmes.”

Since 2007, EU funds have supported 208 projects with a total investment of over £2.9bn across Wales, helping over 22,000 people into work.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “European Structural Funds are helping our country to stand up to the challenges of the current economic climate and prepare our economy and labour market for future opportunities.

“They are helping to deliver our strategy for economic renewal – including the encouragement of green technologies and sectors with strong potential for future growth.

Wales’ success in implementing its programmes has already brought recognition on the European stage. Visit wales.gov.uk for more.

Film students find a ffresh screen for work

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Film students from around the world will showcase their work at the Wales Millennium Centre in a unique partnership which brings their work out of the university and into the heart of the Welsh arts scene.

Organisers of the Ffresh Student Moving Image Festival of Wales have teamed up with managers of the newly-opened ffresh (correct) Bar at Wales Millennium Centre to preview 30 short films from the three-day festival.

A special screen has been set up in the bar to feature work from students shortlisted for the prestigious Ffresh Awards and the best in student work from around the world. The films will be broadcast from January 21 until the eve of the festival on February 8 and headphones will be provided to listen to the films. The films will also be projected in the concourse area.

Now in its eighth year, the three-day Student Moving Image festival is held at the University of Glamorgan’s ATriuM campus and Cineworld cinema Cardiff and culminates in the awards ceremony on Friday, February 11. This year’s events include a session by gonzo journalist Jon Ronson (author of The Men who Stare at Goats); the acclaimed visual artists and “makers of meta science Fiction” Semiconductor; composer David Julyan (talking about his score for the film Memento); and the premières of five visual poems about Cardiff commissioned by the festival.

David Pearce, Business Development Director at Wales Millennium Centre, said: “We are delighted to be able to give visitors a sneak preview of the festival in the comfortable surroundings of our new-look ffresh Bar. It seems only natural that we should work with the festival as not only do we share the same name, but we have a common interest in developing creative talent in Wales. We hope this partnership will be the first of many.”

“For 2011, one of our key objectives for the festival was to reach out to a wider audience, and our new partnership with ffresh Bar at Wales Millennium Centre will be vital to achieving this. We’re absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to give visitors to ffresh Bar the chance to see a sneak preview of some of the most exciting new work featuring as part of this year’s programme. I also hope our audience will take advantage of the fantastic offers in the bar to chill out and watch some of this year’s films in a less conventional environment,” said James Nee, Ffresh Festival Coordinator.

First step on truly digital economy for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones will today (Weds 26th Jan) tell businesses that his plans to make Next Generation broadband available to all businesses in Wales represent a significant opportunity the private sector. He will call on businesses to join him in creating a truly digital economy.

The Welsh Assembly Government is holding an industry event in Cardiff for suppliers to learn about its plans to procure a first class, globally competitive next generation broadband network for Wales.

Welsh Ministers have set a target for all businesses to have access to Next Generation broadband by mid-2016, and all households by 2020 - ahead of European targets.

Mr Jones will say,

“This is an important event, part of our preparations for a truly digital economy. Last year I launched our new policy - ‘Economic Renewal: a new direction’ - a strategy to grow the Welsh economy and take full advantage of future opportunities.

“It signalled a fundamental shift in policy - highlighting infrastructure, skills, R&D; and improving the conditions within which all businesses operate. A key part is a much greater emphasis on broadband technology.

“We are committed to ensuring all businesses have access to Next Generation broadband by mid-2016, and all households by 2020 - ahead of European targets. The first stage of that process really gets going today.

“I want business to take the lead - with the Assembly Government helping in every way it can. We are keen to see the private sector driving forward its own investment wherever that’s commercially feasible - and we want to engage fully with you to encourage that process.

“However there are other areas where we recognise that government investment will be needed. We want to maintain our momentum for economic renewal and that’s why we’re all here today. We want the views of industry about delivery of our ambitions.

“We want to ensure widespread appreciation of the technologies currently available in the market - what are the latest developments taking place, for example. Above all, we want to provide a platform for collaboration and ensure the opportunity for industry players to network and potentially form consortia to put together bids.

"This government is determined to make Wales a leader in digital technology - the goal of our recently published Digital Wales strategy.”

Happy Australia Day!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s Australia Day today, 25 January and we’re celebrating our links with the country.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is Welsh and was born in Barry, south Wales. Her dad was a coal miner, and the family moved to Australia when she was aged 5.

The Welsh Assembly Government has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian province of New South Wales. The New South Wales Parliament presented a Mace to the National Assembly for Wales at its official opening in 2006, in recognition of the historical connection between these two parts of the world.

We’re also looking forward to welcoming Australia’s Paralympic team who will be basing their training camp in south Wales ahead of the games in London in 2012.

Happy Australia Day!

Dazu Carvings press coverage

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Since the Dazu Carvings exhibition ‘From Steep Hillsides: Ancient Rock Carvings from Dazu, China’ was launched last night at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, there’s been lots of press coverage.

The BBC have produced both a news story http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12278089 and blog http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/waleshistory/2011/01/dazu_china_rock_carvings_exhibition_national_museum_cardiff.html about the exhibition.

Wales Online also have a news story about it. http://is.gd/HKnpoy

You can also check out a video of the sculptures arriving in Cardiff on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=racKUdWZHjg

It’s the first time these ancient rock carvings have been seen outside China, so we’re really proud to be the first to host this unique exhibition. Visit our Dazu Carvings page for more information.

Happy St Dwynwen's Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and we celebrate St

Dwynwen’s day on the 25th January.

The story of Dwynwen dates back to the 5^th century. Dwynwen fell in love with a Prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but her father Brychan Brycheiniog was determined that she would marry another man.

Dwynwen was devasted that she couldn’t marry her true love and begged God to make her forget Maelon. She was visited by an angel who gave her a potion that was supposed to make her have no memory of Maelon and turned him into a block of ice.

Dwynwen was then granted three wishes. Firstly she wished for Maelon to be thawed, secondly that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and thirdly she wished that she would never marry. She devoted the rest of life to God’s service, founding a convent on the island of Llanddwyn and you can see still see the remains of the church today.

Also on the island is a well where according to legend swims a sacred fish that can predict the happiness of relationships. Visitors still visit the well today hoping that the water will boil meaning that love and good luck will follow them.

Have a look below for some ideas to celebrate St Dwynens Day and don’t forget to say ‘Dwi’n dy garu di’ (I love you) today!

Recipes
Cook your loved one something special from Wales

Lovespoons
History and meanings behind the traditional gift of the Welsh lovespoon

Breaks
Some of our favourite places for a break away in Wales.

Stories
Read some of our romantic myths and legends from Wales

£4.5 million for Creative Industries

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A £4.5m training boost to ensure people in the Creative Industries have the skills to build a dynamic, enterprising sector has been announced by Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths.

Skillset Cymru, the Welsh arm of Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media industries, will lead Skills in the Digital Economy to address the skills needs of the Creative Media Industry across West Wales and the Valleys over the next four years.

The training programme is backed with £2.7m from the European Social Fund, through the Welsh Assembly Government, with the rest of the funds provided by Welsh broadcaster S4C, the trade association for independent producers in film and television in Wales, Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru (TAC) and Skillset Cymru.

Skills in the Digital Economy will help workers and businesses upskill to keep apace with new technologies and support management, technical and craft skills to meet the needs of employers and freelancers.

Lesley Griffiths said investing in skills was vital for the on-going success and growth of this dynamic and important sector.

“A workforce with the relevant high level skills is essential to drive forward the performance and productivity of this diverse sector and ensure that Wales can derive the maximum economic and cultural benefits.

“The Welsh Assembly Government’s Delivering a Digital Wales strategy highlights the importance of capitalising on the opportunities of the digital age and outlines our commitment to help train people in more specialist skills and technologies for industry. I welcome this latest initiative that supports these objectives.”

Skills in the Digital Economy will carry out research to identify current and future skills needs for the sector in the target region, in order to develop and deliver relevant training and help individuals develop new skills to sustain their existing employment or to seek new employment.

Director of Skillset Cymru, Gwawr Hughes, said,

“This programme is going to be an extremely important driver for the ongoing development and success of the Creative Media Industries in Wales. There will be support on all aspects of the sector including management, technical and craft skills. Our aim is to improve learning provision and help workers, and enterprises to upskill and adapt to new forms of work organisation and new technologies.”

S4C Chief Executive Arwel Ellis Owen said,

“S4C funds training provision for the creative media industries in Wales and welcomes the launch of Skills in the Digital Economy . We look forward to working in partnership with the programme team to ensure that the Welsh production sector has the skills to maximise its economic potential.”

Iestyn Garlick, Chair of TAC, Director of Antenna commented,

“As a key partner in the Skillset led programme, Teledwyr Annibynnol, Cymru (TAC) is highly supportive of this new investment into skills for the Creative Media workforce in Wales. We have strong membership specifically in this geographical area and we look forward to them benefiting directly from this much needed support.”

Other key aims of the programme are to improve understanding of diversity issues facing the Creative Media workforce in the Convergence area and specific environmental issues.

Multi-million pound arts centre for Bangor

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The £37 million Pontio centre at Bangor University, which has received £27.5m from the Assembly Government and the European Union, will include a theatre with capacity for between 450-550 seats, cinema space, a studio theatre and an outdoor amphitheatre. It will be accompanied by exciting new social facilities including bars, dining and park areas.

The project will also include a dynamic innovation hub, with facilities for interdisciplinary design, enabling greater engagement with SMEs to drive the development of new products, processes and services. It is being designed to achieve the BREEAM “excellent” classification, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability.

The centre will bring together the teaching of the arts and sciences and will also provide cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities that will benefit the local community, businesses and University students. The centre is expected to open in Spring 2013.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

"I’m pleased to be here today to see plans for this exciting development which will offer many facilities and opportunities for the city of Bangor and North West Wales. This scheme will capitalise on local skills and expertise to create and safeguard hundreds of jobs and business opportunities which will promote economic growth in the area – proving that the project delivers on the Assembly Government’s vision for a vibrant and prosperous nation and proving that, here in Wales, we are using Structural Funds to effectively and strategically create a legacy of strong, sustainable growth."

Professor Fergus Lowe, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Bangor University said:

"We’re very excited to see this PONTIO project begin in earnest. PONTIO will provide a focal point for the local community as a Centre where people can meet, learn and be entertained. It will be a cultural beacon for Wales and a champion of the Welsh language. It will also be an internationally significant Centre for learning, innovation and the performing arts, and a potent symbol of regeneration, collaboration and economic growth for the whole community."

Gemau Cymru kicks off the Olympic buzz

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Gemau Cymru is a national school sports competition that will be held between 8-10 July 2011 in locations across Cardiff. It will be a partnership between the private, public and third sector and aims to capture the inspiration of the London 2012 Games and deliver a lasting sports legacy for Wales.

The nine competitive sports involved in Gemau Cymru will be Netball, Rugby, Girls Football, Gymnastics, Athletics, Canoeing, Triathlon, Swimming and Disability Sports.

All nine sports will be structured and managed via a close partnership with the relevant Governing Bodies, they will advise on selection process, structure of event and the age of competitors.

The Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

“I am delighted that the Assembly Government is supporting this event which will give our budding sports stars an opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of a multi-games event. The event represents a unique and historic partnership between the public, private and third sectors, and will hopefully prove to be a lasting legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games for Wales.

"I hope the event will encourage and inspire more young people to take up sport and physical activity and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents.”

Efa Gruffudd Jones, Urdd Gobaith Cymru Chief Executive said:

“Urdd Gobaith Cymru is delighted to lead and manage this exciting project, using our sporting experience and expertise to organise this brand new event for the young people of Wales. Gemau Cymru will ensure a lasting legacy for Welsh sport as a result of the 2012 Olympic Games and will provide a showcase for the best of Welsh school age sporting talent.”

Olympic, Commonwealth and World Triple Jump Champion Jonathon Edwards, who was at the launch, said:

“I am pleased to support Gemau Cymru, that will give the young people of Wales top class sporting opportunities. The excitement of the Olympic 2012 buzz is really starting to catch on throughout the U.K and this multi-sport event will give young people in Wales the chance to be part of a large scaled national sporting event.”

Gemau Cymru will be a three year project.

String Quartet returns to North Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The award-winning Benyounes Quartet, one of the UK’s most exciting young string quartets, heads for Bangor next week for two concerts at Bangor University, following recent performances in Switzerland, Germany and France.

They will perform a lunchtime recital in Prichard-Jones Hall on 4 February and a concert in Powis Hall on Saturday 5 February at 7.30pm. The members of the Benyounes Quartet hail from Ireland, England and Wales (violist Sara Roberts is from Llanfairpwll, Anglesey), and they met at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2007, where they won all the major prizes for string quartet.

In their evening concert on 5 February, they will perform a wonderfully varied programme, beginning with Haydn’s fresh middle period quartets, and concluding with Beethoven’s magisterial C sharp minor quartet, completed in the penultimate year of his life. In between, will be seven fascinating miniatures by Webern.

The Benyounes Quartet is establishing a reputation in various parts of Europe, having performed at the renowned Verbier Festival in Switzerland in 2010, as well as the Aldeburgh Festival in Suffolk and the Aix en Provence Festival in France. After Bangor they will perform three concerts in Scotland before returning to Geneva.

Recital: Friday 4 February 1.15pm, PJ Hall, Bangor University Special ticket prices: £6 adults, £4 concessions, £2 students Concert: Saturday 5 February 7.30pm, Powis Hall, Bangor University. Tickets: £10 full price, £7 concessions, £5 students, £2 schoolchildren.

Bangor Universtiy Website

Hammer Man returns home

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welshman Richard Madely known in India as ‘Hammer Man’ has just returned from a record breaking auction where he auctioned off players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The IPL is cricket’s richest tournament, with clubs competing for cash and fame in the six week Twenty20 competition.

Richard grew up in Cardiff and is now the world’s premier cricket auctioneer. Read more about his story at Wales online.

Welsh hotels ‘among best in UK’

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Three hotels in Wales have been voted among the best in the UK by worldwide travellers in TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice awards.

Can-y-Bae and Clontarf Hotel in Llandudno, north Wales and the Plough Inn in Towy Valley, Carmarthenshire featured in the top places to stay.

Read more at Wales Online

Glamorgan hosts expert summit

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Computer games are a multi-billion pound business, and experts on the industry will meet today (Thursday 20 January) at the University of Glamorgan to discuss the opportunities to develop market opportunities between China and the UK.

Leading thinkers from the industry and the Universities of Glamorgan and Bournemouth will come together for a summit at the Glamorgan’s Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries, which is hosting the second Wales China Creative Industries Forum.

Professor Peter Robertson said: “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event. The UK is the largest digital games consumer market in Europe – in 2008/9 video games sales were £1.62 billion with 114.2 million units sold. This summit focuses on the market opportunities between China and the UK in the Digital Games sector. It is a superb opportunity to bring experts from one of our key growth industries together with the cutting edge of research and development.”

The Wales China Creative Industries Forum is a partnership between the University of Glamorgan, Cardiff University and the Cardiff Confucius Institute. The first event was held in November 2009, and highlighted the opportunities for cultural and knowledge exchange between the two countries, with a focus on future media content and digital entertainment.

Wales-Rajasthan Exchange Exhibition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On the evening of 6^th January, a chilly and windy day in Rajastha n, I had the rare chance of experiencing the company of artists of international acclaim and other guests at the inauguration of the Wales-Rajasthan Exchange Exhibition held at the Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur. The chill in the air was no match to the exuberance among the artists who have come together from two continents to showcase their work and learn from mutual interaction. The exhibition showcased the paintings and photographs of seven artists from Wales and ten Indian artists.

The evening started with the inauguration of the exhibition by Mr. Umrao Salodia, principal secretary of art and culture, Rajasthan.

The artists have displayed various kinds of work, ranging from paintings and photographs of old monuments palaces and forts, paintings on old paper, multi layered paintings to modern arts. The exhibition was fine mix of orthodox paintings, modern arts, abstract arts, paintings using computer and graphic designs and photographs.

The exhibition was coordinated by Richard Cox, Director of Howard Gardens Gallery, Cardiff School of Art & Design, UWIC, who has strong links with Rajasthan dating back to responsibility for a programme of artist exchanges in the 1990's. Richard was one of the participating artists at Jawahar Kala Kendra along with Bill Chambers, David Ferry, Annie Giles Hobbs, Sue Hunt, Tom Piper, Chris Lloyd, Tom Martin from Wales and Meena Baya, Suneet Ghildial, Archana Joshi, Krishan Meena, Shahid Parvez, Harshin Kumar Sharma, Lalit Sharma, Vinay Sharma, Ram Avatar Soni and Vidhyasagar Upadhyay from Rajasthan, India.

A reciprocal exhibition, which will include some of the artists from Rajasthan, is scheduled to be held at Howard Gardens Gallery, Cardiff School of Art and Design, in March this year.

These exhibitions are supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, Wales Art International, The Arts Council of Wales, The Lalit Kala Academy, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Cardiff School of Art & Design and Virtually-6 Group.

Written by Avik Kumar Debnath, Welsh Affairs Officer, India.

Hollywood stars head to Hay

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Festival organisers have announced some of their headline guests for the 2011 Hay on Wye's Festival of Literature and Arts.

The festival, which Bill Clinton described as 'the Woodstock of the Mind' will include appearances by Actor Rob Lowe, film maker John Waters and Nobel Laureate Sir VS Naipaul.

Other notable people at this years festival will be Howard Jacobson, Philip Pullman, pianist Alfred Brendel, comedians Jo Brand and Paul Merton and musician Cerys Matthews.

The full line up will be announced in April.

Earlybird tickets are now on sale at the Hay Festival website

MIT Professor returns to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In a move that will further cement its international ties; the University of Wales has awarded Professor John Williams, Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Geospatial Data Centre (GDC), with a Visiting Professorship.

An alumnus of the University of Wales, Professor Williams has been granted this award in recognition of his academic expertise, which will be a great support to the University's Global Academy.

The award comes in anticipation to the launch of the University's next major innovation initiative, the Visiting Innovators Programme (VIP), in which Professor Williams is to play a major role. The programme aims to target the best innovation talent within industry and academia on an international basis, in the hope of recruiting them to come and work in Wales as Visiting Innovators.

The programme will be made up of 60 Visiting Innovator posts which will be held during 2011-2014. It is intended that each Visiting Innovator will be in post for a period of three to six months and will work with private sector companies, universities and other bodies located across Wales. Each Visiting Innovator will be awarded a Prince of Wales Visiting Professorship; this, over time, will form a sustainable worldwide network of experts to promote and support the Welsh economy.

Once in post, innovators will apply their knowledge, experience and expertise to enhance and develop the research and development capability of businesses within Wales. Furthermore, the programme will seek to work alongside Higher Education Institution research centres across the country, so as to bridge the gap between industry and academia. In doing so, the University aims to promote a culture of increased entrepreneurship and open innovation across Wales. This will be done by helping firms to identify new global market opportunities, and establishing new commercial and academic partnerships with organisations internationally.

The University of Wales Global Academy is a member of MIT's Industrial Liaison Programme, which enables companies working with our Prince of Wales Innovations Scholarship (POWIS) initiative to benefit from MIT's world leading expertise in technology commercialisation. As part of this collaboration, Professor Williams met with several POWIS Scholars in Cambridge, Massachusetts in November. He has visited Wales twice recently to meet with a range POWIS companies on their commercialisation plans.

Although now living and working in the United States, Professor Williams was born in Wales; he obtained an undergraduate degree in Physics at Oxford University, a Masters degree from U.C.L.A, before embarking on a Ph.D at the then-University of Wales, Swansea, where he later also lectured. The following 10 years he spent working in industry, which included involvement with two start-up information technology companies.

On receiving the award, Professor Williams, commented:

'I am very excited about the possibilities that my new role will bring as I believe the structure that the University of Wales has in place, partnering with companies like Sony, is unique and groundbreaking. There is tremendous talent in Wales that is waiting to be unleashed and I believe the University of Wales Global Academy has the capabilities to do just that. I am honoured to be given this prestigious award.'

Director of the University of Wales Global Academy, Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, added:

'To secure the support and commitment of such an eminent academic from one of world's top innovation focused universities is a great honour for us. Couple that with Prof. Williams' Welsh heritage and being a University of Wales alumnus means saying we delighted to award John a Visiting Professorship, as a Prince of Wales Visiting Innovator, is a gross under-statement. I am over the moon that someone with such an impressive track record in both academia and industry is now formally part of the University of Wales Global Academy.'

Sacred rock carvings leave China for first time

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s just over a week to go till the opening of a unique exhibition of exceptional rock carvings originally found near Chongqing, China at the National Museum Cardiff . The exhibition ‘From Steep Hillsides: Ancient Rock Carvings from Dazu, China’ will be open to the public from Wednesday 26 January to Sunday 3 April 2011.

The steep hillsides of the Dazu World Heritage site near Chongqing contain an exceptional series of rock carvings dating from the middle of the 7th century and developed between the 9th and the 13th centuries. The carvings comprise some 50,000 figures in total, and are remarkable for their aesthetic quality, their rich diversity of subject matter, both secular and religious, and the light that they shed on everyday life in China during this period.

This free exhibition – From Steep Hillsides: Ancient Rock Carvings from Dazu, China – and celebrations and events surrounding it, have been made possible through the support of several organisations including the Welsh Assembly Government, Chongqing Municipal Culture, Radio Broadcasting, and Television Administration, British Council, Cardiff University Confucius Institute, Cardiff Council and Cardiff & Co.

It contains superb examples that have become detached from their original setting, along with accurate replicas of some of the most important sculptures still in situ and dramatic large-scale images, to give some idea of what it is like to visit these spectacular places.

Dazu is a real treasure house of Chinese art history and an important expression of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism, as well as a fascinating insight into Chinese daily life.

"Dazu rock carvings are some of China’s greatest cultural treasures from a golden period of Chinese art. I have visited Chongqing myself and have seen these carvings in situ – an unique experience in itself," said David Anderson, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’s Director General.

"Hosting their first appearance outside of China is a privilege not just for the Museum but for Wales. I am confident this will be a popular exhibition and hope this is the beginning of a successful relationship between us and the Chongqing Culture Bureau."

The free exhibition is a cultural exchange between Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and the Chongqing Culture Bureau which is part of the burgeoning relationship between Wales and the Chinese municipality of Chongqing. With help from the British Council’s Connections Through Culture China-UK programme, a scheme supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, the two organisations were able to build a relationship and develop this exciting cultural collaboration.

The growing relationship stems from the 2006 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Wales and Chongqing which identified 6 areas of cooperation: economic and trade development; education and training; environment; culture; governance and agriculture.

Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, will officially welcome guests from China at the launch of the exhibition held at National Museum Cardiff. He said:

"I’m pleased that these sacred rock carvings are coming to Wales and that National Museum Cardiff is the only secured venue for this important exhibition before it returns to Dazu. This exhibition further strengthens our cultural relationship with the Chongqing municipality in China. We have much to offer each other and this will be a fantastic start to the year for Amgueddfa Cymru. "

"Wales is such a place that is steeped in history and cultures, and the rich historical and cultural deposits embedded with her are exactly why we choose National Museum Wales, Cardiff to host the first appearance of Dazu Rock Carvings Art outside of China," said Li Fangyin, curator of Art Museum of Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing,

"As a world cultural heritage, Dazu Rock Carvings should not only be taken as a treasure for local people of Dazu, but should also be recognized as a cultural property of the whole world, and both the artistic and historical value should be shared and appreciated by world people. I firmly believed that visitors will like this exhibition, and it will be successful and memorable, because it is organized by such an excellent museum in such an amazing city. Meanwhile, I appreciate the widespread concerns for this exhibition from all circles of Wales society. And I, on behalf of Art Museum of Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing, am particularly grateful to the support from the Welsh Assembly Government, British Council, Cardiff University Confucius Institute, Cardiff Council and Cardiff & Co."

The museum has been adding a new images of the carvings everyday on their Flickr page. You can also keep up to date with Dazu on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @museum_cardiff or with #dazuwales

Students hit top gear at Autosport International

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Motorsport students from Swansea Metropolitan University, one of the UK's leading educators for the motorsport industry, acted as ambassadors for the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) at this year's Autosport International event.

Held in Birmingham's NEC in January, Autosport International is the world's premier motorsport exhibition. Big names at this year's event included legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker, Fifth Gear Presenters Jason Plato and Tiff Needell and former F1 driver and BBC commentator, Martin Brundle.

Last year, Swansea Met students were invited to attend the Autosport event on behalf of the MIA to offer help and advice to individuals who wish to pursue a career in motorsport. The MIA is the world's leading trade association for the motorsport, performance engineering, services and tuning sectors. The students' performance as ambassadors was praised by the MIA and, as a result, they were asked to represent the association again this year.

Undergraduate courses offered at Swansea Met include motorsport engineering and design, motorsport technology and motorsport management, and the University is a Motorsport Academy approved educator.

Since launching the world's first motorsport engineering degree in 1998, Swansea Met has produced many students who have forged careers with some of the top motorsport and performance engineering companies in the world. These include F1 teams and MotoGP teams as well as Prodrive, Mitsubishi Ralliart, Ford Rally, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Bridgestone to name but a few.

In recent years, Swansea Met has been praised by the sport's government body, the FIA, and leading industry figures for the quality of courses and students produced.

The University is also home to one of the world's best student motorsport teams as Swansea Metropolitan University's Formula Student team are currently top twelve in the world rankings following the 2010 Formula Student competition, the planet's biggest student motorsport contest.

India Dance Wales tour

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

India Dance Wales, Wales' premier professional Indian Dance company, went on tour earlier this month at at distinguished venues in India.

The company performed in collaboration with notable Carnatic musicians from India on the 6 January in Chennai and the 8 January in Kerala.

It was a successful tour, and the company now has plans to tour the latest professional dance production titled 'Colours of Life' in Wales, in the UK and beyond in 2011.

For more information visit the India Dance Wales website.

Welsh food and drink producers head to California

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh food and drink companies will be starting the New Year by bringing Welsh flavour to the US at one of North America's most important food shows.

The seven companies will be exhibiting on the Welsh Assembly Government organised True Taste of Wales stand at the NASFT Winter Fancy Food Show (January 16-18) at the Moscone Convention Centre in San Francisco.

Some of the companies already export to the US and are looking to expand their customer base, whilst others are making their first foray into the US market at time of growing interest in British produce.

The United States is the largest export market for British food and non-alcoholic drinks outside Europe with sales of over £300million in 2009 - a growth of 17% on the previous year.

As a result the US is now placed in the top three growth markets for UK food and drink exports. This continued growth is driven by the US consumers increasing interest in World cuisines and flavours and a heightened awareness of health and wellness issues.

The Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, the West Coast alternative to the New York Fancy Food Show, is the premier international trade event in the US for speciality food products attracting 16,780 buyers at the 2010 event.

Powys based Radnor Hills produces mineral waters and soft drinks in glass and plastic bottles for the hospitality, retail and wholesale sectors. At the show the company will be exhibiting the Duchess Botanicals range which is manufactured in conjunction with the Duchess of Rutland from Belvoir Castle.

Duchess of Rutland Botanicals are an adult soft drink containing fruit juice and botanical essences.

Packed in premium glass bottles they are available in 750ml and 330ml sizes.

The Anglesey Sea Salt Company harvests sea salt, blending it with spices and smokes it over Welsh oak.

Available in 3g from 25kg packs for retail, food service and ingredients markets, the products which will be exhibited in San Francisco include: pure, organic spiced, organic celery, vanilla and oak smoked sea salts. Making its debut will be a new table top dispenser.

The company currently sells to a number of wholesalers in the US, and its salt is featured as a topping on the world famous smoked sea salt caramels made by Fran's Chocolates for customers such as The White House.

Llanllyr Water sells coast to coast to many of the top restaurants and hotels in the US. The multi award-winning premium spring water company is based near Lampeter in Ceredigion.

Llanllyr produces bottled still and sparkling water in glass (1 litre, 750ml, 500ml, 300ml), PET (500ml, 1.5 litre), and 100% recyclable cans (330ml).

Fayrefield Foods ward-winning Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar currently retails in a number of West Coast counties, and to emphasise the strong Welsh origins of the brand samples will be offered to visitors by demonstration staff dressed as miners.

The cheese, which is made at Llandyrnog Creamery in North Wales, will be featured in 7oz, 14oz and 5lb (nominal) blocks with grading guidance also available.

South Wales brewery, The Celt Experience is inspired through Celtic history to produce a range of organic ales and a hand crafted lager. The Celt Experience combines modern brewing equipment with ancient Celtic brewing methods, creating flavoursome and holistic beers.

Named after the Bronze Age Celts, Bronze Ale (Alc 4.5% vol) is distinguished by a full bodied character with crystal maltiness. Golden Ale (Alc. 4.2% vol) is a unique blend of traditional and fruity hops and has a mouth-watering taste of citrus fruits with a slightly spicy aroma and is named after the Golden Age of the Celtic people. Bleddyn 1075 (Alc. 7.6% vol) is named after Welsh king Bleddyn ap Cynfyn and is a delicious pale strong ale.

Also being exhibited at San Francisco will be Cwrw Celt/Celt Lager (5% ABV), a slow mashed, hand produced beverage, with a continental hop presence with a refreshing and spicy flavour.

Halo Foods will be exhibiting for the first time at the Winter Show in San Francisco. They will be featuring their extensive range of Cereal Bars, from everyday types of product to the more technical functional and meal replacement.

Also, for the first time they will be featuring their exciting range of Fruit Bars, which includes their award-winning main brand of Fruitus, famous for its key claim of 'Equivalent to a Portion of Fruit in Every Bar'. A great deal of innovation has taken place within this range over recent times with the introduction of its 'Chunky' Bars and the latest addition of Fruit 'Smoothie' Bars, a delicious tasting yoghurt covered bar, available in various flavours and pack formats.

Halo has two established manufacturing sites in Wales, both with BRC Grade A accreditation - Tywyn in North Wales and Newport in South Wales. The company benefits from its industry knowledge and experience of being at the forefront of snack bar innovation for the past 25 years. Halo Foods have recently re-structured their business to provide increased focus upon the overseas market.

Ty Nant Spring Water Ltd has won numerous awards for its still and sparkling spring water and also for the design of their bottles which grace the tables of some of the most discerning hotels and restaurants around the world.

Famed for the now iconic cobalt blue glass bottles the Ty Nant Spring Water range also includes a sensuous crimson red glass bottle (750ml, 330ml) and a ground breaking curvaceous PET (plastic) bottle (500ml, 1Ltr & 1.5Ltr - still )designed by Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove to evoke the natural flows and refreshing nature of water.

An addition to the range is the award winning creation TAU Spring Water famed for its chic minimalist labelling in black and white livery (750ml & 330ml).

While visitors to the show will be able to get information from the True Taste of Wales stand about several other Welsh companies already actively exporting to the US market: Welsh Whisky, Abergavenny Fine Foods, and the Hurns Brewing Company.

New green technology trail at Botanic Garden

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An interactive green technology trail featuring a range of micro-scale renewable energy demonstrators - from a mini wind turbine to pedal powered machines - is to be created at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

The news was announced by Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, during a visit to the Garden with Professor John Harries, Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales.

It is seen as a significant boost to extend and develop the Garden’s educational work linked to biodiversity, energy and the environment.

Funding of £28,500 from the Welsh Assembly Government, through the National Science Academy, will support the STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Sustainable Futures technology trail, with an additional £42,000 to host an internationally acclaimed exhibition at the Garden illustrating the vital role that fungi play in the health of people and the planet.

The Deputy Minister said both projects will build on and complement existing facilities at the Garden and strengthen its role as an internationally recognised centre for conservation, education, and research.

The STEM sustainable futures trail, which is planned to open in Climate Change week this March, will, she said, create a unique educational resource for South West Wales and the rural community.

"I am delighted to announce this funding today which will support work already carried out at the Garden and enable it to extend and communicate its activities while also providing an exciting new family visitor attraction.

"The trail will help highlight the links between science, sustainability and biodiversity and help promote greater understanding of the importance and relevance of STEM subjects in all these areas.

"We need to encourage more people to take up science-related subjects and the Garden plays an extremely proactive role working with schools stimulating the interest of learners through a portfolio of curriculum-linked activities and events, ranging from botany to beekeeping.

"On a higher level, the Garden is rapidly becoming an internationally recognised centre for plant sciences research and is helping to train the next generation of plant scientists through its leading edge work and the provision of industrial placements and studentships."

The Deputy Minister also paid tribute to the Garden’s extensive lifelong learning and outreach programmes which engage people of all ages, providing information on all aspects of sustainable development.

Dr Rosie Plummer, Director of the Garden, said the trail will provide a significant and unique opportunity to stimulate wide and active public engagement and debate on sustainability issues.

"As Wales strives to reduce its carbon footprint, accessible ways of demonstrating, communicating and promoting sustainable choices are vital. By developing this resource people will be encouraged and attracted to better understand the importance and impact of small steps they can take in their everyday choices and ways of living."

Features on the trail will include a weather station plus a range of renewable technologies including wind, pv solar, biomass, water source heat pumps and pedal power.

As well as installing a range of renewable technologies, the funding will also be used to design and generate new learning materials, improve interpretation and develop on site digital and web enabled links to a number of demonstrator installations.

The grant award will also enable the garden to host ‘From Another Kingdom’, the first major exhibition in the UK to focus on the fascinating world of fungi, which was created and staged at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh last year.

Wales is the first place outside of Scotland to host the exhibition, which will open in the Great Glasshouse at the end of March and be backed by a programme of events, films, talks and other related activities around the Garden.

Wales’ Castles King of Britain’s attractions

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

More than 10,000 foreign tourists were given a list of 18 things that can only be done in Britain - and asked to pick the ones they’d like to do most.

The top three choices were, in order of importance: to go on a tour of Welsh castles, visit Buckingham Palace and stay the night in a Scottish castle.

These results come from a new report entitled ‘’the appeal of only-in-Britain activities’’ which was based on exclusive research commissioned by VisitBritain from the 2010 Nation Brands Index. Researchers interviewed approximately 10,000 adults in 20 nations around the world.

The insights provide new evidence that history and culture are crucial components of Britain’s unique appeal as a holiday destination. In order of precedence the top activities were:

Going on a tour of the castles of Wales. (34%)
Going on a tour around Buckingham Palace’ (32%)
Spending a night in a Scottish castle (29.1%)
Watching the sunrise at Stonehenge (28.9%)
Watching an English Premier League football match’ was equal 5th (19%) along with shopping in Harrods (also 19%).

Touring the castles of Wales had strong appeal in almost all markets, with Poland (49%), Russia (48%), Italy (46%), and Germany (44%) scoring this highest.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said: "I’m delighted that Wales’ castles are such an attraction for our overseas visitors. Our 641 castles tell the captivating history of our past and are located in some of the most beautiful spots; it’s no wonder that they’ve also captured the hearts and minds of those who took part in the survey.

"Some 20% of tourism expenditure can be attributed to the importance of the historic environment in attracting visitors. This is why we have invested in many of our important historical sites through the £19m Heritage Tourism project, which is backed with £8.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund. The project, managed by Cadw and Visit Wales, aims to build on that popularity and attract more visitors to our outstanding heritage, by ensuring it is more accessible and enjoyable to visit and tells the story of our past."

High profile research patrons for Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff University has unveiled three high-profile patrons for its new Research Institutes, who will champion the vital work of each Institute.

The University created the Institutes to pursue new approaches to pressing concerns about cancer, mental health and sustainability. Their three new patrons are:

Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute – Stephen Fry

Sustainable Places Research Institute – Griff Rhys Jones

Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute – Sir Terry Matthews

Actor, author and comedian Stephen Fry is also known for his work raising awareness of bipolar disorder. A sufferer from the disease himself, he has worked closely with Cardiff University’s Professor Nick Craddock, a pioneer in the understanding of the genetics of bipolar. As patron of the Research Institute, he will act as advocate for its work devising new treatments for a variety of brain diseases and breaking down the social prejudices surrounding them.

Stephen Fry said: "I think mental health research is one of the things that Cardiff University should be most proud of – it’s truly on the world map as far as leaders in this field are concerned. I think that the University will have a large part to play in breaking down the barriers of stigma around mental illness. I’m very proud to be playing a small part in it."

Griff Rhys Jones made his name as a comedian in series like Not the Nine O’Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones. More recently he has broadcast and written on conservation and environmental issues, including the BBC series Restoration. As patron, he will support and encourage the Sustainable Places Research Institute’s work in designing sustainable policies for the development of cities around the world.

Griff Rhys Jones said: "It’s a very great honour for me to be asked to be patron of this Research Institute and to help publicise the work it is going to undertake. That work is very, very necessary. I firmly believe that human ingenuity is the answer to the problems we face with sustainability. This Research Institute will bring together different disciplines to measure and assess how different places around the globe need to respond to the challenges ahead."

Sir Terry Matthews is well-known as an entrepreneur in high technology, and has founded and funded more than 80 companies in the UK and Canada. Born in Newport, he is also known for his commitment to Wales, including the development of the Celtic Manor Resort which brought the Ryder Cup to Wales for the first time last year. He has now agreed to become patron of the Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, promoting and assisting its hunt for a new approach to cancer treatment.

Sir Terry said: "Cancer survival rates still remain tragically low. We have only a very poor understanding of why this is the case. Cardiff’s Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute will explore a new concept – that we can beat cancer by focussing on just a small part of the tumour – the cancer stem cell. This idea is creating excitement around the world and the UK should be a leader in investigating it. I am delighted to be patron of the Research Institute at Cardiff and to play my part promoting its search for treatments across the whole range of cancers."

The three new patrons were unveiled as part of the official launch ceremony for the Institutes, held at Cardiff University last night (January 10). Guests saw a video address in which each patron endorsed the work of their institute.

The Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, Dr David Grant, said: "The Research Institutes will carry out international quality research on issues of world importance. It is therefore highly appropriate that we have such widely recognised and respected figures to act as patrons. We are delighted that Stephen Fry, Griff Rhys Jones and Sir Terry Matthews have taken on these roles and look forward to working with them over the coming years."

Britain's best winter destinations

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales tops the chart with two entries into the Daily Telegraph's pick of Britains best winter destinations.

Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd claim the first two spots in the papers top six of places to warm the soul in Britain. Pembrokeshire’s south coast is one of the sunniest places in Britain, whilst the village of Portmerion in Gwynedd benefits from it's Mediterranean architecture subtropical gardens.

Read the full article at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/8245580/Britains-best-winter-destinations.html

Year of Culture

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As well as hosting the National Eisteddfod, Wrexham in north Wales will also put on more than 200 cultural events to showcase the best the area has to offer.

Labelled Wrexham’s official Year of Culture, the programme will include a raft of festivals, concerts, ballet, opera, exhibitions and activities for all ages and interests.

It will all kick off on Friday January 21st with a spectacular lantern parade through the town followed by a short choral performance and firework display on Llwyn Isaf.

A number of acts have already signed up to perform throughout the year including the Three Welsh Tenors - Aled Hall, Alun Rhys- Jenkins and Rhys Meirion, The Fron Choir and the Welsh National Opera to name but a few.

Stargazing Live

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is hosting a Stargazing Live event on Wednesday January 12.

Come and join Dr Angharad Thomas and a host of other enthusiasts and discover the sky at night.

There's no charge for the event - though pre-booking is required- and no equipment is necessary. The evening is suitable for ages 5-95. Wrap up warm.

The event runs from 5.30pm-7pm and is part of BBC 2's Stargazing Live event.

http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/

Welshman tasked with saving Egypt's oldest pyramid

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 7 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you had your Cardiff council house repaired in the early 80s, then the odds are that the work would have been inspected by the same man who has now been tasked with saving Egypt's oldest stone-built pyramid.

Newport-based structural engineer Peter James is a self-made millionaire, and a man accustomed to leaps of faith, yet even he describes his current mission as "the scariest thing I've ever done in my life."

The Pyramid of Djoser in the Saqqara necropolis is 4,700 years old, but suffered severe damage in a 1992 earthquake.

It is key to our understanding of ancient Egyptian architecture, but is now so unstable that no-one has accepted the challenge of securing it in the last 19 years. Except, of course, Peter James.

A former Royal Navy lieutenant-commander who served in the Falklands War, Mr James' involvement with structural engineering began when he took charge of building services for Cardiff council.

Twenty-five years ago he set up his own company, graduating from housing repairs, to developing solutions to rescue poorly-designed 1960s tower blocks.

His big break came when his company, Cintec, won the contract to repair Windsor Castle following extensive damage caused by the 1993 fire.

Amongst other notable renovation work he has been involved in are the White House, Buckingham Palace, and even the Red Pyramid near Giza.

But even though Cintec already have experience of dealing with Egyptian antiquity, the combination of the historical significance and the immediate danger make this by far his most challenging commission.

"If it was just the physical danger then I wouldn't be so worried," says Mr James. "It's risky to be working 50m inside a chamber with thousands of tons of unstable stone over your head, but we have the technology to mitigate those risks.

"The most frightening aspect is that we're dealing with a structure of such historical significance. It can't be allowed to go wrong because it's unique, and a vital part of the ancient world. To that extent it is definitely the scariest thing I've ever done in my life."

The most frightening aspect is that we're dealing with a structure of such historical significance”

Mr James says the strangest thing about dealing with such an ancient structure is having to learn an entirely new way of thinking.

"Everything you've learned about building techniques and architectural principals goes out of the window," he explains. "You have to think like an ancient Egyptian, and come up with solutions appropriate to the original design."

Although the solutions which Mr James is proposing for the Pyramid of Djoser are far from ancient, and are protected by over 50 patents.

The first stage of the renovation will involve propping up the damaged ceiling in the central chamber of the pyramid, with self-inflating Waterwall technology; fluid-filled airbags which Mr James first developed to absorb explosions while defusing road-side bombs in Afghanistan.

The more permanent phase of the repairs requires Cintec to thread the latest in thermo-dynamic steel rods diagonally through the steps of the pyramid, in such a way that the six levels will be knitted together without being visible.

http://www.cintec.com/worldwide/home.php

Book your 2011 holiday in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For those looking for holidays in Britain, Wales has so much to offer.

It’s a great place for family holidays and activity based short breaks. There'splentyof things to do in our corner of the UK.

VisitWales.co.uk is the best place to start planning your Welsh vacation in the UK. Here you’ll be able to find information on the following:

Family friendly holidays and days out.
Our stunning British National Parks and wildlife.
Active holidays in this part of the UK.
Accommodation, attractions and things to do.
Downloadable brochures and guides.

Acromis Flute Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

1-3 April

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

For just one weekend under one roof - the magnificent bronze dome of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay - the Arcomis International Flute Event 2011 brings together Europe's leading exponents of the instrument in performances, masterclasses, workshops and special events designed to appeal to everyone from active or aspiring professionals to students, those new to the instrument and the general public.

http://www.arcomis.com/flute

Heineken Cup Final

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

21 May

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

The 2011 Heineken Cup Final will be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. It will be the sixth time that Cardiff has played host to the showpiece of the European club rugby calendar.

Heineken Cup Final

Llandudno 10 mile race

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

22 May

Llandudno

The Llandudno '10' mile Road Race is part of the Welsh Road Running Championship 5 Race Series. Its a mass participation event, with entries for 2011 limited to 5,000. The race will have access for all abilities from the fun runner to the seasoned athlete and is an annual event

http://www.llandudno10.co.uk/

Glanusk International Horse Trials

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

30 June - 3 July

Glanusk Park and Estate, Crickhowell

Glanusk International 3 Day Eventing, horse trials and family day out held at Glanusk Park & Estate, Crickhowell. A series of prolific riders from around the world of eventing, including members of the British junior team, participate in this International 3 day event in the country.

http://www.glanuskeventing.com/

Tour of Britain

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

11-18 September

The Tour of Britain is a highlight on the cycling calendar for top international cyclists and enthusiasts from around the world with over one million spectators watching at the roadside across the eight day event. Stage four of the Tour of Britain sees the race travel through Wales, from Welshpool to Caerphilly on 14th September.

http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/

Climate expertise recognised internationally

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 5 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The internationally-renowned Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research has invited Cardiff University to become a core partner.

The Tyndall Centre, established in 2000, brings together scientists, economists, engineers and social scientists who are working to develop sustainable responses to climate change. The invitation to Cardiff reflects the expertise in climate change and sustainability within the School of Psychology’s Understanding Risk research group, the Centre for Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability and Society (BRASS) and elsewhere at the University. Most recently, the University also established the Sustainable Places University Research Institute.

The strategic alliance builds on and formalises existing collaborations between Cardiff University and Tyndall Centre researchers.

Dr Lorraine Whitmarsh of the School of Psychology, one of the Tyndall Cardiff partner co-ordinators, said: “The University’s central role in the Tyndall Centre will strengthen, extend, and enhance the international profile of its work on sustainable responses to climate change.

In particular, Tyndall Cardiff will focus on the psychological and social dimensions of mitigating and adapting to climate change risk. This will include understanding responses by businesses, policy-makers, consumers and citizens.”

The Tyndall involvement also further highlights the unique, world-leading expertise on climate change that exists in Wales which was brought together at the end of 2009 under the banner of the Climate Change Consortium for Wales (C3W). This £4M initiative is financed by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), the Countryside Council for Wales and substantial investment from the four universities involved (Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea).

Warwick International awarded top training prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A North Wales chemical producer that doubled its output by boosting the skills of its staff has won a top National Training Award.

Warwick International Limited who employ 182 workers at Mostyn in Flintshire were awarded the ‘UK Winner of the Year 2010’ accolade in the Medium Employer category.

Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Skills and Innovation, congratulated the company on its success and described it as a great achievement.

"This clearly illustrates the importance of companies investing in staff training and recognising that people are their greatest asset. In this particular instance Warwick’s investment in training resulted in increased efficiently, a significant reduction in maintenance costs and energy consumption and increased turnover.

"I congratulate the company on winning this prestigious award in competition with companies and organisations around the UK."

The National Training Awards (NTAs) recognise individuals and organisations throughout the UK that have achieved outstanding business and personal success through investment in training. Winning an Award is recognition of best practice and provides a benchmark for standards of excellence in training in the UK.

Warwick is a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals for the detergent industry. It is the world’s leading supplier ofan oxygen-based bleach activator, which produces acetic acid as a by-product of its manufacture.

In 2007 the firm launched a new product based on this acid called sodium acetate, as an alternative to sending it off site for reprocessing.

However, the change presented major challenges for staff at the plant which was not designed with this product in mind. The company introduced a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programme to train staff to tackle the problem.

All of the machinery operators attended a four-day course delivered by an industry expert who taught the key principles of improving effectiveness and efficiency of a plant based on a nine-step programme to identify waste, improve conditions and prevent problems through a continuous improvement mentality.

The exercise was a huge success with the average output of sodium acetate produced per day rising from 12 - 14 tonnes to 28 tonnes, which led to a sales increase of over £1m.

The training also means the plant is now being run more efficiently, with a significant reduction in maintenance costs and energy consumption. As a result the TPM programme has now been rolled out across the whole of the site.

New Year Message from First Minister of Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Millennium Magic

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

February 12 -13

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

The Engage Super League XVI season looks set to open with a real bang in Cardiff with the 2011 Millennium Magic weekend featuring a repeat of last season’s Grand Final. The 2010 Engage Super League champions, Wigan Warriors, take on St Helens under Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium roof on Saturday evening. Rivals will also come to the fore with Hull FC versus Hull Kingston Rovers, Castleford Tigers against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Leeds Rhinos locking horns against Bradford Bulls also forming part of an exciting schedule of games.

http://www.millenniummagic.co.uk/

Merry Christmas from Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from wales.com!

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddun Newydd Dda!

We hope you all have a great time over the festive period and we look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Wales in the snow

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We've had lots of snow over the last week, so check out these photos of the winter weather in Wales from the BBC website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12051534

Agreement reached for Welsh university merger

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Two Welsh universities have agreed in principle to merge and create a single institution for south west Wales.

Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have been in negotiations for several months about the proposals and their governing bodies have now approved the idea. Talks will now take place on the institutions exact structure and constitution.

Both universities plan to keep their separate names under the proposals.

David Warner, Vice Chancellor of Swansea Met, said the development ‘builds on the excellent track record both universities have of working together’.

Medwin Hughes, Vice Chancellor of Trinity Saint David, said ‘This is a radical new model for the higher education sector in Wales’.

Dylan Thomas classic a hit in New York

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new production of Dylan Thomas’ classic A Child’s Christmas in Wales, has proved a seasonal hit in New York, earning rave reviews from the city’s hard to please theatre critics.

Thomas’ classic is currently running at New York’s Gamm Theatre. Tony Estrella, Theatre Director, set the piece to music for the new show, which is being performed over the Christmas period by the Irish Repertory Theatre.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales is an affectionate look back at Christmases past and was first published in 1955. It is an anecdotal sketch by Thomas of early festive seasons spent in his native Swansea.

The New York Daily News reviewer Joe Dziemianowicz said of the show: ‘It unfolds like a series of snapshots, as though Thomas were flipping through a holiday photo album from his 1920’s boyhood in Swansea. Whether conjuring a Christmas visit from dotty aunts and cigar puffing uncles, a blanketing blizzard or a mischievous adventure of chucking snowballs at stray cats, every event takes on a dimension of wonder when told in the author’s ear-tickling language.’

Jennifer Farrar, the Associated Press reviewer, said: ‘The brightly-lit small stage, simply decorated with Christmas trees and wreaths and, at times, twinkling starlight, adds to the professional, yet sweetly homespun atmosphere of this entertaining, sentimental production.’

UWIC student puts in world-class performance

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A fighting fit student from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) won a bronze medal at the tae kwon do world championships recently.

Gethin Ceidiog Hughes, who is studying Product Design at UWIC’s Cardiff School of Art & Design, fought off competitors from around the world, with people travelling from as far afield as America and Australia for the competition.

The 18-year-old took up tae kwon do four years ago and last year won a gold medal at the Welsh Closed Championships in Cardiff and a bronze medal at the British Championships in Hereford.

But he faced his stiffest competition at the recent world championships - with 2,000 competitors taking part – and fought his way to the semi-final at the tournament held at the Telford International Arena.

He said: “It was a really tough tournament and I was thrilled to have won a bronze medal in the world championships.”

www.uwic.ac.uk

Olympic medals deal for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The athletes medals for the London 2012 Olympics will be produced at the Royal Mint headquarters in Llantrisant, south Wales.

Royal Mint's chief operating officer Adam Lawrence decribed it as "great news" for Wales.

London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton said: "We're delighted to be working with the Royal Mint, a company established in the UK for 1,100 years to produce the London 2012 victory medals.

"The Olympic and Paralympic medals are presented to elite athletes at the biggest sporting event in the world on an individual's pinnacle career moment and we're pleased to announce that they will be produced in south Wales."

Newport firm is UKs most outstanding business

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Newport company is celebrating after being named the UK's most outstanding business.

Abriox Limited, based in Imperial Park, received a £25,000 prize sponsored by RBS and Natwest, for its innovative oil and gas pipeline monitoring system Merlin.

The unique system has major economic, safety and environmental benefits and is now used to automatically check all the UK's gas pipelines for corrosion.

Neville Reyner, President of the British Chambers of Commerce who gave the award, said the firm was a great example of a passionate young company which had taken its own idea and nurtured and developed it into an internationally-renowned product.

The company, which was established in 2005 has also won the UK's Business of the Year award and just last year it scooped the top national award for Achievement in International Business.

Abriox managing director Neil Summers said: "The award will be a real boost for the staff as it recognises their contribution and tells our customers worldwide that they are dealing with a truly excellent company."

£8m for world class activity centre

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An innovative scheme to create a world class watersports and outdoor activity centre has been backed with £8m the Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, has announced.

Gwynedd Council’s £8.3 m plans for a National Sailing Academy and Pwllheli Events Centre will receive Welsh Assembly Government backing from the European Regional Development Fund and the Targeted Match Fund, creating some 8.5 jobs and further employment opportunities as the development gets underway.

The centre at Pwllheli will develop the area as an internationally recognised sailing venue and offer facilities to stage sailing competitions of the highest order. It will also provide opportunities for novice sailors, encourage more people to learn outdoor activity skills as well as be a resource for the wider community.

Announcing the funding at Pwllheli Sailing Club, Minister for Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

“I am delighted that Welsh Assembly Government support will help bring social and economic benefits to the region through this project.

"It will also help with our commitment to increasing participation in sport and physical activity by ensuring that more people than ever before can take advantage of the splendid facilities here in Pwllheli and have the chance to enjoy sailing. The new facilities will also allow the club to host more events and attract more tourism to the area.”

Minister for Business and Budget Jane Hutt said:

"I am pleased that our management of European Structural Funds is enabling us to move ahead with this project, creating more opportunities for people, communities and businesses in Pwllheli and beyond."

The plans include a new Academy building on Glan Don peninsula to provide changing rooms, meeting and training rooms, lecture rooms and a restaurant and bar and the final design could incorporate a balcony so that people can watch the activities on the water. The proposal also includes additional berths which will help attract more national and international competitions to the area.

The venture will allow more local people, especially children and young people, to have the chance to take to the water. The proposal will also provide new training opportunities, and seek to enable local young people to take advantage of employment opportunities in the outdoor activities sector.

Councillor Dewi Lewis, Gwynedd Council’s Economy and Community Portfolio Leader, said:

“Cardigan Bay is recognised as one of the best areas in the British Isles for sailing because of the local environment and landscape. I am confident that this exciting project will exploit these features and will build on the existing facilities.

“More emphasis than ever is being put on outdoor activities and we are eager to give children, of all backgrounds, the opportunity to enjoy Gwynedd’s magnificent natural resources. I am delighted that the new academy will be able to meet this need and will provide new skills and work locally.

“These plans have been developed following a period of intensive consultation with a variety of groups and organisations.”

The project is the result of years of work for Gwynedd Council’s Economy and Community Service and its partners, especially Pwllheli Sailing Club. The scheme is aimed at helping to support and promote the area’s economy and community by making the most of Cardigan Bay’s natural resources as sailing waters.

Gwynedd Council will deliver the scheme in partnership with Pwllheli Sailing Club; the Welsh Assembly Government; North Wales Water Sports; Plas Menai; Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and the Welsh Yachting Association.

Stephen Tudor, Pwllheli Sailing Club’s Secretary, said:

“The Sailing Club has been very successful in attracting national and international sailing competitions. There is no doubt that this provides a huge boost to the local economy as people from all over the world come here to sail, and they also see what else the area has to offer.

“The current facilities are unsuitable and insufficient compared to other sailing clubs and venues, so we are over the moon to see these plans for a sailing academy and events centre taking fruition. This will secure our place in the competitive outdoor activities market, and also means we can attract ever more significant events.”

Minister welcomes historic Cancun climate deal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Environment Minister Jane Davidson has welcomed the climate change deal that was reached at the weekend at the UN climate summit in Cancun.

The 190 countries present at the Summit reached an agreement to globally tackle climate change, and have recognised the importance of engaging with subnational governments.

As part of the deal, a Green Climate Fund has been established and will see funds from the West given to developing nations to help protect them against the impacts of climate change and to assist in their low-carbon development.

It was also agreed and formally recognised that current emission pledges are not high enough, and there is a need for deeper emission cuts.

Speaking from Cancun where the Minister represented the interests of the Welsh Assembly Government, Mrs Davidson said: "I whole-heartedly welcome the deal that has been reached.

"The negotiations were not without their dicey moments but Ban Ki-Moon made clear early on in the process that delegates should not hold out for perfection when he said 'don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good' and delegates rose to this challenge.

"Wales is particularly delighted that our efforts to secure recognition for the role of subnational and local governments in the formal text going forward were successful and we can build on this recognition in the run up to South Africa next year.

"It is a tribute to the Mexican Government for its work in creating such a transparent and inclusive process that has managed to bring together in this deal the Maldives, which is under a very real immediate threat from climate change, Lesotho, a close friend of the Wales and the country co-ordinating the least developed countries in the world, and the US, along with many, many more.

Subnational governments such as Wales were extremely well represented at Cancun this year demonstrating that across the world action is already being taken.

The Minister added: "When it is estimated by the UN that between 50 per cent and 80 per cent of actions that need to be taken take place below member state level, our input and others demonstrated that tackling the threat of climate change creates new economic opportunities through the low carbon revolution.

"The Assembly Government's commitment to reduce emissions by 3 per cent per annum to reach 40 per cent by 2020 was seen as an exemplar and we look forward to working with other progressive states and regions across the world to deliver in that commitment creating green jobs in the process."

Cardiff band to make music for 2012 Olympics

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff jazz band Wonderbrass has been awarded a £10,000 grant to create music to celebrate the London Olympics in 2012.

Wonderbrass is one of 20 groups chosen to reflect the diversity of music across the UK. The project, called New Music 20x12 covers a wide range of genres including folk, opera, contemporary classical, beat boxing and bell ringing. The grant will allow Wonderbrass to work with London composer Jason Yarde on a piece of music exploring ‘new world rhythms’.

The music is part of the Cultural Olympiad, a four year arts project aimed at inspiring creativity in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Find out more about Wales contribution to London 2012.

Sony plant in Wales wins new business

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 9 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sony’s state-of-the-art technology centre in Wales has secured a significant £2million investment to bring new business to the site which will create fifty new jobs.

The investment was won from stiff competition throughout Sony’s European operations.

The new business includes the manufacture of the next generation high definition broadcast products, the centralisation of the Sony European professional product customer service functions and the start of a development and sales operation for education and learning products.

The new multi-formatted hand built professional camcorders are regarded as the most advanced on the market and the Sony Pencoed Technology Centre has been inundated with orders from major broadcasting organisations throughout Europe.

The Pencoed facility is supplying two versions of the camcorder across the globe, with key markets in the UK, mainland Europe, the Baltic States, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

This latest investment, which has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, seals Pencoed Technology Centre’s reputation as a centre of excellence within the Sony Corporation.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, described it as a strong mark of confidence in the expertise of the workforce in Pencoed.

Steve Dalton, Managing Director at Sony UK Technology Centre, said they anticipated that 39 new posts would be in place by January which will include operators, technicians, and engineers and for the first time in 12 years we have recruited apprentices, to start the development process for future business requirements.

"Securing this latest investment is great news for the future of the Pencoed site and illustrates once again the strategic importance of the centre within the Sony Corporation," he said.

"It is the only site outside of Japan manufacturing these advanced high end cameras and associated broadcast products. Our success is due to our strong workforce who prove time and time again that they have the ability to continually test themselves and reach new areas of business that require new skills sets.

"They have an entrepreneurial spirit following the Sony ethos Make.Believe. I couldn’t be more proud of the achievements of everyone involved keeping us at the front of technological advances."

Nadolig Llawen

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 8 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Experience the festive season in Wales. Check out the Visit Wales website which is bursting with information on Christmas breaks in Wales, our shopping and our christmas attractions including outdoor ice skating.

Visit http://www.visitwales.co.uk/christmas-breaks/ for more information.

World-class centre to be created in Bangor

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Multi million pound plans to create an iconic arts and innovation centre in the heart of Bangor has received a major funding boost from the Welsh Assembly Government today, creating over 100 jobs and safeguarding many hundreds more in the local economy.

The ground-breaking Pontio development will receive £27.5 million to establish a world-class centre for innovation in science, technology and the creative industries.

Led by Bangor University, Pontio is backed with £12.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund and £15 million from the Welsh Assembly Government. Further funding from the Arts Council of Wales and the University itself will complete the package.

The Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones will announce the funding at an event in Llandudno to showcase the impact EU funding is having in Wales.

Mr Jones said,

“Pontio will offer a platform for arts and innovation that will benefit the whole community in the north west of Wales, making a significant contribution to the renaissance of Bangor and sustainable economic development beyond the building phase. “Economic Renewal: A new direction’ demonstrates our determination to invest in capital projects that will bring long-term structural and economic benefits to Wales.

“EU funding is proving a great asset at this time, providing the resources to support our policy, helping us face up to current economic challenges and preparing for future opportunities.”

The £37 million centre will include a theatre with a capacity of up to 550 seats, cinema space, a studio theatre and an outdoor amphitheatre. It will be accompanied by exciting new social facilities including bars, dining and park areas.

“This is great news for Bangor as well as for the whole of Wales and beyond. Pontio will become a hub for the local community, bringing people and businesses together to promote investment and regeneration in North Wales. It will capitalise on local skills and expertise to create and safeguard hundreds of jobs and business opportunities which will all promote economic growth in the region.

“Pontio will be a world-class centre for innovation in science, technology and the creative industries, and will be a cultural beacon for Wales and a champion of the Welsh language. It will include a dynamic Innovation Hub, cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities and a range of indoor and outdoor performance spaces including a theatre and cinema space, an outdoor amphitheatre, cafés, restaurants and parkland where people can meet, learn and be entertained.”

The centre is due to open in early 2013.

Winter welcome at heritage sites

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

World Heritage Blaenavon Ironworks and medieval Tretower Court and Castle, near Crickhowell, will remain open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the winter months.

Raglan Castle will also be entering into the Christmas spirit with late night shopping until 8pm on Tuesday 7th December with a special 10% off purchases for visitors and 20% off for Heritage in Wales members. In turn, a number of special events to mark the festive season will take place during December at Castell Coch and Caerphilly Castle.

Tretower Court, which recently reopened following a major conservation programme, and which now boasts a new visitor centre hopes to welcome many more visitors looking to experience a household preparing for the colder months. Sunday will be a particularly special day for the Tretower household as re-enactment group, the Marcher Stuarts, don their Sunday best for their guests.

At Blaenavon, which is free to enter, visitors can view substantial remains of five early blast furnaces and associated workers' housing, dating from the late eighteenth century onwards. Two of the cottages are furnished, and other cottages in the row contain an exhibition and models of the site and surrounding landscape.

Caerphilly’s Medieval Christmas Fayre on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December will ensure visitors get a unique experience of the sights, sounds and smells of a busy town and castle preparing for Christmas. At the medieval market traders and craftspeople will be selling traditional, seasonal and decorative goods and there will be plenty of hot and cold refreshments on offer.

The National Slate Museum, Llanberis will host a Christmas Party on Tuesday, 21st December (12pm-3pm) Free entry (£2 to see Santa, £1 for crafts.) Get set for Christmas in the National Slate Museum’s festive fun days for all the family. Will Santa make it to the museum in time on UNA the engine? Will he have a present for you in the grotto? Post your letter to Santa in the special post box (replies for each letter) make a Christmas craft to take home and enjoy entertainment, music and lots of seasonal cheer.

A last chance to see Santa before the big day so why not make a last minute Christmas craft in our craft workshops. They say that North Wales slate put a roof on the world. Which is a pretty big job by anyone’s standards. But it does underline the fact that our slate is the strongest and most durable known to man.

The National Slate Museum at Llanberis is a living celebration of this most Welsh of Welsh industries. You can still see blacksmiths at work and slate being split.

And in the Victorian workshops that once serviced the huge Dinorwic slate quarry, you will believe that the workmen have only just downed their tools. So the museum is like one big time machine. With a giant all of its own: the largest working water wheel in mainland Britain. More than 15 metres wide and still working perfectly almost a century and half after it was built in 1870.

St Asaph Choral Society’s Christmas concert will take place at the St Asaph Cathedral on Saturday 11th December (7.30pm)and Choral Evensong by Candlenight, Saturday 19th December (6pm) St Asaph Cathedral is a strange sort of giant. It is famous for its diminutive stature – the smallest ancient cathedral in Britain. But it also plays a big role in the spiritual and cultural life of Wales.

The building, mostly 14th century with some Victorian additions, is beautiful. . The cathedral is the final resting place of Bishop William Morgan, who translated the bible into Welsh. Much to the delight of Queen Elizabeth I, who knew the Welsh would only become Protestant by worshipping in their own tongue. Y Beibl is arguably the most important book in Welsh history – because it ensured the survival of the language. You can see a rare first edition of the 1588 Morgan bible in the Translators’ Chapel inside the cathedral. And there’s a memorial to this giant of a man outside.

Gareth Bale named sports personality of the year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Gareth Bale was last night honoured as the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year. The Tottenham Hotspur winger, widely considered as one of world football's rising stars, beat off fierce competition from Commonwealth gold medallists Robert Weale (bowls) and Dai Greene (400m hurdles). Having already claimed the Welsh Footballer of the Year prize in October, 2010 has been a spectacular year for Cardiff born Bale, who is still only 21. After being handed his chance in the starting line up by manager Harry Redknapp in January, Gareth has not looked back, claiming a string of man of the match accolodes as Tottenham romped to fourth place in the Premier League and with it a place at Europe's top table. With Spurs now qualified for the Champions League's last 16, and in the hunt at the top of the league table, Gareth also remains a key figure for the Welsh national team, who are looking to qualify for their first major tournament since 1958. And with Gareth in the team, they surely stand a decent chance.

Wales chosen for pre-Games training

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 6 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re delighted to hear the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has chosen Cardiff as its base for pre-Games training in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The TTOC recognised we have many world class facilities for athletes, including outdoor and indoor athletics tracks and access to cutting edge sports science and medicine services. The team will be well looked after by our experienced high performance staff who have worked for many years with Olympic teams.

This decision shows that we have the kind of facilities and infrastructure that Olympic teams are looking for.

To find out more about what Wales has to offer in the run up to London 2012 visit http://wales.gov.uk/topics/tourism/marketing/majorevents/olympicgames/?lang=en

Dylan Thomas prize winner announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Elyse Fenton, a poet from the US, has been awarded the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize. The winner was announced during the awards dinner in Dylan Thomas’s home town of Swansea in south-west Wales yesterday.

The £30,000 award was given for her collection of 21^st Century war poetry entitled Clamor. She drew inspiration for the poems while her husband was deployed as a medic in Baghdad, Iraq.

It is the first book of poetry to ever win the Dylan Thomas Prize, awarded every two years to recognise the best published writer in English under the age of 30 from anywhere in the world.

Elyse Fenton beat off stiff competition from other writers from across the globe also in the running for the prize, including Indian born writer Karan Mahajan and Canadian Eleanor Catton.

Young Welsh writer, Stefan Mohamed won the £5,000 debut Sony Reader Award category for unpublished writers for his novel Bitter Sixteen.

7 summits, 3 poles, in 7 months. A world first.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Richard Parks, the former Welsh International and Barbarian flanker, was recently forced to retire from professional rugby due to a career ending shoulder injury. After a period of contemplation, he decided that he was going to confront his fears and unanswered questions by creating The 737 Challenge.

This month, Richard will start the unique, multi discipline 737 Challenge. A gripping 7 month expedition to climb the 7 Summits, which are the highest mountain on each of the world's continents, and venture the last 2 degrees to The South Pole and the last degree to The Geographic North Pole. All against a 7 month clock!

