Latest news with #JamesEvans
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Letter: Powys MS tries to hard to rubbish our Lib Dem MP
Methinks Tory MS James Evans doth protest too much in his efforts to rubbish our elected parliamentary MP for Brecon and Radnor along with Cwm Tawe which Mr Evans seems to have missed (some mistake here, surely?). I know David Chadwick to be a worthy successor to those who worked tirelessly before him, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats and in the interests of their constituents – namely Richard Lives, Roger Williams, Kirsty Williams and Jane Dodds. Like his predecessors David Chadwick has the concerns of those he represents at the heart of what he does. He continuously demands answers from Central Government on health, education, rural transport, local banking and, first and foremost, agriculture and the rural economy.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- BBC News
Teens jailed for major Crewe printworks fire
Two men who set fire to a disused building in Cheshire, forcing hundreds of people from their homes, have each been jailed for more than four blaze at a former print works on Catherine Street in Crewe on 9 August was declared a major incident by the fire Evans, 19, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court to 56 months in prison for Keeling, formerly Evans, 18, was sentenced to 52 months for arson and a further 34 weeks for attempting to pervert the course of justice. Evans, of Welles Street, Sandbach, and Keeling, of Catherine Street in Crewe, went into the derelict industrial premises and set fire to a large pile of cardboard, Cheshire Police were at the scene for several days, and more than 350 people were affected - with some nearby houses also damaged by the fire. Despite being one of the two men who caused the fire, Keeling spoke to the BBC in an interview after the blaze, in which he said he had been left "devastated" and "shocked" by what had told police he saw the fire when he was walking back to Catherine Street with Evans and claimed he had seen some youths near the building, climbing over a 18-year-old later admitted to a friend that he was inside the building, and police uncovered video footage on his phone showing a large amount of cardboard being set later admitted perverting the course of justice for lying to police about the fake sighting of the youths, the force said. Det Sgt Ryan Ogden from Cheshire Police said: "The devastation caused to the community and the sheer scale of the emergency response and council clean-up afterwards was huge and very labour-intensive."Residents were still affected by the fire, as were some officers who attended the incident, he said."I welcome the sentence that has been handed to them and hope that they begin to realise the enormity of their actions that day."Assistant chief fire officer Steve Barnes said the fire caused significant damage, disruption, and distress, and placed "enormous pressure" on resources. "This deliberate fire in Crewe put lives at risk, not only those of our firefighters but also the residents who were forced to leave their homes," he said. Read more Cheshire stories from the BBC and follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Guardian
14-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Country diary: A blossom-laden spring to make up for last year
After five days away near the sun-dazzled Solent, we returned home to a verdant haven. Fruit blossom has dropped with some apples already set; and the 50-year-old Judas tree is covered with purple flowers, vivid against diaphanous beech and swags of native May tree. Before going upcountry, I walked on my mended hip in James Evans and Mary Martin's documented and tended orchard of historic fruit trees (200 apples, 30 cherries and 10 pears). This year's succession of prolific blossom is particularly beautiful, helped by a sunny March, and in such contrast to last year's wet and unproductive spring. Apple is the latest to open, heralded by the large pink and white blooms of the pear apple (Snub Nose). But it is the creamy coloured blossom of pears that came first, including Belle de Bruxelles, now more than 40ft high and laden with blossom to the topmost tips. It was grafted from a twig, cut from an overgrown specimen surviving in the old garden of a pub in nearby Launceston. The spreading Morwellham pear was grafted at the same time from a chance seedling, found growing in the wall of a derelict lime kiln on the Devon bank of the Tamar. Hoverflies dart about its blossom and shiny pale leaves, and there should be a good crop of medium-sized golden-red fruit. The delicate fluffiness of white cherry blossom diminishes among the opening orange-tinged foliage, while avenues of Burcombe, Birchenhayes, Fice, Rumbullion and Smutts form flowering canopies, spread above sturdy trunks. Years of pruning in the winter months has shaped the branches in this maturing orchard to allow occasional mechanical trimming of the flowery sward (sheep were tried at first but they preferred to graze the immature trees). After a three-year dearth of cherries, there is hope for a bumper harvest; perhaps the triple-legged ladders will be erected and another deep freeze needed to store surplus fruit. Further down the valley, in a steep tributary of the Cotehele millstream, the council's Forest for Cornwall are planting a random mix of young trees. Included are old sorts of apples and cherries that will add diversity and mystery to this expanse of future woodland. Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian's Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at and get a 15% discount
