Pricks

A warning has been issued after a stretch of the Swansea Bay promenade was showered with drawing pins.

Cyclists have suffered punctures and pet-owners and runners have been warned to beware along the three-mile (4.8km) route, from Mumbles to the centre of Swansea.
The council said the drawing pins, found at several locations, appeared to have been left "deliberately".

A spokesman said it was "extremely irresponsible and dangerous".
'Deliberate'

The council warned those planning to use the waterfront over the Easter weekend to be aware.
"Some cyclists have already reported punctured tyres because of the drawing pins," the spokesman added.

"We are asking members of the public who use the promenade daily to be the 'eyes and ears' of the council and the police by reporting anything suspicious they see on the seafront."
Swansea is also organising extra sweeps of the promenade.

Snatch: The Samson Story

SCARLET'S player Samson Lee has said he is "proud" to be the first member of the travelling community to play international rugby following controversial comments made during the Six Nations.

Samson, from Llanelli, has spoken out about his pride for his heritage after England player Joe Marler called him "gypsy boy" on the pitch.

Marler's slur during England's victory over Wales at Twickenham sparked a public outcry and a Six Nations investigation that ultimately resulted in no sanction.

However, Marler could still face a ban after World Rugby stepped in following the decision.

Read more: North stars in record nine-try romp

Speaking in the matchday programme ahead of the Wales v Italy game, Lee said: "There aren't many travellers who play rugby. Most of the family take up boxing. I'm the first traveller to play international rugby and I'm very proud of that.

"I've got about 60 cousins and 12 or more come to see me playing for Scarlets or Wales. The younger are ones are starting to take more of an interest in rugby, rather than boxing.

"If I'm not playing rugby, I'm in my element in the field. I love going ferreting. When the season comes in the autumn, there are lots of rabbits all over the place.

"I'm very close to my family - I see them almost every day. I go back to Pembrokeshire to see my grandmother and my cousins and my nephews. Mum is coming from area Kilgetty in Pembrokeshire and dad is from Llanelli.

"Llanelli is where I was brought up and I went to Bynea and Coedcae schools."

Joe Marler has since apologised to Samson.

A touch of class mam fach, a touch of class.

The long-awaited reopening of Swansea's Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is to be celebrated with an exhibition of drawings by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci in October.

The gallery closed its doors for a £6m refurbishment in 2011, shortly after celebrating its centenary.

But the estimated three-year project was delayed by two years after the original contractors tasked with the renovations, Opco Construction, went into administration in 2013.

The gallery's Grade II-listed status and difficulties working on a busy city centre site also caused further delays.

However, councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea council's cabinet member for enterprise, development and regeneration, believes the improvements have been well worth the wait.

"Having overcome these issues, the people of Swansea and visitors to the city have a lot to look forward to when the gallery reopens to the public this autumn," he said.

"Staff are busy working on a top quality exhibition, educational and workshop programme that will benefit many hundreds of thousands of people, and will also soon start an extensive programme of returning and unpacking our vast collection and preparing the exhibition, public and learning areas for re-opening."

Funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund, conservation body Cadw, and Swansea council, the project includes a new lecture theatre, library, exhibition spaces and larger hold for the storage and conservation of delicate artwork.

An extension links the 1970s and 1911 sections of the gallery, with a new entrance making the building fully wheelchair accessible for the first time.

And first to be exhibited there will be 10 priceless Leonardo da Vinci drawings from the late 15th and early 16th centuries, loaned by the Royal Collection.

The Italian, although a trained painter and best known for works including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, also expanded his activities into sculpture, architecture, engineering, botany, geology, zoology, mapmaking, hydraulics, optics and anatomy, and his principal tool of investigation was drawing.

The drawings were originally bound in a single album, which was probably acquired in the 17th Century by King Charles II.

Leonardo da Vinci drawingImage copyrightRoyal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty the Queen

Mr Francis-Davies said: "These drawings from one of the greatest artists and intellectual minds the world has ever known will be of interest to both national and international audiences, so they're an ideal way to kick-start our plans to cement the gallery's reputation for cultural excellence."

The Edwardian Baroque gallery was built to house the art collection of Richard Glynn Vivian, after the son of industrialist John Henry Vivian gifted it to the city.

As well as paintings by Claude Monet, Augustus John and Kyffin Williams, it boasts an international collection of porcelain and Swansea china.

The Da Vinci drawings will be on display from 15 October.

St Partick is believed to have been born in Banwen

Did St Patrick really come from Neath Port Talbot?


By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 17, 2016

St Partick is believed to have been born in Banwen

WITH people across the world celebrating the cultural and religious festival that commemorates the death of St Patrick today, some people in Neath Port Talbot will be marking the occasion.

Many people know that the legend is the patron saint of Ireland and was actually Welsh, but few realise that he is said to have been born in the Dulais Valley - Banwen in particular.

According to legend St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Banwen.

In his confessions written around 450 AD he wrote: "I Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many, had for Father Deacon Calpurnius, son of the late Potitus priest, of the settlement of Bannavem Taburniae"

It is believed that his father had a 16-acre smallholding, half a mile from a Roman Fort in Banwen.

