Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales) back issues from December 2007:
BBC rubbishes reports of Catherine-Billie tensions.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Rin Simpson Western Mail The bbc last night dismissed claims Billie Piper and Catherine Tate did not get along when they appeared on the Doctor Who set together for the first time. Piper was making her return to the hit sci-fi series alongside Tate, who ...
One hundred Welsh clergy revolt over women bishops.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By David Williamson Western Mail More than 100 clergy from across the Church in Wales have warned they will not accept the leadership of women bishops. The potentially damaging rift emerged after the publication of an open letter from traditionalists who ...
Lives put on hold in battle for first home.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Hopefuls are missing out on social lives, a holiday and cutting back on shopping to save a deposit FIRST-TIME buyers are putting their lives on hold as they struggle to get enough money together for a deposit, according to a new survey. Two-thirds of people trying to ...
PR guru predicts pounds 1m for Cerys.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Tim Lewis Western Mail Cerys matthews could earn more than pounds 1m in the next year off the back of her appearance on I'm A Celebrity ...Get Me Out Of Here!, it was predicted last night. Top PR guru Max Clifford said the former Catatonia front- woman's ...
The First word.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Hannah Jones Western Mail ARe you all prepared for Christmas? I've been pretty good this year and done lots of my shopping already, with much of it packed up and hidden in places I'm bound to forget come Christmas Eve. That said, the older I get, the more ...
Back to a period of grace and elegance.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Prestigious residence Glan-y-Dwr has been lovingly refurbished to reinstate a wealth of original features GLAN-Y-DWR is a beautifully presented, sizeable period residence of considerable character, arguably one of the most prestigious in Crickhowell. In part dating ...
Housing group wins praise for eco policy.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... A housing association based in South Wales has been acknowledged for its impressive work on increasing environmental sustainability. United Welsh was recently rewarded for its environmentally friendly approach to housing development, community regeneration and employee ...
Police launch crackdown on shops selling alcohol to underage drinkers.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Chris Greenwood Police in Wales and England yesterday launched a four-week blitz on shops that sell alcohol to under-age drinkers. Plainclothes officers will visit poorly-managed premises with a history of alcohol-related violence, crime and disorder. ...
Moving on up! Penthouse prices buck the trend.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Steffan Rhys Western Mail Penthouses, seen as the last word in luxury living, have long towered over their street-level rivals in the housing market. But as well as dominating the traditional two-up, two-down, both literally and as a status symbol, ...
Watch out for falling trees as weather forecasters predict gusts of 65mph.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Robin Turner Western Mail Wales has been warned to prepare for severe gales this weekend with gusts of up to 65mph forecast for coast and upland areas tomorrow. Forecasters also warned of heavy rain following one of the driest autumns on record. ...
Gangster's police lover remains on duty.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... A woman police officer in Wales has kept her job after her lover was jailed for 17 years for a series of armed robberies, it emerged yesterday. Jill Evans, 39, a sergeant with Dyfed-Powys Police will be monitored in the coming months to see if her relationship with convict Dean ...
Pack up a paperback.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Fill your present wish list with tales of exploded myths, shattered illusions and flame haired survivors with Waterstone's guide to the best Christmas books for all the family Treats for kids, from magical picture books, thrilling fiction and a fantastic range of annuals and Dr ...
How to get your dream bedroom.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Yvonne Jones We spend almost a third of our lives in the bedroom sleeping - more time than in any other room in the house. So creating a relaxed and welcoming environment in the bedroom is very important, and in my opinion comfort shouldn't be compromised for the sake ...
Pensioner drove at hunters gathering in village.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... An impatient pensioner who accelerated his car into a busy hunt gathering was banned from driving yesterday for three years. Frail Robert Wilson, 82, of Llandovery, loudly revved his car and accelerated down a narrow village lane where three hunts, including 40 horses and ...
Y Pris is right on the doorstep from actress Nia's coach house haven.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Emily Lambert Western Mail As actress Nia Roberts sits on her sofa and looks out across the open space of her living area, she feels a sense of relaxation, calm and warmth. The walls in this south-facing apartment are painted mainly white, and with the ...
Barratt offers some early presents to buyers moving before Christmas.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... The next phase of development has just been announced at Barratt's popular Parc Tyn y Coed site at Sarn. But for those wanting to move before Christmas, a selection of three-bedroom houses is now available. "The second phase will be ready for occupation next summer, ...
Up to 4% price rise predicted.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... House prices in Wales will increase between 2% and 4% in 2008, according to a leading property expert. David Bexon, managing director of SmartNewHomes.com, also predicts that interest rates will drop by 0.50% over the course of the year, average new home prices will rise between ...
