South Wales Argus, November 27, 2020

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Friday, November 27, 2020

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HIGHS AND LOWS

Photographer medic shares his lockdown and cancer journey - see pages 22 & 23

How many new train stations does it take to replace a relief road?

Answer: At least four, plus cycle lanes, buses and a roundabout

Transport Commission report and reaction: Pages 4, 5, 6 & 16

NEWS INSIDE

Further restrictions warning

HEALTH Minister Vaughan Gething said coronavirus was “burning brightly” in Gwent and he could not rule out more preChristmas restrictions. ● See page 8

Border troubles

TOWNS along the England and Wales border are struggling with a double hit from restrictions on either side. As new English measures were announced yesterday, traders and residents spoke about the challenges they face. ● See page 10

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Friday, November 27, 2020

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Get in touch Editor: Gavin Thompson gavin.thompson@newsquest. co.uk Community Content Editor: Jo Barnes jo.barnes@southwalesargus. co.uk 01633 777240 Newsdesk: newsdesk@southwalesargus. co.uk 01633 810000 Sports Writer: Chris Kirwan sportsdesk@southwalesargus. co.uk 07824 478078 Head of Events: Cathy Parsons catherine.parsons @gwent-wales.co.uk 01633 777126

Friday, November 27, 2020

Commission lays out plan for city transport revamp

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CHANGES: How the Old Green Roundabout in Newport could look, according to the SEWTC proposals. Picture: South East Wales Transport Commission

By Nicholas Thomas

nicholas.thomas@ newsquest.co.uk Twitter: @NThomasArgus

MASSIVE investment in public transport will bring more benefits than an M4 relief road to the people of Newport, according to the region’s transport commission.

The city and its surrounding area is at risk of being “bypassed” unless sweeping changes are made to the ways people can access jobs and services.

That is the view of Lord Burns, chairman of the South East Wales Transport Commission, which yesterday published its final report on how best to tackle the city’s problems with motorway congestion and overreliance on the car.

The commission said four new railway stations should be built to serve Newport and its eastern neighbours, transforming the existing South Wales Main Line into a major artery for local – as well as inter-city – train services.

That investment should go hand-in-hand with a radical overhaul of bus services and timetables, designed to complement the rail “backbone” and make journeys to and from work as smooth and short as possible.

Yesterday’s report is the culmination of the commission’s research and consultations to find alternatives to the so-called ‘Black Route’ M4 relief road project – a new stretch of motorway that would have sidestepped Newport to the south – which was scrapped last June by first minister Mark

Drakeford.

The commission has built on the preliminary findings it published in the summer, calling for strategic investment in building a ‘network of alternatives’, comprising rail, bus, and active travel (walking and cycling) projects throughout the Newport area, costing an estimated £600-800 million over 10 years.

The benefits of that network would extend beyond the M4 – yesterday, the commission said a 20 per cent reduction in motorway traffic would “significantly” improve travel time and journey reliability.

But the network would also bring more sustainable, forward-thinking improvements to the lives of local residents, the commission said.

People working in Newport would have much better options to travel into and across the city, while there would also be more frequent and more reliable bus and rail services for commuters to Cardiff and Bristol.

Here are the report’s recommendations for the Newport area: ● Reconfiguring the existing South Wales Main Line to create dedicated tracks for local and commuter trains. ● New railway stations in Newport West (near Tredegar Park), Newport East (in the Somerton area), Llanwern (already proposed), and Magor (already proposed). ● The potential for extra stations – one in Caerleon and one in Maesglas. ● ‘Rapid bus corridors’ between Newport and Cardiff using a dedicated part of the A48.

REVAMP: Artist’s impression of the proposed Newport West railway station.

Picture: South East Wales Transport Commission

● More priority for buses, using bus lanes and trafficlight priority, for services connecting Newport city centre to neighbouring towns. ● Improved walking and cycling routes to all public transport stations. ● Revamping a cycle route between Newport and Cardiff for commuter use. ● Redesigning the Old Green Roundabout in Newport to improve traffic flow, by converting it to a four-way junction with traffic lights. ● Improving bus priority on Chepstow Road, Malpas

Road, and Cardiff Road.

These investments and changes would need to be accompanied by major improvements to the customer’s experience of using public transport, the commission added.

Chief among its proposals is the need for a clearer, fairer system of ticket pricing.

There should be one, integrated ticketing system for all public transport services in the region, with journeys priced fairly across the network and designed to not punish people who need to take both a bus and a train

to get from A to B. Similar efforts should be made to integrate timetables across the network, putting an end to knife-edge connection times or lengthy waits between services.

To achieve such integration, the commission recommends the setting-up of a partnership between the Welsh Government, travel firm Transport for Wales, and the region’s local authorities (councils).

The commission’s final report will now go before ministers, who will decide how to act on the proposals.

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Burns: City can thrive under transport plans

By Nicholas Thomas

Nicholas.thomas@newsquest. co.uk Twitter: @NThomasArgus NEW proposals to invest in the region’s public transport network could lead to a regeneration of Newport, bringing job opportunities and residents back to the heart of the city.

Lord Terry Burns, the chairman of the South East Wales Transport Commission, said the city centre could flourish if ministers invested in better rail, bus and active transport services.

The commission yesterday published its final report, recommending alternatives to the now-abandoned M4 relief road project.

What started out as a motorway improvement project soon snowballed into a wider, more ambitious investigation, Lord Burns told the Argus.

“Problems on the road are symptomatic of quite a lot of things,” said, referring to the regular congestion on the M4 around the city. “[Newport] is in danger of being bypassed… and it’s not really getting the benefits from the quite impressive changes that are taking place on that whole corridor between Bristol and Cardiff.

“It needed something that was much bigger and more comprehensive if one was going to both ease the pressures on the road, but also make Newport a much better place to live, in terms of cleaner air and better access to transport and jobs.”

The commission’s proposals (see opposite) include building four new railway stations in and around Newport, and integrating timetables with an expanded bus service that will benefit commuters and visitors to the city centre.

Lord Burns said there was scope for substantial improvement to the city’s current public transport network.

“The main thing we found was that of those people who were using the M4… the alternatives were really very

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NEWS IN BRIEF ‘Out of control’

A DOG owner is to go on trial after he denied two bull terriers were dangerously out of control at a retail park and injured a man.

Leon Tamplin, 46, denied two counts the animals were dangerously out of control at Newport Retail Park and injured Gary Phillips on March 7.

The defendant, of Morley Close, Newport, pleaded not guilty to two charges under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 when he appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court.

His trial is due to take place at Newport Crown Court on December 18.

Tamplin was granted unconditional bail.

Firefighter training A LARGE presence of fire crews and fire fighting equipment was out in Newport yesterday, Thursday.

The operation, which was conducted near Nash Road in the city, involved a number of appliances and vehicles - but rather than being an emergency, was a training exercise.

Crews from Malpas and Ebbw Vale stations simulated a mud rescue in the River Usk.

PLAN: An image of the proposed Newport West railway station with bus interchange. Picture: South East Wales Transport Commission poor in terms of convenience, in terms of how long it would take, in terms of reliability, and in terms of cost,” he said.

“People are using the car because they don’t really have any alternatives.”

Key to the commission’s report is the wish to connect people to job opportunities, without needing to own a car.

“It’s not a pro-car and anticar issue, this is a question of saying: ‘can you provide people with different ways in which they can complete these journeys?’” Lord Burns said, adding: “I think we were aiming here at a much wider sense of giving people access to those things that they would like a share in, even if they don’t own a car. At the moment, I’m afraid for a lot of people in Newport it’s a bit restricted.

It’s about a broader sense of fairness to their lives and the opportunities.”

REPORT: Lord Terry Burns, chair of the South East Wales Transport Commission.

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The commission said better planning policies would mean new housing and office developments were located near public transport hubs, rather than the M4. This in turn could boost the redevelopment of Newport city centre as place to work and live, Lord Burns said.

“My personal view, and that of the commission, is that we’d like to see a more vibrant and more evident city centre – so that there were more offices in the city centre, more jobs in the city centre,” he said.

“That should be possible. The city centre can’t thrive if people can’t get into it, and at the moment things have been designed to put those jobs where – at the time they were put there – it was easiest to access them from the motorway.”

With such dramatic changes and construction projects forming the commission’s proposals, Lord Burns said he was confident disruption and costs could be minimised – thanks largely to the fact the main railway work would happen on the existing South Wales Main Line, rather than a brand-new route.

“What is the challenge is to achieve this requires the cooperation and coordination of bringing together a lot of groups of people,” he said, adding: “I think there’s a lot of will to take this on. I’m quite optimistic we can get a lot of support for this.

“The challenge, then, is to get people together in order to make it happen.”

@southwalesargus

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Friday, November 27, 2020

M4 tolls not on the cards - yet EFFORTS to reduce traffic on the M4 in Newport should not – currently – involve any form of congestion charge, the region’s transport commission has said.

Amid the proposals, there is an acknowledgement that some form of “road user charging” would also help cut the number of vehicles travelling on the motorway.

In its initial report in July the transport commission said a congestion charge was among the possibilities at the Welsh Government’s future disposal.

But yesterday, in its final report, the commission recommended such a charge should not be introduced unless a UK-wide “road user charging” scheme was announced.

The commission predicts this could be something the UK treasury announces in the next 10-15 years.

But if a congestion charge were introduced in South East Wales, the commission said it should charge drivers who travel at peak times through areas with the worst congestion and air quality.

Any M4 charge would likely impact congestion on local roads, the commission added.

GRIDLOCK: Politicians have reacted to the findings of the report, which was commission to solve Newport’s traffic congestion

Focus on green solutions for M4 welcomed POLITICIANS and organisations around Newport have given their reaction to the South East Wales Transport Commission report.

The M4 report said four new railway stations should be built to serve Newport and its eastern neighbours, transforming the existing South Wales Main Line into a major artery for local – as well as intercity – train services.

The report was welcomed by Welsh Government transport minister Ken Skates.

Mr Skates said: “As we outlined in our new Wales Transport Strategy, getting more people out of their cars and onto public transport is critical to our future and this report shows how that approach can relieve congestion around the Brynglas Tunnels and serve the economy and communities of the wider region.

“Newport Council has an important role to play in helping deliver the important shift this report sets out and we will work with them and UK Gov-

By Josh Searle & Dan Barnes

joshua.searle@newsquest.co.uk @josh_searle99 ernment to take forward the recommendations in this Report.”

A spokesman for the UK Government added: “The UK Government continues to believe that the M4 relief road remains the most viable solution to the ongoing congestion problems at Newport but Lord Burns was asked not to consider a relief road as part of his report.

“Despite this, the report is welcome and highlights the undoubted necessity for improvements in South Wales’ transport infrastructure.

“The need to make improvements for people using the road and rail network is why the UK Government launched its Union Connectivity Review last month.”

Delyth Jewell MS expressed

concerns about the report’s main recommendations to build six new train stations and improve existing tracks.

Those matters are not devolved and would require UK Government support.

Ms Jewell said “improving the Welsh rail network is not a priority for the UK Government.”

While Newport East MS, John Griffiths welcomed the report’s focus on green solutions.

Mr Griffiths said: “The commission’s report also very much aligns to Welsh Government’s ambitions around Active Travel and given the attention we must all give to tackling climate change and reducing air pollution, I am pleased to see the strong focus on it.

“Our local councils and other groups such Newport Cycling have already been doing some exciting work in these areas and the recommendations put forward by Lord Burns can now build on this.”

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Friday, November 27, 2020

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Tip trips must be booked in advance

KNIFEMAN: Daniel Drake brandished a knife on VE Day but handed himself in after seeing pictures shared on social media

Drunken knifeman handed himself in A DRUNKEN knifeman who waved a blade at a man as he walked home from a VE Day party handed himself in to police after his photograph was shared on Facebook.

Daniel Drake, 23, from Ebbw Vale, adopted a “fighting stance” as he squared up to Jake Thomas before he brandished the six-inch knife.

The frightening confrontation took place at around 11pm on May 8 near Beaufort Rise as people made their way home from a gathering.

Nik Strobl, prosecuting, said: “The group had been to a VE Day celebration and Mr Smith fell behind as he was carrying a heavy bag.

“He then saw the defendant run towards him with the six-inch blade.

“He approached Mr Smith in an aggressive manner and took up a fighting stance. The defendant produced the knife, held it at chest height and

By Iwan Gabe Davies ida@gwent-wales.co.uk Twitter @SWArgus

pointed it towards Mr Smith and started waving it around in a threatening manner.

“The complainant said to him, ‘If you want to fight, we will fight with fists’.

“The defendant then ran away when he was aware the police were being called.

“One of the group took a photograph of Drake and shared it on Facebook.”

He handed himself in at Ebbw Vale police station the next day.

Drake, of Pant-Y-Glan, Beaufort, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in public.

He was a man of previous good character with no convictions.

Stephen Thomas, mitigating, said: “The defendant is fully aware of the distress he has caused.

“He was intoxicated that night after an argument with his partner and he was in an emotional state.

“Mr Drake had no intention of harming anyone. He’s deeply ashamed about what he’s done.”

At Cardiff Crown Court, the judge, Recorder Dyfed Thomas, told Drake: “People who carry knives usually go to prison.

“There is a good reason for that. It is exceptionally dangerous to have a knife in a public place and to wield one when you are drunk.”

The defendant was jailed for six months, suspended for 18 months.

The unemployed Drake was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £100 towards prosecution costs and a £128 surcharge.

Second decision due on 250 homes A PLANNING application for 250 homes in Ebbw Vale has been lodged – despite the development already having planning permission.

Plans for the development at the former Rhyd y Blew Reservoir site on Beaufort Road had been approved in 2014 subject to a Section 106 agreement – through which the applicant agrees to pay a specified sum to the council to be used for green space, schools, roads or other facilities in the area. However no such agreement was completed.

As a result, the plans have come back before Blaenau Gwent council’s planning committee.

The original planning report requested a contribution of more than £1.6 million from the education department.

However, this was reduced to £625,000 because the original request would have left the scheme unviable.

Since then, the applicant has argued that the scheme would not be viable, even with the reduced section 106 agreement sum.

This was verified by an independent party, who concluded that the scheme “proposed shows to be unviable and does not produce a competitive rate of return if a planning obligation payment of £625,000 is required”.

Therefore in the application to be considered by councillors there is no requested sum in the section 106 agreement.

The application will be considered by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s planning committee next week.

TORFAEN residents who have not booked a timeslot will not be allowed entry to the household waste recycling centre in New Inn, the council has said.

The quickest and easiest way to book a slot at the centre (with no queueing) is to use the council’s online booking form - found on the website torfaen.gov.uk Residents who don’t have access to a computer can phone 01495 762200 to book a slot.

Torfaen council also suggested offered advice to parents to check with local charity shops to see if they are taking donations in the case of unwanted toys, rather than throwing them away.

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Coronavirus in Gwent is still ‘burning bright’

Hundreds of new cases of coronavirus in Gwent

‘BURNING’: Health minister Vaughan Gething has issued a warning over coronavirus levels in Gwent CORONAVIRUS is “burning much brighter” in Gwent than anywhere else in Wales, the health minister has warned.

Vaughan Gething said rising coronavirus rates across the region are “a real cause of concern” for the Welsh Government, as they plan for the future.

The health minister added that if there was not a “significant levelling down” of rates over the next few weeks, further restrictions could be introduced in the lead up to Christmas.

Mr Gething made the comments when speaking before

f

By Joshua Searle

joshua.searle@newsquest. co.uk Twitter @josh_searle99 the Senedd’s health, social care and sport committee as earlier this week.

Asked about the success of the Welsh Government’s two week firebreak lockdown, Mr Gething said: “The firebreak delivered what it was meant to deliver.

“We are seeing a rise now, and it is a relatively modest rise across the whole country at present.

facebook.com/South-Wales-Argus

“We did say that if we could have a more suppressed growth in the virus then we could keep ourselves in a position where we would be able to cope until the end of the year and then regather ourselves.

“The challenge is that in some parts of Wales we are seeing a more significant growth.

“For example, coronavirus is burning much brighter in Gwent than in other parts of the country and that gives us a real cause for concern.

“It is not just Blaenau Gwent as has been mentioned, it is all the Gwent

authorities that are seeing a rise.”

The health minister said that the bulk of the rise was being “driven largely by younger adults”.

But expressed concerns that they would pass the virus on to older, more vulnerable people.

He added that he expected to see higher coronavirus rates and higher hospital admissions over the next few weeks as a result.

Mr Gething also said he was unable to rule out further restrictions being introduced prior to Christmas.

Earlier this week minis-

ters from the Welsh, Scottish, Northern Ireland and UK Governments agreed to relax coronavirus restrictions for the five days around Christmas, allowing up to three households to mix.

But on the build up to the festive period, Mr Gething said: “At this point I cannot say that I am 100 per cent confident that we won’t need to do something before Christmas.

“In fact if we do not se a significant levelling down then we may have to so something different before Christmas.”

A FURTHER 351 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Gwent, according to the latest statistics from Public Health Wales released yesterday, Thursday.

This represents just under a third of the 1,251 new cases recorded across Wales in the 24 hours covered by this latest release.

Caerphilly saw the largest rise in cases in Gwent with 107 new cases, followed by Newport with 84, Torfaen with 65, and Blaenau Gwent with 59. Monmouthshire had the lowest level of new cases, with 36.

Six more deaths have been recorded in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, while 28 have been recorded across the whole of Wales.

The largest increase in Wales was seen in Cardiff, where 155 new cases were recorded. Swansea (135), Neath Port Talbot (107) and Rhondda Cynon Taf (115) also recorded more than 100 new cases.

Over the last seven days, the incidence rate in Blaenau Gwent is higher than anywhere else in the country, with 405.1 cases per 100,000 residents.

And Torfaen now has the second highest number of cases over the past seven days per 100,000 population, with 333.1, while Newport and Caerphilly are also among the highest in Wales with 298.7 and 266.7 per 100,000 respectively.

In fact, Neath Port Talbot, where the rate is 294.5 per 100,000, is the only area outside of Gwent to be in the five worst affected local authorities in Wales, based on the seven day figure for cases per 100,000 population.

By comparison, the average across Wales as a whole is 189.4 per 100,000 residents.

@southwalesargus

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Former railway line hotel and pub could become homes TIME has been called on drinkers at a Pontllanfraith hotel and its grounds, which is now set for a new life as a block of luxury apartments and detached homes.

The former Tredegar Junction Hotel, Commercial Street, in Pontllanfraith, near Blackwood, will be converted in a major scheme into seven apartments and joined by six, three-bedroom homes and four additional annexed apartments.

The former public house is being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £295,000 plus.

The once-busy pub and hotel was named after the railway junction which formerly linked the line - long since closed - from the south through Blackwood to Tredegar.

Sean Roper, handling the sale for the Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The former hotel is situated in a popular location within easy reach of Blackwood town centre with its wide range of amenities and shopping facilities.

“The expected gross development value is believed to be in the region of £1.5 to £1.7 million.”

Full details are with Paul Fosh Auctions. Online bidding starts on Tuesday, December 8 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, December 10.

UP THE JUNCTION: The former Tredegar Junction Hotel in Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions could be converted into apartments

Woman slapped sergeant and spat at officer A WOMAN with 180 previous convictions who slapped a police sergeant before spitting in the face of a custody officer avoided going straight to jail.

Michaela Tia Johnson, 42, of Dolphin Street, Pill, Newport, walked out of the city’s crown court using the same door she entered through.

The defendant, who the judge said has an “appalling record”, attacked Sergeant Rebecca Watkins and custody detention officer Eleanor Gibbins at Newport Central police station.

David Pinnell, prosecuting, said Johnson was “abusive and hostile” when she was taken there last month after being arrested on an unrelated matter.

He told the court as the defendant was being booked into the station at the custody desk, she was found with a small amount of cannabis.

The next day, officer Gibbins

By Iwan Gabe Davies ida@gwent-wales.co.uk Twitter @SWArgus

and Sergeant Watkins went into her cell to ask her to change into clothing supplied by the police.

Mr Pinnell said: “The defendant said she wouldn’t because she was concerned about being cold.

“She was pacified with the offer of blankets to protect her modesty and for her to remain warm.

“The defendant then slapped Sergeant Watkins to the hand and then spat at Miss Gibbins full in the face.”

Mr Pinnell added: “The defendant has a substantial criminal record by any description.

“She has 93 court appearances for 180 convictions. Of these, 116 are for offences against the per-

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son and 11 for drug offences.”

Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one of possession of cannabis.

The offences were committed between October 6 and 7.

Laura Shepherd, mitigating, said her client had struggled with heroin addiction.

