Maria Cassidy

Young astronomy enthusiast Efan Dafydd advises people watching the UK’s partial solar eclipse to use undamaged specialist solar glasses and proper solar filters for cameras, telescopes and binoculars, warning that ordinary sunglasses and old eclipse glasses are unsafe. More than 90% of the Sun will be covered across most of the UK, making it the largest visible eclipse there until 2090. Efan also describes his ambition to become an astronaut, inspired by Tim Peake’s advice to pursue engineering or an RAF route, stay fit, remain healthy and learn Russian.

Emergency volunteers urged the public to avoid wildfire-affected areas in Wales after rescuing two people who entered a restricted part of Eryri National Park to film fires with a drone. The South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team said the pair ignored road closures and police advice, creating an avoidable rescue that required specialist assets and incurred significant public expense. Fire and rescue authorities reported that rain had reduced the immediate risk in the Rhinogydd mountains and that crews had withdrawn from several other affected locations, while continuing to advise the public to follow official updates and safety restrictions.

A 66-year-old woman from Llanyravon collapsed and died in her GP surgery after waiting several days for an appointment. An inquest heard that medical staff were unable to save her, and no cause of death was identified in the initial post-mortem. Her family questioned the advice and care she received, suggesting missed opportunities. A full inquest is scheduled for next March.

Cast members of the Disney+ series Rivals used fake cigarettes while filming in Wales because smoking is banned in workplaces, including TV sets. Actor Oliver Chris described initial confusion over the plastic substitutes and said the restrictions applied to scenes filmed in Welsh locations. He reflected on the enjoyment of playing an unpleasant character, while writer Laura Wade recounted Jilly Cooper’s humorous criticism about portraying her macho characters as too emotional.

Cast members of the Disney+ series Rivals used fake cigarettes during filming in Wales because workplace smoking laws prohibit smoking on TV sets. Oliver Chris described the confusion caused by the plastic props and reflected on the enjoyment of playing an unpleasant character. Filming locations included properties in Monmouthshire, and writer Laura Wade recalled Dame Jilly Cooper’s humorous feedback about character portrayals. The series continues to attract attention with its notable cast and production anecdotes.