Latest news with #JohnGriffiths
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
MS helps cycling and song event to raise funds for choir
John Griffiths, MS for Newport East, teamed up with the City of Newport Male Voice Choir for its 'Spin and Sing' fundraiser at Tesco Extra in Spytty. The event, which raised £473 for the choir combined live singing and a cycling challenge. (Image: Submitted) Mr Griffiths said: 'I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and supported the Spin and Sing fundraiser. "The City of Newport Male Choir, led by Mark, Sarah and others, were in fantastic voice all day. They were entertaining shoppers with well-known songs, including a bit of Tom Jones, that really lifted spirits. "I was equally impressed by their willingness to jump on the bikes and help with our fitness challenge!' The event was made possible thanks to Newport Live and Momentwm, who provided the bikes, and Danielle Powell, community champion at Spytty Tesco, who helped make the event happen. (Image: Submitted) Mark Main, chairman of the choir said: 'It was a great effort to all those involved raising valuable funds for the choir. "We had a great day raising the profile of the choir and hopefully may also have got a few new choristers, as there was interest from several individuals talking to us. "We all had a wonderful time providing entertainment to the shoppers and everyone had a go on the bicycles. 'Our thanks go to John, the other councillors and supporters who gave up time on a Sunday to support the choir at this event." The fundraiser also marked a key moment in Mr Griffiths' Active Newport initiative, which was launched to encourage people to get active in ways which suit them. He said: 'One of the most powerful messages to come from the Active Newport conference last year was that being active isn't just about playing competitive sport. It can include joining a choir, dancing, or getting involved in community fitness events like this. 'Spin and Sing was a perfect example of how rewarding taking part in community activities and getting moving can be.'
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
John Griffiths MS on Newport's role in technology industry
In the past few days and weeks, there have been some significant developments, which put Newport and the wider region on the map. I was pleased to visit KLA in Ringland a couple of The weeks ago, following their recent announcement to expand its operations at Imperial Park, which is hugely positive. Their growth and the semiconductor industry more widely is absolutely fantastic for our area. It is proof that Newport is becoming a key player in the future of advanced technologies, and is at the centre of the UK's growing tech industry. As your Member of Senedd, I'm determined to see local people benefit from these investments and ensuring there are more easily accessible pathways into secure, well-paid employment for residents within the city. These opportunities are not just for today, but for the next generations as well, something I know many families are thinking about as young people get their exam results this month. And with schools now out for the summer, it's important that we all take some time to rest and recharge (if we can), while making the most of what our wonderful city has to offer. Newport Live is running a wide range of family activity sessions during the summer break, many of which are free or low-cost. From sewing to skateboarding, welly walking to watching films, or Football for All, the team at Newport Live have put together a fantastic programme of activities for kids to enjoy this summer. Check out their website to find out more about how to get involved. Lots of these activities combine physical activity with a healthy meal, helping ease some of the holiday pressures on families. The Welsh Government is also funding the Food and Fun programmes in schools across Newport and Monmouthshire again this year. These provide enriching and inclusive opportunities for children and young people, from creative arts to outdoor adventures, all designed to boost wellbeing during the break. As always, I encourage residents to support our local businesses, cafes and events throughout the summer. Whether it's a visit to Beechwood Park, an explore on the beautiful Gwent Levels, or a day in Wentwood Forest, there is so much on our doorstep. Newport Transport have also recently announced a new '45' bus service going to and from Newport Bus Station to the Sports Village and the Wetlands, making accessing these facilities even easier. I also hope to see some familiar faces at Rodney Parade again this year, as we cheer on Newport County during the new football season! As always, if I can be of any help on issues relating to transport, schools, health, housing, rural and environmental issues, or sport and culture, please don't hesitate to get in touch. John Griffiths is Senedd member for Newport East.