If Richard is successful he will become the first person to have stood on the 3 Poles, namely The South Pole, The Geographic North Pole and the summit of Everest, in the same calendar year. And set a new bench mark in the climbing of the 7 Summits.

The 737 Challenge will be joined by the Great Britons Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Steve Williams and Jan Suart, a Marie Curie Nurse.The 737 Challenge will raise funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Richard received a true Welsh send off last Saturday (27 November). Wales’ First Minister Carwyn Jones called on the 74,500 rugby fans at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to give a rousing send as Richard takes on the biggest challenge of his life.

Follow the 737 challenge on twitter at http://twitter.com/737challenge

And find out all about Richard and the 737 challenge at http://www.737challenge.com/

Virgin Atlantic opens new customer service centre

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 1 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport and Julie Southern, Chief Commercial Officer for Virgin Atlantic officially opened Virgin Atlantic’s new customer service centre in Swansea yesterday.

The new customer service centre will run in conjunction with Virgin Atlantic’s existing operation in Crawley, West Sussex and will create more than 200 jobs in the Swansea area. Virgin Atlantic’s investment in this service centre has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said,

“Virgin Atlantic is one of the best known brands in world aviation and its decision to invest in Swansea is a great vote of confidence for the city and its workforce.

“This new facility provides a strong boost for the local economy with a high profile investor creating a range of valuable jobs and career opportunities which are particularly welcome during the current economic climate.

“Projects like these support our programme of economic renewal and we will continue to work with Virgin Atlantic to ensure success of its operations in Wales.”

Julie Southern, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic commented,

"I am delighted to be here in Swansea today to open Virgin Atlantic’s new customer service centre. We are excited to be adding this brand new facility and look forward to both Crawley and Swansea teams working together to maintain the award winning service to our customers.”

The new customer service centre will create 200 jobs in the Swansea area including reservations and customer relations roles.

Wales Coast Path opens new section

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday (30th November) the Welsh Environment Minister, Jane Davidson joined walkers, cyclists and horse riders in south Pembrokeshire to officially open the latest section on the Wales Coast Path.

The 5.5 mile (9km) route is part of the Castlemartin Range Trail and brings the Assembly Government a step closer to achieving its goal of creating a coastal path that spans the entire Welsh coast by 2012.

Castlemartin Range, on the south Pembrokeshire coast, is used by the Ministry of Defence for the pre-deployment training of crews operating heavy armoured vehicles in Afghanistan. The Trail provides a marked route, access gates and fencing to provide a safe and enjoyable route around the range.

Speaking about the new section of the path, the Minister said;

"I am delighted to officially open this stretch of coastal path that improves access for walkers to this part of the world famous Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The area enjoys spectacular sea cliffs, home to the largest concentration of breeding seabirds on the Welsh mainland, grassland which supports many rare inspects and a wide variety of flora.

"I was very pleased when the coast of Pembrokeshire was recently voted the second best coastal destination in the world by the National Geographic Society. This recognition illustrates the international significance of our spectacular landscape and I am sure that, when completed, the path will be a draw for tourists from all over the world.

"However the Wales Coast Path is more than just a tourist attraction. Walking is a great way for people to get the exercise they need to stay healthy. This new stretch of path will provide local people with new opportunities to get active, in line with our Change4Life programme, whilst enjoying stunning scenery."

Commander Defence Training Estate Wales & West Midlands Colonel Richard Howard-Gash said:

"Supporting our Armed Forces is the top priority for Defence Estates and training areas, such as Castlemartin, are vital elements in helping our troops prepare for operations in Afghanistan.

"The Castlemartin Range Trail allows us to balance the pressing need for military training with the desire of walkers, cyclists, horse riders and others to enjoy this area of spectacular beauty."

Access Programmes Manager Sue Rice of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) who manage the Coastal Path project said:

"We would like to thank all the partners, the local authority Pembrokeshire County Council, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the team at the Welsh Assembly for all the hard work that they have put into making the path happen. The work on the ground is key if we want to achieve our target of path completion by 2012."

Under the Coastal Access Improvement Programme (CAIP), the Welsh Assembly Government is committed to creating a continuous 850 mile path that runs around the coastline of Wales by 2012, and has been investing in access improvements in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales. The path is on target for completion in 2012. CAIP funding of £2 million per annum has since 2009 been supplemented by Welsh European Funding which totals £3.9m over 3 years, to support development of the Coast Path by 2012

Other parts of the Path opened this year include:

a 27 mile stretch of coast path between Llandudno and Prestatyn
a challenging 4.5 mile section from Pendine in Carmarthenshire to the start of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path at Amroth
a boardwalk in Porthcawl that has been designed to facilitate disabled access.

Eco-lighting installed at Wales’ historic sites

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last week, Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones, switched on new eco-friendly lights at Harlech Castle. The castle is one of sixteen Welsh monuments having their lighting replaced with new-generation Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights, a project which has been funded through the Assembly Government’s Strategic Capital Investment Fund.

The Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones said:

“Wales’ historic environment plays an important role in our cultural identity and community engagement. This innovative eco-lighting system, developed and managed by Cadw, allows us to responsibly light up iconic parts of our landscape and also save money."

Environment Minister, Jane Davidson said:

“We know that we must adopt much more sustainable habits if we are to reduce Wales’ carbon footprint.

“Switching to eco-friendly lighting is one way that we can all make a difference and I am delighted that Cadw is leading by example in ensuring that 16 of our Welsh monuments adopt LED lighting systems. LEDs are actually the most environmentally friendly lighting and I would urge other public bodies to follow Cadw's lead.

“The project has already realised a reduction of about 53% of electricity consumption and a reduction of 56% in CO² emissions. In turn, savings of 74% will be realised in annual electricity and maintenance costs – a real example of investing to save.”

Building on this initiative, an ambitious programme of interpretation, presentation and visitor facilities will soon be under way at Harlech Castle following the acquisition of the town’s Castle Hotel and car park by Cadw. The move was made to maintain access to the Castle and to provide the Castle with a much needed new visitor centre and improved visitor facilities. It will deliver a vastly improved sense of arrival befitting a World Heritage Site. Both the hotel and car park are adjacent to the entrance of Harlech Castle.

The ground floor of the former hotel will become a visitor centre while the first and second floors of the building will continue to provide accommodation for visitors and provide a regular income stream towards the future upkeep of the facilities.

The purchase of the hotel and car park has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Heritage Tourism Project (HTP), backed by the European Regional Development Fund. The EU funding will be used specifically to secure the ground floor section of the building as a new visitor centre and Cadw's ownership of the car park. The HTP seeks to maximise the economic value of heritage through increasing the volume, length and value of visits to Welsh landmarks. The project at Harlech will also provide funding for presentation improvements within the World Heritage site itself.

The economic impact of historic monuments such as Harlech Castle is quantified in a major new report, published in September 2010, which has shown that the historic environment adds about £840 million in value to the Welsh economy annually and helps support the equivalent of more than 30,000 full-time jobs.

The research, Valuing the Welsh Historic Environment, by ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd, shows that there are significant indirect benefits too by spurring investment and improving skills that enable more people to get work.

The historic environment’s direct contribution to the nation’s income is about £1.8 billion annually, mainly through tourism. Many visitors are attracted to Wales because of its heritage attractions.

The report concludes that the historic environment is a valuable asset that must be actively cared for and promoted and that, once lost or forgotten, such assets can rarely be replaced.

Sharing a City, Sharing Faith

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today (30 November) the British Council are bringing together representatives from all the faith communities of Cardiff, including Muslims, Catholics, Christians, Jews and Atheists at the Temple of Peace, from 6pm, for the ‘Sharing a City, Sharing Faith’ workshop to talk to each other about their experiences of practicing religion in Wales.

This will be a stimulating and thought-provoking two-hour workshop facilitated by the award-winning author Dr Grahame Davies, who has published extensive research on the portrayal of minority religions in Wales.

The event is an integral part of the British Council programme 'Open Cities' that explores how appreciation of diversity can significantly contribute to the city economic and social success. The project gives unique opportunities to local governments in Belfast, Bilbao, Bucharest, Cardiff, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Gdansk, Madrid, Sophia, Poznan, Vienna to work together on the implementation of policies in community building for their cities sustainable development.

Abdul- Azim Ahmed will be attending the workshop, he said: "The Welsh Muslim community is one of the oldest in Europe. The workshop will bring together not just Muslims, but people of different ages, religions, social and cultural backgrounds and so will really allow an in depth exploration of the religious practice and an increased understanding of each other in modern day Cardiff"

The event will feature a brief presentation on some aspects of religion in Cardiff and Wales, together with an opportunity to hear people's personal stories about their spiritual experience, and the chance to contribute lines to a collective poem depicting faith in Cardiff.

Organiser of the event, Olga Kelly, Governance Consultant, British Council Wales said: "This workshop is an integral part of what we do - we bring people together, we share knowledge and ideas and we generate opportunities to learn. Cultural relations may not have the same immediate impact of traditional government-to-government diplomacy, but its effects are often deeper, richer and longer lasting."

Welsh chefs win gold at Culinary World Cup!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We make no secret of our love of food in Wales and our chefs are world class. So it’s no surprise to hear the Welsh National Culinary Team are celebrating after winning a gold medal in the prestigious Culinary World Cup.

The competition took place in Luxembourg between 20 - 24 November and over 24 countries from around the world entered. The event was divided into two elements – hot kitchen and cold buffet table. Wales came in first place on the cold buffet table, winning the gold medal. They also took silver in the hot kitchen event after coming in second, just a few points behind the winners.

The chefs used Welsh produce at the event and based their food presentation on a Welsh theme, using a specially made red dragon as the centrepiece of their cold buffet table.

Find out more about the Welsh National Culinary Team on their website: http://www.welshculinaryassociation.com/Team.aspx

You can also discover more about our love of food and our award-winning Welsh produce on our food page.

Celtic Manor is European golf resort of the year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Celtic Manor Resort has capped a glorious Ryder Cup year by being voted Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year at a leading golf travel awards ceremony.

Celtic Manor, which was hailed as hosting the “greatest ever” Ryder Cup in October, picked up its latest award from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in Valencia on Thursday 18th November.

The award for Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year 2011 was voted for by IAGTO’s 345 members – golf tour operators from no fewer than 51 different countries – and recognises the excellence of the service and facilities at the five-star resort in South Wales.

Celtic Manor Chief Executive Dylan Matthews said: “This is a great honour for The Celtic Manor Resort and it is wonderful to be recognised in this way by the world’s golf travel specialists.

“It is very pleasing that in a year when we hosted one of the world’s biggest golf tournaments, we also more than matched the expectations of the tour operators who bring so many golfers to our resort and its three championship golf courses.

“While the Ryder Cup was obviously a big focus for us in 2010, we have remained committed to providing a fantastic, five-star experience to all our visiting golfers, not just the world’s best players. We will maintain that dedication to quality as we look forward to welcoming even more visitors as Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year in 2011.”

In winning the award, Celtic Manor joins illustrious company including Open Championship venue Turnberry, Portugal’s San Lorenzo and Ireland’s Carton House and Doonbeg.

Golf tour operators cast their votes on criteria which included customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, accessibility to tee times and quality of service.

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “Winning this award is recognition of the hard work and effort that Celtic Manor has gone to in developing relations with golf tour operators around the world and the positive reaction that operators have received from their clients who have stayed there and enjoyed the golf experience. Hosting of the Ryder Cup has also driven new enquiries for Wales and for Celtic Manor to IAGTO member operators.”

Set in 1,400 acres of wooded parkland in the scenic Usk Valley, The Celtic Manor Resort boasts two luxurious spas and health clubs, tennis courts, shooting, fishing and the choice of no fewer than six restaurants, as well as its three championship courses.

Ideally located on the M4 motorway just two hours from London, the resort was also voted the UK’s Top Conference Hotel for the fourth year in a row this autumn by Conference & Incentive Travel magazine.

It was universally praised for providing a spectacular stage for The 2010 Ryder Cup which was described as the “greatest ever witnessed on either side of the Atlantic” by PGA Chairman Phil Weaver during the closing ceremony.

Masters champion Phil Mickelson described the Twenty Ten Course as “a wonderful golf course” and a “great venue for matchplay” while European Captain Colin Montgomerie called the facilities “seven-star”.

As well as The Twenty Ten, which was purpose built for the Ryder Cup, golfers can choose between two other championship courses – Roman Road, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr and host to The Celtic Manor Wales Open from 2005 to 2007, and The Montgomerie, laid out by the Ryder Cup Captain.

The resort is also home to a state-of-the-art Golf Academy which was appointed the Wales National Centre of Excellence in 2009 when a new all-weather short game practice area and indoor putting green was added to the covered driving range and teaching studios.

With some exceptional value stay and play packages, The Celtic Manor Resort is able to tailor bespoke golfing trips for individuals and groups. Celebrated links courses like Royal Porthcawl, Southerndown and Pennard are all within easy reach for an extended stay in Wales.

Bangor uni to take business expertise to London

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bangor University is set to take its teaching into London as the University’s Bangor Business School, currently ranked as the leading institution in the UK for Accounting and Finance research, launches a new teaching base in the City.

As well as providing an excellent range of degree and postgraduate courses at Bangor, the Business School has decided to take some of its 'products' closer to the 'marketplace' by offering three specialist MBA degrees.

Professor Phil Molyneux, Head of Bangor Business School, says, "We have one of the leading Banking and Finance faculties in Europe and our research in the field is officially second to none. By opening a new facility dedicated to our core strength in the City of London, we aim to bring our expertise directly to the financial capitol."

The Bangor London Centre will aim to share the School's excellence in Accountancy, Banking and Finance by delivering three specialist MBA degrees, covering Banking and Finance, Islamic Banking and Finance and a unique Chartered Banker MBA - the only qualification in the world to offer both an MBA qualification as well as the Scottish Institute of Bankers Chartered Banker status. All three programmes will be delivered at the London location and will be taught by the school's current staff.

Lord Mervyn Davies, Chairman of Bangor University Council and former UK Trade Minister and Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, will launch the Bangor London Centre on Thursday 25th November. He said: 'London is one of the world's largest and most important financial centres. It is only right that Bangor as a leader in its own field has a presence there.'

Professor Colyn Gardner, Chief Executive of the University's Management Centre adds, "Bangor Business School offered the first Masters in Banking in the world in the 1970's. We have continued to provide high quality programmes and produce notable alumni in the field of Banking and Finance ever since. Now is our opportunity to deliver three outstanding programmes that are extremely relevant to the challenges that banking faces today."

The venue for the launch will be the Centre's new location in Broadgate Tower in the City of London.

The Chartered Banker MBA's first intake will be January 2011, with the MBA Banking and Finance and MBA in Islamic Banking and Finance taking their first students in September 2011.

Wales in India events - new photos

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at our Flickr pages to see some photos from recent events in India including Wales at the Commonwealth Games (opening ceremony), the Guardian Hay Festival in Kerala and the Bangalore Welsh Literary evening.

Communities unite for Inter Faith Week

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Communities across Wales are holding events this week to promote understanding of different faiths and strengthen the relationship between people from religious and non-religious backgrounds.

The activities are part of national Inter Faith Week and are supported with £5000 funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Activities range from an art exhibition in Newport to an evening of storytelling, poetry and song in Lampeter.

In Bangor, different faith groups are meeting to discover more about their respective religions and Cardiff’s Temple of Peace will hold an inter faith workshop organised by the British Council Wales.

Wales’ Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said,

“Wales is a wonderfully diverse country, made up of people from different backgrounds, traditions and faiths. It is important to understand these differences, to appreciate what makes us unique and likewise to realise the common qualities that we share.

“Events such as these can strengthen and unite our communities and I am delighted to support this year’s Inter Faith Week.”

First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones is Chair of the Faith Communities Forum in Wales. He said,

“I’m pleased that we have been able to support events linked with Inter Faith Week so that people are able to learn more about the work being done to promote understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs.”

The funding supports the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Getting on Together – a Community Cohesion Strategy for Wales’ which was launched in 2009.

Wales Week in Chongqing

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Shwmae! I’m Edward (Yi He.)I come from Chongqing (in China) originally. I live in Swansea now and work as a Process Development Engineer. In my spare time I learn Welsh at Swansea College.

Last March I went to China for my holiday to see family and friends. Between the 8th-14th March the‘Welsh Event’ was held in Chongqing.

Started in 2005 and organized by both the Welsh Assembly Government and Chinese Government (Chongqing Municipal Government), this is the fifth Wales Week being held in Chongqing. As anative Chongqing citizen who has been living, working and studying in Wales, I was invited by the Welsh Affairs Office in the British Consulate General to attend and assist a number of events.

Events I attended or assisted included the Wales Week reception, the launching of the Chinese version of the official Welsh website, University Challenge and the Wales-Chongqing Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) Forum etc. Hundreds of guests and experts, from local businesses, Higher Education institutes, schools, charities and government officials from both countries gathered for this eventful Wales Week. I had also acted as a guide and interpreter for the Welsh guests, including professors and lecturers from Welsh universities and teachers from Welsh schools, during their visits to some local industries and universities in Chongqing.

This Wales Week was described as 'eventful'and 'successful'by many delegates. It was the first time for many of the Welsh guests to visit China and they were impressed by the Chinese people’s hospitality and the fast development of the country’s economy, education, industry and living standards.

This is my second formal experience to help the promotion of Wales in China. I had previously presented and made a short video in 2009 in some famous places in Wales for the Welsh Affairs Office China and the British Council China in Mandarin Chinese to share my working, studying and living experiences in Wales.

My dreams, as I mentioned to my Welsh teacher, Sheila Geary in Swansea College, is to become a fluent (Chinese) Welsh speaker and to write the first Welsh-Chinese dictionary in the future. I am hoping my little efforts would help more Chinese people know more about Wales and also more Welsh people to know more about China.

Centre for Daoist Studies at Welsh university

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In late October, more than 100 delegates gathered on the Lampeter Campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to launch the Centre for Daoist Studies.

Vice Chancellor Dr Medwin Hughes welcomed numerous guests from China including Abbot Wang Chengya, President of the Chinese Daoist Yangsheng Association, and Abbot Liu Suibin, Head of the Qingcheng Daoist Association, as well as Chinese Embassy representatives and conference contributors and delegates.

Outlining the importance of the new Centre for the University, Dr Hughes highlighted the unique intercultural collaboration with Chinese scholarship and culture represented by the venture.

He said: "Together, today and tomorrow, we will identify an academic, theoretical and practical curriculum which will be taken forward within the Centre. We envisage the development of postgraduate, undergraduate and applied research and training opportunities, and working together with our two distinguished Abbots, we will then hopefully build a Daoist Temple, here at the University. That is a major achievement. It shows respect, it shows inclusivity, it shows readiness by the University to build upon harmony of traditions, faiths and culture."

The large turnout from members of the local Taiji and martial arts community showed that there is significant interest in the local area in the ideas and history behind one of China’s oldest religions. Entitled ‘The Embodiment of the Dao: Daoist Yangsheng ( ????) Practices and the cultivation of Health and Vitality’, the conference focused on the theme of Yangsheng, literally translated as the nourishing and cultivation of life. Yangsheng practices are already familiar in the West to those who practice Taiji, Qigong, and some forms of martial arts, but the concept also includes Chinese principles of diet, herbal medicine and massage. The key note speech was presented by Dr Vivienne Lo and Michael Stanley-Baker from the Wellcome Trust’s Centre for the History of Medicine at University of London. Dr Lo specialises in the history of Chinese medical practice and her conference paper examined ideas of Chinese self-care and issues of authenticity. Professor Jiao Guocheng of Renmin University presented a talk on the Daoist Approach to Yangsheng.

During the afternoon the audience was enthusiastic in their appreciation of a number of different styles of Taiji including Wu, Yang, Chen and Qingcheng as well as sabre forms, from both Chinese and UK masters. The event was a true meeting of East and West, as local Taiji Master Michael Henley of the Infinite Way School gave a demonstration of Yang Style form while Abbot Liu Suibin, a Black Dragon 7, led the audience in Nine Style Taiji and other special therapeutic forms for specific health problems. Other practitioners from the UK were Mr Don Spargo, Chief Instructor of the Tai Chi Chuan Academy, London, and Dr Vivienne Lo showed that accomplished Taiji practice is by no means confined to the boys.

Green Man Festival wins major award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Green Man festival - staged on a country estate in Powys - has scooped a top music prize in London.

The Green Man Festival, held at the Glan Usk Estate in Crickhowell, won the best medium-sized event at the UK Festival Awards. Previous headliners at the festiva; have included ex-Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant, the Super Furry Animals, Badly Drawn Boy and Pulp's Jarvis Cocker.

The Green Man festival was founded in 2003 and it has become one of the most popular alternative festivals. This year's event in August attracted around 10,000 people.

Find out more about the Green Man festival at http://www.greenman.net

And discover more about music events in Wales on our Music Festivals page.

Alex Katz exhibition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

20 November 2010 - 12 March 2011
Llandudno

An exhibition from 'Artist Rooms on Tour' that brings work by the world renowned painter Alex Katz to the Oriel Mostyn Gallery.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1927 Katz is one of the most important figures in the art world today.

For more details visit http://www.mostyn.org/whats_on/alex_katz

Patgonia Crossing the Plain with Mathew Rhys

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
23 November 2010

Actor and film star Matthew Rhys visits the Library to promote his recent book about his journey across Patagonia.

Event held in Welsh with simultaneous translation.

Free admission by ticket.

Visit the National Library of Wales website for more details.

Welsh artist to raise profile of Welsh art in US

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh artist Eleri Mills will be raising the profile of Welsh art in the US after winning a major prize.

After winning the Creative Wales Ambassador Award, Eleri will teach at a college in New York and hold a major exhibition at the prestigious SOFA in the city.

The Award is the largest prize to be presented at the Creative Wales Awards, organised by the Arts Council of Wales. The Ambassador Award recognises those who raise the profile of the Welsh arts internationally.

Eleri will be heading to New York in 2012, where she will be artist-in-residence at Columbia University as well as holding an exhibition of her work.

Mills, who has already exhibited her work in Japan, Spain and Chicago, said: "It’s going to offer so many opportunities for me, not only to promote my work to America but also to promote Wales too."

The Ambassador Award was one of 19 prizes. To find out more about the other Creative Wales Award winners visit the Arts Council of Wales website.

Wye revealed as favourite river

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re very proud of our beautiful rivers in Wales, and we’re excited to hear the River Wye has been voted the public’s favourite river in Wales and England.

Voters described it as ‘magical and timeless’ and a place ‘to get lost and slow down’.

The organisers of the Our Rivers campaign award said the Wye is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of the UK’s most important rivers for wildlife conservation. The river is home to many wildlife species, including water voles, salmon, otters, kingfishers and sand martins amongst others.

Much of the lower river valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The source of the Wye is in the Welsh mountains at Plynlimon and it flows through many Welsh towns such as Hay-on-Wye, Monmouth and Tintern.

To find out more about the Wye Valley go to http://www.visitwyevalley.com/

EU funds help vision for low carbon innovation

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Experts from Wales’ Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) and European energy sector stakeholders explored collaboration for low carbon research and solutions at a roundtable and reception hosted by Welsh MEP Derek Vaughan on the 9 November 2010.

Using £34 million of EU structural funds creatively, the LCRI has brought together Welsh academia, industry and government to tackle issues around climate change, a key challenge for society. This timely roundtable provided an excellent platform to showcase Wales’ cutting-edge low carbon research. LCRI is working with stakeholders across institutional and sectoral boundaries in Wales and Europe for the best technological solutions.

Derek Vaughan MEP welcomed the 30 high-level participants. "This roundtable is important to demonstrate Wales’ dedication to creating a low carbon society, and is particularly relevant in the context of the EU’s continued commitments in this area." Last week, the European Commission presented its new Energy Strategy setting out priorities for the next decade to ensure a sustainable energy supply. It has also published its 5th Report on Economic and Social Cohesion. Mr Vaughan also focused on the important contribution of structural funds to the research being carried out at the six-university consortium, LCRI.

The roundtable was jointly chaired by LCRI representatives Professor Phil Jones (Chair) and Professor Peter Pearson (Director) as well as Dr Ron Loveland, Welsh Assembly Government Director of Sustainable Energy and Industry. European Commission representatives also spoke on EU programmes supporting innovation and research, and experiences were shared with European technology platforms, European associations and industrial stakeholders. The roundtable and reception provided LCRI scientists with a valuable opportunity to engage with potential European partners on themes such as the low carbon built environment, solar energy, hydrogen technologies and marine energy.

Speaking at the reception and to an audience of fifty, Dr Ron Loveland reiterated the importance of ensuring that Wales continues to develop its ambitions to achieve a near zero carbon economy including through cross-disciplinary cooperation such as the LCRI.

LCRI is already thinking beyond Europe, working with partners in four regions of China

A Royal Engagement

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations are pouring in from all over the world for the son of the Prince of Wales – Prince William and his engagement to Kate Middleton.

The couple are planning a royal wedding for spring or summer 2011. They currently live on the Isle of Anglesey in north Wales and plan to remain their in the first years of married life. It is in a remote area with stunning views of Snowdonia.

Find out more about the place the royal couple have chosen to make their home on our north west Wales pages.

Cardiff castle reopens restored sitting room

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff castle in the Wales' capital has re-opened an historic room after a seven year project to restore it to it's 1910 decor.

Lord Bute's Sitting Room has been re-opened to the public where visitors can now see replicas of architect William Burges wall hangings.

Find out more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11747176

World class invention from Wales wins best in show

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The team of Welsh inventors behind a unique powered stretching machine have won the top award at the International Invention show of the Middle East (IIME) in Kuwait.

The Sports Injury Rehabilitation Assistant (SIRA) - the first powered stretching machine of its kind - earned Robert Clarke and John Lockwood of Gorseinon, the gold medal for the best medical device at the show and also the best invention at the show which carries a US $15,000 prize.

IIME is the second largest such fair in the world after the Geneva Convention where this year SIRA also won The World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Gold Medal for Best Inventors 2010 – the first time in its fifteen years history that this award has been won by the UK.

Sportfit – the company set up to develop, manufacture and market SIRA - was invited to attend IIME following their success in Geneva and had their accommodation and living expenses paid during their five day visit to Kuwait.

Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths has congratulated the team for their outstanding success.

“This is great news for Sportfit, the company developing SIRA and great news for Wales. It is a tremendous achievement and certainly puts Wales in the international spotlight.

“Our economic renewal strategy highlights the need to encourage businesses to invest in R&D and to harness the commercial opportunities of innovation and research. It is therefore very encouraging to see a start up business like Sportfit doing just that.

”I met Robert and John earlier this year following their success in Geneva and was very impressed by SIRA and would like to congratulate them on their latest success.”

John Lockwood said SIRA attracted considerable interest at the Fair,

“Ours was the only fully interactive stand at the fair and more than 300 people tried out the machine which aids fitness and injury rehabilitation.

“The event was a tremendous networking opportunity; we made a number of important and useful contacts and had great exposure for SIRA. The icing on the cake was winning best in show – it was more than we could have hoped for.”

The team behind the invention bring their individual strengths to the partnership. Robert Clarke, who runs his own fitness centre in Gorseinon, has worked with more than 300,000 clients in the UK and US during his thirty-year career as a personal trainer.

During that time, he developed a specific training regime for stretching and conditioning a range of muscles while entrepreneur and inventor John Lockwood developed the device that replicates those exercises.

SIRA is a powered stretching aid - that the user controls - which stretches the entire posterior muscles groups in two movements. It has an electronic timer, heart rate monitor, is wi-fi enabled with a touch screen displaying real time information.

In-built sensors measure, track and store information from each session providing a benchmark measurement enabling trainers, coaches and physiotherapists to manage training or rehabilitation programmes better.

IIME brought together the most prominent world inventors and showcased more than 150 inventions from 37 countries, representing the latest scientific achievements.

Calennig in Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

31 December 2010 - 1 January 2011

Featuring the Live Music Stage and Family Funfair in the Civic Centre, midnight skating on the Admiral Open Air Ice Rink at Cardiff's Winter Wonderland and free transport into and out of the city with the Admiral Free New Year's Eve Bus Service.

http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2868,2964,4981,5769&parent_directory_id=2865

Hay Festival Winter Weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

3 December 2010 - 5 December 2010

Hay on Wye, Powys

Christmas jollity, music, comedy and mulled wine at Hay's winter mini-festival.

http://www.hayfestival.com/winterweekend/index.aspx?skinid=11&currencysetting=GBP&localesetting=en-GB&resetfilters=true

An Evening with Mr Nice

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Galeri Caernarfon
4 December 2010

Howard Marks returns with a unique version of An Audience With, in which he will talk about his experience and also offer the chance for the audience to put their questions to him in a special Q&A session.

Howard Marks is the author of Mr Nice, Senor Nice and Dope Stories as well as a travel writer and performer. From infamous drug runner to celebrated author, Howard Marks presents his legendary one man comedy show.

His remarkable life story has been made into the movie Mr Nice starring Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis and Chloe Sevigny.

Tickets £12 full price, students £10.

For more information, visit http://www.galericaernarfon.com/en/whatson/10/12/mr-nice4

Cinderella

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Venue Cymru, Llandudno
11 December 2010 - 2 January 2011

Venue Cymru this Christmas stages the biggest, most dazzling and most popular pantomime of them all - Cinderella.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://www.venuecymru.co.uk/details.php?id=812

European Union Chamber Orchestra

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Venue Cymru, Llandudno
25 January 2011

The European Union Chamber Orchestra will visit Venue Cymru with the brilliant young violinist Nicola Benedetti performing the ever popular Vivaldi Four Seasons.

Admission: £10 - £22

For more information and tickets visit http://www.venuecymru.co.uk/details.php?id=958

Planet Jedward

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Venue Cymru, Llandudno
28 November 2010

With two Irish tours and a debut album 'Planet Jedward' under their belts, the Jedward phenomenon shows no sign of abating. Now, the duo that caused a national sensation with their gravity defying quiffs and lively performances are embarking on their first UK tour, performing high-octane favourites from their hugely successful sell out Irish tour, all reinterpreted in the boys inimitable style.

Tickets £22.50

For more information, visit http://www.venuecymru.co.uk/details.php?id=968

Nobel Prize winner to give public lecture

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There is no more pressing and controversial a subject than 'Global Warming' and one of Wales' most eminent scientists has been invited to deliver the Annual Chaplaincy Lecture on God, Science and Global Warming".

Sir John Houghton, CBE FLSW FRS, a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2007, will deliver the lecture which takes place on Wednesday November 24^th, at 7:00pm in Bangor University's Main Arts Lecture Theatre. The lecture is free and open to all.

This invigorating lecture opens a new Annual Chaplaincy Lecture series, which will invite prominent academics to explore the interface between religion and current hot topics.

Sir John Houghton, has been a massive figure in scientific circles for many decades now. Educated originally at Rhyl Grammar School he went on to Oxford where he eventually became Professor of Atmospheric Physics. He was Chief Executive of the Met Office from 1983 until 1991 but it is as Chair of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ) that he has been most prominently in the news. It is probably the most important scientific working group of recent years and, of course, has proved controversial.

Sir John has retired to Aberdyfi, where he is an elder of his local Presbyterian Church. His religious faith figures strongly in his opinions and writings, and he is comfortable debating such questions as the origins of the universe or the significance of human consciousness.

Baptist Chaplain to Bangor University, Revd. Peter Cousins, is delighted that such a prominent figure is to deliver the inaugural Annual Chaplaincy Lecture. "There's no more pressing debate than Global Warming," he says, "and no British scientist is better placed to talk about it. He will bring to the lecture not only his insights and experience as an Atmospheric Physicist, but also his warmth and spirituality as a practicing Christian."

Korean scientists seek inspiration from garden

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SCIENTISTS from the Far East are looking to Wales to draw inspiration for their planned £333m ecological institute.

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/11/16/korean-scientists-seek-seeds-of-inspiration-at-botanic-garden-91466-27663705/#ixzz15R92c0xc

Dazu Carvings

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In early 2011, Wales’ National Museum in Cardiff will be hosting a unique exhibition of rock carvings originally found near Chongqing, China. This is the first time that any of these sculptures will have been seen outside China.

Visit our Dazu Carvings page for more details.

100% of Wales bathing waters are quality

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

All the designated bathing waters in Wales passed mandatory water quality standards, Environment Minister Jane Davidson said yesterday (15 November).

A total of 80 bathing waters were tested this year with all passing the mandatory bacteria standards set by the European Council Bathing Water Directive and 71 (89%) of the beaches met the more stringent EC guideline standards.

The Minster said:

"Once again I am delighted that Wales's beaches are continuing to exhibit high water quality standards.

"Tourism is big business in Wales. It contributes around £3.5 billion a year to the economy and employs up to 100,000 people at the peak of the season. Many visitors come to enjoy our beautiful beaches and we have a growing reputation for water sport facilities. Ensuring that our beaches continue to have excellent water quality and facilities are key to making sure that all visitors experience the very best Wales has to offer."

Environment Agency Wales Director, Chris Mills says:

"Environment Agency Wales monitors and assesses the water quality at designated bathing waters. Ensuring that these bathing waters meet the high standards set by Europe is a priority for us. We are working hard to further improve bathing water quality which faces pressures from a variety of sources.

"Wales' bathing waters are enjoyed by thousands every year and provide numerous social, health and economic benefits.

"Today's results demonstrate that the work we do with farmers, beach-users, water companies and local authorities continue to achieve significant improvements."

FM congratulates Prince William and Kate Middleton

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has congratulated Prince William and Kate Middleton on their engagement, which was announced earlier today [16 November 2010].

He said: "Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton on their engagement. I’m very pleased to hear that they plan to begin their married life in North Wales. I am sure that I speak for the people of Wales in wishing them the best for their future happiness."

Wales and India celebrate literature

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Three of our famous Welsh poets - Gillian Clarke, Menna Elfyn and Paul Henry have travelled to India to take part in two events that celebrate literature and the literary links between Wales and India. They contributed at the Hay Festival in Kerala, India which took place between the 12^th and 14th November in Kanakakunnu Palace in Kerala. They will also take part this evening in an event dedicated to literary readings from and inspired by Wales which is taking place in Bangalore, India. These events are part of India-Wales Writers Chain 2010-1012.

The focus on Wales at Hay Festival Kerala included presentations by Gillian Clarke and Tishani Doshi (an Indian writer with Welsh roots); and Menna Elfyn and Paul Henry participated in a joint reading with two poets from Kerala. In Bangalore, Paul and Menna will be exploring the challenges and opportunities of writing poetry across different languages.

These events celebrate the launch of India-Wales Writers Chain 2010-1012, a programme that aims to develop cultural connections between Wales and India through literature. This programme has been developed by the British Council in partnership with Wales Arts International, and is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Paul Henry said, "Although we’re visiting a different literary climate, it will be under the same currency of moonlight, by which, I mean... that spirit that you get when artists come together, where everybody is much more understanding of each other’s cultures and literature. This inevitably has an effect on the readership and can only be good globally."

India-Wales Writers Chain programme builds on ‘Writers Chain’ a successful UK pilot initiative conducted in 2009 during the London Book Fair market focus on India of which British Council helped develop. The pilot aimed to develop meaningful cultural relationships between Wales and India through literature; to raise the profile of Wales in India through literature initiatives; and to develop sustainable initiatives between organisations in Wales and India with the capacity to continue their engagement together.

Hay Festival travels to India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The internationally renowned Hay Festival is travelling from its home in the world famous second-hand book town of Hay-on-Wye in Wales to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India today.

The literary and musical event boasts an incredible line-up of over 50 authors, thinkers and performers from India and across the world, including Welsh author and poet Gillian Clarke and Welsh / Gujarati writer Tishani Doshi. Other contributors include NS Madhavan, Jaishree Mishra, Anita Nair, Vivek Narayanan and Vikram Seth, amongst many others.

There will also be a number of musical events throughout the three days of the festival, including a performance by singer and songwriter of The Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof, KBE. Other performances on the programme include Swaratma and Avial.

Visit our section on the Hay Festival Kerala on our new dedicated Wales and India pages to find out more.

Fans flock to Wales for World Rally final

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales Rally GB roared into action yesterday, with the final round of the World Rally Championship. Yesterday saw a special competitive stage take place in Cardiff Bay, which was one of the toughest rounds on the world rally championship calendar.

The event will also visit the traditional forest tracks of Wales, in Hafren and Radnor in Powys, mid Wales and Myherin in Ceredigion, west Wales over the four days of competition.

A special "shakedown" stage was run in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday evening, which allowed World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb and his fellow drivers a chance to test their cars.

On Friday, competitors will race the tricky Sweet Lamb, Hafren and Myherin stages, and they will be based at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Powys.

On Sunday, the rally moves to Resolfen and Margam Park, ending later in Cardiff.

For more information, visit the Wales Rally GB website.

Welsh golf clubs report the Ryder Cup effect

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s exciting to hear Welsh golf is already feeling the benefits of the 2010 Ryder Cup tournament, according to golf clubs across Wales.

Since the Ryder Cup came to the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, south Wales in October, golf clubs in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales, as well as Nefyn, Royal St David’s and Aberdovey in north Wales have all reported increased visitor numbers.

Bookings at these clubs have leaped from between 20% and 50%, based on figures from last year. Royal St David’s secretary Trefor Davies said he was surprised the club had increased interest taking into account the distance of the club from the host venue at the Celtic Manor. He attributes the boost to the work of Ryder Cup Wales, the team set up to maximise the positive impact of the tournament coming to Wales.

Golf holiday operators have also reported increased bookings, saying that the Ryder Cup has given Wales more prominence as a golf tourism destination.

The full effect will not be known until official figures for golf tourism become available in early 2011.

Discover more about golf in Wales at www.golfasitshouldbe.com

FM congratulates Team Wales on Delhi results

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At a homecoming event in Cardiff last night [Tuesday 9 November], First Minister Carwyn Jones will meet members of Team Wales and congratulate them on their efforts at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi recently.

In a ceremony at the Wales Millennium Centre, the First Minister will meet a number of Wales’ leading athletes including silver medallists Michaela Breeze, Jazz Carlin, Francesca Jones, Georgia Davies, Jenny McLoughlin, Carys Parry and Sean McGoldrick. He will also present Team Wales members with a commemorative coin, created by the Royal Mint, to mark their participation and their excellent results.

The First Minister said: "The Commonwealth Games are a once-in-four year opportunity for Welsh sportsmen and women to compete on behalf of our country and the team performed brilliantly to bring home a total of 19 medals, including two gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals.

"The Games were the culmination of years of hard work for everyone involved and the outstanding results made everybody in Wales very proud. Congratulations to all members of Team Wales for the success they achieved across a wide range of disciplines.

"With London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 fast approaching I hope that the Team Wales performance in Delhi will inspire the next generation of athletes and competitors and my best wishes to everybody in their preparations for those major events."

Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, who will also attend the celebration, added: "I would like to congratulate all our athletes and support staff for their medal haul and giving their best in representing Wales. I am particularly impressed at the young age of some of our medallists, which promises much for the future, and that we managed to achieve success across a range of sports."

Airbus’ latest deal with China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Airbus landed a major order for 102 aircraft this week.

The European aircraft giant signed the order from the China Aviation Supplies Holdings company during Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to France.

The contracts, which form part of a package of Chinese/ French commercial announcements, contain orders for 50 A320, 42 A330 and 10 A350 aircraft.

The deal is worth more than $5bn to the UK economy and will secure jobs at the wing making plant at Broughton, Flintshire.

UK Business Minister Mark Prisk described the order as a "major boost to the UK" and said it was "by any standard, a huge success story" which will safeguard jobs at the Airbus plant and at its suppliers factories.

The deal, which preludes the Prime Minster David Cameron's high level business delegation to China next week, was signed in Paris in front of French President Nicholas Sarkozy and Chinese President Hu and Airbus representatives.

Mark Tami, Labour Alyn and Deeside MP, said: "It is very welcome news and it shows the confidence around the world in Airbus products, and in the workforce.

"And at a time of difficult economic circumstances this is a considerable boost to the local economy."

Dr Who switches on capital's xmas lights

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dr Who star Matt Smith will be in Cardiff later this evening switching on Wales' capital's christmas lights.

The actor who plays the Dr in the BBC series filmed in south Wales was happy to be back in Cardiff and said "Cardiff is a great city and I'd like to thank all of its residents for being so welcoming and accommodating."

Today also marks the tenth anniversary of the opening of Cardiff''s winter wonderland. Find out more at http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2868,2964,4981&parent_directory_id=2865

Welsh team celebrate a win in Oz

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 8 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As Wales and Australia did battle on the rugby pitch, Cardiff based Torgy Atlantic were already celebrating after winning a £2.5m contract to supply specialised products to one of the world’s largest LNG projects in Australia.

Torgy Atlantic – the R&D and sales and marketing arm of the Norwegian based Torgy Group – will supply thermal pipe supports capable of withstanding temperatures of -196ºC to the new Gorgon gas development project on Barrow Island, off the north west coast of Australia.

The pipe supports sophisticated technology to create a thermal barrier preventing freezing temperatures migrating into the structural steel causing the build up of ice and brittleness.

Torgy Atlantic designs, develops and engineers all the group’s highly specialised products for the petrochemical and oil and gas industry.

Marketing director Phillip Evans described the contract as significantly important for the company and that support from the Welsh Assembly Government had helped them on a number of levels.

“Winning this contract in the current economic climate is of strategic importance to us as we are a project based business and operate in a global market competing against the best in the world.

“Support from the Welsh Assembly Government enabled us to identify new business opportunities in Australia and carry out market research which informed our development strategy. It also helped us to identify and target partners within the global supply chain which can be quite complex when engineering can be carried out on one continent and procurement on another.”

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, congratulated the company on securing the contract.

“This is a significant contract secured during very challenging trading conditions in a particularly competitive industry and it’s very good to hear that support from the Assembly Government has helped bring about such a result.

“The importance of innovation for business success was highlighted in Economic Renewal so it’s very pleasing to note that all the research and product development for the Torgy group is carried out in Wales.”

The Torgy group is a family business employing 55 people with offices and manufacturing facilities in Norway, Latvia, Kazakhstan and India with all the R&D and marketing activity run from their Cardiff offices. Atlantic Supports Engineering was acquired by the group in 2006 and now called Torgy Atlantic.

Cardiff Airport welcomes new airline

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 8 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff Airport has announced that Swiss airline Helvetic Airways will be launching a new route from Cardiff to Zurich.

From March 2011 passengers will be able to fly direct from Cardiff to Zurich four days a week. Flights will operate from Cardiff on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.

The route will use the 100 seat Fokker aircraft and it will be the first time during the airport's history that it has operated a direct route to Zurich. It will be a unique service to attract travellers to and from Wales as well as south western England.

Patrick Duffy, managing director of Cardiff Airport, said: "We are extremely pleased to be welcoming Helvetic to Cardiff Airport.

"The new route will offer our customers a quick and convenient way to access one of Europe's most attractive destinations and we are hoping it will be welcomed by our customers and in particular the business community here in Wales.

"Research conducted by the airport demonstrated that Zurich is one of the most sought after business destinations from Wales, and therefore after months of hard work we're delighted Helvetic Airways has decided to offer this route to south Wales travellers.

"Not only is Zurich one of Europe's largest financial capitals it is also a fantastic leisure destination. This route opens up a wide range of new holiday destinations for our customers, whether it's for a city, walking or skiing break."

Helvetic Airways CEO Bruno Jans added: "We are proud to announce the direct air link between Zurich and Cardiff, allowing the Swiss holidaymaker to discover Wales and offering a convenient connection to the Welsh and the Swiss business traveller.

Our research has convinced us that this service will be providing what the market has been asking for. We are looking forward to welcoming Welsh guests on board which will give us a chance to demonstrate the high Swiss air travel standards, comfort and quality of service which our regular Swiss guests are already familiar with."

Deputy First Minister of Wales, Ieuan Wyn Jones said, "I am extremely pleased to hear that Helvetic Airways will be providing a new and exciting service from Zurich to Cardiff Airport and look forward to welcoming many new tourists and businesses to our shores each year. We have worked hard in recent years to create a strong bond between our two nations and with many Swiss companies already established here, today's news can surely only enhance our relationship further."

Described by Lonely Planet as 'vibrant, trendy and gorgeous' and one of the five most liveable cities in the World, Zurich is far more than a banking capital, and is a top class holiday destination.

Helvetic Airways will offer flights from £99 one way, including all taxes and charges for a limited period. Customers will be able to book flights to Zurich from Cardiff from 03 November 2010 in Swiss Francs, and in GBP from 15 November 2010. Tickets can purchased online at http://www.helvetic.com/.

http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en

Flintshire coast path goes global

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 5 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Just read a nice story that volunteers from across the globe have come together to work on improving Flintshire’s coastal path, in north Wales.

The volunteers have come from countries including Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and South Korea after applying through the UNA Exchange charity which provides volunteering opportunities in more than 70 countries.

Karen Rippin, coastal ranger, said "These people came from lots of different countries and there were language barriers, but they worked so hard and we managed to overcome them."

"They were delighted to be here and be working in Wales."

Find out more about walking in Wales by visiting: http://www.walking.visitwales.com

Cardiff scientists ‘cosmic zoom lens’ discovery

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 5 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Astronomers at Cardiff University say they have discovered a technique to explore hidden distant galaxies which could improve our understanding of the universe.

It was discovered while using the European Space Agency’s Herschel Observatory, a million kilometres above Earth.

The technique acts as a cosmic zoom lens to peer into space. It relies on a natural phenomenon in space known as gravitational lens. Light from large galaxies can be bent by the sheer gravitational force of star clusters, which like a magnifying glass can enlarge the image of a distant body. Previous methods of searching for these gravitational lens has been hit-and-miss. But by using the Herschel telescope, the scientists have been able to find more of the cosmic space lenses.

Prof Steve Eagles said "This is just the tip of the iceberg."

For more information on this story and to view images, visit the Cardiff University website.

Craftsman’s gift for Welsh mountain

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 4 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Nick Bullen, a craftsman from South Africa, has crafted a chair and taken it up a mountain, as a leaving gift to a north Wales community.

After receiving a warm Welsh welcome when he set up business in Corris, north Wales six years ago, he decided to give something back before his return to South Africa. As a result, he crafted a chair to be taken up Cadair Idris mountain in north Wales.

The chair is made out of reclaimed oak fence posts and oak tree branches from the slopes of the mountain. It is the type of wood Mr Bullen uses in his eco-furniture business, which will carry on after he leaves.

He said "the chair is an appropriate going away present. It weighs 200kg and is about 8ft". He decided on a chair as a gift because the name of the mountain roughly translates as Idris’ chair.

It took 15 people four hours to transport the chair up the mountain.

You can see an image of the chair on the BBC Wales news website.

Bangor launches marine project with Carribbean

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 3 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bangor University's School of Ocean Sciences, collaborating with the Government of the Cayman Islands and US partner The Nature Conservancy have launched an £817,000 project to protect the marine biodiversity of the Cayman Islands, a UK Overseas Territory in the central Caribbean. His Excellency the Governor Mr Duncan Taylor of the Cayman Islands hosted the launch of the Darwin Initiative to Enhance an Established Marine Protected Area System, at Government House in Grand Cayman recently. The project has been awarded a £274,000 grant from the Darwin Initiative through DEFRA, the UK Government's department responsible for policy, regulations on the environment, food and rural affairs. This funding has leveraged additional and in kind funding from the collaborating organisations.

The objective of the Darwin Initiative is to draw on UK expertise relevant to biodiversity to work with local partners rich in biodiversity, but poor in financial resources to achieve conservation of biological diversity. Darwin projects are collaborative, have real impact on the country, represent high quality science and may be a catalyst for larger initiatives, as seen in Cayman. They address institutional capacity building, research, training, education and awareness. Projects help a country to meet their obligations under the 3 major conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals and CITES (The Convention on Trade in Endangered Species).

Mr Duncan Taylor Governor of Cayman Islands welcomed guests and highlighted the fact that the majority of the UK's biodiversity is to be found in the Overseas Territories, and that the marine diversity of the Cayman Islands was important and spectacular.

Dr John Turner, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology in the School of Ocean Sciences, and Darwin Project leader said that: "It was at Government House 2 years ago during the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum that the then UK Minister for Biodivesity, Huw Irranca Davies, announced that £1.5 million would be earmarked for projects in the Overseas Territories, and it was at that meeting that the project partners from Bangor, Cayman and the Nature Conservancy planned this successful Darwin project bid."

Gina Ebanks Petrie, the Director of the Department of the Environment (DoE) of the Cayman Islands Government announced that: "Come April 2011, it will be 25 years since the establishment of the Caymans Marine Parks System - back then we were one of the first to establish such a system and we remain very proud of that. However, DoE is increasingly challenged to respond with timely and appropriate targeted interventions in the marine environment - it is not easy to deal with coral bleaching and climate change - we have to hope that our reefs are in good enough shape to cope. There is now an urgency to undertake a scientifically robust assessment of the Cayman Marine Parks in order to enhance the system to cope with a growing number of global and local issues. Earlier this year we were very fortunate to partner with School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University, UK and The Nature Conservancy of the US, which is the largest international conservation organisation, to obtain funding through the UK Government funded Darwin Initiative."

Dr John Turner said: "The Cayman Islands present a rich marine environment, benefitting from over two decades of world class in situ conservation. However, over this time, global, regional and local changes have occurred, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of island nations, and conservation initiatives need to keep apace. Increased sea temperature, coral bleaching and other climate change impacts such as storm frequency, rising sea levels and ocean acidification are global threats. Regionally, coral and urchin disease, widespread overfishing, reduced water quality from land based pollution have degraded the Caribbean, and locally the resident population has doubled, tourist numbers increased four- fold, and coastal development has accelerated."

"We must ensure that marine ecosystems such as coral reefs maintain their capacity to recover from major impacts. If these systems lack resilience, then economic losses incur as property and critical infrastructure become insecure, fish catches reduce, other species and habitats such as turtles, seabirds, sea grasses and mangroves decline, and tourism revenue is lost."

The Government is well aware that after 25 years of change, a review of the Marine Protected Area system is important, to assess whether protection zones are still optimal in area, appropriately located and provide maximum resilience. Fully protected zones today cover about 17% of the shelf area of Cayman, but it is widely accepted that 30% or more of all representative habitats should be protected to be effective. Such a goal is only possible with detailed knowledge of the habitats, their uses, and a clear vision of a desired future state. The aim of the Darwin Initiative project is to provide scientific evidence of reserve effects, an assessment of options for protected area enhancement, a mechanism for stakeholder involvement and public consultation, and plans to promote and enforce an enhanced Marine Protected Area System in Cayman.

James Byrne, Marine Program Director, The Nature Conservancy stated that: "The Convention on Biological Diversity has important goals that were supposed to be met this year, but will be missed. This week, the Convention met in Nagoya Japan to look at how successful it has been in protecting biodiversity on a global scale. Leaders from the Caribbean region have agreed to go beyond the 10% protection goals of the Convention, and have created the 'Caribbean Challenge' to challenge each other to go beyond the goals to further protect biodiversity and have a lasting effect. The Cayman Islands is a leader having set up a marine protected area system 25 years ago but now must make sure that the system is relevant for today and the future, and this where this Darwin projects fits."

Jennifer Ahearn, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sport and Culture said: "The impact on the marine environment is not always considered with the significance it deserves, and so hopefully this project will help bring back that importance. On behalf of the Minister and the Ministry, we congratulate DOE and their partners in moving this project forward we are very excited about its future results."

Welsh twins are oldest in the world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 3 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Twin sisters Ena Pugh and Lily Millward from Powys, mid Wales have officially been named the oldest twins in the world.

Born on the 4 January 1910, they are over 100 years old. Read the full story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11679898

Welsh Film Industry

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 3 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interesting article on Wales online about the expansion of the Welsh film industry detailing some of our talent on the world stage and our international successes.

Read the full text at http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/11/03/shooting-wales-film-talent-into-wide-focus-91466-27589551/

Further links

Film Agency for Wales

Wales Screen Commission

New sports and entertainment venue for Colwyn Bay

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A £6.5m sports and entertainment venue for Colwyn Bay is set to go ahead following an EU funding boost, First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has announced.

Parc Eirias Events Centre has received £4.8m backing from the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund, the Targeted Match Fund and Strategic Regeneration Area funding.

When complete the centre will provide a venue for community, cultural and sporting events, and will become the new home of Rygbi Gogledd Cymru/ North Wales Rugby.

The First Minister said:

"Wales is now winning a world-wide reputation as a location for sporting activities and this new Events Centre will help equip our country with the facilities we need to train the world beaters of the future.

"I am delighted that devolution and our management of European structural funds are enabling us to move ahead with this first-class project," Mr Jones said.

The Parc Eirias investment will help create a centre of sporting excellence with an upgraded rugby pitch to WRU International Standard, a 2,500-seat covered grandstand, floodlights and team changing facilities.

There will also be a large multi-purpose indoor centre for use by all the community including conference and classroom facilities for business and commerce events, as well as an indoor pitch, a gym and high performance sports analysis facilities.

A pitch protection system will be installed to allow spectator standing on the sports pitch for outdoor concerts, and the multi-use centre will also be used for smaller concerts and functions. Additional parking will be available.

Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, Leader, Conwy County Borough Council:

"I am delighted that the bid for Assembly and European funding has been successful. This development is a cornerstone of our regeneration plans for Colwyn Bay, providing the ability to host a wide range of cultural, community and sporting events."

Construction to build the unique facility will begin early in the New Year.

Funding for Conwy County Borough Council's project has also been secured from the Welsh Rugby Union along the with the council's own funds.

Wales and India - new pages!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look around our new pages dedicated to our links with India in many areas including education, sport, business, arts and culture.

Visit the new information at http://www.wales.com/en/content/cms/english/wales_and_india/wales_and_india.aspx

Sir Tom Jones recieves music industry award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh singing star Sir Tom Jones has recieved an award for outstanding contibution to music at the annual Music Industry Trusts Awards.

Film director Tim Burton presented Sir Tom with the award at the ceremony in London.

Sir Tom, whose hits include 'It's Not Unusual', has sold more than 100 million records. He later performed with fellow Welsh stars Cerys Matthews and Kelly Jones at the event.

Glyndwr Uni to open research centre in China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Wrexham-based "Glyn O. Phillips Hydrocolloids Research Centre" (PHRC) at Glyndwr University has decided to expand its operations and set up a second research centre, this time in central China.

The new centre will be based in the College of Bioengineering at Hubei University of Technology in the city of Wuhan. The Chinese university will provide all the financial resources necessary for this new development, which will include fully equipped laboratories with specialised equipment.

The research itself will be directed from Wales with the research staff including technical staff, post-doctoral fellows, postgraduate students and visiting specialist staff coming from Hubei. It is hoped that this close relationship between the partners will lead to the research conducted at the centre being of a truly international quality.

Many food companies use hydrocolloids which are naturally occurring substances which improve the health value of foods and can lead also to new medical applications. The centre hopes to encourage these businesses in China and elsewhere to take part in the centre's research activities.

The centre will be officially opened during a Symposium entitled "New Opportunities in Hydrocolloids" which will take place between 1 and 4 November 2010 in Hubei. The symposium will attract top international specialists and the occasion will provide an opportunity for companies and scientists to interact and look to the future together. The opening ceremony itself will be performed by Professor Dr Endre A. Balazs, the world's leading scientist in hyaluronan science. He was the first scientist to produce this remarkable hydrocolloid for the treatment of arthritis, eye surgery and cosmetic use. This biomedical hydrocolloid is a specialist area of research for PHRC.

Professor Glyn O. Phillips, recently returned after visiting China to complete the agreement said: "We must now give close attention to the remarkable growth in Chinese fundamental and applied science. This new partner research centre will allow us to access expertise and materials from China to improve our work in producing new products for the food and biomedical industries, It is a great opportunity for us to further extend our global network, which already includes joint ventures in Canada, Malaysia. USA and several European countries."

GlyndÅµr University will play a prominent role in the collaboration and will be represented at the opening by Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor. Plans are now well underway to finalise a university-university agreement which will be ratified at the opening. The agreement will enable students from China to study at Glyndwr University.

The Vice-Chancellor of Glyndwr University, Professor Michael Scott welcomed the development, saying: "The opening of this new centre in China represents a major step forward for the work of the Glyn O Phillips Hydrocolloid Research Centre at Glyndwr University and demonstrates that the University is establishing itself firmly within the international university research community. It is also a symbol of the growing importance of China in research and education throughout the world."

"The research that takes place at the two centres, both here in Wales and now in China, is important practical research. Hydrocolloids are important ingredients for healthy foods and for medical biomaterials. Thus almost everyone can benefit from the research that has been undertaken at the University here in North Wales. The University, through the work of this research centre and other activities is making a significant contribution to the economic development of Wales."

External links

Glyndwr University

Swansea exchange with Siavonga, Zambia

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 1 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Following the award of a Wales for Africa Gold Star Linking Communities Grant, worth £1450, The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Richard Lewis, has signed a partnership agreement, with the Siavonga Nutrition Group in Zambia, on behalf of Discovery Student Volunteering Swansea.

In parallel, Mr Fred Siasuntwe the District Commissioner for Siavonga has signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the Siavonga Nutrition Group.

Richard Lewis, Lord Mayor, said: "The grant awarded by Wales for Africa will help the Swansea - Siavonga Partnership build on the research initiated during the successful exchange study programmes which took place in 2008 and 2009.

"And, as importantly, the creation of a formal partnership between the two communities will foster close cultural and educational links that will endure for generations to come."

A detailed action plan has already been developed and agreed; and ten students from Swansea University will be recruited to undertake some of the initial short term targets in the strategy. This would include cooking demonstrations and baby growth monitoring with a view to achieving nutritional development under our health agenda.

This work was supported by a £1500 grant awarded by Swansea University’s International Office which plans to include Zambia, as well as The Gambia, India and China, in its successful and fast growing study exchange programme.

Christine Watson, Manager of Discovery at Swansea University concluded: "This is such an exciting programme – the partnership has developed from 2 years worth of interaction to involve Swansea students and Discovery projects in making a real difference to people’s lives, not only in Sub-Saharan Africa but across our own communities here in Wales."

For further information about volunteering in Swansea, please visit www.swansea.ac.uk/discovery

Welsh support for Uganda tree planting project

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As part of a climate change project between the Welsh and Ugandan governments, one million trees will be planted in Uganda to sustain an area of tropical forest in Africa the size of Wales.

The One Million Trees initiative will help five coffee co-operatives grow shade trees to protect crops and establish tree nurseries. The project is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Cardiff environmental charity The Waterloo Foundation.

The Welsh connection with Mbale started as a community link between Pontypridd in the south Wales Valleys, and the Ugandan town. Pontypridd High School has raised sums to support their partner school in Mbale for the past six years and teacher Jayne Brencher has visited Mbale along with pupils to plant trees.

She said: "We have been busy planting trees at home and now we also have four of our own pupils visiting Bubutu School in Mbale to help Ugandan students plant trees as part of an agro-forestry project. Four students from Mbale will visit Pontypridd in July".

Hannah Scrase, manager of the Size of Wales project which oversees the One Million Trees initiative, said she hoped other organisations and community groups would get involved.

"We hope the One Million Trees initiative in Uganda will inspire other organisations, companies and community groups to get on board and join our nation's challenge to protect an area of rainforest equivalent to the size of Wales."

The One Million Trees project is part of a $1 million, three-year Territorial Approach to Climate Change project which is being delivered by the Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with the UN Development Programme, and is funded by the UK Department for International Development.

The TACC project will further strengthen the link between Wales and the region of Mbale who have an ongoing relationship as part of the Welsh Assembly Government Wales for Africa programme.

In March the Mbale region in Eastern Uganda suffered a landslide which killed more than 300 people. The cause of this disaster was attributed to deforestation and unseasonable rain.

The majority of the population of the Mbale region are subsistence farmers and so are extremely vulnerable to changes in weather patterns.

TACC aims to increase forest cover and help local communities in the region adapt to climate change. It will help Mbale both understand what climate change means for them and help them take the actions to enable them to cope.

Pembrokeshire coastline is world class

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Leading nature magazine, the National Geographic has named Pembrokeshire's coastline one of the world's best coastal destinations.

The 186 mile stretch of beaches came in second beating off competition from the US and Australia in the list of 99 locations.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said "It's great to see Pembrokeshire's outstanding natural beauty being recognised on an international level.

"People from different parts of Wales and all over the world come to experience this dramatic coastling for themselves every year. The beaches and conutryside of Pembrokeshire therefore play a key role in our toursi, industry and our own national heritage"

Panelists from the National Geographic said "Visitors flock in droves each year to the Pembrokeshire Peninsula to take in the beauty of the castle-clad cliffs that line its coast. Thankfully, a "very mature and established tourism industry" has preserved, rather than eroded, the qualities that make this region so unique."

Find out more and see pictures of Pembrokeshire's coastline at Walesonline

Find out more about Wales beaches and coastal paths.

Wales' tourism winners

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thinking of visiting Wales? Last week the National Tourism Awards for Wales 2010 were announced. So check out their top places to stay and days out on Visit Wales blog at http://blog.visitwales.co.uk/4300/the-national-tourism-awards-for-wales-2010-the-winners/

Halloween events around Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Looking for something spooky to do at the weekend? Wales online has put together a list of whats happening around Wales this Halloween.

Visit http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/family/family-news/2010/10/25/halloween-events-around-wales-91466-27539382/

Autumn events at National Garden

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Check out some of the National Botanic Garden of Wales' upcoming events.

October 28: Thrilling Thursday

A day packed full of entertainment for children and grown-ups. Samba and circus workshops, Llanelli Scarlets Giant Rugby, Bungee Run, cooking demos, storytelling , live owls and ducks, Sam Tan, Sali Mali, Ches the Polar Bear and more!!! Free admission for children.

October 30: Spooky Saturday

Come and experience our ROOM ON THE BROOM theatre show. Wanda the Witch has lost her hat whilst flying over the National Botanic Garden of Wales! Join Hannah the Hag as she searches the Haunted Forest for the ingredients to make a spell to get it back. Back in Hannah’s Hovel, she will read the story of Wanda’s adventure. Suits up to 10 year olds. In our Theatr Botanica with performances starting at 11.15am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm You’re welcome to come in fancy dress!

November 7: Meet the Waxcaps

Bruce Langridge invites you to come and have a look at the amazing multicoloured display of grassland fungi on our Waun Las NNR. Meet at the Waun Las NNR entrance at 2pm, then take a 5 minute walk to the wax cap meadow - stout footwear recommended.

November 19 – Another Starry, starry night

Following the hugely successful event in January, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, in conjunction with Swansea Astronomical Society (SAS), is hosting another Star Party on the Friday evening . SAS members will also be offering a telescope clinic, helping would-be astronomers get the most out of their equipment. The Star Party runs from 6pm until 9pm and entry is £3 or free for under 16s. Refreshments are available.

Visit www.gardenofwales.org.uk for more info.

Data Centre Claims European Clean Power First

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Companies such as BT and Logica will be taking advantage of sustainable power at no extra cost.

A data centre operator based in Wales claims to be the first in Europe to run a facility on 100 percent renewable energy.

Next Generation Data (NGD) Europe, based in Newport, says it is the only provider in Europe that can offer customers access to the 750,000 square foot data centre running on purely renewable energy.

According to NGD, it won’t be charging customers such as BT and Logica any more for renewable energy. And if anything goes wrong with the supply, NGD is keen to point out that it has a 180 Megavolt Amperes (MVA) back-up sub-station which also connects to the national grid.

“In an industry which consumes over two percent of the UK’s total power supply, it is a significant step to ensuring our operations are as competitive, efficient and environmentally-friendly as possible,” said Nick Razey, CEO of Next Generation Data Limited.

“The mounting pressure and legislation for reducing carbon footprint and emissions will increasingly affect large IT users and their data centre operations, which is why we always planned to be totally supplied by renewable energy from the outset of the project.”

The data centre operator is sourcing the power from renewable power company Smartest Energy. The provider claims to be the leading purchaser and supplier of electricity from independent generators in the UK and supplies electricity to companies including Marks & Spencer, Toyota, Hitachi and Eurostar.

Academia Europaea

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Cardiff University Professor has been invited to join an international association in recognition of his ground-breaking work in the field of catalysis.

Professor Graham Hutchings FRS, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research has become a member of Academia Europaea (The Academy of Europe), an international association of experts from all disciplines who are leaders in their own subject areas.

Membership is by invite only. Nominations can only be made by existing members of the Academia, followed by a peer review process and confirmation as to the scholarship of the nominated individual.

Internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions in the use of gold for catalysis, Professor Hutchings was the first to predict and subsequently demonstrate that gold would be a highly effective catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination, thereby helping to establish a new field of catalysis.

His research has resulted in furthering the understanding of how catalysts can be used in the removal of carbon monoxide. This has applications in submarines, fire fighters' breathing apparatus and space shuttles. Professor Hutchings' work has helped ensure such life-saving catalysts work more efficiently and with a less damaging effect on the environment. Among his most influential work is his research concerning the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons using gold catalysts.

The Academy of Europe was founded in 1988 and has more than 2000 members who collectively aim to promote learning, education and research. It encourages achievement of the highest possible standards in scholarship, research and education; and promotes a better understanding among the public at large of the benefits of knowledge and learning, and of scientific and scholarly issues that affect society, its quality of life and its standards of living.

Speaking about becoming a member of the Academia, Professor Hutchings said: "I am honoured to have the work of my research team recognised in this way, it is a great honour for the field of catalysis as well."

In 2009 Professor Hutchings was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society one of the highest honours in the academic world. He is currently director of the Cardiff Catalysis Institute, a new centre of excellence for catalysis within the UK. The Institute aims to build upon the School of Chemistry's strengths in this area and provide a focal point for interdisciplinary interactions within Cardiff and externally with academia and industry.

Music Wales at Womex 2010

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time ever musicians from Wales will have the opportunity to perform at WOMEX 2010 - the world's biggest world music trade event taking place in Copenhagen from 27-31 October 2010.

The Music Wales showcase on Saturday 30th October will feature Mabon, 9Bach and Calan and will be hosted by Music Wales Ambassador Catrin Finch, who will perform and introduce the international audience to the music of Wales.

Alun Ffred Jones, Minister for Heritage said:

"It's important that Wales' talent is to be taken to prestigious international stages such as WOMEX. The world music trade fair is an important platform to promote and develop new international leads, contacts and opportunities for musicians and the music sector from Wales. For the artists selected to represent, this is a unique opportunity to perform before this specialist audience and take advantage of all the opportunities it brings to their career. I am very supportive of the bid for Wales to host a future WOMEX."

Jamie Smith from the band Mabon said:

"We're delighted and very excited to have been selected to play at Womex in Copenhagen this year. Showcase slots at WOMEX are extremely difficult to secure, but with the support and backing of Music Wales we now have a fantastic opportunity to play for music industry professionals from around the world and show them what Wales can do!"