A monument to St Patrick is located on Roman Road in the village.

Today, people in the village gathered together around the stone to mark the occasion and to remember the patron saint that was born in Banwen.

Babylon Fever: Hug a Racist

Time to 'hug a racist' says opponent of White Pride march planned for Swansea

By RichardYoule  |  Posted: March 18, 2016

Rocio Cifuentes said tolerant members of society should put themselves in the position of those who might be attracted to the planned White Pride march in the city on March 26.

"It is probably a bit controversial, but we need to think about why they feel that way," said Ms Cifuentes, director of the Ethnic Youth Support Team, St Helen's Road.

She said such people were mostly unemployed and living in poor housing with few opportunities.

"I feel they need and deserve our help," she said. "I feel they are victims of our incredibly unequal society. And they are drawn to something that feels like a brotherhood."

Ms Cifuentes, who came to Swansea as a young girl when her family fled the former dictatorship in Chile, said there were parallels with the disaffected far right and Muslim extremists.

"When all hope is lost this is when particularly young men are drawn to extremism on all sides of the political spectrum," she said.

Referring to the White Pride march, she added that you could never fight fire with fire.



"You can never shout anybody into submission — if you do, the victory is only temporary," she said. "We have to support the vulnerable in society, whatever their political views.

"There is this 'hug a Muslim' on social media — maybe we should 'hug a racist'."

Ms Cifuentes was speaking at an event at Volcano Theatre, High Street, to raise the profile of a series of peaceful gatherings to celebrate diversity and counter the Easter Saturday march. The activities will culminate in a festival in Castle Square on March 26.

Unison steward Martin Chapman, who chaired last night's meeting, said he wanted to stop the far right marchers coming anywhere near the centre of Swansea.

He said: "We must make sure that Swansea is known as a place which fights and challenges racism."

Mr Chapman told the Post he felt it was important to drive a wedge between the hardcore of far right enthusiasts who organised and took part in White Pride events and disillusioned members of the public who might be drawn to them.

He said the latter group needed support for better jobs and a better life.

"However, the hardcore needs to be confronted and stopped in their tracks," he said. "They should not be allowed to present themselves as a legitimate way of expressing dissatisfaction with the world."

Another speaker, Shehla Khan, said she had always found Swansea a wonderful city, but that she had noticed a change after a spell away. She said she and other Muslims sometimes felt they were looked at or talked about strangely, which she put down to the UK's Prevent strategy to counter terrorism.

Andrew Davies, of the LGBT+ group, spoke passionately about the case of volunteer office manager Favour Onuzulike, who is due to be deported to Nigeria with hundreds of fellow Nigerians. Mr Onuzulike's supporters said he is a wanted man back home and faces punishment because of sexuality.

This evening, meanwhile, there is a screening of Little White Lies and a Q&A session with actress Helen Griffiths at 7.30pm at Cinema & Co. City centre nightclub Sin City will host a Love Music Hate Racism benefit gig on Saturday night. There will then be a live music acoustic night at Gravity Station on March 24.

The festival in Castle Square will start at midday on Easter Saturday.

Among the audience last night was Claudia Farese, who hails from Italy but settled in Swansea six years ago. She said she found the prospect of the White Pride march "really upsetting".

She said: "I have always found Swansea to be a very diverse and welcoming city."

Kevin Carey, of Mumbles, said the problems faced by migrants, such as war, poverty and climate change, were also "our problems".

"I hope that if I had to flee my home, somebody would help me," he said.

A Lost Weekend

Fights, thefts and drink driving as police deal with 180 calls in Swansea Bay after England v Wales

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 13, 2016

POLICE responded to over 100 emergency calls and 80 priority calls across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot in the aftermath of Wales defeat to England in the Six Nations rugby tournament yesterday evening.

Swansea police teams handled the calls, which saw 19 people held in custody for incidents including assault, public order, drink driving, drugs and theft.

South Wales Police said alcohol was a common factor in many of the calls they received.

A spokesman for the force said: "We are always very busy during and after a Six Nations match, and this was no exception.

"The majority of incidents were caused by alcohol, which were dealt with by police teams across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

"They were minor incidents and nothing out of the ordinary happened."

Wales lost the match at Twickenham by 25 points to 21.

Better than a doner babes

​People have been reviewing McDonalds in Swansea on TripAdvisor and no-one understands why

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 15, 2016

MCDONALD'S is decent enough fayre if it's fast food you're after.

And you get pretty much what you expect, most of the time.

There really are very few surprises when it comes to ordering your Big Mac and/or other.

So why people would take the trouble of reviewing it on TripAdvisor - well, your guess is as good as ours.

But they have...

The tables are dirty

SDavies from Swansea complained the tables were dirty at the Oxford Street branch after being used by someone else. She said she wouldn't be visiting again for a long time.

It smells of deep fat frying

Go figure, asdf55 from Marseille, France.

I got coleslaw when I didn't want it

But gaynorthomas of Swansea said the disaster of sorts was quickly rectified - #westernproblems

The women wind the teenagers up

Ian A labelled this accusation at the female staff in McDonald's in Oxford Street. There is 'no need' for it he says and it 'annoys' him.

