Archive

  • Councillor censured over ombudsman decision

    A GWENT councillor escaped suspension at a disciplinary hearing after the local government ombudsman said he was "less than frank" at a teacher's employment tribunal. Blaenau Gwent council's standards committee made the decision after considering an

  • Leap year baby joy for Gwent mums

    BORN yesterday? As a leap-year baby you could be giving your parents a mighty dilemma. Children born on February 29 have left their parents facing a conundrum on what day to celebrate their child's birth. Nicola Jones, 26, gave birth at 12:04 am at

  • DRAGONS 10 EDINBURGH 10

    NEWPORT Gwent Dragons had to settle for a draw against Edinburgh at Rodney Parade when they desperately need a win to boost their hopes of automatic qualification for next season's Heineken Cup. They did come from behind to secure a share of the spoils

  • Disbelief at calls to save Bettws school

    A CAMPAIGN to stop Bettws High School being demolished has met with derision. C20 - the Twentieth Century Society - is trying to find "prestigious" architects to back its attempt to save the 1972 'Brutalist' building. The school is being replaced with

  • Teen admits attempted car-jacking

    AN EBBW Vale teenager today admitted threatening a man with a BB gun to try to steal his BMW. Craig Hyde-Dryden,17, from Armoury Terrace, Ebbw Vale, used the BB gun to rob Bryn Price, 65, of his car keys on January 14 2008. At Newport crown court,

  • Top rugby event tickets go on sale

    THE Welsh Rugby Union unveiled a ticket policy for the Junior World Championships which will give everyone the chance to feast on three weeks of high class international rugby. The best 16 internationals sides at Under 20 level will descend on Wales

  • British soldier does his job - shock

    NEVER has so much 'colour' been written about one squaddie doing his job. Flicking through one tabloid's ten pages of coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan, the intros start "Beside a comrade in the turret of a Spartan armoured vehicle", "Crouching

  • Newsagent fined for smoking in own shop

    A NEWPORT newsagent must pay fines and costs totalling more than £500 for smoking in her own shop. Wendy Foster, who runs Wendy's Newsagents on the city's Chepstow Road, fell foul of the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces, which

  • Man attacked out of jealousy - court hears

    A CONSTRUCTION worker who became jealous when his girlfriend began flirting in a pub had a "red mist" descend over him, a court heard. Seconds later Ian Farmiloe, 42, attacked a man who could recall nothing until he woke up in the back of an ambulance

  • City is being transformed

    OUR city is changing fast - something you can see reflected in the faces of these youngsters from Newport's St Michael's RC primary school. By the time Jack Roche, nine, and Nicole Read, ten, are in secondary school, the biggest transformation in

  • Community celebrates Post Office success

    A COMMUNITY in Abergavenny is celebrating 18 months of running its own post office and shop. The Bryn lost its Post Office in September 2004 when the sub postmaster retired and stopped operating a service from his home. But through gathering funds

  • Borough reaches 700th tonne of recycled waste

    TORFAEN council's recycling body is celebrating after recycling nearly 700 tonnes of waste from across the borough last month. Torfaen Cleanstream Recycling recycled 200 tonnes more waste than in September, when they set their last record. The news

  • Village Hall gets cash boost

    LLANFAIR Village Hall Management Committee in Llanfair Kilgeddin receive £4,850 to improve facilities in the February round of Awards for All Wales. Grants were also won by Bridges Community Centre and Little Mill and District WI.

  • Bryn y Cwm street waste on agenda

    The next meeting of the Bryn y Cwm area committee will discuss chewing gum and cigarette waste left on Abergavenny's streets. Area manager Dale Roberts said that chewing gum was professionally removed five years ago but within weeks it was as bad as

  • Williams signs three-year Ospreys deal

    WALES star Shane Williams has signed a new three-year contract with the Ospreys and said he hopes to see out his career at the Liberty Stadium. The announcement comes just days after Wales' in-form full-back Lee Byrne signing a new deal earlier this

  • JOE CALZAGHE SAYS: Manic schedule is a real challenge

    I'M back in training now, full tilt ahead of my April 19 showdown in Las Vegas with Bernard Hopkins. However, yesterday I only did a half session as I was in London to present an award to some very good friends of mine. I presented the GodLike Genius

  • Joe Jackson, The Point, Cardiff

    Hearing the piano playing Joe Jackson takes me back to 1979 a time when I listened and cared what was in the Top 40, where The Boomtown Rats, The Police and Jackson all vied for chart position. Well it's 29 years later and Jackson is touring in a trio

  • Are you a victim of combat stress?

