Archive
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UK NEWS: Airports system shake-up considered
A shake-up of the way major UK airports are run and economically regulated has been signalled following a damning interim report from competition chiefs. Play Video First, the Competition Commission (CC) laid into airport operator BAA saying its
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Jealous husband attacked man - court hears
A JEALOUS husband who discovered his wife had had a relationship with her employer "barged" into his home in Cwmbran and attacked him in the presence of his wife and young daughter. Dean Leaman, 43 of Druidstone Road, St Mellons, admitted causing actual
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Strikes will close 30 schools
MORE than 30 schools will be closed as a result of a teachers strike on Thursday. Figures released from Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Newport councils revealed that many schools will be closed fully, while some will still be able to run
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Youngsters go international
YOUNGSTERS in Newport celebrate cultural differences as part of their school's international week. Pupils at St David's Roman Catholic Primary School, Park Crescent, took part in activities such as cookery, hand-painting, drama, dance and an Indian
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Long tailbacks after SDR crash
THERE was rush-hour traffic chaos in Newport this afternoon after a lorry overturned on the Southern Distributor Road. The lorry, carrying animal feed, overturned near the civic amenity site at around 4.45pm. The road was closed at 5.30pm for the lorry
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Huge expansion at Valleys factory
BOSSES at a Gwent factory today announced plans for a £16 million expansion that will see the creation of 125 new highly-skilled jobs just a week after we revealed 15 jobs were under threat. Last month Blaenavon-based Doncasters cut 19 jobs, and last
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New Gwent chief constable named
GWENT Police's new chief constable was named tonight as Mick Giannasi. Currently the force's deputy chief constable, Mr Giannasi will take over the top post from outgoing chief Mike Tonge, who is due to retire from the Force in the autumn. Cilla Davies
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Woman attacked on her doorstep
POLICE in Blackwood are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted on her own doorstep in the middle of the night. The 50-year-old woman was woken by the doorbell ringing at her home in Ivor Street, Fleur de Lys at around 12.40am on Monday
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Medieval ship gets space age treatment
NEWPORT'S medieval ship is set to get laser treatment thanks to a £10,000 donation from its friends. Over the last two years, the ship project has used leading edge technology to make a complete record of the timbers. A digital recording device
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BREAKING NEWS: Lorry overturns on SDR
A LORRY has overturned on Newport's Southern Distributor Road, near the civic amenity site. The vehicle is currently being recovered. There are reports of tailbacks.
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Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there.
When I was young I had an invisible friend called Johnny who liked playing football… yes I was a tomboy… I suppose, technically, since he was a construct of my mind I’ve still got him. Do invisible friends grow up? Am I now the proud owner of a 50 year
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Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there.
When I was young I had an invisible friend called Johnny who liked playing football… yes I was a tomboy… I suppose, technically, since he was a construct of my mind I’ve still got him. Do invisible friends grow up? Am I now the proud owner of a 50 year
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Colleagues mourn former mayor
EBBW Vale councillors paid tribute to former mayor, councillor and school governor Harry Evans, 78, who has died. Gwent police said a 78-year-old man was found deceased in Emlyn Avenue home on Monday. Mr Evans had worked as vice-chair of Penycwm
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Dancers waltz to top prize
YOUNG girls from across Newport scooped a top dancing prize at a top dancing competition. Eight kids, taught by Sian Rees of the Carol Goode Dancing School, won in the Energy of Dance 2008 under-12s group, which took place in Luton, near London.
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Tributes paid to city councillor
TRIBUTES were paid to a Newport councillor who passed away this week. Pat Bull, 66, who was seeking a second four-year term as a Liberal Democrat councillor in the St Julians ward, died on Saturday. As a result, the poll in the ward has been postponed
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ELECTION: City has a bright future
NEWPORT has undergone massive changes since the last council election. Shortly after the 2004 poll, urban regeneration company Newport Unlimited unveiled its masterplan for the city. Its 21st century vision covered a range of proposed developments
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It's all in a name...
I had a conversation with a work colleague yesterday. It went something like this. “Are you a Muslim?” they asked. “No. Why?” “Well it’s a Muslim name…” Gosh. I never thought of that. I asked my friend Luke if he was a Christian. “No.” he replied. Mathew
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It's all in a name...