Judge Timothy Petts told Johnson: “You slapped a police officer and then spat at a custody detention officer which was a particularly nasty thing to do.

“Spitting carries the risk of infection. You have an appalling record of previous convictions.”

The judge said he felt society would be better served suspending Johnson’s prison sentence.

He told her: “There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

She was jailed for 25 weeks, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

@southwalesargus

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Life in limbo in the towns on the border with England

By Jonathon Hill

jonathon.hill@newsquest.co.uk Twitter @jonathon_hill96

AS ENGLAND headed back into lockdown earlier this month, most of Wales was breathing a sigh of relief as we exited the two-week firebreak - but for those living in one of Wales’ most popular border towns, life has been quite different.

During his daily visit to Monmouth town centre from his home nearby, 91-year-old John Carter says he feels as though he is still in lockdown due to the empty streets and closed shops.

“Three shut down here not long ago,” he said, pointing down Church Street in the town centre. “I’ve been coming here most days for years and it’s the quietest I’ve ever seen it.”

While Monmouthshire’s high streets, like those across the UK, were struggling long before the pandemic, the county’s border towns like Monmouth and Chepstow have had it particularly tough.

Many traders say that by the time England comes out of lockdown on Wednesday, December 2, they will have spent the best part of six weeks without half of their customer base – half being in Wales and the other in England.

“There is confusion in what you can and can’t do here,” Mr Carter added. “I had a puncture in my mobility scooter the other day and I rang a man in England to come and fix it. He said he couldn’t because he was in lockdown, but I consider a puncture in my tyre an emergency – it’s frustrating.

“I can’t stand this one lockdown in Wales and then another in England. Throughout my life I’ve always felt Wales and England have a togetherness, and I’d hate to see us lose that.

‘DIFFICULT’: Left: Natasha Hawkins, manager of Green and Jenks Monmouth. Right: Carol Davies, owner of Harts in Monmouth.

“I feel mostly for the pubs, they’ve been hit so hard by this here.”

One pub that has probably been hit more than any other in Wales is The Boat Inn at Penallt, which overlooks the River Wye and is less than 100 metres from England.

Landlady Debbie Burch says the majority of her locals are from Redbrook, which is in England.

“We didn’t open after the firebreak and we won’t be opening until December 3,” she said. “I would have found it very difficult to constantly turn our locals away, so I thought it best to stay shut.

“We’re lucky we had a pretty good summer which is carrying us through, but it is a bizarre situation. Of course a UK-wide lockdown

CLOSED: The Boat, Inn overlooking the Wye into Redwood, England

SHOPS: Monnow Street in Monmouth on Monday

QUIET: Agincourt Square in Monmouth on Monday

would be much better for us, it is having a serious impact.”

Natasha Hawkins, manager at Green and Jenks deli at Agincourt Square, says she believes many people think Monmouth is in England, and they have seen a decline in customers from both sides.

“It’s been a difficult period because a lot of people who come and visit us are visiting Monmouth from England and Wales – they probably don’t live here,” she said.

“They come to stay in the caravan parks, and losing those visitors has hit us hard. I think it’s something you’ll hear from many traders like us here. We rely on visitors, especially in the build up to Christmas.

“People are confused. I get people coming here asking if they can sit in. I think some avoid coming because they might feel embarrassed about not being sure of the rules.

“I think that comes from being a border town. People aren’t sure if we’re in Wales or not.”

Carole Davies, owner at

Harts clothing store on Monnow Street, lives just two-thirds of a mile into England.

“The last month has been awful for us,” she said. “I don’t think we are getting many visitors from further into Wales. Perhaps it’s because we’ve had relatively few cases and we were the only area in the region that wasn’t in local lockdown.

“It’s almost as though Monmouth has been separated from everywhere else, and we’ve been lumped in with England.

“Monmouth is my nearest town, but I can’t come here to shop for clothes. It’s ridiculous.

“I would be very worried for us if there is another lockdown at all. I think it’s at the stage where another one – especially before Christmas – would not be possible for many businesses.

“Our high streets – especially those at the border – are on their knees. If we can’t see our family for Christmas in order to prevent another lockdown then I think that’s something we will have to do. Many people

‘CONFUSION’: John Carter, aged 91, during a visit to Monmouth on Monday have not seen their relatives for months.”

Husband and wife Lynn and Jane Saunders have seen their relatives once in the last year, and were in Monmouth on Monday for the first time since March.

“We’ve been isolating because Lynn is vulnerable,” Mrs Saunders said. “We wanted to come to support local traders, because we had an idea of the troubles they were facing here as a border town – but we can’t believe how many of the shops are closed and how quiet it is.

“I don’t think it’s fair on people living just over the border – but I feel mostly for

the traders. It’s taken away a huge chunk of Christmas for them.”

John Keysell, who lives just over the border in England, has decided to sell his house, partly – he says – because he is fed up with the confusion.

“When we moved here it wasn’t an issue, but now it’s unbelievable,” he said.

“More than 50 per cent of the people who live here would do their shopping in Monmouth or Chepstow.

“It’s terrible for traders and for residents – many of whom are elderly. Are we asking them to travel 19 miles to Gloucester to do their shopping instead?”

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

Friday, November 27, 2020

11

Ssshhh! Council backs calls for quiet fireworks CITY councillors in Newport have passed a motion aimed at reducing the impact of fireworks on pets and vulnerable people.

A motion proposed by Cllr Ray Truman calling to support the RSPCA in its campaign on the issue won cross party support at a full council meeting on Tuesday.

Under the motion, the council will require all public firework displays in the city to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for animals and vulnerable people.

The council will also promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks, including the precautions that can be taken.

Local suppliers will be encouraged to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

The council will also write to Welsh and UK Govern-

Saul Cooke-Black

Local democracy reporter saul@southwalesargus.co.uk Twitter: @CookeBlackLDR ments over the issue, calling for legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks sold for public and private displays.

Proposing the motion, Cllr Truman said, while fireworks can bring enjoyment, they can also cause “significant problems and fear for other people and animals”.

“These fireworks are too loud and they are frightening the life out of pets and people,” he said.

Cllr Debbie Harvey said it is not only pets that suffer from the impact of fireworks.

“It also has a dramatic effect on our service men and women,” she said. “That explosion puts them right back into a place of hell.

“PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is an awful thing to live with, not only for the person that suffers but their families.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Matthew Evans also gave his backing to the motion and said this year had seen a “huge increase” in private displays and a rise in complaints about the issue.

“But we don’t want to appear to be killjoys, and recognise the enjoyment they bring to many families,” he added.

Newport Independent Party group leader, Cllr Kevin Whitehead, said the motion was “very laudable”, but asked whether it would make an impact.

Cllr Whitehead said he had been ‘inundated’ with complaints about fireworks in his ward of Bettws this year, which he described as resembling “a smoky war zone”.

OPEN: The new NP10 Boutique is located on Gaer Road in Newport

Boutique aspires to empower...

A NEW clothing shop has opened at the Gaer in Newport.

NP10 Boutique is a clothing and accessories store that has opened on Gaer Road, in Newport.

Owner, Clare O’Keeffe, has been able to expand her business since starting her shop online last year and realising that women wanted somewhere to shop for items that were

different at a good price.

“I looked at premises in Risca, but then Covid happened and the shop was not valued at the right price for the vendor,” she said.

“I am a client at Beau Belle at the Gaer shops and thought that the location was fantastic due to parking and the range of shops there.

“The shop became vacant

during lockdown and I was lucky enough to secure it”.

The mission of the brand is to provide a personal and empowering shopping experience for women and girls with tailored customer service, and carefully curated and handpicked pieces.

The shop officially opened on Tuesday, November 17.

Find them on Facebook at @np10boutique.

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

12

Friday, November 27, 2020

University link helps youth work charity to keep going

A PARTNERSHIP between the University of South Wales (USW) and two Newport-based charities has been praised by education inspectors.

In its report The Value of Youth Work Training, A sustainable model for Wales, Estyn – which inspects quality and standards in education and training in Wales – praised the work USW does with Newport charities Urban Circle and G-Expressions.

Both organisations were set up by Newport-born Loren Henry; Urban Circle - an independent youth arts organisation - in 2006, and GExpressions, a few years later, after Urban Circle workers recognised there was a demand for dance among young people in the city.

In 2010, a change in the law meant one of the charities’ senior staff had to be educated to degree level, so Ms Henry went on to complete an undergraduate degree in youth and community work at USW in 2011 - followed by a master’s degree in work-

By Joshua Searle

joshua.searle@newsquest. co.uk Twitter @josh_searle99 ing with children and young people.

The relationship proved to be a fruitful one for Ms Henry, the university and the charities, after an agreement was reached for Urban Circle and G-Expressions to be based at USW’s Newport campus from the end of 2017.

And this joint working impressed the inspectors, who highlighted the benefits the partnership provides for the charities, their staff, the youngsters it helps, and youth work students at USW. “This project is an excellent example of partnership working in the community and of the principle of educating and growing community leaders who lead by example and in turn educate the community around them,” they said.

“In this way, creative practitioners continue to drive change and improvement for

PROJECT: Loren Henry (bottom left) with charity colleagues, back row, Nyla Webbe, Talieh Webbe, Nateaya Brown and Allyiah Hussain; front, Iesha Henry and Mibinti Webbe. young people.”

They added: “The project develops young people’s talents, engenders a love of learning, and gives them skills and qualifications for employment.

“The project also enables

students on youth and community work degrees and MA courses to use the project as a work placement setting and HE staff and qualified ex-students often work as supervisors to the trainees.”

Ms Henry added: “Being a former student and now being based at the campus, I get support in so many different ways.

“The staff who used to teach me are still there on an emotional level, as a friend,

a colleague, and they give me great advice.

“Being based at USW means we have access to USW’s Youth and Community staff, and am able to get high-level advice from experts, so you know it is going to be the right advice.”

Being in the campus is also a benefit to the youngsters who attend sessions organised by the charity.

“When I was younger I didn’t think that university was a place for me, but I was wrong about that, and it’s the same with some of these young people,” she said.

Course leader Mick Conroy added: “For me, the partnership with Urban Circle and G-Expressions demonstrates the professional values and principles embedded in the youth and community work courses here at USW. “The Estyn report on Youth Work Training in Wales also shows the impact the USW youth work course has in a number of delivery areas, and highlights good practice in our assessment and professional placement work.”

Friday, November 27, 2020

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

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southwalesargus.co.uk/news

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Criticism over splash pad cash switch to playgrounds QUESTIONS have been raised over a decision to reallocate funding provided for a new splash pad in Blaenau Gwent.

Blaenau Gwent council was awarded £110,000 by the Welsh Government to develop the facility in January 2018.

Ebbw Vale’s Festival Park was chosen as the desired site for the facility last year, despite calls for it to be provided at Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar.

But after the scheme fell through, council bosses re-allocated the money for playground upgrades under delegated powers - meaning the decision was made by officers rather than elected members.

At a joint scrutiny committee meeting on Monday, Cllr Steve Thomas questioned whether any councillors were consulted as part of the decision.

“The splash pad was a very controversial issue up in Tredegar and the residents were up in arms,” he said.

“Which members of the

Saul Cooke-Black

Local democracy reporter saul@southwalesargus.co.uk Twitter: @CookeBlackLDR council did the corporate leadership team confer with?”

Michelle Morris, managing director of the council, said the decision was made in consultation with the leader of the council and the executive member for social services.

“The purpose of doing that was to ensure the council did not lose that funding for Blaenau Gwent,” Ms Morris said.

A further report on the decision to re-allocate the funding was brought before the council’s community services scrutiny committee in September, after money had been spent to purchase the play equipment.

The council was required to spend the money by end of March or risk losing the funding, a report says.

Cllr John Morgan raised questions over a separate

VISION: How the splash pad in Ebbw Vale would have looked before the scheme was stopped

grant of £117,000 which the council received for play equipment.

He said that if that money has been spent elsewhere “the children of this authority deserve an apology”.

“The £117,000 put in for play equipment appears to

have mysteriously gone elsewhere,” he said. “I want to know where the £117,000 is now. “!In my opinion that money was meant for the children of Blaenau Gwent.”

But Richard Crook, corporate director for regenera-

Book your next campaign with us.

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tion, said money allocated for play provision had not been put into any other budget.

“All of the money allocated to play has been committed to play,” he added.

Work to install new play equipment has now started.

Parks to benefit are Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar; Banna Park, Nantyglo; Duffryn Park, Blaina; Gelli Grug Park, Abertillery; Brynmawr Welfare Park; Warm Turn play area, Abertillery, and New Rassau Park, Ebbw Vale.

Friday, November 27, 2020

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

15

southwalesargus.co.uk/letters

16

EST 1892

Our Say: Now let’s get it done LIKE waiting for a train, it has taken a while. But Lord Burns’ plan to solve Newport’s transport problems has now arrived.

His brief did not include considering an M4 relief road, that had been ruled out by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

But if anything. these plans are even more ambitious.

Four to six new train stations, big bus network improvements, lots more cycling and a major overhaul of a key roundabout is hardly the easy option.

After an in-depth inquiry, this is his finding. So let’s get on with it.

Getting this done will require major investment and support from both the Welsh and Westminster governments.

Not everyone will agree with these ideas but let’s get behind them rather than continue to go over old arguments and be left with nothing. Burns argues that this would make Newport a better place to live and work, and he’s right. This city needs investment and with retail struggling, that means making the centre a vibrant place to live, work and enjoy leisure time.

These plans could be a catalyst for that change in a way that a relief road never would.

If we get it wrong THE South Wales Argus is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation and we seek to abide by the Editors’ Code which is enforced by IPSO. The Code is available at (www. editorscode.org.uk/the_code.php) Details of IPSO can be found at (www.ipso.co.uk) COMPLAINTS and requests for editorial corrections or clarifications should be referred to the Editor in the first instance, who can be contacted as follows: complaints@southwalesargus.co.uk or by post at South Wales Argus, 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, NP20 1DW. IT is essential that your email is headed “Complaint” in the subject line and contains the following information: • your name, postal address, email address and telephone number.

Your Say: It makes sense to consider blind

THIS month, I’m delighted that RNIB Cymru is supporting the NHS Wales ‘It Makes Sense’ campaign as part of Sensory Loss Awareness Month in Wales.

We know how challenging current times are, particularly for blind and partially sighted people who are having to deal with the challenges of social distancing in shops and on public transport, as well as dealing with changes to street layouts and indoor environments, like cafes and pubs.

This can all lead to a lack of confidence getting out and about.

We also know that many people with sensory loss are worried about attending appointments at hospital clinics.

This is understandable, but it’s important to be aware that NHS staff are working hard to ensure that all patients are safe and receive the support they need.

The ‘It Makes Sense’ campaign aims to improve the experiences of patients with sensory loss of all kinds and raises awareness among staff of the additional needs that some patients may have.

The campaign has been a huge success over the years.

We’ve heard from many patients who have had excellent experiences when they have attended the clinic for their appointment, including being guided by staff, and also receiving clear information about changes which have been introduced to make the clinic Covid-safe.

If you have an appointment, be assured that you can attend with confidence. If you have any concerns about your eye clinic appointment or additional needs ask to speak to the Eye Clinic

Friday, November 27, 2020

Write: Letters, South Wales Argus, 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, NP20 1DW Email: letters@southwalesargus.co.uk Web: southwalesargus.co.uk/sendaletter

Liaison Officer (ECLO) at the clinic. You can also get in touch with them via RNIB’s helpline on 0303 123 9999, or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

Most importantly of all, stay safe and well.

Ansley Workman RNIB Cymru director

Reader Picture

Members only

HOW very confusing for the new Welsh 16/17 years old voters (and everybody else), they won’t know their AMs from their MSs. In Wales we had an Assembly and now we have a Senedd, and yet Jane Bryant (Argus, Remember When, November 16)is described as an AM,while John Griffiths (Writes, November 17) is referred to as an MS. Surely the title of an SM (Senedd Member) would be much more appropriate for these representatives of the people of Wales, rather than a title (MS) which looks like the meaning of a terrible medical condition!?

Brian John Donovan Newport

Bums on seats

WELSH Government looking to expand with regional committees!

More bums on seats for middle management politicians to drain the public purse of funding.

Funding that should be used to help improve services in local communities, not the bank and pension accounts of politicians expanding their egos by making smaller ponds to lord over.

Peter Walters Duffryn

Accountability

YOUR report rightly raises concern from certain

PIG: The statue outside Newport Indoor Market. Picture: Jim Cousins, South Wales Argus Camera Club members of Monmouthshire councillors over these new regional committees imposed by the Welsh Government currently out for discussion.

I too have serious concerns in this regard and see the consultation runs until January 4.

My concerns would be

accountability, performance, scrutiny and most of all engagement and communication with the public which must be a priority.

I am sure other elected members in South East Wales shall want to give their views and comments, and perhaps the Minister at

TODAY’S OUTLOOK

Summary: Overnight fog slowly

lifting to give some sunshine in the morning. However, cloud thickening in the afternoon with showers developing.

Feeling cold.

the Senedd could give their comments on the advantages, cost, accountability and timescale on decision making if these Regional Committee go ahead on how it will bring power and decision making closer to the people.

Cllr Kevin Etheridge Blackwood Ward

Maximum temperature: 4°C Sunrise time: 7:51am Sunset time: 4:08pm

5 DAY FORECAST MAX MIN

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Friday, November 27, 2020

17

Claire Petulengro

Picture of the day

YOUR STARS WITH

ARIES March 21 - April 20

You have been living life as if it is a race for survival. I understand why you would feel that way. The quest today though, is to taste life. That means planning things which make you feel alive. Someone is telling you that you can’t do something, you can! Ring now to remove those blinkers.

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TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

You’re not finding it easy to talk to close ones today. That doesn’t mean you can’t face them with the facts they need to know. Say what needs to be said and step away. You’ll feel better if you do. Changing of plans can be simplified. Ring now to hear how Venus brings healing of relationships.

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GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

Try not to encourage others to tell you their deepest, darkest secret. You’ve got enough on your plate, which needs to be your priority. You could end up being accused of being selfish if you get your toes wet, in what is quite clearly, not your problem. Ring now to develop your psychic side.

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CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

A string of mistakes has led to a rift in your inner circle. I see that you and your close ones are feeling the strain. Don’t be afraid to rebuild from scratch. I know you’ve got the desire and determination. You just need to pick your timing. Ring now to hear how I know you can spot the signs.

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LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

How long are you going to wait for others to make up their mind, Leo? Each day you put yourself in a vulnerable position, you are going to weaken your position. Go forward with your needs in mind for once. Those who are meant to, will follow.

Ring now for your future to be revealed.

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VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

Stop and re-look at the facts, Virgo. You have been seeing things through other’s eyes. We all make mistakes, but supporting this one could see you lose time, money and reputation. Family help you remember what you wanted. Ring now to hear who’s been trying to manipulate you.

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LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see, and you’ll still have plenty of digging to do. Someone is trying to divert your attention from what you should be prioritising. Go back to the drawing board and you’ll soon see who has to be your source of truth. Ring to reveal more.

MAJESTIC: Caldicot Castle. Picture: Amy Leigh Huyton, South Wales Argus Camera Club

Chemists These are the duty chemists serving your area. Please call before travelling to the pharmacies as opening times can change.

BLAENAU GWENT Abertillery: TH Pritchard & Son, 48 Church Street, 5.30pm-6pm (not Thurs).

CAERPHILLY Aberbargoed: Vida Rogers, 26 Commercial Street, or A&JM Sheppard, 50 Commercial Street, 5.30pm-6.30pm (not Wed).

Blackwood: Markham Pharmacy, 61 Abernant Road, Markham, 5.30pm6pm.

Cefn Forest: Vida Rogers, 79 Cefn Forest Avenue, 5.30pm-6pm (not Thurs).

Fleur de Lys: Vida Rogers, 23 High Street, 5.30pm-6pm (not Thurs).

New Tredegar: A&JM Sheppard, White Rose Way, 5.30pm-6pm (not Thurs).

MONMOUTHSHIRE Caldicot: Richeld Pharmacy, 17 Newport Road, or Chappells Pharmacy, 28 Newport Road, 5.30pm6.30pm.

Chepstow: PC Merrick Pharmacy, 12-13 Steep Street, 6pm-6.30pm, or Boots, 16-17 High Street, 5.50pm6.30pm.

Usk: Usk Pharmacy, 59 Bridge Street, 5.30pm-6pm.

TORFAEN Abersychan: Abersychan Pharmacy, 14-15 Broad Street, 5.30pm-6.30pm (not Thurs).

