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Incorporating: Vol. CXXIX No. 6612 B Thursday, November 9, 2017 Crickhowell Express, Ystradgynlais Express & Hay-on-Wye Express 60p
Story on Villagers Where’s best Davies SPORT join 21st place to take clinches your dog? P8 century READ FULL STORY ON PAGE FIVE 2nd spot Bonfire night Ex-cop had clash hits fair BRECON’S annual November fair has been reduced in size due to a clash with bonfire night. The fair, which is held in sick photos the town centre by charter twice every year, opened on Monday, November 6 and closed on Tuesday night. But several regular stalls and rides have been missing with only a small number of attractions set up in a smaller area of the Bulwark and of children High Street Inferior. Joey Whayman, the past chairman of the South Wales section of the Showman’s Guild of Great Britain, said showmen have instead gone to fairs held over the weekend in Swansea, Cheltenham and Worcester. on his laptop “The reason why the fair A FORMER police officer has been Ariane Brumwell are classed as Category A on the sliding is small this year is because released from prison after admitting Reporter scale. it’s clashed with bonfire possessing more than 11,000 indecent [email protected] Laurence Jones, prosecuting, night. It’s a shame really, images of children – including some of explained the offences were being treated it’s not a big fair but May the “worst, most disturbing sort”. indecent images which were in fact as possession according to the sentencing is the biggest fair here. The Wayne Thomas, who until two years possession. You possessed Category A guidelines. He said: “The defendant was showmen that are here have ago was a Brecon-based PC with Dyfed- movies – some are of the worst, most involved in looking at pictures on his kept the show going.” Powys Police, was found to have the disturbing sort, with the girls in the computer and there was the downloading Mr Whayman, who is images and movies on his laptop, when images between the ages of eight and of images by the user.” from Gloucester and was former colleagues, acting on intelligence, 14. You said you were the only one An analysis of the laptop, which took Princess running a prize stall outside searched his home in Llyswen on with access to your computer and those place over four days, revealed Thomas St Marys Church, said: Thursday, September 14. images. You have pleaded guilty and you had searched for “pre-teen hardcore” “We’ve had quite a few The 48-year-old, who admitted three have no previous convictions, you have images using Google and that there customers complain about charges of making indecent images also shown remorse. were “unallocated clusters” which Anne visits how small it is this year of children by having the files on his “You are a former police officer and showed images had been deleted from but this fair is always the laptop when he appeared before the have been in custody for a few weeks and the hard drive. first Monday and Tuesday magistrates’ court, has been held in seen what it is like, which I’m sure must After being arrested at his home riding of November and has been custody since his arrest. have been difficult for you. Because of Thomas was taken to hospital after going for donkey’s years.” But Judge Richard Twomlow released this and your previous good character I an incident during the arrest. He was The 70-year-old added him from prison when he appeared for think you should be given the chance to arrested again at 11.25pm after being that next year’s November sentencing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown address your problems in the community released from hospital on the same day. centre – see fair in Brecon will be on Court on Wednesday, November 1. without being sent to prison.” The prosecutor said: “Upon his arrest, bonfire night: “Next year Thomas, who was sacked from the The court was told Thomas’ laptop he gave a prepared statement and said this fair will be on bonfire force for an unrelated matter, was given contained three Category A movies, one that the computer was his, that it was Page 4 night and we’d like to do an eight-month prison sentence but the Category B movie, eight Category C password protected, that it was solely fireworks as well. judge suspended it for two years. movies and 11,377 Category C pictures him that used it and that nobody else had “I’ve been working at this Judge Twomlow told Thomas: “You all depicting young girls aged between access to it in the property.” fair all my life and my father committed B&R_advert.pdfthree offences 1of 17/01/2017making eight 15:58 and 14. The most serious images ■ Continued on Page Two PW166458-12 before me.”
