Latest news with #Newport-based
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Talking Up the Port: All the good things about Newport
It is more than eight years since I last wrote a regular opinion column for the Argus. So much has changed since then… or has it? The last column I wrote back in 2017 talked about the rise of conspiracy theories, fake news, and incessant negativity on social media. That certainly hasn't changed – in fact, it continues to plumb new depths. The good news is I won't be harping on about issues like that in this column. In fact, good news is what this is all about – and, in particular, good news about Newport. Now I realise you might be coughing and spluttering at seeing the words 'good news' and 'Newport' in the same sentence, but bear with me. This column will celebrate all the great things that are happening in this city. And, believe me, there will be no shortage of subject matter. Some people might remember that for a few years, I ran a weekly social media slot, on what was then Twitter, called 'Port Hour'. It was all about giving people, businesses and charities a space to share the brilliant work they were doing in Newport. That is exactly what this column seeks to do. But with more words. Sometimes that will mean sticking my head above the parapet, but a few slings and arrows in return for promoting the city that I've called home for the last 36 years will be a small price to pay. No doubt there will be a few insults flying around on social media, but I can guarantee that I'll have heard them all before, and they will be like water off a particularly large duck's back. What I really want is for this column to be the place where the voice of the silent majority is heard. The people who run fantastic businesses in Newport, or brilliant charities, or terrific events, or just give up their time to benefit their communities, and whose voices often get drowned out by the sound and fury of social media. There are many of them, and they far exceed those who do nothing but sit behind a keyboard and whinge (and, yes, I get the irony of me sitting behind a keyboard and whinging about people whinging!) So I'll be writing about places like Newport Arcade, Tredegar House, Rodney Parade and The Place; about projects like Positive Futures and The Gap; and charities like Free Bikes 4 Kids and Raven House Trust. But I also want to hear from you about the great things you're doing in Newport. Just email me here – kevin@ – and I'll write about you. The golden rule of this weekly column is simple – it will be unremittingly positive about Newport. It will give a platform to those who love their city and want to shout about it. Because if we don't do that, then who will? Kevin Ward is a Newport-based media and management consultant and a former editor of the South Wales Argus. All views expressed in this opinion column are his alone and do not necessarily reflect those of any organisation with which he works. Kevin is not receiving any payment for this column.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Pub events in Newport this weekend, August 9 and 10
On Saturday, August 9, the Pontnewynydd Sports and Social Club will be hosting The Remakes, a 50s and 60s band, who are set to transport attendees back to the golden era of rock and roll. Also on Saturday, the Ponthir House Inn will be hosting a Saturday Summer Soul event. Attendees can look forward to a soulful evening of music and dancing. The Dorallt Inn in Cwmbran will be welcoming back the Midnight Hour Band, who will be playing popular covers from the 60s through to the 90s. For those who prefer a bit of variety, the Horse and Jockey in Pontypool will be hosting Son of Sham, who will be playing a mix of rock, pop, and punk music all night long. The Blinkin' Owl in Cwmbran will be hosting a "Back to the 90s" night, with DJ Chris playing all the classic hits from the decade. This is a free entry event, and attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best 90s attire. For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, Le Pub on Newport High Street will be hosting a Drink & Draw event on Sunday, August 10. This is a free entry event where attendees can get creative in a relaxed environment, experiment, collaborate, share ideas, or join in with drawing games. The event is hosted by Newport-based illustrator Teeleafa, who will be on hand to offer drawing tips. A variety of materials will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks or drawing materials. With such a diverse range of events on offer, there is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend in Gwent. Whether you are a fan of live music, enjoy a bit of karaoke, or want to get creative, the pubs in Gwent have got you covered.
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Former Newport church and Sunday school is snapped up at auction
The grade II listed Summerhill Baptist Church and Sunday school in Albert Avenue, Maindee, were sold at Paul Fosh Auctions for £181,000. The guide price for the two was £145,000. The lot sold after 29 bids from four people. (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) Auctioneer Gemma Vaughan, said: 'The two buildings together provide some 9,400 sq. ft. of space. 'The former church consists of a lobby area, the main sanctuary and balcony which includes wooden pews and the organ. (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) 'There is a breath-taking variety of marvellous stained-glass windows and fixtures which are well-preserved and appear to be undamaged. 'The church includes a basement area with various rooms, a main hall with timber sprung floors and a kitchen. 'The Sunday school, which is located to the rear of the chapel, offers a central hall with a stage and also has a variety of classrooms, seven in number, to three sides of the main hall. There are toilets on each of the floors. (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) 'Beyond the school, there are gardens which also provide pedestrian access to Victoria Avenue. 'Both buildings are served by gas central heating. The masonry walls with tiled roofs have a variety of timber and double-glazed windows and doors." (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) Paul Fosh Auctions realised total sales of £4.6m in the July sale after offering 81 properties for sale. There was a high buyer interest in 1,276 registrations and 135 active bidders placing a total of 1, 739 bids on the auction night. The next online sale for the Newport-based business starts at 12 noon on Tuesday September 2 and ends from 5pm on Thursday September 4.