I had a conversation with a work colleague yesterday. It went something like this. “Are you a Muslim?” they asked. “No. Why?” “Well it’s a Muslim name…” Gosh. I never thought of that. I asked my friend Luke if he was a Christian. “No.” he replied. Mathew
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Tabu-Standing on the Edge of Darkness
STANDING under the canopy of the huge spaceship tent, brought back memories of the last time I watched NoFit State Circus. Their award winning show, ImMortal was a memorable performance and took place in the same travelling venue as this entralling
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Last Tango in Blackwood and Late Entry
HERE was a second chance to see Blackwood Little Theatre's two entries in the recent Gwent One-Act Play Festival. And it was soon easy to understand why Last Tango In Blackwood - a comedy by David Tristram - carried off first prize for the group for
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Rhodri to visit jobs boost firm
First minister Rhodri Morgan is today visiting a Tredegar-based company which has announced strong half year sales results of £11.3m and which has appointed 43 new members of staff. Mr Morgan is at Penn Pharmaceuticals to open one of Wales' first high
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Move means more power
Lifting gear specialists Certex UK based at the Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, is set to increase its purchasing power and market profile following the news that it has become part of worldwide and privately-owned Axel Johnson International. Certex's
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Meaty business for the family
Cwmbran-based meat suppliers Willis Butchers and Croesllan Catering has recently undergone a total rebrand to emphasise the complete nature of the family-run business. Currently known as Croesllan Catering to the trade and Willis Butchers at its two
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Briefs
Law conference Progressive thinking law firms will be taking part in a conference to review and tackle the challenges facing the legal profession at The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport on April 30. With the Legal Services Act just around the corner,
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Science with a difference
Children in the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly county boroughs were offered science lessons with a difference during National Science and Engineering Week thanks to a local electronics manufacturing company. Newbridge-based Axiom Manufacturing Services
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Clear vision of the future
A Bargoed business specialising in lens technology has a clear vision for the future. Pole Optical operates as part of Bargoed Sight Centre which is located in the heart of the town centre. The firm manufactures ophthalmic lenses by grinding and polishing
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Economically speaking
Tim MacIntyre-Bhatty, Dean of the Business School, University of Wales, Newport, brings you his month column This month I am interested to see the global movements linking land usage and economic development, and the imperatives it provides for current
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Deal saves 30 jobs at precision company
Precision Engineers ET Equipments, based in Gwent, has been acquired from its American parent company by local entrepreneur Mervyn Ham and his wife Michelle in a deal which safeguards 30 jobs. The Cwmfelinfach firm was formed in the 1970s as Electrotech
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Launch of Ryder Cup deals
Ryder Cup Europe has finalised plans for corporate hospitality when golf's greatest team event is held at The Celtic Manor Resort in September 2010. Co-ordinated by Ryder Cup Hospitality 2010 Ltd (RCH2010), the hospitality arm of Ryder Cup Europe LLP
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New head
Jackie Orme is the new chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the leading professional body for all those involved in the management and development of people.
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On the move
Marcella Maxwell, chief executive of Chwarae Teg, the organisation which promotes the role of women in the Welsh economy, has been appointed Wales director of Working Links, the UK-wide organisation which helps long-term unemployed people return to work
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Finance role
Ian Johnson, the former CEO of Biotrace International Plc, has been appointed chairman of Finance Wales, the provider of commercial funding to SMEs in Wales. Mr Johnson, who was appointed through an open selection process, is currently chairman and deputy
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Sara joins team
Sara Taylor has joined the team at George Wimpey South Wales as director of sales and marketing. With more than 20 years experience in the property industry, both as a sales manager and more recently involved in the development of a new build and land
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Architect to build on success
One of Wales' leading architects has joined Austin-Smith: Lord to assist in the expansion of their arts and culture team, which designed Newport's Riverfront Theatre. The firm has undertaken a range of high-profile projects in Gwent including a new school
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Louise to drive growth plans
A South Wales-based fire safety firm has made a key appointment to its management team to drive its ambitious growth plans. Smoke Control Services (SCS) has appointed Louise Umbleja, 26, to the newly created role of business development manager as part
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Paul hopes to forge good relationships
Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets has appointed Paul Williams as a relationship director within the 24-strong South Wales and Severnside team. Paul began his career with The Royal Bank of Scotland before moving to the Bank of Ireland, where he was head of
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Talking shop
By Ken Ellis, president of Newport Chamber of Trade, brings you his monthly column With all the disruption in the city centre, I am at a loss as to why the local authority appears to be reluctant to introduce a proper Park and Ride scheme. It has
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Raising dough is easy with payroll donations
Marie Curie Cancer Care is urging more businesses to follow in the footsteps of Brace's Bakery and help fight cancer with payroll donations. More than 30 members of Brace's staff will contribute directly to the charity from their monthly pay, following
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Budget round up
By Sarah Case, Director, Newport office, Broomfield & Alexander Mr Darling's first budget last month came at a time when the government wants to balance the books to offset the cost of Northern Rock, defence and increased spending in schools. He was
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General Support for One2One and your business
The Wales Co-operative Centre's General Support for Business project has been running for just over a year in south east Wales. Many co-operatives and social enterprises have benefited from having a free business health check, followed by specialist
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Good news?