Blaenavon: Well Pharmacy, 14 Broad Street, 6pm-6.30pm (not Thurs), or Blaenavon Pharmacy, Middle Coed Cae Road, 6pm-6.30pm.

Tides & lighting up times Sunset: 16.09. Sunrise: 07.52.

Headlights to be used 16.39-07.22.

Tide times: Today: 04.54 (10.6m), 17.15 (11.0m).

Tomorrow: 05.36 (11.1m), 17.56 (11.3m).

50 years ago Excerpts from the South Wales Argus 50 years ago

In the audience at the premiere of the recent series of performances of “Carmen” were Merril’s sister Anita, of Hafodyrynys, her aunt Mrs Arthur Jenkins, of Newport, and Mrs Mary Lucas, of Pontypool Road, who was her teacher until she went to Trinity College, London.

County Alderman

Mrs G D Morgan, who has represented Garndiffaith on Monmouthshire County Council

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SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 21

since 1956, and for seven years prior to that served on Pontypool Urban Council, on Wednesday was elected a County Alderman, only the third woman to sit on the aldermanic bench at the present time.

Mrs Morgan’s election puts Garndiffaith in the unique position of having two aldermen. The other is Ad Charles Rawlings. A byelection to elect a new County Councillor is expected early in the New Year.

Merril Jenkins sings in Geneva Carmen production Merril Jenkins of Hafodyrynys, who is in her second year at the Geneva International School of Opera, is making excellent progress, and recently performed the role of Frasquita in Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Geneva Grand Theatre, which houses the school.

The opera had a distinguished cast which included Tatiana Troyanos in the title role for six of the seven performances. For the seventh, Carman was sung by Regina Sarfaty.

The soprano part of Micaela was sung by a famous Swiss singer, Evelyn Brunner.

Merril, who is 26, will go to Bayreuth next summer to sing in the professional chorus of “Fidelio”, in which Gwyneth Hones will sing the lead in which she has been universally acclaimed.

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Tense club atmosphere as skinheads and greasers meet at dance There was an atmosphere of tension when two rival groups of youths, generally known as “greasers” and “skinheads” turned up at a Coed Eva Youth Club dance, Cwmbran magistrates hear on Monday.

The organisers of the club called the police when they thought there was going to be trouble, and four of the group were subsequently charged with carrying offensive weapons, said Mr Lawrence Allen, prosecuting.

You’re tired and in danger of making some bad decisions. You don’t owe anyone anything but yourself the truth of what you’re feeling. Taking time to talk to those you weren’t allowed to talk to helps you feel back in control of the ride you’re on.

Ring now to hear more on life and love.

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SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 20

Things you want to buy at this time tell me that you’re planning on moving on. You may want to think about letting those know, whose life is about to change, so that you don’t end up being blamed for what they are left to deal with. Ring now to hear how planning is your key to success.

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CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 - JANUARY 20

If you don’t make yourself a priority, then why should others?

You are giving the impression you want to be left alone. Use the time you insisted upon alone to shape your life to one you want to live. Taking care of you is key to you making your best decisions yet. Ring now for motivation.

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AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

Don’t make offers you can’t honour. You have only just got yourself back on track with certain faces and you could be causing more harm than you think. Valuing others, who value you, helps you to feel the love that has been lacking. Ring now to hear why I know deadlines are negotiable.

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PISCES FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

Although Mercury will be making it tempting for you to tell tales, you would be wise to keep away from drama. Someone who has only recently returned to your‘bubble’requires you to prove you’ve learnt and grown. Money you invest into a partnership pays dividends soon. Call now to find out more.

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LIVE PSYCHICS CALL NOW

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Astrology calls cost 60p per min. Live PRS calls cost £1.50 per min.

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18

Friday November 27, 2020

southwalesargus.co.uk/cars

YOUR PETS

Dogs and cats bringing joy This is Patrick and he’s been part of the Davies family in Newport for just over a month. He is two years old and was adopted from RSPCA during the firebreak.

By Jo Barnes 01633 777240

HERE is your weekly fix of pets from around Gwent.

Each Friday we bring you a selection of pictures which reader’s have sent in of their beloved pets.

If you want to be part of this just to go www. southwalesargus. co.uk/lockdownpets/ and fill in the quick and easy Q&A.

This is Sooty who has been with the Woodward family in Ebbw Vale for about three months.

Polly, the French bull dog has been with Kelly Maloney, of Oakdale, for about nine months.

She was born in lockdown alongside five brothers and sisters. They were born at home due to vets being hard to access in the circumstances. She is extremely loved by the family and is a bundle of energy.

Tiny is one of four cats living with Susan Roberts, of Cwmbran.

Alexandra Andrews, of newport, sent in this picture of Reuben, who has been part of the family for eight years. He is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and was bought from a breeder in Newport.

19

Friday November 27, 2020

WORLD NEWS

POWERED BY THE PRESS ASSOCIATION

Exeter hip stem is a lifesaver NEARER: Red Planet mission is one step closer

Rover set for Mars adventure THE ExoMars rover is one step closer to landing on the red planet after tests of the parachutes that will bring it down onto the Martian surface.

The two parachutes which will safely deliver the UK’s first ever Mars rover to our neighbouring planet completed a first full-scale high altitude drop test, following two failed tests last year.

Once the Rosalind Franklin ExoMars rover reaches Mars, a sixminute sequence will see a descent module deploy two parachutes.

Atmospheric drag will slow the module from around 21,000kmph (13,048mph) to 1,700kmph (1,056mph) at which point the first parachute will be deployed.

Around 20 seconds later, at about 400kmph (248mph), the second parachute will open.

Rosalind Franklin is due for launch in 2022.

Dishonest Pc sacked

AN on-duty police officer who dishonestly scanned a seven pence barcode for carrots twice to get a £9.95 box of Krispy Kreme donuts has been sacked for gross misconduct.

Pc Simon Read claimed at a disciplinary hearing that he made an honest mistake at the self-service tills at Tesco Extra in Wisbech but a panel ruled that his explanation was “lacking in credibility”.

The officer was in uniform when he purchased four items from the store on February 10 this year. He failed to scan the donuts barcode, paying around £4 for the items instead of about £14.

UPLIFTED: Cornucopia’s owners Clare and Hannah Bishop

Gift store is UK’s best small shop A family-run gift store has been named Britain’s best small shop of 2020.

Cornucopia, based in Worcester, stocks British brands as well as products with a Danish influence that originated with the business founders.

During lockdown it opened its Trouva boutique online, with mother-and-daughter owners

Clare and Hannah Bishop taking products home from the shop and turning their garage into a distribution centre.

This enabled them to distribute products to customers all over the world and open their own online shop.

Clare Bishop said: “We feel that customers really want a physical shop to visit. We like to display in

a way that gives the customer an idea of what they could recreate at home. We have a tremendous team to help support us within the shop.”

The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation, whose member trade associations represent around 100,000 independent retailers in the UK.

Academic is freed from Iran prison BRITISH-AUSTRALIAN academic Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert said she is departing Iran with “bittersweet feelings” after being released from an Iranian prison.

State media in Iran said the detained Melbourne University lecturer had been released in an apparent prisoner swap on Wednesday.

The Middle Eastern studies expert was picked up at Tehran Airport while trying to leave the country after attending a conference in 2018.

Dr Moore-Gilbert was convicted of spying and sentenced to 10 years behind bars, but has vehemently denied the charges.

She was held in Evin prison where British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was also imprisoned.

In a statement, Dr Moore-Gilbert said her love for the country had been “strengthened” by her ordeal.

She said: “I have nothing but re-

FREED: Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert spect, love and admiration for the great nation of Iran and its warmhearted, generous and brave people.

“It is with bittersweet feelings that I depart your country, despite the injustices which I have been subjected to. I came to Iran as a friend and with friendly intentions, and depart Iran with those sentiments not only still intact, but strengthened.”

Dr Moore-Gilbert also thanked

the Australian government for “working tirelessly” to secure her release, adding: “Thank you also to all of you who have supported me and campaigned for my freedom.”

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been detained in Iran since 2016 after being sentenced to five years in prison over allegations, which she denies, of plotting to overthrow the Iranian government.

She was later afforded diplomatic protection by the UK Government, which argues that she is innocent and that her treatment

by Iran failed to meet obligations under international law.

Her husband Richard told the PA news agency the news of Dr Moore-Gilbert’s release had given him “hope”.

He said: “It’s really good news.

It was a nice shock and Nazanin was really happy when I told her because she hadn’t seen the news. The reality is that whenever there’s movement, there’s hope.”

AN INNOVATIVE hip stem developed 50 years ago has now been implanted in more than two million patients across the globe.

The Exeter hip stem was developed between NHS surgeon Professor Robin Ling (pictured above) and University of Exeter engineer Dr Clive Lee and is globally manufactured by Stryker.

Their ground-breaking design overcame a problem of previous hip implants – that they eventually became slightly loose, requiring further surgery.

This made best use of the material properties of the polymer when bearing weight as the person moved on their new hip, which helped to significantly reduce the number of follow-up revision surgeries needed.

MPs slam tech giants

TECH giants should be banned from intentionally shortening the lifespan of devices, in a bid to cut down on the 155,000 tonnes of waste electricals which end up in UK household bins every year, MPs have said.

Amazon and Apple are among the companies accused of “dodging their environmental responsibilities” and failing to help collect, recycle and repair old products in a report by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC).

The report recommends that manufacturers are forced to label their electronic products with an expected lifetime and how long it will receive software security updates.

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

20

Friday, November 27, 2020

Friday, November 27, 2020

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

21

Our theme this week was round. South Wales Argus Camera Club members shared their take on the theme and here we share just 10 of those pictures. This is just a small selection of the pictures shared by members of the South Wales Argus Camera Club and you can see more by visiting the SWACC page on Facebook. More than 3,900 people are signed up as camera club members. Why not join them?

BERRIES: Frozen in time at Blaen Bran, Cwmbran.

CORRIDOR: At the works in Ebbw Vale.

Picture: Ian A Fewings

Picture: Rachel M Chiles

BEANS: From a Monmouthshire garden.

Picture: David Barnes

GLASSES: Ian Agland shared this picture from Devauden Music Festival and is keeping his fingers crossed for 2021 SQUIRREL: Belle Vue Park, Newport. Picture: Tim Dowd

SCULPTURE: Wheel of coal drams at Maesycymmer.

Picture: Angela Shipp

SKY: The view from David Williams garden on the Gaer

WALK: The start or the end of the Wales Coast Path in Chepstow. Picture: Linda Hill

FUN: Rebecca Lee Morgan shared this picture of Gracie-Jane blowing bubbles at Tredegar House, Newport

VIEW: The Roundhouse at Goldcliff near Newport. Picture: Sandra Cavill

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

20

Friday, November 27, 2020

Friday, November 27, 2020

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

21

Our theme this week was round. South Wales Argus Camera Club members shared their take on the theme and here we share just 10 of those pictures. This is just a small selection of the pictures shared by members of the South Wales Argus Camera Club and you can see more by visiting the SWACC page on Facebook. More than 3,900 people are signed up as camera club members. Why not join them?

BERRIES: Frozen in time at Blaen Bran, Cwmbran.

CORRIDOR: At the works in Ebbw Vale.

Picture: Ian A Fewings

Picture: Rachel M Chiles

BEANS: From a Monmouthshire garden.

Picture: David Barnes

GLASSES: Ian Agland shared this picture from Devauden Music Festival and is keeping his fingers crossed for 2021 SQUIRREL: Belle Vue Park, Newport. Picture: Tim Dowd

SCULPTURE: Wheel of coal drams at Maesycymmer.

Picture: Angela Shipp

SKY: The view from David Williams garden on the Gaer

WALK: The start or the end of the Wales Coast Path in Chepstow. Picture: Linda Hill

FUN: Rebecca Lee Morgan shared this picture of Gracie-Jane blowing bubbles at Tredegar House, Newport

VIEW: The Roundhouse at Goldcliff near Newport. Picture: Sandra Cavill

22

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

Friday, November 27, 2020

YOUR HEALTH

Hospital worker shares personal cancer battle

ABOVE: David Collyer’s photos taken at Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital featured in his book ‘All In A Day’s Work’.

RIGHT: David Collyer. Photos: David Collyer

AN ANAESTHETIST who went viral in May with his photos of life in the fight against coronavirus at Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital has shared his story of a whirlwind few months.

David Collyer, from Abergavenny, who experienced the elation of his photography at Nevill Hall making the front page of The Guardian and being shared all around the world in May, had a breakdown less than a month later following a diagnosis of cancer.

Mr Collyer, aged 53 and a father to two teenage boys, who has since written blogs about his cancer battle, says he has learned a great deal

By Jonathon Hill

since March about the importance of living his life with perspective.

“I started working at Nevill Hall in June 2017, and I’d been taking photographs for a long time before then,” he said.

“We knew a lot of systems and personnel would be transferring to the Grange (the new hospital near Cwmbran), and my aim was to spend this year taking photographs of that transition, to share with colleagues.

“I never once thought I’d

make a book or be on the front page of any newspaper – let alone the Guardian.”

When the pandemic hit the UK and lockdown began at the end of March, Mr Collyer turned his attention to documenting the hospital’s battle against the virus.

“A couple of photos were leaked on social media and someone I know well in the publishing industry asked if I wanted to share them in a magazine.

“I was open to it and sent him the pictures, but he came back to me after he’d seen them and said we needed to do a book.

“Within three weeks we had received our first or-

ders, and our first batch sold out in 24 hours.”

His book – a collection of photographs titled All In A Day’s Work – was an attempt to shine a light on the reality of how people on the frontline contended with the virus.

“I thought it was a story that needed telling, and I called it All In A Day’s Work because I felt uncomfortable with how NHS workers were being worshipped – at times in an almost crass way.

“I wanted to depict the reality of the struggles, and I wanted to hold a mirror up to show who we are.

“We are highly trained people who get paid to do a

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

Friday, November 27, 2020

23

YOUR HEALTH WORK: David Collyer’s photos (left and right) taken at Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital, which went viral during the first lockdown, and have led to his book ‘All In A Day’s Work’.

BELOW: David Collyer.

Photos: David Collyer

good day’s work, and we get on with it despite being systematically failed.

“You can’t do it unless you have a good sense of humour and take everything in your stride. You need to be able to compartmentalise things.”

One thousand copies have already been sold, and the work was to be shared on the front page of a leading national newspaper, with a double spread inside.

He said: “I knew it was going to be in the Guardian online, they found out about my work and asked me to submit photos and a short piece, and told me it might make print, but I didn’t think it would be on the front.

“I was cycling to work and stopped at Bailey’s Garage in Abergavenny, and it hit me straight away. I nearly fell off my bike.

“I took every copy I could manage to carry, and phoned my father – who was a journalist and a newspaper editor.

“When I told him I’d made the front he thought I meant the Abergavenny Chronicle.

When I told him it was the Guardian he spat his cornflakes out.”

Since then photographers which Mr Collyer considers inspirations have been in touch to praise him for his work.

Leading British photographer David Hurn recently invited him for lunch and hailed his work the best he’d seen on the pandemic.

“I was gobsmacked – I have their books on my shelf and now I’m going around their houses for lunch,” he said.

“People have been so kind, everyone in the photography circuit I’ve spoken to over the last few months has wanted to help me up the ladder.”

But the period of positivity was horribly stifled when – in early June – he was told he had bladder cancer.

“I had symptoms on and off for a while, but was told to take antibiotics and I’d probably get better,” he said.

“I never did and knew as it persisted I might have a real issue.

“It was awful – it hits you really hard but it’s afterwards that’s the hardest. It doesn’t leave you.

“The only time I forget about it is when I’m behind a camera.”

The tumour was removed ten days after the diagnosis, but as it is a high-grade cancer he has been told it is likely to return, and he will have to have checks every three months.

“When you work in hospitals it’s easy to look at an operation as a fix – but it’s often just the start,” he said.

“I was so rough for a month afterwards. I went through stages of being very positive, and then I’d have one or two days of being terrified.

“I made the mistake of Googling my diagnosis, and I broke down.

“I’m now back at work, and I’m feeling quietly optimistic. I am trying to compartmentalise things and deal

with any health issues when they arise.”

He believes working in a hospital during a pandemic has helped him to deal with his diagnosis.

“I have always been somewhat pragmatic about life and death,” he said. “Perhaps it comes from an early age, as my grandfather had motor neurone disease.

“Working in a hospital you realise your grip on mortality is tenuous. Most days I see people in terrible positions.

“I know it sounds silly – but I often consider myself lucky to have had the diagnosis.

“Looking back, there are parts of the process I’ve enjoyed. It has taught me a hell of a lot about myself and made me a lot more focused on what I want to do with my photography.

“It’s made me understand myself, how I tick, and how I respond to difficult situations.”

His blog, in which he asks “It’s gotta be someone, so

why not me?”, was started with the intention of helping men to speak openly about cancer and wellbeing.

“I have always liked to make quirky observations about life. I wanted to capture how I felt, and share my problems.

“Middle-aged men are notoriously bad at coming to terms with their issues. I thought the blog could be a good way share humorous stories about my cancer journey, but also to be as brutally honest as I could.

“I asked ‘why not me’ because I see so many ill people every day – so why not me? It can happen to anyone.

Your life can turn at the flip of a coin.

“I’m no use to anyone sat down and feeling sorry for myself. I fully intend to accept it and keep moving forward.”

You can visit Mr Collyer’s blog to read his musings on cancer, photography and other things at https://davidcollyer.wordpress.com/

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

24

Friday, November 27, 2020

Family Notices

An opportunity to share memories and to leave a lasting tribute to family and friends.

Place your obitiaries at our dedicated website...

Online: southwalesargus.co.uk/obit Deaths

Tel: 01633 777102

Email: familynotices@gwent-wales.co.uk

Deaths BARRINGTON Wendy Louise

Peacefully at Royal Gwent Hospital on the 6th November 2020 Wendy passed away aged 70 years.

Deaths JAMES

Peacefully on 13th November 2020, Robert (Bob) James of West Pontnewydd, Cwmbran.

Loving Daughter of the late Ben and Ethel. A loving Wife of Len, cherished Mother of Kevin, Donna, Melanie and Amy. A loving Sister of Colin.

Beloved husband of Jean, devoted dad of Mark and Gareth, much loved bampy of Megan and Jessica. Loved and sadly missed by all his loving family and friends.

Devoted Nan and Great Nan. You will be in our hearts forever. Private funeral service will be held at Langstone Vale Crematorium on the 2nd December 2020. Family flowers only. All enquiries to Green Willow Funerals, Pillmawr Road, Malpas, Newport NP20 6WN. Telephone 01633 855350

A private funeral to take place at Gwent Crematorium. Donations in lieu maybe given for Nevill Hall Hospital, Brecon Road, Abergavenny NP7 7EG. Enquiries to Peterson Funeral Home, Maendy Way, Cwmbran, NP44 3LH. Tel: 01633 483127.

FISHER (Nee Smith) Sadly on 15th November 2020, Lilian May Fisher of Southville, Cwmbran.

Loving wife of the late Barnsley Raymond Fisher together again after 54 years, loving mother of Brian, Barbara and mother in law of Andrew and Heather, cherished grandmother of Eleanor, Nicholas, Robert and Kayleigh.

A private funeral to take place at Gwent Crematorium. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu may be given at the service for The Salvation Army, Wesley Street, Old Cwmbran and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. Enquiries to Peterson Funeral Home, Maendy Way, Cwmbran, NP44 3LH. Tel: 01633 483127.

GREEN Ian On 22nd November at Mountbatten Hospice, Hampshire, Ian, aged 58 years, formerly of Hardwick Avenue, Chepstow.

Beloved Husband of the late Faye and partner to Karen, devoted Father of Laura, Rosalind and Corrin, Father-in-law of James, Son of Carole and dearly loved Grandfather.

Private Family Cremation. Family flowers only, donations for Mountbatten Hospice may be sent to Philip Blatchly & Son, 5, Station Road, Chepstow, Mon. NP16 5PB. Tel: 01291 624939.

HOOD Christopher ‘Little Icker’ Passed away at the Royal Gwent Hospital on Thursday 5th November 2020.

Dearly loved husband to Lyn, devoted father to Lee, Leon, Lloyd and Blake, dear father in law, grandad and great grandad.

You will remain in our hearts forever.

Private service to be held by invitation only. If desired donations to be sent to the Alzheimer’s Society, Scott Lodge, Scott Road, Plymouth, PL2 3DU.

as unique as your family...

Share memories & leave lasting tributes at: southwalesargus.co.uk/obit

On 14th November, at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Donald, aged 94 years, formerly of Caldicot and Rogerstone.