The Music Wales showcase is part of a campaign to raise the profile of music from Wales in the world. One element is a bid to bring WOMEX to Cardiff in 2013.

Attracting 2700 delegates and 650 companies from over 90 countries - it plays an integral part in developing a platform for UK artists looking to break into international markets. As well as the Music Wales showcase, a delegation of Welsh music companies and organisations will be exhibiting in the WOMEX trade conference.

The Welsh showcase will be hosted by 'queen of harps' Catrin Finch who is also ambassador for Cardiff as an official candidate for WOMEX 2013.

Catrin Finch said:

"The Music Wales night will celebrate the confidence and ambition of our nation. I'm really looking forward to be part of an evening of such great talent. It will also be an opportunity to show WOMEX what Wales could have to offer in 2013."

Eluned Haf, Director of Wales Arts International added:

"Supporting musicians from Wales to make an impression and an impact on international markets is critical at the moment. The international market is an essential part of Wales' creative economy and a priority sector for the Welsh Assembly Government. Working with the key international trade fairs is essential for this development.

"During these economic challenges we need to be creative and ambitious about how we can ensure that the best international events are attracted to Wales in the future. Hosting WOMEX in Cardiff would have a significant impact on the economy of Cardiff and Wales as a whole."

For further information, please follow:

http://www.womex.com/

New York awards for teenage dancers from Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Two girls from Cardiff, Wales have been honoured in the prestigious New York Dance and Performance Awards, known as the Bessies. Non Griffiths, and Latysha Antonio, both 13, won awards for their parts in Dover Beach by Sarah Michelson.

Michelson developed the contemporary dance piece after seeing the girls take part in a ballet class in Cardiff. She was invited to work at Cardiff's Chapter Arts Centre by theatre programmer James Tyson.

Non and Latysha were among the local performers included in the production which was given its world premiere at Chapter in September 2008. In June 2009 the girls - aged 12 and 11 at the time - travelled to the USA when the show was staged at the Kitchen in New York.

A review in the New York Times described Non as "bewitching" and dancing "with great skill, but also as a child wading into a not yet comprehensible adult world."

It was for this performance that the two girls were honoured at the awards on Monday evening along with co-stars Sofia Britos and Allegra Herman.

Non is currently in New York rehearsing her part in Narrative Ballet on the Subject of Martyrdom, which will open in New York in 2011 before touring other cities in the USA.

Movie Watch

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at our movie watch page detailing some of the movies opening in the US this fall featuring our Welsh stars like Anthony Hopkins, Rhys Ifans and Micheal Sheen.

Cardiff Uni Dr honoured by Chinese University

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Grant, has been honoured by China's Capital Medical University in recognition of two institutions' pioneering cancer research partnership.

Cardiff and Capital Medical have been working together for several years on new approaches to breast and prostate cancer. In 2007, a formal agreement was signed for Capital Medical researchers to come to Cardiff's Medical School and work with Professor Wen Jiang, from China's Shandong province and one of the world's leading cancer researchers.

Since the agreement, six Capital Medical research fellows have come to Cardiff and 14 papers have been written for conferences and journals as a result. The researchers have been working on the metastasis of breast and prostate cancer - how the disease spreads around the body from the original tumour.

Now Capital Medical University has made Dr Grant an international adviser - the first person from the UK to be honoured in this way. The only other recipients of this prestigious honour have been former German Chancellor Gerhard Schrader and Professor Tomas Hakfelt, Professor Emeritus at Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

The ceremony was held in the Great Hall of Capital Medical University, attended by representatives of the British Embassy and the British Council in China. Dr Grant received the award from the Chairperson of the Board at Capital Medical University, Li Ming.

A further agreement has also been signed between the two Universities, allowing for 20 more scholars to come to Cardiff over the next four years. The arrangement has been funded by Albert Hung, the Hong Kong-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, who has supported many joint initiatives between Cardiff and Chinese medical scientists.

Dr Grant said of his award: "I view this as an acknowledgement of the excellent work between our two institutions that has taken place to date. The visiting scholars programme between Cardiff and Capital Medical is a very good example of where international activities can be of great benefit in tackling global issues. The rising occurrence of breast cancer in China is a major issue. By pooling research expertise and sharing knowledge we can build upon the existing knowledge and make real progress."

The honour came as part of a successful visit by a high-level Cardiff team, building on the University's many strong partnerships in China. Senior researchers from Cardiff Medical School spoke at the Capital International Cancer Conference for 2010.

Wales and Argentina

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This month sees a Welsh Assembly Government Trade Mission to Argentina and the Eisteddfod del Chubut being held in Trelew.

Find out more about our links with Argentina.

International award for Swansea school

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thet've forged links with countries including China and Norway and now the staff and pupils of a Swansea school have been rewarded for their international outlook.

Waunarlwydd Primary School has been awarded the prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the wider world into the classroom.

The award is managed by the British Council and looks to celebrate, develop, recognise and accredit outstanding practice in the international dimensions of teaching and learning.

Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is nowadays at the heart of the British Council's work with schools so young people gain the skills and cultural understanding they need to live and work as global citizens.

Waunarlwydd Primary School has also developed links with schools in Tobago, Spain and Germany.

Some of the ventures to broaden the international horizons of the pupils have included email and letter links with partner schools abroad, weekly Mandarin and Chinese cultural lessons, collection of rainfall data for comparisons between countries and a collection of photos from each school to be combined into a calendar.

Headteacher Ruth Davies said: "Staff and pupils are thrilled to receive this prestigious award in recognition of our hugely productive partnerships with schools from around the globe. Our children benefit from dynamic links with overseas schools which help equip them with the skills and understanding needed to contribute effectively as 21st Century global citizens."

Cllr Mike Day, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "The world is truly becoming a global village thanks to huge advances in transport and communications technology and this is why it's vital our children are exposed to different cultures and languages from a young age.

"The work of the staff and pupils at Waunarlwydd Primary School is an example to all and will stand the children in very good stead in future."

John Rolfe, Manager of the International School Award at the British Council, said: "Many congratulations to all the schools across the UK who have been successful in the International School Award. We are very grateful to all the schools for their excellent commitment to the enriching, creative and innovative international dimensions of teaching and learning."

Swn Festival 2010

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Swn promotes and celebrates new music coming in and out of Wales. It means 'Sound' and is pronounced 'soon'.

This weekend is their annual Swn Festival. Over 150 bands in venues across Cardiff over the evenings of Thursday 21st October, Friday 22nd October and through the afternoon and evening of Saturday 23rd October, finishing with a massive Silent Disco closing party that night.

The line up includes Kids in Glass Houses and DJ sets from Gruff Rhys and Huw Stephens.

Visit http://www.swnfest.com/ for full line up and ticketing information.

Queen Masenate Seeiso of Lesotho visits Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Queen Masenate Seeiso of Lesotho on her first visit to Wales spent two days in North Wales where she visited the Hafod Lon Special School before making her way to Cardiff.

Her Majesty was accompanied by H.E. Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, High Commissioner of Lesotho and Dr Carl Clowes Honorary Consul for Lesotho in Wales. She met with Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM First Minister of Wales. The Programme also included a visit to the Children's Hospital of Wales and the Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans.

More success for Wales at the Games

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales have claimed a second gold and further silver and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

Lawn bowler Robert Weale secured Wales a second gold as he beat Australia's Leif Selby in a thrilling three-set final of the men’s singles title in bowling.

Wales also excelled in the boxing, winning one silver and two bronze medals. Welsh boxer Sean McGoldrick won a silver medal in the bantamweight final against Sri Lanka’s Manju Wanniarachchi. Two further boxing medals were claimed by Jermaine Asare and Keiran Harding, who won bronze in the men’s light-heavyweight boxing and men’s middleweight boxing.

And on the final day of the Games, Frankie Jones claimed gymnastic silver for Wales in the hoop final.

Congratulations Team Wales on an outstanding performance!

Wales congratulates Chile on successful rescue

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has sent a letter of congratulations to the people of Chile and its President on the successful rescue of the 33 miners from the copper-gold mine near Copiapó.

The letter contains references to the 'great admiration and solidarity' of the people of Wales for the people of Chile over the last 10 weeks, and relates Wales' own experiences of mining disasters in sympathy with the country.

Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones states in the letter "We have admired the courage of those trapped and shared the emotions of their families. It has been a joy for us to witness the skill and determination of the rescuers and to join in the celebrations of your people."

He also notes that the Santiago church bells, housed in Wales for almost 150 years, were being returned to Chile at the same time as the disaster in Copiapó occurred. The three bells had been sold for scrap after a blaze in Chile’s capital in 1863 and then shipped thousands of miles across the Atlantic to a new home in All Saints Church in Oystermouth, near Swansea. However they decided to donate the bells to Chile as a gift for the country’s 200th birthday this year.

He finished the letter with "You have shown how hope can triumph over adversity - and on behalf of the people of Wales, we offer you our best wishes and congratulations".

Air equipment firm wins £1.2m contract

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Welsh aircraft maintenance firm has landed a contract which it hopes will provide a springboard to nearly double its turnover over the next five years.

Aircraft Maintenance Support Services (AMSS), which has its headquarters in Pyle, near Bridgend, has won a contract to supply Abu Dhabi's airport with ground support equipment.

The contract with Abu Dhabi Airport Services (ADAS) is worth £1.2m for AMSS and follows a £7m contract that it won to supply peacekeeping export equipment from the Atlas family of aircraft loaders over the next few years.

AMSS, which is a family-owned company headed by entrepreneur Duncan Barber, operates at a turnover of £12m and said that it hopes to create between 11 and 20 skilled manufacturing jobs on the back of the deal.

The firm already employs 110 at its Pyle base.

The company said it was aiming to double its turnover over the next five years.

The firm will supply the airport - which has seen a 7% increase in traffic in August alone - with specialist ground equipment for aviation, for loading and unloading aircraft.

Mr Barber said the deal represented the biggest order the company had struck in the Gulf and that it wanted to make it a "foundation stone for more work" in the area.

AMSS has around 65% of its production in the export market after the recession and said that the deal represented an "expression of trust" that ADAS put in the firm.

Mr Barber - whose son is also involved in running the company - said that companies in the UK were trusted around the world and the deal showed the 'integrity' of Welsh firms.

He said: "We cannot expect any favours from anybody, we have got to perform as we were up against companies from France, Turkey, China and America so we need to impress with the quality of what we offer."

Graham Keddie, general manager at Abu Dhabi Airport Services, said the firm had won the contract despite intensive competition through a tender process.

He said: "This is the first time we have used AMSS and that is purely down to the quality and price of the products.

"AMSS won despite being up against a number of larger firms including two of the largest in the world and some tough negotiations with us and that is credit to their approach."

Mr Keddie added that he hoped that the relationship could become an "established, long-term one", adding that while the airport continued to grow there was an opportunity for suppliers to get more business.

AMSS was founded by Mr Barber in 1978 and its work is now split between civilian and military contracts, with some of its equipment currently used in theatre in Afghanistan.

Mr Barber - who has grown the company with no financial help from the Assembly Government - said that he will not sell the company to a larger, multinational company and will work to ensure that the firm stays in Wales.

He added that the Welsh business environment was a good one, and that there was a high-skilled manufacturing workforce in South Wales.

"We are a privately owned firm and we remain very proud of that and I intend to keep it that way. We wouldn't float on the stock market and I would not sell to a larger company," Mr Barber said.

"Our reputation was built in Wales and we will continue in Wales and will continue to be self-financing. We have always found that the Welsh Assembly Government and the infrastructure in Britain have always been helpful for Welsh companies and it does open doors for us."

World's first Digital Collections chair appointed

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lorna Hughes, currently Deputy Director of the Centre for e-Research at King's College London, has been appointed to a pioneering new post at the National Library of Wales. She will become the world's first ever Chair in Digital Collections. The post, funded for five years by the University of Wales, is the first academic Chair to be established in any national library in the world.

Lorna has twenty years' experience in researching and organising digital information and has worked in universities in Glasgow, Oxford, Arizona, New York and London.

Lorna will undertake and lead academic research on the latest developments in digital resources, while applying their findings to the large digital collections housed at the National Library of Wales. This work spans the creation, provision, investigation, interpretation and conservation of digital collections, including legal issues, the management of data, innovative research methods, and technological developments in access, search and exploitation.

Lorna says, "I am delighted to be joining the National Library of Wales, which has a world-class reputation and some very important collections. The NLW has incredible digital collections, and has taken a very strategic approach to digitisation in recent years. I hope to develop a number of new research projects related to the creation, management and use of digital collections. I am also very committed to developing collaborations and partnerships, both nationally and internationally."

In many respects Lorna will be going back to her roots as she takes up the job of Chair in Digital Collections.

"I had a Welsh grandfather, who practiced as a dentist in Glasgow in the 1930s! Sadly, he died many years before I was born, but I am now inspired to track down some of my Welsh connections. I am also really looking forward to re-locate in West Wales," she added.

Andrew Green, Librarian of The National Library of Wales, is looking forward to Lorna beginning in her new post in Aberystwyth.

"The National Library of Wales is very glad to appoint a person of Lorna's calibre and expertise. We hope she will be inspired by the collections within the National Library and beyond. We're sure she will be able to bring her enthusiasm and experience together for the benefit of extending our understanding and appreciation of digitised and as yet undigitised collections to the world's attention and benefit," said Andrew Green.

Professor Marc Clement, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales, also expressed his pleasure at the appointment:

"The University of Wales is delighted to be instrumental in establishing this unique professorial post. I feel certain that Professor Hughes brings exactly the right mix of experience and enthusiasm required to lead the innovative work of pioneering the Library's new technological developments."

More medals for Wales in Delhi!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Team Wales continue their success at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India by winning two more bronze medals.

Johanne Brekke won Wales first shooting medal, claiming bronze in the women’s singles 50m prone rifle.

We also saw success in the women’s pairs bowling. Anwen Button and Hannah Smith, from Carmarthen in west Wales came third after defeating Australia in the third place play-off.

19th century celebrity letters find new home

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Letters to former Prime Ministers, Queen Victoria and Edward Lear are among the hidden treasures in a new collection which has found a permanent home in the new Glamorgan Archives.

Because of their historical importance the Aberdare and Lyndhurst papers have been accepted by the Government in lieu of tax from their owners and will now be available for the nation to enjoy.

The Aberdare papers are the records of the Bruce family, Barons Aberdare and they not only shed light on the history of south Wales through the family estate papers, but also on some of the foremost politicians, artists and authors of the mid-nineteenth century through the correspondence of Henry Austin Bruce (1815-1895).

He was created first Baron Aberdare in 1873 and served as Liberal MP for Merthyr Tydfil, as well as holding a number of political offices including Home Secretary.

Among his correspondents are such prominent figures as Robert Browning, Thomas Carlyle, Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, Edward Lear, William Holman Hunt, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Anthony Trollope and Queen Victoria.

The topics range from Gladstone’s anxiety over troubles in Ireland, Queen Victoria’s concern for Bruce’s sick child to light-hearted banter from poet and artist Edward Lear. Other members of the Bruce household were also in correspondence with other celebrities of the day, including J.M. Barrie, and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

“I’m delighted these papers have been permanently allocated to the Glamorgan Archives through the Acceptance in lieu scheme. Members of the public will continue to be able to enjoy these interesting and historically important documents.”

Susan Edwards, of Glamorgan Archives, where the papers have been held on deposit since the1960s, said:

“It is a particular pleasure to celebrate the opening of our new archives building in Cardiff with the presentation of such a fine collection of records.”

Lord Lyndhurst, John Singleton Copley (1772-1863), son of the famous painter of the same name, was linked to the Bruce family and his papers will also be available at the Glamorgan Archives.

John Singleton Copley junior was born in Boston, Massachusetts and later moved to England where he became a barrister, rising through the ranks to become Lord Chancellor. He also moved in interesting circles and corresponded with leading politicians, artists and authors of his day.

Both the Aberdare and Lyndhurst papers can be accessed by the public at the new Glamorgan Archives in Leckwith, Cardiff.

Volunteers and work experience students at the Archives are currently transcribing some of Henry Austin Bruce’s correspondence making them even more accessible to the public.

Gold for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Another good day for Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi as Dai Greene won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles.

And it was a double celebration for us as Bridgend's Rhys William's took the bronze medal in the same event.

It marks the end of a great year for Dai Greene who has won the UK trials, the Europeans and the Commonwealth title in 2010.

The Welsh wins continued later in the day as Christian Malcolm took the bronze medal in the mens 200m final.

See Dai Greene's race at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/commonwealth_games/delhi_2010/9078257.stm

Welsh swimming pool ideas in global demand

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A small Welsh company acknowledged as one of the world’s leading specialists in creating unique hand crafted ceramic tiles for large scale murals and swimming pools is experiencing unprecedented global demand for its work.

Craig Bragdy Design, a family business in Denbigh, export virtually 100% of their work around the world and have seen year on year growth. .

On a visit to their design studio this week Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, was told the company was pursuing growth opportunities around the world.

Director Shôn Powell said that 90% of their work are private commissions for swimming pools from wealthy individuals in the Middle East, Russia and America.

“Each commission is different, each design is unique, every tile is hand made, hand painted and all the work is carried out in our Denbigh studios before being shipped out to our clients where we carry out the installations ourselves on site.

“It is extremely labour intensive which means we are only able to design and produce about twenty pools a year and can hardly keep up with the demand and are looking at future expansion opportunities.”

After a tour of the design studio, the Deputy Minister said the company’s success was due to their highly skilled workforce.

“This is a made in Wales success story – a small family run business operating in a niche market whose work is in demand the world over. It is a clear example illustrating how a highly skilled workforce can drive business success.

“The creative industries sector is singled out in the Assembly Government’s recently launched Economic Renewal programme as a key sector with potential for growth so it is particularly pleasing to hear Craig Bragdy Design is actively pursuing growth opportunities.”

Craig Bragdy Design, which employs eighty people, half of whom are artists and illustrators, has carried out work for every head of state in the Middle East. It is making substantial inroads into the rapidly expanding Russian market and also exports to South East Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Its most prestigious contracts to date – won against strong international competition – include designing and hand crafting the tiles for the inside and outside of the five domes at the Kings entrance to the Holy Mosque in Medina and for the domes and minarets for the Holy Mosque in Mecca.

“It was quite incredible winning those contracts when you think of a small company in Wales carrying out such a prestigious project. We also had the privilege of designing the decorative ceramics which clad the outside of the tallest telecoms building in the world which is located in Kuwait,” said Shôn.

Other commissions include: a mural for the 45 metre pedestrian bridge linking two parts of the National Museum at Riyadh; a mural covering the inside of the 14 metres diameter dome of the Sharjah Souk in the United Arab Emirates; a wall mural for the Hong Kong Jockey Club and a large mural for the National Commercial Bank’s HQ in Riyadh.

The business was started as a small pottery in Llangollen in the 1950s by Jean Powell and her late husband Rhys. Their sons Nick and Shôn, who are company directors, have developed the business, which had support from the Assembly Government when it expanded operations in Denbigh.

Celtic Manor wins award as top conference hotel

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We all saw how fantastic the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, south Wales is during its hosting of the Ryder Cup 2010 recently – in fact it’s been described as the "greatest ever" Ryder Cup. So it’s no surprise that they continue their success by picking up an award as the top conference hotel in the UK.

The five star resort was voted Top Conference Hotel for the fourth year in a row in the Hot List for Conference and Incentive Travel magazine. Their two hotels, three championship golf courses and event space were all cited as key factors in winning this latest award.

Conference centre manager Nancy Mollett said the hotel had seen the busiest ever months for conference bookings in September, October and November.

Visit the Celtic Manor Resort website to find out more about their facilities.

Wales fight against climate change strategy launch

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Assembly Government has set out exactly how it will manage its fight against climate change and achieve its ambition of a 3% year on year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The First Minister, Carwyn Jones and Environment Minister Jane Davidson, were in the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth today to launch Wales’ Climate Change Strategy.

The strategy, which is the first of its kind in the UK, highlights that the Welsh approach to tackling climate change will focus not only on reducing carbon emissions but also on helping the country adapt to the inevitable changes to the climate.

It is accompanied by two detailed delivery plans that set out exactly how the targets and aspirations will be achieved.

The strategy commits the Welsh Assembly Government to achieving at least a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Wales by 2020 against a 1990 baseline.

7 medals won for Wales at Commonwealth Games!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Following 2 medals won earlier this week, 5 more medals were won by Wales yesterday in Day 4 of the Commonwealth Games. Our total is now at 7!

As well as Becky James’ silver for the sprint in cycling (covered in another blog here), silver medals were also won by Jenny McLoughlin for T37 100 metres, Carys Parry for the hammer, and captain Michaela Breeze for weightlifting.

A bronze medal was also won by Gemma Lowe in the women’s 100m butterfly.

Well done to all! Lets hope Day 5 brings more medals for Wales!

New Swiss Ambassador makes first visit to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

His Excellency Mr. Anton Thalmann, the newly appointed Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Kingdom, is making his first visit to Wales this month after taking up his new post in August. He will be accompanied by his wife Dominique and the new Counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Swiss Embassy, Mrs. Franziska Heimgartner Trilling and her husband.

Ambassador Thalmann and invited guests will attend the BBC National Orchestra of Wales contemporary composer concert on 13 October, featuring Swiss composer Michael Jarrell from Geneva, conducted by fellow Swiss Thierry Fischer, who has been Principal conductor at the BBC National Orchestra of Wales since 2006.

"I am very keen to become acquainted as quickly as possible with the political, economic and cultural geography of the UK.

The concert by the BBC National Orchestra for Wales on 13 October at Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff Bay, with Swiss conductor Thierry Fischer presenting works by Michael Jarrell, one of Switzerland's leading composers, is certainly an excellent opportunity to initiate my first dialogue with Wales." says Ambassador Thalmann

On 14 October, Ambassador Thalmann will pay a courtesy visit to the Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales and visit the Senedd building, the Millennium Centre and Cardiff Castle.

Another medal for Wales!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 7 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Becky Williams has gained her second medal for Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. She won the silver medal in the women's sprint today, just behind Australian Anna Meares.

Congratulations Becky!

See a video of her finishing and more details on the race on the BBC website.

International students bring valuable contribution

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 6 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea Metropolitan University’s international students have been praised by the University’s Vice-Chancellor for their contribution to the institution and the city.

At a special Welcome Programme held for new international students, Professor David Warner welcomed them to Wales and stressed the importance of their contribution.

He said: “International students are a very important part of our University. Our Welsh, and indeed UK, students will learn from them as they bring the world to Swansea and, with it, different cultures and different ways of life. Many of our international students will be studying in their second or even third language which is very difficult and for that we salute them.”

Students from across the world have enrolled on a wide range of programmes and come from as far away as Scandinavia, China, the Middle East and India.

They were greeted with a full programme of events and learned about living in Swansea and the studying differences between here and abroad. After a buffet lunch, the students were shown around some of Swansea’s highlights such as Mumbles, Caswell, Langland and Rhossili.

Head of Swansea Met’s International Centre, Brian Griffiths said: “The students enjoyed a series of talks and events during the day, including a trip to the Gower. They also received a lot of helpful information from the Police, local banks, and media companies, as well as representatives from our Student Services.”

Masters of Business Administration (MBA) student and Swansea Met International Student Ambassador, Ghulam Khwaja from Bangalore in India, said: “Many people in India advised me that Swansea Met is a good place to study and that the courses were of a very high quality. Swansea is a beautiful city and somewhere I feel at home.”

Doing Business in Newport

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 6 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Ryder Cup chose Wales. Check out the Financial Times latest report -Doing Business with Newport for insider business tips on the south Wales city.

Visit the Financial Times website at http://www.ft.com/reports/newport-2010

Cardiff Design Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 6 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

1-16 October

Cardiff

Cardiff Design Festival is an annual celebration of design in October. There’s a programme of design related events that inform, inspire and provoke.

There is a wealth of talented designers and design thinkers in the city and across Wales and it’s the festival’s mission to ensure that their skills and passion are recognised and valued by the public and by business as well as by fellow design professionals.

The Festival provides a spotlight on the design sector and shows how design affects every aspect of our lives from the beds we sleep in to the way cereal packets keep our breakfast fresh, how journeys to work are signposted and our work places are designed.

The design community organises a series of talks, exhibitions and events that will run from 1st to 16th October this year and whether you’re a designer or not you’ll love what we have planned.

www.cardiffdesignfestival.org

First Minister of Wales congratulates Europe

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 5 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As The 2010 Ryder Cup drew to a close at The Celtic Manor Resort yesterday, First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones praised the organisers, volunteers, spectators and players.

After a weekend of excellent golf from the some of the best players in the world, the First Minister paid tribute to both teams and congratulated Europe on their victory. Europe won the event 14½to 13½.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said :

“Congratulations to Europe on their hard fought victory. We have seen some top quality golf over the past four days at The Celtic Manor Resort and after an exciting finish, it was a well deserved win for Europe.

“This Ryder Cup has been a historic event for many reasons – not least, the first Monday finish in its 83-year history.

“There has been enthusiastic support for the event from visitors despite the heavy rain. But, almost every Ryder Cup has had its weather problems and it was really bad luck for the rain to hit us when it did. However, everybody involved in the event has to be praised for their enthusiasm and hard work in getting the event back on course. The success of the event is a tribute to their efforts.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to act as host nation and to welcome the world to Wales. My thanks go to all who have organised and taken part in this competition.

“This past week has also been fantastic for raising the profile of Wales to an international audience, both those who made the trip to the Celtic Manor and those watching on television around the world. We have been at the forefront of the sporting world and it has been a great opportunity to sell Wales to the world. But, the Ryder Cup doesn’t end when the last ball goes into the hole. Our job now is to work hard to capitalise on the profile which Wales has gained this week.”

The Ryder Cup baton now passes to the Medinah Country Club in Illinois and the First Minister sent his best wishes to all involved in organising that event in 2012.

Cycling medal for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 5 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Becky James has earned a bronze medal for Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

She finished with a time of 35.2366 seconds in the women's cycling 500m time trial event.

See a video of the event and Becky's interview at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/commonwealth_games/delhi_2010/9061888.stm

Welsh Ministers welcome EC President to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President of the the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso visited Wales last week to meet with the First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including the forthcoming EU budget review proposals which will set the general policy direction and financial context of any post-2013 European funding for Wales.

President Barroso later attended an event hosted by Deputy First Minister at the Senedd to mark the success of the Structural Funds programmes.

Under the 2007-2013 funding round Structural Funds have already invested some £2.9bn in a wide range of projects which have assisted some134,000 participants. Over 16,500 of those have been helped into work and over 44,000 supported to gain qualifications, while 4,000 (gross) jobs and over 1,000 new enterprises have been created.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones said,

“There is no doubt that devolved government is proving a major asset in securing advances in the way we make the EU funds work for Wales.

“For example, thousands of workers have been helped to stay in work thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government’s unique ProAct scheme – made possible with European funding. We have also pioneered the £150m JEREMIE Wales fund, providing debt and equity investments to small and medium-sized businesses throughout Wales.

“In developing our policy, Economic Renewal: A New Direction, we have followed the partnership approach central to Structural Funds and have put Europe 2020 at its heart. European funds have been a key pillar in helping us achieve the important structural reforms needed in our economy and labour market.”

Award nomination for world first project

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Academics at Swansea Metropolitan University have been shortlisted for a prestigious engineering award for their development of the world’s first underwater coastal erosion monitoring system.

The project, which could save millions of pounds and have a positive impact on millions of lives around the world, has been shortlisted in the Environmental Category of The Engineer Technology and Innovation Awards 2010. Now in its fourth year, this major awards scheme is run by The Engineer, the leading magazine and website for technology and innovation, in conjunction with main sponsor BAE Systems. The awards ceremony will take place at The Royal Society in London on Friday 3rd December.

Coastal erosion is becoming a more common and destructive process and can have significant and costly effects on human populations. With 50 to 70% of the global human population living in coastal zones and rising sea levels caused by global warming speeding up beach erosion,
researchers need a way to monitor what is happening beneath the surface of the sea.

Data to attempt to understand this phenomenon has largely been obtained by observations and measurements of exposed coastal areas, such as beaches, to quantify the effects of coastal erosion. While these studies have revealed important information, the details of what was happening below the sea’s surface has not been measurable.

In order to tackle this problem, academics from Swansea Metropolitan University’s School of the Built and Natural Environment and School of Applied Computing have teamed up with Wireless Fibre Systems Ltd (WFS) and Valeport Ltd to work on the £611,000 Automated Sensing Technologies for Coastal Monitoring (ASTEC) project. The work has been funded by the Technology Strategy Board.

Head of the School of the Built and Natural Environment, Professor Mike Phillips, explained: “This project aims to use new technological innovations and expertise developed by the partners of the consortium to design an underwater sensor network system that is capable of measuring the effects of coastal erosion. This will enable more accurate decisions to be made regarding intervention levels and the type of intervention when such events occur.”

Head of the School of Applied Computing, Dr Ian Wells, added: “In the past, acoustic and optical technology has been used to monitor underwater activity but both are restricted because of the turbulent environment, debris and salt water. The pioneering aspect of this project is that we are using electromagnetic technology which is almost always used on land but hasn’t, up until now, been possible underwater. This means we can now take measurements that were unable to be collected previously.

“The system works via a series of solid steel sensors which are placed in a grid pattern on the sea bed. Each sensor measures the weight of sand and sediment on top of it, very much like a weighing scale at home. At fifteen-minute intervals, data is wirelessly transmitted to a buoy on the surface of the water where data is then transferred, once a day via GSM mobile phone systems, to a computer for analysis.”

Swansea Met’s School of the Built and Natural Environment has established itself as a leading research centre into the effects of coastal and beach erosion and subsequent engineering remediation measures. Similarly, the School of Applied Computing has many years experience in computer network modelling, protocol design and communications systems research and development.

WFS are the world’s foremost developer of underwater wireless communications, sensing and navigation systems and has pioneered research in electromagnetic technologies. Valeport Ltd is the UK’s leading manufacturer of hydrometric and oceanographic instrumentation.

Professor Phillips added: “This will have significant implications for coastal management. The system represents a step change in the accuracy, volume and timeliness of data available to the marine engineer. With worries over global warming and its consequential expected impacts, this project will provide valuable data to quantify these effects more completely and therefore enable coastal defence organisations to make appropriate responses. Because of the vital information that it would provide, such a system has the potential to save many millions of pounds and to have a positive impact on millions of lives around the world.”
Dr Wells concluded: “To be shortlisted for such a high profile award is reward for all of the hard work to-date by WFS, Valeport Ltd and Swansea Met. It demonstrates that this is widely regarded as a worthwhile project that will have global benefits.”

A prototype system was tested off the South Wales coast earlier this year and further tests are due to take place in Scotland in the near future.

Ryder Cup 2010 - behind the scenes

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s the final day of the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor and the first Monday in Ryder Cup history!

Keep up to date with all the action from the singles matches with Visit Wales, bringing you live updates from the tournament and loads of photos from the Ryder Cup 2010 on their flickr page.

Find out more at http://golfasitshouldbe.com/ryder-cup-2010/live/

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Folk dances, games and moon cake were among the attractions when the Cardiff Confucius Institute celebrated the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

The festival dates back more than 3,000 years in China when it was linked to worship of the Moon.

The celebration, held at Cardiff University’s Glamorgan Building, involved many traditional Chinese cultural presentations. There was also a game, Bobing, which comes from Cardiff’s twin city Xiamen. This involved moon cake – the sweet delicacy served at the Festival.

The celebration was organised by the Cardiff Confucius Institute, based at the University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning. The Institute aims to promote learning and understanding about Chinese language and culture in Cardiff and the surrounding community.

The festival follows the recent opening of the Institute’s Chinese Language Suite. This will greatly enhance the Institute’s ability to offer Chinese language teaching for all abilities. It was opened at the Centre for Lifelong Learning by Mr Zhonghui Qiao, Counsellor of the State Council of China and Senior Counsellor, Confucius Institute Headquarters.

Bangor University graduate awarded Nobel Prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bangor University graduate Professor Robert Edwards FRS has been awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Professor Edwards FRS developed in-vitro fertilisation, which has brought parenthood to so many otherwise childless couples.

His work was carried out with Patrick Steptoe, who died in 1988.

Robert Edwards gained his first degree in zoology at Bangor University in 1951. He became inspired with an enthusiasm for mammals by leading Bangor University Professor Rogers Brambell. He later spent a successful career at Cambridge.

"We wholeheartedly congratulate Professor Edwards. His research has brought happiness to so many families throughout the world. Professor Edwards is also an Honorary Fellow of Bangor University and we're delighted that he has achieved such high recognition for his outstanding contribution to science in a way that has touched the lives of so many," commented Professor John Hughes, Bangor University Vice-Chancellor.

Carlin wins first Welsh medal at Commonwealth Game

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jazz Carlin has claimed the first Welsh medal at the Commonwealth Games, beating England's Rebbacca Adlington to take the silver in the women's 200m freestyle swimming event in Delhi.

The 20 year old finished just behind Australia's Kylie Palmer with a time of one minute 58.29 seconds.

Read the full report at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/commonwealth_games/delhi_2010/9056448.stm

First Minister of Wales welcomes Ryder Cup

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 1 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has sent his best wishes to everybody involved in the Ryder Cup.

He said: “The Ryder Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity to put Wales firmly on the map and will be one of the greatest opportunities we have to showcase our country on the world stage.

“Many millions of people will be watching this event around the world and that kind of exposure is proving invaluable to us in developing our reputation abroad for business, inward investment and tourism.

“Since we won the right to host this event nine years ago, we have seen a huge increase in the volume of tourists coming to Wales to play golf and this is only one example of how Wales has benefitted in that time.

“And it doesn’t come to an end once the last shot is played. There’s a tremendous legacy from hosting this event – for the game of golf, for the economy and for the profile of Wales as a nation.

“Good luck to both teams and to everybody involved in putting on this great event!”.

Green, green, greens of home

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Not only is the 2010 Ryder Cup the largest sporting event ever to come to Wales, it also the greenest Ryder Cup ever held, according to Environment Minister, Jane Davidson.

The Minister was speaking from the Celtic Manor Resort at an event to mark the Ryder Cup's ambitious Green Drive Programme.

The Minister commended the Ryder Cup on their efforts to ensure that the world famous golf tournament trod lightly on Wales' beautiful environment.

She particularly praised the organisers for their use of renewable biofuels, and energy efficient lighting, and their sustainable transport plans and recycling strategy.

The Minister said:

"Here in Wales we take our environmental duties very seriously. Indeed we are one of only three countries in the world with a legal duty to promote sustainable development.

"Our sustainable development scheme One Wales: One Planet sets out our ambition to become a country that uses only its fair share of the earth's resources within the lifetime of a generation. At the moment we are using twice our fair share so we need to make some radical changes.

"I am delighted by the leadership and commitment shown by the tournament organisers in making this the greenest Ryder Cup yet and particularly their target to reduce the tournament's carbon footprint by an impressive 15%.

"This means that the Ryder Cup will not just be a world class sporting event, it will also be an event that reflects our environmental aspirations here in Wales."

"Visitors to the 2010 Ryder Cup will realise that here in Wales we are blessed with a beautiful environment. We are determined to look after it, and I am delighted by the efforts of the Ryder Cup to do the same."

The Ryder Cup tented village will be powered entirely, by renewable, second generation biofuels - in the form of locally processed waste vegetable oil. It also boasts energy efficient and motion-sensitive lighting.

The tournament's courtesy car fleet has been chosen to be the best in class for environmental performance, and the organisers have supported the provision of an efficient shuttle bus service and park and ride facilities.

The organisers will also ensure that over 90% of all materials consumed at the tournament are reused and recycled, and that a food composting programme is implemented.

They will also ensure that that where possible, Fairtrade, Forest Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance products are used in the catering ensuring that the Ryder Cup reflects Wales' status as the first Fair Trade Nation in the world.

Team Wales are welcomed to Commonwealth Games

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

More Team Wales athletes arrived yesterday at the Games Village in Delhi to begin preparing for the Commonwealth Games which starts next Monday. They were met by Welsh flags and a red banner depicting 'Team Wales' and a dragon on the front of their accommodation block in the village, which has now been nicknamed 'Dragon's Lair'.

Read about the athletes' impressions of the village here.

Olivia’s Commonwealth Challenge

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Olivia Orchart, a student at Bangor University, is currently representing the Wales in the Commonwealth Fencing Championships (CFC10) in Melbourne, Australia.

Olivia will be competing in the foil and epee competitions. She competes on 30 September and 3 October- and is already acclimatising in Australia. Olivia says: "I'm hoping for a medal at the CFC10 and to maintain and improve on last year's success at the British Opens.

It feels amazing to say that I am representing Wales at the Commonwealths. After four years of training and hard work to reach this, it has just been awesome.

I'd like to say how fantastic the University has been with the funding and support in general. I've not had anything like it before and I wouldn't be here in Australia without it."

Bangor University awarded Olivia a bursary, supported by funds from charitable donors, to enable her to attend the Commonwealth Championships. Olivia also received the University's highest sporting award last year, which is presented to the most outstanding sportsman or woman from among the student body last year.

Olivia, is 21 and comes from Chepstow, South Wales. She has already represented Wales in four international events in 2009: the Excalibur Cup, the Senior Winton Cup, the Junior Commonwealth Championships in Malaysia and the Senior 5 Nations. She Captained the Foil Teams in Excalibur, was part of the winning Women's foil team in the Senior Winton cup and came home from the Junior Commonwealth Championships with Silver and Bronze medals.

"We're delighted to be able to support such a committed sportswoman during her time at University. Many of our donors say that they want to give something back to the University and support current students. Olivia is a deserving candidate and we wish her every success for the future," said Kristen Gallagher, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Bangor University.

Prince visits 2010 Ryder Cup

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Ryder Cup is set to be given a Royal seal of approval when His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales visits The Celtic Manor Resort today (Wednesday September 29) in the build-up to the 38th biennial contest between Europe and the United States of America.

The Prince of Wales will attend part of the second official practice day later today and will meet respective Team Captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin at The Twenty Ten Clubhouse as well as Jim McKenzie, Director of Golf Courses and Estates Management of The Celtic Manor Resort, before undertaking a Tour of the complex's vast Tented Village.

Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills said: "We are truly honoured that The Prince of Wales is to visit The Celtic Manor Resort during the week of The Ryder Cup. Having the contest staged in Wales for the first time is a huge honour for the country as a whole and we are delighted that His Royal Highness is able to join us and share in the celebrations."

The visit to The Celtic Manor Resort is part of a full day of Ryder Cup related activity for The Prince of Wales.

Following the course visit, His Royal Highness will attend an official Ryder Cup Dinner at Cardiff Castle where Captains Montgomerie and Pavin will introduce him personally to the 24 men who will make up the two respective Ryder Cup Teams.

Then, to end the day, His Royal Highness will attend the Welcome to Wales Celebration Concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff where personalities such as Katherine Jenkins and Catherine Zeta Jones will perform in support of the evening's star guest, and one of the Prince's favourite performers, Dame Shirley Bassey.

www.wales.com/rydercup

Ryder Cup 2010: Practice photos

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Some great photos on the BBC website showing the US and Europe Ryder Cup team having a practice on the twenty ten course at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport ahead of the weekend's tournament.

View them at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/9039946.stm

New Gower coast path opens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh Assembly Government will today move a step closer to achieving its goal of creating a coast path that spans the whole of the Welsh coast.

The Environment Minister, Jane Davidson will join local school children and ramblers on Gower to officially open a new 16 mile stretch of the Wales Coast Path that provides a scenic link for walkers travelling from Llanmadoc to Port Eynon. The route takes in Rhossili beach, voted one of the best beaches in the UK, and passes both the iconic Worm’s Head and the cave where the Red Lady of Paviland was discovered.

The opening of this section has involved seven legal diversions of public footpaths, the creation of 1.2 miles of new public footpath, thirteen gates, forty one signposts and waymark posts, and twenty two steps cut out of solid rock.

Speaking about the new section of the path, the Minister said;

"I am delighted to visit this new section of coastal path that improves access for walkers to the beautiful coastline of Gower. This section in particular includes one of the most iconic views in Wales as well as two nature reserves and some of the most important archaeological sites in Wales, which shows that walking is a great way to enjoy the heritage and wildlife of Wales as well as the stunning coastline.

"I am confident that the path will help to attract more visitors to this area and provide a real boost to the local economy.

"However theWales Coast Path is more than just a tourist attraction.Walking is a great way for people to get the exercise they need to stay healthy. This new stretch of path will provide local people with new opportunities to get active, in line with our Change4Life programme, whilst enjoying some stunning scenery."

Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, said: "This is a big day for Gower. Gower has been a vital attraction for this part of Wales for many years, attracting millions of visitors to its amazing scenery and walking country.

"For the first time, visitors will have the right to walk the whole of Gower coastline and see this famous landscape from a new angle.

"This is great news for walkers and the local tourism community and I’d like to pay tribute to the Council staff, the local landowners and the volunteers who have helped make this happen."

Access Programmes Manager Sue Rice of The Countryside Council for Wales, who manage the project said: "We are delighted with City and County of Swansea Council's commitment to this project. I’m sure their hard work will pay off as local people and visitors head for the coast to enjoy the path and its breathtaking views."

Under the Coastal Access Improvement Programme (CAIP), The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to creating a continuous 850 mile path that runs right around the coastline of Wales by 2012, and has been investing in access improvements in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales. CAIP funding of £2 million per year has since 2009 been backed by the European Regional Development Fund which totals £3.9m over 3 years,to support developmentof the Coast Path by 2012.

The All Wales Coast Path will ensure improved access to the coast line and encourage people to live more healthy and active lifestyles. The path is also expected to boost tourism and economic activity within coastal locations around Wales.

The Minister recently opened a 27 mile stretch of coast path between Llandudno and Prestatyn, a challenging 4.5 mile section from Pendine in Carmarthenshire to the start of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path at Amroth, and aboardwalk in Porthcawl that has been designed to facilitate disabled access.

Swansea Alumni is Smart Engineer

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A former Swansea University Engineering graduate who set his sights on building a successful career in the UK technology industry has now seen his employer praised by Her Majesty the Queen.

Twenty-seven-year-old Harshul Metha, originally from Bangalore in India, joined smart metering technology company Sentec Ltd. in Cambridge as Technology Developer following his employment at Bridgend-based TVonics and then Barry-based Lion Laboratories.

"Over the past three years Sentec has more than trebled its overseas earnings to £4.3m following a successful market strategy," said Harshul.

"Sentec's technology is now included in almost half (approximately 5 million) of the smart electricity meters currently installed in the USA and in 7.7 million meters in total."

This achievement has resulted in Sentec being awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category recently.

Commenting on the accolade, he added: "To be part of a ceremony of such enormous magnitude and the honour of meeting Her Majesty the Queen is just amazing.

"I am exceptionally proud to be working in the UK technology industry and with a team which continues to demonstrate such a high level of skill and global ambition."

Harshul, who graduated with a First Class Honours - the BEng (Hons) - in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Swansea University's School of Engineering in 2006, said he always knew coming to study in the UK and at Swansea was the right decision.

"I already had two years work experience with Texas Instruments in India and a Diploma in Electronics, but I was keen to ensure that I had the right career platform from which to progress.

"Swansea University had a very good reputation for Engineering and I felt right at home from the moment I got there."

Since completing his degree, Harshul has already made his mark in the technology industry with the development of the first UK Set Top Box - also known as a digital freeview receiver - to be given the energy star logo.

Harshul has also worked on the development of high-end digital freeview recorders while at TVonics; breathalysers that are currently being used by the UK, European, Australian and American police forces at Lion Laboratories and cutting-edge products for the Smart Grid and Smart Metering sectors whilst in his current employment at Sentec.

Looking to the future, Harshul is confident that the technology industry will continue to advance and re-invent itself to take advantage of new and emerging markets.

"The UK technology industry - electronics, engineering, software - underpins every other sector whether transport, communications, medicine or energy. Companies like Sentec also demonstrate the important role small-and medium sized companies continue to play in the economy; providing value-added products, innovative solutions and good career prospects."

For those considering a career in technology or engineering, Harshul said: "There are a lot of opportunities out there and I think through careful planning and with the right joined-up approach, both graduates and the industry will benefit."

In the longer term, Harshul would like to enrol for an MBA to boost his career prospects and business knowledge further.

"In this industry ambition is a plus so I am looking forward to running a multi-million pound turnover semi-conductor company one day. After all, the sky is the limit if you are prepared to work hard."

Commenting on his success, Javier Bonet, Head of the School of Engineering at Swansea University said: "Swansea University maintains its position as one of the top universities in the UK for engineering through working closely with small and medium size businesses and multi-nationals, as well as with public and third sector organisations, on collaborative research projects that help to attract high calibre staff and students to Swansea and, as importantly, help each individual to develop the higher level skills demanded by industry.

"Through his early career success, Harshul Mehta has clearly demonstrated how such skills can be employed effectively, in an engineering and technology environment, to deliver a valuable contribution to the environment and to the economy."

The Great Welsh Leek Relay

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales’ unique version of the infamous Olympic torch relay, the Great Welsh Leek relay will start tomorrow (29th September 2010).

The "Olympic" Leek will be run, cycled and swam the length of Wales to open the first ever alternative food festival - FEASTIVAL, taking place in Bridgend town centre on 1^st and 2^nd October.

Three top athletes from Bridgend will be starting the epic three day relay in a field in Flintshire, North Wales. The leek will be plucked from the ground and then transported 230 miles on a route through some of Wales' spectacular countryside.

As well as the grand arrival in Bridgend to open the food festival, the journey of the leek will be highlighting the issue of food miles whilst raising money for Children in Need.

Steve Brace, double Olympian, Alan Kerr, former world triathlon Gold medallist, and Jon Embling with 47 Marathons under his belt have agreed to take on the challenge and carry the leek by hand and bike across land and water

"We're expecting to take three days to complete this challenge before we arrive home in Bridgend but we're all really looking forward to it" said former Olympian and British champion Steve Brace. "Its a bit of a unique event for us and hopefully others will join us en route or turn out to cheer us on".

Feastival, Wales' alternative food festival will open on the 1^st October with the arrival of the leek. This will mark the start of a new two day event in the Welsh food calendar that promises to be a little bit different to the norm. some of the most unique features include egg dropping, leek lobbing, melon sculpting and an unusual food art centrepiece in the from of a giant 10ft cauliflower sheep. As well as the traditional food hall and market stalls, there will be cookery demos, an urban allotment, food cinema and the grub-hub tent designed just for little foodies.

To follow the route of the leek relay visit our blog via http://www.walesalternativefoodfestival.com/ and follow us on twitter @ www.twitter.com/followtheleek

US Ryder Cup team arrive in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At last the waiting is almost over, its Monday of Ryder Cup Week.

The American golf stars who will take on Europe in the 201 0 Ryder Cup have arrived in south Wales.

The US team, lead by captain Corey Pavin, touched down at Cardiff International Airport at 1105 BST. They were greeted by a poster of the European Team’s Captain – Colin Montgomerie – extending them a warm ‘welcome to Montgomerieshire!’ before meeting the captain himself ahead of a press conference in the main terminal building.

Pavin said: "We're just glad to be here and I would like to thank all of Wales for the hospitality that everybody has shown."

Their arrival starts the build-up to the three-day tournament at the Celtic Manor resort near Newport on Friday.

The event will place Wales in the spotlight with a huge worldwide audience tuning in to see Tiger Woods and other golf superstars compete for the biennial title.

Among the many international visitors in south Wales for the competition will be the Prince of Wales and the European Commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso.

Prince Charles will have lunch with the two team captains and undertake a tour the Celtic Manor golf course on Wednesday, the last practice day.

As part of the The Ryder Cup coverage on Sky Sports there will be a series of Wales 'Idents' at the beginning and end of the programme and the advert breaks. The Ryder Cup has been taken around Wales and filmed lots of people with the trophy. People can vote for their favourite one on Facebook at www.faceb ook.com/visitwales

The tournament commences at 8:45am on Friday the 1^st October.

www.wales.com/rydercup

(Images courtesy of Getty Images 2010)

India High Commission Minister visits Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Economics Minister at the Indian High Commission, Mr Anil Verma, received a warm welcome during the two days spent in Wales last week. His first call was at UWIC where the Dean of the Cardiff School of Management, David Pritchard, showed the Minister the brand new School of Management building which was opened in time for the new autumn term. Mr Pritchard also highlighted the significant number of students from India pursuing the MBA course at the university.

The Minister then travelled to the Gogerddan campus at Aberystwyth University where he met senior academics from IBERS (Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences) who informed him about research being carried out in the areas of crop development, biofuels and the safety of meat supply. The institution already has good links with India through work undertaken in such topics as the development of improved hybrids of pearl millet.

At the request of the Minister a visit had been arranged to the R F Brookes factory in Rogerstone. Part of the Premier Foods it ranks Marks & Spencer as one of its main customers. Mr Verma was particularly interested in the technology used by the company in its operations and in the fact that they were installing an Anaerobic Digester to cope with waste from the site.

As trade links with Wales was something the Minister was keen to pursue the South Wales Chambers of Commerce arranged an opportunity for the Minister to meet some companies at the premises of Industrial Automation and Control in Newport. This was attended by Cogent Power, Fike and Wall Colmonoy.

The final call was the University of Glamorgan where the Minister was welcomed by the Dean of Glamorgan Business School, Monica Gibson-Sweet, and the Head of International Office, Dr Alun Hughes. Dr Hughes and his colleagues informed the Minister that they were keen to develop stronger partnerships with India. One area where this was being taken forward was by Professor Alan Guwy, Head of Sustainable Environment Research centre, who outlined the work being undertaken into hydrogen research and the links developed with counterparts in India.

Cardiff film makers up for Emmy Award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff film-makers who took the death masks of William Shakespeare and Napoleon and "brought them to life" for a documentary have been nominated for an Emmy Award.

Wild Dream Films’ documentary, Death masks, has received a nomination in the best graphics category in the awards – the equivalent of the Oscars for world television.

Last year the Welsh Film Makers made a two hour spectacular for American prime time viewers, focusing on the American Civil War.

The winners will be announced on Monday at the Lincoln Centre in New York.

http://www.wild-dream.com/

Dylan Thomas Prize shortlist announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Six young writers, including five women, have been nominated for the Dylan Thomas Prize.

The Prize, worth £30,000, honours famous Welsh writer Dylan Thomas. It is awarded annually to recognise the best published writer in English under the age of 30 from anywhere in the world.

The shortlisted six are from India, New Zealand, Somalia, the US and the UK. The nominated works consist of two poetry collections and four novels, covering topics ranging from war and family to love and betrayal.

For more information about the Dylan Thomas Prize and the shortlist, visit the website.

The Great British Cheese Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Great British Cheese Festival returns to Cardiff Castle - the focal point of the cheese lovers' calendar.

Join thousands of other foodies and come and taste a cornucopia of sheep, cow, goat and even buffalo cheeses along with artisan wine, cider, perry and beer. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Cardiff Castle, with fabulous music and entertainment.

For more information and tickets visit The Great British Cheese Festival website.

Talking Pictures - New York interview

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Listen to Cambridge Jones's interview with John Schaefer host of New York radio station WNYC's daily program Soundcheck (courtesy of WNYC's Soundcheck).

High-level Chinese visit

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A high-level Chinese Government delegation has visited Cardiff University, learning more about research links with China and visiting the Confucius Institute’s new language suite.

The delegation represented HANBAN, the Office of Chinese Language Council International charged with promoting Chinese language and culture abroad. They are responsible for Confucius Institutes - an initiative launched in 2005 to promote learning about China internationally.

Two members of the governing body of HANBAN, who are also members of the Chinese State Council, chose to visit Cardiff's Confucius Institute as part of a tour of the UK, accompanied by HANBAN's Deputy Director-General. The party wished to learn more about the development of the Institute since it was launched in early 2008.

The delegation also learned more about Cardiff University's links with China through a series of presentations led by Professor Stephen Denyer, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Students. Professor Wen Jiang (School of Medicine) and Dr Xiangjiang Zhan (School of Biosciences) both gave talks about their research partnerships.

The following day, the party visited the Cardiff Confucius Institute itself at the Centre for Lifelong Learning. They heard reports on its progress and about the way in which the work of Institutes is changing as more mature.

The group expressed warm support for the work of the Cardiff Confucius Institute. They took special note of the integration of the teaching of Chinese, including library facilities, with other language provision at the Centre for Lifelong Learning. As well as the Library, the group visited the newly-completed Confucius Language Suite and took part in an informal opening ceremony.

None of the party had visited Cardiff before. They also visited different parts of the City and were very impressed. On their departure the delegation were unanimous in their appreciation of a stimulating educational and cultural experience and the warmth of the welcome they had received.

www.cardiff.ac.uk

Ryder cup stars join celebs for Welcome concert

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The countdown to The 2010 Ryder Cup will enter its final, energetic phase in the iconic sporting setting of Cardiff's Millennium Stadium as the players and Captains of Europe and the United States take a bow at the Welcome to Wales concert on September 29.

Captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin, plus all of the 24 players who contest The Ryder Cup just 36 hours later, will be introduced on stage at The 2010 Ryder Cup celebration concert starring international stars Dame Shirley Bassey and Katherine Jenkins and hosted by Catherine Zeta Jones and TV presenter Steve Jones.

The visit of the two teams to Welcome to Wales will be the final public appearance of the European and United States Teams away from the golfing arena before they launch their bid to win The Ryder Cup in the opening series of Fourballs at The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales, on the morning of Friday, October 1.

Twenty four global golfing superstars from both continents, and their partners, will enjoy the warmth of a stirring Welsh welcome under the gaze of honoured guests, HRH The Prince of Wales and the Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales, at the Millennium Stadium.

The Ryder Cup, the object of desire for both European Captain Montgomerie and his United States counterpart, Pavin, will also be on display as a gleaming reminder to everyone in the audience just what is at stake at The Twenty Ten Course over three days of intense competition.

The potent mix of sport and music promises to create a magnificent evening to remember in a wonderful Welsh amphitheatre and Montgomerie said: "Welcome to Wales will provide a glittering and enjoyable night for everyone attending the celebration concert."

"The serious business for Corey, myself and our Teams begins on Friday morning at The Celtic Manor Resort but Welcome to Wales is a perfect opportunity to take our minds of golf for a short time and to enjoy Welsh entertainment at its very best."

Dame Shirley Bassey, Katherine Jenkins, Lostprophets, Only Men Aloud and Shaheen Jafargholi and The Mark Jermin Stage School will all perform during the 90-minute show. Guest presenter Catherine Zeta Jones makes a welcome return to her homeland to deliver a special opening speech for this very special concert to celebrate The 2010 Ryder Cup.

Tickets for the Welcome to Wales event at the Millennium Stadium are available now from the following outlets

Millennium Stadium Box Office 08442 777 888
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ <http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/120044D2DE655AB3> / http://www.seetickets.co.uk/ <http://www.seetickets.com/?c=482941>
Ticket prices:
£25 Standard,
£40 Limited premium seats,
£60 Family ticket,
£15 under 16's

*£5 from each ticket sale will be donated to charity

To keep up to date with all information including acts, tickets and great hospitality offers, register at http://www.welcome2wales.co.uk/

Millennium Stadium Box Office 08442 777 888
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ <http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/120044D2DE655AB3> / http://www.seetickets.co.uk/ <http://www.seetickets.com/?c=482941>
Ticket prices:
£25 Standard,
£40 Limited premium seats,
£60 Family ticket,
£15 under 16's

*£5 from each ticket sale will be donated to charity

To keep up to date with all information including acts, tickets and great hospitality offers, register at http://www.welcome2wales.co.uk/

The history of Caerphilly Castle lights up

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An amazing technicolour journey through centuries of love, hatred, bitter conflict, woeful destruction and ultimate restoration will be played out as Illuminata 2010 comes to Caerphilly Castle from September 26th until October 8th.

The castle’s history will form the centrepiece of this unique digital light and sound spectacular which coincides with the Ryder Cup 2010 taking place in nearby Newport.

The project is the brainchild of Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government’s historic environment service, and world-renowned projection specialist Ross Ashton. Ross was born in Sheffield and having trained in photography and theatre he moved to London and Paris where he worked with a variety of visual media before specialising in High Power Projection in 1992.

Caerphilly’s Illuminata story begins in 1268 with the construction of the castle and features Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Gilbert de Clare as they fight for supremacy and control of the castle with animations projected across the walls of the inner ward.

Act Two begins in 1315 and sees Payn De Turberville installed as the new keeper of Glamorgan and fanatical tax collector. Needless to say he is not a popular man and a revolt led by Llywelyn Bren besieges the castle. Dramatic scenes ensue as the men of Glamorgan lead a revolt, burning fields, villages and castles. However, royal forces move in and Bren and his supporters surrender.

The new lord of Glamorgan enters the scene in Act Three. Soon after taking up his new role, Hugh Despenser executes Llywelyn Bren in 1318 and we see his head roll away into the dark. Hugh – a close friend and confidante of King Edward II - redesigns the great hall so that Caerphilly is as much a palace as a fortress and enjoys a lavish lifestyle as lord of Glamorgan. By 1326, the king’s queen, Isabella, has had enough of Despenser’s influence over her husband, and with her lover, Roger Mortimer, they chase the unlucky pair across England and Wales until they are captured near Llantrisant. Sir Hugh is hanged drawn and quartered.

The Fourth Act ushers in the start of a decline in the castle’s fortunes. Although it is still in use as a prison in 1428, in 1583, Thomas Lewis is granted permission to take away the stone and enlarge his own house, The Van, which – now restored – still overlooks the town. The Civil War rages in Wales between 1642 and 1648 and probably shortly after, the castle is deliberately damaged to make it useless as a stronghold - explosions everywhere are the name of the game. The final act sees the 4th marquess of Bute entering the frame. It is 1928 and the Great Depression sees thousands out of work. The marquess uses this pool of labour to start major restorations of the castle and the animations will shows drawings and antiquarian images that trace the story of the castle from ruin to the magnificent restored fortress that we see today. The final frames celebrate the role that the castle plays in the life of twenty-first-century Caerphilly, as part of events like The Big Cheese and Cauldrons and Furnaces.

Travel Oscar

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is one of the contenders short-listed in the 'Best UK Day Out Experience' category for the British Travel Awards 2010.

It is the first time in its short 10-year life that the Garden has been nominated for a British Travel Award, regarded as the 'Oscars' of the travel industry.

The prizes will be decided by public vote and Garden director Dr Rosetta Plummer is urging all members, volunteers, staff, supporters, friends, fans and founders of the Garden to try and make the Garden Number 1: "We are up against some pretty strong opposition but, as the only South Wales nominee in our category, we are hoping we can count on lots of regional support as well ."

Other attractions nominated in the Best UK Day Out category are Alton Towers, London Zoo, Thorpe Park, Cadbury World and the Talyllyn Railway in Gwynedd.

The British Travel Awards are the largest awards programme in the UK. The short-listed attractions are nominated by travel industry professionals.

The winners of the 2010 British Travel Awards will be announced at a glittering ceremony on 4 November at the Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park, London.

To vote, go to http://www.britishtravelawards.com/vf_rl.php

Tomorrow’s Journalists

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After 40 years at the forefront of journalism training in Britain, the Centre for Journalism at Cardiff University is inviting its alumni to a major event to mark its anniversary.

On 15 October 2010, former students and leading professionals will be welcomed to Cardiff for the Tomorrow’s Journalists conference and gala dinner in celebration of the Centre’s milestone.

The conference will look at the skills and values needed to ensure that quality journalism continues to make a vital contribution to the UK’s democratic and cultural life; and what that means for the next generation of journalists in a converged and fully digital world.

Alumni will hear from their peers own experiences and contribute to important debates on the challenges of the future including the funding of high quality journalism and reversing the decline in regional media.

Guest speakers include Mark Byford, Deputy Director-General, BBC; Simon Lewis, Former Director of Communications at No 10; Ron Jones, Chairman, Tinopolis; and Alan Edmunds, Publishing Director, Media Wales.

They will be joined by the Centre’s distinguished alumni - Ben Brown of BBC News and Alex Thomson of Channel 4 News who will chair sessions at the conference and three of the Centre’s most successful recent graduates. Hattie Brett (Grazia), Sally Rourke (ITV) and Hannah Waldram (Guardian) will show what the new generation of Cardiff journalists is already achieving in the world of multi-media and multi-platform journalism.

Speaking about the conference, Richard Tait, Director of the Centre for Journalism said: “Journalism is going through deeper, faster and more radical changes than at any time in the last 40 years. Which is why, when the Centre was looking for the right way to mark its first four decades as the UK’s leading journalism school, we realised that the only topic that really mattered was the future.

“Our guest speakers all have something original and relevant to say about the challenges facing our profession, and as always at Cardiff, the emphasis will be on debate and participation, sharing and testing ideas.”

The Cardiff Centre for Journalism was set up by Tom Hopkinson - a key figure in the development of democratic journalism and popular media - as the UK’s first postgraduate journalism school 40 years ago.

His core belief was that journalism is a vitally important profession requiring high standards - the only way to secure its future was to attract the most talented and determined young people who share that view. That belief remains intact today and the Centre is widely recognised within the journalism industry, meeting the standards set by the three media industry accrediting bodies.

Graduates can be found in top newspaper, magazine and broadcasting jobs in Britain and around the world.

Alumni wanting to attend the Tomorrow’s Journalists conference and gala dinner can find more information and a booking form at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jomec/conference/tomorrowsjournalists/booking/index.html

Tomorrow's Journalists Conference sessions will be streamed live from the School’s website and images of the event will also be available to download.

Cardiff School of Journalism Media and Cultural Studies

Farmers worldwide meet to promote Fair Trade

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Counsel General yesterday welcomed farmers from Wales, Africa, Asia and Latin America to Abergavenny to debate the issues surrounding fair trade and sustainable food.

John Griffiths welcomed participants to the Fair Trade, Sustainable Food and Climate Change Summit: The Big Food Debate, which took place on 16 September at the renowned Abergavenny Food Festival.

The Counsel General said: "We decided several years ago in Wales that an important issue for international sustainable development was the need to support Fair Trade in buying produce from developing countries. We were very proud to be declared the world’s first Fair Trade Nation two years ago."

The Summit will provide greater understanding and awareness of food supply issues among Welsh farmers, and they will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the future problems facing their producers from all over the globe.

Welsh home-coming is part of world tour

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A high-mileage Ford Fiesta has returned to the Welsh production home of its engine.

Ford's global automotive strategy is being celebrated by this Ford Fiesta, powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine built in Bridgend, participating in a round-the-world demonstration programme covering North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and ending in Australia. During its passage through the UK, the Fiesta was welcomed by Ford Bridgend employees.

Ford Bridgend engines are powering new generations of Ford vehicles that are designed to be sold globally. Ford’s UK manufacturing plants are geared-up to produce two million engines a year as well as transmissions and commercial vehicles.

Kieran Cahill, Ford Bridgend plant manager, said, “We are delighted to welcome the round-the-world Fiesta to Bridgend, birthplace of its 1.6-litre petrol engine. Ford Bridgend is increasing production and will soon be exporting engines all around the world.”

Ford Bridgend is producing the new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine, which offers CO2 and fuel savings of up to 20 per cent compared with conventional petrol-engine technology. It debuts in the new Ford C-MAX range this autumn.

Wales and the Commonwealth Games

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales will be competing in the Commonwealth Games in October this year and we're all excited to see how our athletes do. The games are being held in Delhi, India between October 3 to October 14 2010. Take a look at some of these facts about Wales and the Commonwealth Games (taken from www.teamwales2010.co.uk).

The Commonwealth Games is the only multi-sport event where Wales competes in its own right.

This year will see the largest ever cycling team to be fielded by Wales at a Commonwealth Games. In Manchester 2002, Wales fielded 15 riders and in Melbourne 2006, it fielded eight.

Wales is one of only six nations to have competed in every Games since 1930, winning 215 medals – including 49 gold, 69 silver and 97 bronze.
Swimmer Valerie Davies, from Cardiff, won Wales’ first Commonwealth medals. She gained two silvers in the 1930 Games in Hamilton, Canada.
Weightlifter David Morgan is Wales’ most successful Games’ athlete, his haul of nine gold and six silver medals collected over six tournaments.
Cardiff hosted the Games in 1958, when it was called the Empire Games.
Wales recorded its highest position in the medals table (11^th) at the Manchester Games of 2002, winning six gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze.
Welsh athletes hold 15 current Commonwealth Games records in 110 hurdles, 400 metres, cycling, shooting and weightlifting categories.
Up to 8,000 competitors from 71 countries – including up to 200 Welsh athletes – will compete in 17 sports in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Wales Commonwealth Games stars of yesteryear include Lynn Davies, Nicole Cooke, Colin Jackson, Iwan Thomas, David Davies, Berwyn Price, Jamie Baulch, David Roberts, Kelly Morgan and Tanni Grey Thompson.

Go Team Wales! We'll be supporting you all the way.

Cardiff hosts mock meeting of European Council

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Students from Brittany joined young people from across Wales to debate important European issues yesterday [Tuesday 14 September] as Cardiff Bay hosted a mock meeting of the European Council.

With Siambr Hywel at the National Assembly for Wales representing the Council of Ministers, students from 28 schools across Wales debated whether the European Union should embed sustainable development as part of all its policies and if the European Union should make radical changes to the way it allocates its budget in light of the difficult economic climate.

Each of the 28 participating schools represented an EU member state and the European Commission and Lycée Saint Sébastian from Landerneau, Brittany, which is twinned with Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf in Cardiff, took on the role of the UK.

First Minister Carwyn Jones, who opened the event, said:

"Taking place for the third time,this annual mock meeting of the EU Council of Ministers has established its place in the school calendar, with schools from all over Wales keen to participate and showcase their debating skills. Today’s event should give those taking part a real flavour of European decision-making process and I look forward to seeing how the students taking part respond to these two very important issues facing Europe."

The event will be chaired by Chair of the Assembly’s External Relations Committee, Rhodri Morgan and Andy Klom, head of the European Commission office in Cardiff also addressed the students.

Minister takes Wales’ success worldwide

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Environment Minister Jane Davidson shared Wales’ waste reduction success with environmentalists, officials and politicians from around the world when she delivered the International Ministerial Keynote Address at the Zero Waste Summit 2010.

The summit took place in Canberra, Australia on Monday 13 September. The Minister will addressed delegates via video-link from Wales.

Wales is one of just three countries worldwide with a statutory duty towards sustainability. Wales was also the first UK administration to commit to recycling 70 per cent of its waste by 2025 and to be a zero waste nation by 2050, and to publish detailed delivery documents setting out how these targets will be achieved.