There were great celebrations in a small part of France recently as notoriously strict Gallic wine lawmakers for once decided to say "oui" to proposals to extend Champagne country. OK, so it's only 40 villages in the Rheims area, and it was preceded
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Astrum backs Pod
Astrum has chosen Welsh hospital charity Pod to support in 2008. Pod was formed more than 30 years ago and will this year provide more than 1,800 shows to young patients throughout the country. It supports hospitals in their efforts to make children's
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ELECTION: Five Newport councillors will retire
FIVE sitting councillors have decided not to stand for re-election this time around: Erryl Heath, Mohammed Asghar, Bill Pursey, Laura Buchanan-Smith and Veronica Watkins. Cllr Heath, who represented Rogerstone for Labour, was cabinet member for development
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Milking it for what it’s worth
Most innovators will know that they need to protect their creations, but how does the process work? Arella Creations, which has patents pending on its Topster design, tells how its design went from the drawing board to the high street. It was
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Changing times as two join forces
Two leading national consultancies with a combined turnover of £60m have joined forces to create a powerful new change management service throughout the UK. CMC Partnership, based in Monmouthshire, and Methods Consulting, headquartered in London, are
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Helping fight against back pain
TTems, the largest UK-owned global EMS provider, has been awarded AS9100, accrediting its manufacture in Rogerstone of safety critical flight systems for the aerospace industry. The firm's Rogerstone base is also the first Welsh business site to be audited
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SCHOOL STRIKE: Blaenau Gwent schools to close
THIS is the situation for schools in Blaenau Gwent for the school strike on 24th April. COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOLS - CLOSED Abertillery Comprehensive Brynmawr Comprehensive Ebbw Vale Comprehensive Glyncoed Comprehensive Nantyglo Comprehensive Tredegar
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One man’s waste is another’s energy
Because society prefers not to think about waste, it has a distorted understanding of waste management. Waste has the logistical characteristics of an ordinary product, but in reverse. The disappearance of large convenient landfill sites adjacent to main
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Business as usual for MII after firm’s acquisition
Newport-based Mechanical Installations International Limited has been acquired by Swiss firm Von Roll Environmental Technology Ltd and it is keen to stress to existing and potential customers that it will be business as usual'. The Swiss company
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Fundraising evening proves a success
Newport Chamber of Trade recently raised £1,000 at a fundraising evening, held at the Rat Trap, in Usk The money was for the Mayor's Charity and the president of the chamber, Ken Ellis is pictured right resenting Newport's Mayor Councillor Alan Morris
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Jobs saved at print firm
Twenty-five jobs have been saved after administrators from business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialists Begbies Traynor have completed the sale of print and packaging firm Aurora Colours, based in Caerphilly. The sale, to Watershed Packaging
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Acorn’s good inspection
Wales' education and training inspectorate Estyn has delivered a major boost to Acorn, one of the largest work based learning providers in Wales. The company has been highly praised by Estyn for its delivery of funded vocational training programmes throughout
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Start fresh in new financial year
The impending arrival of the new tax year offers the perfect excuse for small businesses to take a good look at their finances and plan for the year ahead. Anthony Pilkington, managing director of BookCheck Ltd, is an expert in small business finance
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Mortgages just for the locals
Monmouthshire Building Society has announced that for the short term it is not accepting applications from mortgage introducers. The society, which is based in Newport, has taken this step because it sees its priority as meeting the needs of local people
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Credit crunch hitting smaller firms