Beloved husband of the late Phyllis and Glenys, devoted father of Graham, Wendy and Hazel, father-in-law of Pauline and Ian, step father of Teresa and Tina, dearly loved bamp and great-bamp, much loved brother of Brian.

Private Family Funeral Service. Donations for Velindre Fundraising may be sent Philip Blatchly & Son, London House, 14 Chepstow Road, Caldicot, Mon. NP26 4HY. Tel: 01291 430468

JONES Peacefully on 11th November 2020, Donald Jones of Cwmbran.

Beloved husband of the late Valerie, devoted dad of Lynne, much loved gransh of Rachel, adored great gransh of Lexi and loved brother of Barry. He will be sadly missed by all the family.

A private funeral to take place at Gwent Crematorium. Donations in lieu may be given at the service for St David’s Hospice Care. Enquiries to Peterson Funeral Home, Maendy Way, Cwmbran, NP44 3LH. Tel: 01633 483127.

KEARLE Maureen Anne

ROWLAND Lyndon Clive On Tuesday 17th of November 2020, Lyndon, aged 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Dear husband of Jean and devoted father of Catherine and Nick.

Lyndon, will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

A Private Funeral Service will be held due to COVID 19 restrictions.

No flowers by request. Donations in lieu payable to St. David’s Hospice Care may be sent c/o Tovey Bros. 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport. NP20 2EH www.toveybros.co.uk

Sadly but peacefully at her home on 8th November 2020 aged 87 of Malpas Newport.

Beloved Wife of the late Haydn. Loving Mum to Margaret and Joanne.

Loving Mother in law to Hamid and Andrew and devoted Nan to Sam, Karim, Kirsty, Jodie and Ashleigh.

STEWART (Pamela)

Private funeral service will be held at Langstone Vale Crematorium on the 4th December 2020. Family flowers only. All enquiries to Green Willow Funerals, Pillmawr Road, Malpas, Newport NP20 6WN. Telephone 01633 855350

Sadly, Pam passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side, on November 19th 2020. Aged 91 years, of Caerleon, she lived a long, loving, and happy life which was always centred around the family, who meant everything to her.

MAYO Lyndon John On 17th November, at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, Lyndon John, aged 60 years, of Mathern Way, Bulwark, Chepstow.

Beloved husband of Glynis, much loved and devoted father of Jade and Patrick, dearly loved grandad of Daisy and Parker, much loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.

Due to current restrictions, a Private Family Cremation will be held.

Family flowers only, donations for National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) may be sent to Philip Blatchly & Son, 5 Station Road, Chepstow, Mon. NP16 5PB. Tel: 01291 624939.

MORRIS Muriel It is with great sadness that Roger, Sue and Robert have to announce the death of Muriel on the 19th of November at Ty Ceirios Nursing Home, Pontypool.

Family Notices

POOK Donald

Beloved widow of the late David Morris of Woodfieldside Blackwood and formerly of Abertillery and Ton Pentre. Muriel will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Private family funeral. Perhaps donations in lieu of flowers, if so wished, could be made to a charity of your own choice.

Beloved wife of the late Don Stewart, precious Mum of Jayne and Alison and loved Mum-in-law of Lyndon and Michael. A wonderful Gran to Louise & Liam, Christopher & Gemma and Kate & Alex, and a very special Great-Gran to Lola, Mia, Amelia, Josef and Ellis.

A very special lady, she will be forever in the hearts of all the family and all those who knew and loved her.

Service to be held at St. Cadocs Church Caerleon, at 9:30am on December 3rd, by invitation only due to the current circumstances, prior to cremation at Langstone Vale Crematorium, at 10:30am.

Family flowers only please All enquiries to T J Davies & Sons Funeral Directors, 54-56 Chepstow Rd, Newport NP19 8WU.

WILLIAMS (nee Humphries) Pat On November 16th at Nevill Hall Hospital, Pat, aged 89 years, of Usk. Beloved wife of Henry, much loved mother of Anne and Michael, mother-in-law of Andrew and Tracy and loving grandmother to Joe, Jamie and Jake.

Private funeral due to current circumstances. Donations if desired, payable to Cancer Research, may be sent c/o Tovey Bros, 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 2EH.

southwalesargus.co.uk/news

Friday, November 27, 2020

Family Notices as unique as your family An opportunity to share memories and to leave a lasting tribute to family and friends.

Place obituaries on our dedicated website: southwalesargus.co.uk/obit In Memoriam DAVIS Sheila Martha

We’ll help you find the right words GENERAL VERSES VERSE 1A

Take him/her in your arms Lord, Guide him/her through the storm, Sit with him/her in sunshine, and let the wind be warm, Play his/her favourite music, And when you see him/her smile, Tell him/her that we love him/her, And he’s/she’s thought of all the while.

VERSE 2A

Mum, every day in some small way, we miss you more than words can say.

From all your loving children.

Jesus take care of our (name) And love her/him as we do Because she/he was everything, Loving kind and true

REED Angela

VERSE 3A

One year ago today, you left us so suddenly the day before your 74th Birthday. We love and miss you more each day, it doesn’t get easier.

All our love Malc, Julie, Jenny and families, and much love from Mam.

Not one to trouble or make a fuss, You asked for nothing from any of us, God called you to him and we had to part, Leaving us lonely and with a broken heart.

VERSE 4A

I cannot bring the old days back, When we were all together, But memories keep you close to me, And memories last forever.

VERSE 5A

Safe in the arms of Jesus, And free from pain, Rest in peace (name) Till we meet again.

VERSE 6A

A light is from our household gone, A voice we loved is stilled, A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled.

We have to mourn the loss of one, We did our best to save, Beloved on earth, regretted still, Remembered in the grave.

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Announcements - Public Notices

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VERSE 7A

A golden heart stopped beating, Two smiling eyes at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Notes...

VERSE 8A

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Free from pain, Now you’re up above, Feelings of sadness, And feelings of love.

VERSE 9A

OFFICE HOURS

25

It’s a wonderful journey (name) From the old world to the new Someday I’ll take that journey Just to be with you.

And when I get to heaven Where all are free from pain I’ll put my arms around you (name) And we’ll never part again.

VERSE 10A

Although we’re not together, We will never be apart, Because you have that special place, Right here within my heart, Always and forever.

VERSE 11A

VERSE 20A

Each dawning day, a thought of you At eventide, a prayer, And in the hearts that loved you so, You always will be there, Ours to remember.

VERSE 21A

You never complained, You never gave in, You fought a battle, You could not win, You were so brave.

No matter where I go (name) No matter what I do, I’ll cherish the memories of yesterday And the laughs I shared with you.

VERSE 12A

Farewells were left unspoken, You gently slipped away, You left many happy memories, That will never fade way.

VERSE 13A

We never lose the ones we love, For even though they’ve gone, Within the heartsof those who care Their memory lingers on.

VERSE 14A

I did’nt see you often, But you knew I really cared, And I have some lovely memories, Of happy times we shared.

Time is not measured by the years that You live, but the deeds that you do, And the joy that you give And each day as it comes Brings a chance to each one, To love to the fullest, leaving nothing undone.

VERSE 15A

It seems that certain friends we meet.

Are thought of for a while.

While others are remembered for A special deed or smile But those who stay within our hearts Are very very few, But (name) that’s the kind of friend We all found in you.

Did the sun shine a little brighter, Was the sky a deeper blue, Or was it just a better world, (name) When we shared our lives with you.

May God grant us, Hope for each morning, Strength for each day, And peace for each night.

On the wings of a prayer our burdens Take flight, And our load of care becomes Bearably light.

And our heavy hearts are lifted above, To be healed by the by the balm of God’s Wonderful love.

And the tears in our eyes are dried by the hands of a loving Father who understands All of our problems, our fears and despair, When we take them to him on the wings Of a prayer.

Our hearts are filled with memories, Which we gather through the years, All the happy times we shared, Are treasured souvenirs.

VERSE 16A

My heart is filled with love each day, I loved you in a special way, Trusting that God will understand, I place my heartache in his hands.

VERSE 17A

Life’s work well done, Life’s race well run, Now comes rest.

VERSE 18A

How hard it is to part with those We hold so dear, The heart no greater trial knows, No sorrow more severe.

VERSE 19A

I’ll treasure forever the friendship We shared.

The things you did, the way you cared, Someone to turn to, so kind and true, One in a million (name) I’ll never Forget you.

VERSE 22A

VERSE 23A

VERSE 24A

VERSE 25A

VERSE 26A

You lived your life with little needs, Full instead, of selfless deeds, For everyone you did your best, May God grant you eternal rest.

VERSE 27A

It was hard to part with one so dear, We little thought the time was near, Farewell, dear one, your life is past, Our love for you till the end will last.

VERSE 28A

Every day in some small way, We miss you more than words can say, In our hearts you will always stay, Loved and remembered every day.

VERSE 29A

From pain to peace, From home to heaven, God Bless.

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Public Notices Caring Services

Caring Services

Friday, November 27, 2020

Know what’s going on in your local area Caring Services

www.exchangeandmart.co.uk

Friday, November 27, 2020

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Need help quick? Call the experts...

To advertise please call 01633 777000 or email: shout@gwent-wales.co.uk

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TRADES & SERVICES

BEST BUILDER IN TOWN?

Shout!

About it...

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Friday, November 27, 2020

southwalesargus.co.uk/jobs

Friday, November 27, 2020

jobs

To advertise now please call 01633 777103 or recruiters@w1jobs.com

29

...in association with

w jobs.com

How to make the right first impression A BIG part of getting a job is making a good first impression, and a big part of making a good first impression is how you dress for the interview. While you don’t have to spend a lot of money on your wardrobe, putting in a little extra effort will pay off in the long run.

It is a good idea to keep bright, flashy colours to a minimum. While a blazer is a good go-to choice for almost any interview, be mindful of what you wear underneath.

For women, the deep-V formed by the blazer’s lapel creates a plunging neckline.

Make sure you are covered appropriately.

Of course, layering with a button-down is a no-fail option, too.

This tip applies to men, too. Unless

you’re interviewing in a casual environment, like at a startup company, wearing a blazer on top doesn’t give you the excuse to wear a tired T-shirt underneath. Take the extra effort and put on a button-down or, at the very least, a V-neck sweater.

Traditional ties make the best impression, so leave the novelty ones at home. Even if you think your tie will make a statement, err on the side of caution and stick with something that’s more traditional. A pattern with conservative colours is perfectly fine – like subdued stripes or tasteful paisley – but don’t try to be a funny guy who wears the tacky tie.

Both women and men should keep

accessories to a minimum. Ladies should avoid excess jewellery; instead of big hoops or chandelier earrings, opt for classic studs. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing flashy necklaces, large sunglasses, or anything “bedazzled”.

While accessories aren’t so much of an issue for men, it’s important to be mindful of your cufflinks, your tie clip, and your belt; don’t wear anything you might wear out to a club, for example.

Regardless of the accessories, you choose to wear, just remember that you want to look polished and professional. Don’t let your outfit detract from the focus on the interview: how you would be the best fit for the job you want.

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w1jobs.com Call us today to post a job from just £99 0292 132 0112

Mission: Possible.

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Call us today to post a job from just £99 0292 132 0112

Mission: Possible.

To advertise your vacancies, call us NOW on 01633 777103

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Friday, November 27, 2020

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Friday, November 27, 2020

31

PUZZLES DOUBLE CROSSWORD

WORD WHEEL 19. A quaintly pleasing kind of accent (5) 21. Gave the players a hand (5) 22. Provided a home for a small charge (7)

You have 10 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the wheel. Each must use the hub letter and at least 3 others.

Letters may be used only once. You cannot use plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. There is at least one 9-letter word to be found.

Down

CRYPTIC CLUES Across

6. One who docks the sailing-ship (7) 7. Short, broken fibre (5) 9. A big hole in the baby’s shawl (5) 10. Swindles used by those in court (7)

1. Irons a suit (5) 2. When Pam’s indisposed in the ship, convulsions result (6) 3. Piece of golfing equipment, one hears, held by the caddy (3) 4. They stop interruptions being heard (6) 5. Hide the real confusion (7) 8. One appearing in “Trilby” wasn’t! (7) 11. Fragrant shrub getting James in trouble (7) 13. He reckons to show a kind of balance (7) 15. Provide goods in a flexible 12. List bases he sets up in way (6) a different order (11) 16. A breach of the peace round the south leads to 14. He attends to someone’s flight (6) health after dinner (11) 17. Pete’s very much inclined 18. Having a shot at to get upset (5) getting a bargain in 20. Cretan mountain bird is Gateshead (7) heard (3)

5 8 9 5 2 9 2 7 3 5 2 3 9 7 6 1 4 3

I

QUICK CLUES

Across 6. Integrity (7) 7. Shammed (5) 9. Foe (5) 10. Idiotic (7) 12. Curious (11) 14. Festivity (11) 18. Equip (7) 19. Small fish (5) 21. Muscle (5) 22. Pardon (7)

Down 1. Junction (5) 2. Discourse (6) 3. Pig-pen (3) 4. Rascal (6) 5. Thoughtful (7) 8. Renounce (7) 11. Conjecture (7) 13. Need (7) 15. Fame (6) 16. Figure (6) 17. Tile (5) 20. Sprite (3)

2 6

7

4 3 4 6 2 4 8 9 7 9

1

14

2

15

3

16

4

17

5

O

18

6

19

7

20

8

C

21

9

22

10

23

11

24

12

25

13

26

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

NINER Each number from 1 to 9 represents a different letter. Solve the clues and insert the letters in the appropriate squares to discover a word which uses all nine letters.

THE CLUES 9356824 1228 7786

1

2

SPIRAL Starting from 1, fill in the grid clockwise with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next to reveal the seven-letter key word in the shaded boxes.

4

2

1

5

6

7

8

9

3

9

10

14

15

8

11

4

16

7

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

12 5

6

Forehead Wild animal Plural of foot Bathroom powder Solid block Nobleman Quiet spell Touch down

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Furniture item Bird type Image, statue Standard Cooked animal flesh 14. Stumble 15. Cat noise 16. Quarrels noisily

Keyword clue: Legal term

Previous day’s solutions DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 7 Eyelid; 8 Repair; 10 Musical; 11 Backs; 12 Wood; 13 Pause; 17 Acorn; 18 More; 22 Photo; 23 Evening; 24 Lonely; 25 Danger.

Down: 1 Sea-mews; 2 Session; 3 Hitch; 4 Verbose; 5 Fancy; 6 Dress; 9 All agreed; 14 Schools; 15 Foliage; 16 Vergers; 19 Apple; 20 Joint; 21 Began.

Quick: Across: 7 Intone; 8 Wallow; 10 Terrain; 11 Grove; 12 Rile; 13 Youth; 17 Gripe; 18 Jape; 22 Leapt; 23 Swooned; 24 Bereft; 25 Stigma.

Down: 1 Victory; 2 Sterile; 3 Sneak; 4 Naughty; 5 Gloom; 6 Sweet; 9 Encompass; 14 Gratify; 15 Carnage; 16 Headway; 19 Globe; 20 Fairy; 21 Loath.

WORD WHEEL: BAKEHOUSE.

gives a wind; gives a fog; gives a cosmic cloud.

3

I

L D

13

Codeword is the crossword puzzle with no clues. The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided.

Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

2

O

M

How you rate: 15, average; 20, good; 25, very good; 30 or more, excellent.

CODEWORD

Hard

Medium

SUDOKU

B

A S

CODEWORD: 1=Z, 2=U, 3=E, 4=B, 5=Y, 6=S, 7=M, 8=P, 9=N, 10=F, 11=Q, 12=C, 13=H, 14=R, 15=I, 16=J, 17=G, 18=A, 19=D, 20=V, 21=L, 22=K,

23=O, 24=X, 25=T, 26=W. NINER: VERDANTLY WORD SPIRAL: 1 Free; 2 Emus; 3 Stun; 4 Noon; 5 Need; 6 Dial; 7 Lamp; 8 Pair; 9 Rats; 10 Sari; 11 Itch; 12 Hobo; 13 Onus; 14 Suds; 15 Skit; 16 Temp.

Keyword: Pumpkin.

SUDOKU 2 9 7 4 5 6 1 8 3

1 4 3 8 7 9 5 2 6

5 6 8 3 2 1 4 7 9

7 1 6 9 4 5 8 3 2

3 5 9 1 8 2 7 6 4

4 8 2 7 6 3 9 1 5

8 3 4 6 9 7 2 5 1

6 7 5 2 1 4 3 9 8

9 2 1 5 3 8 6 4 7

Friday November 27, 2020

32

FINANCE

How to stop your Black Friday purchases getting out of hand Planning ahead will help you stay costconscious when you’re scouring the Black Friday bargains. By Vicky Shaw

Elle McAtamney from TopCashback.

Pic: Topcashback/PA

Catherine Hiley from Uswitch.

Pic: Uswitch/PA

A

Once you’ve found the cheapest retailers, McAtamney adds: “Items are likely to sell out fast, so it’s good to have a back-up retailer if you first choice falls through.”

S your inbox strains under the weight of stores’ ‘offers’ around Black Friday today, November 27, it’s important not to get carried away, and keep any spending strictly within what you can afford.

There may well be lots of tempting ‘bargains’ up for grabs.

But with many household budgets finely balanced on a knife edge, as the financial fallout of the pandemic continues, it’s vital to stick to a budget.

This means planning ahead and thinking about how you will pay for it all, so you’re not bamboozled with ‘flash sales’ and ‘limited time offers’. And remember, just because it’s available or on offer, does not mean you have to buy something.

Here are some tips from the experts for grabbing the best Black Friday deals, and being conscious about your spending...

1. Do your homework first Elle McAtamney, a spokesperson for TopCashback.co.uk, suggests: “If you know what you want to buy from the Black Friday sales, make a list and do your research before the sales start – remember Black Friday isn’t just one or two days anymore.”

She suggests comparing prices across retailers beforehand, so you know who is currently selling what you want for the cheapest prices, which could potentially drop even lower.

2. Be sure the price is right If you’ve checked prices beforehand, you’ll know if you’re really getting a bargain on Black Friday. McAtamney also suggests checking websites such as Amazon and eBay to see how their prices compare with high street retailers.

3. Found a bargain? See if you can cut the price down even more “Before committing to any purchases, it’s worth scanning the internet for vouchers and discount codes.

“There are lots of sites you can visit which host lists of codes that will work on retailers’ websites,” says McAtamney.

“It’s also worth signing up to retailers’ newsletters and following their social channels, as they often release special codes.

“These can then be layered on top of Black Friday deals to get a higher discount.”

Websites such as TopCashback. co.uk will also give you money back on your spending.

4. Could your work status get you even more money off?

For some people, it might.

Catherine Hiley, a Black Friday deals expert at Uswitch.com, says students and NHS workers, for example, should keep an eye out for retailers as they can sometimes offer them extra discounts on a range of products.

5. Will your preferred retailer do a price match?

Perhaps you’ve found a great deal, but you’d rather buy from a retailer you already know and trust. In that case, it may be worth seeing if the retailer you’re more familiar with will match the price.

Hiley says: “Some retailers offer price-matching services, even on Black Friday. If you find it cheaper elsewhere then check whether your preferred retailer offers this service.”

6. Think beyond electronics Black Friday may be a great time to find a new smart TV, but there are other bargains out there too.

Hiley says: “Try considering shopping for better deals on services you’re using, such as broadband or your mobile phone contract, as Black Friday is a prime

opportunity to switch providers for better than average savings.

Uswitch hosted around 70 exclusive deals on the last Black Friday.”

7. Think very carefully about how you’ll pay If money is already tight, then over-spending will only make matters worse.

If your Black Friday purchase will push you into the red, it could end up costing you a lot more than you’d bargained for. Bear in mind that several banks are now charging interest rates of 40% for going overdrawn.

According to Moneyfacts.co.uk, the lengths of 0% purchase credit card deals have also shortened over recent years. So if you’re buying this way you may have less time to clear your balance before interest charges kick in.

8. Finally, it pays to know your rights If your ‘bargain’ turns out to be shoddy, you could get a refund. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 covers what should happen when goods are faulty and more information about it is on the gov.uk and Citizens Advice websites.

Shoppers also have key cancellation rights for online purchases. More information about this is on the Which? website (which.co.uk/consumer-rights/ regulation/consumer-contractsregulations).

MoneySavingExpert.com also has information about consumer rights (moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/ consumer-rights-refundsexchange). So make sure you’re clued up before contacting the retailer.

Friday November 27, 2020

33

SHOWBIZ

Depp is denied chance to appeal

GLOBAL

Factfile

Mads Mikkelsen

BRIEFS The sound of Christmas

BRIAN May and Kerry Ellis are to release a Christmas song.

