Meg Jenkins

Elsie Maidment celebrated her 100th birthday at Aria Care Home in Newport on August 11, surrounded by her daughters, family, fellow residents and staff. Her daughters helped organize the event, and the celebrations included a congratulatory letter from King Charles III. Maidment has lived in Newport all her life and has been a resident of the care home for seven years.

Three-year-old Teddy Thomas served as Newport County’s youngest mascot during the club’s match against Roma, walking onto the pitch alongside captain Kyle Cameron on his birthday. The opportunity was arranged through Teddy’s godfather, Marco Oliver, whose company Configur sponsored the match. Newport County lost 4–1 despite Cameron scoring in the second half, but the occasion remained a memorable one for the club and Teddy’s family.

More than 5,000 residents and businesses have joined a legal claim alleging that pollution in the Wye, Lugg and Usk catchments has caused ecological damage, health risks, reduced property values, business losses and harm to quality of life. The claim, led by Leigh Day, attributes the pollution to chicken manure runoff from industrial poultry operations and sewage discharges, and names Avara Foods, Freemans of Newent and Welsh Water as defendants. A High Court order sets August 31 as the final deadline for additional claimants to join.

A free 360-degree pop-up planetarium will visit Newport Museum and Art Gallery on August 19 and 20. The family programme includes shows about dinosaurs, space, Earth’s climate and the night sky, including an astronomer-led tour, a climate science film, Dinosaurs at Dusk and We Are Astronomers, narrated by David Tennant. Each show is limited to 10 people and admission is first-come, first-served.

ICC Wales in Newport is hosting a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea during the Christmas period. The family-friendly menu includes seasonal savoury and sweet items such as roast turkey buns, coronation chicken baguettes and salted caramel chocolate Yule logs. Tickets cost £26 for adults and £18 for children aged two to 12, while infants under two eat free.

Torfaen Play will support nearly 3,000 children through more than 620 summer play sessions, alongside 15 Food and Fun camps offering meals, physical activity and enrichment. The program expects to provide about 30,000 healthy meals, with Lynne Neagle praising staff and volunteers and pledging to support continued government funding. The Welsh Government previously allocated £5.85 million for Food and Fun programs in 2026–2027.

The 2026 Abergavenny Food Festival will take place on September 19 and 20, offering a wide programme of food demonstrations, panel discussions, book events, foraging walks, workshops and live entertainment across the town center. Notable contributors include chefs, authors and food experts such as Sabrina Ghayour, Nathan Outlaw, Claire Thomson and Sheila Dillon. The festival remains a community‑rooted, not‑for‑profit event featuring more than 44 producers and multiple themed tents, culminating in a Saturday night celebration at Abergavenny Castle.

Newport Library will undergo a major upgrade to its children’s section with funding from a £5.28 million Welsh Government investment supporting cultural institutions across Wales. The grant aims to modernise facilities, improve accessibility and protect collections. Culture minister Heledd Fychan said the funding will help ensure libraries and museums remain welcoming community spaces.

Caerphilly County Borough joined the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities after two years of work to improve support for older residents. The council has created community hubs, strengthened partnerships with health and voluntary groups, and expanded intergenerational initiatives involving local schools. Officials emphasise ongoing collaboration as they prepare an Age-Friendly Action Plan for 2026–27 and invite residents to participate in consultations and community activities.

Singer-songwriter Lucy Shore, known as ‘Lucy That Sings’, will debut her new single Champagne By The Pool with a launch event at Le Pub in Newport on August 27, featuring a full band, guest musicians and supporting acts including Rhys Hone and We Are The Lost Boys. The single, produced at Northhouse Studios by Jon Greening, will be released the following day. Shore has partnered with local businesses to curate treats for attendees, with tickets available online.

Leaders from across Wales gathered at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to showcase AI‑driven public service projects developed through the Cardiff Capital Region’s Infuse Collision Space programme. Cross‑sector teams presented tools intended to prevent homelessness, improve social care coordination, and enhance personalised education and employment pathways. Stakeholders emphasised the value of collaboration between public, private, academic, and voluntary sectors in delivering innovative solutions to regional challenges.

Steve Lewis, a site manager at the Glan y Coed development in Cardiff, received the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job Quality Award, his second such recognition. With more than two decades of construction experience, he was praised by Persimmon Homes’ managing director Lee Hawker for his performance and teamwork. Winners advance to the next stage of the competition.

A University of South Wales graduate, Rosie Knight, has begun a career in the music industry after overcoming years of illness and educational disruption. Her experience in university music programmes and hands-on roles at the Immersed Festival led to an internship and subsequent freelance work with the climate-focused charity Music Declares Emergency. She has taken on responsibilities at major festivals and is committed to promoting sustainability in live events as she develops her career.