New research carried out by the Small Business Research Trust, in conjunction with the Forum of Private Business, shows that smaller firms are bearing the brunt of the credit crunch. The FPB believes that barriers to growth faced by small businesses,
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Financially speaking
By Steve Theaker, of Peacheys Alistair Darling presented his first Budget last month and after the Northern Rock saga and the changes of mind on the simplification' of capital gains tax, we are all left wondering if it will be his last. On the economy
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Getting into the housing market
Barclays Commercial Banking has funded one of the biggest, large scale voluntary transfers in Wales to create Monmouthshire Housing Association Ltd. The £45m funding package will incorporate the transfer of more than 3,600 properties from council ownership
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Business goes for gold
Newport-based Bisley Office Equipment has become a gold partner of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - the first company in Wales to do so. More than 10,000 young people across Wales take on the challenge of a Duke of Edinburgh's Award each year. These involves
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New recruits to help division’s growth aims
Heavy investment in staff and IT has helped a South Wales law firm to buck the downward trend in the homes market and achieve powerful growth in its conveyancing division. Newport-based Harding Evans has recruited five new staff to continue the expansion
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Low carbon homes
Turning the UK's existing housing stock into low carbon homes could be achieved by the end of the next decade if there is significant investment in green' technology such as solar water heating, a report claims. But without a radical shift in Government
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Hit the target
Welsh manufacturers should reduce packaging or risk missing out on substantial cost savings - that's the message from sustainability programme Envirowise as the government introduces tougher targets on packaging recycling and recovery for UK firms. The
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Search is on
Barclays Commercial Bank has launched the Green Leaders in Business Awards, a search for UK and Ireland's top businesses who are developing and implementing innovative new solutions to help protect the environment. The awards will recognise companies
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Employees urge bosses to help cut emissions
Employees across Wales are ready and willing to shrink their workplace emissions but need more support from their employers to do so. According to the findings of a Carbon Trust report into employees' attitudes to carbon reduction, more than half (59
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Online tool will help business save cash
Sustainability programme Envirowise has launched a free online tool to help Welsh businesses examine their environmental impact and explore the cost savings available through reducing it. Called the Envirowise Indicator, the interactive resource has
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‘Green’ improvements are a top priority
Making environmental improvements and reducing resource consumption will become a top priority for more than half (54 per cent) of Newport companies during the next year, according to research from Envirowise. With increasing environmental legislation
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Marathon nurse set to raise £1000
THE daughter of a Hospice of the Valleys nurse is on target to raise £1,000 after running the London Marathon last weekend. Joanna Le Vannais, 29, who lives in London, finished the 26 mile course in four hours 50 minutes. Her mother Sharon Le Vannais
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Deals…
Acting on behalf of Wil Mor Wil, Hutchings & Thomas have negotiated the sale of its former showroom and stores, in George Town, Tredegar. The freehold was sold for £335,000. The premises comprised a ground floor showroom and sales counter with upper
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Jobs boost at Wales 1
Work has begun on Wales 1, a stunning £60m business park scheme at the gateway to South Wales. The business park, which aims to create some 2,500 new jobs, is strategically located at Junction 23a, of the M4, at Magor - the first motorway stop in South
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Commercially speaking
By Robert Carew-Chaston, managing director, Hutchings & Thomas Chartered Surveyors, Newport One only has to cast an eye over any of our major cities in Wales, including our very own Newport, to witness the exciting changes that are taking place.