The Queen guitarist and West End star’s track One Beautiful Christmas Day will be released later this week.

The song includes Ellis’ vocals and is being released under her name but also features May on guitar.

May said: “The time is right for a new Christmas classic – and this is it.

“One beautiful Christmas wish for togetherness at the end of a tough year.”

The song will be available on streaming and digital platforms from today (Friday).

Judge rejects actor’s bid to overturn ruling that he assaulted his ex-wife

J

OHNNY Depp’s bid to overturn a damning High Court ruling that he assaulted his ex-wife Amber Heard and put her in fear for her life has been dealt an initial setback after he was refused permission to appeal.

The Hollywood star sued The Sun’s publisher for libel after a 2018 column by its executive editor Dan Wootton labelled him a “wife beater”.

The 57-year-old took legal action against News Group Newspapers (NGN) over the column, which referred to “overwhelming evidence” he attacked Ms Heard, 34, during their relationship.

Earlier this month, Mr Justice Nicol dismissed the Pirates Of The Caribbean actor’s claim, finding NGN had proved what was in the article was “substantially true”.

The same judge refused Mr Depp permission to appeal last week, ruling: “I do not consider that the proposed grounds of appeal have a reasonable prospect of success.”

The judge also ordered the actor to make an initial payment to NGN of almost £630,000 for the publisher’s legal fees.

Mr Justice Nicol said in his ruling: “In substance, the claimant disagrees with my findings of fact, but for the reasons summarised by NGN’s barrister Adam Wolanksi QC the findings of fact by a first instance tribunal – particularly one, such as myself, who has heard oral evidence – are rarely open to challenge on appeal.

“In any event, I do not consider that the proposed grounds of

appeal have a reasonable prospect of success – and that is also the case so far as the grounds of appeal suggest that I erred in principle or in law – and there is not some other compelling reason why permission to appeal should be granted.”

In the ruling, which was made public on Wednesday, Mr Justice Nicol gave Mr Depp until December 7 to apply directly to the Court of Appeal to overturn his judgment.

In his main judgment, published earlier this month, Mr Justice Nicol concluded that 12 of the 14 alleged incidents of domestic violence relied on by NGN did occur.

The judge found that Mr Depp assaulted Ms Heard on a dozen occasions and put her in “fear for her life” on three occasions, including one the actress described as a “threeday hostage situation” in Australia in March 2015.

Mr Justice Nicol found Ms Heard was also in fear for her life during incidents on the Eastern and Oriental Express in South East Asia in August 2015 and again in LA in December of the same year.

The judge said “a recurring theme in Mr Depp’s evidence was that Ms Heard had constructed a hoax as an ‘insurance policy’”, and that Ms Heard was a “gold-digger”.

But he added: “I do not accept this characterisation of Ms Heard.”

Mr Depp is currently embroiled in a separate libel battle in the US, having sued Ms Heard personally over a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse.

New vicar to join soap cast

Mads is new dark wizard

WARNER Bros Pictures has confirmed James Bond star Mads Mikkelsen will take over the role of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp in the third Fantastic Beasts film.

Depp stepped down from the role after losing his highprofile libel case against The Sun newspaper over an article which labelled him a “wife beater”.

Danish actor Mikkelsen, 54, rose to prominence as shady banker Le Chiffre opposite Daniel Craig in 2006 Bond film Casino Royale.

He also played Dr Hannibal Lecter in the television series Hannibal.

In the Harry Potter universe, Grindelwald is an immensely powerful evil wizard, who is regarded as second only to Voldemort.

Depp, 57, said he was asked to step down from the franchise by Warner Bros following his legal defeat. He was refused permission to appeal against the judgement last week, but has been given until December 7 to apply directly to the Court of Appeal.

Production on Fantastic Beasts 3 has been taking place in the UK, with Eddie Redmayne starring as Newt Scamander and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore.

BBC defends satire show as bombing joke draws criticism

THE BBC has defended an episode of Have I Got News for You after it featured a joke about bombing Glastonbury to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn supporters.

Comedian Fin Taylor said on the BBC One panel show that his “relationship with Corbyn is like Bob Dylan, in that I only hate him

so much because of his fans”, who he called “fanatics”.

And he added: “So all you’ve got to do is, next year, bomb Glastonbury, hopefully Dylan’s headlining. Two birds, one stone.”

The BBC said: “Have I Got News for You has built a reputation for irreverent humour and satire.

“Regular viewers expect the panellists to make jokes and understand that contributions are intended to be funny and amusing, and this edition was no exception.

“It was clear that comedian Fin Taylor was talking about an utterly absurd scenario, and was

in no way whatsoever to be taken seriously.”

The BBC previously ruled that a joke by Jo Brand, on BBC Radio 4 programme Heresy and about throwing battery acid at politicians, “went beyond what was appropriate” for a Radio 4 comedy show.

EMMERDALE is adding a father and son duo to its cast of characters.

Charles, played by Kevin Mathurin, is a vicar who proves an instant hit with his fellow villagers after he moves in.

He is joined by his son Ethan, played by Emile John, who is trying to become a lawyer.

The ITV soap will tell the story of Ethan being wrongly accused of a crime and his subsequent fight for justice.

Saving kids from hunger

THE BBC will broadcast a documentary charting England footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign against child food poverty.

The Manchester United star, 23, has won widespread praise and an MBE for his ongoing efforts to ensure no child goes hungry.

BBC cameras will follow the sportsman, originally from Manchester, as he tries to better understand the effects of food poverty and how Covid19 has contributed to the issue.

34

Friday, November 27, 2020

Follow all the big news stories and give us your thoughts at: southwalesargus.co.uk/sport Southwell card

Going: Standard TOTE: Placepot: First six races.

DRAW: 5f None, 6f Low best TV: SKY SPORTS RACING

11.35BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP (CLASS 5)

5f 3yo and upwards £3,429 1 070 OEIL DE TIGRE 18 A Carroll 9-9-7 ... Elisha Whittington(5) 3 2 44472 SAMOVAR 12 S Dixon 5-9-6 ......................................L Morris 6 3 59804 SCALE FORCE 12 Miss G Kelleway 4-9-4George Rooke(5) 1 4 24231 ARZAAK 29 C Wallis 6-9-1...................................Hollie Doyle 2 5 74554 KNIGHTCAP 38 T Easterby 3-9-0........................D Fentiman 5 6 39040 SLOWMO 10 A Brittain 4-8-12 ..................................C Hardie 4 7 88585 RED STRIPES 12 Mrs L Williamson 8-8-9 ................ H Shaw 7 BETTING: 2 Samovar, 5-2 Arzaak, 4 Scale Force, 6 Knightcap, 10 Slowmo, 16 Red Stripes, 33 Oeil De Tigre.

BOMBARDIER BRITISH-HOPPED AMBER BEER SELLING HANDICAP (CLASS 6)

12.05

7f 3yo to 6yo £2,782 1 90085 THREE CARD TRICK 38 Phillip Makin 4-9-10 ..........R Scott 13 2 62833 BOLD DECISION 37 A Carroll 4-9-7......................... B Curtis 10 3 00924 ENZO 13 J Butler 5-9-6 ...............................................L Morris 11 4 53669 MIDNIGHT IN HAVANA 42 B Smart 4-9-1 ................... G Lee 9 5 37966 CHILLON CASTLE 12 M Herrington 4-8-13.............T Eaves 7 6 02047 THE RETRIEVER 29 M Hammond 5-8-13..............J Garritty 12 7 90642 VELVET VISTA 20 Mike Murphy 4-8-13............Hollie Doyle 1 8 08000 VIKING WAY 24 Olly Williams 5-8-12..................D Fentiman 5 9 00068 TRUST ME 20 D Ivory 4-8-12 ...................................... J Quinn 2 10 37760 PRINCESS MAYSON 39 Adam West 3-8-11..........K O’Neill 8 11 U7065 THE RED WITCH 39 Steph Hollinshead 3-8-11Josephine Gordon 14 12 09976 LILI WEN FACH 12 R J Price 3-8-11.......George Rooke(5) 4 13 76668 WALTZING HOME 10 D Shaw 3-8-11 ............... W Carver(5) 3 14 0-00 HERRING BAY 36 J Holt 3-8-11 ...............................W Cox(3) 6 BETTING: 7-2 Bold Decision, 9-2 Velvet Vista, 5 Enzo, 8 Midnight In Havana, Three Card Trick, 10 The Retriever, Chillon Castle, 12 Princess Mayson, Trust Me, 16 Others.

12.35

BETWAY HANDICAP (CLASS 5)

1m 4f 3yo and upwards £3,429 1 10620 TYNECASTLE PARK 35 R Eddery 7-10-0 .Selma Grage(7) 1 2 41-20 SCORCHED EARTH 14 R Dickin 4-9-11................R Hornby 5 3 3-322 SKY POWER 17 R Hannon 3-9-7........................ S De Sousa 9 4 43-10 NOTATION 24 M Johnston 3-9-6 .................O Stammers(5) 3 5 78705 BLOWING DIXIE 25 I Jardine 4-9-5 ......................... A Mullen 6 6 41425 THAWRY 18 A Brittain 5-9-5 ......................................C Hardie 7 7 32290 COLD HARBOUR 9 R Brisland 5-9-5.......................K O’Neill 2 8 76057 LADY CAMELOT 52 P Kirby 5-8-8 ............................ B Curtis 4 9 7803 MOSTALLIM 18 M Appleby 3-8-7 .............................L Morris 8 BETTING: 7-4 Sky Power, 5 Notation, 6 Cold Harbour, Tynecastle Park, 8 Blowing Dixie, 10 Mostallim, 12 Thawry, 16 Lady Camelot, 25 Scorched Earth.

1.05

BETWAY EBF BUCCANEER CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 3)

1m 4f 3yo and upwards £9,649 1 96611 JOHNNY DRAMA 9 A Balding 5-9-10................ S De Sousa 2 2 1-476 RAYMOND TUSK 20 R Hannon 5-9-3T Hammer Hansen(3) 1 3 1-520 SAM COOKE 20 R Beckett 4-9-3 ............................R Hornby 4 4 0-32 FARAMMAN 259 J Wainwright 3-8-12..................... A Mullen 3 BETTING: 5-4 Raymond Tusk, 2 Sam Cooke, 5-2 Johnny Drama, 33 Faramman.

1.40

PLAY 4 TO WIN AT BETWAY HANDICAP (CLASS 5)

6f 3yo and upwards £3,429 1 -1490 RED PIKE 41 B Smart 9-9-9 ............ Miss Jade Goodwin(7) 5 2 31335 PUCHITA 12 A Brittain 5-9-7 ...............................H Russell(5) 7 3 71633 CAPLA SPIRIT 22 Miss G Kelleway 3-9-7 ............ G Bass(7) 9 4 23823 CROSSE FIRE 12 S Dixon 8-9-7 ............................... B Curtis 3 5 30412 TOM TULLIVER 10 D Carroll 3-9-7(6ex)...................T Eaves 8 6 07515 MOVEONUP 18 Miss G Kelleway 4-9-4Callum Hutchinson(7)4 7 96721 REQUINTO DAWN 18 R Fahey 5-9-3 ..................P Hanagan 1 8 50109 DIRCHILL 31 D Thompson 6-9-1................................ H Shaw 6 9 80445 RAABEH 10 A Brittain 3-8-11 ....................................C Hardie 2 BETTING: 7-2 Requinto Dawn, 4 Crosse Fire, 5 Tom Tulliver, Capla Spirit, 8 Moveonup, 10 Raabeh, Puchita, 12 Red Pike, 16 Dirchill.

2.10

BOMBARDIER HANDICAP (CLASS 5)

7f 3yo and upwards £3,429 1 52523 AL SUIL EILE 32 J J Quinn 4-9-10 ............................... J Hart 12 2 78003 NATIVE SILVER 29 R Eddery 4-9-10....................D Costello 7 3 10484 NEARLY A GONNA 14 T Easterby 3-9-9............D Fentiman 2 4 14522 LE REVEUR 10 Mike Murphy 3-9-9...........................L Morris 11 5 77403 PERFECT ROSE 34 Archie Watson 3-9-9 ........Hollie Doyle 1 6 58655 ROBERO 43 Miss G Kelleway 8-9-8 ...................... G Bass(7) 13 7 26014 STAR OF ST JAMES 31 R Fahey 3-9-8 ..............P Hanagan 9 8 15863 FIELDSMAN 12 A Carroll 8-9-8 ................. Mollie Phillips(7) 8 9 961-7 COVIGLIA 323 M W Easterby 6-9-8........ N Barratt-Atkin(7) 5 10 56469 ANTAGONIZE 63 B Smart 4-9-7.................................... G Lee 10 11 09483 NEZAR 14 D Ivory 9-9-6 ............................................R Hornby 4 12 22554 CAPE GRECO 18 Miss G Kelleway 5-9-3George Rooke(5) 6 13 65023 WRATH OF HECTOR 10 M Appleby 3-9-1 ............T Ladd(3) 3 BETTING: 5 Le Reveur, 6 Native Silver, 7 Fieldsman, 8 Perfect Rose, 10 Al Suil Eile, Wrath Of Hector, Nezar, Star Of St James, Robero, 12 Others.

2.45

PLAY 4 TO SCORE AT BETWAY HANDICAP (DIV 1) (CLASS 6)

6f 3yo and upwards £2,782 1 97111 USTATH 10 Roger Fell 4-10-4(10ex) ............ Tyler Heard(7) 5 2 68566 ALBA DEL SOLE 12 R Brisland 5-9-7 ....................R Hornby 7 3 87757 SPRING ROMANCE 12 M Appleby 5-9-7 ..................T Clark 3 4 50507 MAGNIFICIA 38 Phillip Makin 3-9-5............................R Scott 9 5 -5780 BURMESE BLAZER 7 Katie Scott 5-9-1 .................P Dennis 4 6 09932 SHARRABANG 12 Mrs Stella Barclay 4-9-1F McManoman(3)11 7 22300 LINCOLN RED 38 Olly Williams 4-9-0 .....George Rooke(5) 8 8 74383 ZUCKERBERG 36 I Furtado 3-8-12 .............................. J Hart 6 9 0-364 WICKLOW WARRIOR 12 P Niven 5-8-12............JP Sullivan 2 10 43303 JEANS MAITE 12 S Bowring 4-8-12................. A Rawlinson 1 11 09842 JAZZ LEGEND 12 Miss M Rowland 7-8-12............K O’Neill 10 BETTING: 2 Ustath, 9-2 Sharrabang, 13-2 Jazz Legend, 10 Wicklow Warrior, Jeans Maite, Spring Romance, 12 Zuckerberg, Magnificia, 16 Others.

3.20

PLAY 4 TO SCORE AT BETWAY HANDICAP (DIV 2) (CLASS 6)

6f 3yo and upwards £2,782 PHANTASMAL 10 I Jardine 6-9-9.................................. J Hart 1 ST ANNE’S 42 J Bethell 3-9-7.................................... B Curtis 8 LE MANEGE ENCHANTE 259 D Shaw 7-9-5..........L Morris 3 FIRST EXCEL 12 S Bowring 8-9-3.................... A Rawlinson 9 THE GOLDEN CUE 31 Steph Hollinshead 5-9-1.................... ...................................................................... Josephine Gordon 10 6 07852 TREVIE FOUNTAIN 10 Mrs R Carr 3-9-0............JP Sullivan 4 7 95808 NELLIE FRENCH 12 Katie Scott 3-9-0....................P Dennis 5 8 90454 MIDDLESCENCE 12 Lucinda Egerton 6-8-12 ......R Hornby 11 9 56976 DORS TOYBOY 22 D Ivory 3-8-12 ............................. J Quinn 2 10 00085 HELLOFAGAME 18 R J Price 5-8-12 ......................W Cox(3) 6 11 7/09 SPIRIT OF OPAL 24 I Furtado 4-8-12 .......................T Eaves 7 BETTING: 3 First Excel, 4 St Anne’s, 9-2 Middlescence, 6 Phantasmal, 8 Le Manege Enchante, 10 Dors Toyboy, Trevie Fountain, 14 The Golden Cue, 25 Others.

1 2 3 4 5

23579 673 21246 68663 19795

Doncaster card

Going: Good TOTE: Placepot: First six races.

TV: SKY SPORTS RACING

VISIT ATTHERACES.COM HANDICAP CHASE (CLASS

11.553)

2m 4yo and upwards £7,018 1 14P JABOTICABA 8 A King 6-11-12.............................. T Cannon 2 -3143 YCCS PORTOCERVO 18 Dr R Newland 5-11-11 B Hughes 3 -6567 DOUBLE W’S 20 Ruth Jefferson 10-11-11......... J Hamilton 4 -5746 THEFLYINGPORTRAIT 20 Jennie Candlish 11-11-11S Quinlan 5 84-18 LAKE TAKAPUNA 23 J Ewart 9-11-10Rachel McDonald(5) 6 P4P16 MONSIEUR CO 20 K Dalgleish 7-11-8................C O’Farrell 7 44122 CAROLINES CHARM 18 N Mulholland 6-11-7Robert Dunne 8 4/2U0 HONOURARY GIFT 43 J Ewart 7-10-12...D McMenamin(3) BETTING: 11-4 Carolines Charm, 3 Yccs Portocervo, 5 Jaboticaba, 7 Theflyingportrait, 15-2 Lake Takapuna, 10 Monsieur Co, 12 Double W’s, Honourary Gift.

SKY SPORTS RACING SKY 415 NOVICES’ HURDLE

12.25(GBB RACE) (CLASS 4)

2m 5f 4yo and upwards £3,769 BOBHOPEORNOHOPE 24 K Bailey 5-11-5 .............. D Bass FLASH COLLONGES 24 P Nicholls 5-11-5 ... Bryony Frost NIKGARDE 72 J Ewart 5-11-5................................. B Hughes FRENCH PARADOXE 44 Oliver Signy 5-10-12Jonjo O’Neill Jr. GOSHEVEN 316 P Hobbs 7-10-12 ..................... T J O’Brien GRANDADS COTTAGE 36 Olly Murphy 5-10-12F Gregory(3) ONE FOR YOU 18 P Hobbs 5-10-12 ....................M G Nolan PENNINE CROSS 15 P Kirby 5-10-12...................T Dowson SANTON 24 A King 5-10-12 .................................... T Cannon THUNDERSOCKSSUNDAE 40 G McPherson 5-10-12 ......... ............................................................................... Kielan Woods 11 /042- WILLIE BUTLER 264 N King 6-10-12............ M Kendrick(3) BETTING: 7-4 Flash Collonges, 11-2 Gosheven, 13-2 Bobhopeornohope, 10 Thundersockssundae, Nikgarde, Grandads Cottage, 12 Willie Butler, 14 Pennine Cross, French Paradoxe, 16 Others.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

/35-1 1 /0-41 F0-3 3/43/32-5 74 93-53 65-7 2

FREE TIPS DAILY ON ATTHERACES.COM HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 5)

12.55

3m 4yo and upwards £2,794 1 -3337 PETITE GANACHE 34 N Richards 8-11-12.......... B Hughes 2 P/16- BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE 422 R Phillips 9-11-12 .. D Hiskett(3) 3 7P825 HATTAAB 26 G McPherson 7-11-11 ............. Kielan Woods 4 682-7 EVENSTEVENS 36 A Ralph 5-11-10.....................L Edwards 5 6682- FAWSLEY SPIRIT 265 B Pauling 7-11-9....Luca Morgan(7) 6 14061 THE BLACK SQUIRREL 14 H Hogarth 7-11-9 .. J Hamilton 7 B5-63 AH WELL 14 T Gallagher 8-11-8 .............................J Quinlan 8 0-1P6 JANEYMAC 15 M Walford 6-11-7.......................K Brogan(7) 9 F-525 MOIDORE 22 Charles & Pogson 11-11-6 .............C Todd(5) 10 04F69 PRESENTING YEATS 14 M Harris 4-11-6 .......... K Jones(3) 11 P312- KINGS ECLIPSE 269 A Wilson 10-11-6...D McMenamin(3) 12 53-41 CATCHMEIFYOUCAN 8 Jennie Candlish 6-11-6(7ex)S Quinlan 13 72-93 DUBH DES CHAMPS 14 P Kirby 8-11-4.....W Shanahan(7) 14 50-P0 LEADING KNIGHT 22 B Pauling 4-11-4..................... D Bass 15 65-9P MAURICIO F8 Mrs Stella Barclay 6-11-1.........F Gregory(3) 16 P9P-9 DAPA LAD 19 S Curran 5-10-5.............................J M Davies 17 P-430 DORADO DOLLAR 26 B Case 6-10-3..........Lilly Pinchin(5) BETTING: 3 Catchmeifyoucan, 7 Kings Eclipse, 15-2 The Black Squirrel, 10 Evenstevens, Dubh Des Champs, Ah Well, Petite Ganache, 12 Beautiful People, Hattaab, Moidore, Dorado Dollar, 16 Others.