    ARE you a Gwent ex-serviceman or woman affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? Have you been let down since leaving the services like ex-Guardsman Richard Brown from Chepstow? Tell us your story by calling 01633 777226, e-mail us via the link

  • Bring a pound to work

    Thanks to the Argus for allowing me to use this week’s column to talk about our annual charity day, which takes place on Thursday March 6. It’s our "Bring A Pound To Work" appeal and this year we’ll be trying to raise as much money as possible for Childline

  • Bring a pound to work

    Thanks to the Argus for allowing me to use this week’s column to talk about our annual charity day, which takes place on Thursday March 6. It’s our "Bring A Pound To Work" appeal and this year we’ll be trying to raise as much money as possible for Childline

  • Artwork marks gardener's calendar

    A NEW artwork reflecting the seasons can be seen in the Friary Garden in Newport's Belle Vue Park in Newport. Artist Sebastian Brooke, together with pupils from Pill Primary, St Woolos Primary and Gaer Junior, watched the unveiling of his sculpture

  • Dizzy’s Glam move in doubt

    JASON Gillespie has called his three-year contract with Glamorgan into doubt by announcing his retirement from first-class cricket in Australia to join the rebel Indian Cricket League. The 32-year-old paceman will end his career with South Australia

  • Can you find slipper for Cinders?

    A NEWPORT bride-to-be is calling for someone to help her fairytale wedding come true. Sam Brewis, 23, will be marrying her Prince Charming, Lyndon Jones, 39, at a themed wedding ceremony in July where she will walk up the aisle dressed as Cinderella

  • Thomas: It'll be tough at Bridge Field

    IT'S back to the bread and butter of the Premiership for players and coaches alike when Ebbw Vale make the tough trip to Bedwas. Head coach Pat Horgan has been on duty with Wales Under-20s and the players go into the game fresh from a Konica Minolta

  • Keys aim for Stradey hat-trick

    THE players at Cross Keys have been left in no doubt about the need to knuckle down to secure a good league finish and avoid their hard graft going to waste. Keys head to Stradey Park to face Llanelli on the back of three Premiership defeats on the spin

  • Hembrow: We need to step up a gear

    NEWPORT may be starting to string together a run of victories but the coaching staff are not pulling any punches as they bid to keep climbing the league. The mood has lightened at Rodney Parade with three wins on the spin, the last a crucial victory

  • BREAKING NEWS... Newport tax office to close

    NEWPORT'S tax office is set to close, it was revealed today. HM Revenue and Customs has published the outcome of a review into its buildings in Newport, Cardiff and Pontypridd. Crown Buildings in Chepstow Road and Taff Vale House in Pontypridd will

  • Farewell to charity hero

    HIS dying wish was to raise funds for the cancer charity close to his heart. Now, the family of Cwmbran fundraiser Les Lavender will continue to collect cash in his memory at his funeral. Mr Lavender, 71, of Trannon Court, Thornhill, died at home

  • MacWhirter Welsh League preview

    THERE'S more than just local bragging rights on offer for the winners of tomorrow's Gwent derby between hosts Croesyceiliog and Caerleon. Both clubs will be desperate for victory at Woodland Road - the home side to climb away from the MacWhirter Welsh

  • Cup dream continues for YM

    NEWPORT YMCA manager Mark Coldrick admits his side are "living the dream" as they prepare for tomorrow's Welsh Cup quarter-final against Welsh Premier League side Welshpool Town (kick-off 2.30pm). The MacWhirter Welsh League Division One outfit are just

  • Kelvin's 'Triple' great idea to raise some charity funds

    Super Welsh rugby fan or super optimist, Kelvin Reddicliffe is absolutely certain Wales will take the Triple Crown in Ireland this weekend, and to prove it, he has put his money where his mouth is. Kelvin, who is the manager of Timpson Shoe Repairers

  • Food for thought

    FOOD CO-OP: Well, they just keep on growing!The latest co-op to open will be based at Queen Street Primary School, from March 7, between 3pm-4pm for collection. Please note that orders need to be in by Wednesday, to receive the items by Friday. Place

  • Housey housey about that then?!