Custody for youth in seaside gang fight.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... A judge yesterday spoke of how a large scale disturbance involving up to 30 people must have been terrifying for residents and holiday-makers. Judge John Rogers QC said it was time that defendant Saeed Mohammed Jones faced a substantial sentence, and he was given two years and ...
In a balanced equation, Polish and Welsh classmates trade help with maths and English.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Abbie Wightwick Western Mail If bethany, aged nine, needs help with her maths she can nudge Jozef at the next desk, and later she returns the favour by helping her classmate with his English. Then they both ensure the school football team wins by confusing ...
HIPs for all will hike up prices, survey suggests.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Emily Lambert A survey of estate agents has revealed what a contentious issue Home Information Packs (HIPs) still are. The results come only days after the Government announced that HIPs will be rolled out to one- and two-bedroom properties from December ...
Housing market's supply and demand sees sharp fall.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Although the supply of property reaching estate agents' books has fallen dramatically since August, there are signs demand is falling too as ingredients of a "buyer's market" slot swiftly into place. Figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reveal that ...
Wales Rally GB stage is cancelled after man and nephew, 14, injured.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Robin Turner Western Mail A stage of the Wales Rally GB was stopped yesterday when two spectators were injured. Race officials and South Wales Police began an investigation immediately into what happened in forestry above Port Talbot. The ...
Freed journalist Johnston to get honorary degree.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Freed journalist Alan Johnston is to be awarded an honorary degree, it was announced yesterday. The BBC correspondent, who was held hostage for 114 days, is being given an honorary doctorate of letters by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Mr Johnston, who grew up ...
Roadblock stalls Welsh public transport plan.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... A watchdog covering all public transport in Wales cannot be fully set up without changing primary legislation, the Welsh Assembly Government has admitted. In spring 2004 the Westminster Government agreed to give the WAG the power to establish a Public Transport Users' Committee ...
Smoke-bomb pupils arrested by police.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... ABOUT 15,000 school pupils gathered yesterday to protest over a government plan that they say has failed to improve education in Amsterdam. Travelling to Museum Square from around the country, some lit fireworks and threw smoke bombs, and 20 were arrested for disorderly ...
Vicky's family 'robbed of seeing her growing up'.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Matt Dickenson Mourners at the funeral of Vicky Hamilton yesterday were told the schoolgirl's family had been "robbed" of seeing her grow up. Redding Parish Church near Falkirk was packed as family and friends finally paid their respects to the ...
Huntsman wins conviction appeal.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... THE first huntsman to be convicted of breaching the Hunting Act won his appeal yesterday. Tony Wright, 53, huntsman with the Exmoor Foxhounds, appealed against his conviction at Barnstaple Magistrates Court last year of hunting a wild animal with dogs, a charge he denied. He was ...
Dozens confirmed dead after plane crash in Turkey.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... An atlasjet plane crashed shortly before it was to land in central Turkey yesterday, killing all 56 people on board, the airline's chief executive said. A rescue helicopter had reached the wreckage of the plane in a mountainous region in Isparta province and reported back that ...
Mob calls for teacher to be shot over teddy blasphemy.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By John Fahey A british teacher jailed in Sudan for insulting Islam by allowing her class to name a teddy bear Mohammed was last night moved to a secret location for her own safety. The dramatic move was made after thousands of weapon-wielding protesters ...
Suspects lose appeal for release at Italian court over murder of exchange student.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Craig Woodhouse Two of the suspects held in connection with the murder of British exchange student Meredith Kercher had their appeal to be released from prison rejected by a court in Perugia yesterday. Giuliano Mignini, the lead investigator in the case, ...
Doctor in training 'test' is cleared to practise.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Pat Hurst A doctor who switched off vital equipment during surgery to test junior doctors' training has been cleared of misconduct by medical watchdogs. Dr James Murphy, 49, turned off the power supply to anaesthetics machinery and told junior colleagues ...
Once, I would have railed against the "compromises" of adult life. Owning a home. Marriage. Kids. Career. There's no doubt that being 36 can be daunting. But would I trade places with that bold, insecure, brash 17-year-old? Not a chance.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Tryst Williams Western Mail Am at a gig. By a band I first saw as a 17-year-old. Half a lifetime ago. I'm with my wife - a woman I met more than 15 years ago. I've got a pint of lager in my hand, like I would have in the 1980s. The music's "indie", of the ...
Far from there being any chasm in the Cabinet, there is not an inch between them, says Straw.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Tomos Livingstone Western Mail Brown still 'fully supportive' of deputy Harman LABOUR was forced to deny a rift between its leader and deputy last night as the police prepared to question those caught up in the secret donations row. Downing ...