Wales’ first Women’s Health Minister, Delyth Jewell, committed to addressing the widespread normalisation of women’s pain in healthcare during a Women’s Health Summit in Cardiff. She emphasised the need for women to be believed about their bodies and highlighted the importance of patient voices in shaping services. Clinicians, researchers and women with lived experience contributed to discussions aimed at improving NHS engagement and informing updates to the Women’s Health Plan. Minimum standards for user involvement will be drafted as work begins to refresh the plan’s future priorities.

A Blaenau Gwent programme supported by the local council, the Local Energy Advice Partnership and community groups provides residents with face‑to‑face energy guidance, access to grants and free energy‑saving equipment. Officials report a significant rise in referrals and improvements in residents’ comfort and ability to manage energy costs. The service is delivered through accessible community locations and offers small home energy upgrades.

Commissioners will continue overseeing the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service beyond the upcoming local elections following a critical report that exposed systemic bullying, harassment and managerial failings. The Welsh Government said progress has been made under the commissioners but warned reforms are not yet deeply embedded. One commissioner, Carl Foulkes, will step down and be replaced, and authorities aim to ensure a controlled transition back to local governance.

More than 350 primary school pupils across Caerphilly competed in a bowls competition designed to promote active lifestyles, with 76 advancing to finals held at Islwyn Park and Oakdale Bowls Club. Councillor Chris Morgan praised the initiative for encouraging participation in diverse sports. Cluster rounds were held at several local bowls clubs, and four schools won in different age and gender categories. Sport Caerphilly invites residents to explore bowls and other physical activities through their social channels.

Six young competitors from Wales secured places on Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including Coleg Gwent student Logan Cook. Peter Jenkins of Holyhead, selected for Robot Systems Integration, described his demanding training journey and personal challenges following his father’s death. Additional Welsh representatives were named across several technical categories, supported by the Welsh Government’s Inspiring Skills Excellence programme. Officials highlighted the selections as evidence of strong investment in vocational skills, with WorldSkills promoting global standards in technical education.

Childcare workers and play professionals in Blaenau Gwent were honoured at the Childcare and Play Awards held at Llanhilleth Miners Institute, recognising their contribution to early years care. Speakers highlighted the sector’s importance to children and families, and several individuals from local childcare organisations received long‑service awards. The event emphasised collaboration and the vital role of childcare in strengthening communities.

Highlights a selection of recent photographs taken by members of the South Wales Argus Camera Club, featuring scenic landscapes, wildlife and warm-weather scenes across Gwent, and encourages readers to continue sharing images for future features.

A volunteer from Caerphilly, Elise, completed more than 420 hours with Home-Start Cymru while earning a degree in social pedagogy and raising two children, turning the experience into a pathway toward professional roles supporting families. She credited the charity for providing confidence and essential support. Home-Start Cymru highlighted how volunteering can build skills and employment opportunities and is currently recruiting volunteers across Wales.

A new interpretation panel has been installed at the Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones at Waun Y Pound to honour Bevan’s legacy as a powerful orator and founder of the NHS. Councillor John Morgan and MP Nick Smith praised Bevan’s ability to overcome a severe stammer and inspire through public speaking. The location is notable for Bevan’s historic public gatherings and memorial service.

The Welsh Government is creating a new 10-year national cancer strategy aimed at improving prevention, early diagnosis and consistent, high‑quality care across Wales. Health minister Mabon ap Gwynfor emphasized the need to address current gaps, outdated approaches and regional disparities. The plan will incorporate international best practices and gather input from patients, clinicians and charities, including the Wales Cancer Alliance. Additional measures include financial support for cancer survivors, travel and accommodation assistance for young patients and a feasibility study for a Rapid Diagnostic Centre in Powys, with publication targeted for February 2027.

Wales & West Utilities earned its thirteenth consecutive RoSPA Gold Award for maintaining high health and safety standards across its gas network operations in Wales and southwest England. Chief operating officer Rob Long credited employees and partners for sustaining safety as a core priority, highlighting work ranging from emergency response to carbon monoxide awareness. The RoSPA programme remains the UK’s largest health and safety awards scheme, with nearly 2,000 entries each year.

A royal charity polo match hosted by the Prince of Wales raised £100,000 for Wales Air Ambulance, one of ten beneficiaries of the event. The Prince, a former air ambulance pilot and current Royal Patron of the charity, was praised for his support. Wales Air Ambulance, which must raise £13 million annually to operate its critical care service, marked its 25th anniversary this year. The event contributes to more than £15 million raised through Royal Charity Polo Days over the past 15 years.