Taking orders for Christmas Syrian refugees to be housed in Powys Organic Bronze Free Range Turkeys SIX refugee families who’ve fled programme is funded by the Home thank you to the community in April who represent the town. It included the war in Syria are to be found new Office from the UK’s foreign aid and the hosting of a Syrian Feast at the a comment from the Conservative Welsh Free Range Geese homes in Llandrindod Wells. budget. The report also said the council Newtown Food Festival.” councillor for Llandrindod North, Powys council is extending its and the Syrian families involved have The report said the council is Gary Price, who said he didn’t want Welsh Free Range Ducks participation in the UK Government’s considered their relocation to Powys to confident further families can be Powys families already on the housing Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation have been a success. successfully relocated to Llandrindod. waiting list to miss out due to the Scheme having already settled 12 The report by cabinet member for It said it has chosen the Radnorshire proposal.He said: “My concern is the Order your cheese families forced out of the war-ravaged housing Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson spa town as there is lower demand availability of suitable housing within for Christmas country in Ystradgynlais and said the families who’ve already for three bedroom family homes and Llandrindod Wells for an additional Newtown. moved to Powys have also held refugees have been able to settle in six families given regular contact from A report recommending the council community events in both towns. It other areas of mid Wales. constituents who have been on the Cashells Hampers offer homes to a further six families said: “The success of the scheme is The cabinet report said bringing council and registered social housing was approved by Powys council’s also exemplified by the event arranged Syrian refugees to Llandrindod has waiting list for some time C cabinet on Tuesday. The resettlement by the families in Ystradgynlais to say been discussed with county councillors ■ Continued on Page Three
M
Y Police chief to aid Body of woman Blaze interrupts CM horror blaze probe found in river Usk pub’s Sunday lunch MY A SENIOR officer from South A FORMER councillor from Brecon A CHIMNEY fire broke out at an
CY Wales Police is being brought has died after she entered the river historic pub while customers were in to assist the probe into the Usk in the early hours of the morning. eating Sunday lunch. CMY Llangammarch Wells horror fire. Police said the body of a Flames were seen coming from Chief Supt Tony Brown is 48-year-old woman was recovered the chimney of the 15th century K working with Dyfed-Powys Police from the river after they responded Bear Hotel in Crickhowell on
to investigate the fire which is to a call that a distressed woman Sunday, November 5. 18208 believed to have taken six lives. had been seen on Llanfaes Bridge The pub’s owner Steve Emergency services remain at the in Brecon at around 5am on Hindmarsh praised the quick Local Free Range Bronze Turkeys scene of the fire over a week on. Wednesday, November 1. response of firefighters. ■ Full story on Page Three ■ Full story on Page Two ■ Full story on Page Two Local Traditional Turkeys Local Boned & Rolled Turkey Crown Game: Pheasant, Mallards & Partridge HAY-ON-WYE Winter Food Festival ❄ Y GELLI Gŵyl Fwyd y Gaeaf ❄ ❄ Saturday 25th November 10 - 5 ❄ Sadwrn 25 Tachwedd 10 - 5 CCB B&R 80mm x 360mm 26.10.17_Layout 1 26/10/2017 14:10 Page 1 ❄ ❄ Memorial Car Park, Hay-on-Wye ❄ Maes Parcio Coffa, Y Gelli ❄ ❄ Free Entry Contact: Andrew Powell 07779 012019 Mynediad am Ddim CCB Sixth Form Events - Brecon & Radnor 80mm x 360 mm 26.10.2017 18235
INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING Sixth Form EDUCATION FOR BOYS AND GIRLS Information Evening AGED 7 – 18 YEARS 10th November 2017 (6.30pm until 9.00pm) Sixth Form
Scholarship Day www.christcollegebrecon.com 24th November 2017 01874 615440 For Academic, Sport, Science, Music, Drama and Art [email protected] Brecon and Radnor Express and Powys County Times Thursday, November 9, 2017
search Facebook for BandROnline follow us on @BnRExpress News Charges over deaths Dog-friendly award win Angling prizes on march up for auction TWO men are facing THE Wye and Usk charges over the deaths of Foundation is holding three soldiers during an a fundraising auction SAS selection march in the later this month for its Brecon Beacons. is ‘paws-itively thrilling’ Endowment Fund. The negligence charges A SELF-CATERING business in the Brecon The dog-loving British public voted in their course!” There will be a are being brought by Beacons has been voted the best dog friendly thousands for their favourite dog-friendly Research carried out by the Kennel Club had range of items to bid the Service Prosecution place to stay in the UK as part of