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Advisor appointed
King Sturge has been appointed principal property adviser to Thomas Cook UK & Ireland for its UK retail portfolio, including 31 stores in South Wales which make up the travel company's highest regional concentration of properties. Three are in Newport
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Contracts signed for new power station
Severn Power Limited has signed contracts with Siemens AG and Siemens for the design, engineering, construction, commissioning, testing and completion, operation and management of the 850MW Severn Power Combined Cycle gas turbine plant at Uskmouth near
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£1.5m investment for recycling firm
A South Wales recycling specialist has completed a £1.5m investment in a facility at Newport - improving efficiency at a complex where 90 per cent of all collected waste is reused and recycled. The investment by GD Environmental places the firm at the
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MBO leads to premier league
Brynmawr component manufacturer TSA has doubled its turnover and almost trebled its workforce since a management buy out and has now entered the ranks of the auto industry's premier league of suppliers. It marks a significant turn around of fortunes
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Pharmaceutical firm shows the way on green issues
A Blaenau Gwent-based pharmaceutical company which has taken an industry lead on environmental good practice has been named as a role model company. Located in Tredegar, Penn Pharmaceutical is one of the UK's leading providers of pharmaceutical outsourcing
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ROBIN DAVEY SAYS: Time to write-off season for Dragons fans
IF you are a Newport Gwent Dragons fan the best thing you can do for the rest of this season is batten down the hatches, close your eyes and wait for it all to end. And then open them in the knowledge that a host of new players of a better standard than
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ROBIN DAVEY SAYS: Our Joe is the legend
SO our Joe did it. He went to America, he exposed himself to the bright lights of Las Vegas and he took on the Executioner' and beat Bernard Hopkins in his own back yard. Some achievement! Joe deserves all the accolades which are coming his way ... the
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Tragic crash mum leaves children
MUM-OF-TWO Kaylee Goddard was one of those killed in the weekend of devastation that saw four dead. The 20-year-old from Blaina died after the car she was travelling in crashed on the A467 near Abertillery. Ms Goddard was one of five people in the
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ROBIN DAVEY SAYS: Fans let down by Six Nations
WHY, oh why are the rugby authorities so intent on killing the golden goose which is the Six Nations Championship? It's the crown jewels of Northern Hemisphere rugby, the best tournament in the world even, way ahead of the Tri Nations in the southern
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SCHOOL STRIKE: Monmouthshire schools to close
THIS is the situation for schools in Monmouthshire for the school strike on 24th April. SCHOOLS TO STAY OPEN Kymin View Primary Monmouth Comprehensive 11, 12 & 13 Llandogo (partially) Raglan (KS2) only Cross Ash CALDICOT Green Lane West
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SCHOOL STRIKE: Torfaen schools to close
As of 18 April 2008 all schools are open to staff but with regard to pupils the situation is as follows: - Schools Open Brookfield J&I Coed Eva Inf Croesyceiliog Jnr Fairwater High (SNRB closed) Greenmeadow J&I Henllys J&I Hillside Nursery
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Harrington to make debut
OPEN champion Padraig Harrington is the latest big name golfer to confirm he will be taking part in this year's Wales Open. The Irishman, who beat Sergio Garcia in a play-off to win the Open last year, will line up alongside home favourite Bradley Dredge
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Dragons signings are on way
THE return of Shaun Connor to Rodney Parade on a two-year contract, as revealed on the Argus website yesterday, is expected to be the first of a number of signings by Newport Gwent Dragons as they seek to give the flagging side a new look for next season
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ARGUS COMMENT: 10p tax mess will hurt Labour
WE don't need to tell Gordon brown what a mess he has made of the abolition of the 10p tax rate. It is a clear embarrassment for the government and has been seized upon by the opposition in typically opportunist fashion. It seems clear that the
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ARGUS COMMENT: Clarity needed on school protest
THE extraordinary scenes at Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School yesterday demonstrated that, if nothing else, modern day pupils and parents are not prepared to accept unpopular change without a fight. It would appear that Caerphilly Council and the
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Pupil protest sparks U-turn
CAERPHILLY council was last night forced to make a dramatic u-turn on plans to axe a number of teachers at Pontllanfraith after pupils took unprecedented action. The planned redundancies, which were blamed on budget difficulties as a result of falling
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Far East vets gambled on marriage
WRAF girl Kathy Mackay who has been decorated by the Malaysian government has revealed how she won her RAF policeman husband Stuart - as a bet. "One of the other telephonists out in Singapore with me had been talking to him on duty and remarked that
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UK NEWS: Turn veggie for the environment - Sir Paul
Turning vegetarian is the biggest change anyone could make in their lifestyle to help the environment, Sir Paul McCartney said today. The former Beatle said the world's meat industry was one of the major contributors to global warming, as he urged
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Robinson and Lineen join Scotland set-up
FORMER England head coach Andy Robinson will assist Frank Hadden in Scotland's summer tour of Argentina, the SRU have confirmed. The Edinburgh coach and Glasgow counterpart Sean Lineen have been brought in after the SRU conducted a review of Scotland's
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UK NEWS: Bare-knuckle fight videos condemned
Videos of teenagers taking part in bare-knuckle fights in the street which were posted on the internet were today condemned as "reprehensible". Police have launched investigations into reports of the street fights in the Holmewood area of Bradford
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UK NEWS: Deport 'crook' al Fayed, says Tory
A Tory frontbencher today called for Harrods boss Mohamed al Fayed to be deported from the UK, labelling him a "thief, crook and liar''. Gerald Howarth said at Commons question time he had caused "great distress'' by making "absurd allegations'' over