South Wales Argus
30-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
Newport linked drug dealer who made £120k to repay just £1
Shaquille Germaine was linked to a Newport-based organised crime operation run from the city's Box Hotel and Box Guesthouse. He was jailed for seven years and six months in April after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of ecstasy. Cardiff Crown Court heard how his offending took place between November 1, 2022 and September 13, 2023. The 27-year-old, of Pepys Crescent, Llanrumney, Cardiff was back in court for a proceeds of crime hearing. William Bebb, prosecuting, revealed how Shaquille Germaine profited by £119,965.53 selling the class A drug. The defendant has no assets which can be seized and was ordered by Judge Shomon Khan to hand over a nominal sum of £1. He must do so within two months or face an additional seven days in prison. When Shaquille Germaine was sentenced, the court heard that Mohammed Hassan, 46, was the manager of the Box Hotel on Corporation Road. Ffion Tomos, prosecuting, said that heroin, cocaine and ecstasy would be stored there and it was where meetings would take place Some drugs were also stored at the Box Guesthouse on Stow Hill. Among the customers picking up ecstasy to sell on was Jamie Germaine, 52, and his sons Shaquille Germaine and Tyrell Germaine, 29. They had a 'family business' supplying thousands of tablets. The whole operation was being overseen from afar by a drugs kingpin living "the high life" in Cambodia. Judge Daniel Williams told Hassan: 'In certain respects, this group was disorganised. Your life, Mr Hassan was, you may agree, chaotic. 'You are breathtakingly dishonest and during your evidence at trial it was, on occasion, laughable. 'But you played a leading role in supplying vast amounts of three types of drug capable of devastating lives, devastating livelihoods and ruining families. 'Your self-serving patter looks less funny when you consider that.' Hassan was jailed for 14 years after he was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. The Germaine trio, all of Pepys Crescent, Llanrumney, Cardiff all pleaded guilty. Jamie Germaine admitted conspiracy to supply ecstasy while Shaquille Germaine and Tyrell Germaine accepted being concerned in the supply of the class A drug. The trio were jailed in 2019 over a conspiracy to supply nearly £4 million of cannabis. Judge Williams jailed Jamie Germaine for seven years and four months and Tyrell Germaine for four years and two months. Six other defendants were locked up for a joint total of 52 years last December.
Business News Wales
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Auction Business Launches New Property Firm
Property business Paul Fosh Auctions has launched a new business, YourBid. YourBid lists the properties it has on its books on its website and the dates on which bidding takes place. At the end of the auction, the highest bidder has the exclusivity of 56 days in which to make all the necessary arrangements to complete the purchase of the property. The types of property offered in this way are those which are generally mortgageable as opposed to many in a traditional Paul Fosh Auctions sale which either require major renovation or could be unmortgageable. Auctions valuer Olivia Williams has been appointed to head up YourBid for Paul Fosh Auctions. Owner and managing director Paul Fosh of the Newport-based business, said: 'We believe that this is a real game changer not just for us as a business but the industry as a whole. 'YourBid opens up property auctions to a whole new swathe of buyers who, up until now, have been unable to take advantage of the very many benefits of buying a house at auction. 'I don't like the term but so-called Modern Auctions allow many more people, who until now have had to watch enviously and frustratedly from the sidelines as properties that they would otherwise have loved to have bought sold during traditional property auctions, to cash buyers, speculators and investors. 'It is aimed fairly and squarely at owner occupiers who have targeted a particular property which they want to make their home as against developers who may want to do up and flip the lot. 'In a nutshell, YourBid enables these buyers to enter the market. Unlike traditional auctions where when the gavel falls a contract to buy is exchanged, in our new, modern, system successful bidders have time to make all the necessary arrangements, including arranging their mortgage or means to buy the property, before the sale completes. 'It's a win/win which we believe will add a further string to our bow of what is a constantly expanding offering from Paul Fosh Group which now not only covers traditional property auctions but estate agency and lettings. 'After a soft launch we're now confident that, after ramping up our offering, we can soon be achieving a high number of sales each month just through YourBid.'