the annual businesses as a way of recognising and found that there are many benefits to businesses on including guided Authority (SPA) and the DogFriendly Awards. celebrating those that go the extra mile to make being dog friendly including an improvement fishing, exclusive case will be heard in a The awards, organised by DogFriendly and man’s best friend feel welcome. to overall atmosphere of a place – 96% of shooting, cases of military court and the supported by the Kennel Club as part of their Brecon Retreat beat off competition from people surveyed noticed a better ambience wine, holiday cottage maximum sentence is two Be Dog Friendly campaign, took place during hotels, bed and breakfasts, cottages and other when dogs were around, with a boost in staff breaks and even cakes. years in detention. a special presentation at Eukanuba Discover accommodation across the UK to be crowned productivity and morale; 90% of employers The auction will Army reservists Lance Dogs in London on Saturday, October 21. the winner of the ‘Place to Stay’ category. observed a positive change in the working begin at 9am on Corporal Edward Maher, When nominating the environment after allowing dogs; and four out Monday, November 20 L/Cpl Craig Roberts business, members of of five companies cited a newly introduced and run until midnight and Cpl James Dunsby the public described it as dog friendly policy as a reason for improved on Sunday, December collapsed on a 16-mile ‘wonderfully luxurious and business. 10. Anybody who recruitment exercise over extremely dog friendly’, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: wishes to add an item Pen y Fan on the hottest ‘one of the best holidays I’ve “Huge congratulations to Brecon Retreat for to the auction or day of 2013. ever been on’ and ‘at Brecon being recognised as the best dog friendly place bid should visit the But a coroner ruled Retreat, dogs are number to stay in the UK. WUF website or parts of the planning and one’. “Dogs are part of the family and the call 01874 711714. conduct of the march The owner of Brecon retreat’s owners have clearly recognised The Endowment were inadequate or not fit Retreat, Helen Howarth, this by going above and beyond for their Fund allows the for purpose following an said: “We are ‘pawsitively’ dog-loving guests. WUF to support inquest in 2015. thrilled to have won this “We hope that other businesses various restoration L/Cpl Roberts, who was year’s award, especially our will follow their example and projects which 24 and from Penrhyn Bay, top dog Leila who is proudly benefit from the many rewards a put more fish in Conwy, and L/Cpl Maher, head of creature comforts at dog-friendly attitude can bring.” the rivers without 31, of Winchester, died Brecon Retreat. All of the DogFriendly losing time or money during the exercise and Cpl “Our English Springer Awards 2017 winners can be on conventional Dunsby, also 31 and from Spaniel gets to try out all of found at www.dogfriendly. fundraising. Wiltshire, died in hospital the doggy luxuries that we co.uk/be-dog-friendly. 17 days later. offer to guests, before giving More information on Gala dinner All had suffered from it a paw of approval. the Kennel Club’s Be Dog hyperthermia, where the “It is extremely heart- Friendly campaign can be tickets on sale body no longer controls warming to hear that people found at www.thekennelclub. TICKETS are now on core temperature. believe we have the woof- org.uk/bedogfriendly. sale for the Brecon factor and we very much Beacons Tourism look forward to welcoming Gala Dinner, which Council set for more dogs to explore will take place at care homes and enjoy the the Manor Hotel in b e a u t y Crickhowell. showdown o f t h e The dinner, which B r e c o n will start at 7pm, will POWYS council is set for a B e a c o n s feature two guest High Court showdown with soon, speakers – the poet private health firm BUPA along with Owen Sheers who will over plans to sell 12 care Brecon Retreat’s owner Helen Howarth with her family at the Kennel their well- give an introductory homes. Club awards. Right, English Springer Spaniel Leila shares the spoils behaved humans of talk, and Kevin The firm manages 12 Walker will speak residential homes for the about mountain walks elderly in Powys on behalf in the national park. of Powys County Council The tickets, which and has had those contracts include a three-course for 16 years. The contract meal, are £30 each. is due to run until March 2019. But in August it was Horse retirement home’s revealed BUPA intends selling the homes to to another operator, HC-One. That prompted the council, which said it hadn’t been given prior warning of apprentices accolade BUPA’s intentions, to warn it would consider legal THE owners of the first private Government and the National to a Higher Apprenticeship action to stop the sale. retirement home for horses in Training Federation for and tailored