Women's Own.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Lynne Barrett-Lee Western Mail 'I'm off to the hairdressers' being synonymous with whole half days passing in a motherless fugue, a father in a very bad mood, and a denouement that usually consisted of Not Speaking, following the classic line, 'HOW much?!' ...
MPs urge leader to use 'proxy' funds scandal as chance to reform system.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By James Tapsfield Labour MPs have urged Gordon Brown to turn the "proxy" donations scandal to his advantage by forcing through controversial reforms of party funding. The Prime Minister could claim the "high moral ground" by bringing in fundamental changes ...
Eventful week for Hain ends with revelation that he failed to declare donation.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Tomos Livingstone Western Mail Welsh Secretary Peter Hain's admission that he failed to register a pounds 5,000 donation to his deputy leadership campaign comes after a packed week for the Neath MP. On Wednesday Mr Hain delivered a warning to AMs and MPs ...
Beyond the Bay.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... It's almost seven months since the Welsh Assembly elections, but what happened to those who cleared their desks at the Senedd? Tim Lewis spoke to four former AMs who describe what life has been like since that fateful day back in May. Alun Pugh was the Labour Assembly Member for Clwyd West ...
Never mind his 'to-do' list for now, what Brown needs to do first is to clear the party's finances scandal and try to salvage Labour's brand.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Tomos Livingstone Western Mail After a week of revelations over secret donations to the Labour Party, Political Editor Tomos Livingstone traces the events of a remarkable seven days and assesses the impact they could have on Gordon Brown's government A ...
Well, wood you believe it? Traditional toys are back.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Shoppers are snapping up wooden toys this Christmas in a reaction against plastics, batteries and microchips. Rocking horses, dolls' houses, musical instruments and train sets are among the wooden items selling fast at Welsh toy shops. Some customers believe a wooden ...
Peer pressure and pester power may cause 'shoe with a toy' to damage children's feet.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Rhodri Clark Western Mail Shoes that come with a small toy in the heel could be leading children to demand their parents buy them ill-fitting footwear, experts warned yesterday. Shoemaker Clarks is currently promoting its YoToy range, featuring a toy in ...
Summing up in Pole's stabbing case on Monday.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... A murder trial jury will retire on Monday to decide whether Scotsman Thomas Blue is guilty of murdering a young Polish man living and working in Wrexham. Judge John Rogers QC will sum up the week-long trial to jury members at Mold Crown Court on Monday morning and will then ask ...
English bitch.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Steffan Rhys Western Mail The Crown Prosecution Service last night defended its decision to pursue racial harassment charges against a grandfather who called a Welsh woman an "English bitch". Michael Forsythe, 55, was given a suspended prison sentence at ...
Blood service appeals for a special Christmas gift to help patients in need.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Blood stocks are reaching seriously low levels in Wales as winter illnesses and Christmas pressures take their toll on the number of donors. The Welsh Blood Service has just 166 units of O-negative blood in stock - below the comfort level of 200 units. And it has some 500 units ...
Health services ordered to develop action plans as report highlights concerns over standards.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Madeleine Brindley Western Mail The Western Mail can today reveal how your local NHS is performing against a new set of standards designed to improve patient care. Our assessment, based on data compiled by Health Inspectorate Wales, rates North East Wales ...
Most of over-50s would pay to have treatment.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Mark Bulstrode More than half of people over 50 would pay for drugs or treatments not available on the NHS, a new survey said today. A poll of 6,000 people carried out by Saga and Populus found 52% would be prepared to meet the cost of treatments for ...
Still wild about.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Karen Price Western Mail Sometimes you just can't beat good old-fashioned fish and chips. The traditional British tucker is simple but tasty and it is always a great comfort food. So it comes as no surprise really that Harry Ramsden's - the home of fish ...
Portmeirion pottery founder and design muse dies at 89.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Robin Turner Western Mail Tributes were paid yesterday to Susan Williams-Ellis, the founder of Portmeirion Potteries and the eldest daughter of the Italianate village creator Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The bohemian designer and businesswoman leaves one of ...
Swimming lessons decision creates a wave of discontent.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... When is a swimming pool not a swimming pool? When it's a "fun-filled water attraction", it seems. At least that is the answer Swansea Council is providing to those unhappy that the pool in the city's new leisure centre will not be offering free sessions to young ...
Bond villain, Edinburgh psycho.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Robin Turner Western Mail He's played a Bond villain, starred in box office hits such as The Full Monty and Trainspotting and is regarded as one of Britain's finest actors. But this week Robert Carlyle is walking the rain splashed streets of Port Talbot ...