You don't have to talk to anyone

The touch screen ordering system in the Oxford Street store was a definite plus with Steve D from Neath, who enjoyed the lack of human contact.

It's a '3,000 callorie grease addative filled heart attack on a plate and then hungry again in half hour'
But Sekurei did like the coffee, and the wraps. But they warned, 'use at own risk'. From Sekurei's comment, we can ascertain problems with spelling could be one of the 'risks'.

'Some charge for sauces, others don't'


Consistency is demanded by 215215, but the kids love it, they report.

Easy access

Croftmanic from Swansea liked the fact you could either park in the Carmarthen Road branch's car park, or walk up the steps from the Aldi below - a sheer myriad of options.

The staff are awesome

So says johnbarrowman of Swansea. He goes twice a week.

'Shame about the teenagers'

Karen C of Swansea said there were just too many of them in the Carmarthen Road branch. 'Some of the groups were sharing ONE drink between them! In fairness to the teenagers, they weren't loud or offensive. They just took up quite a few of the tables'.

'Cant be that hard to take a order an put it in the f#*king bag.

Marleyjoanne of Swansea was annoyed at 'missing food agine!!!!' at the Foundry Road branch. Note the four exclamation marks after the word 'agine'. Strong stuff!!!!

'I find their vegetarian option dated and pappy'


But Lynn R of Swansea said the McDonald's in Foundry Road had her kids in a frenzy of excitement and that her husband would eat anything on the menu and not be disappointed.

'Omg, this shift is dragging'

Gregwales of Wales, said he didn't like hearing such things from the staff at the Foundry Road branch.

'The best fast food place I have ever tasted'

Leah A loved the Foundry Road branch. Every night when she's hungry she always goes there to eat, she says.

Lovebites

Daisymaisy123 wasn't impressed at one member of staff who served her. 'She looked like she needed a good wash and especially working with lovebites on her neck', said Daisymaisy123.

'Why is there salt on my chips? I don't like salt!'

Chrisradioman, of Swansea, was also cross at being asked if he wanted sauce for 5p, or a 5p bag. 'Why would I want sauce and a bag for my two coffees?', questioned Chrisradioman.

'Useful for when wanting a meal'

Insightful review from jamieb452.

They have to 'deal with some 'real characters''

Are you sure about this Andrea R of Swansea

Trevor M is one satisfied customer. 'McChicken sandwich all the way,' he says. Sounds like a life plan.

Swansea Unites

'White Pride' skinheads to be greeted by cultural festival when they arrive in Swansea

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 14, 2016

SKINHEADS coming to Swansea for a "White Pride" march later this month are likely to be met by hundreds of people out celebrating the city's ethnic diversity.


People opposed to the rally on Easter Saturday are organising two weeks of events to showcase all the is good about Swansea, culminating in a festival in Castle Square on March 26.

Many have taken offence at posters promoting the "White Pride Day" that include language that is offensive and racist.

A group called Swansea Unites is organising the cultural festival and it says it will show those behind the "White Pride Day" they are not welcome here. It has the backing of Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart.

A spokesman for Swansea Unites said: "Don't be fooled, 'White Pride', the 'Welsh Defence League' or whatever other name they try to hide behind represent all that Swansea is not.

"Swansea is and always has been a place of welcome and sanctuary; where you came from, how (or what) you spoke, how you worshipped (or didn't), your colour, none of it mattered – you were welcome. And its that diversity, that enveloping warmth, that togetherness, that makes Swansea the wonderful, positive city it is and we want to show that to the world.

"So instead of the usual face-off, we've planned a multi-cultural celebration of our diverse but united city — 'Swansea Unites'. Over the next two weeks we are putting on a range of events, gigs, poetry, food debate and much much more, culminating in a celebration of the best of Swansea — with food, music and entertainment in Castle Square on Easter Saturday afternoon.

"We want to get at least 1,000 people to come along and celebrate Swansea and show these people we don't want them or their message of hate – we want Swansea and its vision of hope."

The festival starts on Wednesday with a poetry evening celebrating cultural diversity at 8pm at Gravity Station on The Strand. Following that at 7.30pm there will be a Stand-up to Racism Rally at the Volcano Theatre on High Street.

On March 18 there is a screening of Little White Lies and a Q&A session with actress Helen Griffiths at 7.30pm at Cinema & Co.

City centre nightclub Sin City will host a Love Music Hate Racism benefit gig on Saturday night. There will then be a live music acoustic night at Gravity Station on March 24.

The festival in Castle Square will start at midday on March 26.

Mr Stewart said: "'I am delighted to support Swansea Unites' celebration of all that makes Swansea the great city it is. Swansea was the first Welsh and the second UK City of Sanctuary.

"I know that I speak for the overwhelming majority of Swansea people when I say that White Pride/Welsh Defence League and its message of intolerance and hate is not welcome here.

And Hell It Came A Walking

Skull and bones found beneath floorboards in Swansea Valley church mystery

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 14, 2016

POLICE are investigating after a skull and other human remains were found inside a Swansea Valley Church.

The grim discovery was made by volunteers as they were working on a restoration project at Llangiwg Church.

