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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 video 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

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

'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."

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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: 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.

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."

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.’

Happy St Dwynwen's Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 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

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

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

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.

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

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/

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 Italy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

20 March

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Our Welsh rugby team take on Italy in the Six Nations Rugby International at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

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

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

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.

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/

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.

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!

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

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

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

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/

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.

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

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.”

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

Mr Roland Chojnacki's visit to Wales