Newsweek
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Woman Captures Moment 'Exceptionally Rare' Phenomenon Shoots Through Sky
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A video capturing a rare natural event—the simultaneous appearance of a double rainbow and a lightning strike—has gone viral on TikTok. The video was posted by allivia (@allivia) and has drawn 2.2 million views since it was shared on July 24. The video begins with a vivid double rainbow stretching across a pink sky. Moments later, the sky darkens into a purplish blue before being split by a sharp bolt of lightning. Text overlaid on the clip simply says: "My husband's reaction," followed by a voice in the clip exclaiming: "Oh my gosh, I got that on was awesome." "Seeing a double rainbow and lightning at the same time is an exceptionally rare meteorological phenomenon, so to capture it on film is very lucky indeed," John Griffiths, chief meteorologist at KISTERS, told Newsweek. @_allivia_ Double rainbow and lightning together 😳 we pulled our oldest daughter out of bed to see the rainbow and she was so excited to see not only one, but two!! ♬ original sound - allivia 🍒🦋🪩 Griffiths explained that the rarity stems from the distinct atmospheric conditions required to create each effect. "The reason this is such a rare thing to see, and film, is simply because the conditions required for rainbows and lightning are very different," the meteorologist said. "Rainbows, and especially double rainbows, are formed when sunlight shines through rain droplets at a low angle, meaning we typically see them during the early morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is low on the horizon," Griffiths noted. "Lightning is associated with convective storms and towering cumulonimbus clouds, which both have a tendency to obscure the sun." For both to occur simultaneously, "you need a very rare alignment of storm activity on one side of the sky and clear enough skies on the opposite side to allow sunlight through," the meteorologist said, noting that "even then, this is surely fleeting, so to capture it on video is very special." A rainbow forms only when atmospheric conditions, sunlight, and the observer's position align perfectly, according to SciJinks, a website run by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It explains that light bends, slows down, and reflects inside water droplets, separating into its various colors and forming a rainbow. A secondary, fainter rainbow—as seen in allivia's video—is created by a second internal reflection inside the water droplet. This reflection exits the droplet at a wider angle, causing the secondary rainbow to appear above the primary one with reversed colors—red on the bottom and violet on the top, according to the NOAA. As for the lightning, the NOAA explains that it is a massive discharge of electricity that can occur within clouds or between the cloud and the ground. Though the exact formation mechanism is still debated, scientists generally agree that small hail particles called graupel, colliding with ice crystals in a cloud, help build up the necessary electrical charges. 'Astronomical' In a caption shared with the viral video, the poster said: "Double rainbow and lightning together. we pulled our oldest daughter out of bed to see the rainbow and she was so excited to see not only one, but two!!" Viewers on TikTok were amazed by the rare sighting in the viral clip. Nicole said: "The odds of catching this must be astronomical," and the original poster replied: "Kinda feels like it!!" Elise DeLucia noted: "A double rainbow and lightening strike is wild!!!!" and @bettybooze211 said: "Wow! Yup that really was awesome!" Nicole Bronson said: "he was so afraid to get to excited like his video might disappear." Nate dogg said: "This is literally how simple we are to please, because this legitimately was awesome!!" Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified. A stock image of a woman looking out the window during a thunderstorm. A stock image of a woman looking out the window during a thunderstorm. Getty Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
BBC News
28-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Dementia-friendly art class in Wrexham helps and calms
Kath and John Griffiths have been married for 63 years, and for the past decade, she has also been his carer, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in are challenges and difficulties, Kath says, good days and bad, but says a weekly art class the couple both attend has a calming effect on her husband. "It's very relaxing, drawing. You can get your feelings out," John says, by Dementia Friendly Wrexham, the class is for those living with the disease and their partners, carers, or other family members and friends. For Kath, it's also a place where she can relax, chat and seek support from others going through the same things she is, while John, a former engineer, is absorbed in his art said it was part of the week they can "both look forward to", adding that they have "surprised themselves" with what they have achieved."Margaret [the teacher] has this way, she can get anyone to do things. We're so proud of the things we've produced," Kath added. Work created by Kath and John as well as some of the other 33 members of the class are currently on display at an exhibition at the National Trust property, Chirk Castle, which runs until the middle of champion Frank Hemmings, who has been involved with the art class from the beginning, said it gives them a sense of "pride" to see their work on display. But he said the real benefit is in the quiet time they spend in the class."It's good therapy. For those two hours, that person living with dementia is calm and enjoying themselves and really engrossed in their art, and their carer... they're given that period of time with peace, amongst like minded people," he said. "They can talk, ask for advice and share issues and problems."He added that some of the art work created is a "really high standard", but said it can sometimes be sad."We see some fabulous art by some... and 10 minutes after they've done it, they don't realise they've done it, I've had that conversation on a lot of occasions," he said. The way people with dementia draw and paint can also change over time, he Keen, from Llangollen, Denbighshire, said her husband Terry, 80, started off in the class four years ago painting things that were recognisable, but now draws in an abstract way."He just enjoys the drawing and he's just evolved over the years," she said. "He's not seeing things in the same way, but still getting something out of it. He's meeting people and getting his ideas down on paper."I just think it's an excellent way of expressing himself." The class teacher Margaret Roberts has taught watercolour painting for 30 years and says the dementia friendly group is "full of love". "Some say it's the highlight of their week... the joy of painting and drawing together and just having a nice time doing it," she said. "There's banter between the couples... it's just fun."
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Newport takes centre stage at road safety conference
The third Rhiannon Jade Smith Road Safety Conference, organised by the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust, was co-hosted by Newport East MS John Griffiths and the charity's founder, Dr Julian Smith. The trust was established in memory of Ms Smith, who died in a car crash in 2017 at the age of 21. Dr Smith said: "A big thank you to all who helped organise the third Road Safety Conference in memory of our daughter Rhiannon. "This includes our speakers, John Griffiths, and Langstone Community Council, who provided a grant towards the conference costs." He said the event focused on achieving 'Vision Zero'—the goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on UK roads and graduated driving licences, the 20mph zones and hazards towards vulnerable road users. Newport City Council representatives were in attendance, including Councillor Rhian Howells and Councillor Ray Mogford. The recently formed St Julians and Beechwood Community Action Group also took part. Mr Griffiths said: "Road safety is a fundamental issue for every community, not just in Newport but across Wales. "I was proud to support this important conference and the powerful work of the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust."