They called police and the bones were taken away for forensic examination.

The volunteers are not allowed near the area of the discovery until the mystery is solved.

A spokesman for South Wales Police has confirmed the basic facts.

He said: "Police were called to attend Llangiwg Church in Rhydyfro on Monday, March 7, after bones were discovered during renovation work at the property.

"The bones have been recovered and are currently subject to forensic examination."

The Grade Two-listed building, which used to belong to the Church in Wales before being sold off, has not been used as a place of worship for several years.

The Friends of Llangiwg Church have been trying to raise funds for a proper renovation of the ancient church since 2007.

Ann Lewis, chairwoman of the Llangiwg Community Association which now leases the church, said: "The police are treating the church like a crime scene and we are not allowed back in until an archeologist has carried out a full investigation."

Explaining how the find was made she said: "We moved a pew and lifted a plinth and looked down and saw a skull and some bones staring back at us. We wont know what else is down there until the floor boards are lifted. One of the boys from the probation service, who was helping us, had quite a fright and ran outside."

Pontardawe Councillor Mike James said that the incident had caused much speculation in the town.

A lovely romantic evening

Dozens of locations named in online list of 'secret' dogging sites in Wales

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 13, 2016

DOZENS of locations, including car parks, lay-bys, sand dunes and picnic areas, have been listed in an online list of 'secret' dogging sites in Wales.


The online directory lists hundreds of popular spots, while giving rules on practices and even TripAdvisor-style reviews.

The list has been published on a website targeted at fans of swinging, and it lists more than 100 locations where strangers are said to congregate to have sex – and watch others.

South Wales Police have said they are aware of such locations and have reminded people that offenders will not be tolerated.

A site near an old people's home in Aberavon is noted as a "good spot for doggers", while a road in Bridgend is described as "a bit bumpy...but very secluded and quiet" with about eight people there "on most weeknights".

Locations throughout the country, including Carmarthenshire, Flintshire,Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire, Gwynedd, Conwy, and Powys are listed on the site.

Doggers are also said to meet opposite a busy South Wales hospital, according to a listing on the site.

The site says: "Regular doggers between 3pm and after 5pm on the weekends. Flash your lights there and if there [are] people there that want to dog you they will either leave their doors open to invite you or will flash you to follow them."

While a car park near a junction on the M4 in South Wales is also listed. The site listing says: "Numerous cars seen arriving and driving to dark corners of car park."

Police have insisted they would not tolerate offenders.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "Indecency is a criminal offence and anyone caught will be dealt with robustly.

"Websites are monitored and used to gather information which can inform future patrols and enforcement."

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police added: "Police are aware that there are websites advertising this type of behaviour.

"If a member of the public is concerned about any such activity in their area they are advised to contact their local police by phoning 101.

"Police will investigate reports of this type of behaviour and if any criminal incidents arise then the appropriate action will be taken."

Voodoo Woman

Woman who used black magic to traffic victims to Swansea brothels ordered to pay more than £20,000

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 08, 2016

Lizzy Idahosa

A woman who used black magic to traffic other women to brothels in the UK, including Swansea, has been ordered to pay back more than £20,000 out of her profits.

Lizzy Idahosa, aged 26, used "juju" sex rituals to force women to work as prostitutes.

She arranged for two women, aged 23 and 29, to see a Nigerian witch doctor, who made them take off their clothes and eat snakes and snails.

They were then sent to Britain - working in massage parlours in Cardiff and Swansea - where they slept with men, and believed the black magic curses would make them go insane or die if they refused.

Madam who put trafficked women through 'black magic' ritual found guilty of eight charges, including inciting prostitution

Nigerian women trafficked into Swansea brothels feared witchcraft threats
Idahosa was jailed for eight years for offences including people trafficking in 2014 - and her husband Jackson Omoruyi, aged 41, was jailed for two years for money laundering.



A Proceeds of Crime hearing revealed that Idahosa had profited by £186,400 from her trafficking ring.

But prosecutor Eugene Egan told Cardiff Crown Court that investigators could find only £21,900 in her bank accounts.

Judge Tom Crowther ordered Idahosa to pay the cash traced to her accounts - or face a further nine months in prison.

During their trial, the court heard that the two women were bound by a juju ritual to terrify them into doing what was demanded of them because they believed the powers would work.

The ritual was used to ensure compliance and secrecy, and if broken dire consequences would follow - illness, madness, infertility or death.

The pair were eventually found by immigration staff at a brothel in Cardiff.

The court heard the victims had been exploited and abused in the most brutal manner.

Omoruyi was ordered to pay a nominal £10 because the court heard he had no money left out of his illegal profits.

90,000 bent tabs

Swansea piano mover had 90,000 counterfeit cigarettes in storage unit

By EvansTheCrime  |  Posted: March 07, 2016

A SWANSEA piano mover who was paid £200 a month to store tens of thousands of fake fags in his lock-up has been given a suspended prison sentence - and has been told he faces having to pay back £27,000 in taxes and more than £4,000 in costs

When police, revenue and trading standards staff swooped on Nigel Jones' storage unit in Garngoch Industrial Estate last year they uncovered 90,000 counterfeit and illegal cigarettes.