The Minister spoke about the challenge of making recycling the normal behaviour for people, while avoiding making it too easy for people to produce or dispose of waste.

She also acknowledged the fact that achieving the targets set out in the Wales’ waste strategy ‘Towards Zero Waste’ depends on co-operation, saying:

“As a small country, Wales is obviously a small player in terms of global resource management, but we cannot stick our heads in the sand nor should we leave it up to others to provide the solutions. We must all play our part, no matter how small.

“After all, the sum of all our efforts will make a difference, and of course it will be a lot greater than all our small individual contributions. And we must also get our own house in order for our own sakes, as well as for our children and grandchildren, and the rest of the world.”

The Minister praised the efforts of a diverse range of groups across Wales to reduce the amount of waste they produce, with the words:

“I have been struck by the appetite and enthusiasm for change amongst organisations, communities and individuals across Wales. It is in the implementation of Towards Zero Waste that I see so much hope."

Chef to cook £15,000 curry for charity

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Anand George, an Indian restaurant chef, is preparing to cook a dinner for 10 after being bid for in a charity auction for £15,000.

Mr George, who trained in the southern Indian cuisine of kerala and has worked at some of Mumbai’s most prestigious five star hotels moved to Wales in 2005 and is the chef and the Mint and Mustard in Cardiff.

He took part in a gala dinner where guests had the opportunity to bid for the chef of their choice to come to their home and cook for a private dinner party. The auction was in aid of Ty Hafan children’s hospice.

Mr George said "I think it will be the most challenging meal I’ve ever cooked in my life"

Duffy makes acting debut

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh singer and songwriter Duffy is to make her acting debut in the film Patagonia which will premiere at the London Film Festival in November.

Matthew Rhys, who stars in US series Brothers and Sisters also stars in the film which was shot on location in Patagonia and Wales.

The film will reach cinemas in March 2011. It was produced by Welsh production company Boomerang with backing from S4C, the Film Agency for Wales and private investors.

Ryder Cup shows Wales is a global player

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Ryder Cup demonstrates that Wales is a global player capable of attracting world class events and businesses, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones will today (Tues Sept 14th) tell an audience in the City of London.

The Minister will be speaking at an event to celebrate The Ryder Cup coming to Wales’ newest city, Newport. In front of an audience of leading business people, he will outline how the competition is a unique opportunity to promote the country as a location to invest.

Television coverage of the last Ryder Cup in Kentucky had a potential reach of more than 750 million homes in nearly 200 countries. The potential audience was two billion people.

Mr Jones, who is also Minister for the Economy, will say,

“There’s just a fortnight to go to The Ryder Cup, which Wales is hosting for the first time – and we are really looking forward to a great competition. We’re building a great reputation for major sporting events – including the Rugby World Cup, the FA Cup and, last year, the first Ashes Test.

“Those events have given our country a high profile – and they’ve reinforced the message that as a people we punch above our weight. We’ve faced up to the challenge of the recession, designing our own policies which have kept thousands of people in work – upgrading their skills instead of facing unemployment.

“The latest figures (from UKTI) show we’ve secured a greater share of foreign direct investment than the UK as a whole. We value our business links with London – and we want to share with you our excitement about Wales and The Ryder Cup. There’s no doubt that golf is the number one sport for the business community world-wide – and that The Ryder Cup is the world’s Number One golfing competition.

“I pay tribute to the years of hard work and dedication of Sir Terry Matthews; and also to George O’Grady and his team at The European Tour who have worked closely with us to make this a truly ‘Welsh’ Ryder Cup. Their endeavours have turned vision into reality.

“Soon the eyes of the world will be on Wales, The Celtic Manor Resort, and the host city, Newport. Just think: television coverage of the last Ryder Cup at Valhalla had a potential reach of more than 750 million homes in nearly 200 countries. That’s a potential audience of two billion people, among them many business people.

“And we know that inward investment has a vital role to play – especially as the world comes out of recession. I aim to build on the success we’ve achieved so far. But we’re also flexible – ready to work with every company that can see our potential as a platform for trade and investment. I expect most of you will see something of The Ryder Cup on television. Even better if you can make the short journey to see for yourselves what Wales has to offer.”

The Minister will also tell the audience about the Welsh Assembly Government’s new policy ‘Economic Renewal: a new direction’ that focuses resources to provide world-class skills and a world-class infrastructure – including Next Generation broadband access for every business. The aim of the policy is to ensure the economy of Wales is fit for the future and ready to compete in high value markets.

Newport's new station a gateway to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The benefits of the brand new Newport station will be far-reaching and lasting, says local government and transport leaders as the new gateway of Wales opens to passengers today.

The transformed Newport station - the largest station revamp in Wales – marks a step forward in achieving the vision of regenerating the city into a dynamic, thriving and business-friendly city. The investment also leads the way for a successful partnership between local government, businesses and the rail industry in improving rail infrastructure to support social and economic developments.

Today, Newport station serves more than 2m passengers - an increase by around 30% over the last five years. Twice the size of the old station, the new station building is poised to cater to future passenger growth and an expected influx of 2,000 more passengers per day during the Ryder Cup.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport said,

"I am delighted that this remarkable station has now reopened. It will improve the experience of passengers and provides striking entry for people as they arrive in Wales.

"World class facilities like these are central to making Wales an attractive place to live, work and visit. Our new approach to economic development focuses on creating a high quality infrastructure so that businesses, large and small, are well connected within and beyond Wales. This station will certainly play a huge part in connecting Wales to the world."

Porthcawl Elvis Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Just over two weeks to go till the largest Elvis festival in the world in Porthcawl, south Wales!

Every September thousands of Elvis fans descend on the seaside town of for a unique celebration of The King.

The feature events are the official shows taking place in the magnificent Grand Pavilion. These include The Elvies - the World’s premier event for Elvis Tribute Artists.

In addition, The Hi Tide host over 100 shows over the weekend, many with free admission.

This year’s festival will be held on the 24-26 September. Find out more and book tickets at http://www.elvies.co.uk/

Skills Cymru

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Skills Cymru, the largest skills and careers event of its kind is taking place on 16-18 September at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

The event will feature 100 organisations from across Wales, the UK and internationally an over 20,000 young people and adults are expected to visit.

It’s designed to be a totally interactive experience and will teach each delegate ten new skills towards their career in one day.

To find out more visit http://www.skillscymru.co.uk/

Hong Kong alumni celebrates uni anniversary

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An alumni and student event was recently held in Kowloon, Hong Kong to mark Swansea University’s 90th Anniversary.

Professor Alan Speight, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Academic Quality Enhancement, led the proceedings and welcomed more than 180 alumni, current students, new students, and their families, to a reception at the city’s Mira Hotel.

The event, which was jointly organised by the University’s International Office, Alumni Office, the University’s Hong Kong Representative, and the Hong Kong Student Union, included a pre-departure briefing for new students starting their courses at Swansea this September.

Guests were also updated on the University’s recent success and new developments including the latest increase in the University’s core research funding as a direct result of the independent Research and Assessment Exercise 2008, and details of world-leading research projects, such as the Bloodhound Supersonic car, which aims to take the Land Speed Record to an incredible one thousand miles an hour.

The winner of a recent competition inviting students from Hong Kong who will be joining the University in September to make a video about why they chose to study at Swansea University also screened her film during the evening.

Professor Speight said: “The event was a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone in the University’s history with our alumni and students in Hong Kong, and to inform them of the University’s recent achievements and new developments.

”It provided an excellent opportunity for our alumni to share their experiences and memories with recent graduates and new students, and to reminisce on their time spent studying and living in Swansea.

“Current students were also able to provide new students with a real flavour of life in Swansea and Wales, which will hopefully help them to prepare for this exciting new chapter in their lives.”

Sally Thurlow, the University’s Alumni Officer added: “We currently have more than 500 graduates, from a range of academic subjects, residing in Hong Kong who are registered with the Alumni Association, many of whom have gone on to be extremely successful in their chosen profession.”

One such alumnus who attended the reception was Professor Yau Kai Cheung OBE, who graduated from Swansea in 1964 with a PhD Education in Engineering, and is an internationally renowned researcher and scholar.

Professor Cheung is recognised for his research activities in engineering mechanics and for his pioneering contributions to the methods of finite elements and finite strips for solving engineering problems.

He has had a distinguished career at the University of Hong Kong, where he was formerly Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

Emma Frearson Emmanuel, Head of the University’s International Office, said: “It was a great honour to meet some of our alumni and students from Hong Kong, as well as to greet our new students before they come to Swansea.

“The University has a long history of welcoming students from this area to study Engineering, Science and Medicine, and we now have a growing reputation for our Business, Law, and Arts and Humanities Programmes, attracting an increasing number of students each year

Major marine science boost for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 8 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A major £23.6m investment to grow Wales’ growing marine sector by increasing collaborative research projects between business and universities has been announced today (Weds 8th Sept) by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Bangor University’s SEACAMS (Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors) project has been given the go-ahead following EU backing of £12.6m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.

The project will turn cutting edge research ideas into new processes, services and technologies to encourage over 450 businesses to grow, create new high tech jobs and win more global contracts.

As part of the project, a new Innovation Centre will be set up at the University’s School of Ocean Sciences (SOS) at Menai Bridge, Anglesey. The Centre will provide laboratory and computing facilities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs will also have access to the 40 metre SOS research ship Prince Madog to focus studies on tackling the impact of climate change such as coastal erosion, flooding, water quality and offshore energy generation.

Mr Jones, who is also the Minister for the Economy and Transport said:

"Increasing commercial activity and promoting inward investment in the marine science sector will help secure high quality jobs and contribute to making Wales an international hub for this growing sector.

"Our new economic policy ‘Economic Renewal: a new direction’ outlines our commitment to help business thrive by exploiting the knowledge within our Universities. We are also committed to creating opportunities for graduates to build successful careers deploying their skills within their own communities and creating new ventures."

Professor Colin Jago of the School of Ocean Sciences (SOS) at Bangor University said: "Wales is strategically situated to exploit the rapid expansion of the offshore energy industry that is already taking place in the Irish Sea. It is imperative that we coordinate our research and business initiatives so that Wales plays a leading role in this industry and SEACAMS is an important component in that process."

"Climate change presents challenges and opportunities for the coastal marine sector - issues such as offshore energy generation, coastal erosion and flooding, coastal water quality, ecosystem and human health, and sustainable marine resources have wide ranging implications at a local, regional and global level. It also impacts on a large proportion of the human population who are economically and culturally dependent on the coastal marine environment."

The project is led by Bangor University in collaboration with partners at Swansea and Aberystwyth Universities who are also funding the project with further backing from the Countryside Council for Wales.

Dr Gay Mitchelson-Jacob, the project manager, said: "Wales has unrivalled academic expertise in coastal marine science; SEACAMS will provide access to this for the benefit of research and development in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the coastal and marine sector of Wales. It will also provide opportunities for marine science graduates to continue their careers in Wales instead of having to leave."

Shana Tova!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 8 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sunset today will mark the start of Rosh Hashanah, the first day of new year in the Hebrew calendar, the greeting for the occasion is 'Shana Tova' which means 'A good year' in Hebrew.

Traditionally prayers are said next to running water, a practice designed to wash away the sins of the previous year in a ceremony known as Tashlikh.

In Wales we’ve welcomed people from different cultures and backgrounds since the early 1900s all across Wales, but mostly in the cities of Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. This has resulted in lots of cultures and faiths living side-by-side across the country. The Inter-faith Council for Wales, an initiative set up by the Welsh Assembly Government, is a good example of this. It has representative members from around 9 different faiths, including Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam.

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

A dynamic new take on celebrity photography

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Opening today in Cardiff and London and then in New York and Los Angeles, Talking Pictures by Cambridge Jones is not to be missed.

Talking Pictures is a collection of over thirty new photo portraits that are bold, direct, soulful and playful. They span generations of performers and writers inspired by Wales or carrying the DNA of Wales . From Stereophonics to Shirley Bassey, from Rhys Ifans to Anthony Hopkins, from Owen Sheers to Jan Morris, from Katherine Jenkins to Bryn Terfel, celebrity photographer Cambridge Jones stuns and delights us with images that reveal the essence of each star. A unique aspect of this exhibition is that not only do the creative personalities talk through the images, but also they literally talk to us because each photo has accompanying audio. Cambridge asked each subject to record a few sentences about who or what inspired them artistically.

The exhibition is showing at five prestigious transatlantic venues:

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5AL
http://www.wmc.org.uk/

Strand Gallery (formerly Proud Galleries Central), London32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6BP http://www.proud.co.uk/

Canary Wharf, London, The Lobby, One Canada Square, E14 5AB http://www.canarywharf.com/mainfrm1.asp

Lincoln Center, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, NY 10023 http://www.nypl.org/locations/lpa 20 to Nov 27

The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Park4800 Hollywood Blvd, CA 90027 http://www.barnsdallartpark.com/ April 3. 2011

Historic buildings Open Doors for free this month

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout September entry to 300 buildings and sites of historic interest across Wales will be free to visitors on selected dates.

Known as Open Doors, this is the largest annual free celebration of architecture and heritage to be held in Wales. It is part of European Heritage Days – a cross continent initiative in which buildings that normally charge entry fees waive them in a bid to encourage people to visit and learn more about history and heritage.

Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales on behalf of Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government’s historic environment service. Some venues require visitors to book in advance in order to ensure that they secure a place on a guided tour. Other sites are less specific and visitors can just turn up.

Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said:

“Wales enjoys a rich heritage and Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity for people to explore it. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to making the country’s history as accessible as possible and I urge everyone to see what properties are open in their area.”

This year the range of buildings varies from private houses to archaeological sites, religious buildings and castles to examples of the best of contemporary architecture. New and established sites are taking part in the programme. In addition to sites waiving their charges for visitors, other properties offer a chance to see behind the scenes of some very familiar buildings that are normally closed to the public.

This year there are extended programmes in Monmouth, Llandaff, Swansea, Conwy, Cardiff, Ruthin, Llangollen and Denbigh. For visitors who like to explore on foot there are guided walks and heritage trails. For the more sedentary visitor, there are venues with concerts and lectures. New award-winning buildings are included and present a unique view of the ‘heritage of tomorrow’.

Among the highlights of the programme will be the opening of all the most impressive buildings looked after by Cadw, such as the castles in Caerphilly, Caernarfon and Conwy and the fascinating Elizabethan town house Plas Mawr in Conwy.

The jewels in the crown of the National Trust such as Llanerchaeron in Ceredigion, Erddig near Wrexham, Dinefwr Park and Castle near Llandeilo and Powis Castle near Welshpool are also available to visitors from Wales and beyond.

Wales is one of 49 countries across the continent that takes part in European Heritage Days. From the Baltic to the Balkans, Iceland to the Iberian Peninsular, European Heritage Days highlights the dazzling diversity of buildings and sites of interest that open for visitors during September. Wales has an impressive array of sites to offer to this initiative which is an important contributor to Europe’s cultural heritage landscape.

Based on the success of the Open Doors in previous years, around 50,000 visitors can be expected to attend sites this year. Open Doors is also Wales’ largest volunteer event in the heritage sector. Much of its success is due to the hard work and enthusiasm given by individuals and local voluntary groups who enter into the spirit of the event with gusto and energy. In Chepstow, for example, you will find members of the local Civic Society dressed up in period costume bringing the story of the Town Gatehouse to life for visitors.

Prince launches Size of Wales project

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 7 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Prince Charles has launched a project to sustain an area of African tropical forest the size of Wales on a visit to Carmarthenshire.

The ‘Size of Wales’ scheme encourages people to do conservation work and make donations.Size of Wales project manager Hannah Scrase said "It encourages people to help protect an area of rainforest equivalent to the size of Wales"

"This it the first country in the world to mobilise such a unique national response to the problem of forest destruction and climate change. By protecting two million hectares of rainforest, we hope to make lasting links with forest projects in Africa".

The scheme is being funded by the Waterloo Foundation, an independent foundation based in Cardiff.

See a video of the launch at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11217961

Talking Pictures - new pictures!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

New pictures and audio added today! Click here for a sneak preview of the exhibition

School astronomers lift off with Glamorgan project

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A pioneering astronomy project to train the next generation of space scientists is lifting off as the new term begins in schools across Wales.

The programme harnesses the state-of-the-art Faulkes Telescopes in Hawaii and Australia, is led by the University of Glamorgan, and will link pupils from Welsh schools with students in New York State and Georgia to explore space by directing the work of the telescopes. Their work will contribute to the research of the international science community, and will include research into key areas of interest for NASA.

Dr Paul Roche, Senior Lecturer in Astronomy at the University of Glamorgan and Wales' Space Ambassador, said: "This is a great opportunity for these schoolchildren to make a real contribution to the work of the international science community. For example, we will be part of the international effort to monitor the largest star ever discovered, twice the size of what we previously believed was the largest."

The new term also sees the first students at Glamorgan taking a new degree built around the telescope programme. The BSc Hons Observational Astronomy is the first degree of its kind in Europe.

Find out more at http://www.glam.ac.uk/

Welsh European Funding Online wins European award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A key IT project completed by the Welsh Assembly Government and Capgemini UK plc has won the top IT award in the European Outsourcing Association (EOA) Awards 2010, beating entries from other parts of the UK, France, Germany and Italy to win the first prize. The award is pan-European recognition for the WEFO Online project which deploys advanced web technology to make it easy for people to apply for the Â£3.9 billion of structural funding available to Wales from the EU.

The EOA's IT Outsourcing Project of the Year award was presented to Capgemini senior executive Mieke Van Handenhove by the European Outsourcing Association on 28 June at an international ceremony at the Chateau du Lac in Brussels.

WEFO Online was designed in Wales by a joint team of IT and business transformation specialists from Capgemini and the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) which is part of the Welsh Assembly Government. Following go-live in August 2008, the first fully operational year has seen WEFO Online become the first system of its kind to win full audit approval from the European Commission, making Wales the first of 40 regions in the European Community to achieve a fully functioning online system for processing key fund applications.

Damien O'Brien, Director of the Welsh European Funding Office said: "Our efficiency in processing applications for European funding, and making accurate and timely payments to project sponsors, is crucial to the successful implementation of the programmes in delivering jobs and growth across the Welsh economy. We are delighted that our success in forging ahead of the rest of Europe with WEFO Online has been recognised in these important and high-profile international awards. I take this opportunity to applaud and thank the WEFO and Capgemini teams whose hard work and commitment have led to this latest success."

WEFO Online is designed to simplify and streamline grant applications under the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund and to ensure that payments are processed quickly. It enables businesses, public sector bodies, communities and third sector organisations in Wales to make their applications quickly and easily online via the Internet. It also lets them submit evidence and documentation, complete claims and payment forms, and track progress of their application without the need for unnecessary paperwork or lengthy telephone calls. The system also delivers significant efficiency gains within WEFO in processing applications and payments. WEFO Online has already been central to the approval of 176 projects with a total value of Â£1.3 billion, with associated claims processing having paid out some Â£240.8 million under the current European Funding schemes.

Andy McDonough, Business Development Director at Capgemini UK, said: "It has been a privilege to work on a project such as WEFO Online that brings important benefits to so many people, communities and organisations across Wales, and we are naturally delighted to have won international recognition for our efforts."

In addition to its role in the design and deployment of WEFO Online, Capgemini is also supporting the system until 2016 under a long-term outsourcing contract. The award-winning Capgemini applications are hosted on infrastructure supported and maintained by Siemens.

Abergavenny Food Festival praise

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 2 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Spotted a nice article on the Toronto Sun website about the Abergavenny Food Festival, which takes place in the historic border town of Abergavenny, mid Wales, between 18 – 19 September.

The Festival plays host to some of the brightest lights of the food world, and the extensive markets, situated in the centre of the town, spill into the streets and lanes and feature the best producers from Wales, the Marches, and further afield.

Read the article here: http://www.torontosun.com/travel/europe/2010/08/31/15197221.html

The Great Welsh Showdown

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow travel bloggers from around Asia will gather for a four-day quest to discover the captivating land of Wales.

The Great Welsh Showdown, an initiative by Visit Britain and Visit Wales sees six bloggers hailing from Australia, China (Hong Kong), India, Japan, Korea and Singapore taking part in five challenges conducted in different parts of Wales, and ending off each day with a blog or video entry

.The blogger who obtains most number of comments and videos views for the various tasks will be crowned ultimate winner of the Great Welsh Showdown.

Find out more about their challenges and start reading their blogs at http://www.redworks.com.sg/thewelshshowdown/

World record set in Powys

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A world record time was set on Sunday at the annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys.

Dan Morgan won the event in one minute and 30.66 seconds beating the previous record of one minute and 38.15 seconds.

140 people from all over the world took part in the championships that see competitors swim two lengths of a 60 yard bog without using conventional strokes.

Find out more about the World Bog Snorkelling Championships at http://www.green-events.co.uk/index.php

Things to do in Wales this weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s a bank holiday weekend in Wales, and there’s lots going on! Here are just some of the events on offer throughout Wales this weekend.

Cardiff Bay hosts the Harbour Festival from the 28– 30 August, with a feast of nautical entertainment for all the family. It’s all "Fish and Ships" this year with spectacular aerial and water displays, Tall ships, sea craft displays, sea shanty singers, walkabout entertainers, a continental market plus a superb music- line-up.

For the second year the festival hosts the British Fish Craft Championships which includes filleting displays, tips on preparing and cooking as well as selling the best quality fresh fish. plus the ‘Welsh Oyster Opening Championships’.

For more information, visit the Cardiff Bay Festival website.

The world will be coming to Swansea in a showcase of colour, music and food. With an excellent live music stage featuring artists and dancers from local and international communities, marquees, workshops, cooking demonstrations and tasters, this event should not be missed!

The party takes place in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea and entry is free.

For more information, visit the Swansea Bay Festival website.

On 29 August the World Bog Snorkelling Championships will take place in Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, mid Wales. This unusual sport takes place every year, and sees competitors donning, a mask or goggles, snorkel & flippers and even fancy dress, to snorkel two lengths of a specially dug out, 60yd trench, in a peat bog.

For more information, visit http://www.green-events.co.uk/

Swansea World Party Weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The world will be coming to Swansea this August bank holiday in a showcase of colour, music and food.

With an excellent live music stage featuring artists and dancers from local and international communities, marquees, workshops, cooking demonstrations and tasters, this event should not be missed!

From 1-6pm, in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Free entry.

For more information, visit the Swansea Bay Festival website.

Ryder Cup maze appears in west Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With just over a month to go, a west Wales attraction is getting ready for when the Ryder Cup comes to Wales at the beginning of October by unveiling a giant golf-themed maze.

The complex maize maze has appeared in Heatherton Country Sports Park in Pembrokeshire and is only visible from the air. It depicts two figures swinging golf clubs either side of the famous trophy.

Marketing and operations manager at Heatherton Simon Hilling said: "As a massive fan of the Ryder Cup, it is a pleasure to celebrate Wales' success in gaining the esteemed sporting event."Heatherton has previously created mazes inspired by Welsh sports stars Joe Calzaghe and Ryan Giggs, and Welsh music legend Tom Jones.

For more information about the Ryder Cup, which will take place in the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, south Wales between 1-3 October, visit our dedicated pages.

UW Press wins international recognition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Wales Press is delighted to announce that its publication, 'Wilkie Collins, Medicine and the Gothic' by Laurence Talairach-Vielmas, has won the European Society for the Study of English (ESSE) Book Award.

As winner of the ESSE Book Award, Laurence will receive a prize of €1500, which will be awarded to her at the General Assembly of ESSE, on Saturday 28 August in Turin, Italy.

The book examines how Wilkie Collins’s interest in medical matters developed in her writing through exploration of his revisions of the late eighteenth-century Gothic novel from his first sensational novels to her last work in the 1880s.

Wilkie Collins has mostly been studied in relation to gender and the Female Gothic. This study, however, examines the relationship between the Gothic and Medicine in Collins for the first time, making an important contribution to research in this area as well as developing the market of the rising medical humanities.

Helgard Krause, Head of the University of Wales Press, commented: "We are delighted that one of our publications has once again been recognised on an international level for this prestigious prize. Laurence Talairach-Vielmas is a very talented author and this fascinating study of Wilkie Collins fully deserves this accolade."

Talking Pictures - sneak preview

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We've uploaded a sneak preview of some of the photographs and audio from the upcoming Talking Pictures exhibition opening in Cardiff, London and New York in September. Click here to see the preview of some of our celebrities taking part including Shirley Bassey, Michael Sheen and Matthew Rhys

Men Aloud hit television channels USA-wide

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Only Men Aloud, under their US name Men Aloud, are appearing on Public Broadcasting stations throughout the USA September through December as part of a major annual fundraiser for Public Television. The promotion will feature pre-recorded footage of the choir in a concert at the Wales Millennium Centre and interviews with founder and conductor of Only Men Aloud Tim Rhys Evans who talks about Wales and his own vision for bringing the Welsh choral tradition into the 21st century.

Public Broadcasting in the USA is a network of TV stations that broadcast quality programs and carry no commercials. The stations rely on donations from viewers to keep them afloat. Viewers who pledge money during the Men Aloud fundraising drive will receive copies of the new 'Men Aloud - Live from Wales' DVDs and CDs which have just been released in the US market by Denon.

More stars confirmed for welcome concert

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pontypridd chart toppers Lostprophets and Swansea singing sensation Shaheen Jafargholi and The Mark Jermin Stage School are all set to perform as part of the prestigious 2010 Ryder Cup celebration concert 'Welcome to Wales' at the Millennium Stadium on 29 September.

Catherine Zeta Jones CBE, Katherine Jenkins, Only Men Aloud, Lostprophets and Shaheen Jafargholi and The Mark Jermin Stage School will join other stars from the entertainment and golfing arenas to celebrate the start of The Ryder Cup during this special 90 minute televised show. Also on stage, as part of the evening, will be both the European and United States Teams who will be officially introduced to the audience.

Since forming in 1998, Lostprophets have steadily built a massive following, with multiple arena tours and headlining festival appearances under their belts. Six Kerrang awards, six UK Top 20 singles, including 'Burn Burn', 'Last Train Home', 'Rooftops' and 'Its Not The End Of The World But I Can See It From Here', and three UK Top Ten albums (2004's Start Something, 2006's No. 1 album Liberation Transmission and 2010's The Betrayed), punctuate the adoration for Lostprophets' music that has been a constant presence on the charts and in the hearts of a generation of rock music fans for more than a decade.

Mike Lewis from Lostprophets said, "We're very excited to be a part of the Welcome to Wales concert. The tradition of sport is huge in Wales, and we know how important it is to the country that such a massive event like the Ryder Cup is being held here. We're very proud to be part of it."

Thirteen-year-old Shaheen Jafargholi - who found fame on ITV's Britain's Got Talent show with the Michael Jackson hit 'Who's loving you' - will join the stellar line up to honour golf's most prestigious event and welcome both the European and United States Teams to his homeland.

Ryder Cup Europe will make history as they deliver The 2010 Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event to be held in Wales, with a massive, global TV audience. Golf's greatest team event is staged every two years, alternating between venues in Europe and the United States. This is the first time The Ryder Cup has been held in Wales and the tournament will take place at The Celtic Manor Resort in the City of Newport from October 1-3, 2010, showcasing the nation to a truly global audience.

Tickets for the Welcome to Wales event at the Millennium Stadium are available now from the following outlets

Millennium Stadium Box Office 08442 777 888
www.ticketmaster.co.uk <http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/120044D2DE655AB3> / www.seetickets.co.uk <http://www.seetickets.com/?c=482941>

Ticket prices:
£25 Standard,
£40 Limited premium seats,
£60 Family ticket,
£15 under 16's

£5 from each ticket sale will be donated to charity

Dylan Thomas Centre to become creative world hub

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea's world-famous Dylan Thomas Centre could be transformed into a 21st Century hub for culture, creative industries, education and enterprise.

Swansea Council is looking to join forces with the University of Wales and Swansea Metropolitan University in an exciting joint venture that will make the most of the venue.

Plans would see the retention of the Dylan Thomas exhibition and literature programme as well as the introduction of several new features and services at the centre.

Some of the new features could include an improvement of the existing exhibition with the addition of interpretation about other iconic Swansea Bay-related figures.

The centre could also become home to the University of Wales Dylan Thomas Prize- the world's biggest literature prize for young published authors- as well as the Sony Reader Prize- a new UK prize sponsored by Sony in partnership with the Dylan Thomas Prize that's aimed at young unpublished writers.

Swansea Council's Cabinet is being asked to enter in principle into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Wales and Swansea Metropolitan University that would be agreed in fine detail later this year.

Other ideas that could be realised include the accommodation of dedicated business incubation space at the Dylan Thomas Centre for creative industries.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "This is an exciting plan that would build on the tremendous success story of the Dylan Thomas Centre.

"The exhibition and literature festival are major attractions. This initiative would make the most of what we already have and would give the University of Wales and Swansea Metropolitan University another base in the city centre.

"Plans would not only see the existing exhibition conserved and improved but could also include the accommodation of cutting-edge, creative industries at a time when we're looking to keep as many talented graduates as possible in the Swansea area.

"We're delighted to be working in close partnership with the University of Wales and Swansea Metropolitan University. Agreeing the Memorandum of Understanding in principle means we can further explore ideas to generate a 21st Century hub of culture, academia and business at the Dylan Thomas Centre while saving Swansea taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds in the long-term."

Professor David Warner, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea Metropolitan University, said: "These discussions are at a very early stage and there is much work to do by both the University of Wales and Swansea Metropolitan University before anything is finalised.

"Needless to say, this opportunity could offer us the chance to enhance our city centre presence in a wonderful building and would no doubt be of benefit to both Wales-based students and the people of Swansea."

The University of Wales Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marc Clement, added: "The University of Wales sees itself as a pan-Wales institution, and is delighted to seek to develop this role further in partnership with the City of Swansea and Swansea Metropolitan University."

For information about the Dylan Thomas Centre, please visit:
www.swansea.gov.uk/dtc|

For more information about the University of Wales, please visit
http://www.wales.ac.uk/|

New Wales Travel website!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new website, www.traveltrade.visitwales.com, has gone live and it looks pretty good!

It is aimed for the Leisure Travel Trade and Business Tourism sectors and combines all the existing B2B websites into one dynamic well resourced website. The site also includes the events search, links to the Wales Official Tourist Guides Association website, golf clubs around Wales, regional convention bureaux and other key national and regional contacts.

It is designed to be a tool for companies worldwide to plan their clients’ trips to Wales. Enjoy!

New International Business Studies degree launched

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Glamorgan Business School is to launch a new top-up degree in International Business Studies starting in February 2011.

This is an exciting opportunity for students with an HND, or equivalent, qualification looking to commence studies in early 2011 rather than waiting until the traditional September start date. This course will focus on a number of essential areas within international business such as the concept of a global business, how different cultures can influence businesses and the impact of this on communications. Alongside these core business areas such as research, strategy and how to manage and develop the capability of the organisations will also be explored. Additionally students will benefit from an opportunity to select an option module from a wide range of subject areas such as marketing, enterprise, accounting and human resource management.

To find out more about this course please visit the BA (Hons) International Business Studies (Top-up) page.

Gold medals for Wales!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We're celebrating this week as some of our Welsh sportswomen bring home medals from various events around the world.

Jade Jones won Great Britain’s first gold in the women's-55kg taekwondo category at the Youth Olympics in Singapore. The 17 year old grew up in Flintshire and is now looking forward to the 2012 Olympics.

Ellie Simmonds won a 2^nd Gold at the Paralympic World Swimming Championships for her 50m freestyle. She also broke her own world record with a new time of 5m 27.64 secs.

And hoping for more medals, Wales have announced their boxing team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. On announcing the team, Coach Tony Williams said: "We did really well in Melbourne and these boxers have a lot to live up to. Boxing has a rich heritage in Wales and at the Commonwealth Games and has consistently delivered medals" Read details of the team at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/8831275.stm

Corus invests £185m in Port Talbot steelworks

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Europe's second largest steel producer Corus announced yesterday that they are to invest £185 million in their Port Talbot steelworks. The investment will increase capacity of the two blast furnaces by up to 400,000 tonnes per year. The news was welcomed by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Wales.

The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said:

"I am delighted to hear that Corus are making this major investment in Port Talbot which has a long, proud history of steel making and is a vote of confidence in the productivity of both the management and the workforce.

"This move will make Wales a leader in sustainable steel production and shows a long-term commitment to the future of the Steelworks.

"This news shows we can compete with the rest of the world when it comes to manufacturing and that steel will remain an important sector for Wales for many years to come."

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy Ieuan Wyn Jones said:

"This decision is a major boost for Port Talbot and the Welsh economy.

"Despite the current economic challenges we face, this investment shows Corus' confidence in Wales and the skills of the staff at Port Talbot who have worked tirelessly over recent years to make this site more efficient, more productive and able to compete.

"This new investment also shows that the Welsh Assembly Government was right to support and work closely with Corus during the tough times to give Port Talbot a strong future.

"Corus is an important anchor company in Wales and we are pleased that it will continue to play a vital role as we implement our plans for economic renewal."

Top amateur boxers pick Cardiff for 2012 training

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) has decided to hold its final 'Road to London' preparation training camp in Cardiff

The camp will be based at Cardiff University's Talybont Campus, which has been included in the London Olympic Games Organising Committee (LOCOG) Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.

Over 100 selected boxers and coaches from emerging nations throughout all Road to London preliminary training camp programmes will be based at the University for up to 20 days leading into the Games. For example, before the AIBA World Championships Milan 2009, a total of 94 boxers and 25 coaches from 66 countries took part in the Road to Milan program held in the city of Assisi, Italy.

AIBA's decision is the result of a partnership approach between the Welsh Assembly Government, Welsh Amateur Boxing Association (WABA) and Cardiff University and a reflection of the range and quality of international standard sporting facilities in the capital and the quality of people and services available to visiting teams. The camp will bring economic, educational and cultural benefits to Wales as well as provide a tremendous sporting legacy opportunity for Welsh Amateur Boxing.

Assembly Government Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

"AIBA's decision is a tremendous result for Wales and for Welsh Amateur Boxing. Having Olympic boxers and coaches making final 2012 preparations in Cardiff will be inspirational for people associated with the sport in Wales. We are also delighted that Cardiff will provide the opportunity for AIBA to conduct various seminars for coaches, referees and judges from around the world."

In addition to the L2012 preparation camp which will take place immediately before the Games, AIBA is also looking to stage a Pre-Olympic Qualifying Event training camp in Cardiff in January 2012 and coaching, refereeing and judging seminars.

"AIBA is proud to support boxers and coaches from emerging countries around the world leading up to London," said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

"We provide funding for their travel, accommodation and board, hoping to give the boxers training and opportunities that they could not afford otherwise including all expenses of their participation in the major Championships. As we have seen in past editions of the 'Road to' programs, it is very successful in developing boxers."

Seb Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Organising Committee, said:

"This is great news for Cardiff and Wales. Cardiff will be a great training and acclimatisation base for these emerging boxing nations to make their final preparations prior to one of the most important competitions in their sporting careers. Hosting this camp will bring great benefits to the city such as an economic boost and the chance to develop sporting and cultural links. It is a great way for Cardiff to feel real benefits of the London 2012 Olympic Games and to get involved!"

WABA representative, David Francis, said:

"Welsh Amateur Boxing Association representation within AIBA is stronger than it has ever been, and we are pleased that the President of AIBA has the confidence in the WABA to stage this, as it is the biggest training event in the Olympic cycle. The support that we have had from WAG, Sport Wales and Cardiff University has been monumental."

Stuart Vanstone, Head of Sport at Cardiff University, said:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the University to work with elite sports men and women from around the world. We have been working extensively with the Assembly Government and the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association in producing the proposal and we are delighted that AIBA have chosen Cardiff as their training base for 2012 preparations. The AIBA training camp is in addition to the Australian Paralympic training camp that we are hosting at the University and will ensure that we are firmly engaged in the Olympic and Paralympic movement ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Legacy programs and associated benefits are being developed to ensure that we maximise the potential of our association with AIBA"

Talking Pictures

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Photographs of creative people inspired by Wales or carrying the DNA of Wales will be unveiled in Cardiff, London, New York and Los Angeles over the coming months. And the exhibition promises some surprising pictures as well as some firm favourites.

The subjects have been chosen and photographed by Llanidloes - born celebrity photographer Cambridge Jones. Jones’ portraits are direct, bold and often playful. He says, "I shoot celebrities as people rather than people as celebrities. I like my portraits to be honest without any veneer. I want a visual connection between the viewer and the subject, often jumping out of the frame. I am pleased when they walk out of a session an hour or so later and comment that they don't feel they have been photographed. It’s almost incidental that the encounter involved a camera."

But Jones wanted more than just two-dimensional images of some of Wales’s greatest stars. During each photo shoot, Jones asked each celebrity who most inspired them. Their answers accompany each of the portraits as a personal soundtrack giving the audience a unique insight into each of the celebrity’s lives. For the actor Michael Sheen, surprisingly, it was the controversial and often stinging critic, Kenneth Tynan, who inspired him. The music of Gilbert and Sullivan was an early influence on Damian Lewis - dashing star of Band of Brothers - and Terry Jones says he was inspired by going to the Esher Embassy and watching Danny Kaye "being silly".

The subjects of Talking Pictures span many generations. The elegant young designer Emma Griffiths, who looks stunning in her monochrome outfit, says that her idol was Alexander McQueen. She adds, "Ironically, I worked for him later on and it was a little bit surreal". The celebrated author Jan Morris is photographed with her equally gifted son the chaired bard Twm Morys.

Cambridge Jones has been described as ‘Britain’s answer to Annie Leibovitz’ and he is flattered with the comparison but in his own audio piece accompanying the exhibit he explains that his process is "actually very different". David Bailey was the greatest influence for Cambridge and he talks about Bailey and the secrets of the photography process in his recording.

All the people chosen by Cambridge to take part have been nurtured by Wales in some way and the exhibition celebrates the pride they have in their Welsh connections. From the Italian-born Welsh-speaking conductor Carlo Rizzi who took the Welsh National Opera into their new home in the Wales Millennium Centre, to the Carmarthen-born actor Sian Phillips who says, ’I've travelled the world but my "heaven on earth" will always be the Black Mountain’.

Talking Pictures has been produced in association with the Welsh Assembly Government. First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones AM, said: ‘The Welsh Assembly Government is very proud to have supported Cambridge Jones and his exhibition from its inception through to its completion. It is important that Wales recognises and celebrates the amazing talent that our small country produces and we are grateful to all the participants for their help in our continuing efforts to raise the profile of Wales both home and abroad.’

For exhibition venues and dates visit our Talking Pictures pages

Welsh international sporting successes

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh athletes to appear in first ever youth Olympic Games

A gymnast and a boxer will be among five Welsh athletes flying the flag for Wales at the first Youth Olympic Games next week.

Singapore will play host to the inaugural event (14 – 26 August) which will feature some 5,000 athletes and officials from the 205 National Olympic Committees.

A group of 40 young British athletes, aged 14-18, from 16 Olympic sports will participate in a competition schedule which includes all 26 sports on the London 2012 Olympic Programme, five of which will be up and coming Welsh talent.

Flintshire Taekwondo star 16 year-old Jade Jones, 18 year-old triathlete Eli Thorogood from Aberystwyth and Llanelli’s Zak Davies, also 18, will be joined by 17 year-old show jumper Carian Scudamore and youngest member of the Welsh contingent 14 year-old gymnast Jessica Hogg.

For more information on the Singapore Youth Olympics visit their website http://www.syog2010.mobi/public/sg2010/en.html

Welsh students take rugby stateside

Welsh students, determined to bring their passion for rugby to the US, are heading to Harlem in New York.

Rugby USA’s East Harlem Outreach Programme has recruited four students from the University of Glamorgan to help encourage the sport in New York’s schools and organised festivals and championships.

Tom Hatfield, Chris Day, Gareth Redding and Andrew Fern have all been in the US promoting the sport. They developed a new high school Sevens programme for elementary and middle schools and taken part in evaluating local rugby coaches.

Mark Griffin, chief executive of Play Rugby USA said: "The guys have been outstanding. Their knowledge of the variant game and how to coach skills are top class".

Two other students, Ben Cullen and Jamie Pincott have gone to the state of Indiana and won praise for their skill and spirit.

It is hoped greater numbers of Glamorgan students will be able to spend time across the Atlantic in future years.

Ladies Championship of Europe comes to north Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s only a few weeks to go until The Ryder Cup comes to the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales and we’re gearing up for the tournament by hosting another prestigious golf event - The Ladies European Tour.

This competition will bring ladies' professional golf to Conwy, north Wales when Europe's finest lady golfers, including North Wales' own Becky Brewerton compete in this prestigious event.

The event takes place from Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 August 2010 at Conwy Golf Club. The course is rated as one of the top links around – and among the toughest, especially the final three holes which always play a big part in every tournament.

It has hosted Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance in the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open, many of the best European professionals in the final Open Championship qualifying event and top amateurs in the European Amateur Team Championships.

For more information, visit the Ladies European Tour website or Conwy Golf Club website.

Chance for Wales to power ahead on tidal energy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales could at last be taking the lead when it comes to renewable energy thanks to the go- ahead for trials of an undersea tidal power scheme off Pembrokeshire.

The pioneering technology for harnessing the vast energy in our reliable-as-clockwork tides has been dreamed up and produced in Wales. Marine engineer Richard Ayre came up with the idea then developed it at his base in Little Haven, Pembrokeshire, west Wales.

The scheme is a perfect example of how green energy can benefit both the global environment and our domestic economy. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, like solar and wind, the sub-sea DeltaStream turbines are powered by an entirely predictable natural resource.

And the technology is virtually invisible with work having been done to minimise harm to the marine environment.

It is also easy to install, having the ability to be put in place from a specially adapted barge.

And even in the prototype test, which will last 12 months, people in St Davids will get a reliable supply of green energy.

If the project gets off the ground as expected, many thousands more will have clean power entering their homes.

It would be one of the world’s biggest and most difficult engineering projects.

Tour of Britain stage to be held in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 9 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British Road Race Champion and Olympic gold medallist, Geraint Thomas has said he is looking forward to competing in his home country in The Tour of Britain. It is the first time the event has visited Wales, since 2004.

The Welsh stage is 150km long and runs from Newtown to Swansea. Constitution Hill, Swansea, will be the steepest section of the entire tour.

A group of local schoolchildren will lead the peloton out to start the race at around 10.30 on Monday, 13 September.

Geraint Thomas said "It’s great to be able to compete in a top quality competition in my own country and I’m really looking forward to this challenging stage… Hosting this stage is great news for Welsh cycling fans to be able to see some top quality competitors, and for cycling fans in general to see this great country. Hopefully this event will also inspire more young people in Wales to take up cycling."

Geraint, who recently returned from a successful second Tour de France, will compete as part of strong Team Sky that also includes fellow Olympian, Bradley Wiggins.

Commenting on the Welsh stage, Tour of Britain technical director, Mick Bennett said "I’m delighted to bring The Tour back to Wales, particularly in a year which has seen a Welsh cyclist, Geraint Thomas, enjoy so much success. We’ve created a very tough stage, with the two hardest climbs of the entire Tour coming in the final 50 kilometres. Knowing the reputation of Constitution Hill in Swansea, I am sure cycling fans will flock from all over to see riders tackle the cobbled climb, which will prove decisive in who wins in Swansea."

The 2010 Tour of Britain will start in the north west of England on Saturday 11 September and finish in London the following weekend, on Saturday 18 September.

100 of the world’s top cyclists from 17 top professional international teams will take on the challenge of The Tour of Britain in 2010, with a route designed to deliver a worthy overall winner to join the ranks of previous yellow jerseys such as Edvald Boasson Hagen, Geoffroy Lequatre, Romain Feillu and Nick Nuyens.

Welsh International health conference

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 5 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An International Conference on managing chronic conditions; prevention, delivery and developing sustainable solutions to help people with such conditions live more independent lives will be taking place on the 10^th & 11^th November at City Hall, Cardiff.

Approaches in Wales in recent years to improving Chronic Conditions Management has shown positive and consistent improvements to patient care, particularly reducing emergency medical admissions and length of stay. The Conference, ‘Embracing the challenges – changing conditions’, will provide a forum to share expertise further, showcase learning and acknowledge progress.

The event will provide a unique opportunity to take stock of international developments to date, inform next steps and identify opportunities for improving chronic conditions management and public health. Leading experts from across the world will be providing keynote presentations and supporting workshops across a range of topics providing invaluable insights and expertise.

For further information, a conference brochure and a booking form, please contact Henry Vaile at henry.vaile@wales.gsi.gov.uk

'Let Paul Robeson Sing!’ at National Eisteddfod

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 4 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea University launched a new learning resource about Paul Robeson, the world renowned singer, actor and civil rights activist, and his links with Wales at the National Eisteddfod yesterday.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, launched the resource, with special guest Susan Robeson, the granddaughter of Paul Robeson.

The Minster said:

"I am delighted to be launching this important resource and it is an honour to welcome Susan to the Eisteddfod. Paul Robeson enjoyed a unique relationship with the people of Wales and this initiative by Swansea University will enable everyone to discover more about this inspirational man."

Paul Robeson, one of the foremost African-Americans of the twentieth century, was a special guest of the National Eisteddfod the last time it was in Ebbw Vale, in 1958. At that event, Robeson spoke of his love for Wales and its people, saying "You have shaped my life - I have learned from you."

The bilingual learning resource has been developed by the South Wales Miners Library, Swansea University with the financial support of the Welsh Assembly Government and will be part of the new online People's Collection Wales.

Sian Williams, the Librarian of the South Wales Miners Library said,

"The resource highlights Paul Robeson's enduring links with Wales. It is based on the successful touring exhibition 'Let Paul Robeson Sing!' which is now part of the South Wales Coalfield Collection at the South Wales Miners Library."

Paul's granddaughter Susan Robeson will be on the Swansea University stand at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale every day between 11am and 1pm.

Sian Williams said

"Susan Robeson is keen to meet anyone who remembers her grandfather or has any photographs or other memorabilia they would like to share. As Paul Robeson touched the lives of so many people in Wales, we will be recording people's memories of him and making copies of memorabilia so we can add them to the 'Let Paul Robeson Sing!' online learning resource."

‘Son et lumiere’ show comes to Caerphilly

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 4 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

illuminata, a digital sound and light spectacular, will be held at Caerphilly Castle, south Wales on 26 September to 8 October 2010.

Organized and performed by projection artist Ross Ashton, illuminata is a ‘son et lumiere’ style show that will be projected on to the dramatic walls of Caerphilly Castle. A variety of performances will precede each illuminata show, such as Cauldrons and Furnaces schools project and Fire and Drums. There are also banquets each night between 30 September and 3 October, with a range of entertainment such as Welsh music and films, and a one-night-only rock group concert on 7 October.

For more information and to book tickets visit http://www.cadwevents.co.uk/events/illuminata-2010

Australia puts Wales in top ten

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 4 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interesting article in The Australian giving their top ten best free things to do in the UK including Wales’ Millennium Centre and our Big Weekend Festival.

Read the article at http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/world/gallery-fn30267p-1225897572398?page=10

Wales' Becky Brewerton hits hole in one

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 4 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales' Becky Brewerton has recorded her first ever hole in one during the 2010 Ricoh Women's British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

The two-time Ladies European Tour tournament champion aced the par three 12th hole using a five-iron during the third round.

Read more at http://host2.ladieseuropeantour.com/~ladies/content/let_article_item.php?Id=27723

Welsh company wins innovation gold

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SmartKem Ltd, a participating company of the University of Wales Global Academy Prince of Wales Innovation Scholarship (POWIS) scheme has won Gold at The Inaugural Best of British Innovation Award at Venturefest 2010.

SmartKem Ltd, develops novel materials and processes that create high resolution microelectronic components directly onto thin flexible materials. This prestigious award recognises SmartKem as one of the year's most exciting technology businesses for its innovative new printed electronics solution.

The Best of British Innovation 2010 Award is part of Venturefest's annual technology showcase which identifies three of the most exciting new technology businesses in the United Kingdom and showcases them to the country's foremost investors, innovators and entrepreneurs. Displaying some of the most progressive new science companies in the country, Venturefest 2010 prompts investment in UK's high technology economy. The Innovation Showcase exhibition judging panel selected SmartKem from a shortlist of nnovative start-ups in the UK during 2010.

Based in Denbighshire, Wales, SmartKem is a new high technology enterprise delivering and generating a novel range of organic semiconductor molecules compatible with printed electronic processes. The company is also developing a high precision laser process for the fabrication of its materials into small microelectronic devices such as transistors and sensors.

Steve Kelly, CEO SmartKem, comments:

"We are delighted that SmartKem has been recognised as the most exciting new technology business of 2010. Winning this coveted award will help to boost our profile in the printed electronics market and provide us with great exposure for further equity fundraising. We are still in early stage research and development and are thrilled to be awarded for positive advancements in printed and flexible electronics."

Richie Turner, Deputy Director of the Global Academy added:

"The winning of this award for SmartKem Ltd. is not only a clear endorsement of their hugely innovative technologies but is also a clear endorsement of the quality of innovative companies that have chosen to work with the University of Wales's Prince of Wales Innovation Scholarships programme. "

POWIS is a leading edge £11.4million initiative bringing the private sector in Wales together with higher education and bright young graduates from across the globe. Currently SmartKem is benefitting from the vast experience of POWIS scholar, Dr Robert Holmes, who will be working within the company for a three-year period. The company not only receives research and development support, but they also receive access to numerous other benefits like the innovation and entrepreneurship residential programmes run by the University of Wales Global Academy and courses run by some of the worldâ€™s leading thinkers such as the MIT Sloan School. Every POWIS company or scholar is also part of the Global Academy innovation network which provides free membership to the MIT Industrial Liaison Program, a valuable resource for businesses which normally costs $60k per annum.

http://www.wales.ac.uk/en/NewsandEvents/News/GlobalAcademy/POWISPartnerCompanyStrikesInnovationGold.aspx

Welsh school stars in international film

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Teachers and pupils from Ysgol Llanllechid in North Wales are starring in a new film alongside poet and novelist Benjamin Zephaniah, as part of their involvement in an education initiative to widen young people's knowledge of development issues.

The film, which was launched last month, will be distributed to schools around the world and focuses on Llanllechid's six year long partnership with Mavisville Preparatory School in Jamaica, which has been established through the government's Global School Partnerships programme. Ysgol Llanllechid was selected from more than 2,500 schools involved in the programme across the UK to star in the film, which aims to inspire and help more schools around the world to develop similar links.

Zephaniah wrote and performed a poem entitled "We go Global" for the film and has shown his support for the work that Ysgol Llanllechid and the other schools featured are doing. Zephaniah said: "Global School Partnerships can break down barriers and build links from nation to nation, helping to create communication and connections and a more positive future for young people."

Gwenan Davies Jones, Head of Llanllechid said: "We are so delighted that the British Council has produced this DVD because there is a call for it as we have recognised by mentoring several schools in the area. The whole essence of global education and partnerships is sharing and we have tried to share resources such as our own videos to inspire others in the region for several years. But to be selected to feature in a DVD with worldwide distribution is something else entirely it's simply terrific."

The Global School Partnerships programme is funded by UKaid from the Department for International Development and delivered by a consortium of the British Council, Cambridge Education Foundation, UKOWLA and VSO. Through the programme, teachers and students across the UK can work on joint projects with partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, with the aim of developing young people's commitment to a fairer, more sustainable world.

Miss Gloria Anderson, Head of Mavisville in Jamaica visited Ysgol Llanllechid last month, along with a few of her teachers to continue to develop joint curricular projects.

She said "It's always important for children to understand that they are part of a global world and when they are part of interaction between schools they become aware of similarities and differences and it develops a tolerance that is sometimes sadly lacking in the world."

Watch a clip from the film here.

Welsh Gold and Silver at European Championships

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 2 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh pair Dai Greene and Rhys Williams secured a one-two finish for Britain in the men's 400m hurdles final at the European Championships in Barcelona.

Greene, 24, won in a time of 48.12 seconds, with Williams taking silver in a personal best time of 48.96.

"There was a lot of expectation and there is no better feeling to deliver on the day," said Greene.

Greene powered to a commanding victory in 48.12 seconds, lowering his own leading time in Europe this year with a new personal best.

"It felt pressurised being the favourite tonight but the pressure helped me to focus and go faster," he said. "I didn't have any other objective than to win the gold medal and I'm very pleased to have secured a personal best at the same time."

Williams the son of former Wales rugby winger JJ Williams, survived misjudging the final hurdle to claim silver in 48.96 sec, also a new personal best.

History of Wales website launches at Eisteddfod

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 2 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

People’s Collection Wales / Casgliad y Werin Cymru, a brand new site that uses pioneering technology to tell the story of Wales has been launched Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

The People’s Collection Wales is a contemporary, interactive and bilingual online experience dedicated to the history of Wales and its people. It is a rich cultural and social treasure trove that charts the human story of Wales with an archive of reminiscences, photographs, video and audio for future generations. These include film from the middle of the last century of the Ebbw Vale Steelworks, the site of the National Eisteddfod, along with the history of the Gorsedd, its ceremonies and regalia, including images, video and audio clips of interviews with Bards, and even 3D photographs of medals awarded in 1789.

The site brings the story to life using GPS technology that allows the viewer to travel over the landscape of Wales and travel back and forth in time, while viewing artefacts in 3D. And the free site will build over time as contributions create people’s own personal collections.

The People’s Collection Wales is a Welsh Assembly Government One Wales initiative that celebrates Wales’ rich cultural and social heritage. It has been wholeheartedly welcomed by a number of well known Welsh faces including Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys, who describes People’s Collection Wales as "a fantastic idea for many reasons, where I can find the places I grew up with", international harpist Catrin Finch, Gavin and Stacey actor Steffan Rhodri, British Lion Stephen Jones, broadcaster Eddie Butler who claims "it will reinvigorate the spirit of independent Wales", and celebrated Welsh chef Bryn Williams of Odette’s, who will use the site to "discover information about Welsh ingredients and the history of Welsh cooking".

Alun Ffred Jones said: "This is a proud moment launching a website that truly encapsulates the social history of Wales that is written by its people. Many of us are aware of the key events in Welsh history, but you only truly feel that connection with the past when it is told by its communities. That is what People’s Collection Wales has achieved. It will widen the understanding of our cultural heritage.

"As well as launching the site to the world, we also invite further contributions and material from the people of Wales both at home and across the world to ensure the site evolves as time goes on."

Archive material has been drawn from a number of sources including Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, the National Library of Wales, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, and a number of individuals across Wales have already come forward with archive material. As well as being of interest to the people of Wales, it will prove a valuable tool for the tourism industry in Wales, and as a source of learning for schools and colleges.

Mr Jones added: "People’s Collection gives a great boost to the tourism industry in Wales, allowing visitors to get a real feel for the country they will visit, and to access information and stories relevant to the site they are visiting through their mobile phones".

The advanced technology- lead by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales- allows people to pick up the site on their mobile phones, and contribute to the site from remote locations by uploading images or information for all to see.

The site has been developed by Welsh company Sequence in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, led by programme manager Rheinallt Jones, with the involvement of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, the National Library of Wales, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, the BBC and Llafur: The Welsh People’s History Society.

www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk

UWIC holds special graduation ceremonies in Brunei

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) held graduation ceremonies in Brunei at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam last week.

Award ceremonies were held over two days for almost 100 successful Bruneian students who have studied at UWIC, in the presence of Rob Fenn, British High Commissioner and Pehin Abdul Rahman Taib, former Minister of Education, who was made an Honorary Fellow of UWIC.

As well as these esteemed guests, the Vice-Chancellor of UWIC, Professor Antony Chapman, was also joined by other honoured guests and over 400 family and friends of the graduates at the Universiti of Brunei Darussalam for the award ceremony.

Rob Fenn, Brunei High Commissioner said: "It's wonderful to be here celebrating the success of so many Bruneian students. UWIC is a class act and is exceptional in the way that it looks after the welfare of these students.

I'm very proud to be here and very proud of what UWIC does for Britain in its relationship with Brunei."

John Phillips, Dean of International Students at UWIC and also Chair of the British Universities Brunei Association, said: "This event is held every two years in Brunei and allows each successful graduate to invite a large number of family and friends. Having worked so hard, our Bruneian graduates really deserve this opportunity to enjoy their moment at this ceremony in Brunei in addition to the ceremonies held in Cardiff.

"The University values its relationship with Brunei and is proud that the success of this year's student cohort was honoured by the attendance of Pehin Abdul Rahman Taib, former Minister of Education and that he was made an Honorary Fellow of the university the highest honour that UWIC can bestow.

"The graduating students are absolutely delighted - we had an audience of more than 400 family and friends for whom it was a very special day."

Nur Azimah Zaili, a graduating student in the field of Health and Social Care, who thanked everyone involved in the success of all the students, said: "UWIC is a very welcoming university and I have found all the staff to be very supportive. Cardiff is an ideal city for Bruneians - I was very happy there. I am very pleased to be receiving my academic award from Professor Antony Chapman, UWIC's Vice-Chancellor; it is a wonderful day for my family to celebrate my success."

Find out more at http://www3.uwic.ac.uk/English/News/Pages/UWIC-holds-special-graduation-ceremonies-in-Brunei.aspx

What are you doing this weekend?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We thought we’d write a quick piece on some of the great events that Wales has got going on over the weekend…..

Saturday sees the start of the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Ebbw Vale. The Eisteddfod is one of Wales’ biggest festivals with an eclectic mix of Welsh culture, music, visual arts and a celebration of the Welsh language. This year sees performances by Only Men Aloud and newly formed Only Boys Aloud.

Cardiff Festival continues this weekend with the opening of Calendar Girls at the Wales Millennium Centre starring Denise Black, Jean Boht, Jennifer Ellison, Julia Hills, Rachel Lumberg, Ruth Madoc and Elaine C Smith. For ticket information call 08700 40 2000.

Also part of Cardiff Festival is the Admiral Big Weekend, a huge fun fair and live music event in the centre of Wales’ capital. This year’s festival sees home grown and top international artists playing on the FREE live music stage over 3 days.

The North Wales Boat Show starts tomorrow with over a hundred local and international companies and organisations exhibiting. The three day event takes place at the Vaynol Estate in Bangor with lots of attractions and watersports to try.

And the final of the Welsh International Super Cup takes place this weekend in Aberystwyth. Now in its 26^th year, teams from around the world will be heading to mid Wales for the tournament, which always attract many Premiership football scouts in the search for the future stars of the game.

Enjoy!

New Ryder Cup pages

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Check out our new Ryder Cup pages at www.wales.com/rydercup with lots of information on the upcoming tournament at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, south Wales

Welsh university is a winner in motor sport

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea Metropolitan University's Formula Student Team have yet again proved themselves to be one of the best motorsport teams in the world, having confirmed themselves as best in Wales, top three in the UK and, even more impressively, top twelve in the world, after the 2010 Formula Student competition at Silverstone.

Formula Student, the biggest student motorsport competition in the world, promotes careers and excellence in engineering, by challenging students to design, build, develop, market and compete as a team with a small single seater racing car. It blends academic work and learning with the development of practical engineering skills.

This year's international competition saw approximately one hundred university teams from across the world converge onto the famous home of British motorsport, Silverstone. Each competition car was rigorously tested in areas such as endurance, speed and business viability.

It is the third year in a row that Swansea Met has finished in or around the world's top ten. Swansea Met also maintained its long-standing position as the top Welsh team and, for the third year in a row, secured its place in the UK top three. In addition, in one of the most competitive categories, acceleration, the team were best in the UK and seventh in the world.

Motorsport engineering and design student, Gareth Wyn Jones, from Llanfyllin, Powys, said: "We are really pleased with the result. It's fantastic that we, as undergraduates from Swansea Met with a relatively small budget and small team, can compete with large budget, big teams from across the world. The dedicated team members, who put in huge hours of work, can be proud of this respectable position.

"The team would like to thank our Faculty Advisor, Malcolm McDonald, for his guidance, technical support and motivation. Without his help and good nature the result obtained would be impossible. We would also like to thank Swansea Metropolitan University and the members of staff that have made it possible to create the 2010 car. This fantastic result is testament to the fact that people with a variety of different backgrounds from around the world can come together and achieve something against the odds.

"We are all grateful for the generosity of our sponsors. There have been many individual companies who have helped us this year and we hope they enjoy this success."

The event is the biggest of its kind in the world and is sponsored by big names in the automotive field such as Shell, National Instruments and the IET.

The speed of a Formula Student car is parallel to that of a super car, with a 0-60 speed of 3.5 seconds, and is produced at a cost of £15,000. The production of this car was partly achieved with kind sponsorship from a number of national and international companies.

Faculty Advisor, Malcolm McDonald said: â"Of the frontrunners in this competition, Swansea Met is probably the only all undergraduate team, with many other institutions including postgraduate and research students. The Swansea Met team is totally responsible for the design and engineering of the car and the results this year, and in previous years, clearly show that Swansea Met is punching above its weight in comparison with its high budget, international competitors. This is a huge result for the guys and their world ranking does justice to the time and effort they have given."

Swansea Met Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Warner, added: "Swansea Metropolitan University is very proud of the design, mechanical and management skills of its motorsport students. Some of the money used by the team is for widening participation and many of our students have come through the foundation degree and HND routes before undertaking their degrees."

Chinese Boxing Federation comes to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Chinese Boxing Federation are in Wales this week for the Night of Champions event between Wales, Sweden, US, Ireland and China. The event is being held in the Cardiff International Arena from tomorrow (29 July) until Saturday.

Find out more about the event at http://www.wbcnightofchampions.com/

Did you know we have a dedicated Chinese language site with lots of information about Welsh and Chinese links? Visit it at www.wales.cn

Welsh expertise renovates historic Mangi Bridge

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Newport based Cintec is working against time to renovate the historic Mangi Bridge in the heart of Delhi to ensure it provides a fitting gateway to the Commonwealth Games.

The nine-arched stone bridge, which connects Salimgarh Fort and the famous Red Fort, in the city centre needs to be structurally strengthened and visually enhanced. It spans the main arterial roads into the city and will form the main entrance to the Games when they open in October.

The contract for the Mangi Bridge is the largest and most prestigious that Cintec has undertaken in India to date, although the company is in negotiations regarding a number of other major contracts.

Cintec has built up a worldwide reputation for its unique anchoring systems used to strengthen and preserve ancient and historically important buildings and bridges around the globe.

The metal anchoring system is installed entirely within the fabric of the structure, leaving no visible change to the outward appearance, making it particularly appropriate for use on heritage structures.

Consignments of specially formulated micro-concrete weighing nearly 10 tonnes, plus the tailor-made anchor bars, have been flown out to Delhi for Cintec's latest project and work began on the weekend under the watchful eye of the Indian Archaeological Society.

"It really is quite an undertaking given the time constraints and the fact that much of the work has to be undertaken while the roads are open to traffic and temperatures are touching 38 degrees out there at the moment," said Cintec Managing Director Peter James.

"The bridge is in need of a considerable makeover to enhance its visual appearance as well as structural strengthening and we're working flat out to ensure it's ready by mid September."

Archtec is a system developed by Cintec specifically for strengthening stone arched bridges to date the company has monitored and analysed 420 bridges worldwide, of which it has strengthened 200.

Cintec has carried out work to numerous archaeological treasures around the world including famous temples.

The company is keen to undertake similar projects in India and met the country's Culture Minister during a trade mission led by Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport.

Ieuan Wyn Jones congratulated the company on winning the contract:

"It's great news to hear that a Welsh company with a worldwide reputation for its highly innovative work is carrying out such a high profile project.

I understand that it has received considerable coverage in the Indian press which is helping to raise the profile of Wales internationally."

Peter James added that he discussed bridge strengthening techniques when he met Prince Charles in Cardiff several years ago and the Prince will pass under the strengthened Mangi bridge on his way to open the Commonwealth Games.

Cintec technology is also used to strengthen buildings against seismic shocks from earthquakes as well as potential terrorism attacks. In 2002 the company won the Queen's Award for innovation for its masonry strengthening technology.

The company's head office is in Newport where it develops and manufactures its specialist systems and it has offices in the USA, Canada and India.

International student observes Welsh Assembly

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interesting blog on the British Council website from a student on the Professional International Networking Programme at the Welsh Assembly.

Read his perception of Wales' government at http://blog.britishcouncil.org/2010/06/an-international-student-sits-in-on-the-welsh-assembly/

Visit the Valleys this Summer

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With a whole host of fantastic Summer festivals and events lined up, The Valleys is definitely the place to spend the sunny weeks ahead. So whether it’s open air activities, food, music or a bit of culture that you’re into, The Valleys has something to entertain everyone…

The Eisteddfod

The biggest festival of them all, the 2010 National Eisteddfod will be held in Ebbw Vale from 31 July to 7 August, with an eclectic mixture of culture, visual arts, poetry, dance, literature and activities for all ages across the week. As the focal point for The Valleys’ summer for locals and tourists alike and with the opening concert with Only Men Aloud and the newly formed Only Boys Aloud it couldn’t get much better. Traditional Eisteddfod-goers can also take the opportunity to visit the wider area and learn a bit about an area less-visited by the Eisteddfod in recent times.

After the festival leaves town the Eisteddod’s Pink Pavillion is being put to excellent use with a Will Young concert at on August 8th. There are limited tickets still available for the concert.

Festival Frenzy

There are festivals aplenty in the Valleys this year, with a big emphasis on music. Pontardawe Festival is just one of these from August 20 – 22.

Foodies may prefer The Big Welsh Bite in Pontypridd from 30th July – August 1st a food and farming event not to be missed.

The Margam Festival (July 4th – 30th) has something for everyone, from family fun at the Aberavon Beach Festival to music, dancing and drama.

Family days out

Keeping the kids entertained has never been easier with all the events going on in the Valleys this summer. Join in a teddy bears picnic at Cwmcarn Visitor Centre (Aug 22) or opt for all-round fun at Porthcawl’s Fun in the Sun event from August 26-30th. The Blackwood Kite Night at the Bedwellty Showground on August 21st will see giant kites being flown on the eve of the Bedwellty Agricultural Show Aug 22nd.

History Hunters

The Valleys’ rich history is waiting to be discovered right across the area. Learn about the area’s industrial past during Miners’ Fortnight at Big Pit from July 24th – 30th or go back further in time at Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson by taking part in the King’s Weekend on August 7th and 8th. Combine history with music every Sunday at Big Pit during August, when there’ll be music on the patio.

Get back to nature

Despite their industrial past, the Valleys have an abundance of quiet spots where you can appreciate the beauty of the area. There are plenty of opportunities to get back to nature this summer with an evening bat walk at Cwmcarn Visitor Centre or the Wales Valleys Walking Festival right across the Valleys from Sept 4th – 19th.