1.25

FOLLOW AT THE RACES ON TWITTER HANDICAP CHASE (CLASS 3)

2.00

DOWNLOAD THE AT THE RACES APP HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 5)

2m 3f 4yo and upwards £7,018 1 22-4P KILFILUM CROSS 13 Henry Oliver 9-11-12 ......J M Davies 2 525-1 DR SANDERSON 39 P Nicholls 6-11-11 ..Jonjo O’Neill Jr. 3 42145 CRACKING DESTINY 33 A Whillans 7-11-9.......... A Cawley 4 132/4 THE UNIT 28 A King 9-11-9..................................... T Cannon 5 F-646 ROYAL VILLAGE 59 M Hammond 8-11-7........ B Garritty(3) 6 U27-3 NIETZSCHE 28 B Ellison 7-11-6 ...............D McMenamin(3) 7 54F-7 BARTON KNOLL 22 J Mackie 8-11-1 ................... S Quinlan 8 89-U3 CRACKING FIND 28 Mrs S Smith 9-10-8................ R Mania 9 215-2 POGUE 59 D McCain 7-10-6 ................................... B Hughes BETTING: 9-4 Dr Sanderson, 5 Cracking Destiny, 6 Nietzsche, 13-2 The Unit, 15-2 Pogue, 10 Cracking Find, Kilfilum Cross, 12 Barton Knoll, 16 Royal Village.

2m 3f 3yo and upwards £2,794 1 043-1 HELLO BOB 97 S Drinkwater 5-11-12 .......... Robert Dunne 2 6-231 MOLLIANA 31 N Mulholland 5-11-8 ............... T Scudamore 3 522/P VENTURA MAGIC 76 N King 5-11-8................ Bryony Frost 4 713F8 OKSANA 15 Sam England 7-11-6 ..........................J England 5 F50-5 DIEU BENISSE 72 P Kirby 7-11-6................W Shanahan(7) 6 673-6 CANDY LOU 17 Joanne Thomason-Murphy 6-11-4J Quinlan 7 666-5 ESPINATOR 42 A Wintle 6-11-3 .................................B Poste 8 384-0 BOREAS DUKE 36 M W Easterby 4-11-3............. B Hughes 9 12-96 BRIDEY’S LETTUCE 13 Charles & Pogson 8-10-12.............. ............................................................................. C Hammond(3) 10 46-P0 BALLYFARSOON 79 P Winks 9-10-11............ K Yeoman(7) 11 422-6 BARNAY 21 Jennie Candlish 5-10-11.................... S Quinlan 12 43322 FRATERCULUS 26 Oliver Greenall 3-10-10 .......B J Powell 13 36164 PEAT MOSS 21 N Hawke 3-10-9 ...........................D Noonan 14 580-7 JAWSHAN 30 I Williams 5-10-8 ..............................C Todd(5) 15 4631- DONALD DUX 257 A Crook 6-10-6 ....................... J Kington 16 -5282 JESSICA RABBIT 62 G McPherson 6-10-1.. Kielan Woods 17 26222 GRAND ENTERPRISE 21 H Hogarth 10-10-0.... J Hamilton BETTING: 5 Molliana, 11-2 Hello Bob, 6 Fraterculus, Donald Dux, 7 Jessica Rabbit, Grand Enterprise, 14 Barnay, Peat Moss, 16 Others.

2.35

SKY SPORTS RACING HD VIRGIN 535 NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE (GBB RACE) (CLASS 4)

3m 4yo and upwards £4,289 1 76-17 EMPIRE DE MAULDE 43 J Ewart 6-11-12Rachel McDonald(5) 2 70F5P AASLEAGH DAWN 27 G Cromwell (IRE) 7-11-11M G Nolan 3 46-12 CHAMPAGNE NOIR 18 C Longsdon 6-11-9 ........ B Hughes 4 P-59B BRECON HILL 10 Mrs S Humphrey 7-11-7 .........D Noonan 5 R-344 THE TRIPLE PILLAR 22 Mrs C Bailey 6-11-7...... T Cannon 6 5275U BLACK BUBLE 22 A Carroll 7-11-4 ................... H Bannister 7 610-P ENRY IGGINS 24 R Walford 6-11-2 .................... B Carver(3) 8 74-22 JEAN GENIE 29 T Vaughan 4-11-0........................... A Johns BETTING: 11-8 Champagne Noir, 9-4 Jean Genie, 10 The Triple Pillar, Empire De Maulde, 12 Enry Iggins, Aasleagh Dawn, 16 Black Buble, 25 Brecon Hill.

3.10

VISIT ATTHERACES.COM STANDARD NH FLAT RACE (CONDITIONALS AND AMATEURS) (GBB RACE) (CLASS 5)

2m 1f 4yo to 6yo £2,274 DARE TO BEGIN 61 Mrs Stella Barclay 5-11-4F Gregory(3) DUNOVER 109 Mrs S Smith 4-11-4.......... Sam Coltherd(3) FREETHINKER 22 C Longsdon 4-11-4 ............ T Buckley(5) GALORE DESASSENCES 33 N Hawke 4-11-4 ...................... ..................................................................Mr Kieren Buckley(7) 5 - GREAT GABLE P Nicholls 4-11-4.................... L Williams(3) 6 9 GREAT UNIVERSE 31 T Gallagher 4-11-4Mr J Reddington(7) 7 - IONTACH CHEVAL A Ralph 4-11-4 ......... Mr A Edwards(3) 8 - MONT SAINT VINCENT N Mulholland 4-11-4 ....H Reed(3) 9 - NORVICS REFLECTION B Case 5-11-4 ........... B Carver(3) 10 5 SAN GIOVANNI 27 Emma Lavelle 4-11-4 ....... B R Jones(3) 11 4 SCHALKE 20 Rebecca Menzies 5-11-4........... B Garritty(3) 12 - NINA THE TERRIER A King 4-10-11 ........Max Browne(10) 13 - ROBYN PUD Ruth Jefferson 6-10-11.......D McMenamin(3) BETTING: 5-2 Great Gable, 11-4 San Giovanni, 13-2 Schalke, 7 Freethinker, Nina The Terrier, 10 Mont Saint Vincent, 16 Norvics Reflection, Dare To Begin, 25 Others.

1 2 3 4

37-1 60 6 U

RACING

in association with

Newbury card

Going: Good-good to soft in places TOTE: Placepot: First six races.

TV: RACING TV ITV3 1.50, 2.25, 3.00 & 3.35.

WATCH RACING FREE ONLINE AT LADBROKES ‘NATIONAL HUNT’ MAIDEN HURDLE (GBB RACE) (CLASS 3)

12.15

2m 4yo and upwards £6,498 1 -80 AUDACITY 36 W Greatrex 4-11-0......................... R M Power 2 21- FLINTEUR SACRE 294 N Henderson 5-11-0N De Boinville 3 7/3-5 FUGITIF 20 Richard Hobson 5-11-0.............................J Best 4 6 GUGUSS COLLONGES 19 G L Moore 4-11-0Joshua Moore 5 0 HENSCHKE 22 W Greatrex 6-11-0 ......................G Sheehan 6 U KANUKANKAN 38 P Hobbs 5-11-0...................... R Johnson 7 2 MY DROGO 34 D Skelton 5-11-0 ........................... H Skelton 8 6-96 SAGGAZZA 24 Miss J Davis 6-11-0....................Page Fuller 9 1- SIR SHOLOKHOV 362 H Whittington 5-11-0..........D Jacob 10 63-6 SOPRAN THOR 27 G L Moore 5-11-0.............Jamie Moore BETTING: 8-15 Flinteur Sacre, 5 My Drogo, 6 Kanukankan, 10 Sir Sholokhov, 20 Sopran Thor, 25 Guguss Collonges, 33 Henschke, 50 Fugitif, Audacity, 200 Saggazza.

LADBROKES DAILY ODDS BOOSTS CHASE (NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP) (FOR THE FULKE WALWYN TROPHY) (GBB RACE) (CLASS 3)

12.45

2m 4yo and upwards £9,384 1 P13-2 FINANCIER 18 Kerry Lee 7-11-8.................................D Cook 2 126-1 ERITAGE 36 P Nicholls 6-11-7................................H Cobden 3 30/11 ANEMOI 18 H Whittington 6-11-7.........................G Sheehan 4 325-5 ELUSIVE BELLE 16 N Henderson 6-11-6Mr S Waley-Cohen(3) 5 2U1UF SCARDURA 8 N Mulholland 6-11-5 ......... S Twiston-Davies 6 P3-57 WILLIAM H BONNEY 28 A King 9-10-11..............T Bellamy 7 1P-21 ZOFFEE 38 P Hobbs 4-10-10 ............................... R Johnson 8 /P6-2 EDITEUR DU GITE 27 G L Moore 6-10-10.. Joshua Moore BETTING: 11-4 Eritage, 9-2 Elusive Belle, 5 Anemoi, 6 Financier, 13-2 Zoffee, 7 Editeur Du Gite, 10 Scardura, 14 William H Bonney.

1.15

1 22-1 2 36-21 3 13-1F 4 7-1 5 4 BETTING: 13-8 Diocletian.

1.50

PLAY LADBROKES 5-A-SIDE ON FOOTBALL NOVICES’ HURDLE (GBB RACE) (CLASS 3)

2m 4f 118yds 4yo and upwards £6,498 BOTHWELL BRIDGE 21 N Henderson 5-11-3N De Boinville BRAVEMANSGAME 24 P Nicholls 5-11-3 ............H Cobden ES PERFECTO 24 A King 5-11-3 ...........................T Bellamy REAL STONE 33 D Skelton 5-11-3 ........................ H Skelton DIOCLETIAN 15 A Balding 5-10-12....................Page Fuller Bothwell Bridge, 2 Bravemansgame, 5 Real Stone, 13-2 Es Perfecto, 10

LADBROKES COMMITTED TO SAFER GAMBLING NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE 2) (REGISTERED AS THE BERKSHIRE) (GBB RACE) (CLASS 1)

2m 4f 4yo and upwards £17,085 1 2/31- CARIBEAN BOY 286 N Henderson 6-11-1..............D Jacob 2 10-21 FIDDLERONTHEROOF 16 C Tizzard 6-11-1 ..... R M Power 3 -3141 GETAWAY TRUMP 10 P Nicholls 7-11-1 ..............H Cobden BETTING: 4-5 Fiddlerontheroof, 2 Caribean Boy, 9-2 Getaway Trump.

2.25

GET YOUR LADBROKES 1 FREE BET TODAY HANDICAP CHASE (GBB RACE) (CLASS 2)

3.00

LADBROKES LONG DISTANCE HURDLE (GRADE 2) (CLASS 1)

3.35

PLAY LADBROKES 1-2-FREE ON FOOTBALL HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 2)

2m 4f 4yo and upwards £18,768 CEPAGE 262 Miss V Williams 8-11-12.................C Deutsch CLONDAW CASTLE 33 T R George 8-11-8..........J J Burke OLDGRANGEWOOD 33 D Skelton 9-11-4 ........... H Skelton GALA BALL 293 P Hobbs 10-11-4...........Sean Houlihan(3) SAN BENEDETO 140 P Nicholls 9-11-4 ...............H Cobden FIDUX 41 A King 7-10-13.........................................T Bellamy COUNT MERIBEL 7 N Twiston-Davies 8-10-13.. M D Grant MUSICAL SLAVE 258 P Hobbs 7-10-8 ............... R Johnson WHATSWRONGWITHYOU 258 N Henderson 9-10-8............ ...............................................................................N De Boinville 10 256-1 SULLY D’OC AA 27 A Honeyball 6-10-6...........R McLernon 11 111-2 DEFI SACRE 20 Richard Hobson 7-10-0.....................J Best BETTING: 4 Oldgrangewood, 9-2 Clondaw Castle, 6 Sully D’Oc Aa, 15-2 San Benedeto, 8 Cepage, 10 Defi Sacre, Musical Slave, Fidux, 12 Others.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4617291-2 114-4 /014/64-8 -2241 26P-U 8132/P57-

3m 4yo and upwards £28,475 1 F31-4 LISNAGAR OSCAR 27 Miss R Curtis 7-11-6 .........S Bowen 2 /117- PAISLEY PARK 260 Emma Lavelle 8-11-6 .........A Coleman 3 125-1 SUMMERVILLE BOY 20 T R George 8-11-6 .........J J Burke 4 411-1 MCFABULOUS 49 P Nicholls 6-11-3.....................H Cobden 5 1114- THYME HILL 259 P Hobbs 6-11-3 ....................... R Johnson 6 71/5- AUX PTITS SOINS 575 D Skelton 10-11-0 .......... H Skelton 7 415-1 HONEST VIC 34 H Daly 7-11-0................................ R Patrick 8 33-P2 ONE NIGHT IN MILAN 18 K Dalgleish 7-11-0 Craig Nichol 9 111-P SAM SPINNER 27 J O’Keeffe 8-11-0......................J Colliver 10 60-U5 VISION DES FLOS 24 C Tizzard 7-11-0 ............. R M Power BETTING: 2 Paisley Park, 5-2 Mcfabulous, 5 Summerville Boy, 6 Thyme Hill, 10 Lisnagar Oscar, 16 Sam Spinner, 20 Honest Vic, 25 Aux Ptits Soins, 33 Others.

3m 4yo and upwards £12,512 1 /323- LIL ROCKERFELLER 370 N King 9-11-12...........H Cobden 2 10-40 THE CASHEL MAN 18 N Henderson 8-11-10 .... J McGrath 3 41-23 I K BRUNEL 28 Olly Murphy 6-11-5 ....................A Coleman 4 2P-6P OCEAN COVE 13 F O’Brien 8-11-0 ......................P Brennan 5 8553- SAMBURU SHUJAA 269 P Hobbs 7-10-13........ R Johnson 6 73611 DELL’ ARCA 22 D Pipe 11-10-12........................ F Gillard(5) 7 /558- COEUR DE LION F48 A King 7-10-12...................T Bellamy 8 3-116 NEVILLE’S CROSS 34 Tom Lacey 5-10-11 ....... R M Power 9 -2318 BALLON ONABUDGET 34 T R George 7-10-10 ..J J Burke 10 361P8 NEVERBEEN TO PARIS 18 H Whittington 5-10-6G Sheehan 11 16-43 SUMMER NAME 19 Miss R Curtis 8-10-5 ..............S Bowen 12 412-1 HILL SIXTEEN 9 N Twiston-Davies 7-10-4S Twiston-Davies 13 9/1-6 LOVERBOY 44 A King 9-10-2 ......................... Jack Tudor(3) BETTING: 3 Hill Sixteen, 6 Neville’s Cross, 13-2 Dell’ Arca, 10 Lil Rockerfeller, Coeur de Lion, I K Brunel, 12 The Cashel Man, 14 Ocean Cove, Loverboy, Ballon Onabudget, Summer Name, Samburu Shujaa, 16 Neverbeen To Paris.

Chelmsford City card Going: Standard TOTE: Placepot: First six races.

DRAW: No data available TV: RACING TV

3.45

TOTE PLACEPOT YOUR FIRST BET NURSERY (DIV 1) (CLASS 6)

7f 2yo Only £3,105 1 584 THE WHIPMASTER 50 G L Moore 9-9...............T P Queally 6 2 659 DUTCH LIGHT 45 G Scott 9-7 ............................ C Shepherd 5 3 74566 THE CHAIN 15 J Osborne 9-7 .....................................A Kirby 3 4 7550 HALWA AZYAN 24 R Fahey 9-6.............................. J Mitchell 7 5 60826 RIVER WHARFE 13 D M Simcock 9-5.............. J P Spencer 2 6 6490 BERYL BURTON 11 H Dunlop 9-3 .....................T Marquand 1 7 506 KAYFAST WARRIOR 25 T Dascombe 9-2 ........R Kingscote 8 8 66652 FIRCOMBE HALL 21 P Kirby 8-13..................... Rossa Ryan 4 9 7809 LISDARRAGH 37 D Coakley 8-11 ........................... C Bishop 11 10 28P89 KATIE’S KITTEN 15 M Appleby 8-9..........................C Fallon 9 11 9097 LITTLE SUNFLOWER 15 W Stone 8-6............. D Keenan(3) 10 BETTING: 3 River Wharfe, 7-2 Fircombe Hall, 6 Dutch Light, 8 The Chain, The Whipmaster, 10 Beryl Burton, Kayfast Warrior, 14 Lisdarragh, Little Sunflower, 20 Others.

35

Friday, November 27, 2020

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SPORT

in association with

McFabulous looks ready to step up a grade at Newbury MCFABULOUS can make the leap from promising novice to Grade One contender with victory in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

The Grade Two feature is a puzzling affair this year, with reigning staying champion Lisnagar Oscar having his second start following a so-so return at Wetherby, while 2019 Stayers’ Hurdle winner Paisley Park is having his first run since suffering an irregular heartbeat during a shock Festival defeat back in March.

Sam Spinner was a class act in his day over hurdles, but returns to the smaller obstacles only because a chasing career has not worked out as planned, with the door potentially open for a new kid on the block to make his presence felt.

Step forward McFabulous, who has always been rated highly by Paul Nicholls and landed a Grade Two bumper and hammered a competitive Grade Three field on his final start of the 2019/20 back in March.

The six-year-old has since made a successful start to the current campaign, cantering home in great style despite shouldering a penalty in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow last month.

His three-length verdict really does not reflect the manner of his success, with Nicholls immediately setting his sights on this Grade Two prize.

McFabulous has some serious ground to make up on the likes of Paisley Park and

4.15

will be tackling this threemile trip for the first time.

But Nicholls has no stamina concerns - and with his runners in such fine form, McFabulous should certainly be primed for action.

Fiddlerontheroof made hard work of his maiden win over fences, but the experience should stand him in good stead in the Ladbrokes “Where The Nation Plays” Novices’ Chase.

Beaten on his chasing bow by the top-class hurdler If The Cap Fits, Fiddlerontheroof made amends when fending off Silver Hallmark by a head at Exeter this month.

The six-year-old showed an excellent attitude that day, and another good round of jumping should help him here.

Anemoi can bring up his hat-trick in the Ladbrokes Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

He made an impressive return to action over hurdles at Wetherby in October before switching to fences to bag a narrow verdict at Chepstow at the start of the month.

Anemoi battled back when headed for trainer Harry Whittington, and the shorthead margin has limited the handicapper’s subsequent rise to 3lb.

All eyes will be on Flinteur Sacre in the opening Ladbrokes “Where The Nation Plays” ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle.

A full-brother to the exceptional Sprinter Sacre, he won one of two bumper outings last term despite his

TOTE PLACEPOT YOUR FIRST BET NURSERY (DIV 2) (CLASS 6)

7f 2yo Only £3,105 1 8309 HAZMAT 42 M Gillard 9-7.....................................T P Queally 5 2 9863 ARTHUR’S ANGEL 13 J Ryan 9-7.......................... D Probert 2 3 36 NEMINOS 22 G L Moore 9-6....................................H Crouch 9 4 70678 BANOFFEE 13 P Evans 9-5................................ D Keenan(3) 8 5 680 TOMMYTWOHOOTS 42 J J Quinn 9-4.......... P J McDonald 7 6 57003 CUBAN FOX 6 J Portman 9-2.................................. J Mitchell 1 7 58972 NURSE DEE 32 R Fahey 9-2 .................................. B McHugh 11 8 01407 THE GOOD TING 57 J S Moore 8-13.......................L Keniry 6 9 9878 FLOTILLA 20 Ed Walker 8-10 .............................T Marquand 4 10 09780 PASTA LA VISTA 11 Adam West 8-8...................... J Haynes 3 11 57098 PERFORMANTE 3 Mike Murphy 8-6........................J F Egan 10 BETTING: 5-2 Nurse Dee, 3 Arthur’s Angel, 8 Cuban Fox, The Good Ting, 10 Banoffee, Flotilla, Neminos, 12 Tommytwohoots, 20 Others.