Swansea Crown Court heard that it was Jones' job to store the illicit tobacco for others, as well as to carry out deliveries of stock.

Jones, of Heol Grufydd, Ravenhill, had previously pleaded guilty to running a fraudulent business and avoiding paying customs and excise duty when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

The court heard Jones - who now runs a successful piano-moving business - was unemployed at the time of the offences, and "stupidly got caught up" in the cigarette enterprise. He was paid some £200 a month to store the tobacco.

Paul Jones from Swansea Council's trading standards department with some of the seized cigarettes

Judge Patrick Curran QC said it was clear the defendant "was not the prime mover" in the importation business, but had been involved in the storage and distribution of the goods from his lock-up.

The court heard Jones has a conviction for a similar offence dating back to 1999.

The defendant was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay £4,220 in prosecution costs.

The court heard HM Revenue and Customs would likely now pursue Jones for £27,416.21 in lost taxes and duties under Proceeds of Crime powers.

The prosecution follows an investigation by Swansea Council's trading standards department and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) last summer.

Speaking after the sentencing Mark Child, Swansea Council's cabinet member for well-being and healthy city, said: "This latest case is another excellent example of what the council is doing to try and protect the public in Swansea from the risks associated with illegal tobacco.

"We know that smoking in general is not good for you but the risks are even greater with counterfeit cigarettes because no one knows what additional chemicals are being used."

Colin Spinks, assistant director of fraud investigation at HMRC said the HMRC would not hesitate to investigate those who "try to profit from defrauding honest taxpayers, and businesses".

Surfer's Missing Ring

Prized ring lost in the sea off Caswell found buried in sand four months later

By RichardYoule  |  Posted: March 06, 2016

A PRIZED family heirloom lost by a surfer at Caswell Bay has been found more than four months later buried in a foot of sand.

Mike Rose said he was astonished but extremely grateful to be reunited with the ring, which belonged to his late father — and his father before that.

"I honestly never thought I would see it again," said Mr Rose, of Killay. "Caswell is a big area — the chances were pretty incredible. But sometimes you think things are meant to be."

The 54-year-old's dad, Roy Rose, died on September 13 last year after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in April.

On the morning of his death his son removed the still warm ring from his finger. But a fortnight later it tumbled into the brine at Caswell while Mr Rose was out on his surfboard.

"I only realised it was missing the next day," he said. "I thought the only place it could be was the beach."

For the next three evenings he spent hours with a torch searching the beach at low tide. He then changed tactics and borrowed a metal detector but unearthed little else but disposable barbecue stands.

"I was very down in the dumps, and very disappointed in myself," said Mr Rose, who is an engineer instructor at Tata Steel in Port Talbot.

"Then I was talking to my wife Jackie, and she said why didn't I put signs up at the beach saying I had lost a ring, and offer a reward. I did that at the start of October."

Time passed, and father-of-two Mr Rose heard nothing until an email arrived a fortnight ago from a man called David Gates, saying he had found a ring at Caswell. The accompanying photos he sent looked extremely promising, so Mr Rose rang him and agreed to pop over to his Bishopston home. And it turned out he had indeed hit the jackpot.

Mr Rose said: "I was delighted to see the ring, and put it straight on my finger."

He added: "He (Mr Gates) said he was about to go surfing that day, but he recognised the beach had changed shape due to a bad storm. He could see a new sand bar and, as he has a metal detector, he thought it was worth having a look.

"The ring was where I had been surfing, 300mm (one foot) in the sand."

Mr Rose's beach signs offered a £150 reward but part-time firefighter Mr Gates accepted £100, pleased to have played his part in the reunion. Mr Rose, nevertheless, also gave £10 each to Mr Gates's two children.

Mr Rose admitted that the ring had been a tad loose, so plans to get it altered as a priority.

"I've got it cwtched behind my wedding ring," he said.

They put bromide in mine!

Biscuits shortage leaves Swansea people crying into their un-dunkable tea

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 06, 2016

YOU may or may not have noticed but Swansea Bay has been in the grip of a biscuit crisis.

The recent flooding in Cumbria knocked out McVitie's factory ovens, meaning custard creams, bourbons and ginger nuts have been in short supply.

Supermarkets have had to put up signs apologising for shortages.

And people have been left staring at the empty space on the saucer alongside their tea cup.

Other brands and types of biscuits have, of course, been available.

But for some, the lack of a bourbon or a ginger nut when you need one is nothing short of disastrous.

Britain chomps its way through 34,000 tonnes of biscuits a month.

But biscuits like boasters, water biscuits and Jacob's, Carr's and Crawford's brands have all been absent from the crumbs left behind.

Some panic bought biscuits when the 'crisis' first emerged and are still happily nibbling at their supplies.

But for everyone else, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Production of ginger nuts has restarted and, by March, we should see them back on the shelves.

And McVitie's parent company, United Biscuits, has said affected lines will be "resurrected in stages" over the next couple of months.

Crackers might not be back until April though, for those staring regrettably at the homeless chunk of cheese in their fridge.

A spirited effort has gone into getting the factory working again, with hundreds of people helping.