Sportsmania

Sport fans have an abundance of events to choose from this summer. Enjoy the triple whammy of Triathlon with the UK Championships being held at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar on July 24th, and the The Cymer Afan Off-Road Triathlon in Port Talbot on August 7th. A day at the races provides some thing for everyone with a fun day at Ffos Las Racecourse on August 25th and Ladies Day on the 27th.

To find out more about these events or to see what else the Valleys has to offer log onto www.thevalleys.co.uk

Ryder Cup SuperDragons unleashed on Newport

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

To celebrate the Ryder Cup coming to Wales in October, the city of Newport has unleashed 50 SuperDragons on the city centre. The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport will be the venue for the 38^th Ryder Cup tournament, which takes place between 1 – 3 October this year.

The 1.5 metre tall SuperDragons have been created by Wild in Art and are decorated by local artists. They are accompanied by 49 mini dragons, decorated by primary school children. The dragons will form a trail around Newport city centre and its tourist hotspots until October when they’ll be auctioned off for charities.

Visit the facebook page to see pictures of the SuperDragons and for more information visit the Newport SuperDragons website.

Cardiff scientist awarded £1m for research

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A researcher at Cardiff University has been awarded £1.1 million to study living cells in minute detail.

Dr Paola Borri, who works in the School of Biosciences has won the grant to develop technology which will allow cell particles, not visible to the human eye, to be examined more accurately than before.

If successful, a range of biomedical and medical problems which are currently not possible to study could be looked at. This could provide more reliable information about cell membranes which could help treat diseases like Alzheimer’s, HIV and influenza.

Dr Borri was awarded the grant through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The council’s leadership awards aim to support the work of talented researchers who have the capability to become international leaders in their field.

First Minister celebrates opening of Royal Welsh

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister, Carwyn Jones was in Llanelwedd today, celebrating the opening day of Wales' biggest agricultural display, The Royal Welsh Show.

As part of a busy day of events, Mr Jones welcomed a delegation from China alongside Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales, who have set their sights on the country as a new area for the export of Welsh lamb.

The First Minister said:

"Exporting Welsh Lamb to places such as Hong Kong and Dubai already makes a valuable contribution to our economy but it would be great to see it exported further afield.

"Following their visit to the Royal Welsh, I hope our guests from the Chinese Embassy will be pleased with what they have seen during their visit and will want to make Welsh Lamb available in mainland China, one of the largest consumer markets in the world."

Mr Jones also had the opportunity to see supermarket Sainsbury's confirm its commitment to the country with the promise of the opening of two more stores here before summer 2011 creating over 400 new jobs.

Every year Sainsbury's sources over £100 million of Welsh products from 1,000 suppliers with around 300 Welsh products available at Sainsbury's stores across Britain.

The First Minister said:

"Local food sourcing is a priority for the Welsh Assembly Government and we have recently launched our Food Strategy for Wales for consultation.

"It's pleasing to hear that Sainsbury's is looking to strengthen its presence here as well as being committed to stocking Welsh produce in their stores."

Staff and students of Deeside College and Coleg Llysfasi celebrating their successful merger, were joined by the First Minister this afternoon, who offered them his congratulations.

The merged college, which will be one of the largest in Wales and the UK, will provide courses for almost 22,000 students each year.
At the event, students and staff will be exhibiting some of the land based skills on offer.

Stories from Wales Smithsonian Cymru

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Over 130 participants represented Wales at the 2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival – and some of them have written great stories about their experiences there.

Beth Thomas, Curator at St Fagans: National History Museum in Wales and Beryl Evans, Family History Co-ordinator have both written articles for CyMAL, the Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales newsletter.

The articles tell us more about their experiences of representing Welsh culture and promoting Welsh roots through Welsh Family History, as well as their experiences of the Festival as a whole.

You can view the CyMAL newsletter with their stories here.

Gareth Evans, writer and researcher in Medicine and Botany, Associate of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, has also written about his experiences at the Festival, in his article "Duke Ellington’s Eye Drops – and all that jazz".

His amusing and interesting article recounts his experiences of being part of the Plants and Medicines programme, talking about Welsh traditional medicine and traditional village healers, as well as his time spent in Washington DC during the Festival.

Read his full story below.

Mars robot tested on Welsh beach

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Clarach Bay in west Wales doubled for the surface of Mars this week when testing was carried out on a state-of-the-art robot.

The Panoramic Camera (PanCam) for the new Mars rover ‘Bridget’ is being developed by academics at nearby Aberystwyth University. The robot is due to be sent to Mars in a joint ESA/NASA ExoMars mission scheduled for 2018.

The robot, which weighs a quarter of a tonne, was able to move around rock pools and cliff faces taking pictures without any problems.

Professor David Barnes, who is co-ordinating the Aberystwyth work, said the field trials went according to plan. He said the beach was ideal for the test because the terrain is very similar to what can be expected on Mars.

He said "There were rocky outcrops, stones and a cliff face, just like there will be craters and rock outcrops on Mars when we are doing this for real".

The PanCam technology aims to provide images of the rover and its surroundings and support the movement of the rover over Martian terrain as it searches for evidence of life.

£15.8m for outdoor and adventure tourism in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly £16m of funding has been announced to create four tourism centres to provide world class facilities for outdoor and adventure activities across Wales.

The money will be used to develop centres of excellence with the highest standard of facilities that will act as a hub for encouraging more sustainable tourism centred on Wales’ natural environment.

In north Wales, more than £6m will be spent improving cycling facilities and activities capitalising "upon the area's outstanding natural beauty". In the south, an off-road cycling centre of excellence will be built and a scheme to link garden attractions.

The projects to benefit from the funding include a North Wales Cycling Activity Tourism Centre of Excellence, which includes a £2.2m plan to improve facilities across Denbighshire and Conwy. Money will also be spent improving facilities at Betws y Coed and Llyn Brenig in Conwy.

In Snowdonia, more than £4m will go towards the Eryri Centre of Excellence, which will be based across four sites. There will be an activity centre, and the mountain biking trails at Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau, will be expanded.

A downhill cycling track will be developed around the old Llechwedd Quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog, and another will link the Gwynedd village of Llanuwchllyn with the Urdd's Glan Llyn site near Bala.

Gwynedd council said it would help promote the area as a "world class outdoor activities destination".

In south Wales, more than £5m will be spent trying to create the "best all-round, purpose-built trail centre in the UK" at Afan Forest Park in Neath Port Talbot. The project will also include a "world-leading commercial bike park" in the Heads of the Valley area at Gethin Woods in Merthyr Tydfil.

Also in south Wales, more than £4.5m will go towards creating a "One Historic Garden" centre of excellence. The project hopes to improve gardens attractions in south west Wales - such as Bryngarw Country park and Colby Woodland Garden - and link them with a trail.

Super computer for research and business in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A £40m super computer project has been launched that will give businesses and universities in Wales access to the most advanced computing technology currently available.

High Performance Computing (HPC) Wales will provide computers that can handle and analyse massive amounts of data at a high speed. It will help the economy by encouraging world-class research and development and researchers have welcomed the project.

The new technology will mean that tasks that usually take months using normal computers can be done in days or even minutes. It can be used for many diverse tasks, such as facial reconstruction modelling, animated graphics, nuclear energy research, petroleum exploration, car crash simulations and airflows over aircraft wings.

The technology will give Wales a super-computing capacity and network at a scale not attempted anywhere else in the UK or Europe, which will help the country's economy and business competitiveness.

The main computer hubs for HPC Wales will be in Cardiff and Swansea, with links to Aberystwyth, Bangor and Glamorgan universities, along with University of Wales Alliance Universities and Technium business innovation centres around Wales.

More than 100 innovation collaborative projects between the universities and industry in Wales have already been identified that would benefit from HPC technology. These range from modelling and simulating medical implants to analysing satellite images for monitoring environmental change.

Professor Ian Cluckie, Swansea University's pro vice chancellor for science and engineering, said the new technology would help researchers and businesses across Wales. He said: "It will ensure that researchers, students and businesses have access to state-of-the-art high performance computing, that is required to undertake the internationally recognised research that drives the knowledge economy and underpins the Welsh agenda in crucial sectors such as health, science, engineering and advanced manufacturing."

Professor Noel Lloyd, chair of Higher Education Wales and vice chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added: "This is tremendous for Wales, both in terms of research capacity and the ways in which the higher education sector can work in collaboration to provide opportunities and training for business."

Actor Michael Sheen nominated for Emmy Award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re really pleased to hear Welshman actor Michael Sheen has been nominated for a prestigious Emmy Award for his portrayal of Tony Blair in political drama The Special Relationship.

And another Welshman, actor Jonathan Pryce, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of widower Mr Buxton in the acclaimed BBC One drama Return to Cranford.

The Emmy Awards – the US "television Oscars" – will be given out on 29 August at a ceremony to be broadcast live on NBC in America.

Welsh astronomers help reveal unique all-sky image

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh astronomers have helped reveal unique images of the entire sky which could help provide new insights into the way stars and galaxies form and reveal how the Universe itself came to life after the Big Bang.

The Planck space observatory – the European Space Agency’s mission to study the early Universe – has beamed back its first all-sky image.

Cardiff University is one of a number of UK institutions involved in the design and construction of the satellite. Members of the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy are also working alongside colleagues from around the world to operate the satellite and analyse the data.

Professor Peter Ade from Cardiff University’s School of Physics and Astronomy, who led the University’s involvement in the design, construction and operation of the High Frequency Instrument said: "It is a fantastic result for this unique satellite, and demonstrates once again that you can only do pioneering science by using advanced and therefore high-risk technologies.

"At last we can see the realisation of the full potential of Planck, showing in exquisite detail our own Milky Way galaxy superimposed on the relic fireball background."

From the closest portions of the Milky Way to the furthest reaches of space and time, the new all-sky image offers an extraordinary treasure chest of new data for astronomers.

For more information on this story, visit the Cardiff University website.

New event to spread the Spirit of Llangollen

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new event which promises to spread the spirit of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to other parts of Wales and beyond has been announced today.

The new "Spirit of Llangollen" events will see some of the best international competitors from the Eisteddfod perform across Wales; a new Choir of the Decade contest ‘Voices Pavarotti’, and a Music and Peace Conference with world-renowned speakers.

It will build on the success of the Choir of the World competition at Llangollen and will receive support from the Assembly Government’s major events unit for its first three years.

The "World on the Road" tour following this year’s Eisteddfod and in July 2012, will see competitor groups moving out from the festival to perform in other areas of Wales, including Llandudno and other parts of north Wales, Cardiff, Carmarthen and Brecon (as well as other parts of the UK).

The Voices Pavarotti competition will take place in October 2011 at a venue in Cardiff. This will bring back to Wales ‘Choirs of the World’ from 2001 onwards to compete for a new trophy. Other venues will be sought to support each choir, in order for each to perform at least once more during their stay.

A ‘Llangollen Music and Peace Conference’ to take place in 2012 or 2013, bringing delegates to Llangollen and the Dee Valley for a two-day conference on the role music plays in promoting peace and harmony in the world. Speakers will include former Nobel Peace Prize winners and nominees.

This year’s Choir of the World competition takes place in the Llangollen Eisteddfod evening concert on Saturday 10 July. The finalists will be drawn from the five major choral competitions of the festival week; choirs from the USA, Philippines, Iceland, Scotland, Wales, Sweden, Indonesia, South Africa, England, Poland, New Zealand and Germany will be competing in these.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod opens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Katherine Jenkins will perform at the opening gala night concert at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod today, 5 July.

The Eisteddfod is a festival of music, dance and song and attracts musicians and dancers from around the world.

This year’s Eisteddfod will run until 11 July and other artists to perform concerts over the week include violinist Nigel Kennedy, composer Karl Jenkins, choir Only Men Aloud and pianist Llyr Williams.

Also during the week there will be hundreds of performers from over 50 nations performing in the Pavillion and on the show field.

For more information about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its performances and to buy tickets, visit the website.

Welsh cyclist Thomas rides in 5th at Tour prologue

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We were all excited here when we heard that Geraint Thomas, a Welsh cyclist from Cardiff, is riding in the Tour de France this year. But we were especially proud to see him come in 5^th in the Prologue of the famous race just 23 seconds behind the leader, Fabian Cancellara.

Raised in Cardiff, Geraint is riding in the Tour de France with the Sky Pro Cycling Team alongside fellow Brit Bradley Wiggins.. It’s his second time competing in the biggest cycling event of the year, which started in Rotterdam on Saturday 3^rd July. The 97th Tour de France will see 198 riders covering a total distance of 3,642 kilometres in 1 prologue race and 20 stages. After three weeks of cycling, the race will conclude at the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday July 25^th.

Geraint also won the British National Road Race Championships earlier this year and this will be the first time the British Champion's jersey has been worn at the Tour for 18 years.

Good luck Geraint!

Swansea alumni help students branch out in India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Two Swansea University alumni are sharing their success by helping current Swansea students with internship opportunities to greatly enhance their employability prospects.

Dr Thanga Prabhu studied for an MSc in Health Informatics at Swansea University from 2003 to 2005. He is now Clinical Director at GE Healthcare IT India, based in Bangalore. Last year he greatly assisted the University’s International Office in establishing their international internship programme, offering a three-month placement at GE Healthcare.

Third year student Ramya Mohan Raj, studying for an MEng in Computer Science was selected as the first Swansea University GE Healthcare intern and spent June-August last year working with the company in Bangalore.

During the placement, Dr Prabhu acted as Ramya’s mentor, helping and advising her. Ramya is now hoping she will have the opportunity to continue to work for GE when she graduates this summer.

As a result of the success of Ramya’s placement, Dr Prabhu has organised four more internships to be offered this summer to Swansea students. Word has spread throughout the University about the programme and there is great demand for places this year, from both Indian and British students.

Initially open to students studying Health Informatics and Computer Science who it was felt would have the compatible skill sets to complete the work experience, Dr Prabhu has now facilitated internships with GE Energy and GE Global Research for students from other disciplines. He is also working with Aviation and GE Transportation investigating further possible internship opportunities.

Dr Prabhu said: "Initially as the Ambassador for Swansea University I talked to prospective students in India, sharing my experiences as a student in the UK and answering their questions truthfully about studying in the UK and Swansea particularly.

"Gradually I have been able to help Swansea University connect with GE at an official level. We have hosted groups of Swansea students and staff from the University at our world-class facility in Bangalore. Internships are an important part of building one’s employability as I learnt early on as a regular user of the Careers Centre at the University.

"Swansea is the first UK University to send interns to GE India. We have increased the number of student placements from one in 2009 to four in 2010 through our introduction of the University to GE Energy, GRC (Global Research Centre) and GE Healthcare.

"These internships give students immense work experience and the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder on global projects thereby enhancing their employability."

The organisation of the wider Bangalore internship programme has been undertaken in collaboration with Swansea alumna Priti Unadkat, the University’s Regional Representative in Banaglore.

Priti graduated from Swansea with a BSc in Management Science in 1988. As well as working with Dr Prabhu on the GE Healthcare link, Priti has also been instrumental in developing links with other global companies including Thomson Reuters. She said: "With the support of Swansea’s fantastic international department we are working with global MNC’s to provide valuable work experience to Swansea University students.

"Today’s competitive job market requires applicants to distinguish themselves, and international education experience is the perfect way to do so. Having international work experience is an incredible resume booster, as it shows prospective employers that you are motivated, independent, and generally more qualified."

Wales face Springboks in Commonwealth Sevens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales Sevens coach Paul John says he is "very excited" at the prospect of facing the 2009 IRB World Sevens Series champions South Africa in the Pool stages of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on 11-12 October.

Reigning Rugby World Cup sevens champions Wales have been drawn with the Springboks, Tonga and host nation India in Pool B for the fourth Rugby Sevens event at the Commonwealth Games.

New Zealand have won all three previous gold medals and they have been drawn with Scotland, Canada and the Caribbean champions Guyana in Pool A.

The recently crowned IRB World Series champions Samoa head Pool C, where they will be joined by Kenya, Uganda and Papua New Guinea, while the silver medallists in Melbourne four years ago, England, head Pool D with Australia, Namibia and Sri Lanka.

"The Commonwealth Games is a major international competition and I'm sure everyone will want to play. Those players who helped Wales win the Plate final in Melbourne four years ago all said what a wonderful experience it was to be part of such a massive sporting event," said John.

"The Commonwealth Games tournament will attract massive publicity and it will be a real showcase event for the players. The sevens game is getting bigger and bigger on the world stage and in 2016 is set to be included in the Olympic Games for the first time. We have been drawn in a tough Pool with the South Africans and Tongans, but it will be a great opportunity for the Welsh players to prove themselves on a major stage."

Poet Philip Gross wins Wales Book of the Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Poet Philip Gross has won the English-language Wales Book of the Year prize for his collection of poems about photography.

Philip Gross's I Spy Pinhole Eye was one of the three shortlisted works for the £10,000 prize. It is the Penarth poet's second major award in a year - a different collection of his won the TS Eliot prize, also worth £10,000, in January.

John Davies won the Welsh-language award for his book Cymru: Y 100 lle i'w gweld cyn marw. The title translates as Wales: 100 places to see before dying.

I Spy Pinhole Eye is described as a collaborative work between the poet and photographer Alan Denison, who used a pinhole camera to transform the footings of electricity pylons. The poetry explores the act of seeing and interpretation.

The awards were decided by poet and University of Wales lecturer Ian Gregson, novelist James Hawes and broadcaster Sara Edwards.

Peter Finch, chief executive of Academi, which administers the prizes, said: "After long debate the judges have chosen what is clearly one of the best books of poetry to come out of Wales this year."

Wakestock Festival this weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We'll be making a splash this weekend in Wales when Europe’s largest wakeboard music festival takes place in Abersoch, north Wales, featuring another line up of world-class and homegrown bands and DJs.

The Festival sees thousands of fans flock to this small corner of the Llyn Peninsula, with coverage on TV and radio for those who can't make it. Amongst the line-up this year are Feeder, The Ting Tings, N-Dubz and Eric Prydz. Local bands such as Yr Ods will also be performing.

Some of the world’s best wakeboarders will be at the Festival, which for 2010 will be the third stop on the WWA Wakeboard World Series. Wakeboarding is a mix of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding.

For more information on the Festival, visit the Wakestock website.

Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition coming to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition, illustrating the rich history of one of the most compelling events in world sport, will be on display in Newport and Cardiff through the summer as the build-up to The 2010 Ryder Cup gathers pace.

The Ryder Cup began in 1927 as a match between the professionals of Great Britain and the United States, and the Heritage Exhibition will tell the story of The Ryder Cup from its humble beginnings to the present day.

A fascinating and unique collection of Ryder Cup Memorabilia, from historic signed programmes and menus to team gifts and equipment, will be central to the display, brought to life by photography from those first encounters more than 80 years ago right through to recent matches.

The Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition will first visit The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport from July 24 to August 19.

The exhibition will then move to Wales’ capital city to go on display at Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Cardiff from August 22 to September 23.

And finally, when the eyes of the sporting world are focused on the first Ryder Cup to be held in Wales, the exhibition will be in the tented village at The Celtic Manor Resort for the thousands of spectators who will flock to see Colin Montgomerie’s European Team take on the United States Team led by Corey Pavin from September 27–October 3.

David Wright, Heritage and Member Support Executive, The Professional Golfers' Association, said: "This is an enthralling illustration of The Ryder Cup engaging with the local community. This exhibition brings to life the rich heritage of golf’s greatest team event. Visitors will get a fascinating insight into how The Ryder Cup has evolved over the years."

Rob Holt, Chief Executive of Ryder Cup Wales, added: "There will be many opportunities for the Welsh public and visitors to the area to share in the experience of The 2010 Ryder Cup, one of which will be a chance to go and see – at one of two city centre venues – a fascinating display of Ryder Cup memorabilia. In order to get a great taste of the event from years gone by, I urge everyone to make time to go along and take a look."

Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition Venues and Dates:-

July 24 – August 19: The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Kingsway, City of Newport (Free Entry)

August 22 – September 23: National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park, Cardiff (Free Entry)

September 27 – October 3: The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport (Ryder Cup Ticket Holders Only)

Arandora Star Commemoration

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On 02 July 2010, a ceremony held in Cardiff marked the 70^th anniversary of the sinking of the Arandora Star. A memorial was unveiled in commemoration of the British liner, which was sunk in 1940 by U47 off the northwest coast of Ireland with the loss of more than 800 lives.

The unveiling took place during a service at St David's Cathedral in Cardiff. Memorials already exist in Liverpool, London, Glasgow and in Bardi, Italy.

The ceremony was attended by the Italian Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Mr Alain Giorgio Maria Economides, the Canadian High Commissioner, Mr James Wright, and the Mayor of Bardi, Mr Giuseppe Conti.

An exhibition on the tragedy has been on display to the public in the Old Library, Cardiff and the organisers hope that it will eventually travel throughout Wales.

The Arandora Star was a British liner, converted to use as a troop carrier by the Royal Navy during World War 2.

At the end of June 1940, she was assigned the task of transporting German and Italian internees and Prisoners of War to Canada. She set off from Liverpool on 01 July carrying approximately 1200 internees (712 of whom were Italian), 86 Prisoners of War and 374 guards and ship's crew.

On 02 July 1940 she was sunk by U47 off the north west coast of Ireland with the loss of more than 800 lives. Of those killed, 446 were Italian and 53 were Welsh Italian internees.

In the 1920s and 30s, almost every community in Wales had its own Italian café or ice cream parlour. The majority of the immigrants that came to Wales were from the Bardi area of Italy.

While he was in Wales for the memorial ceremony and unveiling, the Mayor of Bardi took the opportunity to visit Café Bardi, in St Fagans. Its website states that the café was named Bardi "...to highlight the strong Welsh-Italian community that exists in south Wales. Many of the Italians who settled in Wales originally came from the Bardi area of the country, and the name has become synonymous with Italian communities in the south Wales Valleys. By calling the venue Bardi, St Fagans is recognising the contribution of these communities in Welsh life today and throughout the twentieth century."

Blockbuster year for Wales Screen Commission

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Wales Screen Commission, part of the Creative Business Wales team, has experienced its most successful year on record with four major feature films using key locations in Wales.

The Commission assisted eleven feature films that shot in Wales in the last financial year, among them Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Robin Hood in south west Wales, Clash of the Titans in north Wales and Ironclad in south east Wales.

The film Clash of the Titans used Dinorwic Quarry in north Wales as a location. Interest in the film was fuelled by press coverage all over the world and the box office takings currently stand at over $480 million.

Robin Hood with Ridley Scott at the helm shot on location on Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire. In a recent interview with Mark Strong, who played Godfrey in the film, he was happy to share his feelings about shooting in Pembrokeshire by describing the location as "one of the most beautiful spots I think I’ve ever filmed in." The film caused a press frenzy, when it opened the 63rd Cannes Film Festival and the gross world wide box office figure to date is approximately $249 million.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, with its even bigger fan base will almost certainly surpass the other films when it is released in November 2010.

There is no doubt that these films will have an impact on the tourism industry in the longer term as film fans from all over the world seek out the locations that they’ve seen on the big screen.

Wales at the Smithsonian - One Year On

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Later this week on 3rd July, BBC Radio Wales will be featuring the recording of a special concert which celebrates Wales's success at the 2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington.

Frank Hennessy will introduce the concert during his regular Celtic Heartbeat radio programme at 8pm. The concert was recorded at BBC's Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff and features a number of the participants from Wales that took part in the festival last year.

Take a look at our Wales Smithsonian Cymru pages for more details on Wales's involvement in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival last year.

Smithsonian Celtic Heartbeat

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Add your text here

Cardiff hosts UK’s Armed Forces Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff was the chosen city this year to host the UK Armed Forces Day, held to show support for UK troops and their families, and those who have lost their lives in battle.

On Saturday 26 June, over 80,000 people lined the streets of Cardiff to cheer serving troops, veterans and cadets as they paraded through the city and down into Cardiff Bay where a day long celebration was held in their honour.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the event. Amongst the celebrations, Royal Navy frigate HMS Kent docked at Cardiff allowing people to go aboard; there were fly-overs by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Red Arrows and Helicopter Formation and the day ended with an evening of stage performances and a firework finale.

To view pictures of the day, visit the BBC website.

Screen Academy Wales students on New York exchange

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The dream of a lifetime has come true for two film students from Skillset Screen Academy Wales who have been selected to attend the first New York University and Screen Academy Wales international exchange this week.

University of Wales Newport MA Film graduate, Mike Rymer, and BA Performing Arts student Lawrence Hayes have been selected to represent the Academy at the Tisch School of the Arts and the Stone Street Studios summer school, which specialises in screen acting training.

Flying out on Thursday 24 June for three weeks, the students, who came together in April to bid for the joint experience, will spend their time attending intensive 10 hour per-day training sessions at Stone Street Studios and film workshops at Tisch School of the Arts. Lawrence and Mike will use this experience to develop ideas for future film collaboration.

"The three weeks in New York will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about empowering the actor and delving into the driving force of the actor – something we have covered on the course but which this intensive training will allow me to learn more about", said Lawrence. "This will be a unique chance to build on the knowledge gained on my BA degree."

Mike and Lawrence will be attending the New York exchange as ambassadors for the Screen Academy Wales and University of Wales, Newport and are looking forward to sharing experiences with international actors and filmmakers.

"This will be an excellent chance to learn from peers from around the world and build bridges. Hopefully we will also develop a network of contacts for future collaborations", said Mike. "The high quality of the training and the selective process by which attendees are chosen means we will be working closely with the cream of international filmmaking talent. We are very proud to be representing Wales!"

Mike and Lawrence will be travelling and working under the guidance of Dr Andy Smith and Nigel Orrillard from the University of Wales, Newport, a lead partner of the Academy.

Dr Smith, Academic Leader for Performance said:

"This exchange is the result of many years of collaboration between the Film and Performance programmes at the University of Wales, Newport. Since 2004, we have made over 200 short films through intensive workshops between actors and filmmakers, presented the results of our collaboration at international conferences and made excellent links with both Tisch School of the Arts and Stone Street Studios."

For more information about the Screen Academy Wales visit their website.

Paul McCartney set to rock Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Paul McCartney will make his long-awaited return to Cardiff tomorrow for his first gig in the Welsh capital for 35 years.

He will play Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium tomorrow night and will be supported by Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers and The Joy Formidable.

It’s his first gig in Cardiff since his performance with The Wings at the Capitol Theatre in 1975. Tomorrow’s concert will see him play a diverse selection of tracks from his back catalogue with the Beatles and Wings, as well as more recent tracks.

For more information, visit the Millennium Stadium website.

New Centre to build Wales’ green future unveiled

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Centre designed to support Wales’ green energy potential has been officially unveiled. Coleg Llandrillo Cymru’s multi-million pound Marine and Built Environment Centre (MBEC) has been opened in Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay, north Wales.

The MBEC offers state-of-the-art facilities for students studying construction and marine technology. Full and part time courses are being offered at the MBEC, and learning and training opportunities include apprenticeships, NVQ’s, university level courses and customised training for industry.

Housed within the MBEC is the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Centre for Wales (RESCW). The Centre generates its own heating and electricity from solar power and uses rainwater harvesting and a biomass boiler. The RESCW will offer facilities for demonstrations, educational visits, conference and seminars, as well as courses on renewable energy.

For more information visit the Coleg Llandrillo Cymru website.

International Cricket - England V Australia

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly twelve months after the nail-biting draw in the Ashes Test Match at Cardiff, the Australians return to the Welsh capital for the second match in their NatWest series against England, with the day-night contest at the SWALEC Stadium starting at 2.30pm.

For more information, visit the Glamorgan Cricket website.

100 days to the Ryder Cup in Wales!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re marking the 100 day countdown to the Ryder Cup in Wales today with the announcement that Katherine Jenkins has confirmed she’ll be performing at ‘Welcome to Wales’, the celebration concert to mark the start of the 2010 Ryder Cup. A-list movie star Catherine Zeta Jones CBE will also be returning home to take part in the prestigious multi-artist event.

The concert will be staged at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Wednesday 29 September. As part of the evening, the European and United States teams will be on stage to be officially introduced to the audience.

For more information, visit the Welcome to Wales website.

It’s the first time The Ryder Cup has been held in Wales and the tournament will take place at The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, south Wales between 1 and 3 October.

Visit Wales have produced some interesting blogs - view the 2010 Ryder Cup course in figures, and find out what to expect from the Celtic Manor Resort when the Ryder Cup is there.

We’ve found a great article which gives 100 facts about the Ryder Cup, which you can view on the Wales Online website.

And finally, for some fun you can try playing this golf game!

Bangor University graduate to be Olympics director

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Oscar-winning film-maker Danny Boyle will be artistic director for the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, organisers have announced.

The Slumdog Millionaire director, who studied his craft at Bangor University in north Wales, said he was "honoured" by his appointment.

Boyle said it was a "unique opportunity to contribute to what I'm sure are going to be a fantastic Games." and that his job was "to provide a thrilling, enthralling, captivating evening. Hopefully it'll take its place in the list of openings, but it'll be a new beginning as well."

"These Games are bringing together world-class British talent," said Lord Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

"Each one of these individuals would hold their own on the worldwide stage. They are joining names like children's author Michael Morpurgo who has created the story behind our highly successful mascots. We are delighted with the team we have brought together to deliver our ceremonies in 2012."

Queen’s Birthday Party in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The British Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan held a Queen’s Birthday Party reception on 10 June.

The reception reflected the spirit of all the nations that make up the United Kingdom with traditional food and drink from Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland being enjoyed by the guests.

A selection of photos from the evening can be seen below.

Snowdon International Race

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Snowdon International Race is an annual fell-running event, in which 500 participants race from Padarn Park in Llanberis, to the peak of Snowdon, and back again.

The course is 10 miles long, and is one of Europe's toughest endurance challenges and offers a serious challenge to super fit participants from over ten different countries. The event is also televised.

For more information, visit the Snowdon International Race website.

Warm weather boosts sea wildlife spotting

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve had a warm spell in Wales recently which wildlife watchers say has helped boost wildlife spotting off the coast of west Wales.

The Sea Trust Organisation in Wales has reported sightings of rare whales such as fin and minke and hundreds of common dolphins.

These whales normally live off the coast of Norway and Japan.

A superpod of 1,500 dolphins was also spotted, and last week the Marine Conservation Trust reported two sightings of the rare leatherback turtle off the coast of Wales.

View the Whales in Wales blog for more information on these fantastic wildlife sightings.

Welsh scientist in top 10 academic breakthroughs

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pioneering research by a Nobel prize-winning Welsh scientist has made it into an illustrious poll of the top ten discoveries from UK universities.

Professor Martin Evans, Cardiff University’s President, was the first scientist to identify embryonic stem cells, and in 2007 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for discoveries in this field and DNA recombination in mammals.

Placed ninth in a list that includes Watson and Crick’s ground-breaking DNA work, genetic fingerprinting and the creation of the first working computer, it was predicted that in future Professor Evans’ findings would be even higher up the list.

His discoveries are now applied in virtually all areas of biomedicine, and have given hope to sufferers of diseases such as Huntingdon’s.

Describing his discovery, Sir Martin said: "I grew these control cells out and when I looked down the microscope, I saw stem cells growing. That was the Eureka moment – I knew immediately what I’d got".

Cardiff’s St David’s shopping voted world’s best

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The St David’s shopping arcade in Cardiff has beaten off competition across the globe to be crowned the international shopping centre of the year.

The £675 million St David’s arcade beat shortlist contenders Portugal’s Dolce Vita Tejo and Singapore’s Ion Orchard to scoop the award eight months after opening.

The Global Retail Leisure International (RLI) awards are judged by an independent panel of business leaders who judged the entries on their merit and positive impact on the market.

The award is given to the shopping centre offering the highest levels of customer care and service, the widest choice of shops and the cleanest facilities.

Cardiff council leader Rodney Berman said "I am delighted at the news that St David’s has won the International Shopping Centre of the Year Award. Since St David’s opened last year its popularity has spread far and wide and it is very satisfying for me to see that Cardiff and the St David’s Partnership have delivered a world-class development".

For more information about St David’s shopping, visit their website.

Fulbright scholars choose Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2010-11 scholarships for the Fulbright Commission exchange between the UK and US exchange has been announced and we are delighted to be welcoming five students from the US to study at our universities in Cardiff and Aberystwyth.

Stephen Jones, will attend Aberystwyth University. He has gained a BA in the fields of Philosophy and English Literature from Taylor University in 2005, and an MA in Literature and Film from Indiana University in 2007.

Cardiff University are welcoming three scholars this year, Laura Powell, Jace Stuckey and Lesley Frame. Laura Powell will be conducting independent research which explores the importance of the Welsh language in creating and performing modern Welsh culture. Jace Stuckey will work at the Cardiff Centre for the Crusades and the Cardiff Centre for Medieval Society and Culture in order to complete a monograph on the Legend of Charlemagne in the High Middle Ages. Lesley Frame will be working with UK colleagues to use neutron diffraction as a non-destructive method of analysis of archaeological metals.

Arun Sharma will work towards an MA in ceramics at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff's (UWIC's)School of Art & Design and will be studying the Fragmented Figure at the National Centre for Ceramic Studies.

We'd also like to congratulate the students from Welsh universities who will be travelling to the US to study, as part of the exchange programme.

The Fulbright Commission was established in 1948 by Senator J William Fulbright to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Each year around 50 UK and 50 US students gain scholarships to study, lecture, conduct research or focus on professional development at leading institutions in their exchange nation.

Earlier this year the US scholars on the 2009/10 visited Wales and attended an event at the Senedd hosted by Permanent Secretary Dame Gillian Morgan. View our blog about their visit.

Learn more about the Fulbright Commission.

Artes Mundi

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at this video showcasing entries and interviews of some of the shortlisted artists and organisers of the Artes Mundi 4 prize.

Talking Pictures

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sept 7 – Oct 25, 2010

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Come and view a different kind of photo exhibit. New and refreshing portraits of celebrities with Welsh DNA will be on display at the Wales Millennium Centre, each with its own audio accompaniment. The exhibition will include old favourites and some new surprises.

The celebrity photographer Cambridge Jones has a special knack for getting stars to be themselves. For this collection of photos he asks his subjects the big question: Who inspired you?

Dame Shirley Bassey says the biggest influence on her career was Judy Garland. For Bryn Terfel it’s Placido Domingo and for Matthew Rhys, seeing Robert Duvall in Apocalypse Now had a huge impact on his wanting to be an actor.

"I want my photos to be more than 2D", says photographer Cambridge Jones and he adds, "a viewer reconnects with a famous person when they not only look at an image but also hear them speak about something they are passionate about".

Hailing from Llanidloes, Cambridge has worked with major stars such as Al Pacino, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Billy Bob Thornton. This exhibition is especially close to his heart because all the people he has chosen to photograph have been nurtured by Wales in some way. Cambridge says he is "celebrating Welsh pride".

Talking Pictures will be at the Wales Millennium Centre from Sept 7 – Oct 25, 2010 and entry is free. The project has been developed in association with the Welsh Assembly Government and the exhibition will open as follows in London, New York and Los Angeles:

London

Sept 6 - 12, 2010
Proud Gallery Central, 32 John Adam Street, London WC2
www.proud.co.uk

Sept 14 - Oct 1, 2010
The Lobby, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB
www.canarywharf.com/mainfrm1.asp

New York

Sep 20 - Nov 27, 2010
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-498
www.nypl.org/locations/lpa

Los Angeles

March 3 - April 3, 2011
The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
www.barnsdallartpark.com

Cardiff University creates new research institutes

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The launch of three major new research institutes has been announced today, putting Cardiff University at the forefront of international research.

The university is investing almost £10 million into the centres, which will tackle the important issues of cancer, sustainability and mental illness.

Each of the institutes will combine different academic disciplines and build on existing strengths to offer a distinctive approach.

The Sustainable Places Research Institute will focus on developing sustainable solutions for individual cities and their surrounding regions. The Cardiff city region and the Seven Estuary will be among the first areas for study, combining expertise in buildings, energy systems, communities, the natural environment, infrastructure, health and policy-making.

The Neurosciences and Mental Health Research Institute will build on breakthroughs by Cardiff-based experts, including identifying the genetic origins of diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s.

The third institute will focus on research into cancer stem cells.

Plans for a new research campus at Maindy Park, in Cardiff, last week received outline planning permission. The first building on the campus, the £30 million Gateway Building, is expected to open in 2012 and will provide a new home for two of the institutes.

For more information, visit the Cardiff University website.

State of the art eco-centre opens in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new £5.2 million state of the art "green" college teaching environmental courses has opened in Machynlleth, mid Wales.

The Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) opened yesterday at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) and is the biggest environmental facility of its kind in the UK.

Students will be able to study courses on wind power, solar water heating and organic gardening in an inspiring eco environment.

The college was built using a variety of sustainable building methods, including an environmentally-friendly concrete called hemcrete, which was sprayed onto heraklith (wood wool) board walls. The 200-seater circular lecture theatre has been made of "rammed earth", similar to that used in Cornwall’s Eden Project. Study bedrooms are fitted with energy monitors.

Paul Allen, director of CAT, said the centre will be pivotal in the transition to a zero carbon Britain; "As demand for retraining in the environmental sector increases, the opening of WISE could not come at a better time" he said. "I can think of no better organisation to take on the business of training up the thousands of engineers and skilled practitioners who will be needed to deliver a genuinely sustainable built environment".

For more information, visit the Centre for Alternative Technology website.

Antiques Roadshow visits St Fagans today

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re hoping to unearth some antique treasures in Wales today, when the Antiques Roadshow visits the National History Museum at St Fagans.

Free advice and valuations are on offer to visitors bringing their family heirlooms and car boot bargains from the leading UK antiques and fine art specialists from the show.

Previous series have seen a collection of 1930’s posters, bought for £0.50 pence in the 1970’s valued at £30,000.

Visit the St Fagans website for more details.

Llangollen Comedy Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The inaugural Llangollen Comedy Festival kicks off on 10 June, bringing together the best of Welsh, UK and international comedians.

The Festival runs until 13 June and takes place in the recently revamped Llangollen Pavillion. Comedians performing at the Festival include John Bishop, Tanyalee Davis, Alun Cochrane and Ed Byrne.

The Festival is also child friendly, with comedy suitable for children on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

For more information visit the Llangollen Comedy Festival website and the Llangollen Pavillion website.

Cardiff Castle shortlisted for industry awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff Castle has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2010 Group Travel Awards for the categories of Best Venue offering Guided Tours and Best On-line Information.

The Group Travel Awards represents the Group Travel Organisers Association, a leading body in the travel trade within the UK. Voting took place during the winter by their members and the votes have now been counted to give the shortlists in each of the 26 categories.

The category for Best Venue offering Guided Tours is closely fought, with other attractions in the shortlist being BBC Television Centre, Black Country Living Museum, City and Village Tours of London, The National Trust, Blue Badge Guides and St. Paul's Cathedral.

Guided tours at Cardiff Castle have been the highlight of a visit for many years. All the guides are passionate about the site and many have worked at the castle for years, unable to drag themselves away from such a wonderful venue. The tours take visitors through the spectacular apartments of the castle, designed in the Gothic Revival style by William Burges in the 19^th century.

Castle Manager, Kevin Burt, explains, "We are delighted to be shortlisted for these awards, especially to be included in 2 categories, not just one. We have always known that our guided tours are the highlight for many castle visitors, and this is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team of guides."

Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said "The Council's aim is to make Cardiff Castle a world-class visitor attraction and to be shortlisted in these awards is great news. It demonstrates that the high quality visitor experience is appreciated by professionals in the industry."

The winners in each category will be announced at an awards ceremony on the night of Friday 11^th June

Torchwood is going global!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re excited to see the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood will return for a fourth series with a more international flavour. While previous series have been recorded in Cardiff, new storylines for the next series will include locations in the US and around the world.

Torchwood tells the story of a team of alien investigators based under the Oval Basin in Cardiff Bay. John Barrowman will return as Captain Jack alongside Eve Myles as Gwen.

The first series of the sci-fi drama was shown on BBC Three in 2006 with the second broadcast two years later on BBC Two. The five-part third series, Children of Earth, was shown on consecutive nights on BBC One last July.

Torchwood creator and former Doctor Who head writer Russell T Davies will lead a team of writers to create the new series. He said "It's going to be lively, it's going to be a good laugh".

The 10-part series will be funded by BBC Wales, as well as the corporation's commercial arm - BBC Worldwide - and US cable network Starz Entertainment.

See the BBC Torchwood website for more information about the show.

Swansea Bay to host Wales' first wakeboarding park

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales’ first permanent cable powered wakeboarding park opens this summer in Swansea’s SA1 development and is set to become a key attraction for water sports enthusiasts.

Wakeboarding - a variant of water skiing - is one of the fastest growing extreme water sports, with parks under development all over the world.

Work starts this week on GoWake - the new park which will open in time for the summer tourism season and operate from the 28 acre Prince of Wales Dock at the heart of the city’s SA1 development.

It has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government through the Single Investment Fund and by Associated British Ports.

Described as a combination of waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing, wakeboard riders are traditionally towed behind purpose built motorboats, using the wake to create the lift needed to carry out a range of airborne manoeuvres and jumps.

Cable powered systems are a greener alternative and ideally suited for enclosed water. They are not weather dependent, can be operated all year round and suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced wake boarders. The cable system at GoWake is designed specifically for wake sports and capable of speeds of up to 25mph, depending on the experience of the rider.

The portable, straight-line cable system is powered by a frequency regulated electric drive motor and riders are pulled by cable across the surface of the water and back to the starting point – a distance of approximately 175metres. It is ideally suited for beginners enabling instructors to provide one to one tuition.

GoWake is a collaboration between two established water sports operators in Wales – Gower Kiteriders, run by Matt Barker-Smith in Swansea Bay and Big Blue Experience, based in Pembrokeshire.

The wake park will be a key new attraction for the region and a significant addition to the wide range of water sports already available in Swansea Bay which includes, kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding, yachting and jet skiing.

Rhossili Bay voted Britain’s best beach

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re proud of our stunning coastline and award winning beaches in Wales, and it seems others agree that the golden sand and blue waters of Rhossili Bay deserve further recognition.

Rhossili Bay, on the western tip of the Gower peninsula in south Wales has been voted Britain’s best beach in the Cadbury Flake 99 Great British Beach awards. It took 47 per cent of the vote seeing off stiff competition from some of Britain’s better known seaside resorts including Brighton, Blackpool and Bournemouth. Tresco in the Isles of Scilly came second with 19 per cent of the votes.

Rhossili Bay is a favourite with surfers and sightseers can glimpse the remains of shipwrecks at low tides, including the Helvetia which ran aground in 1887. Just last month, it was voted the best picnic spot by a team of travel writers.

For more information on the Gower Peninsula and its beaches visit the Swansea Bay website.

Wales Book of the Year shortlists unveiled

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Authors Philip Gross, from Penarth, novelist Terri Wiltshire from Newport, and Nikolai Tolstoy from Berkshire have been shortlisted for the English-language Wales Book of the Year award, announced at a ceremony at the Hay Literary Festival.

The winner of the £10,000 prize will be unveiled in Cardiff on 30 June.

The awards are administered by Academi, the Welsh national literature promotion agency and society for authors.

Poet Philip Gross is shortlisted for his work I Spy Pinhole Eye, Terri Wiltshire for her debut novel Carry Me Home and Nikolai Tolstoy for The Compilation of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi, an analysis of the origins of the Welsh folk tales.

Now in its 18 year, the awards are presented to the best books of the year in the English and Welsh languages.

The three works shortlisted in Welsh for the Book of the Year were also announced at the Powys book festival on Sunday afternoon. The works shortlisted are Banerog, a volume of poetry by Hywel Griffiths; Naw Mis, a novel by Caryl Lewis and Cymru: Y 100 lle i'w gweld cyn marw, by John Davies, a guide to 100 places in Wales that the author thinks people should see before they die.

Captain Scott exhibition in National Museum

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The famous masthead of Captain Scott’s ship the Terra Nova is at the centre of a Cardiff exhibition in the National Museum about his ill-fated trip to the South Pole. The legendary trip, which claimed the life of Captain Scott and four more explorers, left from Cardiff 100 years ago this June.

The Terra Nova was cheered on by thousands when it set sail from the Welsh capital early on the afternoon of 15 June, 1910. The ship left the city's docks laden with Welsh coal, fuel, and supplies. Three years later, crowds of around 60,000 joined Scott's widow Lady Helen and young son Peter to welcome her back.

Captain Scott had to continue fundraising even after his ship set sail Wales and Cardiff played a huge role in the whole trip, explained Tom Sharpe, curator of the exhibition at National Museum Cardiff.

"The ship went laden with 100 tonnes of coal, 300 tonnes of fuel made from coal dust mixed with bitumen, as well as pots and plans from the Llanelli tin works. In fact, she was so full, she started leaking and letting in water. Cardiff contributed far more than any other city in the UK," he said.

Exhausted, cold and hungry, the explorers died just 11 miles from safety in March 1912, having made it to the South Pole in January of that year only to find Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had beaten them to it. Two other members of the polar party, Welshman Edgar Evans from Rhossili on Gower, and Captain William Oates - he of the renowned phrase "I am going outside and I may be some time" had earlier lost their lives.

The exhibition also explores other Welsh links with Antarctica - a geologist from St Fagans, a stowaway from Newport and the Antarctic work of a zoologist from St Brides Major who later became director of the National Museum.

The display will close on 14 June, marking the date the Terra Nova returned to Bute Dock at the close of the expedition 97 years ago. It will then be shown at the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea from 14 July until 10 October 2010.

'Grandpa in my Pocket' to be made in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Internationally successful and hugely popular children’s TV show ‘Grandpa in my Pocket’ is to have its third series produced in Wales.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the news that the series won the Bafta Cymru Award for the Best Children’s category.

The Welsh Assembly Government is supporting the production through the Single Investment Fund to ensure the latest series is made in Wales, providing an important boost for the creative sector.

The first two series were also produced in Wales and supported by Finance Wales.

‘Grandpa in my Pocket’ is written and produced by Mellie Buse and Jan Page of Adastra Creative Ltd who have been working in children’s media for more than fifteen years.

Set in the picture book village of Sunnysands it is a magical story about seven year old Jason Mason and his Grandpa. Grandpa has a magic shrinking cap which, when he puts it on, makes him shrink to the size of a coffee cup. He can get up to all sorts of mischief when he’s small but he and Jason always work together to make everything turn out for the best .

Mellie said she was delighted the third series will be a Welsh production and ensures the continuation of the highly creative collaboration between Adastra Creative, which is based in Cambridge and Cardiff based Dinamo Productions who carry out the animation.

"We have built up a tremendous relationship with the team from Wales who make an incredible contribution to the success of the show and it’s a real joy to work with them," she said.

"They bring a huge amount of individual expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm to the production and their commitment is second to none. which is why we would like to do more and more productions in Wales if possible. In short, anything that can be done in Wales, we’ll do in Wales."

The series, originally commissioned by Cbeebies, is now also shown on BBC1 and has been sold to 100 countries overseas. It stars James Bolam as Grandpa and child actor Jay Ruckley from Barry as Jason.

Cardiff festival launches!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Summer in the city has officially begun with the launch of the Cardiff Festival! The Festival will be celebrating its 25^th Anniversary this year and a host of new events have been added.

The Festival runs from 1 July to 4 September and the majority of the events are free to attend. This year’s festival features the usual favourites such as the Cardiff Big Weekend. Other events include the Elvis Tribute World Cup, the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival and the Cardiff Comedy Festival.

For more information visit the Cardiff Festival website.

Wales International Storytelling Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Beyond the Border, Britain's leading international festival of storytelling, returns to St Donats Castle for another spectacular weekend of stories by the sea!

Visit the Beyond the Border website for more information.

Wales Open at the Celtic Manor

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Celtic Manor Wales Open golf tournament returns today for the eleventh year running. Already established as one of the leading events on the European Tour, the tournament is set for its third year on the spectacular Twenty Ten course, the first in history to be designed and built to host The Ryder Cup – which will be coming to Wales in October this year.

See some of the biggest names in golf - including Ryder Cup stars Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell, Oliver Wilson,Thomas Bjorn, David Howell and this year's European captain Colin Montgomerie - as they take on the formidable challenge of The Twenty Ten.

As well as the on-course action, families can also enjoy a great day out at the Tented Village with its bars and food outlets, exhibition stands, a big screen to watch the golf and the Junior Golf area.

The Wales Open starts today Thursday 3 June and ends on Sunday 6 June.

For more information visit the Wales Open website.

Stereophonics first to play at stadium

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Stereophonics make history this weekend by becoming the first band to play the Cardiff City Stadium. The band will be supported by Welsh bands 4^th Street Traffic and Kids in Glass Houses as well as Doves.

The concert follows a sell-out world tour for the Cwmaman band, including a UK-wide arena tour through March with the band’s latest album Keep Calm and Carry On. As well as playing a record-breaking 13 previous sell-out shows at the Cardiff International Arena, the Stereophonics have performed at the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle.

Following Saturday’s concert, the band will then embark on a summer of festival performances across Europe as well as UK festivals T in the Park and V Festival.

Top 10 accolade for National Garden

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 2 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has earned a place in the Top 10 gardens in Britain.

Publication of the Yahoo! Travel best gardens chart comes hot on the heels of last month's BBC Gardeners World magazine poll which rated the National Botanic Garden as the No 1 to visit in Wales.

Choppers

And, talking of high-fliers, the Helicopter Club of Great Britain made a flying visit to the Garden today (June 2).

Organiser of the helicopter club day trip, club member Dilwyn Williams says: "We hold events like this all over the UK and are always on the look-out for beautiful and interesting venues for members to visit"

By ech!

And, still on the subject of lofty heights, does anyone know the record for the tallest ever echium? This towering triffid is currently wowing the crowds as it reaches for the sky in Lord Foster's stunning Great Glasshouse.

Welsh food and drink hope to share Ryder Cup magic

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 2 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2010 Ryder Cup (October 1-3) remains on course to put Wales in the global spotlight and Welsh food and drink companies which have been identified as potential suppliers will attend a special supplier event in Newport.

Held at The Celtic Manor Resort - the venue for the world's most famous team golfing event - the Ryder Cup Supplier Forum is an opportunity for food and drink producers, many of whom are True Taste Award winners, to meet directly on an individual basis with representatives from Compass Group UK and Ireland, who are responsible for the catering at The Ryder Cup 2010, and talk through the final details of the requirements for the event.

Organised as part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Trade Development Programme, in association with food marketing specialists Levercliff, more than 40 companies have been invited to the Forum by Ryder Cup Europe and its catering partners, Compass Group UK and Ireland and Mecco.

Elin Jones, the Minister for Rural Affairs said:

"I'm pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has been able to help facilitate this event involving more than 40 Welsh food & drink suppliers."

"I am sure that the quality of Welsh produce will speak for itself and that this event will confirm the commercial opportunities for Welsh companies to supply the catering firms involved in The Ryder Cup."

"Having Welsh food and drink at The Ryder Cup will add to the experience of being in Wales for our visitors, as well as helping to further raise the profile of some of the quality produce from Wales."

Ryder Cup Limited, who own the rights to the event when it is held in Europe, including the appointment of all suppliers, has been working with "Team Wales" to bring Welsh flavour to the event, and has been engaging with contractors and food suppliers, with the Forum part of the process.

Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director, said:

"Wales has a long and rich history when it comes to sourcing and producing food and drink of the highest quality; from pure mineral water to world-class meat, fish and dairy products.

"It is very important that, as with previous Ryder Cups in Ireland and Spain, we work with the relevant Government bodies to help give visitors to this international event a truly memorable culinary and cultural Welsh experience."

The Forum will be opened by David Lloyd - Chair of the Agri-food Partnership South East Wales and Director of the Food industry Centre at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

Jo Willets, Retail Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland said:

"Compass is committed to working with local suppliers to provide our customers and clients with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. This event provides local suppliers with the perfect opportunity to showcase their produce and meet key organisations in the Welsh business community and it is great to see so many of them involved."

Blodeugerdd wins IMA award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Sat, 29 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Blodeugerdd: Song of the Flowers - An Anthology of Welsh Music and Song has won the World Tradition category in the 9th annual awards given by the Independent Music Awards (IMA).

In 2009 Smithsonian Folkways commissioned Welsh musician Ceri Rhys Matthews to produce an album of Welsh music and song to coincide with Wales being the featured nation at the Smithsonian festival that year.

The IMA is an international program that honours top-ranked independent (indie) artists and releases in more than 50 Album, Song, Music Video and Design categories. It announced that the album won the World Tradition category in January 2010.

The 2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival program featured the creative culture of Wales and included six musicians from Blodeugerdd - Song of the Flowers.

Ceri Rhys Matthews, the album producer, said this about the album:

"In making this blodeugerdd or anthology (the Welsh word 'flower-song' echoing the Greek, 'flower-gathering') the purpose is specifically to refresh the context in which the music of this part of the world is made in and listened to."

Buildings in Wales win awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Seven landmark buildings in Wales have won awards given by the Royal Insititute of British Architects (RIBA). The awards are handed out throughout the UK to the best UK architecture. This year Wales has surpassed its previous records.

Seven buildings have won RIBA Awards in 2010. They are:

Margam Discovery Centre, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ by Loyn and Co Architects and Design Research Unit, Welsh School of Architecture
Creative Business Units, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Penglais Hill, Aberystwyth SY23 3DE by Heatherwick Studio
Cardiff Central Library, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1FL by BDP (and Stride Treglown Davies)
Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1QE by Ash Sakula Architects
Sleeperz Hotel, Station Approach, Saunders Road, Cardiff CF10 1RH by Clash Associates (and Holder Mathias)
Skypad - Teenage Cancer Trust Unit, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW by Orms Architecture Design (and Stride Treglown Davies)
Hafod Eryi (Snowdon Summit Building), Betws Garmon, Caernafon, Gwynedd LL55 4NO by Ray Hole Architects

Hafod Eryi, the visitor centre at the top of Wales' highest peak Snowdon, has also won a 'project of the year' award from The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). There were a record number of entries from Wales this year and winners in other categories included the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre,Prestatyn and Villa Marina, Llandudno.

Find out about more about the Royal Institute of British Architects awards. Or about the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors awards.

Corgi Hosiery return to Washington festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corgi Hosiery has been asked to supply socks at this year’s Smithsonian Marketplace as part of a special feature of past featured nations.

Corgi Hosiery took part in the Wales Smithsonian Cymru festival in 2009, and was among the 130 participants that represented Wales at the festival. They have received orders from the USA via their website over the past year and the company’s presence at the Festival has helped to raise awareness of the brand through exposure in the Marketplace.

Chris Jones is the Managing Director for Corgi Hosiery, a family-run company founded in 1893 that produces hosiery and knitwear. Corgi exports their products around the world and is a holder of a Royal Warrant to HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. With support from Wales Trade International, Corgi often visits the USA, its biggest market.

Hay Festival begins

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today sees the start of the internationally renowned Guardian Hay Festival in Hay on Wye, south Wales.

The literary festival, which runs till the 6 June, brings together writers, comedians, musicians and academics from around the world. Former US president Bill Clinton described it as the 'Woodstock of the Mind'.

This years programme sees talks from Bill Bryson, Roddy Doyle, Philip Pullman and Hilary Mantel. Other well known faces appearing include Stephen Fry, Ian McEwan and Beth Orton.

Two internationally-renowned Cardiff University academics will be also be showcasing their research over the course of the festival.

University President, Nobel Prize winner and Fellow of the Royal Society, Professor Sir Martin Evans will be making two appearances the Guardian Stage. He will be discussing his work on how to culture embryonic stem cells, the knockout mouse and the related technology of gene targeting and taking part in the Guardian and Welcome Trust Science Debate: Ten Years of the Human Genome together with Nobel Laureate John Sulston.

On Sunday 6 June, Professor Sioned Davies, Head of the School of Welsh will be wowing audiences with one of Wales’ literary gems – the White Book of Rhydderch. Professor Davies will be at The Ritzy introducing this priceless Welsh manuscript, which includes the world-renowned ‘Mabinogi’ tales.

For more information, news from the festival and to book tickets visit: www.hayfestival.com/wales

Latvian Ambassador visits Welsh School

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Earlier this month Latvian Ambassador H.E. Eduards Stiprais was in Wales to meet students from twinned schools, Jaunpiebalga Secondary School in Latvia and Tredegar Comprehensive School in South Wales.

The students performed music for the Ambassador who gave a brief speech expressing his enthusiasm at the link between the two schools.

Tredegar School recently took part in the Voice of a Million concert held in the O2 Arena, London.

Company exports training expertise internationally

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Highly specialised safety training programmes developed in Wales for engineers working hundreds of feet above ground on wind turbines is now being rolled out in the USA and Europe.

Safety Technology Ltd, of Raglan, has formed a joint venture company in Spain, recently opened a training centre in Madrid and teamed up with Rockford Bergé to deliver the training in the USA at the Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan.

Support from the Welsh Assembly Government played a pivotal role in the company’s rapid international expansion.

Safety Technology has also expanded to new purpose designed headquarters with training facilities in Clytha and in discussions with Coleg Gwent to set up specialised training programmes for wind turbine engineers in Wales.

The aim is to ensure Wales has the capability and capacity to take advantage of the projected growth in the wind energy industry.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said he was pleased to hear Safety Technology was making significant in-roads into international markets with its innovative training services.

“The company operates in a niche market area that has significant potential for growth and I am delighted the Assembly Government is supporting its expansion and helped it establish these international connections.”

Safety Technology’s core business is the industrial design, development and supply of patented safety equipment to the utility, telecoms, wind energy and forestry sectors and training in their use.

The Assembly Government supported its move into the Spanish market by funding market research to identify opportunities and supported the company to attend a key trade exhibition in Spain.

This resulted in a joint venture with Ynfiniti Engineering Services (YES) to form YST (YES/Safety Technology) – the new company specialising in providing training for wind energy engineers. Last month YST opened its purpose built training centre in Madrid that is supported by the Spanish Wind Energy Association and the Government. Safety Technology Ltd. owns the Intellectual Property for the programmes.

Managing Director Bob Dickens said this development led to a Joint Venture with wind farm construction and logistics company Rockford Bergé and a licensing agreement with Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan.

The College is now the first US training centre to offer the globally recognised safety certification programme for the wind industry developed by Safety Technology. It will serve as the North American training hub for YST programme instructors.

Mr Dickens, who is a member of RenewableUK, formerly British Wind Energy Association and sits on its training advisory group, is in the US this week promoting its pioneering training services.

“We offer state-of-the-art systems and have pioneered these training standards which are creating tremendous interest as the wind energy industry expands globally. The support of the Assembly Government has been extremely important and opened up new business opportunities for us.

“We are particularly keen that Wales is in a position to benefit economically from the recently announced expansion of off-shore wind farms in the UK and that we can develop spin off benefits in the Welsh supply chain.”

Mr Dickens added,

"These wind turbines are more than 300ft above ground, have ladders and elevators inside and engineers have to work in confined spaces in the nacelle at the very top of the turbines where the drive systems and generators are based, as well as outside the structures.

“It is imperative that they are not only trained in the use of specialist equipment but also in safety, evacuation, first aid, fire and rescue procedures which is what we have developed.”

Safety Technology provide on-site training to companies all over the world but also host courses at their Clytha Centre which attracts engineers from many European countries, bringing direct economic benefits to the local community.

The company is currently working with the newly formed Global Wind Organisation, which includes all the global manufacturing companies in the sector, developing safety-training manuals for people working on wind turbines.

Wales gets ready for summer of events

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is gearing up to host a wide variety of events this summer.

And today it has been announced that event organisers will be able to take advantage of a free Welsh language service thanks to a partnership agreement between the Welsh Assembly Government and the Welsh Language Board.

Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones said

"Last weekend 40,000 music fans enjoyed seeing some of the world's top pop musicians at the Faenol Estate, near Bangor for the BBC's Big Weekend. This provided not only benefits to the local economy but invaluable exposure for north Wales and what it has to offer visitors.

The Faenol festival returns this year and north Wales will also host Wakestock and the European Rugby Golden Oldies tournament this summer.

Elsewhere sports fans will get to enjoy the Ryder Cup in Newport, the climax of the world rally championship in Wales, a leg of the Tour of Britain cycling and the Cardiff half marathon. On Thursday the Hay Festival, with guest such as Ian McEwan, Beth Orton and Bill Bryson, starts off what should be an exciting summer of activity."

Other events over the summer include:

May 30th - 4th June: Urdd Eisteddfod, Llanerchaeron

June 24 England: V Australia, One Day International Cardiff

July 1 - 4: Glanusk International Horse Trials

July 2 - 4: Beyond the Borders Storytelling Festival, St Donats

July 5 - 11: Llangollen International Eisteddfod

July 10: British Speedway Grand Prix, Cardiff

July 19 - 22: Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells

July 30: GB v Rest of the World Amateur Boxing, Cardiff

July 31 - 7 Aug: National Eisteddfod, Ebbw Vale

August 8: Will Young Concert, Eisteddfod Pavilion, Ebbw Vale

August 20 - 22: Green Man Festival, Brecon

Sept 5 & 7: England V Pakistan, International Twenty20, Cardiff

Welsh gardener wins top award at flower show

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Medwyn Williams from Anglesey, north Wales has won the President's Award for best display at the Chelsea Flower Show.

His display, which is 20ft long, has 42 different types of vegetable including unusual varieties such as scarlet turnips and blue potatoes all centered around a Welsh leek.

In previous years the winner of the Presidents Award has been given the honour of meeting the Queen.

Find out more at http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Chelsea-Flower-Show/2010

Winner of UK's largest art prize announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones attended a ceremony at National Museum, Cardiff last week to present the UK’s largest art prize.

The fourth Artes Mundi prize, worth £40,000, was won by Yael Bartana of Israel, who was unable to be present at the ceremony.

The other artists joining Ms Bartana on the shortlist were Fernando Bryce from Peru, Ergin Çavusoglu of Bulgaria, Chen Chieh-jen of Taiwan, Olga Chernysheva from Russia, Gulnara Kasmalieva and Muratbek Djumaliev from Kyrgyzstan and Adrian Paci from Albania.

The First Minister said:

“Artes Mundi is a most significant and successful arts initiative and I am pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has been able to support the prize from the beginning. Its impact goes beyond Wales to the UK and to wider international arts audiences. Not only is it still one of the largest art prizes in the world but it is one of the very few that is genuinely international, providing a showcase for artists from across the globe.”

The Artes Mundi exhibition is on display until 6 June at National Museum Cardiff.

Cardiff Blues victorious in European Cup

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff Blues rugby team won a European rugby trophy after beating French team Toulon in Marseille to claim The Amlin Challenge Cup on Sunday (23 May 2010).

On a beautiful day in front of 48,990 vociferous fans Cardiff Blues triumphed 28-21 in what was a tremendous advert for Welsh rugby.

Next season Welsh rugby will have a full house at the premier event of European rugby, the Heineken Cup, with four Welsh teams, the Scarlets, Ospreys, Dragons and Blues competing in the tournament.

Read more about Sport in Wales

Green homes, green jobs, green skills

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A ground breaking green home improvement scheme has been launched in Wales.

No other scheme of this scale in the UK has taken such an all encompassing approach. The Arbed scheme will

Improve energy efficiency in 6,000 homes by March 2011 not only saving people money but also lowering carbon emissions in our continuing commitment to tackle climate change
Kick-start the economy by providing contracts to local companies and boosting an energy efficiency and renewable energy industry in Wales
Create new green jobs and training opportunities
Enable small and medium size businesses and contractors to gain extra qualifications where needed
The approach to greening homes and setting up a new, coordinated sustainable supply chain will deliver economic, educational, social and renewable energy benefits for Wales.

Speaking in the village of Markham in Caerphilly, in Wales’ Heads of the Valleys Low Carbon Zone, where work fitting solar panels and external wall insulation has begun, Environment Minister Jane Davidson said:

“Wales is leading the way in the UK with this innovative scheme that focuses on energy efficiency. But it is truly sustainable because we will be reducing fuel costs and helping those most in need who are in fuel poverty, and making local job creation and training a key part of the schemes.

“I am committed to tackling climate change and arbed demonstrates the Assembly Government's commitment to take practical action to help Welsh residents. Climate change is the biggest threat facing the world and making homes more energy efficient will reduce Wales' carbon footprint as the direct and indirect consumption of energy from buildings generates approximately 40% of all carbon emissions in the UK. It will also help Wales to meet its target of 3% annual reductions in emissions from 2011 onwards."

Helen Northmore, Head of Energy Saving Trust Wales said,

“Wales is leading the game on the agenda and this is the biggest, most ambitious scheme of its type actually underway in the UK.

Charles Gallacher, Ofgem’s Director for Scotland, Wales and the Regions, said:

“We congratulate the Welsh Assembly Government on the launch of this ambitious programme to help energy consumers in deprived areas. Reducing energy consumption by improving energy efficiency is an effective and important means of improving the position of those suffering from fuel poverty.

We look forward to seeing the programme progress and will work with the Assembly Government on any aspects that fall within our remit.”

D Day for Bluebirds

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow without a doubt is the biggest day in the history of Cardiff City Football Club.

Fans will be flying in from as far afield as the US, South America, Canada, Australian, Denmark and Spain for the match.

Victory in the Coca Cola Championship play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley would create a new global audience for Cardiff and Wales.

Promotion to the Premier League would also net the club an estimated £90m in revenue.

For more information visit Cardiff City's website at http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/

Come to Wales for a proper holiday

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Follow the Darkes family, Mum Dawn, dad Richard and kids Jacob, Alfie and Lois as they embarked on a holiday around Wales after a bit of bad luck with a package holiday.

Visit http://www.visitwales.co.uk/proper-holidays/ to see them visiting Portmeirion, our Italianate resort on the coast of Snowdonia, experiencing eco-luxury on a yurt in Shell Island and trying their hand at a bit of Bushcraft.

Cardiff University's excellence award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff University has been named as the UK's first Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research centre of excellence.

The university is conducting research that aims to allow doctors who will respond to treatment and how effective the drugs are.

Alan Burnett, professor of haematology at the university said

"It encourages the scientist who work there greatly. This is a great day for new investment in the leukaemia programme here"

Find out more at www.cardiff.ac.uk

Alicia Keys replaces New York with North Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

US superstar Alicia Keys recorded a special version of her hit Empire State of Mind for the Chris Moyles breakfast show ahead of her performing at Radio 1’s Big Weekend at the Faenol Estate, North Wales.

She replaces the chorus of "New York" to "North Wales" and sings about the Llandudno Junction and the Menai Bridge. She also says how nice the people of North Wales are and how picturesque the landscape is.

Radio 1’s big Weekend is being held this weekend (22 – 23 May) at the Faenol, Estate in Bangor, North Wales. Other acts appearing include Cheryl Cole, Rhianna, Florence and the Machine and Welsh band Kids in Glass Houses.