4.45

RACING WELFARE NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5)

6f 2yo Only £3,752 1 72 AHLAWI 16 H Palmer 9-5 ................................... James Doyle 2 85 ALEHANDRO 10 E Stanford 9-5................................R Havlin 3 - ALPHONSE KARR Tom Ward 9-5 .....................T Marquand 4 4 AYLESFORD 16 W Knight 9-5..................................S W Kelly 5 8 JOHNNY ESTELLA 25 C Fellowes 9-5.................... H Turner 6 07 SIR TAWEEL 45 Mohamed Moubarak 9-5 ........... J Mitchell 7 - FAINA PICO Tom Clover 9-0 .............................S Cherchi(5) BETTING: 11-8 Ahlawi, 15-8 Aylesford, 5 Alphonse Karr, 10 Faina Pico, 14 Sir Taweel, 50 Johnny Estella.

5.15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

9 7 2 7 7 64 85 6 2 9

5 2 6 3 4 7 1 Alehandro, 25

EBF FILLIES’ NOVICE STAKES (PLUS 10/GBB RACE) (CLASS 3)

1m 2yo Only £7,116 ALTISTE 23 G Margarson 9-0..............................T P Queally 7 BINT AL ANOOD 28 J Gosden 9-0 ...........................R Havlin 11 COMPANIONSHIP 16 W Haggas 9-0 ................T Marquand 1 DUSK CHORUS 60 B Meehan 9-0........................... M Dwyer 9 HAMHAMA 49 J Gosden 9-0 ...................................J Crowley 12 MS GANDHI 16 R Varian 9-0...................................... A Atzeni 5 PRINCESS ELEKTRA 15 G Scott 9-0................ C Shepherd 8 QALANSIA 57 R Beckett 9-0 ...............................R Kingscote 6 QUENELLE D’OR 23 H Palmer 9-0.................. James Doyle 4 QUINTESSA A King 9-0............................................H Crouch 3 WE’LL MEET AGAIN 11 A Balding 9-0.................. D Probert 2

November Handicap at huge odds after a slow start.

Rated at least 9lb better than his rivals here, Raymond Tusk has no penalties to carry - and with Thore Hammer Hansen taking off a further 3lb, the five-yearold will not have many better opportunities to get his career back on track.

SELECTIONS CHELMSFORD 3.45 The Chain, 4.15 Flotilla, 4.45 Aylesford, 5.15 Companionship, 5.45 Wilfy, 6.15 Sir Canford, 6.45 Frozen Waters, 7.15 Tanqeeb, 7.45 Fortune Finder.

DONCASTER 11.55 Carolines Charm, 12.25 Bobhopeornohope, 12.55 Moidore, 1.25 Nietzsche, 2.00 Molliana, 2.35 Champagne Noir, 3.10 Schalke.

WELL CONNECTED: Queen Elizabeth II with trainer Paul Nicholls feeding carrots to racehorse McFabulous at the Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, Somerset. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

evident inexperience, and it will interesting to see how he fares over obstacles now.

Champagne Noir let down favourite-backers last time but should be given a chance to redeem himself in the Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Novices’ Handicap Chase at Doncaster.

A bad mistake at the thirdlast cost him at Kempton, but he could still get back

on the right track here, even under his revised mark.

Raymond Tusk can snap a near year-long losing streak in the Betway EBF Buccaneer Conditions Stakes at Southwell.

Richard Hannon’s charge last struck gold at Newcastle 11 months ago, with that run deserving particular credit because he had run in the Melbourne Cup only six

12 - WHO CARES WINS A King 9-0............................. D Muscutt 10 BETTING: 2 Companionship, 5-2 Quenelle D’or, 4 Ms Gandhi, 10 Hamhama, 12 Bint Al Anood, 14 We’ll Meet Again, 16 Quintessa, 20 Qalansia, 25 Others.

5.45

TOTE.CO.UK FREE STRAMING EVERY UK RACE HANDICAP (CLASS 5)

1m 3yo and upwards £3,752 1 65908 BLAME CULTURE 29 G Margarson 5-9-8............ D Probert 6 2 69111 GUMRA 4 D O’Meara 3-9-8(6ex) .................................A Kirby 2 3 09100 IN THE RED 14 Martin Smith 7-9-7...............Jacob Clark(7) 10 4 48105 KODIELLEN 39 R Hannon 3-9-6..................Edward Rees(7) 11 5 3220 MESSALINA 17 Archie Watson 3-9-5...Adam J McNamara 3 6 54304 WILFY 10 S Kirk 3-9-4 .................................................L Keniry 9 7 81125 FREEDOM AND WHEAT 25 M Blake 4-9-3.......M Ghiani(5) 5 8 -2737 MUST BE AN ANGEL 6 S Kirk 3-9-3 .................... D Muscutt 1 9 77/70 LONDON 4 P McEntee 7-9-3................... Grace McEntee(5) 7 10 66170 MYKONOS ST JOHN 79 J Osborne 3-9-3 ............S W Kelly 8 11 442 POETRY AND ART 12 W Haggas 3-9-2 ............T Marquand 4 BETTING: 7-4 Gumra, 7-2 Poetry And Art, 8 Blame Culture, Wilfy, 10 Freedom And Wheat, 14 Mykonos St John, Must Be An Angel, 16 London, Kodiellen, 25 Others.

6.15

CCR SUPPORTS SAFER GAMBLING WEEK HANDICAP (CLASS 5)

2m 3yo and upwards £3,752 1 104-0 OI THE CLUBB OI’S J111 I Williams 5-9-12........J Crowley 3 2 23658 BIRD FOR LIFE 11 M Usher 6-9-11.......................C Bennett 1 3 26833 GENERAL ZOFF 11 W Muir 5-9-11....................T Marquand 2 4 92675 SEA OF MYSTERY 4 M Appleby 7-9-7.....................C Fallon 6 5 34024 TRINITY GIRL 11 Jessica Macey 3-9-5.............. L Edmunds 7 6 7-172 SIR CANFORD 4 Ali Stronge 4-9-5 ................ P J McDonald 5 7 03288 TAPIS LIBRE 39 M W Easterby 12-9-2 .....Miss J Mason(5) 4 BETTING: 2 General Zoff, 7-2 Oi The Clubb Oi’s, 4 Trinity Girl, 5 Sir Canford, 8 Bird For Life, 16 Tapis Libre, Sea Of Mystery.

6.45 1 2 3 4 5 6

-3080 86503 1127 42940 05021 4522

TOTE.CO.UK HANDICAP (CLASS 5)

7f 3yo and upwards £3,752 DEAR POWER 101 R Varian 3-9-9......................... J Mitchell 7 MAYSONG 17 E Dunlop 3-9-9........................... James Doyle 6 ETERNAL BLUSH 108 D O’Meara 3-9-9.......... K Shoemark 10 LUCKY LOUIE 34 R Teal 7-9-9 ........................... Rossa Ryan 2 EMBOLDEN 24 L McJannet 3-9-7...................... C Shepherd 11 FROZEN WATERS 78 R Hannon 3-9-7 .................... A Atzeni 5

weeks previously.

Perhaps that trip coupled with a busy 2019 campaign took its toll, because he subsequently disappointed in January before enjoying a lengthy break, returning 285 days later in a Newbury Group Three.

He looked in need of the run that day and took a step forward to finish sixth under second top weight in the 7 8 9 10 11

NEWBURY 12.15 Flinteur Sacre, 12.45 Anemoi, 1.15 Real Stone, 1.50 Fiddlerontheroof, 2.25 Oldgrangewood, 3.00 MCFABULOUS (NAP), 3.35 Hill Sixteen.

SOUTHWELL 11.35 Samovar, 12.05 Chillon Castle, 12.35 Sky Power, 1.05 Raymond Tusk, 1.40 Moveonup, 2.10 Le Reveur, 2.45 Sharrabang, 3.20 First Excel.

DOUBLE: McFabulous and Anemoi.

04312 11112 65716 24826 63678

JOHN CLARE 43 Mrs P Sly 4-9-7 ...........................S W Kelly 9 FROW 21 D Brown 4-9-6......................................T Marquand 4 MARTINEO 20 J Butler 5-9-6 ......................Joshua Bryan(3) 3 FRESH SNOW 23 S bin Suroor 3-9-5 ..............S Cherchi(5) 1 SUZI’S CONNOISSEUR 14 J Chapple-Hyam 9-9-3 ............................................................................Levi Williams(7) 14 12 31948 FULL INTENTION 27 Simon Pearce 6-9-3 ........... D Probert 13 13 97345 INAAM 20 J Butler 7-9-2........................................ L Edmunds 12 14 14386 GAVI DI GAVI 49 A King 5-9-0.............................T P Queally 8 BETTING: 5 Frozen Waters, 11-2 Maysong, 6 Frow, 13-2 John Clare, 8 Fresh Snow, 10 Eternal Blush, 12 Full Intention, Inaam, Embolden, 14 Others.

7.15

TOTE.CO.UK NOW NEVER BEATEN BY SP HANDICAP (DIV 1) (CLASS 6)

7.45

TOTE.CO.UK NOW NEVER BEATEN BY SP HANDICAP (DIV 2) (CLASS 6)

1m 2f 3yo and upwards £3,105 1 00980 SECRET ART 6 G L Moore 10-9-11.......... R Clutterbuck(7) 7 2 98026 COURTSIDE 17 D O’Meara 5-9-9 ................................S Gray 10 3 31136 BAYSTON HILL 27 M Usher 6-9-8 ........................ D Muscutt 6 4 44243 CORKED 17 A Whillans 7-9-7 ......................... P J McDonald 5 5 36795 DERRY BOY 27 P Evans 4-9-6............................ Rossa Ryan 2 6 40705 CHINESE WHISPERER 13 A King 3-9-6............T P Queally 4 7 68455 VOI 6 C Allen 6-9-5...................................................... M Dwyer 8 8 0547 BLUE EAGLE 53 C Fellowes 3-9-5........................... H Turner 9 9 77513 TANQEEB 23 I Williams 4-9-4 .................................J Crowley 3 10 25480 DAWN TREADER 23 Mrs S Leech 4-9-2 ...............S W Kelly 1 BETTING: 3 Tanqeeb, 5 Corked, 6 Courtside, 13-2 Voi, 7 Chinese Whisperer, 8 Derry Boy, 10 Bayston Hill, 12 Blue Eagle, 14 Others.

1m 2f 3yo and upwards £3,105 1 38839 RAKEMATIZ 30 B Johnson 6-9-10......................... W Carson 7 2 -3313 CHANNEL PACKET 295 M Appleby 6-9-10Erika Parkinson(7)1 3 98606 SOPHOSC 45 J Tuite 4-9-9 ...................................... C Bishop 2 4 01171 LAURENTIA 23 D Ivory 4-9-8 ................................G Downing 10 5 43 FORTUNE FINDER 71 G L Moore 3-9-7................H Crouch 4 6 60677 ZEFFERINO 29 M Bosley 6-9-7.................................R Havlin 9 7 14525 CALIDUS MIRABILIS J33 Miss Amy Murphy 3-9-6T Marquand 3 8 55795 SMOKE ON THE WATER 38 M Blake 4-9-5......M Ghiani(5) 6 9 65447 PROSILI 30 M Botti 3-9-3....................................S Cherchi(5) 8 10 00551 KINGSON 13 R Fahey 4-9-2................................... B McHugh 5 BETTING: 3 Channel Packet, 5 Fortune Finder, Laurentia, 13-2 Kingson, 8 Prosili, Calidus Mirabilis, 10 Zefferino, 12 Smoke On The Water, 20 Others.

36

Friday, November 27, 2020

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Dolan delivers after moving to defence WHEN Michael Flynn started his first recruitment drive as boss of Newport County AFC, Matty Dolan’s creativity made him a top target.

He arrived from Yeovil in the summer of 2017 with manager Flynn hailing the midfielder’s technical ability and intelligence.

Those two assets have turned him from a mainstay in the middle of the park to a pivotal figure at the heart of the defence, slotting in between Brandon Cooper and Mickey Demetriou.

The Exiles have expanded their game and Dolan has allowed them to build from the back.

Before this season the 27-year-old had made 124 appearances for the Exiles and he has added to that with 15 outings as a centre-back in the current campaign.

After stunning Swansea City and Watford in the Carabao Cup, County are setting the pace in League Two. That’s down to the playmaking of Josh Sheehan, the creativity and longrange shooting of Scott Twine, the energy of Liam Shephard and Ryan Haynes down the flanks and key to it all has been Dolan, the number 8 who is holding it all together at the back.

“I spoke to Matty in preseason when I got out of hospital and he said that the manager was looking to put him in a centre-back role,” said Mark O’Brien, whose retirement because of a heart issue opened up a vacancy in defence.

“At first I didn’t know what to expect because he had been centre mid his whole career but he has been so vital in the style of play that we are looking for.

“The way that football is going now, everybody is looking for that centre-back who can step into midfield and he has been brilliant.

“He is implementing his game and is comfortable playing one-twos with the midfielders. That gives us an added overload, which is something that never really happened when I played.

“With Matty doing it so freely, we have gained an extra person in the middle of the park and it is working wonders.

“We could have been lost without him given the way that the manager wants to play and I’ve said to him that it’s a change that can prolong his career for a couple more years.”

Yet it’s not just the ballplaying of his former teammate that has impressed

O’Brien, who is a member of Flynn’s backroom team after hanging up his boots.

“There were question marks because in League Two you come up against big, tough strikers that want to throw elbows, back into you, run the channels,” said the former Derby, Motherwell and Luton defender.

“You have to know when to step up, when to stay with runners, when to track, how to squeeze up, how to drop back. There is so much more to it.

“When Matty stepped into that role a lot of people had doubts about the physical side of it but he has taken to it so well.

“He is stepping in front of strikers and holding people off, he reads the game really well and you can see that his heading is getting so much better week to week.

“One of his main attributes is that he is a very good communicator. Sometimes he says things that can’t be repeated in a newspaper but he keeps everyone on their toes.

“He has taken to it like he has played there his whole career but Matty has learnt on the job, really.

“That’s impressive and it’s looking like a role that was made perfectly for him.”

CALM: Matty Dolan has helped Newport County build from the back

CLIMBING: Matty Dolan beats Swansea’s Andre Ayew to a high ball

TEST: Matty Dolan tussles with Newcastle’s imposing striker Andy Carroll

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Dragons’ summer signing facing ‘considerable’ lay-off

By Chris Kirwan

07824 478078 cki@southwalesargus.co.uk Twitter @argussport DRAGONS boss Dean Ryan says that prop Greg Bateman will suffer a “considerable” spell on the sidelines after a “significant” hamstring pull.

The 31-year-old loosehead, who signed in September after leaving Leicester after a pay dispute, made his debut as a replacement against Zebre in September.

Bateman was then given a first start in the loss to Ulster in Belfast but suffered a hamstring injury just before he was set to be replaced on the hour.

An operation is not needed but the experienced prop faces a lengthy spell of rehab that is likely to rule him out of the festive derbies as well as the European Champions Cup campaign.

“The injury is more significant that we first thought,” admitted director of rugby Ryan. “We were about to substitute him and he then had a significant pull of the hamstring.

“It’s pretty difficult to put a time on that, but it’s not days and a small amount of weeks, it’s more considerable than that.”

Ryan has stalwart Brok Harris, promising 21-yearold Josh Reynolds and Irishman Conor Maguire, who earned a deal after impressing on trial, as his options at loosehead.

Former Wales prop Aaron Jarvis can play both sides of the scrum but is needed at tighthead while Leon Brown is on Test duty.

“It is a blow, that was a strengthening of our front row, but it’s also an opportunity for others to come in,” said Ryan.

SIDELINES: Dragons’ signing Greg Bateman suffered a signifcant hamstring pull that will leave him out for a spell “Conor and Josh are two that we have a view on for the long term and this offers them more opportunities.”

The Dragons return to action at Benetton on Sunday after an enforced four-week break because of a coronavirus outbreak.

Full-back Jordan Williams is once again set to be absent as he works his way back to full fitness after ruptured knee ligaments.

The livewire runner made

a surprise return ahead of schedule in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Bristol and then scored two tries versus Zebre in October.

However, the 27-year-old has been suffering from other issues in his leg as a result of returning after a lengthy lay-off.

“The key around him coming back is the recognition that you don’t come back and everything is okay,”

said Ryan.

“You find that a year of rehabbing has probably created some other issues, and he has had some issues around tightness.

“We can’t expect Jordan to come back and hit the ground running; he is back before he was expected and we have got to get it right.

“The danger is that he is a hugely influential player for us, so the desire to see him back can override what is

good for him.

“We’ve just got to get that balance right and not expect it to be smooth running all the time, and we are probably in a space where it’s not going that smoothly.”

Williams’ absence could lead to Josh Lewis, a fly-half by trade, remaining at fullback after a solid showing in the loss to Munster last time out.

The Dragons beat Zebre in round two and lost convinc-

ingly to the big three Irish provinces Leinster, Ulster and Munster.

Winless Benetton suffered a last-gasp defeat to the Ospreys in Swansea last weekend and have also been beaten by Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets, as well as Ulster and Leinster.

The fixture in Treviso was originally scheduled for Monday but has been shifted forward a day with a 4pm kick-off.

Tompkins retains his place for Saturday’s visit of England NICK Tompkins, Aaron Wainwright and Elliot Dee have been named in Wayne Pivac’s squad to face England at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

Tomkins retains his place at centre following the victory over Georgia last weekend, and will feature again alongside Johnny Williams.

Dee and Wainwright, however, have to settle for their places among the replacements.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones returns to the starting line-up in the second-row, behind an

all-Scarlets front-row of Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias and Samson Lee. Cardiff Blues pair Shane Lewis-Hughes and James Botham join Taulupe Faletau in the back-row.

Lloyd Williams, making first Wales start for four years, will partner Dan Biggar at half-back.

Josh Adams, Louis ReesZammit and Leigh Halfpenny make up the back-three.

Head coach Wayne Pivac will be looking to build on last week’s 18-0 win against Georgia

“Saturday is another great opportunity for us and for this squad,” said Pivac.

“It is another chance for us to take what we have been doing in training and take that into matchday and we are looking forward it.

“We know what we need to do and we are focused on that for Saturday.”

On the bench Dee, Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis provide the front-row cover with Will Rowlands and Wainwright completing the forward contingent. Rhys Webb, Callum Sheedy and

Owen Watkin provide the back-line cover.

Dragons’ Leon Brown and Jonah Holmes will not be involved, and Ross Moriarty was released back to the region after suffering another injury blow after suffering an ankle injury soon after being called up.

England have named George Ford at fly-half in their only change for the Autumn Nations Cup clash, after he made his comeback from an achilles injury as a replacement in last weekend’s 18-7 victory over Ire-

land at Twickenham.

In that game, Ollie Lawrence suffered a hip problem and the knock-on effect is to see captain Owen Farrell join Henry Slade in the centre.

While the rest of the starting XV have been retained, Eddie Jones has made some adjustments to the bench.

Jack Willis is poised to win his second cap after being included in a six-two split between forwards and backs alongside fellow flanker Ben Earl and lock Jonny Hill.

Here are the line-ups in full: WALES: Halfpenny, Rees-

Zammit, Tompkins, J. Williams, Adams, Biggar, L. Williams; W. Jones, Elias, Lee, Ball, AW Jones, LewisHughes, Botham, Faletau.

REPLACEMENTS: Dee, Carre,Francis, Rowlands, Wainwright, Webb, Sheedy, Watkin.

ENGLAND: Daly, Joseph, Slade, Farrell, May; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Launchbury, Curry, Underhill, B Vunipola.

REPLACEMENTS: Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Hill, Earl, Willis, Robson, Watson.

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SKIPPER HUNTS MORE MAGIC OF THE CUP

NEWPORT County AFC are setting the pace at the top of League Two but they still have the hunger for FA Cup upsets.

The supporter that packed Rodney Parade for the visits of Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur will never forget the famous clashes, yet the Exiles had to earn the chance to upset the odds.

Walsall were beaten at Rodney Parade in round one and County were in the hat for round three, when the big guns enter the competition, thanks to a 2-0 win against Cambridge.

That 2-0 win in front of 2,748 fans was down to a Joss Labadie double before the crowd swelled to 6,887 for the upset over Leeds and 9,836 when Harry Kane scrambled Spurs a draw.

The big games were earned by edging out League Two opposition and the Exiles will hope for a repeat when Salford City visit on Saturday (kick-off 1pm).

Labadie tussled with Kalvin Phillips, Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele in 2017/18 and the following season was pitting himself against Manchester City’s David Silva, Fernandinho and Phil Foden in midfield.

The captain is hoping to get the chance to add some more stellar Premier League names to his list of rivals.

“We go into every game trying to win and in seasons gone by we have done well in the FA Cup,” he said.

“That will be no different this year we will be hoping to come away with a win and hopefully have another cup run.