Perhaps desperate biscuit dunkers have even offered their services.

All must be driven by the same mantra - they can take our lives, but they'll never take our biscuits (hopefully).

Where's Wally?

​'Kardashian of Port Tennant' and his signature hairstyle to appear in tv show

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 06, 2016

Matthew Roberts who is appearing in Young, Welsh and Pretty Skint on BBC Wales tomorrow night.

HE calls his family 'the Kardashians of Wales' and like Kim, Matthew Roberts is to enjoy his own slice of tv fame.


The Port Tennant 20-year-old will feature in Young, Welsh and Pretty Skint on BBC Wales tomorrow night.

It features Welsh people who spend a fortune on their looks above all else.

Matthew is a trainee hairdresser at his aunt's hair salon and has his own signature hairstyle which he's very proud of.

A fan of Lady Gaga, his dream is to become a singer.

He said: "I am spoilt, because I'm the only child.

"I get all the money and all the presents – just call us the Kardashians of Wales."

He said his aunt gave him advice saying: "It's always better to be looked at, than overlooked."

Also on the programme is family beauty salon co-owner Jayde, 26, from Bryncoch.

She claimed happiness in life came from having good hair, adding: "Having your hair done is a massive deal.

"It's not the most important thing in life, in the universe, but it's a good place to start.

"Because if your hair is right then you feel right and your life is going to go completely how you planned it."

She said she could not imagine life without her long, glossy locks, despite the £320 price tag.

"Women are beautiful without their extra hair, we don't need the extra hair, but there's something about having that feminine, long, glossy, healthy hair and if you can get it in an hour instead of taking 10 years to grow it, why not."

She said men should also spend money on their looks, but was suspicious of beards.

"It's scary because they could be hiding a lot, hiding a double chin, hiding anything really," she added.

"I feel sorry for men because they can't wear make-up like women can, we can change the way our face looks. You can trick men into falling in love with you. You look natural but you're not natural.

"There are times when I don't even recognise myself in the mornings.

"You can make some girls who are not very fortunate looking, very fortunate looking."

Also on the show are full time sports nutrition student and fitness model Caitlin who has a collection of bikinis worth between £6,000 and £7,000, and Kate and Caz, who have set up the UK's largest 24-hour gym near Bridgend - Caz's bum has its own Facebook page with more than 5,000 followers.



Above: Caz's bum has its own Facebook page

Young, Welsh and Pretty Skint is on BBC One Wales at 10.40m on March 7.

Shine on you sprightly dentist.

100-year-old scooter rider Jock Stares full of the joys of spring


By RichardYoule  |  Posted: March 06, 2016

HE is a retired dentist and "semi-professional" old person's visitor, but many people will know 100-year-old Jock Stares as that sprightly fellow on a scooter.

Leap year baby Jock reached three figures on February 29, although he preferred to think of himself as turning 25.

His current steed is a Yamaha 125. "It's a wonderful little thing," said Jock, of Cambridge Road, Langland. "I can fly to the village and get my shopping done, and visit my friends.

"My legs are not as good as they used to be — I can still walk, but can't go for long walks like I used to."

Jock said he nevertheless considered himself lucky to be in good shape at his age.

"I have had a very happy life," he said. "I had a wonderful childhood and a wonderfully happy marriage with the girl of my dreams."

Jock's wife, Babs, died 16 years ago. His son Roger, three grandchildren and five of his seven great-grandchildren joined in the centenary celebrations at a family bash in Bishopston on Saturday.

"I was celebrating all week with different people!" said Jock.


Friends of his who threw a party for him included Muriel Parker, who said: "Jock is an amazing man, and everyone loves him. Babs was wonderful too, and a very beautiful lady."

Jock lived in Townhill as a boy. His love affair with motorbikes began when his father bought him an old banger of a bike from a scrapyard.

He attended Swansea Grammar School, some two years behind Dylan Thomas.

Speaking three years ago, Jock said: "We were all full of devilment like he (Dylan) was. He was clever in that all his thoughts he used to write down. We never did. We were too busy getting into mischief in other ways.

"His father was our English master. He was a wonderful character, very strict, a disciplinarian. He used to sweep into the classroom in cap and gown. There were about 30 of us mucking about. It took three or four minutes to settle down. 'You little swines', he used to say."



Nowadays Jock visits friends, some of whom are in old people's homes, every day.

"If there is a piano I can get them all singing," he said. "It is an amazing thing — with music you can get through to people with severe dementia. It gives them so much pleasure.

What's going 'ere then?

Man rescued in darkness from River Neath embankment

By RichardYoule  |  Posted: March 05, 2016

A MAN described as "water bound" was led from an embankment on the River Neath in the early hours of this morning.


The incident happened near Intertissue Ltd, south of the M4 motorway bridge.

Mid and West Wales Fire Service sent swift water rescue teams from Swansea Central and Carmarthen, plus a crew from Neath, shortly after 2.40am.

South Wales Police also attended. Fire crews left the scene at 3.19am.

Swansea City: Francesco Guidolin makes key calls for Norwich City crunch - from his hospital bed
A fire service spokesman said: "One male person was led to safety from the embankment."