Author's notes.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Menna on Fflur MY daughter took me to school for the first time a few weeks ago. Admittedly, it was to the school of English at Swansea University where she is a lecturer and where I'm a fellow with the Royal Literary Fund this year. We both share similar ...
Jenkins to return to home of his album.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... The world's biggest-selling modern composer Karl Jenkins will perform in the Swansea music venue where he created his latest album. The Cory Brass Band and Cardiff choir Cantorion (formerly Only Men Aloud) will perform with the Welsh composer when he returns to the Brangwyn Hall ...
Something in the way she moves.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Emily Lambert Sixties rock chick Pattie Boyd tells Emily Lambert about her loves and losses PATTIE Boyd was the archetypal rock chick, the blonde model and muse of designers and rock stars alike, the "It-girl" of the 60s. Three of rock's most ...
Letter: We hope Dafydd will do more than Dafydd.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - I'm sure that Mr Wigley would indeed make a contribution to the work of the House of Lords in due course, not to mention the Labour members he nominates. But, as for protecting the interests of the Welsh Assembly, he may care to reflect that, as Hansard records, Liberal ...
Letter: Let's go for it, Jane.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - I'm so glad Jane Davidson has finally cottoned on to the climate change challenge facing Wales. The Welsh Liberal Democrats pledged to work towards a target of 100% of energy produced by renewable means by 2050. It's ambitious, but we believe it is possible. In fact, we believe it's ...
Letter: A question for Alun.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - i read with some amusement the demands from Alun Davies, a Labour AM, for Plaid Cymru to be investigated over a minor electoral irregularity that has already been settled - on the very same day as the dodgy donations scandal to Labour broke. I trust he will also be writing ...
Letter: Improve train times.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - Train services on the West Coast Main Line, that's all the way from Scotland, the Lake District, Preston, Liverpool and Manchester, to London will be seriously disrupted between Christmas and New Year, but between North Wales and London average speeds will drop to just 30mph. ...
Letter: A motto to bank on.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - While Gordon Brown and a thousand good citizens and true agree "a statement of British values" - in other words, a motto for the nation - I think the Western Mail should start a debate regarding a motto for the internet. This came to mind reading the letter from Brian ...
Letter: Gender differences.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - i must fully agree with Martin Shipton's analysis and reasoning in his article "Let women decide if they want to stand" (November 26). For me, as a Welsh Liberal Democrat, the article hits the contentious issue of positive discrimination firmly on the head. It is discrimination, and ...
Letter: No need to interfere.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - The purpose of the Wales Office is to scrutinise the Legislative Competence Orders from the Welsh Assembly, and to funnel them through Westminster in order that approval may be given to the Assembly decisions which have already been agreed within Wales. Thus, all laws passed by the ...
Letter: Devolution solution.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Sir - David Jones MP criticises the process of transferring powers to the Assembly because MPs can only debate the principle of devolving powers rather than the resulting laws which the Assembly may pass. The whole principle of devolution is that policy for Wales can be debated, ...
Editorial Comment Vote on women bishops is an act of courage.(News)(Editorial)
Dec 01, 2007 ... He Church in Wales is preparing for an historic vote on the creation of women bishops. This denomination can trace its history back across a millennium and a half. At the core of its identity is an unequivocal belief in God's love for humanity as a whole. The ...
Are Labour trying to save energy by switching off their political antennae?(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Tomos Livingstone Western Mail Gordon brown was asked this week what he wanted for Christmas, and managed to joke that he "might have one day off". With every day bringing fresh disaster for the Government, 24 hours' respite must, to the Prime Minister's ...
Lions captain hits out at Welsh representation.(News)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Retro Report December, 2001 - Graham henry's stewardship of this summer's British Lions has come under its strongest attack yet from tour captain Martin Johnson. The England captain, speaking in his book Agony and Ecstasy, to be published on Monday, questions the training ground ...
We'll drink to that!(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By John Ruler We drink more of it than anyone except the French - even if it does get up our nose! I'm talking champers the "king of wines, wine of kings," produced in eye-popping proportions in a region roughly 90 miles north east of Paris. No wonder, then, ...
Get ready for Jungle fever.(Features)
Dec 01, 2007 ... Byline: By Hannah Jones Western Mail Cerys Matthews is out of the TV jungle and is set to cash in on the experience thanks to a brand new audience. Hannah Jones reports YOU'VE got to ask yourself why the self-proclaimed fastrisinglagersoakedriproaringpoptart decided ...