Powys County Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Opinion: Welsh tourism tax plan will make visitors cash cows
It's that time of year when our area gets a huge influx of tourists, drivers on our back roads who can't reverse, and people walking up Pen-y-Fan in flipflops, writes James Evans MS. Nevertheless, we all welcome tourists and the tourism spend to support our communities, our High Streets, our pubs and more. With one in seven jobs reliant on the sector, it's a vital employer. From family-run B&Bs to outdoor education centres and self-catering cottages, tourism keeps our rural economy alive. That's why I'm increasingly concerned that the Welsh Government's plans to introduce a tourism tax are a step closer to becoming reality. Under the current proposal, visitors could be charged at least £1.30 per person, per night to stay in accommodation (80p for hostels and campsites). That's before VAT. Councils would be free to raise that figure further. This is a new tax that could do real damage to Wales, and at a time when many accommodation providers are already under pressure from rising costs and policies like the 182-day occupancy rule for self-catering properties. Recently, the Senedd debated and approved the general principles of the Tourism Levy bill. Labour and Plaid Cymru voted in favour, and the sole Liberal Democrat, Jane Dodds MS, chose to abstain. Only Welsh Conservatives voted against. It's important to stress that councils can choose whether to introduce the levy. Pembrokeshire County Council has already said it won't do so until at least 2027. I've recently met with Councillor James Gibson-Watt to urge the Lib Dem/Labour-run Powys County Council to follow their lead. If they decide to implement it, they must be fully transparent about how the money will be spent. Without that clarity, there's a real risk it won't be reinvested into tourism at all. Let's not forget that 90% of visitors to Wales are from within the UK. Welsh families could be taxed just for holidaying in their own country. The Welsh Government should be supporting tourism in mid Wales, not turning it into a cash cow for council budgets.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
After years of growth, Savannah Scottish Games expand to new home for this weekend
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Get ready to unleash your inner Highlander! Bagpipes and kilts are taking over Savannah this weekend. The 47th annual Savannah Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is back and bigger than ever! With thousands expected and a new venue to match the growth, this beloved tradition brings culture, history, and non-stop entertainment. If you haven't heard, plaid is back! And it's taking over Savannah this weekend at the new home of the Scottish Games: Bynuh's Field! Setups are underway, and this field is the perfect upgrade after years of packed crowds The Savannah Scottish Games have been at Bethesda Academy for 16 years, but after record crowds and a packed parking lot last year, organizers are moving the event just up the road to Bynuh's Field. This space offers more room for athletic events, and spectators, with attendance expected to top 6,000. This year's festival features more competitions, clan tents, and live entertainment. From bag piping to Highland dancing, and sheep herding – it's a full-day celebration of Scottish culture. The festival has 70 events, food, drinks, and even a genealogy tent. Organizers say whether you're Scottish or not, everyone is welcome to be 'a Scot for the day'. 'It is a huge tradition. It is one of the largest Scottish games in the southeast. A lot of families, and a lot of plans. It really is a strong bond for those who like to connect with our heritage from Scotland. Where a lot of us are – originate from migrants from Scotland to the Americas in the 1700s to 1800s,' said James Evans, the Sponsorship Coordinator for the Savannah Scottish Games. The event takes place Saturday – rain or shine – at Bynuh's Field. Gates open at 8:45 a.m. – kicking off a schedule packed with pipe bands. Organizers say, bring your own lawn chair. Also, there will be smoother parking and easier access this year. Fast Facts to go: Happening Saturday, May 3 – Gates open at 8:45 a.m. Located at Bynuh's Field: 9570 Ferguson Avenue Live music, athletic events, Scottish food, clan tents & more! So, bring your folding chair and prepare to feel like part of the clan! Whether you're a proud Scot, curious visitor, or just here for the kilts… the Scottish Games is your passport to the Highlands right here in Savannah! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