For more information visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend/2010/

Royal Welsh Students perform at Buckingham Palace

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama staff, students and alumni attended a star-studded Royal Gala at Buckingham Palaceon on the 29 April 2010. The event was hosted by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness announced that the college’s new 160-theatre, currently under construction, is to be named the Richard Burton Theatre.

Guests at the event included Dame Shirley Bassey, Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon as well as Lord Lloyd Webber, Lord and Lady Sainsbury of Preston Candover, Sir David Frost, Sir Michael Parkinson and Sir Howard Stringer, together with several members of Richard Burton’s family.

"The Burton family is deeply appreciative of the naming of this wonderful theatre," said Richard Burton’s nephew, Guy Masterson. "Wales has given the world some of its greatest artists, and we are delighted that Rich’s legacy lives on in his homeland. We are confident that it will provide a great environment for the students at the Royal Welsh College."

Dame Elizabeth Taylor was also amongst the guests to see her former husband honoured and presented Prince Charles with an original bronze bust of Richard Burton as a young man, which will stand in the foyer of the new theatre in the College.

"It is wonderful to receive a bust of this great Welshman and personal friend in the presence of our Patron, His Royal Highness, who is an enthusiastic supporter of the College, and alongside representatives of the Burton family," said College President, Lord Rowe-Beddoe. He added, "This evening has been an exciting occasion for the College, and a fitting climax to our 60th anniversary celebrations." Hilary Boulding, Principal at the College, added, "It’s a great thrill for the Royal Welsh College to be able to honour one of Wales’ most famous sons. Richard Burton is synonymous with a passion and talent for acting, and commemorating his legacy in this way will be an inspiration for our students. We are delighted that Wales’ newest theatre will bear his name."

The evening featured a series of performances showcasing the talents of the College’s students, alongside Bryn Terfel CBE, an Honorary Fellow of the College, who made his Buckingham Palace debut singing at the event.

Postgraduate student, Justina Gringyte, of Lithuania, is currently studying on the Opera Pathway and has just won a place at the prestigious National Opera Studio in London.

"Preparing for the occasion was so exiting," she said. "RWCMD principal, Hilary Boulding, chose the programme – I was to sing Seguidilla from Bizet’s Carmen and My Man’s Gone Now from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. I often perform these pieces with Head of Opera, Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting, Angela Livingstone, so we both felt quite confident. Our duet was ready to go to the Palace.

I am very grateful to RWCMD that I had the chance to live for one day in that wonderful dream."

It was a moving occasion for all involved but none more so than for the family of Richard Burton. Kate Burton, Richard Burton’s daughter, who was unable to be at Buckingham Palace due to work commitments in the US, said: "I am proud and very excited about the naming of this theatre for my father. He was a very passionate and determined man and I know this new theatre in the capital of Wales will inspire future generations of young actors to follow in his footsteps."

Dame Elizabeth Taylor said: "Richard would have been so deeply touched by this honour as am I."

The Richard Burton Theatre, along with the 450-seat concert hall, four acting & movement studios and exhibition gallery, will be an important new addition to the College’s professional training and performance facilities. The development, designed by architectural practice BFLS, is due to open in the spring of 2011.

Welsh wine wins international award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ancre Hill Estates vineyard in Monmouth, south Wales has won a medal for its vintage wine at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

The winery was set up by the Morris family in 2005 after they discovered that the soil near their home was similar to that found in France’s Chablis region.

Find out more about Ancre Hill Estates at http://www.ancrehillestates.co.uk/

Heineken Cup final returns to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Heineken Cup final is returning to the Welsh capital for the sixth time.

The final of club rugby’s top competition will take place at the Millennium Stadium in 2011.

The First Minister for Wales said:

“I’m pleased that Wales has managed to secure this great event for Wales, beating competition from other venues around Europe. With Cardiff hosting three of the last eight Heineken Cup finals, our capital city is obviously a great favourite with rugby fans. The Heineken Cup is European rugby’s top competition and will bring thousands of fans to Cardiff for the weekend, which in turn will bring huge economic benefits for the city.”

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones, who attended the launch of the event in Cardiff, said:

“Thousands of rugby fans across Wales will welcome this news. We are committed to bringing major sporting events to Wales and I am delighted the organisers of this competition have once again acknowledged the world class facilities available in Cardiff.”

Only Men Aloud win Classical Brit Award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh choir and BBC winners Only Men Aloud won the award for Album of the Year at the prestigious Classical Brit Awards last week.

The First Minister for Wales congratulated the group saying "Congratulations to Only Men Aloud on winning this prestigious award. Under Tim Rhys-Evans’ musical direction, the choir offers an alternative take on the traditional choral repertoire and winning this award shows that their style of music is very popular with their many fans."

Only Men Aloud is a choir which is very proud of its Welsh roots and since winning BBC’s Last Choir Standing programme, they have gone from strength to strength and performed all over the world. including at last year’s Smithsonian Festival in Washington, which has allowed them to build their reputation and in turn, raise the profile of Wales internationally."

Last year the choir performed in the US and collaborated with Bonnie Tyler. Find out more at http://www.onlymenaloud.com/

Wales Sustainability Week

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This week sees the launch of Wales Sustainability Week by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Taking place from the 17 - 23 May the week sees events all over Wales celebrating and promoting their sustainable activity.

For a full calendar of events visit the Welsh Assembly Government website.

Julien Macdonald launches shoe range in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

World famous designer Julien Macdonald could have chosen anywhere across the globe to launch his latest collection. But Welsh shoppers yesterday became the first, apart from Jimmy Choo, to get their hands on Julien Macdonald’s debut shoe collection.

Welshman Julien launched the pieces at a store in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales to a crowd of excited fans. The collection comprises vibrant shades, animal prints, multiple straps and safari styles and are available as part of his Star range at Debenhams.

See the full story here:
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/05/14/julien-launches-new-shoes-in-wales-91466-26442951/

First Minister launches Corus investment

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones yesterday joined the CEO of Tata Steel Europe, Kirby Adams to launch a new plant which will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions at Port Talbot steelworks.

The £60 million investment will reduce the site’s carbon dioxide emissions by some 240,000 tonnes a year and has created a facility which will complement Wales’ commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3% annually.

The plant recovers gas from the Basic Oxygen Steelmaking plant and reuses it elsewhere in the plant. The facility is also expected to reduce the emission of dust (known as PM10s), as well as to half the Port Talbot works’ external requirement for natural gas.

Speaking at the launch, the First Minister said:

"With Wales Sustainability Week taking place next week, it is a pleasure to be here in Port Talbot to launch this key investment by Corus, which is a big boost for sustainability in Wales. This project is all about protecting the environment, but moreover it represents a massive boost to the Welsh economy and a real vote of confidence by Tata in steelmaking in Wales."

The steelworks business at Port Talbot directly employs some 5,000 people, but the economic community of contractors, suppliers and other partners increases the number many times. Corus employs over 7,000 people in Wales in total.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path celebrates 40 years

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With 1,200km of coastline in Wales we have some stunning coastal walks and Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is celebrating 40 years of welcoming visitors this week, since opening in 1970.

It was the first trail of its kind in Wales, having been made possible by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. It now welcomes as many as 900,000 visitors a year.

Winding from Amroth to St Dogmael’s, the path takes in ruined chapels and churches, Norman castles and 300-million-year-old cliffs.

It’s home to birds including razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, gulls and peregrine falcons. There’s also a wide variety of wild flowers growing along the path.

For more information, visit the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park website.

International students choose Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Record numbers of international students are enrolling to study higher education at universities throughout Wales.

For the sixth successive year figures of full-time, non-EU students have increased, and currently 11,374 international students are studying in Wales. The percentage increase of over 19% is the highest increase in the last six years. Since 2005/06 international students in Wales have increased by 73%.

A further 400 international students are on part-time courses in Wales and over 1,000 students are partaking in a distance learning course with a Welsh university. In addition there are over 17,000 students on overseas programmes being delivered by Wales’ higher education institutions.
Wales recruits from over 120 countries with many students from China, India, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Qatar, Libya and the US.

Bangor University has been one of the most successful in recruiting international students, recording the greatest increases in Wales in all main categories of student including undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research. Record increases have also been seen at Cardiff University, Glyndwr University, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Swansea Metropolitan University and University of Wales Newport.

In addition to the 15% increase for undergraduate students 2008/09. Wales has seen record increases in students on postgraduate taught courses. In the last few years universities in Wales have launched a whole new range of post-graduate taught courses in response to the need to internationalise its programmes.

Post-graduate research courses have also had a record increase, indicative of a strong RAE performance in which Wales produced strong performances over a range of subjects from art and design to physics, with world-class achievement in a number of areas including civil engineering, computer science and informatics, psychiatry and neuroscience, psychology and Celtic studies. 14% of all research activity submitted by Welsh institutions was judged to be ‘world-leading’, with a further 35% assessed as ‘internationally excellent’.

Wales also has over 30 centres of excellence offering cutting edge, industry linked research. In the last year alone a number of new collaborative centres of research expertise (The Wales Institute for Social and Economic Research Data and Methods (WISERD), The Wales Institute of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (WIMCS), The Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) and The Research Institute of Visual Computing (RIVIC)) have been launched as part of the St David’s Day partnership of five of the higher education institutions in Wales; Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Swansea University and University of Glamorgan.

Figures have been gathered by Wales International Consortium (WIC), a consortium of all universities in Wales. Its unique collaboration of the whole of Wales higher education allows a quick response in developing projects to complement the marketing and recruitment activities of member institutions to serve the needs of international education.

Wales’ success in attracting international students is also due to its focus on student satisfaction with some of the best and most innovative international student support in the UK. Schemes such as Bangor University’s Buddying programme which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK have proved extremely effective in ensuring student satisfaction. In addition, unique programmes like Swansea University’s recent Welsh classes for international students offer a more diverse international student experience and help the integration of integration of international and home students.

Aberystwyth University has recently been voted 1st of 123 higher education institutions worldwide in both “student satisfaction” and “the best place to be” in the International Student Barometer.

In the most recent National Student Satisfaction Survey, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Swansea University and Trinity University College all scored in the top 20% of the UK with the Welsh average score being higher than the UK national average.
UWIC has recently been nominated for two THE Award (Times Higher Education) for “Outstanding Student Admissions Team” and “Outstanding International Strategy” reflecting its approach to welcoming and supporting its international students.

Alan Edwards, International Welfare Officer at Bangor University said, “Our universities recognise that the key to ensuring international students continue to choose Wales is about ensuring that the international student experience is the best in the Wales. The best ambassadors for Welsh education are the students who return to their countries telling others about their great experiences in both study and life in Wales. The award winning international student support teams in Wales are key to the increasing numbers of international students choosing Wales.”

Iwan Roberts, Head of International Office at Bangor University said, “In an increasingly competitive and ever-changing global market impacted by recession, funding and visa regulations the success of universities in Wales is indicative of the excellence of its higher education and the diversity of the student experience in Wales.”

Wales water project wins international award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Environment Agency Water Resources Strategy for Wales project 'Demand for water in the 2050s' has won the Planning section of the International Water Association’s European Project Innovation awards.

The work developed pictures of water demand in the 2050s under four possible socio-economic futures. These pictures were used to test the actions in our Water Resources Strategy for Wales (published in 2009) so we could make sure they would bring benefits whatever the future looks like.

For more information: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wrs

Robin Hood launches in Cannes

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood, that used Wales as a filming location, is set to open the 63rd Cannes Films Festival later today.

Over 800 cast and crew and 130 horses filmed a major battle scene last year at Freshwater Beach in Pembrokeshire for the movie,which stars Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett and was directed by Sir Ridley Scott.

Take a look at the trailer showing some of the scenes at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSqL9ygBCck

Minister swings into action to open golf facility

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Golf fever continues in Wales in the lead up to the Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, south Wales in October this year. Llanymynech Golf Club in mid Wales unveiled its new facilities this week thanks to a £48,972 grant from the Ryder Cup Legacy Fund.

The club is where Welsh star Ian Woosnam learnt to play and it was officially opened this week by Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant. The club has been extended and now includes a practice area suitable for juniors and adult beginners and a covered driving bay allowing use in all weathers.

The new facilities are aimed to attract new and young players.Speaking at the opening, Carl Sargeant said:

"I am delighted to see how the new course at Llanymynech is making golf so accessible for new players, in particular juniors. Dozens of young people have already benefited from these excellent facilities and I hope that over the coming months many more will take advantage of them."

International Film School Wales students win award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Students from the International Film School Wales at Newport university have won the prestigious Royal Television Society National Award for Best UK Student Documentary for the third year in a row.

The award, presented at a ceremony in London, went to Lauren Muchan and Joe Sharp for their campaigning graduation film ‘Letters to Angola: An Unlikely Friendship’, the story of the relationship between a young British woman and an American Black Panther who has been incarcerated in solitary confinement for the past 37 years in Angola Prison in Louisiana.

Read more at http://www3.newport.ac.uk/news/displayStory.aspx?story_id=467

Blue Flags are flying high at beaches across Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A total of 50 beaches and marinas across Wales have today (11 May) been recognised for the excellent quality of their bathing water.

Environment Minister, Jane Davidson will present the coveted European Blue Flag Awards to 45 Welsh beaches and 5 Welsh Marinas later today in a ceremony on New Quay beach in Ceredigion, which retains its own Blue Flag for the third consecutive year.

The Blue Flag Awards are a prestigious recognition of high standards of bathing water quality and beach management. This years awards see the number of Welsh beaches recognised increasing significantly from 38 beaches in 2009 to 45 beaches in 2010, with the number of marinas awarded holding steady at five.

Speaking about the awards, the Minister said:

"It is a great pleasure to present Blue Flag Awards to the winning Welsh beaches and marinas and I am delighted that the number of flags awarded in Wales has this year risen to 50.

These awards are a testament to the hard work of Local Authorities and beach managers across Wales who ensure that our beaches and marinas achieve strict European water quality standards. These beaches and marinas provide a real draw for tourists and should give us all a reason to be proud."

"For anyone planning to enjoy the good weather with a visit to the beach this summer, the Blue Flag awards show Welsh beaches can compete with the very best in Europe and beyond."

A number of beaches that lost the award last year due to the bad weather of 2008 have now regained their Blue Flag. These include Amroth, Barmouth, Broadhaven North, Cefn Sidan, Criccieth, Llandudno West Shore, Newport and Pendine.

Wales to host Guardian & Observer Travel Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Guardian News and Media’s prestigious Guardian and Observer Travel Awards will take place in Cardiff, in October this year.

The Welsh Assembly Government’s Visit Wales’ bid to host the Awards beat those from other world tourist destinations. Hosting the Awards, the highlight of a four day itinerary, provides a unique opportunity to showcase Wales to travel industry guests.

Reflecting Wales’ sustainability credentials, most of the Guardian’s expected 100 guests will travel to and from Wales by rail. Arriving 7 October, they will locate in the heart of the vibrant regenerated Cardiff Bay area.

Throughout their stay, the sense of place will reinforce the message that Wales is a country with its own vibrant identity that offers something different for both UK and international travellers alike.

Visit Wales are organising a programme of events and experiences, working with the Guardian, to ensure that all those that come get to experience a taste of Wales and what it has to offer as a tourism destination.

Guests will partake in a programme of excursions and events, which will show off both the city and Wales. They will visit historic sites and new landmark /sustainable buildings, be introduced to the culture, food and drink, and engage in a range of the activities and experiences that can be enjoyed here.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

“We are delighted that the Guardian has chosen Cardiff as the venue for their Travel Awards – recognising Wales as a world-class destination and building on our growing reputation as both great place to hold events and to visit.

“Tourism is big business for Wales. It contributes around £3.5 billion a year to the economy and employs up to 100,000 people at the peak of the season.

“We want tourism to make an even bigger contribution to the Welsh economy and major events such as this provide us with a platform to achieve this. They challenge perceptions and show what we can offer - a country that both respects and celebrates its past, yet looks to the future, providing fresh and innovative venues and services for our visitors

Newport’s virtual museum unveiled

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A "virtual museum" which gives people the opportunity to experience medieval Newport and its ship and castle in the 15th Century is going online.

The University of Wales, Newport, has designed an interactive view of the medieval ship uncovered on the banks of the River Usk in 2002. Visitors will be able to "walk" around the ship's underwater remains and see it in its medieval landscape.

The project forms part of the university's new Digital Heritage Zone within Second Life and the museum can be accessed through the internet.

Matt Chilcott, development director at the university's Institute of Digital Learning, said: "This innovative digital approach enables Newport to share its rich heritage with a range of audiences all over the world in a new and exciting way. For example, tourists planning to visit Newport can now have fun exploring the area's history before they even arrive in Wales."

Remains of the ship were uncovered in 2002 when work began on the foundations for the Riverfront arts centre next to the River Usk. The ship is described as the largest surviving example of a medieval clinker built ship, a type of design where wooden planks are attached to a hull so they overlap each other.

It has been called the best example of a 15th Century ship in the world.

A series of open days is being held over the next five months for the public to view the latest stage of restoration and also see a 3D model of the ship.

Ballet at its best in Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Some of the world’s finest ballet dancers will be performing in Cardiff this week.

Ballet Nacional de Cuba will be making their debut at the Wales Millennium Centre and the dancers will be performing two programmes; Magia de la Danza – a spectacular showcase of extracts from seven of the company’s most famous classical ballets including Swan Lake, and Giselle, a celebrated work in the company’s repertoire.

Ballet Nacional de Cuba are renowned for their unparalleled classical technique and impeccable style and have a reputation for bringing classical ballet to life.

For more information and for tickets, visit the Wales Millenium Centre website.

Gwyneth Glyn visits Patagonia

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 6 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Inspired by her experiences at the Festival, Gwyneth Glyn visited Patagonia in Spring 2010, performed in two concerts and conducted a poetry and song session at Ysgol yr Hendre, Trelew.

Gwyneth went on a three month adventure to South America, travelling from Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

She said "The trip was partly inspired by my experiences at the Smithsonian Festival, where I made new acquaintances from Welsh-speaking Patagonia who encouraged me to visit the area to perform and experience their culture."

Gwyneth took part in a concert at Neuadd Dewi Sant in Trelew, organised by Llinos Griffin, the local Menter Iaith officer. The second concert she played at was in Gaiman and was organised by the Gaiman Music Centre’s ladies choir, who are hoping to travel to Wales later this summer to take part in the Llangollen International Esiteddfod.

She has also since been working with musician Gareth Bonello as a result of the festival.

Business signs distribution deal for Middle East

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dr Organic – a rapidly growing Welsh business specialising in the development of a range of natural and organic skincare and beauty products – has signed a £9 million distribution deal for the Middle East.

The business, which is headquartered in Swansea, only began trading a year ago and already has its entire range exclusively stocked in every Holland and Barrett store in the UK.

The Dr Organic range is currently the subject of a major media advertising campaign by Holland and Barrett, fronted by television presenter Gethin Jones.

Steve Quinn and Fred Whitcomb, the entrepreneurs behind Dr Organic have a track record in this sector and are no strangers to success. They built up the Cardiff based Optima brand specialising in health food supplements and cosmetics - selling it for £23 million in 2005.

The Dr Organic range, produced from natural and organic ingredients sourced from around the world, currently has 68 products in six variants and in June launches 57 new products across three different variants.

Steve Quinn and Fred Whitcomb are now targeting international markets with their export drive supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The £9 million five year distribution deal in the Middle East is their largest to date although Dr Organic is already making inroads across Europe, South Africa and Australasia.

The company is benefiting from a number of services provided by the Assembly Government designed to support Welsh companies trade internationally which included its attendance at the World Organic Trade Fair Biofach in Nuremburg this February.

It resulted in substantial interest from Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China and Mr Whitcomb said the support was invaluable

“We firmly believe the Dr Organic brand has the potential to become global and international markets offer huge potential. The support of the Assembly Government in assisting us to promote the Company overseas has opened up a range of new opportunities.

“The interest resulting from our attendance at Biofach was quite amazing and far better than we could have anticipated and the success was measureable.”

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the rapid growth of the business was particularly note worthy because it had started trading in the middle of a recession.

“It clearly illustrates the fact that there is always a market for new and innovative products in the UK and overseas and how trading internationally can present major new opportunities and new markets for Welsh companies.

“I am pleased to see that Dr Organic is being supported by the Assembly Government and successfully targeting overseas trade. Dynamic young businesses like this have an important contribution to make to the future development of the Welsh economy as we move out of recession.”

Dr Organic employs seven people at its head office in the JShed, Swansea, where the sales, marketing and administration functions are based. It carries out product development in house, retains the Intellectual Property Rights in Wales and outsources manufacturing.

Steve Quinn said the Dr Organic range is proving to be particularly successful because only natural organic elements are used and the active ingredient in each product – whether Aloe Vera, Vitamin E or Manuka honey – is the main ingredient.

“The price is also what differentiates the Dr Organic range from other products – it is an affordable range which widens the customer base dramatically without compromising quality.

“The Holland and Barrett collaboration has also been central. It is a mutually beneficial contract providing us with an extremely important launch client while providing Holland and Barrett with exclusive rights and a significant entrance into the skincare market.”

Products from the Dr Organic range have won three Awards this year from Healthy Magazine Readers Choice, the UK’s biggest selling Health magazine and their Organic Manuka Hand and Nail Cream won a top award from The Green Beauty Bible.

Michael Sheen to manage sporting greats

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh movie actor Michael Sheen is to lead a Rest of the World football team against an England team in a charity match organised by Robbie Williams, to raise funds for the children's charity Unicef.

The match will take place at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United football club and will feature gootball and sporting legends as well as a host of celebrities. The date is to be confirmed.

Welsh and Breton musicians team up for concert

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales' musicians joined artists from Brittany's Festival Interceltique de Lorient for a Celtic music May Day at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Saturday.

They played throughout the day and held a concert to mark the first day of summer in the Celtic calendar.

The evening included performances from Welsh singer-songwriter Lleuwen Steffan and traditional Breton dance and pipe and drum musicians.

In 2008 Wales was the featured nation at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Find out more about the festival at http://www.festival-interceltique.com/

Swansea students shine in international awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jing Xu and Pavan Kumar Sriram have been named runners-up in the regional finals of the eighth annual International Student Awards a major initiative from the British Council that shines the spotlight on international students and their contributions to life in the UK.

To enter the competition, Jing and Pavan wrote a personal letter home detailing the achievements that had helped each of them make their time in the UK so rewarding. Their inspirational accounts, of student life in Swansea, were short-listed by the panel of judges who reviewed more than 1,300 personal letters sent to 121 home countries.

Jing Xu studied completed his Master's Degree in Law at Cardiff University before choosing to study for a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at Swansea University's School of Law and, subsequently, taking the Legal Practice Course (LPC). In addition to his academic studies, Jing has enjoyed a wide range of out-of-class activities at Swansea, including working as Marketing Officer for the University's Free Legal Advice (Pro Bono) Clinic.

Following the awards ceremony, Jing said: "Swansea University's School of Law is one of a select number to offer the Graduate Diploma in Law course and, since enrolling, I have found it is simply the most student-focused institution; offering a full-range of support services to help with learning and achieving.

"Through the British Council's competition, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to share with prospective students the joys of living and studying here."

Erasmus Mundus student, Pavan Kumar Sriram, started his Master of Science in Computational Mechanics in 2008 at Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in Spain before moving, in January 2009, to continue his studies at Swansea University's School of Engineering.

Originally from Bangalore in India, Pavan commented: "I selected Swansea University as the Civil and Computational Engineering Department is recognised as one of the top three in the UK.

"Studying and living here has been the experience of a lifetime and, today, I feel that there is no limit to my dreams. The experience has transformed me into an extremely social savvy person. Packed with fun, travel and excitement, there has never been a moment of suffering from sophomore slump or general boredom. I have discovered strengths and abilities to conquer new challenges and solve new problems. I've also reconsidered my own beliefs and values. The experience has made me more mature and I now have a different perspective of the world.

"Winning the award has given me immense confidence and a drive to achieve more and dream even higher."

Pavan was short-listed for his outstanding letter home which, inspired by his study experience in Wales and active role within the Students Union, was commended by the judges for showing Pavan had been making the most of his time in the UK.

This is the third year that Swansea University's international students, who come to the UK for high quality education, new challenges and experiences, have been given public recognition for their extra-curricular achievements.

In 2008 Business and Economics student, Shilin Wang, was named regional winner, Media and Communications student, Yin Qian, was named regional runner-up and Richard Nyuur, from Ghana, was highly commended for his inspiring. In following year, a personal letter home from Akash Sehdev, one of the Universityâ€™s Law and Business Studies students, was named one of Wales' best.

Professor Iwan Davies, Swansea University's Pro Vice Chancellor for Internationalisation and External Affairs, concluded: "Swansea University is committed to offering students - from the UK, Europe and further afield high quality opportunities for academic research and learning and, at the same time, one of the best student experiences in the world.

"In return, the University is proud of the huge commitment that individual students make to enjoying new experiences and challenges while studying in Swansea and of the valued contribution that international students make to life in Wales and to the rest of the world."

Pembrokeshire Coast Path voted top in UK

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path in west Wales has been voted the best coastal walkway in the UK by readers of Coast magazine.

The 186 mile route is celebrating it's 40th year in 2010 and is situated almost entirely inside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Find out more about Wales' coast and beaches and visit Pembrokeshire Coast National Path website to start planning your visit.

Local bands play Radio 1 Big Weekend gigs

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A series of free gigs across north Wales are being held in the build-up to BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend on 22 and 23 May, giving a platform for local bands.

Starting in Wrexham on Monday 17 May, The Fringe Festival then visits Colwyn Bay and Caernarfon, culminating in a four-venue event in Bangor. Radio 1 DJ Bethan Elfyn believes the concentration of activities in north Wales could have a lasting impact on the area's music scene. "Like the old saying goes, with this one little event we might be moving mountains!"

Announcing The Fringe Festival details on his Radio 1 show, DJ Huw Stephens also revealed the line-up for the BBC Introducing Stage at the Faenol Estate, Bangor, including bands from Wales like The Joy Formidable and I Am Austin. "The BBC Introducing Stage always has a good atmosphere and a really diverse line-up of up and coming artists who get a wider platform to play on at festivals," said Huw.

The Fringe Festival will showcase local talent in a different location each night, celebrating everything about the local music scene, from guitar bands through to bedroom DJs, MCs and everything in between.

For more information on The Fringe Festival and the BBC Introducing Stage at the Big Weekend, visit the BBC Big Weekend website.

Go ahead for National Science Academy for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A National Science Academy is to be established in Wales to help deliver a stronger, more sustainable and resilient economy for the future.

The Academy will promote the take up of science, technology, engineering and mathematics - STEM subjects - at all levels to ensure Wales has a continuous pipeline of people graduating from colleges and universities with the appropriate qualifications and skills.

Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills said "We need people with these skills to support the industries and technologies of tomorrow, to drive forward innovation in business, to stimulate research and development in universities and attract investment to Wales. The importance of innovation and the role it can play in helping economic growth should not be under estimated. The National Science Academy will have a key role to play in ensuring we have the appropriate skills at the appropriate level to support the development of a vibrant and sustainable knowledge based economy."

She said the Academy would build on a number of highly successful existing STEM initiatives to improve the supply of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians in order to support businesses so they can compete in global markets for high value goods and services.

The Academy will focus on education in STEM subjects from early years education through to further and higher education and higher-level skills she said. The strategic direction of the Academy will be provided by Professor John Harries, the Chief Scientific Advisor for Wales who takes up his position in May.

Commonwealth Games Bowls team selected for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The first athletes to represent Wales at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi were announced today following the selection of the men’s and women’s Lawn Bowls teams.

A total of 12 bowlers will be heading for the Indian capital for the October tournament – part of an expected near 200-strong Welsh squad.

The teams of six men and six women are all members of the Wales elite bowls squads and, with an average age of 41, is the youngest ever group of players from the sport to represent Wales at a major international championship.

They will be taking part in the tournament from October 3-14 in three separate competitions – singles, pairs and triples events, seeking to improve on the two singles silver medals won by Wales at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

See full article on the Sports Council for Wales news pages.

Bryn-fest in anniversary return

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We're pleased to hear good news for music lovers that opera star Bryn Terfel's annual music festival, the Faenol Festival, is to stage a comeback this year. Organisers said the festival, at the Faenol estate near Caernarfon, Gwynedd, would celebrate its 10th anniversary this year between 27-30 August.

The Faenol Festival Trust said the event would have "a new structure, looking forward to the future".

Sir David Henshaw, chairman of the Faenol Festival Trust, said: "Bryn and the trust are thrilled that we have secured a long term deal for the future of the festival with Universal Music. We are confident that the 10th anniversary of Bryn's Faenol festival will be the best yet, and look forward to announcing the full details in the coming weeks."

Over the years, stars such as Dame Shirley Bassey, Westlife, Girls Aloud, Boyzone and Cerys Matthews have performed at the open-air festival which quickly established itself as one of the major events of the year on the north Wales calendar.

Welsh inventors strike gold in Geneva

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh inventors have struck gold at this year’s International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva winning fourteen medals as well as two of the overall top prizes.

The final tally was six gold medals, five silver medals and three bronze medals - with every invention from Wales winning a medal.

The Exhibition – the largest in Europe - attracted 1000 inventions from all over the world and around 70,000 visitors including industrialists, distributors and business people looking for new products and inventions to market.

The inventors from Wales not only beat off stiff competition from independent inventors, companies and research institutes and universities but also notched up sales, signed distribution or licensing deals and in talks with interested parties.

The Sports Injury Rehabilitation Assistant (SIRA) - the first powered stretching machine of its kind - earned Robert Clarke and John Lockwood of Gorseinon, a gold medal in the medical equipment category. It was also awarded The World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Gold Medal for Best Inventors 2010 –the first time in its fifteen years history that this award has been won by the UK.

Matt Davies’ Yoke Shopper created considerable interest and won the gold medal in its category and was the judges’ choice for the Industrial Design of the Year Award. The Yoke Shopper, a simple but clever device, enables shoppers to carry numerous carrier bags and remain hands-free.

For more information on the winners, visit the International Business Wales website.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend line up announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Over 30 International and UK artists including Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Florence & The Machine and Cheryl Cole will be performing at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Bangot, on 22 and 23 May.

DJ Chris Moyles announced the line up yesterday live on air on his breakfast show. Other artists include Welsh acts Lostprophets, Kids in Glass Houses and Marina and the Diamonds.

The Radio 1 Big Weekend is the biggest free ticketed music event in Europe.

For more information visit the BBC Big Weekend website.

Aberystwyth University voted world’s best

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Aberystwyth University has been voted the best place in the world to be a student.

It is ranked first out of 123 higher education institutions surveyed worldwide according to the 2009 International Student Barometer. The International Student Barometer is the largest study of international students in the world with feedback from over 150,000 students each year.

Aberystwyth University performed exceptionally well in all aspects of a student's experience, coming in the top 20 of half of the surveys' 80 categories.

From the initial welcome on their first weekend, through to the teaching and learning facilities and academic support, students at Aberystwyth reported that the quality of the academic experience available to them was amongst the very best.

Professor Martin Jones, Pro Vice Chancellor at Aberystwyth University, said: "Naturally we are delighted that the International Student Barometer has revealed that Aberystwyth University has both the highest level of student satisfaction and is considered the best place in the world to be a student. This confirms the considerable investment the university has made in the quality of resources and facilities available to students".

Jon Antoniazzi, president of Aberystwyth University Guild of Students said "This survey reinforces what students and graduates of Aberystwyth University already know – it is really a fantastic place to study. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere, coupled with great teaching and an unrivalled location, mean that the overall experience of being a student at Aberystwyth really is second to none."

Golf gets better at the Gnoll

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re getting excited about golf in the lead up to Wales playing host to the Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort in October. Visitors to the stunning Gnoll Country Park, just outside Neath in south Wales, will find a greatly improved golf course thanks to a £102,644 grant from the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund.

The Gnoll Country Park has been shortlisted as one of the best picnic spots in Wales and is a well established and popular attraction for local residents and tourists alike. But now golf will play a more central role with five new greens on a course that has been redesigned and renovated to make it even more enjoyable and user-friendly.

"Golf has always been an important activity in the park and this new facility will help the development of golf throughout the borough and attract new players to the game. Well designed public golf courses that are well maintained are hugely important in making the game more accessible to new golfers and especially to youngsters" explained Ryder Cup Wales Chairman, John Jermine.

"Wales has some of the best players, and courses, in the world and we have used our Legacy Fund, established and financed by the Welsh Assembly Government, to widen the appeal of the game by providing good quality facilities for golfers at all levels, and all ages, across the country."

Shakespeare and Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

William Shakespeare is known world wide as the greatest English dramatist, but scholars from around the world will gather today at Cardiff University to discuss the strong influence of Wales on his work.

Theatre director Michael Bogdanov will give the keynote lecture at a symposium on Friday to mark the publication of Shakespeare and Wales: From the Marches to the Assembly, an anthology of scholarly essays.

Its editors intend the book as 'a Welsh correction to a long-standing deficiency' in the popular view of Shakespeare as a primarily English playwright.

Bogdanov says his lecture will stress how the Bard of Avon was inspired by the humanist character of the Welsh and may in turn have influenced the Welsh national identity.

"Cwm Pucca - Puck Valley - near Neath is supposed to be the setting for A Midsummer Night's Dream - Shakespeare's Cave is there," he says.

The play Cymbeline - inspired by an account by Geoffrey of Monmouth - features a reference to "blessed Milford", believed to be the haven of that name in Pembrokeshire where the princes Guiderius and Arviragus are in hiding.

Professor Richard Wilson of Cardiff University's School of English, Communication and Philosophy said: "This is the first international conference specifically on Shakespeare and Wales. It comes at an exciting moment when we are at last realising the power of Wales in Shakespeare's imagination".

Goldie Lookin Chain record Ryder Cup golf anthem

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re looking forward to the Ryder Cup coming to the Celtic Manor Resort in October and we’re excited to see Newport rap band Goldie Lookin Chain (GLC) have recorded an anthem to celebrate.

The idea came when a group of second year film students at Newport's University of Wales were given a brief to make a documentary about Newport and they decided to work with local rap band GLC. They had the idea to capitalise on the biggest event that Newport has ever hosted - the Ryder Cup golf tournament - so they asked GLC to write an anthem to celebrate. The band obliged and the result is a track called Golf Is Coming which will be released in advance of the big event which takes place at the beginning of October.

The song will show the band's uniquely Newport take on the Ryder Cup. GLC producer and band member Rhys thinks it could be as big as Skinner and Baddiel's football song Three Lions.

Delighted with the result, the trio of aspiring TV producers wanted to get more local input, and approached the Newport Male Voice Choir, who will be contributing to the song’s chorus.

Frank Hennessy wins award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Frank Hennessy has been named Radio Personality of the Year by the Celtic Media Festival in 2010.

The Celtic Media Festival exists to promote the cultures and languages of the Celtic countries in film, on television, radio and new media. The Festival itself is an annual three-day celebration of broadcasting, film talent and excellence from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany.

Frank said:

"I am absolutely thrilled. I'm surprised, elated and pleased as punch. I was in a category with nominees who are all very experienced and well-respected."

During the Smithsonian festival Frank Hennessy undertook two 3 hour broadcasts for his Celtic Heartbeat programme. A radio station in Washington took an hour of his first programme and the whole of the 2^nd programme.

English Centre Eisteddfod 2010

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The English Centre in Cadiz held their Eisteddfod for the fourth year running on the 26March. The Eisteddfod is held to celebrate the English Centre Day and their patron Saint David who is also the patron Saint of Wales.

The school was full of song and dance, colour and competition, fun and community spirit. There were over 40 performances, activities, competitions and celebrations organised by every department and including every pupil in the school.

Special guests this year included Welsh speaker Ms Catherine Davies, Head of Key Stage 4 at Swans International School, Marbella and Mrs Deborah Dawe, retired Head of Modern Languages and student of Welsh. Mrs Victoria Álvarez, a United Nations Peacekeeper in the Republic of Congo.

Plans for next year include dancers from Wales, guests from Ireland, Denmark and the Czech Republic to make the Eisteddfod an international event.

Graduate heads stateside on travelling scholarship

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bridging the gap between Cardiff and Cambridge (Massachusetts), Baz Dhaliwal, a University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) graduate will be flying to the US to brainstorm business ideas with America’s academic elite thanks to a new initiative funded by the University of Wales’s Global Academy in partnership with Cardiff Business Club.

The University of Wales travelling innovation scholarship will enable a graduate of the University of Wales to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to meet leading world experts and learn how they can develop their entrepreneurial ideas into world class products or services back here in Wales.

The aim of the scheme is to enlighten and nurture Welsh graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge so that they are better equipped to maximise their business potential. It is hoped that the beneficiary of the scheme will then be able to contribute to developing a more entrepreneurial Welsh economy.

The first winner of the University of Wales travelling scholarship is Baz Dhaliwal, a former product design student at UWIC. Lord Griffiths of Fforestfach presented him with the award at a special dinner in Cardiff Business Club on Monday 13th April.

Baz’s start-up business, Rikoset Ltd, is developing new and innovative products to prevent injuries in sport, help rehabilitation and improve the performance of professional athletes.

The company is currently developing its first product which is an advanced shin guard aimed at professional footballers, a product which was originally conceived as an undergraduate product design project.

Upon receiving the award, Baz was confident of the positive effect visiting MIT would have on his business saying "I am absolutely ecstatic about winning the scholarship and I see it as an excellent opportunity to meet some of the world’s leading experts on business and technology. As a budding entrepreneur I feel this experience will be hugely beneficial as I am hoping to gain some valuable knowledge and experience that will help push my business to the next stage."

Huw Thomas, Chair of the University of Wales congratulated Baz Dhaliwal, "I am delighted to award Baz with the first University of Wales Travelling Scholarship. This award encapsulates our ethos perfectly, which is bringing the best of the world to Wales, and taking the best of Wales to the world."

MIT’s entrepreneurship programmes are amongst the best in the world, resulting in 25,800 active companies that have been founded by MIT alumni. These currently employ about 3.3 million people and generate annual world sales of £1.5 trillion, producing the equivalent of the 11th-largest economy in the world.

Cardiff architect to design Indian temple

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A leading Cardiff University architect is playing a central role in a prestigious project aiming to build a Hindu temple in a style that has not been practised for over seven hundred years.

Dr Adam Hardy from Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Architecture, a leading authority on Indian temple architecture, has been commissioned to design a Hindu temple in the complex and ornate 12th century style of the Hoysala dynasty of south India.

The Shree Kalyana Venkateshwara Hoysala Art Foundation, the organisation behind the project, has assembled a network of sculptors skilled in the intricate carving of soapstone – but lacked an architect able to design the temple until they discovered Dr Hardy’s work.

Dr Hardy, who has just returned from a visit to the proposed site in India, said: "An architectural tradition can be learnt, just like a musical or a literary tradition. It can be passed down by masters, but if none are around it can be learnt and internalised from its products – the surviving temples, in this case. This project is particularly exciting for me because it is not a copy of a medieval temple that the clients are asking for, but a new creation coming out of the tradition."

Built of grey soapstone and hand-carved, the temple will be located on a granite outcrop at Venkatapura, near Nangali in the Kolar District of Karnataka, about 60 miles from Bangalore. It’s hoped it will rival the famous Hoysala monuments at Halebid and Belur in scale and splendour.

During his visit, Dr Hardy met with craftsmen who will work on the temple and visited quarries to ensure that beams of the required size would be available. With members of the Hoysala Art Foundation he met the Chief Minister of Karnataka to enlist support for the project from the state government.

The temple project is the latest commission for PRASADA (Practice, Research and Advancement in South Asian Design and Architecture), a unique centre designed to integrate research and creative practice in its field. PRASADA, based at the Welsh School of Architecture, is one of the research groups of the British Association for South Asian Studies (BASAS) and is linked to a wide network of scholars, artists and designers. A large group of students have taken their doctorates with the centre, the majority from India, where several now hold influential posts in architectural education and conservation.

Alongside the Hoysala temple design, Dr Hardy is currently working on an animated multi-media display for a sculpture exhibition entitled ‘India: Art of the Temple’, which is being sent to Shanghai by the British Museum and the V&A to coincide with this year’s Expo.

Porthcawl International Jazz Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Porthcawl International Jazz Festival takes place this weekend in various venues around Porthcawl, south Wales. For more information on performances, venues and ticket prices, please visit their website.

Welsh Producers experience taste of Asia

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Award-winning Welsh food and drink companies will be heading to Singapore this month (20-23 April) for Asia’s largest international food and hospitality show, the Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) trade exhibition.

The bi-annual event, which hosted 2,627 exhibiting companies from 70 countries and attracted more than 37,000 visitors in 2008, will provide each company with valuable exporting, new business and networking opportunities.

The five companies flying the flag under the Welsh Assembly Government’s International Business Wales and True Taste banners will include Halen Môn - The Anglesey Sea Salt Company, Llanllyr Water Company, Trioni Ltd, Rhug Organic Farm and Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales.

The Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones, says:

"This is a great opportunity for award winning Welsh companies to increase and expand their business whilst at the same time, making invaluable links with international buyers and retailers.

"The event proved to be very successful in 2008 and resulted in all Welsh companies securing either a new or increased business deal. Singapore’s retail and foodservice markets are highly developed and increasingly sophisticated – and our Welsh products will not disappoint."

The Welsh National Culinary Team will also be making their way over to Singapore in April for the FHA Culinary Challenge and hailed as Asia’s most established culinary competition. A team comprising of 13 Welsh chefs will battle it out against eight countries - Singapore, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Malaysia and New Zealand.

Spread across eight halls, or 82,000 square metres of exhibition space, FHA 2010 will cover more ground and feature more exhibitors than any other year in its 32-year history.

With a population of 4.7 billion, the Asia Pacific region has the highest annual volume of food consumption accounting for around 56% of the world’s population.

Cardiff library voted one of the world’s best

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’re happy to see that our capital city’s Central Library has been voted one of the six best libraries in the world in the latest copy of The Sunday Times Travel magazine. And if that wasn’t enough the Cardiff library is the only one in the UK to feature on the list and only one of two from Europe.

The city library joins an elite list of six, which The Times have called the ‘six of the best’. This includes Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt; Stephen A Schwarzman Building, New York; Customs House, Sydney; Kyoto International Manga Museum, Japan and Denmark's National Library, based in Copenhagen.

Since opening in March 2009, the library has received high praise for its state-of-the-art features and its modern take on library services. As well as including 90,000 books, the library is home to a white concert grand piano, which proficient users are free to play anytime the library is open with plenty of music scores to choose from.

To emphasise the modern outlook of the library, in June 2009 the Manic Street Preachers officially opened the library, with, according to The Times "suitable cool fanfare."

The magazine also praised the green credentials of the library, noting that it is "one of Wales’ greenest buildings."

For more information about the library, visit their website or check out their facebook page.

Swiss Ambassador's lecture in Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

H.E. Mr Alexis P. Lautenberg, Swiss Ambassador to the UK, will be visiting Wales and giving a lecture on 13 May in Cardiff titled Federal Switzerland and European Policy.

Since October 2004 Mr Alexis P. Lautenberg has been Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Kingdom but he will be retiring from government service this summer. Born in 1945 in Zurich, Mr Lautenberg has enjoyed a long and varied career in the Diplomatic Service, taking on a number of important roles. In 1993 Mr Lautenberg was appointed Ambassador and Head of the Swiss Mission to the European Communities in Brussels and from 1999 to 2004 he was Switzerland’s Ambassador to Italy. Mr Lautenberg has also been involved with other work - from 1994 to 1999 he was a Member of the Board of the College of Europe in Bruges.

Any enquiries about the lecture should be directed to:

Ruth Thomas-Lehmann
Honorary Consul
Bradley Court Park Place
Cardiff CF10 3DP

email: cardiff@honorarvertretung.ch

£17.5m Coastal Tourism Projects Unveiled

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The four projects in a £17.5m Welsh Assembly Government initiative to improve visitors’ experience of Wales’ unique coastline were revealed this week.

Three centres in Aberdaron, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Bay will provide top-class, environmentally friendly facilities for people to enjoy the coast by foot or water and experience water sports.

Each centre will have the highest standard of facilities for each activity and act as hub for encouraging different forms of tourism.

Other beaches across Wales will benefit from improved access, facilities and information provision as part of the Green Sea programme.

Speaking at the launch in Aberdaron, Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, who announced funding for the initiative last year, said "The three centres will provide top class facilities to improve the visitor experience of Wales’ outstanding coast and help showcase what Wales has to offer to visitors."

Read more about the projects on the Welsh Assembly website.

Ryder Cup boosts economy in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We are really looking forward to the Ryder Cup this year. For the first time ever, it’s going to take place in Wales at the Celtic Manor Resort in October. And it looks like we are not the only ones looking forward to it – the National Golf Tourism Monitor recorded an increase in the length of stays and average expenditure by golf visitors to Wales last year. And not only has that but Visit Wales has shown a 50% increase in the volume of tourists since 2002.

Fantastic – we look forward to seeing you all in October!

Revolutionary heart pump could transform lives

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A miniature heart pump being developed by Swansea-based company Calon Cardio Technology, in partnership with Swansea University’s Institute of Innovation, could transform the lives of millions of people with heart disease. The innovative design is only the diameter of an AA battery but it has been designed to help a failing or diseased heart continue pumping blood around the body.

Similar devices have yet to gain widespread acceptance because they are usually large, patients need to undergo very invasive surgery and the pumps are usually very expensive.

The pump being developed by Calon Cardio aims to address both these problems in a bid to make heart-assist pumps the routine method of treatment for heart failure.

The company has now been awarded a Prince of Wales Innovation Scholarship (POWIS) to help further the pump’s research and development.

Graham Foster from Calon Cardio, who is leading this research, said "The Calon pump can be implanted into the human body to support the work of a heart which has been damaged by disease and is starting to fail. This extra support provides enough help to keep the circulation flowing and prevent the heart from failing completely, and in some cases allows the heart to recover fully. I find the idea of being able to help improve medical treatment in ways like this incredibly exciting and am delighted that we have partnered with POWIS to collaborate on the Calon project."

Find out more by visiting the Swansea Institute of Innovation website.

Bangor scientists to lead international consortium

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Scientists from Bangor University's School of Ocean Sciences are leading an international consortium who will be showcasing their research at the prestigious Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition taking place at London's Southbank Centre later this year.

Their exhibit - "Arctica islandica, the longest-lived animal on Earth" highlights investigations into climate change and ageing processes which make use of a remarkable marine clam that can live for more than 400 years. The team are one of just 28 exhibitors, having followed a very competitive selection process, which saw only 16% of those applying to take part being successful.

The Bangor exhibit will be the only one focussing explicitly on climate change and the only marine science exhibit. The consortium is headed by Professors James Scourse and Chris Richardson at the School of Ocean Sciences, and their research group It also includes colleagues from St Andrews, Mainz and Iowa State Universities, three Natural Environment Research Council facilities and institutes (Radiocarbon Laboratory, Scientific Diving, British Geological Survey), the Max Planck Institute (in Germany), The Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research and Research into Ageing (Help the Aged/Age Concern).

The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition this year will be a very special event. Open (and free) to the public between June 26^th and July 4^th, and situated in the foyer of The Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre, it coincides with the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Society and with the BBC Year of Science and is part of See Further, a wider festival highlighting the linkages between the sciences and the arts.

Photojournalist's work comes home to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An exhibition of work by a world-renowned photographer is to go on display in his home village in Denbighshire, north Wales for the first time.

Philip Jones Griffiths, who died of cancer in 2008, was best known for his war images in Vietnam - where his ashes are being scattered this week. He developed his skills in Britain in the 1950s and 60s, and those images are shown in the Recollections exhibition. The exhibition will be on display at Rhuddlan Library until 8 May.

It includes a picture of young children captured in a street in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, in 1952, a Merthyr Tydfil miner in 1993, and Beatle John Lennon in 1963.

Described as "one of the greatest and most influential photographers of the late twentieth century", Mr Jones Griffiths was born in Rhuddlan in 1936. He left Wales aged 16, but said his upbringing as a Welshman was the basis for everything he did.

He launched his career as a freelance photographer for the Observer newspaper in 1961, covering the Algerian war in 1962 before travelling across central Africa. In a career that took him to more than 120 countries, Mr Jones Griffiths covered everything from Buddhism in Cambodia, drought in India, poverty in Texas and the legacy of the Gulf war in Kuwait. His work in Vietnam was collated into a book, published in 1971, which became crucial in challenging attitudes to the war in the United States.

Mr Jones Griffiths was also president of the famous Magnum picture agency for five years.

Mr Jones Griffiths was 72 when he died at his London home following a battle with cancer in 2008.

Welsh buildings up for top award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is fast becoming a home to world-class architecture, according to experts who have shortlisted twelve new Welsh buildings for an internationally renowned award.

Amongst the buildings shortlisted for the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Awards are Hafod Eyri on the summit of Snowdon, the grass-roofed Oriel y Parc in St Davids and Cardiff’s landmark library in the Hayes.

The number of Welsh buildings shortlisted is double that of last year, when the shortlist of six led to two eventual winners – Ruthin Craft Centre in Denbighshire, north Wales and Penderyn Distillery in Brecon, mid Wales.

RIBA Awards are given for buildings that have high architectural standards and make a substantial contribution to the local environment. The winners join an elite list of buildings across the UK and Europe to be given top recognition.

Red hot export deal for Wrexham cable specialist

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wrexham Mineral Cables – the only company in the UK making specialist electric cables capable of withstanding more than 1000 º C – has signed a red hot export deal to supply the Middle East.

This week the Ruabon based business shipped out two 40ft containers full of high performance cables for use in a major multi million-pound upgrade of the electricity distribution infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.

It is the company’s first major export to the region and the £250,000 order is the first of four run-on contracts they hope to secure over the next twelve months worth £1million in total.

The company is being supported by the Welsh Assembly Government in making inroads into these new markets.

Wrexham Mineral Cables is the only company in the UK manufacturing these highly specialised fire survival cables and one of only a handful worldwide.

The mineral insulated cables provide circuit integrity for power and control circuits of critical equipment used in public buildings including hospitals, schools, hotels, sports grounds, transport hubs as well as power stations, foundries, mines and the oil and gas industry.

The company also appointed a sales manager last year to help target the major markets in the Middle East.

The cables manufactured at Wrexham are the only mineral cables made in the world to carry accreditation from the British Approvals Service for cables (BASEC).

Bishop’s Palace nominated for top award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A 15-year project at The Bishop's Palace, St Davids, has been nominated for a prestigious conservation prize. The project has been short-listed for one of six Grand Prix awards by Europa Nostra, the Pan-European Federation of Cultural Heritage. It is up against 29 other similar conservation works from across Europe for the awards. The winners will be announced in Istanbul in June as outstanding examples of heritage protection.

In the judges' view the Bishop's Palace has been beautifully and imaginatively restored by Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service, and its works arm Cadwraeth Cymru, with outstanding presentation material to enlighten future visitors.

The palace was built by Henry de Gower, Bishop of St Davids from 1328 until 1347. It enjoyed three-and-a-half centuries of occupation between its construction and eventual abandonment during the late 17th century, after which it fell into disrepair and subsequent ruin. In 1932 the Representative Body of the Church in Wales placed the ruined palace into the care of the state. Today, it is managed by Cadw, the historic environment division of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Dr Kate Roberts, Cadw's Inspector of Ancient Monuments, said: "To have this work recognised as being some of the best conservation work undertaken in Europe is a great honour and while it has been a very long project we are extremely pleased with the final outcome."

The aim of the Europa Nostra awards is to promote high standards and high quality skills in conservation practice and to stimulate the trans-border exchanges in the area of heritage.

American record label signs Welsh band

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A three piece band from north Wales are set for success after being signed by an American record label.

The Joy Formidable are the first to sign to the Black Bell Records label, founded by leading US band, the Passion Pit.

The band’s debut release, in the US, on Black Bell will be an eight song EP titled A Balloon Called Moaning on 4 May.

Black Bell Records’ founder Ayad Al Adhamy said he knew he wanted to sign the band when he heard the tracks they had recorded in their bedroom studio.

The band was created by Ritzy Bryan and Rhyddian Dafydd while they were at school in Flintshire, north Wales. Along with their drummer, Matt Thomas, the band have found success in the US playing headlining shows at Brooklyn’s Union Hall and New York City’s Piano’s, both of which have sold out. They have also appeared at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK.

Major events plan for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Plans to ensure Wales continues to host major international and top-class home-grown events have been unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government today (Wednesday, 7 April).

Launching the Major Events Strategy for consultation in Caernarfon, Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said it was vital to build on Wales' recent success in hosting events.

He said: "From the 1999 Rugby World Cup to the Ryder Cup this year, the past decade has seen a range of major events hosted successfully in Wales. These have brought many economic, social and cultural benefits and enhanced our reputation as destination for top class events.

Now is the time to build on this success and ensure we have a sound platform for Wales to continue competing to host these events and grow our own in an increasingly competitive global market.

By harnessing and developing the skills and expertise of everyone involved in major events delivery in Wales, we can create a sustainable portfolio of world class events.

This strategy will provide a co-ordinated approach to ensuring Wales can compete for future events, develop our own events and ensure the maximum benefits are gained from hosting them."

The strategy was launched at Galeri in Caernarfon, currently hosting the second Wales International Harp Festival, which is an example of the type of home-grown event that the Assembly Government would like to see more of and this strategy will help to grow.

Hay Festival Line up announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The line up for this year’s world famous Guardian Hay Festival will include current and former presidents.

The literary festival held in Hay on Wye, mid Wales from the 27 May – 6 June will include talks by former Pakistan leader Pervez Musharraf and president of the Maldives Mohammed Nasheed.

The festival has a reputation for attracting the biggest names in literature. playwright Tom Stoppard and writers Martin Amis, Zadie Smith and Hilary Mantel are amongst the bill for 2010.

Previous guests have included Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu and Paul McCartney. Bill Clinton described the festival as the "Woodstock of the mind"For more information, go to http://www.hayfestival.com/

Wales International Harp Festival underway

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday (4 April) Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones officially opened the second Wales International Harp Festival, in Caernarfon, north Wales.

Concerts will be held every night of the six day festival and include performances by renowned harpists such as Catrin Finch, Mara Galassi from Italy, principal harpist for the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sioned Williams, Rhodri Davies and internationally renowned American electric harpist, story teller and composer, Deborah Henson-Conant.

Over 140 musicians from as far afield as America, Russia, Israel, Japan and China will compete in a series of five competitions for prizes including a £20,000 grand concert harp.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said:

“I am delighted to open the second International Harp Festival. Wales has a rich history of harpists and so it is particularly apt that we are hosting such an event.

“The Welsh Assembly Government is keen to encourage and support events such as this and we have contributed £10,000 towards this festival. I look forward to seeing the festival grow and become an internationally recognised signature event for Wales

This year's festival celebrates the three hundredth anniversary of the birth of blind harpist John Parry of Ruabon, one of the 18th century's leading harpists. You can find out more about the festival at the Wales International Harp Festival website.

Michael Sheen to revive Port Talbot play

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hollywood star Michael Sheen was in his hometown of Port Talbot in south Wales this weekend drumming up support for his new project – reviving Port Talbot’s Passion Play.

Sheen, who has starred in The Queen and Frost/Nixon, is the creative director of a play that will retell the passion story with a modern twist. It will be on for four nights in April 2011.

He is hoping to involve the whole town in the play and has been handing out postcards to the people in Port Talbot to let them know how they can get be a part of the project.

The revival of the Passion Play that used to be staged every year in Port Talbot until 1998, has been written by Welsh author Owen Sheers.Find out more at http://nationaltheatrewales.org/whatson/performance/ntw13

When Hollywood came to Dinorwig

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Clash of the Titans which is set for cinema release on April 2 was the third Hollywood epic to shoot key sequences in Wales last summer, alongside Robin Hood and the latest Harry Potter instalment.

The Hollywood movie starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, filmed scenes at the Dinorwig Quarry and Llanddwyn Beach in north Wales. The production team were assisted by the Wales Screen Commission who secured access to the sites and sourced facilities including portacabins, generators, lighting and security, from local relevant suppliers.

There were 300 crew working on the feature at the height of filming, and several local hotels in the region were used to accommodate all the crew.

Phil Hounam, Location Manager on the film said: "Working in Wales is always a pleasure, the help received from Wales Screen Commission, Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities and commissions is amongst the best I have found in the British Isles. Coupling this with the warmth, humour and helpfulness of the people makes filming a very pleasant experience. The shooting of Clash of the Titans in Gwynedd and Anglesey was certainly challenging at times but when all around you remain positive it certainly makes life easier. I'll be back."

Easter in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The bank holiday weekend is starting and there is plenty going on in Wales over the next four days.

The historic environment service Cadw is hosting seventeen individual events, from a knights battle at three castles over three days to story telling, sword classics and a castle under siege. Visit the Cadw website for more information.

The Welsh countryside is full of baby lambs this spring. For the chance to bottle feed some spring babies this Easter, head to Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire where they have daily shows.

And if after all those chocolate eggs you feel like you need to get out and stretch your legs then the Brecon Beacons offer superb gentle family walks.

See more Easter events in Wales at www.visitwales.co.uk

Free prescriptions help to improve health in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A report was published yesterday to mark the third year anniversary of free prescriptions to people in Wales.

It confirmed that policy of free prescriptions was enabling thousands of people in Wales to live independent lives and has reduced the cost of unnecessary emergency hospital admissions.I

t has meant that people can seek appropriate care for their health without having to worry about financial cost.

Wales was the first country in the UK to introduce free prescriptions. Read more at http://wales.gov.uk/news/latest/100330prescriptions/?lang=en

Wales becomes first UK digital TV nation

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has become the first country in the UK to go completely digital after switching off the analogue television signal today in south east Wales.

The switchover to digital began last August in Swansea, with north and mid Wales following.

Alongside the switch comes the announcement that Welsh language channel S4C will be launching a High Definition channel S4C Clirlun which will be rolled out from April to July.

Iona Jones, S4C said that the new channel ensured that Wales’ creative industries sector was at the leading-edge of HD technology.

Creating green jobs

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC), based in Cardiff University’s School of Engineering, has been awarded the SEREN project for its leading research into low carbon technologies.

The SEREN project, an £8.3M project funded with £4.6M from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government and remainder through the British Geological Survey, Private Sector and University's own funds, is designed to deliver new and innovative ground engineering technologies and help businesses commercialise innovative ideas and develop new products, services and technologies for the low carbon economy.

Announcing the funding, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Ecomomy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said: “Helping business to commercialise research to develop the next generation of low carbon technologies based on ground engineering is vital if we are to position Wales as a world leader in this area.

“At the heart of the SEREN programme is a commitment to foster a climate of innovation which will lead to more highly skilled jobs, enterprise creation and inward investment for the benefit of the whole region.”

As part of the programme, the GRC will lead a project to sink a borehole into the South Wales coalfield in order to trial and prove the technology of burying and storing carbon in the large deposits of coal that exist in unmineable seams in Wales.

Research will also be undertaken into more efficient extraction of heat from the ground, in order to provide heat energy to buildings, which will reduce carbon emissions.

It’s hoped that the impact of this research will help create two new industries in Wales supporting new jobs and businesses, and with the potential to make a significant contribution to Wales’ quest to become self sufficient in energy.

Professor Hywel Thomas, Director of the School of Engineering and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation and Engagement, who leads the Centre said: “The technologies developed on the SEREN project will not only help create new industries here in Wales, but will also showcase Welsh companies worldwide.

“We are delighted that we have been selected to run the project. This is an extremely exciting time for the University and will help place the University and Wales at the centre of new carbon technologies and green job creation.”

The project includes a programme of lectures, seminars and workshops which will also take place as part of the initiative to train and upskill businesses to support new developments in the low carbon economy.

A web portal will be created to provide online low carbon tools, using so called “soft” computing techniques, based on Artificial Intelligence ideas, to produce sophisticated Decision Support Software, such as the performance assessment of Carbon sequestration technology.

These tools can be downloaded and used by companies, placing leading edge technologies at their fingertips. It will also have the potential to attract companies working on innovative low carbon technologies to Wales.

Top ten things to do in Llanberis

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Snowdonia in north Wales has been described as the UK's number one activity. Llanberis is a village at the foot of Snowdon packed with quite a lot to do.

Visit Snowdonia has put together a helpful list of top ten things to do in Snowdonia including riding the Llanberis Lake Railway, visiting the National Slate Museum and taking a trip on the Llyn Padarn Lake in the Snowdon Star cruiser.

Find out more at http://visitsnowdonia.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/days-out-in-snowdonia-ten-things-to-do-in-llanberis/

Welsh Eisteddfod in Spain

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The English Centre in Cadiz, Spain held its forth annual Eisteddfod on Friday 26th March. The festival, which is based on Welsh traditions of literature, music, arts and cultural competitions, was introduced into the school in 2007 to celebrate St David’s Day as St David is the patron saint of the school.

This year is the 40^th anniversary of the school and they are delighted to have Welsh Rock legend Bonnie Tyler as the patron of their celebrations. She visited the school and performed with pupils and helped to plant an olive tree.

The school received support from a variety of Welsh institutes including the Welsh Assembly Government for their event. The celebrations included a rugby competition, Welsh cawl in the dining room, a 25 metre dragon, competitions and dance and theatrical performances.

With their Eisteddfod, The English Centre hopes to bring a little piece of Wales to a corner of southern Spain and at the same time, to educate their students in the cultural traditions of another country. Through their Eisteddfod, The English Centre is establishing lasting connections between their students and Wales.

The English Centre was announced as one of the best school in Andalucia by Spanish National newspaper, El Mundo. Mrs. Linda Randell, originally from Swansea, founded the school in 1969.

Welsh band head to Tokyo

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh band Kids in Glass Houses are travelling to Tokyo this week to take part in the Punkspring Festival

Today also marks the release of their new album DIRT. They'll be playing live and signing copies of the album in HMV Cardiff at 5pm then at HMV Manchester Ardale tomorrow and Oxford Street, London on Wednesday.

Cardiff International White Water set to open

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The brand new Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) based at the Cardiff International Sports Village, south Wales, will open its doors to the public for the first time tomorrow (March 27th).

The new centre will provide the UK with its first Olympic-standard pumped water canoe slalom course, offering canoeing and white water rafting facilities ranging from starter to recreational, through to full international competition use and is expected to attract up to 50,000 users per year once fully established.

The centre has been constructed in concrete with moveable plastic barriers to create a range of different courses suitable for users, with a range of competencies. The venue can hold up to 2,000 spectators on temporary stands for special events.

CIWW has been developed by Cardiff Council with assistance from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Welsh Canoe Association.

Cardiff Harbour Authority will be managing the new centre on behalf of the Council which will also have a café bar and retail outlet selling water activity clothing and equipment.

The centre aims to be one of Cardiff top tourism destinations and have a number of recreational offers in place, with the centre also developing a number of partnerships with Cardiff hotels to offer CIWW visitors special deals and packages to enjoy all that the city has to offer

Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Rodney Berman said: "The new Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) will provide the city with a host of new opportunities and I am positive it will become one of Wales' top tourism venues, attracting local visitors and those from further field, ensuring a boost to the local tourist sector and economy.

"As an olympic-standard facility our aim is to attract major sporting events and athletes and I hope Cardiff International White Water will be utilised as a training ground for the 2012 London Olympics.

"Alongside major competitions, the centre will support grassroots level events, which will allow a new generation to take up Water sports."

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said:" The Cardiff International White Water is the latest additional to the International Sports Village and I am sure it will mirror the success of the facilities already available, including Cardiff International Pool.

"The CIWW provides a new platform to expand Cardiff's already highly regarded reputation as world class sporting hosts and we hope to attract top water events.

"Having had the privilege of being one of the first to try out the course I am positive it will become a firm favourite with people of all abilities and will become a top tourist destination for adrenaline seekers across the UK and beyond."

For further information on the centre, visit www.ciww.com

Welsh artists commissioned for Olympics

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Chris Tally Evans, an artist from Rhayader and The Llanarth Group, a theatre group from Ceredigion have won commissions to create new work for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

They have been commissioned under the London 2012 disability arts programme, Unlimited which encourages collaborations and partnerships between disability arts organisations, disabled and deaf artists, producers, and mainstream organisations to celebrate the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read more on the BBC website.

Bangor shows its multinational face

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Students from all over the world feature in Bangor University's 2011 prospectus, which was published this month.

The prospectus, which is one of the University's key publications, will be used at Higher Education Fairs and events both in the UK and abroad. It includes all the latest information about studying at Bangor and current and prospective students can find details of degree courses, accommodation, student support, sport facilities, student life and the surrounding area.

Students from across the UK and from several other countries -- including Spain, Poland, India, China and Iran -- took part in the photo shoot. One of the students was third year Psychology student Amy Charlotte Barons, from Wakefield, Yorkshire, who was one of the lucky few chosen to feature on the front page of the 2011 prospectus.

Amy, who is a former pupil of Park Lane College in Leeds, said: "I'm so pleased to be featured in the University's prospectus as I won't be around next year so it's nice to leave something behind!

Amy is also keen to promote the School of Psychology to anyone that is considering studying at Bangor. She added: "The best thing about the course is the variation; the modules are all different and uniquely interesting. The School of Psychology is also very friendly and welcoming; during my time here I have always been listened to and supported. There's such a positive atmosphere and supportive environment - being isolated is not something you have to worry about in Bangor."

Also seen on the cover is Ocean Sciences postgraduate student Marcel Clusa Ferrand, 25, from Barcelona, who chose Bangor after attending an international conference. He said: "If I had to convince any prospective students, I would say that coming to Bangor is more than just going to University - I felt part of a community, of both students and professors. Months pass you by so fast because you're having great fun that you start wishing that you could stop the time and stay here forever. Definitely, an unforgettable experience!"

Postgraduate Marketing student Vaibhav Dewan, from India, is also featured in the new prospectus. He said: "Being photographed for the prospectus was a lovely experience, I am very pleased that I was chosen to feature in the University's promotional material."

Vaibhav, 22, who studies within the Business School, has certainly made the most of his time in Bangor. He hosts a Sunday night show called 'Indian Masala Hitz' on Storm FM and is the President of the Bangor Indian Society. He also plays an active part in Global cafe, a group that organises events for international students every week. He added: "Bangor is a student city so it's young and happening -- I've had so many new experiences."

Not only does the new prospectus give prospective student all the information on the courses, but it also gives them an idea of what type of accommodation is available, what kind of social life they could enjoy in Bangor, and what support is available throughout their studies.

To order a copy of the new 2011 entry prospectus, please go to the University home page at www.bangor.ac.uk or e-mail prospectus@bangor.ac.uk

Welsh actors win Olivier awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Two young actors from Wales picked up prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards earlier this week.