Walkers Prawn Cocktail

Pub burglar who used crisp packet to cover CCTV camera jailed for three years

A MAN who broke into a Llanelli pub just two days after getting out of prison tried to hide his identity by wearing a cap — and putting a crisp packet over a CCTV camera.

Marcus Bevan targeted the public house — which was two doors from his own house — on a Six Nations rugby Saturday, when there was plenty of money on the premises.

Patrick Llewelyn, for the prosecution, told Swansea Crown Court that Bevan raided the safe and then smashed fruit machines — netting up to £4,000 in cash — before making-off in a customer's car which had been left outside the pub overnight.

The court heard Bevan was recognised from CCTV footage at the Biddulph Arms.

He was arrested by police on the M4 in the stolen car — still wearing the gloves he had used in the break-in.

Bevan, of New Street, Llanelli, had previously pleaded guilty to burglary, taking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance when he appeared in court via videolink for sentencing.

The court heard the Biddulph had been busy on February 13, the day of the Wales versus Scotland rugby game.

In the early hours of the following morning the 29-year-old entered the pub's beer garden and tried to cover a CCTV camera with a crisp packet.

Bevan then smashed a toilet window and got into the premises where he forced-open the pub's safe before attacking the gaming machines and emptying them of their takings.

The intruder then took the keys to a Vauxhall Corsa which a customer had left behind the bar for safe-keeping, and made-off in the vehicle.

The court heard Bevan has a history of committing burglaries and other fences, and had only been out of prison for two days following a 14 month sentence for burglary and theft when he broke into the Biddulph.

Judge Patrick Curran QC told the defendant he had a "terrible" record of offending, and had targeted the pub knowing there would be a substantial amount of cash on the premises.

He sentenced Bevan to 32 months in prison for the burglary offence and four months for tacking the vehicle, both to run consecutively. The judge also banned Bevan from driving for two years

They Should Be Locked Up!!!

Man left angry after prankster puts padlock through his stretched earlobe piercing

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 04, 2016

 The man who goes by the name Tom Grim Fandango Matthews posted a picture of the padlock hanging from his ear on Facebook.

Matthews said: 'So guess what some little w*** stain just did to me if I find you I will put you 6 feet under end of rant c***'.[sic]

The post prompted one friend to inquire: 'Can I just ask how you didn't notice someone f****** about with you ear?'.[sic]

Mr Matthews responded: 'Literally having a fag out back literally they came out heard a click turned round realised they're was a padlock on my ear and tried to chase em'. [sic]


Since Mr Matthews made the post on February 29, it has been shared more than 2,000 times on Facebook.

However no-one seems to be supporting Mr Matthews with one person saying: 'I can pick locks, £10 an hour tho!'.[sic]

Another said: 'Ear you should be locked up looking like that!'.

Mr Matthews later commented that he was 'so glad old boy lived up the road and had bolt cutters'.

Old Bird Wears Cobbler, Drinks Booze

Great-great-grandmother Gwennie is still dressing up on St David's Day at the age of 94

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 03, 2016

A GREAT-GREAT-GRANDMOTHER has been dressing up in traditional Welsh dress every St David's Day for decades to celebrate.

The 94-year-old, who lives in Briton Ferry, caused a stir on St David's Day when her granddaughter posted a photograph of her online before she headed to her local pub, JK's in Briton Ferry.

So far, her photograph has received more than 200 likes.

Gwennie, who is a mother of seven, grandmother of 26, great-grandmother of 38 and great-great-grandmother of five visits JK's several times a week.

Landlady Karen Taylor says she was surprised when Gwennie turned up on St David's Day dressed in traditional Welsh dress.

"She's a legend around here," she said.

"Everyone knows her and has a chat with her. She's just one of the girls. You wouldn't think she is 94. She's still partying away.

"When she came in on St David's Day, I was laughing. She looked so sweet.

"She does it every year, and it gets better every time. I think she's absolutely brilliant."

Speaking of her decision to dress up on St David's Day, Gwennie said: "I just feel like doing it. "I've always done it, for as long as I can remember. It's just nice to celebrate St David's Day in that way." Sian George, one of Gwennie's grandchildren said: "She has always dressed up to celebrate St David's Day. "I think she looks absolutely wonderful so I shared it on Facebook. So many people liked the picture. "She is just absolutely brilliant. She doesn't feel old at all, and she is always making us smile."

A Tawdry Love Affair and a Cash Converters Ring

Romantic man proposes to girlfriend at the same place they had their first date - in a PHOTOBOOTH!

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 03, 2016


A romantic boyfriend made a 'snap' decision to propose to his partner - in a photo booth where they went on their first date.

Elliot Amos, aged 24, and Ronak Darafshian, aged 26, popped into the photo booth on the first date to capture the moment of young love.

Elliot kept the happy snaps in his wallet - and popped the question in the same booth four years later.

The pair met during their first week of university and instantly hit it off.

And on their first date to a bowling alley they popped into a photo booth to capture the excitement of their young love.

Romantic Elliot kept the pictures in his wallet ever since and returned to the same bowling alley at Cardiff Bay, on Valentines Day this year - where he popped the question as the camera flashed.