personal training Black Friday The council last week Great Britain, who are passionate Wales (NTfW), the coveted designed to achieve individual wrote to BUPA to say it about developing staff through awards are sponsored by goals are developed. The will seek a High Court apprenticeship programmes, Pearson PLC and supported apprenticeships are delivered by injunction to prevent the celebrated a notable double at the by media partner, Media Coleg Cambria. sale. However BUPA has Apprenticeship Awards Cymru Wales. The Apprenticeship Congratulating Happy Horse ONLINE said it intends pressing final. Programme is funded by Retirement Home on the award, ahead with the sale. Nicky and Ray Van Dijk, the Welsh Government with Skills and Science Minister, The council said it owners of Happy Horse support from the European Julie James said: “Each finalist wants to continue working Retirement Home in Crai, Social Fund. has helped to set a gold standard with BUPA and has said near Brecon, who opened the Thirty star learners, in vocational training and this it will also seek damages centre in 1989 and have eight employers and learning should be applauded. from BUPA if it ends the staff caring for 50 horses, providers involved in the “Apprenticeships and contract early. were named Small Employer delivery of successful skills Traineeships are an essential BUPA said in August it of the Year at the prestigious programmes across Wales ingredient of economic success awards ceremony at the Celtic were shortlisted for the and a vital tool in building LL would transfer the homes, and more than 100 others Manor Resort, Newport.It’s the Apprenticeship Awards a stronger, fairer and more SS across the UK, to HC-One second consecutive year that the Nicky Van Dijk receives the Small Cymru. equal Wales. The Welsh DIGITALAA OFFER subject to regulatory company has tasted victory at Employer of the Year Award from The awards are designed Government, with support from EEAll ads approvals an employee the annual awards, as assistant sponsor Claire Hindley of Redrow. to showcase and celebrate the European Social Fund, must be live consultation. manager Marc Pugh won the the outstanding achievements regards Apprenticeships and Special Offers for The Brecon & A spokeswoman for Jobs Growth Wales Outstanding avenues we can open up for of learners, employers, Traineeships as an excellent between 20th the firm said: “Since Achiever Award last year. His them. Our success lies in our tutors and assessors who have way to build a skilled and Radnor Express customers and 24th our announcement in success story has inspired others outstanding apprentices.” excelled in contributing to competitive workforce, address Award sponsor Claire Our Easy Ad package gives you seven spots on November August, we have been in to enter the equine industry. the development of the Welsh skills shortages and strengthen our website homepage – including a prime spot regular contact with the Nicky said: “I am absolutely Hindley, Redrow’s new entrants Government’s Traineeships and the Welsh economy. Increasing 2017 Care and Social Services thrilled for the company that we programmes manager, said: Apprenticeship programmes. higher level skills and developing leaderboard, plus a banner on mobile phones Inspectorate Wales and have achieved recognition for “Redrow is delighted to present Happy Horse Retirement Home skills pathways that benefit the Powys County Council everything we do to train young the Small Employer of the Year has helped train nine apprentices whole of Wales has never been USUALLY £9 per 1000 PIs as we work towards people. Everyone that works award to Happy Horse Retirement in the past five years, most of more important and we are transferring these homes to for me is either a current or ex Home. Small businesses are whom have gone on to careers in committed to continuing the good For 5 days only – £7.50 per 1000 PIs HC-One.” apprentice. vital to raising the profile of the equine industry. One former work already underway with Union Unison has “The Apprentice Programme apprenticeships, showing their apprentice represents Great businesses, training providers and TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FANTASTIC OFFER previously said it feared is essential to our business, meets value to companies willing to Britain in harness driving. individuals to achieve this.” or for a general enquiry call your local sales executive working conditions and my specialist staffing needs as invest time and capital into The company offers a variety The other category finalist on 01874 601111 or email: [email protected] wages could be squeezed if a yard owner and appeals to our training and the next generation.” of staff training, ranging from was Archway Court Nursery, the homes are sold. students because of the career Jointly organised by the Welsh Foundation Apprenticeships Newport. TO GUARANTEE YOUR BOOKING PHONE EARLY!