Aneurin Barnard, 23 from Bridgend won best actor in a musical or entertainment category for his role in Spring Awakening, whilst Iwan Rheon, 24, from Cardiff was awarded best supporting performance in a musical honour for the same West End show.

Aneurin Barnard who recently graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama was up against Rowan Atkinson and Bob Golding for the award.

The Laurence Olivier Awards are presented annually for the Society of London Theatre to recognise excellence in theatre performance.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama was up against Rowan Atkinson and Bob Golding for the award.

The Laurence Olivier Awards are presented annually for the Society of London Theatre to recognise excellence in theatre performance.

Ladies bring Ryder Cup fever to North Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

North Wales golf fans will have the chance to create their own Ryder Cup fever when the top women's players in Europe compete in Conwy a few weeks before the main event at The Celtic Manor Resort.

The Â£300,000 S4C Wales Ladies Championship of Europe will take place at Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club as part of the Ryder Cup Wales Summer of Golf programme, with many of the top names in European ladies golf, including Becky Brewerton looking for victory a few miles from where she learned to play at Abergele.

The event will be held from August 12^th-15^th, just seven weeks before The Ryder Cup stars arrive in Newport at the end of September, and offers another opportunity to watch the very best players competing in Wales.

"The Ryder Cup, itself, is what we have all been looking forward to for the last 10 years really now we are finally nearly there it is nice to be involved a month or so before," said Conwy Secretary, Aled Jones.

"I imagine that the nearer it gets the more Welsh golf fever will be building up, the TV coverage will grow and, hopefully, it will be reflected in the number of people coming to watch the ladies, at Conwy, in August.

"It is another feather in our cap and something different as well, we have had the Seniors and the European Amateurs playing here so it is nice to have something else just before The Ryder Cup.

"Becky Brewerton will be returning home and that will bring a lot of people in here, especially if she is competing high up on the leader board in the last couple of rounds.

"That will certainly boost the spectator numbers which have already proved to be good on the last two events we have staged here.

"It will be a good test for the ladies but a lot depends on the weather. We hope there will be a little bit of wind just to make it interesting."

Former British Open champion Karen Stupples is expected to return to defend the title she won further down the North West Wales coast at Royal St David's, Harlech, last year, while other star names who have regularly taken part in Wales include Laura Davies.

The prize fund is among the biggest on the Ladies European Tour and this year's event is also being supported by Conwy County Borough Council.

The course is rated as one of the top links around and among the toughest, especially the final three holes which always play a big part in every tournament.

It has hosted Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance in the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open, many of the best European professionals in the final Open Championship qualifying event and top amateurs in the European Amateur Team Championships.

The Wales Ladies Championship has been played at Royal Porthcawl, Machynys, in Llanelli, and Royal St David's before coming to Conwy this summer.

Ryder Cup Wales Chairman, John Jermine, said, "Since 2003 we have been able to take this event to our major courses throughout Wales and are delighted that Conwy has invited us to stage this prestigious championship at their marvellous course in this most beautiful part of Wales."

"With over 80,000 youngsters introduced to golf and 41 new pay and play facilities opening across Wales we wanted to give everybody the opportunity to watch the best players in Europe playing on their local courses and we hope to see a record number of spectators at Conwy.

"All eyes will be on Becky Brewerton, who has played twice in The Solheim Cup, a local hero having learned the game at Abergele, just a few miles down the road.

"It will also be a wonderful opportunity for Breanne Loucks, from Wrexham, who made such an impression on the Ladies European Tour in her first year and there will be more Welsh interest in her fellow tour pro Lydia Hall.

"Other Welsh players include professionals Rhian Wyn Thomas, Jo Pritchard and Sahra Hassan, while North Wales is also represented by some very strong amateur players including Amy Boulden and Tara Davies.

"With The Ryder Cup being played in Wales in October this will be the biggest year in Welsh golf and hosting the S4C Wales Ladies event will ensure that Conwy will enjoy unprecedented exposure and further enhance the North Wales reputation as a premier international golfing destination."

Welsh Cultural Festival in Japan

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On the 6 March the Kansai St David’s Society held a Welsh Cultural Festival to celebrate Wales in Japan.

Over 100 attendees were treated to talks on Welsh history and culture, Welsh cakes, a Welsh souvenirs mini bazaar and joined the Osaka Men’s Chorus to sing Welsh songs.

Listen to Deborah Fisher, author of "Princesses of Wales" talk about her time at the festival, Thursday March 25, 3.30 pm at http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/radiowales/sites/roynoble/

NGD Europe opens data centre in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NGD Europe - one of the word's largest data centres - was officially opened last week by the Welsh Assembly Government's Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills.

NGD Europe is now operational with its first long-term tenants already installed following completion of the essential phases of a £200 million project which began nearly two years ago. This involved converting and upgrading the 750,000 sq ft former Hynix semiconductor plant into a state-of-the-art tier 3 mega data centre.

Opening the centre Lesley Griffiths said the major, high profile investment by Next Generation Data represented very good news for Wales and the local economy.

"The Digital Economy is one of the priority sectors for research and development in Wales, and for a highly respected company such as Next Generation Data to locate and develop this site here in Newport sends out a strong, clear message.

"Next Generation Data will provide opportunities for higher level skills, including the technician base required to ensure the company, and economy, remains competitive far into the future.

"This project proves there is added value through investing in Wales and with the support of the Assembly Government, the high level technology infrastructure necessary to meet growing global demand can become a reality."

The ISO 14001 accredited centre has its very own on-site power sub-station connection capable of sustaining a City the size of Bristol; a wide range of on-site dark fibre carrier interconnects to enable high speed low latency connectivity; triple-skinned walls, bomb proof glass, prison grade perimeter fencing, infra-red detection, biometric recognition and ex-special forces security guards.

Next Generation Data Ltd., the owner and operator of the new data centre has worked closely with the Assembly Government on the project and is now making a wide range of custom built co-location data halls available to large UK and international organisations.

Contracts totalling over £20 Million have already been concluded with BT and Logica which began moving their extensive data centre IT operations into the high security NGD Europe facility last month.

"We are very pleased to have successfully transformed this impressive but unused local landmark building into a truly world-class data centre and sincerely thank the Welsh government and all our suppliers and contractors for helping us get the project off the ground and up and running on time," said Simon Taylor, Chairman and Co-founder of Next Generation Data.

"We believe our success here will send a strong message to UK and international organisations signalling Wales as an excellent environment for business relocation"

NGD Europe is designed to cater for all current and future computing requirements as befits a true next generation data centre.

UK and overseas organisations with several older data centre sites that have become too small or constrained by lack of power now have a great opportunity to move to Wales and save money by consolidating all their operations under NGD Europe's vast roof.

Green Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Nice article in the Washington Post on Sunday – Wales the Greenest Place on Earth. Travel writer Pamela Petro details some of her highlights from her last trip to Wales visiting our "green hotspots" and describing why Wales is "one of the most environmentally progressive nations on Earth".

Read the full article at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/18/AR2010031804977.html

Find out more about our commitment to sustainable development and environmental achievements on our Sustainability pages.

Welsh Food Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4th and 5th September,

Glansevern Hall Gardens

Whether you are serious about supporting local producers, reducing your food miles, or just appreciate tasting good food and drink then the Mid Wales Food Festival is the place for you and your family.

The Festival is set in the divine setting of Glansevern Hall Gardens, Berriew, Powys and has established itself as the largest food and drink festival in Mid Wales and the borders. The two day event takes place on Saturday and Sunday (4th and 5th September.)

2010 promises to be the best yet with over 100 producers showcasing their fabulous produce and cooking demonstrations from one of the UK’s most exciting chefs - Bryn Williams.

Bryn, who shot to fame after winning the public’s vote to cook for the Queen’s 80thbirthday celebrations on the television programmeGreat British Menuwill be doing several cookery demonstrations at the Festival on Sunday, 5 September. He will also be on hand to give consumers some top cooking tips.

From cakes, chutneys and cheeses to wines, ales and chocolates –there will be plenty of food and drink to tantalise the taste buds of young and old alike. Children can get their hands stuck into making bread and pizza plus the opportunity to mill flour and press apples to create their very own juice.

The festival, which is not for profit showcases the best of Powys – " It’s about getting people interested in their local food. It promotes the best of Welsh produce and gives consumers the opportunity to meet producers," said Nevillie Thomas, proprietor of Glansevern Hall.

The Festival is unique because of its courtyard food market. " As far as we are aware there is no other food festival run on the grounds of a country house. It gives the festival such an amazing atmosphere especially with the courtyard full of stalls; it really is captivating" said Jenny Thomas.

People attending the festival will have the opportunity to leisurely explore Glansevern Hall garden which covers some 25 acres making it one the largest in Wales. Set on the River Severn the garden is full of secluded corners and secret places. Various sculptures are poised through the gardens which are renowned for their variety of unusual trees; some of which are the oldest in Wales.

For further information about the Festival and Glansevern Hall Gardens visit www.welshfoodfestival.co.uk

Experience a warm welcome on a real Welsh Farm

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As spring gradually emerges and with Easter close at hand, many people are thinking about getting away. Maybe you’re looking for the sort of holiday where you get a real insight into the lives of the locals and a connection with the local culture. A farm stay in the Welsh countryside could be exactly what you’re looking for, at a price that needn’t break the bank.

And if you think you think a stay of a farm means compromising on accommodation and facilities, you’d be wrong. Many Welsh farms that offer accommodation are four and five-star graded, with several having achieved the coveted Visit Wales Gold Award.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones experienced a farm stay first-hand when he stayed at Cyfie Farm, a five-star Gold Award winner, at Llanfihangel near Llanfyllin in Powys last week (Thursday, 18 March).

He made his visit during British Tourism Week, to raise awareness of just one of the exciting holiday options Wales offers.

The owners of Cyfie Farm, Claire and Neil Bale, had invited the Minister to stay to on their farm for a taste of the unique holidays that Welsh farms can offer through being centred in living rural communities. After a tour of the farm and a dinner of the best locally-sourced produce, Claire and Neil took the Minister to their local, the Goat Inn at Llanfihangel, to meet more of the local community and to listen to the singing and entertainment that regularly takes place there.

Neil, who is also the Chairman of the Tourism Partnership Mid Wales, said:

“Many of our guests say it’s the only pub they know where the singing gets better as the evening progresses!’

Alun Ffred Jones said:

“I’ve heard people speak of experiences they have had through interaction with local people and the insight in local culture they gain from holidays in far-flung places, but the option of a stay on a farm offers you a real insight into rural Wales and its culture at a fraction of the cost.”

“There is a huge variety of excellent accommodation available, with some farms such as Cyfie, offering luxury suites and spa facilities on a par with top quality hotels. The farm experience allows guests the chance to stay in traditional Welsh farmhouse and to meet local families. I was pleased to see for myself the emphasis that has been given to the use of local suppliers and local produce, something that I understand that Farm Stay Wales has been keen to promote to its members.”

“These aims fit well with Visit Wales’ work to give visitors to Wales a real sense of place when they visit through its Croeso Cynnes Cymreig programme, as well as other initiatives from the Welsh Assembly Government like the local food sourcing action plan.”

Claire, who is the Director for Farm Stay Wales, commented:

“It’s been great to have the Minister stay with us to give him the experience that Farm Stay Wales members have to offer, to show him the excellent standard of our accommodation, and to give him a real flavour of Welsh community life in Montgomeryshire.”

Welsh star opens digital jukebox

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones has opened the newly re-furbished library in Wrexham, north Wales today.

The library plays host to a ‘Mediatheque’ jukebox provided by the British Film Institute which is has a collection of 100 films and documentary clips about Wales.

Find out more about the new library at http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/community/libraries/LibHome.htm

Welsh uni integral in £1m international research

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Aberystwyth University is part of a £1 million international research effort to combat liver fluke – a parasite which causes disease in livestock, resulting in billions of pounds in losses every year to farmers around the world.

The disease caused by liver fluke worms – Fasciolosis – has a huge impact on livestock globally, causing ill health in animals and dramatically reducing productivity. Losses to UK farmers are estimated at over £300 million per year, while in India, Fasciolosis costs the agricultural sector between £1.3 and £3 billion per year.

Further, this disease is a food-borne pathogen which can also infect people. An estimated 17 million people are infected with the liver fluke worm and the disease has been designated a Neglected Tropical Disease by the World Health Organisation.

Parasitologists from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University together with Queen’s University, Belfast’s School of Biological Sciences will work with partners at Aligarh Muslim University and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in India, in efforts to uncover a new vaccine for the disease.

Professor Wayne Powell, Director of IBERS said: "I am particularly pleased that IBERS is working in partnership to tackle major global challenges and making a contribution to solving some the most pressing problems in the developing world."

Professor Aaron Maule from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s said: “Liver fluke worms cause serious losses in cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep and are a serious threat to the livelihood of farmers in many areas of Asia and Africa. A farmer in India whose buffalo is infected can see a 30 per cent drop in milk yields. This parasite represents a huge burden to India’s largely agricultural economy.

“In the developed world, liver fluke are mainly controlled using drugs which kill them. Drug resistance, however, is spreading. As these drugs become less effective, outbreaks of the disease in the UK are on the rise.

“A new control strategy, based on vaccination or chemotherapy, is urgently needed. This is exactly what we will be working to develop over the next three years, along with our partners in Wales and India.

“Key to the development of an effective treatment will be the careful selection of a suitable vaccine or drug target from within the worm. We will identify this target with the help of new molecular technologies, such as gene silencing, whereby potential targets are temporarily removed from the worm in order to determine their importance to the worm’s survival. Following the selection of the best vaccine targets, our research partners in India will conduct field trials in livestock to identify the best vaccine to control liver fluke disease.

“We also believe this technology based strategy for the selection of vaccine and drug targets will be directly transferable to other animal and human parasites, such as blood flukes and tapeworms.”

The £1 million research funding is part of the £13 million Combating Infectious Diseases of Livestock for International Development initiative co-funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Department for International Development and the Scottish Executive.

UK Development Minister Mike Foster said: “Smallholders from developing countries face a daily struggle. Healthy animals can mean the difference between feeding a family or being plunged further into poverty and malnutrition. This new research will reduce poverty, increase animal welfare and ultimately improve the quality of life for some of the world's poorest people.”

Welcoming the research, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said: “This collaboration demonstrates the UK's determination to share our world-leading science in the search for improved treatments and diagnostic tools in animal health. Animal disease is a deadly threat that leaves no corner of the Earth untouched. This research will allow communities to protect food chains and economies at home and in developing countries.”

BBSRC Chief Executive, Professor Douglas Kell, said: “Joining with partners from developing countries, UK science can provide a solid platform for providing disease management solutions from better vaccinations through to more sophisticated diagnostic techniques which will not only transform the lives of millions across the developing world, but also generate a more stable livestock infrastructure globally for the benefit of us all.”

Wales to Donetsk

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today, the Rector of Donetsk National University, one of the most prestigious public Universities in the Donbass region is visiting the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) as part of ongoing plans to build relationships between Wales and eastern European countries.

On top of this, UWIC has also recently submitted 3 EU - Tempus proposals in partnership with Donetsk National University and universities in Russia and Belarus.

The city of Donetsk in Ukraine already has historical links with Wales, It was founded in 1869 by a Welsh businessman, John Hughes and hence was named after him "Yuzovka" until 1924 ("Yuz" being a Russian or Ukrainian approximation of Hughes.).

Find out more at: http://www3.uwic.ac.uk/English/News/Pages/Eminent-Ukrainian-academic-visits-UWIC.aspx

Travelling dinner set returns to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A 250 year old dinner set is making its journey home to Wales after spending the last two centuries in three continents before turning up in Washington DC.

The service was ordered from China by the Stepney family of Llanelli in the 18th century. It is worth at least 210,000 today.

The service is set to go on display in Cardiff in the summer and then at Llannelly House.

Wales launches low carbon revolution

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has the potential to produce nearly twice the amount of electricity it currently uses, through wholly renewable sources by 2025.

This was the message from Environment Minister, Jane Davidson who was speaking at the launch of the Welsh Assembly Government’s new Energy Policy Statement, A Low Carbon Revolution.

The strategy sets out the Assembly Government’s ambitions to accelerate the transition to a low carbon energy economy in Wales and provides the detail of how this will be achieved.

It sets out a three tiered approach which focuses on maximising energy savings and efficiency, moving to resilient low carbon electricity production via secure indigenous renewable forms of energy such as marine, wind, water and biomass, and ensuring that the transition to low carbon energy maximises opportunities for practical green jobs and skills.

The Minister launched the Energy Policy Statement at a visit to Solutia, a chemical manufacturing company based in Newport, who have invested in leading edge renewable technology to help them meet their business needs.

Whilst at Solutia the Minister also officially opened two wind turbines which have recently been constructed on site to provide up to one third of Solutia’s electricity needs.

Speaking about the Energy Policy Statement, the Minister said:

"I believe that Wales should be at the forefront of the transition to a low carbon energy as part of the global fight against climate change. Energy – how we generate it and use it – is the key to meeting this challenge.

"The Energy Statement details how Wales has the potential to produce twice the amount of electricity it currently uses from renewable sources by 2025 – with about 40% coming from Marine, a third from wind and the rest from sustainable bio-mass power or smaller projects using wind, solar, hydro or indigenous biomass.

"The potential is truly inspiring and I am confident that our Low Carbon Revolution will provide the right framework to realise this potential. Wales once led the way in carbon-based energy. Our goal now is to do the same for low carbon energy. "

Top hotels in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The National Geographic Traveller has reviewed some of their favourite place to stay in Wales.

Check them out at http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/stay-list/wales-text

Wales and Ireland

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While Welsh rugby fans return from Dublin after Saturday’s six nations match and prepare to celebrate St Patricks Day with our Irish friends, Irish investors in increasing numbers are visiting Wales to seek out business success.

Over the years, Irish enterprises have invested heavily in new or expanded operations in Wales. Those investments have created and safeguarded the more than 2,700 jobs provided by Irish companies in Wales today.

Last weekend the Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, alongside the British Ambassador, hosted a reception in to promote trade and inward investment opportunities. They were joined by a group of 10 Welsh exporters in Ireland with a Welsh Assembly Government trade mission.

Welsh-Irish business links are being further strengthened by the EU’s £63m Ireland/Wales programme 2007-2013 which is investing some £47 million from the European Regional Development Fund in joint projects to increase economic links on both sides of the Irish Sea.

So far 17 initiatives are underway, including the £1m Vision project – a partnership between Coleg Menai and the Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT) in Dublin helping businesses and entrepreneurs to develop new products and bring them to market.

Trade between Wales and Ireland continues to grow with two export support services now available to Welsh companies looking to expand their business activity in Ireland. These are the International Trade Opportunities (ITO) programme and the International Events programme.

The ITO programme provides tailor-made business assistance to Welsh exporters and those with proven export capability. Over the past five years, the programme has assisted over 380 Wales-based companies to explore and locate business partners in the Irish market. This has helped to secure over £29 million worth of business for Welsh SMEs from trade with Ireland.

Under the International Events programme, the Welsh Assembly Government has visited Ireland regularly since 2001 and introduced over 160 Welsh companies to the Irish market. The last trade mission took place in November 2009, during which the business delegation attended the Cork Meet 2009 event.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said that Wales stands to benefit from a continued and growing flow of investment from Ireland.

"Wales is ideally placed to provide the skills and locations that growth-minded Irish companies are seeking on this side of the Irish Sea. I am committed to ensuring that every successful and dynamic Irish business is well aware of the many advantages that Wales can offer them as a place to do business - and of the warm welcome - whatever the outcome on Saturday at Croke Park."

Lead US academic heads to Aber

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Leading US academic Professor Robert D. Putnam from Harvard University is heading to Wales to give the 2010 Gregynog Lecture.

Entitled ‘The Age of Obama and the Challenges of a Multiethnic Society’, the lecture will be held at 7.00pm on Thursday 18 March in the Main Hall of the International Politics Department, Aberystwyth University.

Professor Putnam is recognised as one of today’s leading political scientists. A member of the National Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the British Academy, he won the Johan Skytte Prize for political science in 2006 and in 2005, he was included in the Guardian newspaper’s list of the world’s top 100 intellectuals.

Find out more at http://www.aber.ac.uk/aberonline/en/archive/2010/03/au3410/

Virgin Atlantic chooses Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Virgin Atlantic is to open a customer service centre in Swansea, south Wales, creating more than 200 jobs over the next two years.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, has warmly welcomed the investment, which is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government through the Single Investment Fund.

“Virgin Atlantic is one of the world’s largest airlines serving the world’s major cities and it’s excellent news to attract a business of this calibre to Wales.

“The Welsh Assembly Government has worked closely with Virgin Atlantic during the past six months and has been instrumental in convincing the company to establish in Wales and I am delighted we have been able to support their decision to open a new customer services centre in Swansea, creating a substantial number of new jobs.

“It will provide an important boost to the local economy creating a range of jobs and career opportunities which is of particular importance during the current economic climate.

"Job creating projects like this support our economic recovery programme which is designed to increase the prosperity and long-term well-being of the people of Wales and encourage a stronger and more sustainable economy.

“The Assembly Government will continue to work with and support Virgin Atlantic to ensure the maximum success for the investment in Wales.”

He added that Virgin Atlantic’s decision to open a centre in Swansea reinforced the findings of the 2009 UK Contact Centre Decision Maker’s Guide that judged Wales to be the UK’s best location for these centres.

Julie Southern, Chief Commercial and Financial Officer, Virgin Atlantic commented,

"Virgin Atlantic is really pleased to be opening a new customer service centre based in Swansea, particularly at a time when few companies are announcing an expansion in job opportunities in the UK.

“We know that Swansea has many experienced customer service staff and we look forward to being able to use their valuable experience to support Virgin Atlantic’s customers. We are lucky to have dedicated and passionate staff and are sure those in Swansea will be no exception!”

The new centre will be based in Alexandra House and will handle UK and US calls, primarily dealing with customer service and sales, as well as enquiries from members of Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer club.

The airline, which last year celebrated the 25th anniversary of its first flight from London Gatwick to New York, currently operates a fleet of 38 aircraft out of London Heathrow and Gatwick flying to thirty destinations worldwide.

This global network is aligned to different country markets and the UK contact centre team based in Crawley currently deals with all UK and US customer calls. The Swansea centre will run in conjunction with the existing operation in Crawley.

Virgin Atlantic Airways will start recruiting in late March with the aim of having the new centre operational by September.

Welsh talent on digital mission to Texas

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TWO Welsh companies will set out on a mission to the United States next week, to help bring new business opportunities back home.

Cardiff Bay-based interactive media provider, Cube Interactive, and neighbouring website solutions company, SubHub, who both operate out of Mount Stuart Square, will join 37 of the UK’s leading creative businesses on the second annual Digital Mission to the South by Southwest Interactive Festival (SXSWi) in Austin, Texas (11-17 March 2010^).

They are hoping the increasingly popular festival will help them make the most of opportunities in global markets and attract international business partnerships.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, says opportunities like Digital Mission are important for helping businesses to flourish in the economy:

"The creative industry has one of the biggest parts to play in our economy, and so it is important that the right frameworks are in place to help our businesses tap into the growth of international markets and harness the opportunities they have to offer.

"By promoting opportunities which enable businesses to develop, Creative Business Wales is helping to support the growth of an active and versatile ground in which the creative industry can thrive in Wales."

The trip has been organised by Chinwag, on behalf of UK Trade and Investment, to help the UK’s top digital firms mix with industry leaders and give them a competitive edge in foreign markets.

Their mission is being backed by Creative Business Wales, who provide support for creative and digital businesses as part of a strategy to develop the creative industries by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The SXSWi Festival brings together some of the world’s brightest minds in the creative industries, embracing web developers, designers, bloggers and new media entrepreneurs.

Companies selected for the Digital Mission will have opportunities to attend hundreds of networking events, develop new business channels and forge international partnerships as well as gain valuable insight into the US market.

Miles Galliford, Co-founder of SubHub, said: "This trip is a rare and exciting chance to network with our overseas peers and promote the SubHub brand. It’s a huge honour to be one of the few companies selected to attend"

Spring Gardens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We're having a really sunny start to spring and thought that it's a great opportunity to visit one of our gardens. to look at some of our 107,000 plant species that we have here. Here's a taster of some of our favourite public gardens to visit.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales
Home to the 'Great Glasshouse'. At the centre of the National Botanic Garden of Wales is the world's largest single span glasshouse. The glass dome covers 4,500 metres – that's more than 23 tennis courts. http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/

Aberglasney
In the Tywi valley of Carmarthenshire, Aberglasney Gardens cover approximately 9 acres, including two woodlands. The pigeon house in the gardens has a rare magnolia tree boasting giant leaves which are almost three feet in length. http://www.aberglasney.org/

Bodnant Garden
Created in the 1870's, Bodnant garden has a spilt personality. It has two parts - the upper garden around Bodnant Hall is formal and refined and the lower garden, known as the 'Dell', is wild and shady. The garden spans 80 acres and has commanding views across the Conwy valley to the peaks of Snowdonia. http://www.bodnantgarden.co.uk/

Portmeirion
The whimsical Italianate village is home to 70 acres of wild and exotic gardens. Visit in April and see the magnolia campbelli's enormous pink flowers http://www.portmeirion.com/

More links

One Big Garden
The gardens of south west Wales.
National Trust
The National Trust looks after several of our gardens.
Premier Gardens Wales
A collection of gardens throughout Wales

Wales launches British Tourism Week

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In a big year for tourism in Wales, Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, will help launch British Tourism Week at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport today (Monday, 15 March).

Representatives from tourism businesses across the country will attend the week’s opening event, held in Wales for the first time.

Mr Jones said:

“This year is a big year for tourism in Wales and it is fitting that we launch British Tourism Week here at The Celtic Manor Resort. It is the stage for the biggest international event to be held in Britain this year, and indeed until the 2012 Games.

“The Ryder Cup is Wales’s own Olympics and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the world to Wales later in the year.”

“Tourism is big business for Wales. It contributes around £3.5 billion a year to the economy and employs from 70,000 to 100,000 people at the peak of the season.

“We want tourism to make an even bigger contribution to the Welsh economy in the future and major events such as the Ryder Cup are helping us achieve us.”

Mr Jones added that Wales had much to offer visitors from all over the world and its reputation as a tourism destination was growing.

“The Assembly Government is committed to supporting the industry to ensure it continues to grow in an increasingly competitive market.”

The Heritage Minister will be joined on the podium at the Celtic Manor by Wales and British Lions rugby legend, Ieuan Evans, who is Visit Britain's board member for Wales and a Ryder Cup Wales Board member.

As part of British Tourism Week Mr Jones will also be visiting a number of locations across Wales to highlight the variety of tourist attractions Wales has to offer.

Wales Week Chongqing

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The St David's Day celebrations have continued in China this week with Wales Week Chongqing.

Events have included an International Business Wales trade mission and the launch of our new website www.wales.cn.

See photos from the events on our Flickr pages.

Dylan Thomas Prize Launch

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tessa Dahl, daughter of Roald Dahl, former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky and Harvard Review editor Christina Thompson were just some of the high profile names that attended the launch of the 2010 University of Wales Dylan Thomas Prize last week in Boston, USA. The audience also included representatives from some of the world's top Universities, including Harvard and MIT as well as Welsh ex-pats from US societies such as the Cymrodorion Cymraeg who'd all come to celebrate the launch on St David's Day.

Hosted by the British Consulate-General in Boston, Dr Phil Budden, and part of the Welsh Assembly Government's week long St David's Day celebrations in the US, the evening included a special lecture by the Prize Chair, Dr Peter Stead and readings by author Tessa Dahl and poets Robert Pinsky and Professor Kurt Heinzelman.

This year the Prize will accept entries from short story writers, playwrights, screenwriters and novelists. Professor Stead explained how the Prize reflected Thomas' own creative diversity:

"The Prize was given this unique format as a reflection of Dylan Thomas's own writing for he was a poet, prose writer and playwright. In his brief life he excelled in a wide range of literary forms. And just as with the Nobel Prize and the Pulitzer, our judges seek excellence."

The Prize, which is named in honour of the famous Welsh writer and poet, has established itself as one of world's top prizes for young writers, with a cash award of Â£30,000, provided by the University of Wales. The launch in Boston cements its growing international presence as one of the world's most respected literary prizes.

A "rock star" of poetry, Dylan Thomas was a regular visitor to the United States, drawing sold out crowds and thrilling audiences with his dramatic readings before he died in New York at the tender age of 39 in 1953. In a happy coincidence, Dylan Thomas's first reading in the USA took place in Boston exactly 60 years to the day of the 2010 launch, on March 1 1950.

The selected finalists who make the short list of this year's competition will be invited to the UK to take part in a number of key Prize events, as well as participating in an educational outreach programme DylanED - with schools, colleges and universities, co-driven by the Prize's headline sponsor, the University of Wales.

Professor Marc Clement, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales, said:

"The Dylan Thomas Prize is establishing itself as one of Wales's great cultural assets. The Prize's global reach and aspirations, its focus on youth and its emphasis on nurturing excellence are fully consistent with the goals of the University of Wales and we are proud to be its official Title Sponsor.

The education programme DylanED is hugely important to the University of Wales. As an organisation that is dedicated to the development and education of young people, it is a perfect fit for us."

Director of the Hay Festival, Peter Florence, will once again chair the judging panel, which will be announced in June. Entries for the Prize must be submitted by publisher, editor, literary agent, or in the case of film scripts and stage plays, the producer by 30th April 2010. Writers must be 18-30 years old, and the literary works must have been published within the past year to be eligible for competition.

For more information about the Dylan Thomas Prize, and for complete entry rules and guidelines, please visit www.dylanthomasprize.com

Artes Mundi Exhibition in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Eight shortlisted artists, whose work reflects different worlds and different realities, make up the fourth major Artes Mundi exhibition of international contemporary art, opening at National Museum Cardiff on Thursday 11 March to 6 June 2010.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones said:

"Artes Mundi is one of the largest contemporary arts prizes in the world, and has become a much anticipated date in the Welsh contemporary arts calendar.

"The prize recognises bold and interesting artists from around the world and I encourage anyone with an interest in contemporary art to visit the exhibition of this year's finalists."

Levent Çalikoglu - Chief Curator at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Viktor Misiano - curator and art critic based in Moscow and Italy, were given the task of shortlisting eight artists from almost 500 international nominations from 80 countries, for Artes Mundi 4. They have brought together artists whose work reflects the politics that surround them.

Adrian Paci is an Albanian who now lives in Italy following his country’s traumatic regime change; Ergin Çavusoglu is a Bulgarian who escaped the assimilation policies of a dying communist government; Gulnara Kasmalieva and Muratbek Djumaliev live in one of the newly formed Central Asian Republics – Kyrgyzstan but grew up in exactly the same place during the Soviet era; Olga Chernysheva continues to live in her native Russia yet witnesses daily how Muscovites come to terms with their new social order; Chen Chieh-jen based in Taiwan exposes the uncertainties his country faces in the proximity of his neighbour China; Yael Bartana explores the relationship of the individual within society, in particular that of Israel and other communities with strong Jewish – Israeli connections; and Fernando Bryce, as a Peruvian, living for almost 20 years in Europe re-presents history both imperial and colonial and shows how different forms of media have presented events.

In Artes Mundi 4, the artists explore issues of national identity, globalisation, consumerism, propaganda and migration. Using the media of painting, photography, film, video, sound, installation and drawing, they present the impact of economic and political changes on their immediate rural or urban environments and on wider communities - local, regional and global.

From Kyrgyz traders on the Great Silk Road to Taiwanese factory workers, the lives of ordinary people around the globe are made real and unfamiliar cultures are brought closer.

The aim of Artes Mundi, which brings together outstanding artists from around the world who stimulate thinking about the human condition and humanity, is to give a platform to contemporary artists who are established in their own countries but have previously received little critical recognition in the UK.

Many are known on the international art scene, some through exhibiting at biennales and other significant art events.

The judges will consider the artists’ work of the last five to eight years and the winner of the £40,000 Prize will be announced at National Museum Cardiff on 19 May 2010.

St David’s Day Reception Barcelona

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On 4 March 2010 the Welsh Assembly Government hosted a reception in the Museu d’Història de Catalunya, Barcelona to mark Saint David's Day and to highlight the Memorandum of Co-operation that Wales has with Catalunya.

Over 75 guests attended, and experienced a blend of Catalan cooking and Welsh hospitality. Philip Bird, of the Welsh Assembly Government welcomed the guests, followed by Àngel Cortadelles of Generalitat de Catalunya's Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Department, and finally by Andrew Gwatkin, HM Consul General, Barcelona, who is himself Welsh!

Photographs from the event can be seen on Flickr. Please also take a look at our LinkedIn group ‘Wales Reception Barcelona’ to see some photos and further comments from guests at the reception.

Wales and China strengthen educational links

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Chongqing in China and Wales has been signed today to enhance joint international educational opportunities for students in both countries.

The signing of the MoU has taken place during ‘Wales Week’ in Chongqing which includes a series of Wales-related business, tourism, education and cultural events.

The MoU is building on the good work already being carried out in the field of education between the two countries. It also aims to increase opportunities for post-16 students by facilitating closer collaboration between Welsh Further Education Institutions and Higher Education Institutions and counterparts in Chongqing.

The Welsh Assembly Government has already supported schools projects through the British Council which have established links between more than fifty Welsh schools and schools in Chongqing resulting in several exchange opportunities for pupils.

The MoU follows a formal Co-operation Agreement between Wales and Chongqing in March 2008 which has resulted in joint work being undertaken in the fields of trade, energy, technology, agriculture, health, culture and education.

Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:

"It is essential that we are able to offer educational opportunities on an international level to students in Wales. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding we will further strengthen our links with Chongqing in the field of education and work towards exciting joint opportunities for students on both sides of the world."

Deputy Director of the British Council Wales Victoria Grant said:

"We are delighted to have been working with the Welsh Assembly Government to support links between Wales and Chongqing across a range of sectors, and we welcome the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding which recognises the work which has gone into developing educational links between Wales and Chongqing and provides a framework for continuing co-operation."

Wales hosts Canadian travel writers

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, has this week welcomed (w/c 8 March) the travel writers of Canada to Wales for their first ever conference outside Canada.

Wales fought off competition from other worldwide destinations to host the prestigious Travel Media Association in Canada event over 7-12 March.

It is estimated that Wales will gain £1.5 million in generated advertising value in Canada from this event and associated familiarisation tours.

"This is a massive coup for our nation and Visit Wales and we are delighted to be the first ever foreign destination for this event," Mr Jones said.

"This demonstrates Wales' growing reputation abroad as a vibrant and unique holiday destination, and is a tribute to the continuing hard work of Visit Wales and the Assembly Government's commitment to promote the tourism industry."

The travel writers arrived in Cardiff on Sunday 7 March for five nights for their Conference and AGM in City Hall. Visit Wales has arranged a total of 23 tours throughout Wales for the delegates - before, after and during the conference.

These tours will introduce the Canadian media to Wales' essential appeal, distilling the essence of Wales' culture and attractions for future publication, and hopefully excite their audience enough to make them want to visit Wales.

See our Visit pages for more information on visiting Wales.

How Wales moulded modern America

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An expert on how Wales moulded modern America is embarking on a prestigious lecture tour of the United States this week (11 - 27 March 2010).

Welsh historian, Dr Bill Jones of the School of History and Archaeology at Cardiff University, will be undertaking a short lecture tour highlighting the role of the Welsh in the industrial, cultural and social development of America. During the tour, Dr Jones will also be speaking at the opening of an exhibition based largely on his research findings on Welsh migration.

Dr Jones, an expert in nineteenth and early twentieth century Welsh emigration and Welsh communities outside Wales and Co-Director of Cardiff Centre for Welsh American Studies, will be visiting several prestigious academic and heritage institutions. These will include Harvard University, Campbell University, the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Centre, Nebraska and the Scranton Anthracite Museum, Pennsylvania - which will house the exhibition.

Dr Jones, said: "I am particularly looking forward to speaking at Scranton because the area was formerly an important coal, iron and steel making centre, so it is unsurprising that it attracted migrants and expertise from the Welsh coalfields and became the largest Welsh community in the USA in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The history of the Welsh in Scranton was the subject of my first book, Wales in America: Scranton and the Welsh 1860-1920."

Also on display at the Scranton Museum will be a touring exhibition on the Welsh in America organised by New York office of the Welsh Assembly Government, to which Dr Jones contributed.

During his visit to the US, Dr Jones will be giving papers on his recent research into Welsh American letters at the Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures, Harvard University and at Campbell University, North Carolina. He will be speaking about the Welsh American writer and women's rights campaigner Margaret Evans Roberts (1833-1921) at Great Plains Welsh Heritage Centre, Wymore, Nebraska. He will also address meetings of the St. David's Welsh Society of Nebraska and St. David's Welsh Society of Minneapolis at which he will talk informally about various aspects of his research into emigration from Wales.

Professor Peter Coss, Head of the School of History and Archaeology at Cardiff, commented: "Bill Jones is a remarkable and prolific historian. His research reveals the dramatic role that Welsh communities played in moulding modern America, as such it has great significance for reinforcing long-standing cultural and collaborative links between Cardiff University and Wales, more broadly, and academic schools, heritage institutions and communities across the United States."

International Students Reception

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On the 2 March and the 4 March, the First Minister for Wales and the Deputy First Minister for Wales held receptions in Cardiff and Llandudno for international students in Welsh universities to celebrate Wales’ national day, St David’s Day.

The students enjoyed an of evening Welsh food and drink and the opportunity to meet the Ministers and other international students. Azi Mah Zaili from Brunei who is studying at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff said "It was an honour to meet the First Minister and encouraging that he recognizes international students in Wales."

Take a look at our photo gallery to see pictures of the event and visit our message board to see other comments that the students left.

Alumni reception for St David’s Day in Delhi

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Alumni reception for St David’s Day in Delhi

On 5^th March 2010 the Welsh Assembly Government hosted a reception for alumni who attended Welsh universities and are now based in Delhi. The reception was held in the garden of the British High Commissioner’s residence in Delhi to celebrate St David’s Day, the national day of Wales.

Guests enjoyed Glamorgan sausages, Welsh rarebits, and Welsh cakes during the evening and also tasted the Welsh whisky Penderyn. Nigel Casey, the Deputy High Commissioner welcomed the guests, followed by Professor David Halton, Vice Chancellor of Glamorgan University and leader of a senior academic delegation that was visiting Delhi for the week to strengthen links between Welsh universities and Indian education institutions.

Many of the alumni commented on Wales and how much they had enjoyed their time there. Please look at our youtube channel to see a selection of guests recounting their experiences of Wales and the universities that they studied at.

A quiz about Wales was available at the reception for guests to prove their knowledge of our country. The lucky winner was Nidhi Jain who previously attended Cardiff University. Congratulations Nidhi, your prize is on its way to you!

Photographs from the event will be made available soon. Please also take a look at our LinkedIn group ‘Wales reception Delhi’ to see some photos and further comments from guests at the reception. You can also watch some videos from the event on our youtube channel.

St David's Day Parade

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last Monday saw a beautiful day in Wales' capital Cardiff for the annual St David’s Day Parade. Take a look at some of our pictures below and visit http://www.stdavidsday.org/ for more information.

International collaboration for renewable energy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Welsh and German company have joined forces to offer a renewable energy package designed to help Wales, UK and Ireland meets its carbon reduction targets.

Cardiff based Tremorfa Managed Services (TMS), which has expertise in electrical and mechanical installations, has teamed up with Parity Solar of Germany to install and maintain solar Photovoltaic installations which they design and manufacture.

The collaborative agreement signed this week gives Tremorfa the exclusive rights to supply and install Parity panels in the UK.

Steve Eades (Operations Director) of TMS said the agreement, worth at least £1million in the first year, would enable them to expand with the potential to create new high quality employment opportunities.

Parity Solar supplies the very latest in high quality photovoltaic products and services to the solar energy market worldwide from strategically placed regional headquarters in Germany, the US and China.

From large-scale power plants to very modest rooftop and off-grid installations, Parity Solar’s international team of professionals will work with Tremorfa’s customers to design, manufacture and supply the most efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic solutions.

Tremorfa will supply all the associated mounting systems, inverters and other electrical devices required for a clean, green energy system.

Mr. Eades said the company is well placed to offer a cost effective renewable energy package to the public and private sector though this relationship with Parity Solar and an existing agreement with Kingspan Solar Thermal, which manufactures Thermomax solar thermal vacuum tubes at their Blackwood base.

The joint venture with Kingspan to supply and install solar panel products to new build projects or retrofit on existing buildings is now bidding for other public sector contracts.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the collaborative projects initiated by Tremorfa with national and international companies had the potential to create green jobs.

“The Assembly Government’s Green Jobs Strategy is an important component in the Economic Recovery Programme. We want to strengthen the low carbon energy sector in Wales and ensure businesses maximise opportunities for growth and increase.”

Mr Eades said support from the Welsh Assembly Government had helped the company to develop and expand its market offering and add value through working collaboratively with other companies and establishing strong supply chains.

“We are keen to support the drive to significantly lower carbon emissions and make Wales a leading force in renewable technology worldwide. The support of the Assembly Government has been invaluable and we now have a rare opportunity to make a considerable impact.

“We are now looking at the potential to supply to a number of major regeneration and development projects under way in Wales. Our alliance with Parity Solar GmbH also clearly shows the benefits of partnership as we are to able to offer a highly competitive package and are now in a position to bid for more low carbon sector contracts and supply organisations that fall within the Low Carbon Building Program.”

Leading World Business in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new £3.7m project to establish world class business leaders within enterprises across South East Wales has been launched by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.

The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) is to lead the ambitious 20 Twenty Leadership programme aimed at driving forward growth and productivity in over 200 companies in Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Newport and Monmouthshire.

Through the UWIC programme, business high flyers will be able to undertake a bespoke course, or 'journey', leading to a professionally recognised Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership, which can be upgraded to an Executive MBA, together with membership of the Chartered Management Institute.

The ten month course will include workshops, action learning, master-classes and one-to-one coaching sessions with established business leaders. The workshops will focus on leading change, managing innovation, harnessing low carbon opportunities, raising finance, improving marketing and delivering improved sales performance.

As part of the four year project, which is to receive £1.3m from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, a survey is being carried out of over 3,000 SMEs to identify current needs, difficulties and the state of optimism in a range of sectors.

The new programme will address those issues that are highlighted through the survey, helping business leaders to respond directly to the challenges and opportunities they are currently facing.

Speaking at the launch of the programme at Cardiff Heliport the home of Veritair Aviation Ltd, first business to benefit from the programme, Mr Jones, who is also the Minister for the Economy and Transport, said:

"Our ability to compete effectively on the global stage will be based on our ability to provide strong business leaders, who in turn will drive a motivated and highly skilled workforce.

"The 20 Twenty Leadership programme will help generate a step change in the performance of companies, and contribute to improving prosperity across the region. This demonstrates how our effective use of European Structural funds is being invested to boost the Welsh economy."

Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said the programme supported the Assembly Government's Skills that Work for Wales strategy:

"The strategy recognises that improved management performance is one of the most effective ways for a company to achieve success and outperform its peers. Leadership and management skills are critical for business success which in turn will drive economic growth in Wales."

She added that it will also complement the Assembly Government's £65 million flagship programme, Enhancing Leadership and Management Skills, which has been part funded by the European Social Fund.

It is anticipated the project will forge links with other prestigious organisations and networks, to ensure the programme offers participants first class learning resources, and establish a forum for up and coming business leaders to pursue and share their business visions and ventures.

Professor Brian Morgan, from UWIC's Cardiff School of Management said:

"We've developed a new approach that engages business in working with experts from academia and the business world to create an association of suppliers possessing the leadership skills which existing and new customers are now demanding.

"It is no longer enough for businesses to have in place the systems needed to support high quality management â€“ it is vital to ensure they can do much more than â€˜tick boxesâ€™ by developing leaders with skills that extract maximum value from such systems on behalf of their customers, employees, communities and shareholders.

"The programme is specifically designed to support the growth of SMEs in Wales. It is a development programme for SME managers who have the ambition and potential to grow their business and increase market share as the economy comes out of recession and undergoes major change to meet the challenges of the 21st century."

Phil Hall-Davies, Chief Pilot, Veritair Aviation Ltd, added:

"I have signed up for this programme because I am very keen to cultivate and hone my management skills, this is also an excellent opportunity to expand this course in to a higher level qualification in the future."

Phil's a Flying Success

Phil Hall-Davies, chief pilot of Veritair - Cardiff's only commercial helicopter operator - is the first participant to be recruited to take part in the 20 Twenty Leadership programme.

While an accomplished aviator, Phil works alongside Managing Director Julian Verity, assisting him to run the business.

Mr Verity said:

"As a small to medium sized enterprise we are not in the position to invest in our own management programme, yet we require top quality leadership skills to run the business successfully.

"The 20 Twenty Leadership programme will enable Phil to acquire the skills needed to boost our business partnership and, in turn, lead to offering more and better services for our customers."

Veritair's services include passenger transport, TV/film flying, load lifting, offshore support and emergency services. The company operates from bases at Cardiff Heliport, Aberporth and Haverfordwest.

Sir Paul McCartney to play in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sir Paul McCartney has annouced that he will be playing at Millennium Stadium in Wales' capital Cardiff on the 26 June 2010.

The ex-Beatle said "Me and the band can't wait to get to Cardiff and rock out at the Millennium Stadium, which we have been looking forward to playing for quite a while now"

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday 8 March. For more information visit http://www.millenniumstadium.com/events/23330.php

'Holy Grail' of Welsh classical music revealed

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A piece of music that could be described at the 'Holy Grail' of Welsh classical music is set be heard again. Grace Williams' Missa Cambrensis is well-known among Welsh classical music fans – even though few have ever heard it. It has been performed only once: in 1971. It is one of ten works by the composer to feature in a new edition of her music that was launched on St. David’s day this year.

Grace Williams (1906-77) is considered to be one of the finest composers Wales has ever produced. One reason why she is not more widely known, or has not received greater recognition, is that very few of her works are commercially available as recordings or printed scores. Many young people, however, will have come across her Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Rhymes it remains part of the GCSE Music course in Wales.

These newly edited scores (launched on March 1st), published by Oriana Publications in partnership with Ty Cerdd and the Welsh Music Guild, will make it possible for orchestras, choirs and others to discover and perform major works by Grace Williams, and may lead to further commercial recordings of her work in the future.

Dr Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, internationally-renowned conductor, presented a first edition copy of Missa Cambrensis to Grace Williams' niece, Eryl Freestone, on 1^st March 2010.

He said "This could be described as one of the great achievements of Welsh classical music. It is of such monumental significance to Welsh classical music yet few have heard this ambitious and challenging choral work. It really does show Grace Williams at the pinnacle of her output.

"Having recently conducted both symphonies I am looking forward very much to performing this great choral work.

Commenting on the launch, Eryl Freestone, Grace Williams' niece said: "This is a very significant day for Welsh music. These wonderful works, by one of our foremost composers, will at last be readily available for performance, and can then be heard and appreciated by the wide audience they deserve. I am absolutely delighted that Oriana has begun its 'Grace Williams Centenary Edition' by publishing these ten works, including the marvellous Missa Cambrensis, which could almost be described as a 'hidden masterpiece'. I look forward to hearing, before long, a performance of it which, I am sure, will be richly rewarding for participants and audience alike. My mother (Marian, the composer's sister) and I wish to express our thanks and gratitude to all those involved in presenting this music to a wider public."

Seven of the pieces, including the mass, two symphonies (the earlier being the first symphony by a Welsh composer) and other orchestral works, have been edited by Graeme Cotterill, a doctoral student in music at Bangor University, who is rapidly establishing himself as an authority on the composer.

Graeme Cotterill explains his role saying: "For 'editor', one could read 'detective'. The music editor's task is to review all known manuscripts of a composition, checking for inconsistencies and alterations, and come up with the version the editor believes is closest to the composer's original intentions. This means checking whether what you have is an alternative or early version, or a mistake, or an alteration made by another hand such as a conductor and whether any changes had the composer's authorisation. Any findings are always supported by a wider musicological knowledge and understanding.

Missa Cambrensis, which I have been fortunate enough to hear in a recording of the only performance from the BBC sound archive, is a complex yet always fulfilling work. It is a deeply challenging piece that certainly requires re-evaluation, and I'd love to hear a modern interpretation of the score."

Hilary Clinton sends St David's Day wishes

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hilary Clinton, who is an American of Welsh descent sent St David's Day greetings to the people of Wales yesterday on behalf of President Obama. Read the full message at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/03/137472.htm

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown also sent his best wishes and praised Welsh achievements over the past year. See more at http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page22632

Happy St David's Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We're all celebrating St David's Day in Wales today.

Find out what's going on here and around the world on our events pages. Or, you can send an e-card with our interactive St David's Day quiz.

For a full run down on how to make the most of Wales' national day (including recipes and children's activities), go to http://www.wales.com/index.html

Happy Holi

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Holi!

While Wales is celebrating St David’s Day today on the 1st March, India is also celebrating a festival called Holi. A delegation from Wales has come to Delhi this week as part of a week long programme to explore higher education links between the two countries, and some of us from the group took the opportunity to see this festival and spread some of the Welsh ‘Hwyl’ to our friends in India.

As soon as we got close to the festival area we could hear people singing and playing drums around the site. We turned a corner and someone smeared red paint across our cheeks and wished us ‘Happy Holi’. We placed paint on their face in turn and wished the same, and then everyone began to join in! After a few minutes we had red, green, orange, yellow and pink paint all over us and felt like we were truly part of the festival.

Men sitting with different shaped drums played continuously while people sang, clapped and danced along. Children of all ages were running in and out of the houses and between the trees trying to splash everyone with coloured water and then hiding in case they were splashed back. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves no matter what their age.

To join in the fun we had taken some Welsh dragon stencils and red paint to put on ourselves in honour of St David’s Day. Once those around us had seen them, we had lots of questions about the dragon and whether we used paint in our festivities for St David’s Day! See some of the short video clips on youtube to see our dragon stencils and holi paint on some of the people at the festival.

Welsh universities renew pledge to drive knowledge

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales' leading universities will help mark St David's Day by renewing their joint commitment to drive forward Wales' knowledge economy.

The St David's Day Declaration signed in 2009 by Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Swansea universities committed the universities to act together, combining their strengths and talents in research and innovation to enhance the knowledge economy in Wales.

Together the five universities represent over 70% of all students in Wales and more than 95% of the nation's research activity. With a combined annual turnover of approaching. A £1 billion, including a significant contribution from international sources, the big five represent a substantial economic generator for Wales.

To mark St David's Day and celebrate the first anniversary of the signing of the Declaration the five Vice-Chancellors have renewed their commitment.

In a joint statement, the five university Vice-Chancellors said: "The St David's Day Declaration signed in 2009 cemented our belief that by building in collaboration on the intellectual capital and academic excellence of our universities, we can help Wales create an innovative and dynamic economy and a just society for the 21st Century.

"We know that, collectively, our staff and our students can offer real help to business, the public sector and to individuals. Our first priority was to help Wales work its way out of the current recession and, beyond that, to create a vibrant knowledge-led society and economy that puts Wales ahead of the game.

"As we celebrate St David's Day it's an ideal opportunity to recognise the Group's achievements and renew our commitment to making the declaration work for the benefit of the Wales' knowledge economy."

In the 12 months since the declaration was signed the five Vice-Chancellors have met on a regular basis to discuss potential areas of collaboration and joint working.

A number of key projects involving all of the five universities have been developed. These include:

The Wales Institute for Social and Economic Research Data and Methods (WISERD) which is jointly funded by HEFCW and the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The Institute brings together and builds upon the existing expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods and methodologies at the five Welsh universities. In WISERD, Wales is able to boast a centre of social science research excellence to support the Government in tackling economic and social issues in Wales through the collection of data using the most advanced research methodologies and internationally renowned researchers.

The Wales Institute of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (WIMCS). The Institute brings together individuals and groups in mathematical and computational sciences across the Universities to provide the critical mass of high quality researchers who will achieve international recognition for mathematical research excellence. The Institute will help enhance the standing of mathematics and computation in Wales, to foster links with industry, commerce and business, to generate substantial research funding and to provide a forum for education and public awareness of the mathematical sciences.

The Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI). The LCRI has been established to bring the diverse range of energy research across the five universities to bear on the major environmental challenges facing Wales and the wider world. The LCRI aims to support the whole energy sector, UK and globally, in developing low carbon generation, storage, distribution and end use technologies. It will develop capacity and facilities around the existing areas of low carbon and energy expertise in Wales whilst expanding research activities into other energy related areas.

The Research Institute of Visual Computing (RIVIC) is a collaborative amalgamation of research programmes between the computer science departments in Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea Universities. The first â€˜One Walesâ€™ national research centre aims to enrich and strengthen the pool of core academic scientists in visual computing in Wales by bringing in high quality research scientists who have a track record of working at the frontier of science and technology, and operating at an international level.

A £1.2m project, involving the five St David's Day Group partners and Glyndwr University, has extended the provision of careers advice to new graduates on accessing the difficult jobs market place. The project runs until the end of 2010 and extends the provision of careers advice to some 3000 graduates. It's hoped that the project will assist up to 1000 unemployed graduates to access vital training from the partner universities under an Individual Learning Voucher scheme. The scheme is open to all graduates who live in Wales, regardless of where they studied for their degree. The joint Universities project is part of a £2.15M package of four projects announced under the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales' (HEFCW) Economic Support Initiative.

The five Vice-Chancellors added: "Wales' development needs to be driven by real innovation. Such innovation will come from the depth and breadth of knowledge that our universities represent.

"The St David's Day declaration has already seen us collaborate in a number of key areas including sustainable development, primary healthcare services and social recovery policies. We know that, collectively, our staff and our students can offer real help to business, the public sector and to individuals.

"Our priority remains to use our combined strength in research and innovation to help Wales strengthen after the recession and, beyond that, to create a vibrant knowledge-led society and economy that puts Wales ahead of the game."

The five Vice-Chancellors and their staff have pledged to continue to work together to identify additional areas where collective strength is more beneficial.

Some of the key areas identified by the Group for the next twelve months include: helping develop solutions to business and individual needs which work and can take effect quickly; working with business, the voluntary sector and government to determine what the real priorities for Wales should be; to continue with capital investment programmes, securing construction jobs and supporting Welsh business by local sourcing of suppliers wherever possible; and to further collaborate on projects aimed at working with international business and education partners.

Wales leads high-level academic mission to Delhi

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A high-level mission of academics and senior management from universities in Wales are due to visit India for a week from 1st March 2010, to research and investigate further opportunities for collaboration with Indian partners. The mission is led by Professor David Halton, Vice Chancellor of University of Glamorgan and Chair of the Wales International Consortium, an Association of all Universities in Wales. Professor Halton is accompanied by 5 senior colleagues from universities across Wales.

The purpose of the visit is to look for further opportunities for collaboration with Indian universities, industry, business and education organisations in research, teaching and commercialisation and to build on previous links made over many years.

Looking forward to his visit Professor Halton said:

"I am looking forward to leading this very senior group of Welsh University representatives whose remit is to seek out purposeful and meaningful relationships with Universities, Research Institutes and industry in India. Our Welsh consortium is unique in the UK in that collectively, Welsh Universities seek to offer a wide range of programmes and research collaborative opportunities together, rather than in competition."

Highlights of the visit include:

Meetings have been arranged with the Education team of the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) that is home to the Department of Higher Education & Scientific Research, the European Union Representation in Delhi, and Universities.

Also on Friday March 5th 2010, 100 Indian alumni from universities across Wales will meet the delegation at the High Commissioner's residence for a reception to celebrate Wales' national day

Send your greetings from Wales with our e-card

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

To celebrate St David’s Day on Monday 1 March we’ve created a multi-lingual interactive e-card that you can send to your friends across the world.

Three days to go!

International radio show promotes Welsh music

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Selector, a weekly radio programme playing the best new British music for a global audience, has joined forces with the organisers of Swn festival, to bring Wales to the world.

On 27^th February, Cat le Bon and Y Niwl will perform in Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff. The Selector will broadcast tracks recorded on the night on its show which is broadcast in 11 countries to an audience of over 1 million per week.

Presented by DJ Goldierocks and produced on behalf of the British Council, the Selector represents all that is exciting and original in British music right now. No other radio show plays such an eclectic mix of new UK music; you'll find everything from indie to electro and folk to funky on the Selector. The show also features artist interviews, guest DJ mixes and exclusive live studio sessions from the best new bands every week. The new show is available for streaming every Saturday morning GMT and you can also access an archive of shows, sessions, interviews and mixes.

Listen to all of this online www.selector-radio.com

The Selector is also on the airwaves. Currently we can be heard in eleven countries including Mexico, Columbia, Slovakia, Latvia, Hungary, Indonesia, Vietnam & China. The show has won a Sony Gold in the weekly music show of the year category and continues to promote Britain as a great place for creativity and diversity.

Celebrating International Women's Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

£30,000 of funding has been announced by Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant to help local organisations in Wales celebrate International Women’s Day.

Twelve organisations across Wales will receive up to £2,500 each to hold events to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th. The theme in Wales for 2010 will be "Promoting Women into Public and Political Life".

Announcing the funding, the Minister said: "Around the world, International Women’s Day marks a celebration of the economic, social, cultural and political achievements of women. I hope the funding I have announced today will help ensure that we have a programme of events here in Wales to celebrate the day and recognise and raise awareness of the challenges and discrimination still faced by women."

International Women's Day celebrates feminism and political activity for all women in the world, acknowledging their struggles and celebrating women and diversity. The activities will include speeches from inspirational women from Wales and abroad, conferences, festivities, exhibitions and workshops which will reflect the diverse multicultural and multigenerational experience of women living in Wales today.

Fairtrade Fortnight

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As the world's first Fairtrade nation Wales is celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight which started on the 22 February and runs until the 7 March.

In the past year 5 more Welsh local authorities and 3 more towns have achieved Fairtrade status. This means that 70% of local authorities and 42% towns in Wales are now certified Fairtrade.

41% of schools in Wales are now registered with the UK Fairtrade School scheme and the number of Welsh schools with Fairtrade status went up from 55 last year to 82 this year. Schools in Wales therefore continue to account for a quarter of all the schools with Fairtrade status in the UK.

A Fairtrade cashew nut farmer from El Salvador in Central America and a Fairtrade olive oil and nut producer from Palestine will be attending and speaking at local Fair Trade events across the country.

A list of all the events in Wales is available on the Fairtrade Wales website (external link).

Welsh actress named best in sci-fi

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Torchwood star Eve Myles has been named world’s best sci-fi actress by readers of science fiction bible SFX.

Eve plays Gwen Cooper in the BBC series that is filmed in Wales which has been a hit in the US, Asia and America.

Find out more about Torchwood at http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchwood/ and check out our other award winning Welsh celebs

Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2010 comes to Bangor

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DJ Chris Moyles announced this morning that the hugely popular Radio One’s Big Weekend will be held at the Faenol estate, Bangor in north Wales on 22nd and 23rd May 2010.

Find out more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/events/bigweekend/

Wales gets set for St Davids Day across the world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones will be in Brussels today [22 February 2010] to kick start St David’s Day celebrations around the world.

To mark Wales’ national day, the First Minister will host a reception at the city’s Concert Noble venue to promote food and drink from Wales and emphasise Wales’ partnership with the European Union.

As well as tasting a range of True Taste Award-winning produce, guests will also be able to see the Ryder Cup trophy, which will be on display at the reception as the countdown continues to the event at The Celtic Manor Resort later this year. During the evening, guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about how the Welsh Assembly Government is investing €3.8 billion under the 2007-2013 European Structural Funds programmes through arange of projects benefiting people, businesses and communities across Wales.

During his visit to Brussels, the First Minister will also meet the new European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn as well as the four Welsh MEP’s who represent Wales in the European Parliament.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "I’m pleased to be in Brussels today to mark my first St David’s Day as First Minister of Wales. Thousands of people all over the world celebrate our national day because of their links with Wales so it is a great opportunity for us to showcase the best of Wales and raise the profile of our country in areas such as food, drink, music and culture, especially in the year we host one of the world’s largest sporting events, The Ryder Cup."

In London, the second True Taste Welsh Produce Market will be held on Friday 26 February in Golden Square (just off Regent’s Street). More than 20 companies will be selling a range of food and drink from Wales to tempt Londoners to try a taste of Wales.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Wales Week takes place in New York between March 1 -7, with a variety of events focusing on music and the arts. An exhibition of some rare Dylan Thomas manuscripts and other artefacts is on display between March 2-7 at the Morgan Library and Museum in the city, with Welsh afternoon tea available at the Morgan Café. Composer Karl Jenkins will be guest conductor at a Music Masters of Wales evening at Carnegie Hall on Saturday 6 March. The 2010 Dylan Thomas Prize for young writers will be launched in Boston on March 1.

There is also a Wales Week taking place in Chonqing, China between March 8-12 with a range of activities taking place to promote Wales in the region, including a multi-sector trade mission. A reception will also be held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Delhi focusing on building educational links between India and Wales.

Wales Leads the Way for Diversity

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Students, Anton Boston, Raymond Kuzhaingara, Jagraj Singh, Mason Burnett and Dimari Wilson at Willows High School, Cardiff, have won a prestigious, European-wide British Council competition to make a short film on their mobile phone cameras about diversity.

Last summer the British Council asked students involved in the Inclusion and Diversity in Education project (INDIE), and anyone else who felt inspired by INDIE, to use their mobile phone cameras to make a 3-minute film about diversity.

The winning film is a clever video to the song ‘It Doesn’t Matter’, a catchy rap song, also created by the students, that tackles discrimination, particularly race and the problem of knife crime. They were chosen as the winners because the judging panel felt that the boys from Willows High really understood the meaning of diversity and managed to express this in such a creative and talented way.

The INDIE Goes Mobile competition attracted high quality entries from across Europe, short films that deal with the theme of diversity in school and in young people’s lives. Entrants were asked to study the British Council’s European Charter and say in a short 2-3 minute film, what diversity means to them.

Kevin Higgins, Director, British Council Wales said, ‘We, like many others, believe in creating an inclusive learning environment and ensuring academic success for all students whatever their background, and the students throughout Europe who have entered this competition, through their videos, have demonstrated a clear understanding of diversity and openness.

Also having a Welsh entry come through as a winner of a European-wide competition is something we, in Wales, can be really proud of.’

Find out more at http://www.britishcouncil.org/wales-education-school-partnership-indie-competition.htm

Welsh musician rocks India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Welsh musician managed by Dave Prowse (who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy!), is headlining a two-day rock festival in India.

Jayce Lewis from Bridgend, south Wales, became a star in Asia when his first music video was released last year.

The two day Rock'N India festival takes place in Delhi and Bangalore this weekend.

Find out more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8521127.stm

Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir will be celebrating St. David’s Day on Monday, March 1st, 2010, beginning with the annual raising of the ‘Red Dragon’ at Toronto City Hall, Nathan Phillip’s Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, at 4 pm. Members of the TWMVC will join the community to sing "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau".

Their St. David’s Day Concert ~ Cyngerdd Dydd Gwyl Dewi ~ featuring the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir and Guest Soloist, Shannon Mercer, will take place on Monday, March 1st, 7:30 pm at the Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street West, Toronto. Enjoy the rich culture and heritage of Wales with a bounty of music under the baton of William Woloschuk, Artistic Director, and Julie Loveless, Accompanist.

Wrapping it all together is Christopher Thomas as the Master of Ceremonies, who is proud of his Welsh heritage.

The Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir was founded in 1995 to preserve in Canada the rich culture and heritage of Wales, The Choir "sings with a purpose" believing that "The world just wouldn't be the same without music."

For more information or Tickets to the Concert, please contact http://www.roythomson.com/

‘Hydrogen Highway' to drive UK carbon technology

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Vehicles driving along the M4 in Wales will be able to refuel with hydrogen fuel or recharge if electric as part of the first phase to extend the low carbon refuelling corridor along the motorway. It will create the UK's longest hydrogen highway with strategically placed multi fuel filling and recharging points.

It will enable more vehicles to be tested and used on our roads which run on hydrogen, natural gas, bio methane or electricity. This will stimulate more interest in a developing field of motoring technology that could create greater market demand. Changes to the types of vehicle people drive will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our fight against climate change.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said the LCEA designation recognised the existing strengths and expertise in Wales in the industrial production and use of hydrogen as well as its involvement in developing renewable alternative fuels for the auto sector.

"It will position Wales globally as a leading centre for driving forward this technology and provide us with a competitive advantage when attracting new investment and research and development into next generation technologies."

Speaking at the launch event, Environment Minister Jane Davidson said:

"I am delighted that Wales is leading the way in tackling climate change and we will continue to be a flagship for what I hope is the start of a major move away from the use of fossil fuels for transport and in buildings."

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said the LCEA had the potential to become an important platform for accessing and attracting additional funding to Wales for research and development for strategic technology projects.

"It presents us with a real opportunity to increase research funding for our academic institutions so they can continue to play an important role in developing new technologies, new products and processes to drive forward the economy and help in the post recession recovery."

Central to the LCEA announcement is the news the University of Glamorgan, a key academic partner, is investing £6.3m to develop new hydrogen industries, new hydrogen energy processes, products and services including a hydrogen combustion engine test facility at Baglan.

The work - in collaboration with other academic partners, the automotive industry and the Assembly Government - is part funded by the pan-Wales Low Carbon Research Institute.

Additional funding from Cenex, the Department for Transport's Centre for Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, will also enable the University to extend the low carbon fuel corridor on the M4.

US Ryder Cup team to fly into Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, has announced a deal which will see the defending US Ryder Cup team enter the UK via Cardiff Airport, when they arrive, later this year, to contest this iconic golf tournament at The Celtic Manor Resort, near Newport, between 1-3 October.

He finalised an agreement with the Chief Executive of The PGA of America, who are responsible for overseeing arrangements for the visiting team, during his recent trip to the PGA Golf Merchandise Show, held in Orlando.

The biennial Ryder Cup contest is recognised as one of the top ten global sporting events, which is followed by hundreds of millions of people around the world, and there has been much speculation as to how the US team would travel. Arriving in the UK via Cardiff is seen as an important moment in their journey, which is likely to attract considerable interest. The US team will fly in on the 27 September and return home from Cardiff Airport on the 4 October.

Alun Ffred Jones said:

"This is the first time that Wales has hosted The Ryder Cup so we felt it was important that the American team actually land in Wales to start their trip."

Margaret James, Head of Customer Service at Cardiff Airport, said:

"We look forward to welcoming the US team to Wales and hosting their travel through the airport. The airport has experience of handling travel for large scale events and will work with all partner organisations to ensure the team’s arrival is as seamless as possible."