Ronak burst into tears as Elliot opened the box and slipped a ring on her finger - with each stage of his proposal captured on film.

The couple now treasure the two sets of snaps side by side.


Ronak said: "I woke up on Valentines Day and Elliot suggested we go bowling – which was funny because we hadn't been bowling since we went there on our first date.

"He told me to make myself look pretty and to doll up.

"I don't think Elliot realised it was half term so it was really busy and we had to wait for our bowling lane. While we were waiting Elliot suggested we go have our picture taken in the same booth as we had done four years earlier."

"Before going in he was acting really weird and was really red in the face. I kept asking him if he was feeling okay and telling him to take his jacket off because he looked like he was going to throw up.

"We had one photo and then on the second photo he held the ring in front of my face and asked me to marry him. It was so nice to have captured the moment when he asked me.

"I cried for a long time and then Elliot said 'Well are you going to answer me?' And I said 'Yes of course'."

Recruitment worker Ronak and filmmaker Elliot, met while students at the University of South Wales, are now planning their wedding which they hope will take place next year.

Ronak, originally from Surrey, said: "I think the fact that I've been away a lot with my job made him realise that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me," she said.

"We've been together nearly every day since university and have literally been living out of each others' pockets – so the distance was a bit weird."

Elliot, of Llantrisant, South Wales, said: "We'd like to get married next summer – and of course we'll definitely be having a photo booth at the wedding.

"It was a great memory and I always looked at those pictures in my wallet. And, of course, I will keep those pictures for ever next to my heart."

They were wearing Greenflash

This is the moment diners do a runner after racking up £155 bill at Swansea restaurant

By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: March 02, 2016


South Wales Police are appealing for information to trace two men and two women in connection with an alleged theft in Swansea city centre.

Officers say the group attended Chiquito's restaurant at around 8.45pm on Saturday, February 20 and left without paying after running up a £155 food and drinks bill.


CCTV shows the women running away from the restaurant followed by the two men at around 10.15pm.

The first man is described as being white, of thin build, wearing a long sleeved top and dark trousers. He was seen holding a straw hat which had been given to him by staff at the restaurant.

The other man wore similar clothing, white trainers and had a tattoo on his arm.

The first woman wore a dark coloured dress and had shoulder length hair.


The second female wore dark coloured leggings and a short skirt and had long brown hair.

After making off from the restaurant the four suspects are seen running from the direction of Wind Street to York Place.

But can they carry quadruplets?

Hawks to keep watchful eye over Swansea Market

Swansea Council is arranging for specially trained hawks to be deployed above the roof area outside the historic attraction to act as a deterrent to troublesome gulls.

The council says the nesting and scavenging of gulls has been a problem on the roof area of the market for a number of years. On-going issues include bird droppings, roof damage and blocked guttering.

Hawksdrift, a national licenced supplier of bird control that the council is using, will soon be on hand at the market to answer any questions traders may have about their work.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “We recently heavily invested in a major project to refurbish Swansea Market’s roof for the benefit of traders and shoppers for many years to come, so it’s crucial we continue to do all we can to preserve the attraction.

“Gulls have been an issue outside the building in the area of the market roof for several years now, affecting its appearance and causing damage and maintenance concerns. The company we’re bringing in are experts in this area, having successfully addressed similar problems at many buildings in other parts of the UK. What they offer is an innovative, effective, natural and environmentally-friendly solution to an on-going problem.

“This isn’t about harming the gulls in the area of the market roof because nobody wants that. It’s about using highly-trained hawks to act as a deterrent to the gulls and keep them away from the building. Traders will be updated on the effectiveness of the scheme over coming months.”

Hawksdrift will provide regular site visit reports and statistics through an online management information system so the council can monitor progress.

The recent upgrade work at Swansea Market included refurbishment of the existing barrel roof and renewal of the roof gable glazing. The project was funded by Swansea Council and the Building Enhancement Programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development

How soon is now bach?

There will come a time in everyone's life when time returns all flesh to the ground that formed it. These lively humans fear not the reaper for they have not seen many summers, felt the cold wind of Russia or even felled a tree for shelter, yet the live in hope and rightly so.

Bin There Done That

Drunken customer throws ketchup at 
pub manager before urinating in bin

By EvansTheCrime  |  Posted: March 01, 2016

AN intoxicated pub customer threw a tray condiments and 
sauces at the bar manager then went outside and urinated in a bin
a court has heard.

Roger Derek Owen was asked to leave Yates' Wine Lodge on Swansea's 
Wind Street on the afternoon of February 10 because of his drunken behaviour.

Swansea Magistrates Court heard his response was to pick up a tray of 
condiments from a table and thrown it at the manager — he missed but 
the bottles of sauce smashed when then they hit the bar.

The 35-year-old then left the pub and walked down Princess Way — 
where he relieved himself in a bin.

He was arrested by police a short time later.

Owen, of Heol Emrys, Penlan, pleaded guilty to a public order offence 
when he appeared before justices today.

Nick Devonald, in mitigation, said his client was going through a difficult 
family time, and wished to "apologise unreservedly" for his actions.

The solicitor added: "This was very much a one-off offence."

Owen was fined £80, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.