    EASTER PRIZE BINGO: St Peter's Church in Wales Primary School, Blaenavon, are organising an Easter prize bingo evening. The event will be taking place on Thursday, March 6, at the Constitutional Club, Blaenavon, and the entrance fee will be 20p. The

  • Fair times for Fairtrade

    COFFEE MORNING: Last week I mentioned the coffee morning at the Red Cross building in Trosnant, but the details that I had been given were a little thin on the ground, so I prevailed on Phil Smith, the secretary of the Aneurin Bevan Court Residents'

  • A volunteer's life for me!

    EVERYTHING FOR THE COMMUNITY: Mr Stuart Ashley, a Community Councillor in Cwmbran, and a development worker for Torfaen Credit Union gave a talk on his life in community work, with the aid of a computer aided projector, to the Probus Club of Pontypool

  • Talking about hills . . .

    THE COTSWOLD HILLS ARE ALIVE: Blaenavon Townswomen's Guild met on February 18, and after the minutes had been read, the chairman welcomed two guests, and hoped that they would enjoy the evening. She then welcomed Rev W Rutter as speaker for the evening

  • ARGUS COMMENT...MoD must act

    IN sharp contrast to the care and attention being shown to Prince Harry is the lack of support for former Lance Corporal Richard Brown. Mr Brown's life is being torn apart by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of his experiences as a front-line

  • Rug Makers cash booster

    GREAT GRANT: PontypoolTextileArtists&CwmbranRagRugMakershavereceivedagrantof£1,000from'AwardsforAllWales', thiswillenablethemtotraveltoTheAmericanMuseumin Bath,andtoinvitespeakerstotheirpracticalsessions,which take placeatthe beautifulPontypoolMuseumeachmonth

  • Ex-soldier left to face trauma alone

    FORMER soldier Richard Brown's life is torn apart by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - but he cannot see a psychologist to get therapy. He talks exclusively to BEN FRAMPTON. ALL the young Richard Brown wanted to be when he grew up was a soldier.

  • VIDEO: Harry to be pulled out of Afghanistan

    Prince Harry is to be pulled out of Afghanistan amid fears for his safety, sources have said. The 23-year-old Household Cavalry officer, who has been fighting the Taliban in Helmand Province for the past 10 weeks, is set to be flown home to the

  • ARGUS COMMENT...Praise for Prince Harry

    PRINCE Harry's role in Afghanistan must be set in the context of all the men and women risking their lives doing their jobs and fighting for the freedom of that troubled country. But that said, it does improve the perception of this particular royal

  • Beadle pleased with major improvement

    NEWPORT County boss Peter Beadle turned more John Major than Sergeant Major this week, and it appears to have paid dividends. The Exiles manager ordered his players in on Tuesday night for a back to basics' meeting, with the evidence suggesting it did

  • Never again, long as I live, cross my heart..

    We were walking down Commercial Street in the February sunlight. I looked at my wife. I said, “Next time I say let’s go shopping, punch me in the mouth, okay?” I’m not knocking Newport or shopping, God help me,

  • Never again, long as I live, cross my heart..

    We were walking down Commercial Street in the February sunlight. I looked at my wife. I said, “Next time I say let’s go shopping, punch me in the mouth, okay?” I’m not knocking Newport or shopping, God help me,

  • Architects fight to save Newport school

    A GROUP of architects are trying to save a much criticised school building which is due to be replaced. Heritage watchdogs Cadw visited Bettws High School in Newport on Monday to consider a request to list the school. Newport council's proposal

  • Plan to stop car cruiser menace

    POLICE and council chiefs are considering a radical plan to close off Blackwood High Street to put an end to the car cruiser menace. The Argus has seen a copy of a confidential report, discussed by Blackwood's town centre management group on Wednesday

  • REMember them?

    ROCK giants REM are playing a gig at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium this summer as part of a four-date UK tour to promote their new album Accelerate. The American band, one of the biggest in the world, play in the Welsh capital on Monday, August 25.