“We have had some great days in the FA Cup. The boys who have come in this sea-

By Chris Kirwan

07824 478078 cki@southwalesargus.co.uk Twitter @argussport son know what’s required and how we treat the FA Cup which is really important.

“We are all professionals, so all the players know what the FA Cup means not only to us but every football player. It’s a great chance to showcase ourselves and showcase what we have as a team.”

County, who claimed the scalps of Swansea and Watford in the Carabao Cup at the start of the season, are top of League Two and promotion is their main aim.

The skipper is confident that they marry the hunt for FA Cup progress with the bread and butter of the league, with the short trip to Forest Green Rovers next up on Tuesday.

“In seasons gone by we have probably been distracted by the FA Cup and may have been looking too far ahead at the FA Cup fixtures,” said Labadie. “We have to keep our feet on the ground and take each game as it comes.”

County will be looking for a response after losing their 100 per cent Rodney Parade record in League Two on Tuesday.

Walsall shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw but the Exiles maintained their threepoint lead at the top of the table courtesy of Cheltenham and Cambridge drawing.

“Maybe in seasons gone by we would have lost that and come away with nothing but it was testament to us as a team that we stayed in the game even when the going got tough,” he said.

MAGIC: Joss Labadie challenges Phil Foden in Newport County AFC’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City

Injury lay-off for Dragons’ signing: See page 37 Published by Newsquest Wales, a division of Newsquest (Midlands South) Limited, with trading address at 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, NP20 1DW, and printed at Newsquest Print Centre Weymouth at Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth DT4 9XD. Registered at the Post Office as a newspaper

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Ford Kuga For more new car reviews and used car guides visit www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/reviews

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by Jonathan Crouch

Efficient and more than capable

FORD’S Kuga has sharpened up its act in this third generation guise.

Jonathan Crouch checks out the changes.

Ten Second Review The Ford Kuga has evolved in this third generation guise into a more credible mid-sized SUV contender that now benefits from an engine range featuring both plug-in and mild hybrid electrified offerings.

There’s sharper styling, a much nicer cabin and extra technology that segment buyers will like. In short, if you’re shopping in this sector, this is still a car you very much need to consider.

Background Ford’s Kuga was one of the first affordable family SUVs to prioritise a decent driving experience. With other rivals now frequently copying that approach, the Blue Oval brand needed to do more to set its contender apart.

Hence the changes made to a third generation model that’s now been revitalised.

The updates made are mainly of the kind you’d expect would be needed for this growing fashionconscious market - electrified engine tech, smarter looks, extra media connectivity and more sophisticated safety provision. So, will it all be enough to keep this Kuga feeling current in a marketplace crammed with fresh, modern alternatives? It’s time to find out.

Driving Experience The Kuga has always been good to drive. What it’s not always been is efficient to run. But Ford reckons that’s changed, courtesy of this third generation model’s

electrified powertrain line-up. The headline model is the plug-in Kuga Hybrid, which comes with a 2.5litre petrol engine with an electric motor/generator powered by a lithium-ion battery, the package putting out a useful 225PS. There’s a choice of front wheel drive or Ford’s ‘Intelligent All-Wheel Drive’ system. If you can’t quite stretch to this plug-in derivative, your Ford dealer will suggest you take a look at the mild hybrid 150PS version of the brand’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel powerplant.

More conventional powerplants also feature across the line-up.

There’s a base 120PS 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel. And you can have the brand’s usual 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine carried over from the previous Kuga, available here in 120 and 150PS forms. All three of these options come only in frontdriven form. If you want a Kuga with AWD and can’t afford the plug-in version, you’ll need the 2.0 EcoBlue 190PS diesel model.

Design and Build This third generation Kuga is a significantly bigger thing than its predecessor. It’s 44mm wider and 89mm longer than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase has increased by 20mm. This is thanks to a new C2 platform that allows for a wheelbase increase of 20mm and has allowed this Ford to become one of the bigger SUVs in the mid-sized sector, freeing up space for the brand’s new Puma crossover to fit in between this Kuga and Ford’s entry-level EcoSport SUV. Inside, rear passengers benefit from 20mm more shoulder room and 36mm more hip room and the

entire second row of seats can be moved backwards for best-in-class 1,035mm rear legroom, or forwards to increase boot space by 67-litres.

At the wheel, it’s much as it would be in a Focus hatch, with the usual 8-inch centre-dash SYNC 3 infotainment touchscreen. Upperspec Kuga variants though, differ from their Focus counterparts in their provision of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Market and Model Pricing sits in the £24,000 to £38,000 bracket and there are five Kuga trim levels - ‘Zetec’, ‘Titanium’, ‘ ST-Line’, ‘ST-Line X’ and ‘Vignale’.From launch, there were also various First Edition ‘Titanium’, ‘ ST-Line’ and ‘ST-Line X’ variants. Even base ‘Zetec’ variants are well equipped, coming complete with 17-inch alloy wheels, a ‘Quickclear’ heated windscreen, an 8-inch SYNC 3 centre dash infotainment screen and a very complete package of cameradriven safety kit. Most buyers will want though, to at least go a step further up the range to ‘Titanium’spec, which gets 18-inch machined alloy wheels, full-LED headlamps, front LED fog lamps, auto headlights and wipers and keyless entry. Inside in a ‘Titanium’-spec Kuga, you can expect sports seats with lumbar support, cabin ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control and a B&O Premium audio system.

Ford thinks the most popular trim level will be ‘ST-Line’, which adds a body styling kit, 18-inch ‘Rock Metallic’ alloy wheels, sports suspension, black roof rails and a large rear spoiler. Inside with an ‘ST-Line’ variant, you get a flat-

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bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals, ‘Sensico’ sports seats with red stitching and a full digital 12.3inch instrument cluster. ‘ST-Line X’ trim adds 19 inch wheels, a panoramic roof, heated powered front seats and a powered tailgate.

And the plush ‘Vignale’ variant gets full-leather upholstery and special 19-inch ‘Liquid Aluminium’ alloy wheels.

Cost of Ownership Ford has pulled out all the stops to make the latest Kuga more economical than before. Obviously, the ultimate option in this regard is the plug-in hybrid 2.5 Duratec PHEV version, which records an official WLTP fuel figure of 201.8mpg and an NEDC-rated CO2 reading of 26g/km. As you might expect, the 1.5 EcoBlue 150PS mild hybrid diesel is next up, managing up to 56.5mpg (WLTP) and up to 111g/km of NEDC-rated CO2. The conventional 1.5 EcoBlue 120PS diesel manages up to 55.4mpg (WLTP) and 109g/km of NEDCrated CO2. Less impressive is the 1.5 EcoBoost petrol 120PS unit, which manages up to 42.2mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and 128g/km of CO2. The 1.5 EcoBoost petrol 150PS unit manages up to 42.2mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and 126g/km of CO2.

As for other stuff you’ll need to know, well these days, the three year/60,000 mile Ford warranty looks pretty unremarkable, but in the first year, you do get unlimited mileage UK and European roadside cover and unlimited paint cover.

There’s also a 12 year unlimited mileage perforation warranty.

There’s also the ‘Ford Service App’ that you can download to your

phone for free. It lets you locate your nearest dealer to make maintenance bookings, plus as a bonus, the app can help you find petrol stations and even has a ‘Park Me’ feature that remembers where you left the car, to save hunting for it in busy multi-storeys.

Summary Having in recent years at last got serious about SUVs, Ford has also got serious about this Kuga - as it needed to. The MK1 model was cramped inside. And the subsequent second generation version had fallen behind the best of its rivals in terms of ultimate diesel efficiency, media connectivity, safety spec and visual pizzazz. All that’s been put right here.

In summary then, it’s clear that the Blue Oval brand now means business when it comes to this class of car. And if you doubt that, then you need to try this one.

Facts at a glance CAR: Ford Kuga PRICES: £23,375-£37,200 INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-26 CO2 EMISSIONS: 26-129g/km [NEDC] PERFORMANCE: [2.0 EcoBlue 150PS mild hybrid] 0-62mph 9.6s / top speed 121mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 EcoBlue 150PS mild hybrid] (combined) 56.5mpg [WLTP] STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Six airbags, stability control, torque vectoring on 4WD, ABS brakes WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4524/1838/1749mm

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by Jonathan Crouch

Bright spark

Renault ZOE (2012 – 2019) Models Covered 5dr supermini (EV) [Expression, Dynamique, Dynamique Zen, Dynamique Nav, Signature, Signature Nav]) Introduction IMAGINE roads free of engine noise and pollution. And a car that travels them silently, frugally and stylishly, yet one you can afford that’s practical enough for family use. A distant dream? Or an actual reality in the form of this car, Renault’s pure electric model, the clever little ZOE, first launched in 2012. Does it make sense as a used buy? Let’s find out.

The History At the turn of the century, Renault bet all its chips on the batterypowered sector and made a €4 billion investment in new models – to remarkably little effect. There was the crazy Twizy city scoot, the boring mid-size Fluence Z.E. and also pricey Z.E. versions of the Kangoo and Master vans. All of which generated about as much popular interest as Brighton Beach on a wet weekend. The only Renault EV we thought showed some promise was this ZOE, a handsomely styled supermini launched in 2012. High pricing and low driving range from the little 22kWh battery initially held the car

back, but the French maker persevered, continually improving it as battery technology developed through a series of incremental updates. A more efficient R90 electric motor was introduced in 2015, a gutsier Z.E.40 battery arrived in 2016 and an even more powerful 80kW R110 electric motor arrived to drive it in 2018. A further update with a Z.E. 50 52kWh batter arrived in 2019, but it’s the earlier models we look at here.

What You Get Choosing all-electric motoring is radical enough, without having to be faced with wild and wacky styling that marks you out on the High Street as an extravagant early adopter. With this ZOE though, the company got the look just about right, rejecting futuristic early design sketches in favour of a smart but very stylish look penned by Spanish designer Jean Sémériva.

So it looks the part outside. What’s it like indoors? Whatever your interior colour preference, the cabin emphasis remains the same, focused on two areas. First there’s the floating centre dash panel that houses the R-Link multimedia system’s 7” colour touchscreen.

And second, there’s a trendy sliver of an instrument binnacle in front of the driver, a TFT screen that replaces the traditional analogue dials with a digital speedo, along with state-of-charge and range

indicators, plus an econometer which shows if the vehicle is using or recovering energy at any given time.

Inevitably, because the battery pack is mounted beneath front and rear seats, you have to sit fairly high up in the car, which is why, unfortunately, it’s not possible to have a height-adjustable driver’s seat. As for back seat space, well it seems as if it might be a bit restricted at first glance, for the rear doors feel a bit short from the outside, a by-product of this car’s relatively compact 2,588mm wheelbase. Once inside though, there’s more room than most superminis can offer. There’s also a 338-litre boot.

What To Look For Most ZOE owners we came across were pretty satisfied, but inevitably, some issues were thrown up by our survey. Let’s start with the usual things – check for minor bodywork scratches and the usual city scuffs.

Most of the other issues we came across related to electrical problems like broken heaters and issues with the air conditioning.

We’ve come across issues with the front wheel arch liners rubbing against front brake hoses which in a few instances have caused leaks.

Your Renault dealer can tell you whether the appropriate remedial work to correct this was carried out. Find out whether the previous

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owner bought themselves a regular 13 amp charging cable for use with a 3-pin plug – Renault didn’t supply these from new and this lead is really useful to have, even though charging using it takes ages.

On The Road So what’s it like behind the wheel?

As ordinary as a pure electric car can ever be is the answer, which certainly was Renault’s aim. Buyers must feel comfortable in making the seismic step into this new electric world and in a ZOE, you will be. ‘How far will it go between charges?’ is certainly the first question anyone will ask you when you tell them you’ve switched to pure electric motoring. Initially with this car in 22kWh form, Renault quoted a ‘real world’ range that they said could be anywhere between 62 and 93 miles, depending upon time of year, the type of roads you’re using and of course most of all, the way that you drive.

We’d suggest that you try and stretch to a post-2015-era model fitted with the gutsier Z.E. 40 40kWh battery, which boosted achievable driving range to around 150 miles.

As for charging, well using the 7kW Wall-Box that will need to be installed at your home as a purchaser, you’ll be able to charge a 22kWh ZOE up from empty in 3-4 hours – though longer may be required depending on the kind of supply you have. The later Z.E.

40kWh version will take a little longer. To maximise range, you’ll need to make good use of the driving aids Renault has provided to help maximise the distance you can travel between plug-in sessions.

A lovely Energy flow meter shows you how the car is powering itself – and also recharging itself during the regenerative cruising and braking phases.

There’s an ‘Eco’ button down by the handbrake that offers a restriction in engine power and a slightly sluggish throttle response in return for a 10% range increase.

And you can analyse your driving performance and gets tips to improve it via an ‘eco2’ function in an R-Link infotainment system that can produce efficiency ‘Trip reports’ on each journey.

Overall Electric vehicles tend to promise much but deliver precious little.

Here’s one that’s very different. The ZOE feels as if it was designed to excel at city and suburban driving and it does exactly that.

Relaxing and refreshingly clever, it doesn’t promise anything it can’t deliver – and the look and feel it offers is arguably more special than some cars costing twice as much.

We’d suggest that you limited you perusals to the post-2015-era Z.E. 40 40kWh model with its greater range. And if you can, you’ll find much to like here.

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by Jonathan Crouch

More questions of sport...

Suzuki Swift Sport (2017 – 2020) Models Covered 5dr hatch (Petrol – 1.4 Boosterjet 140PS) Introduction THE Suzuki Swift Sport has long been a car embraced by serious drivers who know a great handling hot hatch when they see it. Though not especially powerful, it’s agile, responsive and brilliant fun for not a lot of money. Few potential buyers know this, so the idea with this third generation model back in 2017 was to widen its appeal with a smarter interior, lower running costs, a little more grunt and even sharper handling. Let’s check the original version of this third generation Swift Sport design out as a used buy.

The History The Suzuki Swift Sport has always offered buyers a simple, light hot hatch formula. This third generation version, the first to be turbocharged, aimed to do that with a little more sophistication.

The two previous versions of this contender, launched respectively in 2006 and 2012, both used a highrevving normally aspirated 1.6-litre engine that was central to their appeal. So the decision in 2017 to finally replace that with a 1.4-litre turbo unit was one that loyal buyers had to get used to, particularly as the new Boosterjet powerplant had a very similar output to the

outgoing 1.6, the 1.4 rated at 140PS. At launch, the media questioned Suzuki’s decision to price this MK3 model so closely to the much pokier Fiesta ST and other models of that ilk.

In response, the Japanese brand was keen to reference the fact that this car was from launch the lightest - and therefore potentially the most agile - car in its class. And that the power it offered was more usable because the Boosterjet engine made it available low down in the rev range. Suzuki also made the point that this MK3 Swift Sport could offer a class-leadingly impressive equipment specification, including more standard camera-driven safety kit than any other model in the segment of this period could offer.

The original version of this MK3 Swift Sport sold until Spring 2020, when it was replaced by a Hybrid version. It’s the 2017-2020-era nonhybrid version of this MK3 model though, that we look at here.

What You Get This car doesn’t only show some other affordable small hot hatches how they should drive. It also, for us, offers a good template on how they should look. Muscular shoulders, blacked-out A-pillars and what Suzuki calls ‘underspoilers’ all-round deliver a potently understated level of pavement presence but also a demeanour that’s assertive enough

to suggest you might be in for a bit of fun at the wheel. This MK3 Swift Sport is 50mm longer than a standard Swift model and sits 15mm lower to the ground than the previous generation version did. A little disappointingly, unlike that old MK2 model, there was no threedoor body style option offered, but Suzuki sought to retain a threedoor-like look by hiding the rear door handles in the trailing edge of the C-pillar.

The cabin feels quite nice, providing you’re not expecting premium-quality fittings and acres of slush-moulded soft-touch plastic: you’re not paying for that kind of thing here and you don’t get it.

What you do get is just enough interior differentiation to make you feel you’re in a serious hot hatch.

The grippy branded sports bucket seats are probably the highlight, proving to be supportive and surprisingly comfortable, providing your frame is narrow enough to fit into them. There’s also a set of aluminium pedals, a chrome-accented gear knob with a red-stitched gaitor and emotive red flashings on the fascia and the centre stack.

Out back in the boot, the light tailgate raises to reveal a cargo area space that offers 25% more space than was available in the previous generation model. The 265-litre capacity isn’t anything like enough to threaten the segment class leaders in this regard but it was at

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least enough to get this Suzuki back on a competitive footing; What To Look For Not much goes wrong with a MK3 model Swift Sport. We came across an ESP failure. A few owners reported interior trim rattle. One pointed out how easy the wheels are to kerb. And a few pointed out that the tyres are very expensive due to their odd size. Otherwise, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about. Look out for the usual scratched alloy wheels and signs of child damage in the back. And favour cars that have a properly stamped-up service history.

On The Road The Swift Sport formula has never been defined by outright power.

What’s always mattered more with this model line is light, chuckable agility, something this third generation car still specialises in thanks to its feather-light 970kg kerb weight. Which is important if, as we do, you embrace the Colin Chapman mantra that greater power makes you go faster in a straight line, but lighter weight makes you faster everywhere. This MK3 Swift Sport is certainly faster everywhere than its predecessor – but then you’d expect it would be.

Though the power output on offer – 140PS – is much the same as that developed by the preceding MK2 model, it’s kicked out in this MK3 version by a 1.4-litre turbocharged Boosterjet engine that has nearly

50% more torque than the previous 1.6-litre normally aspirated unit.

Despite the fact that you can access the 230Nm punch much lower down in the rev range – from just 2,500rpm - it’s not a set-up geared towards victorious traffic light Grand Prix-style starts; rest to 62mph takes an unremarkable 8.1s on the way to 130mph. In the mid range where it matters though, there’s a reason why this car feels a fair bit quicker than those figures suggest. Especially when the road gets twisty. Kart-like driving dynamics have always been a major attraction for Swift Sport buyers and they were further developed here by a stiffer front suspension system with Monroe shock absorbers front and rear. The sharply responsive variable ratio steering system helps too, plus the beefy brakes inspire confidence and there’s a fruity soundtrack from the specially tuned exhaust.

Overall Over the years, we’ve begged Suzuki not to change their Swift Sport’s simple, uncomplicated formula but with this third generation model, they did and, rather to our surprise back in 2017, we found ourselves to be rather enamoured by this end result. Need convincing that power isn’t everything in a performance car? If so, you need to drive this one. We guarantee it’ll surprise you.

8

Friday, November 27, 2020

Motors

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New car launch model of the week

by Jonathan Crouch

A more menacing Mokka Vauxhall Mokka WELCOME to the fresh new face of Vauxhall, showcased here by the trendy so-called ‘Vauxhall Visor’ look of this second generation Mokka SUV. The idea here is that this second generation design should feel more compact than its predecessor; it actually is 125mm shorter and has smaller front and rear overhangs. But the wheelbase is fractionally longer, so there’s just as much space inside.

Which you should feel when you take a seat in the cabin. Behind the wheel, there are no conventional gauges: just a 12-inch digital instrument display, which works in conjunction with a central infotainment monitor that’s either 7 or 10-inches in size depending on trim and is angled towards the driver. The layout uses what is called ‘Pure Panel’ design to make the two screens look like one long display. Predictably,

materials quality is of a much higher grade than the old model. But space in the back isn’t much different though it’s much better of course, than you get in a Corsa. The 350-litre boot is much the same size as that of the previous model too.

If you’re looking for a combustion engine, there are three choices - a 1.2-litre turbo petrol powerplant with 100 or 130PS, the latter with an 8-speed auto gearbox option. Or a 1.5-litre diesel with 110PS that uses a 6-speed manual gearbox.

There’s also a full-electric variant, the Mokka-e, which uses a 50kWh battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor which puts out 135PS and can cover a WLTP-rated range of 201 miles on a single charge. 100kW DC capability is standard, allowing the car to be replenished at a public charging point to over 50% capacity in under half an hour.

This second generation Mokka represents a new

kind of assertive identity for Vauxhall as it seeks to carve out a more distinctive volume brand niche within the PSA Group portfolio of brands. It certainly makes more of a driveway statement than its predecessor - as you’d hope it would given that it sells at a slightly higher price point.

And the engineering is at a different level to anything previously seen in a Vauxhall SUV.

Facts at a glance CAR: Vauxhall Mokka PRICES: £20,000-£35,000 [est] CATEGORY: SUV – Supermini-based CO2 EMISSIONS: 114128g/km [WLTP] PERFORMANCE: [1.2 Turbo 100PS] 0-62mph 11s / Max Speed 113mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2 Turbo 100PS] (combined) 51.4mpg [WLTP] BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] 350