Chief Executive of RCW, Rob Holt commented on the agreement:

"It was clear from our discussion with The PGA of America last week that the American Ryder Cup team are very much looking forward to the event, and to visiting Wales, many for the first time. As such, it’s entirely appropriate that they enter our country via our national airport."

Cardiff University goes global

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The diversity of Cardiff University's student community will be celebrated at an event that aims to unite different cultures and highlight the talents of Cardiff students from around the world.

Go Global is the Students' Union's annual festival of Culture and Diversity and runs from the 19-28 February 2010.

Bringing together people from various backgrounds and cultural heritages, the Festival will celebrate, share and discover the traditions that are part of each of our intrinsic cultures.

During the course of the event the Students' Union, in conjunction with The Cardiff Guild of Societies and the international student community will play host to music from around the world, art workshops, taster sessions and debates on international issues.

The week will culminate with Global Village, a vibrant and expressive event taking place in the Great Hall on 28^th February. As well as introducing visitors to food from more than 20 different countries, Global Village will also showcase some of the University's diverse student performers, including Bollywood, Chinese dancing and singing, a masquerade, break dancing, an international fashion show, the Malaysian Festival of Diversity performance and many others.

Students' Union Societies, Events and Activities Officer, Carys Hazell said: "By involving thousands of students, Go Global seeks to present the identity and strength of culture of our student body to the University and the local, Cardiff community. The Festival also campaigns for the integration, inspiration and participation of students from all over the world. By putting on interesting and unique events, societies and international students in close partnership with the Students' Union, aim to offer scope to students, staff and the local community."

More than 3000 international students are currently studying at the University, representing over 100 countries. Cardiff also has a number of international links with Universities in countries around the world including Malaysia, China and America, amongst others.

More information about the Go Global Festival, which is a not for profit event can be found at http://www.cardiffstudents.com/activities/societies/events/go-global . All events are open to staff, students and members of the public.

Celebrating Chinese New Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

February 14 2010 is not just Valentines day but it also marks the start of the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Lunar Tiger.

And we’re celebrating in Wales. The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff is putting on free events showcasing Chinese music, folk art, opera and dancing. In Lampeter University, a team of talented martial arts, tai chi and dance performers from Heilongjiang University in the north east of China are putting on a spectacular performance at the Lampeter Arts Hall. And the Swansea Grand Theatre is putting on a concert with artists from China and worldwide, performing a wide selection of Chinese music

Find out more about Wales’ links with China on our Wales Week Chongqing pages.

Welsh film wins Guardian’s best first film award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Director Gideon Koppel’s Sleep Furiously has won the Guardian’s best first film award. The film itself is set in a small farming community in rural mid Wales, where small scale agriculture is disappearing. It has been described as a poetic and profound journey into a world of endings and beginnings.

The New York premiere of Sleep Furiously takes place on 24 February followed by a discussion with film maker Gideon Koppel. Take a look at our USA What’s On page for details.

Read The Guardian’s article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/feb/11/sleep-furiously-wins-best-first-film/print

North Wales History

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Iexplore has put together a great list of 10 historical attractions to see in North Wales. Their tips include the Great Orme Mines in Llandudno, Beaumaris castle and the National Slate Museum in Llanberis and will take you on a trip from the Bronze Age right up to World War II. Read the full article at http://www.iexplore.com/best-of/wales/1

The Hoscars

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Hoscars have been announced, naming the world’s most popular hostel and the UK representative is situated in Wales’ capital Cardiff. The Riverhouse backpackers is an eco-friendly independent hostel situated opposite the Millennium Stadium in the heart of the city centre. You can find out how to book your room at http://www.riverhousebackpackers.com/

Smithsonian

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the participants from Wales Smithsonian Cymru, Frank Hennessy, has been nominated for The Celtic Media Festival ‘Radio Personality’ award.

Wales Smithsonian Cymru at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC was held last summer.Find out what happened at the festival on our Smithsonian pages.

The 2010 Ryder Cup

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

1 - 3 October

Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

The eyes of the world will be on Newport when the 2010 Ryder Cup is played at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, south Wales.

Fore more information:

www.golf.visitwales.com/ryder-cup-2010
www.rydercupwales2010.com
www.celtic-manor.com/The-Ryder-Cup-2010.aspx

And if you want to know more about our other 200 golf courses, take a look at our Golf as it should be website.

Italian Memories in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An exhibition in St Fagans Natural History Museum in south Wales has traced the lives of those Italians who immigrated to Wales after the Second World War.

Through their photographs and stories, the exhibition shares their memories of living in Italy, their experiences of settling in Wales, and their achievements and links with their Italian roots.

The first major wave of Italian immigration to Britain was just after the Second World War. Many ended up in Wales and set up ice cream businesses, fish and chip shops and cafes. Their businesses blossomed, particularly the Italian cafes, and became a common sight.

Some came to work in the coal mines, iron works and the tinplate industry and some prisoners of war stayed in Wales as farm workers.

Most Italians were embraced by the Welsh and were soon followed by their family and friends.

Through perseverance and hard work, Italians found a niche within the Welsh community. They integrated well, ran successful businesses and became respected local and national figures.

Their Italian culture and traditions existed side by side with the culture and traditions of Wales.

Find out more at http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/whatson/?event_id=4083

Six Nations kick off

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend sees the start of the RBS six nations tournament, an annual rugby tournament between Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy. Over the next few weeks we'll be getting pretty passionate about our national sport and also playing host to Scotland, France and Italy in the

Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. We're travelling across the border on Saturday though as Wales take on England at Twickenham. We reckon we can repeat our Grand Slam success of 2008.

Find out more about sport in Wales.

From Moscow to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last week a group of Russians from the Center for International Cooperation in Education Development visited south Wales to learn about the Welsh education system.

Their packed visit included trips to eight schools in the region and meetings with various educational organisations.

Director Igor Valdman has already been in touch to thank the team saying "We have been impressed by the professionalism and hospitality of Welsh colleagues and would like to stay in touch."

See Igor’s photo report of the tour at http://picasaweb.google.ru/iavaldman/Wales_CICEDStudyTour_25290110#

Cook yourself something Welsh

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Fancy some Welsh lamb for tea? Or some local caught sea trout (or Sewin as we know it). We found this article on the BBC website with loads of ideas for Welsh cooking and recipes to get you in the mood for St David's Day.

Wales' first Chief Scientific advisor appointed

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones has appointed internationally recognised scientist, Professor John Harries as Wales’ first Chief Scientific Adviser.

Professor Harries, originally from Aberavon, is the University of London Professor of Earth Observation at the Blackett Laboratory of Imperial College London and a member the Grantham Institute for Climate Research at the College. He is a past President of the Royal Meteorological Society, and of the International Radiation Commission. He was the first Director of the Space Science Department at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and has been a senior adviser to the UK Government in several roles. He is also the Principal Investigator of a climate monitoring instrument, which is currently operating on the European Meteosat satellite series in geostationary orbit. Professor Harries will take up his role on May 1.

The Chief Scientific Adviser’s role will be to provide scientific advice to the First Minister and the Welsh Assembly Government, to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the role of science within the wider knowledge economy. This appointment follows a review into the creation of a Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, which was carried out by Professor Christopher Pollock in 2008.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "The appointment of Professor Harries as our first Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales will ensure that we build on an impressive track record of achievement, and develop a more effective promotion of science and technology within the wider knowledge economy arena.

"This will prove invaluable as we continue to encourage the knowledge, skills and enterprise to strengthen businesses in Wales ahead of the global economic upturn."

Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths, welcomed the news and said the appointment of ProfessorHarries as Wales’ first Chief Scientific Adviserwill provide the Assembly Government with world class scientific leadership and advice.

"It acknowledges the importance the Assembly Government places on the role of science and technology and will add significant impetus to our drive to increase funding for scientific research in Wales.

"The appointment is also timely and supports our drive to build a stronger and more sustainable and resilient economy for the future. A key focus is encouraging world class research and development, creating effective links and collaboration between businesses and our universities and colleges to commercialise innovative new products and processes."

Professor Harries said: "It is a huge honour to be asked to become the first Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales and I look forward with great enthusiasm to carrying out this new role on behalf of the government and people of Wales.

"Wales is a small country, but is capable of the intelligent application of new science and engineering as a basis for greater commercial success in industry. The role includes acting as Head of Profession, providing a focus for good practice and the enhancement and encouragement of scientists and engineers in Wales. This is a job that encompasses two (along with my family and rugby) of my great passions – Science and Wales. I will give it my very best effort."

Wales: a place of many faiths and cultures

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve just heard that a group of Indian journalists visited Cardiff last week to look at our efforts to promote multiculturalism and interfaith in Wales.

It got us thinking about the many cultures and faiths that exist here and how we share some similarities with India. Both India and Wales have a long history of welcoming people from many different parts of the world and both have a rich and diverse culture as a result.

We’ve welcomed people from different cultures and backgrounds since the early 1900s all across Wales, but mostly in the cities of Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. This has resulted in lots of cultures and faiths living side-by-side across the country. The Inter-faith Council for Wales, an initiative set up by the Welsh Assembly Government, is a good example of this. It has representative members from around 9 different faiths, including Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam.

We also both have two official languages – in Wales we have Welsh and English, and in India they have Hindi and English. Although with the diverse cultures that exist in both our countries, there are many more actually used. In fact in India at least 800 different languages and around 2000 dialects have been identified!

A wonderful example of different cultures living in harmony together can be seen in local schools, such as Kitchener Primary School in Riverside. Their school motto is ‘We all live together in Riverside’ – a fine reflection of the positive attitude in Wales.

We’d love to hear from you on our message board if you can think of any more similarities between our countries.

Are you living in Delhi and have studied in Wales?Join our LinkedIn site and get chatting to other people.

Locate a Caddy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s a new month and we’re moving closer to the Ryder Cup 2010 taking place at the Celtic Manor in Newport, south Wales. Our friends at Visit Wales have helpfully set up a caddy locater scheme so those of you coming to play golf Wales can book an approved caddy in seconds. Take a look at the service at http://www.caddylocator.com/ which also features some information about some of our top golf courses in Wales.

Cardiff University unveils new scholarships

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new multi-million pound package of postgraduate scholarships designed to tackle some of the key climate, engineering, social and medical research challenges and attract the most talented postgraduate research students to Cardiff University have been unveiled.

The President's Research Scholarship fund is a £4M investment set up to coincide with the inauguration of Professor Sir Martin Evans, Nobel Prize winner for Medicine, as Cardiff University’s new President and in recognition of his world leading research.

The new flagship scholarships have been designed to support excellence in postgraduate research provision and will provide new opportunities for research, which include - improving treatment of patients with arthritis, developing new bioimaging techniques, tackling some of the world’s key climate challenges, multiculturalism and the development of new drugs in the fight against disease.

Sir Martin said: “I am delighted that the University has decided to make such a substantial financial investment in attracting the best postgraduate research students to the University.

“These new scholarships underline the University’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and will help maintain our reputation for world-leading academic research in key areas.”

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on new projects under the supervision of successful and established researchers and in dynamic research environments. In total, an additional 72 full Research Council UK-rate PhD scholarships are being offered by the University over the next two years as part of the new scholarships.

The prestigious new awards will attract more of the highest quality candidates to Cardiff University – with those eligible for funding as President Scholars holding a first-class honours degree, or a 2.1 plus a postgraduate Masters degree at distinction level.

Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Grant said: “This is a substantial addition to our existing scholarship investment and it will enhance the number of people undertaking significant, challenging and innovative research to PhD level at Cardiff University.”

Applications for the new scholarships have already opened in some areas. Details of how to apply can be found at the University’s website - www.cardiff.ac.uk/presidents/

Wales' green expertise gains global recognition

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has gained formal international recognition for its expertise in advancing Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC).

'RCE Wales', to be launched on 1 February 2010, will formally recognise Wales' expertise in education for sustainability.

The venture is the result of a successful application prepared by Swansea University and the University of Wales, Newport and has benefited from sustained support from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. Input via public consultations and from a Steering Group drawn from ESDGC professionals from across Wales have also proved invaluable to RCE Wales' success.

The formal recognition of RCE Wales from the United Nations University means that Wales takes its place alongside other recognised RCEs currently making up a global network of RCEs for ESDGC.

RCE Wales is set to become a significant player in building an educational legacy that will outlive the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) under which programme it was launched.

The establishment of RCE Wales will help ESDGC players across Wales to research, develop and promote high quality ESDGC and to increase its uptake and impact.

The initiative will help to ensure a more sustainable future for the people and environment of Wales and beyond, and ensure a legacy that will help to achieve a vibrant and secure Wales that lives within its means using only its share of the earth's resources.

The global network to which RCE Wales now belongs will enable stakeholders to extend their reach and to bring into Wales more easily, relevant expertise from around the world.

RCE Wales will serve as a focal point, facilitating coordination and increasing the impact of efforts of the individuals and organisations throughout Wales who are working voluntarily and professionally for sustainability aims, including further and higher-education institutions; schools; non-governmental organisations; private businesses and local authorities.

RCE Wales benefits from the support of the Welsh Assembly Government in tackling the complex issues involved and understanding the essential role of ESDGC in achieving the changes necessary to create a sustainable Wales.

RCE Wales is also keen to assist anyone looking for ESDGC-related information to locate appropriate sources and expertise.

Swansea University is to be the base for the Secretariat of the RCE. Professor Iwan Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Affairs and Internationalisation) and ESDGC Champion at Swansea University said: "I am delighted to share in the excitement as Wales joins an internationally-recognised global community of educators for sustainable development and global citizenship following formal recognition of RCE Wales.

"I am proud that Swansea University played an instrumental role in achieving 'Regional Centre of Expertise for ESDGC' status for Wales, and that the University's active involvement and support will continue as we host the permanent Secretariat for RCE Wales.

"I appreciate the important and growing role that ESDGC plays, for example, in our own internationalisation agenda. And I look forward to the additional opportunities for professionals and private citizens in Wales that RCE Wales brings, as we all seek to understand what 'sustainable development' means and how we in Wales can best contribute to it. Swansea University is pleased to be part of such an essential educational endeavour."

Dr David Skydmore, Project Director at Glyndwr University Northop, and a member of the steering group which helped to prepare the RCE application, said: "We're delighted to have been able to support such an exciting venture which will help Wales tap into expertise on education for sustainable development from across the world. Glyndwr University is continuing to make great strides in its own education for sustainable development programme and as a member of the RCE Wales network will be able to press ahead further. This will help us to forge vital links with other universities and professionals with an interest in ESDGC. RCE Wales exhibits to an international audience the quality of education being provided throughout the country into issues of sustainability and global citizenship."

Jon Grufffydd, stakeholder in the initiative from RSPB Cymru said: "RCE Wales will help us to inspire children and adults alike to learn about the environment and biodiversity. Our field teaching programmes and outdoor activities incorporate Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship and are designed to develop people's understanding of nature and encourage them to develop more sustainable lifestyles. This will in turn enable them to help care for and conserve wildlife and the environment."

Professor Philip Gummett, Chief Executive of HEFCW, said: "This is an important example of how the higher education sector through working in collaboration, can provide both the expertise and the support to achieve international recognition of the work being done throughout Wales on sustainability, and reinforce the Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to sustainable development."

Julie Bromilow, Education Officer at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth said: "This is a much needed opportunity. We hope that RCE Wales will act as a 'dating agency' between research institutes and subject specialist solutions-based organisations like our own, to help us further develop rigorous evaluation and delivery of ESD that has maximum effectiveness."

Glamorgan Professor wins top poetry prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A collection of poems by University of Glamorgan Professor Philip Gross has scooped the UK’s foremost prize for poetry, the prestigious TS Eliot prize at a ceremony in London last week.

Phillip beat tough competition, including two former winners, with his collection of poems ‘The Water Table’- detailed and lyrical meditations on the ever-changing waters of the Severn estuary.

The TS Eliot prize is known as the UK’s most lucrative and high profile poetry prize.

Simon Armitage, who chaired the panel of three poets said he hoped the win would introduce people to a new voice in contemporary poetry.

He said The Water Table stood out because it was not merely a collection of poems but also "so obviously a book".

Armitage added, "It is so concentrated and keen-eyed and patient. The poems have a beauty and a craft to the writing and it’s hard to imagine how he kept it up over 64 pages."

Welsh collection makes big impression on USA

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones is in the United States this week to promote Welsh art and culture and to encourage Americans to visit Wales . He will start by launching the latest stage of the US tour of the highlights from what has been described as "the best collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art outside France."

From Turner to Cezanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Sisters Collection is a collection of 50 notable works from the Welsh national art collection held by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. It includes works by Cézanne, Augustus John, Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Turner, and van Gogh, many of which have never before been displayed in the United States.

The latest location for the collection, following stops in Ohio, Oklahoma, Columbia and New York, is the Corcoran Gallery in Washington DC, the largest private art gallery in the US capital. The collection has proved to be a great hit at its previous stops and it is hoped that it will be as much of a success in Washington.

Alun Ffred Jones said: "This travelling exhibition represents some of the jewels in our national collection and their presence in the United States will not only be a treat for arts lovers in the States, but will also help to raise Wales’s profile in Washington, building on Wales’s presence at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in the city last summer."

"The exhibition is just a part of the Welsh story that needs to be told to Americans. These works are amazing pieces and their purchase was a product of the 19th century industrial might of Wales. That wider story, the unique history and special cultural heritance that we have in Wales, is something that we must take every opportunity to tell."

In addition to officially opening the exhibition in the Corcoran Museum, the Minister will also be undertaking activity to raise awareness of Wales as an overseas tourism destination in the US market, against the background of the Ryder Cup coming to Wales in the autumn. He will also be promoting Wales’s art and culture in a series of meetings and engagements during his time in the USA.

He added: "With the eyes of the sporting world turning to Wales in October when the Ryder Cup arrives here, it’s important that we tell Americans about the great welcome that awaits them across the Atlantic this autumn. I’ll certainly be doing that throughout my visit."

The collection was recently mentioned in the Mayor of Columbia's annual "State of the City" address. Mayor Bob Coble said "The arts community in Columbia and the region are continuing to present programs that will enhance our quality of life. The Columbia Museum of Art hosted the very successful "Turner to Cezanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum Wales," and set new attendance records."

Ryder Cup 2010

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Spotted this interesting article in Golf Week about the forthcoming Ryder Cup in Wales. Read it at http://www.golfweek.com/news/2010/jan/11/wales-set-reintroduce-itself-ryder-cup/

Find out more about the Ryder Cup at http://www.rydercupwales2010.com/

Welsh firms have already won gold from London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) will travel to Wales this week to visit some of the firms that have won contracts on the London 2012 construction project in east London. Welsh businesses have won both direct and supply chain contracts to help build the venues and infrastructure on the Olympic Park worth millions of pounds.

As part of his trip on Tuesday 26^th and Wednesday 27^th January, Mr Armitt will visit:

Cardiff-based Euroclad who have won contracts on both the Olympic Stadium and the Media Centre
Wagtail a Flintshire-based company who supplied sniffer dogs for the security team working on the Olympic Park
Vannplastic from Saltney who produced decking boards for the new facilities at Weymouth and Portland where the sailing events will take place in 2012.

John Armitt said: Businesses from Wales have already made the most of the golden opportunities that are available to companies across the UK with contracts totalling millions of pounds. For example, a company from Newport have helped build the Aquatics Centre roof, an architectural jewel which has already changed east London’s sky line and will be one of the first things that thousands of spectators will see as they enter the Olympic Park.

"While the bulk of the ODA’s direct contracts have now been awarded, there are still opportunities through the UK-wide supply chain and with the London Organising Committee. Companies should sign up to CompeteFor, the business website, to be part of a unique opportunity to showcase UK plc to the world."

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport said: "Welsh businesses have already won significant contracts which is very important in these challenging economic conditions. We have also heard that companies winning contracts are also benefiting from an enhanced profile associated with the prestigious nature of the work.

"The Welsh Assembly Government is supporting the online CompeteFor service to maximise the economic benefit for businesses in Wales and I would urge the private sector to take advantage of this service."

Companies that have already won major contracts through the supply chain working on the London 2012 construction project, include:

Rowecord Engineering from Newport who built the steel frame for the Aquatics Centre roof
Neath-based Express Reinforcements, who won a contract from the main contractor building the Olympic Stadium
Bluebay Building Products based in Cardiff who supplied reinforced concrete for the bridges and highways being built on the Olympic Park
Total CDM Solutions from Cardigan who worked on the Aquatic Centre design
Rhino Doors from Port Talbot won a contract at the start of the project for entrance doors for the powerlines tunnelling project
B&W Tunnelling, based in Brigend, who provided drainage and buried services for the primary foul sewer and pumping station

Welsh companies lead the way for UK economy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Thursday 21 January, a forward thinking company from Wales was invited to Downing Street, London to showcase how the UK’s low emission innovation and partnership are already shaping business for the future economy.

Among 100 companies gathered in Downing Street at the event who have embraced the low carbon economy, were the developers of leading-edge cattle feed supplements, Neem Biotech.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:
‘Our transition to a low emission economy will be a key driver of our future economic prosperity. Neem Biotech is at the forefront of this transformation.'

Based in Cardiff, Neem Biotech uses an extract from garlic to reduce cows’ methane production. Twenty percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from cows, sheep and other ruminants. Branded as Mootral and mixed into cattle feed, the product also increases milk production in dairy cows, and makes food conversion in beef cattle 10 per cent more efficient. Neem has exported other products, and continues to use UK Trade & Investment’s services to help take its business to the world.

Lord Davies, Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business, said:
‘The world is engaged in a race to low carbon. Acting early will mean we are well positioned in the new industries that are being created, at the forefront of the technological and social shift that will define the next century. The transition to an economy that minimises climate change impact is therefore everybody’s business and everybody’s opportunity.

‘The UK’s lead in this area makes us well-placed to secure new business overseas and act as a global hub products, services and technologies. This is a fine example of how a company with low emission products and services is already seeking out opportunity and shaping the UK’s future economy.’

Cardiff Uni research shortlisted for top prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Leading Cardiff University research which is helping to reduce unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics has been shortlisted for a major medical prize.

Professors Christopher Butler and Kerenza Hood of Cardiff University's School of Medicine, together with their collaborators from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, are only one of four groups world-wide to have been shortlisted for the prestigious BMJ Group Awards - Research Paper of the Year 2009.

Their research paper, published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) in May, is part of a wider programme of research examining innovative ways of reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

Their study gained particular praise for its evaluation of the benefits of two separate kinds of intervention. It found that GPs in primary care who underwent training in advanced communications skills and who made use of a simple blood test prescribed fewer antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infections, without delaying recovery, increasing complications, or reducing satisfaction with care.

Professor Christopher Butler from Cardiff University's Department of Primary Care and Public Health said: "As the problem of bacteria resistant to antibiotic treatment grows, researchers from around the world are seeking ways to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing.

"Prescribing antibiotics only when patients will clearly benefit, reduces the pressure that drives antibiotic resistance. Our clinical trial therefore sought to evaluate ways antibiotic prescribing could be reduced without adversely affecting patient recovery or satisfaction with care - we are therefore delighted that our research has been recognised by the BMJ in this way."

The BMJ Group Annual Awards are designed to recognise individuals, organisations and initiatives that have demonstrated outstanding and measurable contributions to health.

The paper is the only one involving UK researchers to be shortlisted from more than 700 nominations from around the world in the category of original clinical research that has contributed to improving health and healthcare.

Professor Kerenza Hood, who is also Director of the South East Wales Trials Unit said, "The results of our study showed that 54% of GPs practising according to usual care prescribed antibiotics, whereas 27% of those who had been trained in the advanced communication and 31% of the GPs who used the blood test methods did so. Only 23% of GPs who were trained in the advanced communication skills and who used the blood test prescribed antibiotics.

"Most importantly, the results showed that prescribing fewer antibiotics did not mean that patients were unwell for longer. Patients' recovery and satisfaction with care were not compromised by GPs not prescribing their patient antibiotics."

The winners of the 2009 BMJ Group Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on the 10^th March.

Visit the University website at: www.cardiff.ac.uk

Lostprophets head home for gig

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LA based Welsh rockers Lostprophets have taken a break from the US to play a gig in their old school in their hometown, Pontypridd in south Wales. The event was part of the 'Valleys Homecoming' initiative.

The band who have had hits with 'Last Train Home' and 'Rooftops' performed their new single 'Where We Belong' which was written in Wales during their time away from California.

Lead singer Ian Watkins said "After spending a lot of time in a studio in LA, we came back to Wales and our roots to start the second version of this album – our current single ‘Where We Belong’ is our love letter to being home.

"All of us in the band are extremely proud of the area we’re from. It’s been a great base from which to write many of our songs. Having toured the world we can honestly say that there is no place like home and to come back and play to a home crowd to celebrate Valleys Homecoming has been fantastic."

Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies, said:

"This new decade will see The Valleys playing host to some fantastic and world famous events providing a wonderful opportunity for people to come and see for themselves how this area has changed. Events in south Wales such as the National Eisteddfod, Ryder Cup and music events like this one today, are planned to showcase the region and once again put The Valleys firmly on the map.

"Whether you’re Welsh or you just love Wales, 2010 and the events that are planned present a fantastic year to come home."

Find out more about the Lostprophets at www.lostprophets.com.

Welsh beer festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

30 January

Nos Da, Cardiff

Enjoy some local beer and cider at a one day beer festival on the banks of the river Taff in Cardiff with live entertainment from 6pm.

More information

World authority to head Cardiff bioscience school

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most distinguished figures in international biomedical research, Professor Ole Petersen CBE FRS has been appointed the new Director of the School of Biosciences at Cardiff university in south Wales.

Professor Petersen, who takes up his post on February 1, said: “I was keen to come to Cardiff because I knew the School of Biosciences to be very good scientifically over a wide range of areas, including neuroscience, genetics, biodiversity and ecology. This brings benefits in many areas, including healthcare breakthroughs, biodiversity conservation and the training of the next generations of bioscientists. The challenge for me will be to manage and build on this excellence over such a wide area.”

Professor Petersen made breakthroughs in understanding how calcium ions can trigger a range of events in cells in the body, particularly the pancreas. This has implications for understanding pancreatitis, where over-active enzymes can digest the pancreas itself, and pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of all cancers. He made headlines when his team at the University of Liverpool were the first to explain how binge drinking can cause pancreatitis.

Research, naturally, is one of his priorities on coming to Cardiff. He said: “There are a substantial number of outstanding and world-leading groups in many areas. I want to bring as many other people as possible up to that standard.”

Plans include the creation of a Scientific Advisory Board for the School, consisting of eminent external figures who can advise on research policy and also promote the School worldwide. Tied in with that will be a drive to raise awareness of excellence at the School. Professor Petersen said: “There are very many exciting things within the School that haven’t always been prominently signposted. I want to create a situation where people know about all the good things that are happening at the School of Biosciences.”

Chair of the European Research Council’s starting grant panel for physiology, pathophysiology and endocrinology, he is keen to develop awareness of European funding at the School. Professor Petersen said: “I think it’s a very good thing for there to be a European-wide body where competitive grants are made purely on the basis of research excellence. We certainly have people at the School, including young researchers looking for starting grants, who are more than capable of winning awards.”

Find out more about Cardiff School of Biosciences at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosi/

US to develop own version of Torchwood

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Fox network are developing a US version of the hit BBC Wales drama Torchwood.

The Doctor Who spin off series which was filmed in south Wales has already had huge popularity in the states on BBC America.

According to the Hollywood reporter Swansea born Russell T Davies will be writing the script for the show.

Find out more at http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3id183d5e80b48e57c2e6102a3f94da557

New drama centre plans unveiled

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced that plans to develop a new centre for the creative industries in Wales – which includes a new BBC drama production centre - have taken a step forward.

Subject to planning consent, the centre will be based on the 27-acre Roath Basin site. It will form the second phase of Media Capital that includes and complements the proposals for a new drama production centre announced today by BBC Cymru Wales.

The intention is to create a dynamic media hub and a new core for a cluster of independent production companies - businesses that are providing highly skilled jobs.

The Creative Industries is one of the sectors that the Assembly Government has identified as being crucial in terms of the future development of the Welsh economy.

The centre would provide opportunities not only for the BBC and the wide range of businesses within its supply chain, but also other businesses within the creative media sector.

Roath Basin, which is owned by the Welsh Assembly Government, is the largest single remaining undeveloped site in Cardiff Bay enjoying a prime location and seen as a superb centre for the creative industry sector.

Find out more about the BBC production centre which will house dramas such as Casualty and Doctor Who at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8465510.stm

New Michelin stars for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Three Welsh restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars for their culinary excellence.

Ynyshir Hall near Machynlleth, The Walnut Tree near Abergavenny and the Tyddyn Llan at Llandrillo in Denbighshire have all been given stars in the Michelin 2010 guide.

They join The Crown at Whitebrook in Monmouth who received this coveted award in 2009.

Find out more about our other great pubs and restaurants at http://www.wales.com/EN/Default.aspx?n1=2&n2=26&n3=63&n4=223

Happy eating!

Brecon Beacons project wins eco prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Green Valleys, a community renewable energy scheme based in the Brecon Beacons, has been named a winner of the Big Green Challenge - a £1 million prize fund to encourage community-led carbon emission reductions. The Green Valleys has slashed CO₂emissions by an impressive 20 per cent in the past year alone, making a significant impact on the UK's 2020 emissions reduction target of 34 per cent.

On Wednesday (13^th January), Lord Puttnam, Chair of the judges, revealed The Green Valleys as one of three winning communities. The project fought off competition from over 350 community groups across the UK because of their achievements over the course of a year in four areas: CO₂ reductions achieved; the innovative nature of their initiatives; the longevity and scalability of their project; and their level of community engagement. They will be awarded £300,000 from the prize fund.

Jonathan Kestenbaum, NESTA's Chief Executive says: "The Green Valleys team has exceeded our expectations of what communities can achieve in reducing carbon emissions and for this they should be congratulated. The success of the project proves that when communities are incentivised, empowered and supported they become a compelling force in solving some of society's biggest challenges."

Jane Davidson, the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing commented "Whilst many leaders are still talking about how to tackle climate change, the Green Valleys project is leading by example. I am delighted that their efforts and dedication has been recognised in this way and I hope we can all play a part in supporting projects like this in the future"

Grenville Ham, the founder of The Green Valleys, who is also an officer for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said: "This has been a huge leap of faith for all those hardworking and focussed communities that have supported us. The incredible team behind The Green Valleys has been put together almost as if it were fate to bring a dream into reality. To have our project on the same platform as the other two winners is an incredible achievement for The Green Valleys and without NESTA's support and encouragement along the way it may have taken a lot longer for our ambitions to have been realised.

"Ten micro hydros have already been installed and we have surveyed another 50 sites that could bring huge benefits to our farms, communities and the environment. In 2025 we hope The Green Valleys will realise its long term ambition of the Brecon Beacons becoming carbon negative."

Chris Blake, Director of The Green Valleys said: "The essential tenet of The Green Valleys is local people taking control of their own futures. All of our members are volunteers from communities around the National Park. Carbon saving works on so many levels - it works to alleviate some of the factors of climate change, it introduces a number of community benefits from bringing people together to achieve a common aim to providing the funding to improve community facilities and it has the capacity to save people money on their fuel bills. We think our approach is one with many merits and one which can easily be reproduced anywhere in the country. We are thrilled that NESTA and their panel of judges saw it the same way."

The awards are the culmination of a year long experiment to test whether a Challenge Prize can be used to unlock the power of communities in responding to climate change. NESTA developed a rigorous target and evaluation mechanism around the Big Green Challenge - something which is lacking in many initiatives to date. The Big Green Challenge has attracted international interest in how to stimulate civic action, including from the X Prize Foundation in the US, which inspires people to develop technological breakthroughs.

Aberystwyth University one of best in UK

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Teaching and learning at Aberystwyth University ranks with the best in the UK, according to the Times Higher Education’s Student Experience Survey published this week (14 January 2010).

Aberystwyth University is placed 4th in the survey’s Top 10 for Teaching and Learning table – after Oxford (1), Cambridge (2) and St Andrews (3).

The poll also shows that Aberystwyth University offers the best all-round student experience in Wales, with an overall ranking of 6th across the UK.

More than 11,000 full-time undergraduates in 104 universities were contacted by market research agency Opinionpanel as part of the survey.

They were asked to rate their university on 21 different attributes which are considered key to a positive student experience – from the quality of teaching to student support, social life and institutional facilities.

Aberystwyth University also made it in into the top ten for providing students with the best facilities, ranking 9th across the UK.

Prof. Martin Jones, Pro Vice Chancellor at Aberystwyth University said:

“We are delighted that Aberystwyth University has maintained its position at the top of the table for the best student experience in Wales and that our overall ranking across the UK has moved up from 8th place in 2008 to 6th place in 2009. We are also pleased that students have ranked us 4th across the UK, based on their experience of teaching and learning at Aberystwyth. These results are testament to the quality of teaching here and the professionalism, dedication and commitment of our staff.

“Today’s Times Higher Education survey is the latest in a series of polls which have placed Aberystwyth among the top ten universities in the UK for providing the best student experience . To receive such consistent high-quality feedback from students is a matter of great pride for us all, and I would like thank everyone at Aberystwyth for creating this experience.

“Our aim is to continue to improve the student experience here in every respect. Our students, and those who'll join them here in the future, can be confident that they really are experiencing the best student environment that the UK can offer.”

The full survey results can be viewed on the Times Higher Education website.

Rugby: Wales v England

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4 February

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

The 2011 RBS Six Nations Championship will kick-off with a Friday night match between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Despite Wales’s loss to England at Twickenham in the 2010 Six Nations Championship, Wales have a pretty good record against England at the Millennium Stadium. Wales have won the last three Six Nations encounters between the two countries at the Millennium Stadium

http://www.millenniumstadium.com/

Chicago

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

18 - 23 January

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

The international award winning musical comes to the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff starring Marti Pellow as Billy Flynn and Emma Barton as Roxie Hart.

www.wmc.org.uk

St Davids Day 2010

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s only 45 days until our national day, St David’s Day, which takes place on the 1 March. In past years we have seen events celebrating our patron saint and Wales across the world and we’re hoping St David’s Day 2010 will be the best one yet.

We thought we’d give you a sneak preview of some of things you can find on here in the weeks leading up to 1 March so you can start planning your own celebration. We’ll be featuring lots of Welsh recipes for you to try, party ideas, activities to keep the children entertained and a special e-card to send to your friends. Plus there will be reports, blogs and photos from events and activities happening here around the globe including India, New York and China.

So keep checking back for further updates. Are you holding your own event? We’d love to hear from you – contact us and tell us all about it.

Global board nomination for Welsh student

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First year business student at the University of Glamorgan, Jake Jones, has received global recognition in his first year of study.

Jake, from Cardiff, was entered into a Global Challenge Futures competition by his lecturers Professor Duncan Lewis and Lesley Long of the Glamorgan Business School.

This high profile competition organised by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) was open to students from around the world to address some of the challenges facing young undergraduates and graduates.

Jake made a significant impression on the judges and was asked to be one of only 12 students, out of 2000, to join the Challenge Future Global Youth Board Forum.

Board members were selected based on their great passion for sustainability, innovative suggestions for the Challenge Futures competition as well as for their contribution and interaction with other Challenge Futures members.

Business Degree Programme leader and Jake’s mentor, Lesley Long said, “This is a fantastic achievement for both Jake and the Glamorgan Business School. To be asked to represent young university students from around the globe on the Global Youth Board Forum is wonderful recognition. Jake will be joining an international network of future decision makers and can fly the flag for Glamorgan Business School and for Wales. We are so proud of his achievements.”

Find out more about the Glamorgan Business School

From Wales to New Zealand

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Houlihan, Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of one of the world’s leading museums – the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Mr Houlihan has played an instrumental role in shaping the development of the Vision for Amgueddfa Cymru in its seven constituent national museums as aworld-class museum of learningsince his appointment in 2003, and more recently has been prominent in leading the debate regarding the positive contribution museums and culture make to the Welsh economy.

He has also been a key visionary in laying down the foundations for the future development of St Fagans, so that the museum tells a more comprehensive history of the people and the nation of Wales.

Following the announcement, the President of the Board of Trustees of Amgueddfa Cymru, Paul Loveluck, paid tribute to Mr Houlihan’s leadership and his contribution to promoting Welsh culture and heritage over the last seven years. He also stated that the appointment was testament to the high regard held for Michael Houlihan and Amgueddfa Cymru within the museum world.

'Michael Houlihan has led the national museums in Wales through an exciting period of expansion and progress,’ said Mr Loveluck.

‘There has been significant capital investment in new and improved facilities including the groundbreaking National Waterfront Museum in Swansea in 2005 and an exciting programme of exhibitions including partnership schemes with many local galleries and museums throughout Wales.

‘The collections have been developed and are better stored and conserved and the reputation of the Museum has been enhanced at home and overseas, most recently by the highly successful tour of masterpieces from the Davies Sisters Collection –Turner to Cézanne– in the USA, which will open in the Corcoran Gallery, Washington DC at the end of this month,'

'His appointment reflects not only his own highly regarded reputation and standing within the museum world, but also Amgueddfa Cymru’s, and we are proud of all that he achieved as our Director General. We wish him all the best in this new and challenging role, and will ensure his legacy is built upon in the future.'

In response, Mr Houlihan thanked the Board and all staff members of Amgueddfa Cymru for their support and kind words, while also expressing his excitement about the opportunity offered to him:

'It has been a privilege to serve as Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru. During this time, I have truly come to appreciate how integral culture is to Wales’s national psyche and how we should never lose sight of its importance in underpinning Welsh society and shaping the nation’s future,' said Mr Houlihan.

'I am excited about the challenges and different perspectives that I will face in this new role, but undoubtedly my approach will be shaped by my experiences here in Wales and Northern Ireland.

‘Museums can’t shy away from telling national stories, no matter how intricate or controversial they may be, and Te Papa is world famous for its innovative approach to demonstrating how culture and community memory has moulded the history and identity of New Zealand’s communities.'

Michael Houlihan will take up his new role at Te Papa later this year.

Reasons to be cheerful

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

13 year old Wesley Nelson from Cardiff is getting his big break playing a young Ian Drury in a new feature film "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll".

The film follows the life of the punk rock star who found fame with hits like ‘Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" and "Reasons to be Cheerful". As a child Drury contracted Polio which left him permanently disabled.

Wesley, who has cerebral palsy, says he has always been interested in acting and was inspired by this story about a man who didn’t let his disability stop him. He said "I used to do workshops in Cardiff and it just developed from there"

Find out more about Wesley and the film at http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2009/12/10/teen-actor-lands-ian-dury-role-91466-25361964/

Welsh robot named as significant discovery in 2009

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The creation by Welsh scientists of the first robot in the world to make an independent scientific discovery has been named the fourth most significant discovery of 2009 by one of the world's most influential magazines.

Adam, a computer that fully automates the scientific process, discovered last April how a baker's yeast converts food like sugar into the amino acid lysine to produce the protein in bread.

The robot then devised experiments to test its predictions, ran experiments using laboratory robotics and interpreted the results, before repeating the cycle.

Adam was designed by Professor Ross King and colleagues at the Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth University to carry out each stage of the scientific process automatically without the need for further human intervention.

Its success was placed ahead of the discovery of water on the moon and the progress made this year at the large hadron collider in Switzerland, project managed by Welsh scientist Dr Lyn Evans, in Time magazine's 10 most significant scientific discoveries of 2009. However, its importance was ranked behind the discoveries of our oldest human ancestor and a potential cure for colour blindness.

Time said of Adam:"By any standard, it was an elementary discovery; the identification of the role of about a dozen genes in a yeast cell. But what made this finding a major breakthrough was the unlikely form of the scientist: a robot."

" In April, Adam became the first robotic system to make a novel scientific discovery with virtually no human intellectual input. Robots have long been used in experiments -their vast computational power assisted in the sequencing of the human genome, for example - but Adam was the first to complete the cycle from hypothesis to experiment to reformulated hypothesis without human intervention."

Adam's discovery was published in the journal Science in April. The scientists chose yeast because its genes provide a simple model of how human cells work. Many of the reactions within yeast are replicated within human cells.

Adam is still a prototype, but Prof King's team believe their next robot, Eve, holds great promise for scientists searching for new drugs to combat diseases such as malaria.

Future models could also work on developing drugs to combat some of the world's biggest killers like cancer and heart disease.

Fulbright scholars visit Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Monday night Permanent Secretary Dame Gillian Morgan hosted a reception at the Senedd for a group of prestigious US scholars. They are visiting Wales as part of the Fulbright Commission’s exchange with the UK.

The 35 Scholars and teachers are in Wales for 3 days during which time they will enjoy a series of talks at Cardiff and Swansea Universities covering topics including sustainability, the history of Wales and a tour of the Aerospace facilities at the Swansea’s School of Engineering.

Students will also get to experience some of Wales’ popular visitor attractions with tours of Cardiff Castle, the Wales Millennium Centre and Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum and Dylan Thomas Centre. The scholars first impressions of Wales were very good, with many hoping to come back later in the year to see more of the country.

To find out more about the program and Wales’ links with the USA,
visit our USA pages.

Did you attend the event? Leave us your comments on Wales on our message board.

Find out more about the Fulbright Commission.

Things to do in Wales in 2010

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Our friend's at Visit Wales have put a nice little list together of things to do in Wales during 2010.

Highlight's include Angela Gray's new cookery schools, new museum The Cardiff Story and the nearly joined up Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.

Take a look at the full post here.

Wales' visitors rate their trip excellent

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, has welcomed the positive findings of the latest Wales tourism survey published today (Wednesday, 6 January).

The majority of visitors questioned went away with a very positive impression, with 92% rating their stay either very good or excellent and the average rating for a trip was 4.5 out of 5.

5,601 visitors (day trippers and people on longer stays) to Wales were questioned on all aspects of their stay for the Wales Visitor Survey 2009.

'Im delighted and encouraged by the positive responses people have given to their stay in Wales.' said Mr Jones.

'This survey provides vital information on why and how people visit Wales and what their experiences are whilst they're here. I hope this will also provide valuable information on how we can improve visitors experiences of Wales and ensure their stays are even better next time.'

Mr Jones launched the Wales Visitor Survey 2009 during a visit to a Croeso Cynnes Cymreig / Warm Welsh Welcome training course, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, at the Bulkeley Hotel, Beaumaris on Anglesey.

'This survey shows that friendliness of the people and welcome received are amongst the best features of visiting Wales. Courses like this will ensure we maintain this high standard and help tourism business understand why people come to Wales so they can offer them the best possible experience during their stay.

'We will continue to support local tourism businesses to ensure Wales maintains it s reputation as a vibrant and attractive tourist destination.'

Amongst the other key findings of the survey were:

Short breaks were the most-mentioned type of trip, with 45% of Staying (more than one-day) Visitors classifying their holiday as a short break.

70% of all visitors stated that they definitely would visit Wales again in the next few years

86% of visitors interviewed would definitely recommend Wales as a place to visit for family and friends

High ratings scores (out of 5) were recorded for the key elements of Friendliness of the People (4.4), Welcome Received (4.5), and Accommodation used (4.3).

Top attractions are nature attractions and castles/ stately houses/ historic sites which were visited by 73% and 72% of Staying Visitors respectively.

Welsh food on the menu attracts Staying Visitors into restaurants with a quarter (25%) claiming they visited an eating establishment because Welsh food was on the menu.

The overall rating for Wales as a place to visit for day visitors was again 4.5 out of 5.

Almost 70% of Day Visitors were from other parts of Wales and overall 90% had visited Wales before.

When asked what was the main activity undertaken during their visit, the top mentions were: general sightseeing/ touring (32%), visits to the beach (17%), (low level) walking (12%) and visiting historical buildings, heritage (12%)

It is the landscape of Wales that attracts the highest level of endorsement, with two thirds or more rating the beautiful unspoilt coastline, countryside and beautiful scenery as something they particularly associate with Wales.

Snowy Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We've got a beautiful snowy day here in Wales. Take a look at some brilliant welsh wintry scenes at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=132583&id=50488206784&ref=nf and you can send your own pictures of the snow in at http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/01/06/send-us-your-weather-pictures-91466-25530285/

Time to get your sledges out!

Australian businesses can now try before they buy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Australian businesses looking to dip their toes into UK waters can now ‘try before they buy’ by taking advantage of free office space for up to a year in one of 15 Welsh innovation centres as part of an initiative by International Business Wales.

As part of the Access Wales program, Australian companies can sample the market that other Australian businesses, such as Dyesol and Enex TestLab, have successfully cracked and see just what Wales has to offer for international business expansion.

“Access Wales is a great opportunity for Australian technology based businesses to get on the ground experience in the UK. We’re hoping that this platform will help take the risk out of getting a presence in Western Europe and let businesses test the scope of the market before committing,” said Rhodri Jones, Vice President Australia and New Zealand, International Business Wales.

“Businesses that meet the eligibility criteria will not only benefit from a free desk space for up to 12 months in a choice of 15 high tech innovation centres but also receive specialist business support from professional consultancy partners, worth in the region of $18,000, which form part of the unique package of benefits tailored to the needs of emerging technology companies”, added Mr Jones.

Access Wales participants will also be eligible to apply for the highest level of funding available in Europe towards further business expansion through the Welsh Assembly Government’s Single Investment Fund.
The 15 innovation centres involved in Access Wales include 11 Technium centres, Cardiff Medicentre, Cardiff Business Technology Centre, @Wales Digital Media Initiative and The Engineering Centre for Manufacturing & Materials (ECM²).

Interested businesses can contact the local IBW office in Sydney on (02) 9258 1103 or visit http://www.ibwales.com/accesswales

Garden marks 10th birthday with free entry

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

To celebrate its 10^th birthday, the National Botanic Garden of Wales is FREE for all - throughout January.

It was 10 years ago - in the year 2000 - that the Garden first opened its gates. And it is now throwing open those same gates to celebrate this milestone anniversary.

A series of events have been arranged throughout the month to help the Gardens celebrations go with a swing, including:

- Food Fair

- Wood Craft Weekend

- RSPB birdwatching weekends

- Talks, tours and trails around the Garden and the National Nature Reserve.

There will be a festival of local food and drink on the last weekend of January (Sat & Sun, Jan 30-31) taking place undercover in the stunning surrounds of Lord Fosters Great Glasshouse.

Toy-makers, wood-turners and lovespoon-carvers will be taking over the Great Glasshouse on the penultimate weekend (Sat & Sun, Jan 23-24) for the Wood Craft Weekend.

There are two special Birdwatching Weekends, which will be put on with the help of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. On Sat & Sun (Jan 9-10) there will be a schedule of walks and tours as well as talks and tips about how to feed the birds and how to attract them into your Garden.Bird experts are hosting a second weekend of events (Sat & Sun, Jan 30-31) to celebrate the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

In addition, there will be special family activities every weekend in January these take place in the Great Glasshouse

There will also be a special menu in the Gardens award-winning Seasons Restaurant. From Jan 3-Jan31, it will be roasts on Sundays; Welsh fare every Monday; A Great British Menu each Tuesday; Wednesday is Curry Day; Mediterranean Day on Thursdays; Friday is fish; with Chefs Specials every Saturday. A freshly-prepared vegetarian option will be available each day.

Head of Marketing and Communications David Hardy said: "There is a whole host of events throughout our 10^th anniversary year to look forward to but we plan to start the year off on a bit of a high with FREE admission for all of January. We are hoping to see lots of visitors and make some new friends, too"

For more information, call 01558 668768 or info@gardenofwales.org.uk

New Years Message from First Minister

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

'The New Year is a time for looking ahead, and this is a momentous time for me as Wales' new First Minister.I am very proud to have this opportunity to serve the people of Wales by leading the Welsh Assembly Government.'

'In 2009 we faced tough economic challenges, but our core values of social justice have served us well. I was brought up to respect the idea of chwarae teg, fair play and now we are able to ensure Wales strong sense of social responsibility and justice guide our young democracy.

By working together in that spirit we are weathering the storm, and during the coming year we will continue the task of building the economy; we need to ensure prosperity for all.

I am convinced that the key to success depends on the education and skills of our people. I am proud that the Welsh Assembly Government has doubled the number of apprenticeships in the course of the last decade and despite all the pressures on our budget we are determined to strengthen still further the valuable work of our schools, colleges and universities.

The recent Copenhagen conference underlined once more the great dangers posed by climate change. Wales will do all it can to support an international response but the crisis also means opportunities. Our goal is for Wales to lead the way in developing new technologies to tackle global warming, and in the process lay the foundations of a resilient and sustainable 21st century economy.

One lesson of the last year is that devolved government works well. Our Economic Summit meetings have enabled all social partners to pull together and one benefit of devolution is that we can move rapidly. New ideas such as ProAct have been pushed through in record time and our Mortgage Rescue scheme has been described by the BBC as top in the UK.

The existence of a Welsh government has strengthened our voice in Europe and our confidence and spirit as a nation have come on by leaps and bounds.

2010 will see us looking to gain more powers for the Assembly to use for the benefit of the people of Wales.

I would like to wish all of you a very happy and successful New Year. '

Culinary Tour of Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We spotted this article in the Dallas Morning News highlighting 10 of Wales' great places to eat.

Take at look at their tips on finding our great Welsh delicacies, including information on places to stay at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/travel/thisweek/stories/DN-welshdine_1220tra.ART.State.Edition1.1dff032.html

Merry Christmas from Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from wales.com!

Nadolig Llawen a Bluyddun Newydd Dda!

We hope you all have a great festive period and we'll see you in 2010.

Robin Hood Trailer

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A little while ago we told you about scenes being filmed on Wales' Freshwater West beach for the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster 'Robin Hood' starring Russell Crowe.

Take a peak at some of those scenes in the new trailer for the 2010 movie unveiled last week at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSqL9ygBCck

Governor Schwarzenegger compliments Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change work by the Welsh Assembly Government was complimented by the Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger when he met Wales’ Environment Minister Jane Davidson in Copenhagen this week.

The two leading environmental politicians met at a reception hosted by Governor Schwarzenegger at the climate change summit in Denmark.

Ms Davidson said:

"Fresh from receiving an award to recognise California's leadership on climate I was very pleased that Governor Schwarzenegger complimented Wales on the work we are undertaking on this agenda saying we are all in this together.

"It is clear from the commitments that regional governments across the world have already made that we are setting the pace on this agenda and hopefully our example will lead to a deal by the end of the week."

Governor Schwarzenegger also met Assembly Government officials. He told them: "Keep up the good work in your efforts to fight climate change."

Ms Davidson is attending the event in her role as Chair of the Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development (nrg4SD) and as the Assembly Government Minister responsible for Climate Change in Wales which has taken a leading role in demonstrating what sub national government can do. It provided an opportunity for Ms Davidson and Governor Schwarzenegger to exchange good practice with other nations and regions.

The meeting follows Ms Davidson’s attendance at climate change talks hosted by the Climate Group and attended by Governor Schwarzenegger in California in October.

There, she addressed political leaders from around the world about the central role that regions and small nations such as Wales had in averting runaway climate change. Regional leaders were joined by key environmental officials from President Obama’s administration.

Plane 'lands' at university campus

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The University of Glamorgan in south Wales has taken a delivery of a full size Jet Stream 31 aircraft which will make its new home in brand-new facilities on the Treforest campus.

A crowd of onlookers watched as the five tonne plane was crane-lifted onto the plinth in front of the University's new £1.5m Aircraft Maintenance Centre, due to be completed in the spring next year. The plane was delivered by road from Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The Aircraft Maintenance Centre will enable aircraft maintenance students to acquire the in-demand skills they will need in industry. The completion of the aircraft maintenance degree course requires the students to undertake 600 hours of workshop training on specific aircraft.

Head of Engineering Roy Garwood commented, "This will be the first facility of its kind in Wales and is an exciting development for Glamorgan. Currently our students use facilities at ICAT in Barry College to fulfil the practical element of the course but this development will enable us to expand teaching on the course further. The aircraft maintenance course is extremely popular with prospective students and this impressive new facility will ensure that we are the first choice for students wanting to study in this area"

The new energy efficient building has been designed and project managed by the Centre for Engineering Research and Environmental Applications (CEREA) based at the University.

The development is part of a a £130m investment by the University in facilities across its campuses.

Find out more at http://www.glam.ac.uk/

First Minister launches deal with Africa

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At Copenhagen Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones will today announce a new deal between the Welsh Assembly Government and the Mbale region of Uganda to help prepare the area for the impacts of climate change.

The Mbale Territorial Approach to Climate Change project is a three-year partnership between Wales, the Mbale region of Uganda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The UNDP runs the UN’s global development work across 166 countries. The Wales/Mbale partnership is one of five pilot projects which link regions in the developed world with those in the developing world.

The project will help Mbale both understand what Climate Change means for them and help them take the actions to enable them to cope.

The First Minister said:

"I am delighted to announce this project that will build on the already close links between Wales and the Mbale region of Uganda. We will be providing Welsh expertise and knowledge to help Mbale prepare its own plans to address and adapt to climate change. For many in the developed world, climate change can seem as a far away threat, but in Mbale they are already seeing its impact on their way of life at first hand.

"Most people in the region are subsistence farmers whose livelihoods are acutely sensitive to the changes in the weather that they have seen in recent years. Coffee is the region’s biggest export, providing a livelihood for thousands of people. If temperatures in the area rise by just 2°C, then they will be unable to grow the crop. Industrialised countries like ours have a moral duty to help these regions prepare their own plans to adapt and prepare for our changing environment."

One of the first projects under the scheme will be to work with a Fairtrade Coffee Co- Op in Mbale to run a tree nursery. The trees will provide much needed shade to lower the temperature for the coffee plants of 6,000 farmers whilst absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said:

"For millions of people around the world climate change is already a reality, not an academic concept. It is changing the way they live and how they provide for their families. This project will provide real, on the ground assistance, preparing communities for the changing world around them."

The Chief Executive of Mbale District Andrew Mawejje said:

"Farmers in our region have been dependent on the behaviour of birds and insects to know when the rains will come and when to plant their crops. Since our climate started changing around three years ago the birds and insects have also changed their behaviour. We have done little or nothing to cause climate change yet we are the first to suffer from its consequences. We are looking forward to working with the people of Wales. They will help us make the changes so that we can adapt to."

The Department for International Development is providing £100,000 for the initiative to match £75,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government and £50,000 from the Wales based Waterloo Foundation.

The Welsh Assembly Government has set an ambitious target of cutting carbon emissions 3% per year from 2011 onwards in areas it controls, enabling an 80% reduction before 2050. By 2020, we expect emissions in Wales to have reduced by at least 40% compared to 1990.

Welsh footballer Ryan Giggs wins BBC award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Footballer Ryan Giggs, former captain of Wales has won BBC's sports personality of the year.

Heritage Minster for Wales sent his congratulations to the player. He said: "I warmly congratulate Ryan Giggs on winning this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Ryan has been a great ambassador for the game and for Wales throughout his career. Coming on the heels of his success in the Welsh version of the award last week, it is richly and fully deserved."

“He has been a model professional, who enjoyed a distinguished career with his country, as Captain and as a talisman, in addition to nearly 20 years of top-flight football with one of the most successful clubs in Britain, a remarkable record. He has been a continuing inspiration to grass-roots football players and a supreme example for young players to follow.”

“But he is more than just a great player - his work with UNICEF is of further credit to him and I know that often, when abroad, particularly outside of Europe, and faced with people who have little knowledge of Wales, his name often comes up as a way of creating an association with our country.”

“I wish Ryan well for the future, both in his continuing career as a player and in whatever path he chooses to pursue after his playing days have ended.”

Find out more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/default.stm

Wales is important in tackling climate change

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the first week of the Copenhagen Climate Change talks come to end, Welsh Environment Minster Jane Davidson says that Wales is already leading the way on tackling climate change.

Ms Davidson who has been representing the nation at the global climate change summit this week said “Wales is already doing its part with a commitment to cut annual emissions by 3% a year from 2011, enabling an 80% reduction before 2050. By 2020, we expect emissions in Wales to have reduced by at least 40% compared to 1990”

“The Climate Change Commission for Wales is central to our work to tackling the causes and consequences of climate change in Wales.”

The Welsh Assembly Government also recently announced that it has signed up to the 10:10 campaign to reduce 10% greenhouse emissions from its buildings, property and activities.

And our universities have also been involved. Work carried out by Bangor University's School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography, has assisted the Peruvian Government to develop policies which will reduce carbon emissions by safeguarding their forests, while also generating local income in poor parts of the country.

World leaders will be discussing mechanisms for rich countries to pay for protection of tropical forests - as this is seen as an efficient way of slowing climate change. Experts in forestry and natural resource management at Bangor have contributed to one of a few projects funded by the UK Research Councils and the government's Department for International Development to ensure that poorer countries can benefit from payments for avoided deforestation.

Dr Julia Jones, one of the Bangor team explains: "Peru, and other forested nations, provide a global service to the world through the carbon locked up in their forests. If avoided deforestation payments are approved at Copenhagen it will be an important step towards conserving tropical forests, slowing climate change and increasing development in poorer forested nations"

Bangor University was called to join the research team because of its world-leading expertise in tropical forestry and rural livelihoods.

Find out more about Wales’ commitment to climate change at wales.gov.uk

Welsh number ones

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We've spotted this interesting article on the BBC listing number ones from musicians in Wales over the past 50 years.

Take a look and brush up your knowledge of Welsh artists at http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/history/pages/welsh-number-ones.shtml

Swansea Uni unveiled as Centre of Excellence

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The important role of Swansea University’s Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating, as a UK Centre of Excellence for Plastic Electronics, was highlighted by The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) at the launch of its’ UK strategy on Monday 7 September.

Plastic Electronics is one of the UK government’s priority areas in the policy statement Building Britain’s Future - New Industry, New Jobs because of its potential to create a new, innovative and competitive industry; generate high-value jobs; and deliver significant local and global economic benefits.

Launching the strategy at the QE2 Conference Centre in London, Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson said: “The UK is already a global leader in the Plastic Electronics sector thanks to our world-class science-base and our strengths in research, creativity and innovation. We now need a roadmap for the industry that takes it from cutting edge to mass market while keeping Britain firmly in front.”

The new industry-led strategy, entitled Plastic Electronics Strategy For Success: Realising the UK Potential, sets out the forward looking investment plan for government, industry and academia to work together to cross fertilise cost-effective ideas and differing experiences in order to fully exploit this disruptive technology.

To ensure that the UK remains a Global leader in the multi-billion pound industry of the future, the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating (WCPC) will continue to work with the printing community to enable the industry to use plastic electronics, together with existing skills and capital investment, to develop innovative new product lines - such as sensors for the automotive, aerospace and medical sectors – that will add value, create new markets and underpin the continued success of the industry in the UK.

Professor Tim Claypole, Director, Swansea University’s School of Engineering, explained: “While you would normally associate the fundamental science of printing with the production of newspapers, packaging and books, The Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating, based in Swansea, has focused its’ research on the application of traditional printing methods to the manufacture of new and novel products.

“It is a credit to our strategic vision, coupled with our awareness of incoming technologies and a strong tradition of partnership and collaboration with industry, which has led to Swansea University being recognised as a UK Centre of Excellence for Plastic Electronics.

“We welcome this opportunity to build on our strengths and to apply our knowledge and skills to help create an innovative and competitive economy.”

Printing is already one of the major manufacturing industries in Wales, with over 30,000 people employed in 1,000 companies, but the sector needs to be innovative to thrive in the global market. With the creation of a new multi-billion pound industry, around plastics electronics, there is an opportunity for Wales to build a significant, successful and contemporary manufacturing base that addresses the fast changing and diverse needs of both large and small to medium sized businesses.

Through the work of Swansea University, as a UK Centre of Excellence for Plastic Electronics, Welsh businesses will have open access to world leading research, facilities and expertise

to support them through each stage of new product development – from proof-of-concept through to production. And, in partnership with four other UK Centres of Excellence, Swansea University’s WCPC will provide access to world-class academic expertise and an environment in which start-up companies are expected to emerge and be incubated.

By way of example, WPPC will be responsible for the creation of ‘demonstrators’ that show how Printed Electronics can be integrated into products - such as ‘self illuminating’ and ‘interactive’ poster displays (which include a series of printed lamps and intelligent sensors) that can be integrated into cost-effective and interactive books, magazine covers, smart packaging or point-of-sale advertising materials. A recently announced Welsh Assembly Government A4B grant is, in parallel, enabling WCPC to become a Knowledge Transfer Centre for Printing these functional materials.

While the effectiveness of the technology has been proven conceptually, improvements to the manufacturing process are required to encourage new and established printing companies to routinely incorporate the technologies into their product lines. Overtime, the A4B funding will ensure that individual businesses profit from the transfer of knowledge and best practice in the emerging Plastic Electronics sector.

Professor Ian Cluckie, Pro Vice Chancellor of Science and Engineering at Swansea University concluded: “By carrying out world class research, offering industry sponsored studentships, and applying the acquired knowledge and skills to the benefit of industry partners, The Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating is not only an ‘exemplar’ for the Plastics Electronics sector but also one of many ‘hidden gems’ within Swansea University’s School of Engineering.

“This is an exciting time for everyone who has contributed to the development of the UK strategy and for the many businesses set to benefit from greater participation in the global supply-chain for Plastic Electronics.”

Mr Roland Chojnacki's visit to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mr Roland Chojnacki, Director of the Polish Cultural Institute in the UK and First Counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Polish Embassy in London visited cultural hubs of activity in Wales in the first week of December.

Mr Chojnacki has had a busy year, as 2009 is Polska! Year, which has comprised over 200 projects presenting the most interesting achievements of Polish culture and showcasing works of the most outstanding Polish artists to the British public.

Included in his itinerary of visits was the Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries where he met with Professor Peter Robertson, Dean of the Faculty, Kate Czyrko, EU Student Recruitment Officer, and Agata Gorska, a Postgraduate student from Poland who is currently honing her broadcasting skills on the MA Multiplatform Radio course. Agata was kind enough to show Mr Chojnacki the impressive radio production suite from which she regularly broadcasts on GTfm, the University’s community radio station, and to talk to him about why she decided to pursue her Masters study in Wales.

Mr Chojnacki was interested to hear of the opportunities available for students within the media industry in Cardiff and it was agreed that there are exciting prospects for all aspects of cultural links between Poland and Wales.

Welsh innovation centre wins international award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff Bay’s @Wales innovation centre for digital companies has been awarded the ‘Best Science-Based Incubator 2009’ award by international organisation Science Alliance at their annual conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

It is the first time a British innovation centre has won the award. Previous winners include First Flight Venture Center in North Carolina, USA, and the Incubator d'Impresa di Città della Scienza in Italy.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the award was an international recognition of the work being undertaken in Wales to support the growth of businesses in the digital sector.

"@Wales is one of a number of highly specialist business incubation and innovation centres supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and it’s great news that it has not only been selected for such a prestigious award but that it is the first centre in Britain to gain this recognition."

Peter Harman, Chief Executive of UK Business Incubation (UKBI), who accepted the award on behalf of @Wales said:

"It’s an honour to bring this award to Britain and Wales and shows that British business incubators rank with the best in the world."

The award is not the first for @Wales which in 2005 and 2008 won an (American) National Business Incubation Association 'Soft Landings' award for excellence in dealing with foreign companies opening offices in Wales. In 2008, the First Minister Rhodri Morgan presented @Wales with a plaque to mark the 500th job created by the @Wales team.

The Wales Valleys Walking Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

4 – 19 September

This established two-week festival brings together a great choice of guided walks taking you through the stunning beauty of the Valleys of South Wales. From simple riverside walks to 20-plus mile treks ascending over 4000 feet. There's a walk for everyone.

http://www.thevalleys.co.uk/

Cardigan 2010 Celebrations

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

14 - 22 August

This year is a very special one for Cardigan. The oldest town in Ceredigion celebrates its 900th anniversary this year, with a calendar of special events culminating in a week of festivities 14 – 22 August. For more information go to http://www.cardigan2010.com/

Wrexham Science Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

25 March - 3 April

Annual hands-on science extravaganza with more than 50 exhibits showcasing all aspects of science, from technology to engineering and the human body. http://www.wrexhamsf.com/

Laugharne weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

9 – 11 April

A cool weekend of celebrations set in poet Dylan Thomas’s Carmarthenshire bolt-hole, showcasing the best in Welsh culture and literature. http://www.thelaugharneweekend.com/

Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

1 – 3 May

This famous seaside resort returns to its roots to celebrate its Victorian heritage. Remember to pack a parasol and some plus-fours. http://www.victorian-extravaganza.co.uk/

Giant Plant Fair Weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

15 – 16 May

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is asking all volunteers and members to ‘sow and grow’ for the garden this year in celebration of its 10th anniversary. All the plants will be displayed for sale during this weekend in May. http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/

Abersoch Jazz Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

10-12 June

A fabulous weekend of jazzpitality. Expect a line-up of musicians from the UK and overseas plus street parades, workshops, jam sessions, competitions and exhibitions.

http://www.abersochjazzfestival.com

Rolls Royce Enthusiasts International Weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

23 – 25 July

This festival celebrates the life and achievements of Charles Rolls. Look out for the parade of the cars through Monmouth ahead of the Monmouth Carnival. www.rolls100.com

Welsh Proms 2010

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

22 – 31 July

St Davids Hall, Cardiff

This year the event celebrates its 25^th anniversary, combining music with an irresistible party atmosphere. http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/

The Square Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Late July

Borth, Ceredigion

A music and performance arts festival which takes place in the small seaside village of Borth on the west coast. It’s also great for finding all kinds of arts and crafts, vintage clothes and artwork, and of course - food and drink. http://www.thesquarefestival.com/

Amlwch Viking Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

7 - 8 August

Anglesey

Walk around a working 10th Century fortified encampment. You’ll experience a Viking wedding, see the Vikings at work creating their original crafts, listen to their banter and soak up the atmosphere. http://www.amlwchvikingfestival.co.uk/

Bodelwyddan Medieval Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

14 – 15 August

Go back in time to The Middle Ages. Expect medieval traders, craftsmen, falconry and battle displays. http://www.medieval-fayre.co.uk/

Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

4-5 September

St Davids

Britain’s smallest city is the venue for this unique event. The festival is a 'celebration of food and countryside crafts originating from the wild’. It encourages people out into the countryside to make them more aware of what is around at the time - there’s nothing better than foraging in the fresh air for some ingredients for your supper. http://www.reallywildfestival.co.uk/

Barry Waterfront Tall Ship Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

4 – 5 September

Ahoy there! Expect tall ships, crafts, fairground rides, street entertainers, live bands and more. http://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/

The Cordell Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

18 September

Rhondda Heritage Park

This festival celebrates the works of Alexander Cordell, one of the region’s best-known authors. It features re-enactments, costumed entertainment, walks, talks and craft and food fair. http://www.cordellcountry.org/