ADVERTISING FEATURE Our BIGGEST and BUSIEST Christmas Season YET! to teach our elite team of 38 dancers. Within the last four weeks our dancers have learnt every routine in the performance and it’s now time to start working with our very talented main cast. The bi-lingual cast also includes Jay Worley (X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, S4C’s Rownd a Rownd) who will be playing lead hero Jack and Leila Hughes from S4C’s Gwaith Cartref will be the leading lady in the form of Jill. This year the cast have a fantastic script which is overflowing with quirky ideas and creative gags. Myself and Nia write the script each PERFORMANCE DATES / TIMES FOR THIS WEEK, Behind the Scenes on year and tailor it to each location to will welcome celebrity guest Joanna Brecon’s Pantomime: Agent, Director make sure the humour is relevant and Lumley. We can’t wait to be sharing JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and Co-Director, Mark Jermin, spills current. We’ve got to keep the laughs the stage with comedy royalty on this the magic beans on Brecon’s GIANT rolling, think cream pies, elaborate evening and have enjoyed working AT THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, BRECON Sue Blackburn and her horse Gorgeous George are welcomed at Llangynidr’s Panto which he claims is their biggest costumes, classic sing- a-long songs closely with the Brecon Council Walnut Tree Stores and Café by Dai Jones, one of shop’s staff. and funniest Pantomime yet. The with a mix of current chart-toppers to and staff at the Guildhall. We will theatrical creative gives an insight into appeal to the younger audiences. We be arriving at the event with all of THIS CHRISTMAS AND the hectic diary of Jermin Productions have a lot of big numbers this year our main cast, all our dancers and and also hints to what high energy, and I’m most looking forward to the of course our Pantomime Car NEW YEAR Tie up your horse and comedic and completely bonkers opening of act two, it has the campest which has had a Jack and the production numbers may be involved song and involves our entire cast in Beanstalk makeover.” Thursday 28th December in this year’s show. some fun costumes!! shop at village store “Can you believe it? We’re soon to Think Eurovision 2007, mixed with 2pm & 7pm A TOUCH of the Wild West is Gorgeous George and do her welcome in November which means Priscilla Queen of the Desert. It will coming to Llangynidr soon, when shopping. we have less that TWO MONTHS definitely have everyone in Brecon Friday 29th December new “cowboy” style hitching posts Walnut Tree Stores owner before our Jack and the Beanstalk rolling in the aisles and singing along! are to be fitted in the village shop’s Howard Marlow said: “Passing Pantomime arrives at the magnificent This year is cram jam packed with 2pm (BSL) & 7pm car park. riders are delighted that they will Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon. This topical jokes, local references which The posts are being set up to be able to take a break while their year, we have produced more events make the audience feel part of the accommodate local horsemen mounts are safely tethered. And, than ever before which has meant action. Saturday 30th December and women who will be able to when our Wild West hitching that this year has flown by, it seems This year the Pantomime is tie up their horses securely while posts are in place, I’m told that like only yesterday we were waving visiting Brecon just after Christmas 2pm & 7pm shopping or enjoying a coffee at one or two of them have already goodbye to our Dick Whittington where families can really enjoy the the popular Walnut Tree Stores and nicknamed our new-look car park Cast! This year we welcome a brand holidays together, and also Swansea Sunday 31st December Café. the OK Corral.” new company which has a perfect which is the home of our company, One person who is sure to be Walnut Tree Stores and Café fusion of new and old faces. We have Jermin Productions. Our favourite 1pm & 5pm happy is local rider Sue Blackburn was recently nominated for a welcomed back everyone’s favourite event to attend in the lead up to the who is looking forward to the day Countryside Alliance Rural Oscars funny man Adam Byard as JJ and the Panto-monium is the Christmas light when she can hitch up her horse award. magical fairy queen Laura Phillips switch on and parades for their fab Ticket Prices: who are both thrilled to be returning to festivities and for helping to get cast, Brecon town this December! our dancers and their parents into the Concessions: £12 Adults: £14 It’s been a busy few weeks with my Christmas mood. On Saturday 18th Family Ticket: £49 Craft fair at leisure centre sister and business partner Nia Jermin November we will be attending the travelling back and forth from London Group Rate: Please see Theatre RHAYADER & District till 2pm. Everybody is invited Brecon Christmas Switch On which Community Support will be for refreshments, arts and crafts, #JerminProductionsPanto #BeanstalkSouthWales holding their annual craft fair raffles and tombolas. The event TELEPHONE: 01874 611622 at Rhayader Leisure Centre this is billed as a great opportunity to For more information on the Jermin Productions Company, please visit www.jerminproductions.co.uk 18307 Saturday, November 11, from 10am support local art groups and artists.