Hywel Peterson stepped down as chair of the NSPCC Cymru/Wales Appeal Board after three years during which £4.4 million was raised to support children and families. His work earned him an MBE and an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. NSPCC leadership praised his commitment, citing his role in inspiring generosity across Wales despite challenging circumstances.

Riflemen from the Rifles Regiment will be honoured at a parade at Beachley Barracks in Chepstow on August 6, 2026, after completing a demanding six‑week Junior Non‑Commissioned Officer Promotion Cadre. Soldiers from multiple battalions will participate, with Brigadier Sam Cates attending as a VIP.

A government programme known as Pathways to Work has supported around 100,000 disabled people and individuals with long-term health conditions by offering voluntary, personalised employment assistance through Jobcentre advisers across the UK. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted the scheme’s positive impact on confidence and job readiness. A participant named Deborah credited the support with helping her secure employment after 16 years out of work. The initiative was first introduced in March 2025.

Five site managers working on Barratt and Redrow developments across South Wales received NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Awards for excellence in workmanship, leadership and on-site management. Sales director Sian Smith praised the achievement as a reflection of the team’s dedication to building high‑quality homes. The award-winning managers were recognised for work at several developments across Gwent, with the long-running NHBC scheme highlighting top performance in the house‑building industry.

A £1.3 million all‑weather 3G sports pitch has opened at Cwmbran High School, replacing the old surface and adding modern lighting, fencing and flexible pitch layouts. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Welsh Government and council contributions, the project also upgraded a lower pitch and converted a disused tennis court into a multi‑use area. School leaders and Torfaen Council highlighted the benefits for pupils and the wider community, with the facility available for public bookings outside school hours.

KidCare4U Saturday Club in Newport was recognised at the Accolades awards celebrating excellence in care, with more than 140 entries submitted from across Wales. Judges selected finalists across childcare, early years and social care programmes, with winners announced at a ceremony in Cardiff. Leaders from Social Care Wales praised the essential role of care providers and highlighted the sector’s positive impact on children, adults and families. The club supports over 185 young people through educational help, confidence‑building and skill development.

A Pontypool firm, Pro Steel Engineering, is supplying steel for bridge reconstruction around Kyiv, a project supported by UK Export Finance and highlighted at the Ukraine Recovery Conference. The work has created jobs in Wales and contributed to rebuilding critical infrastructure, with UK officials praising the role of British companies in Ukraine’s long-term recovery efforts. Four bridges have been completed since 2024, with two more expected later in the year, as part of ongoing UK–Ukraine infrastructure collaboration.

A roundup of six weekend events across Gwent highlights community activities including an open day at Newport City Dogs Home, an art masterclass, a mindful painting session at Llanyrafon Manor Farm, the Monster Truck Motorfest in Chepstow, a family open day hosted by Treetop Roofing in Ebbw Vale, and the Maindee Festival featuring performances and family entertainment.

Gwent venues are hosting several themed events on July 4, including an American‑inspired evening at Lines Taproom, a West End‑themed day party at Fire & Ice, the grand opening celebration at The Measure Inn in Caldicot, and a Motörhead tribute performance by Motörheadache at The Patriot in Crumlin.

Torfaen Play Service received a Social Care Wales Accolade for innovative recruitment and retention through community volunteer engagement, which supports play provision and helps young volunteers build skills and pursue careers in the sector. The award was one of seven presented at a ceremony in Cardiff, where Social Care Wales leaders highlighted the essential contributions of Wales’s care workforce. A large pool of entries was narrowed to a shortlist judged by care‑experienced individuals and board members, with leaders offering praise and thanks to all winners.

A three‑bedroom semi‑detached house on Cardiff Road in Newport is listed for sale, featuring an open‑plan kitchen and dining area, refitted shower room, gated driveway, and a rear garden with a powered summer house. The property offers good transport links to Cardiff and Bristol and is presented as suitable for first‑time buyers, families, or those looking to downsize.

A three-bedroom semi-detached house in the Garden Suburbs of Pontywaun, Crosskeys is listed for £190,000, offering a lounge with wood flooring, a kitchen-dining area, three bedrooms, and a shower room. The home includes an expansive rear garden and off-road parking for two vehicles, with the estate agent highlighting its convenient access to amenities and suitability for first-time buyers or those seeking a quiet neighbourhood.

A four‑bedroom end‑terrace house on Mill Street in Risca is listed for sale at a guide price of £190,000, offering a lounge–diner, kitchen, bathroom, two double and two single bedrooms, and an enclosed rear garden with patio, artificial lawn and shed. The property is promoted as well located for amenities, schools and transport links, making it suitable for families or individuals seeking a community setting.