  • Dragons look for double

    NEWPORT Gwent Dragons' bid to achieve a Scottish double double' in the Magners League begins tonight when they face Edinburgh at Rodney Parade. They gave Welsh rugby a lift when they won at Murrayfield in the first game after Wales' World Cup exit, and

  • Escaping the routine

    Making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, Renault is proud to present Koleos, its first ever 4x4 crossover. Ideal for escaping the everyday routine, Koleos is comfortable, easy to drive and boasts genuine off-road ability. It has been

  • Margot At The Wedding

    Margot At The Wedding (15) **** - Ashlie Atkinson, Jack Black, Flora Cross, Halley Feiffer, Ciarn Hinds, Nicole Kidman, Zane Pias and Jennifer Jason Leigh. TALENETED writer/director Noah Baumbachâs follow-up to the excellent The Squid And The Whale

  • The Bank Job

    The Bank Job (15) *** - Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, David Suchet, Peter Bowles and Daniel Mays. FORMER dodgy car dealer Terry (Jason Statham) is a family man determined to go on the straight and narrow in this enjoyable enough crime caper based

  • Captiva special has the ‘Edge’

    You too could have the Edge'! For a strictly limited period, Chevrolet is offering a limited edition Edge' version of the popular Captiva SUV, with over £2,400 worth of extras free of charge. The seven-seater Edge' model is based on the 2.0 VCDi

  • Not just any old black stuff

    As car and engine technology gets ever more sophisticated, filling your vehicle with the correct oil is becoming more important than ever, warns car care company Comma. According to the guide issued to over 8000 garage workshops across the UK by

  • Nantyffin Cider Mill Inn, Crickhowell

    JUST a few miles north of the Monmouthshire border as you leave Abergavenny lies this excellent award-winning restaurant, fully deserving its reputation for top class food. When my partner and I visited on a Thursday lunchtime earlier this month, the

  • No congestion charge for Fiat

    Models from the Bravo, Grande Punto, Panda and new 500 ranges will be London Congestion Charge exempt when new rules concerning the city traffic scheme come into force in October, says Fiat Group Automobiles UK. Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London

  • Tributes to a hero

    FOOTBALL grounds across Gwent will fall silent tomorrow in tribute to a true sporting hero. Former Newport County player and Glamorgan cricketer Graham Reynolds died on Wednesday after a short illness. Mr Reynolds, 70, who was also president of the

  • It’s still based on the 911 but that’s about it

    The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is the most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911 sports coupe, and last year it scored wins in the renowned 24-hour races at Le Mans in France and Spa in Belgium, as well as overall victory in the gruelling Nurburgring 24

  • Twingo ‘Extreme’

    Renault's heritage in producing funky, stylish and practical small cars is evident in its Clio and Modus models, a line-up that was significantly enhanced with the introduction of New Twingo, which debuted last year for the first time in right-hand drive

  • Fire crews tackle oil blaze

    FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with blazing oil at a Blaenavon factory yesterday afternoon. The fire broke out in the oil quenching tank at Doncasters Ltd which contained 8000 litres of oil. Fire crews from Blaenavon, Caerphilly and Cardiff dealt

  • Man jailed for breaching sentence

    A DRUG user from Newport who breached a suspended sentence will remain behind bars after losing an appeal. Craig Paul Sheppard, 22, of Ramsey Walk, St Julian's, was sentenced to one year, suspended for two years, after admitting drug offences in November

  • Gwent set for health shake-up

    GWENT'S five Local Health Boards could be replaced by a single such body next year, after just six years in existence. The Argus understands another major NHS reorganisation is planned by health minister Edwina Hart, following a series of NHS trust

  • Confidential mail found dumped

    HUNDREDS of letters containing personal details which could be misused by identity thieves were found dumped at the side of a Gwent road. Friends Nicola Reynolds and Arlene Tucker made the shocking discovery while walking alongside the A4048 in Markham

  • Holly set to rise and rise

    AN up-and-coming singer whose voice has been compared with the magical Billie Holliday is playing a gig in south Wales next month before the release of her debut single. Holly Rose's I Don't Care is an emotional and moody record due to be released

  • Ladies - will you pop the question today?

    FEBRUARY 29th is traditionally the day when women can propose. Are you planning to get down on one knee today - or maybe you've done it already? Tell us about it by e-mailing via the link below or calling 01633 777226.

  • Ex-miner's anger at asbestos case block

    AN EX-MINER is disgusted after being told to end his fight for compensation for a lung disease. Brian Prosser, 56, of Oakdale, has pleural thickening, a condition which he claims was caused by being exposed to asbestos while working in the mines between

  • National honours for Academy stars

    NEWPORT County's head of youth development Glyn Jones today expressed his delight as two of his young guns get ready for the ultimate honour, writes Michael Pearlman. Jones, who is in charge of the hugely successful Hartridge Newport Football Academy