Latest news with #NorthWalesLive
North Wales Live
11 hours ago
- Climate
- North Wales Live
UK heat plume to skirt Wales as Met Office issues 'thunder and rain' warnings
Temperatures are set to hit 28C in some parts of the UK over the coming days and could even touch 30C. The heat is expected only to skirt Wales, meaning the country should escape the worst of forecasted thunderstorms. Yellow alerts for 'heavy, thundery rain' have been issued by the Met Office this morning for much of England on Friday and Saturday, July 18-19. This comes as balmy conditions are forecasted in eastern, southern and central England as hot and humid air moves in across the country. Friday, July 18, is expected to be the peak of this mini hot spell. Some of this heat might just reach eastern areas of Wales - the Met Office is predicting highs of 23C in Wrexham, 3C above the July average, with a chance of 25C in places. The North Wales coast should see temperatures at or just above the July average. However western coastal areas of Anglesey and Gwynedd are expected to be cooler. A slight temperature dip on Saturday, July 18, will yield smaller differences in the east-west spread, with many places in North Wales close to the seasonal average. South Wales is forecasted to retain the heat for a little longer, but feeling cooler in forecasted rain. Thunderstorms are set to be the price paid for warmer air. A Met Office warning for Humberside on Friday afternoon (12pm-8pm) is followed by a wider alert for England, excluding western areas (9pm on Friday until 6pm on Saturday). Met Office maps show two spells of heavy rain brushing Flintshire and Wrexham on Saturday, with scattered showers elsewhere in the region, some possibly heavy. The Met Office said the risk of 'thunder and hail' can't be excluded. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Bands of rain and showers are expected to continue into next week. Various weather models show this pattern repeating for the rest of July. In its weekend forecast for Wales, the Met Office summed it up as "unsettled", adding: "Showers may be heavy and blustery at times, carrying the risk of thunder and hail. Warm and humid in brighter periods, but temperatures suppressed under any persistent rain.' Temperature wise, July-average temperatures are expected to remain in place into next week, according to the Met Office. Some weather models predict colder conditions, with a brief flurry of warmer weather on Friday, July 25. Tuesday's rain (July 15) on St Swithen's Day is unlikely to usher in 40 day of wet weather, as the old superstition would have us believe. But it's not looking too good for the coming weeks, with low pressure dominating. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox In its longer-term forecast for the UK, from July 21-30, the Met Office expects a north-south divide to remain in place. 'Overall a rather more changeable pattern of weather through this period, compared to much of the summer thus far,' said the forecaster. 'The first couple of days will likely be dominated by low pressure leading to particularly unsettled weather, with heavy rain and/or thunderstorms in some areas. Thereafter, a general westerly regime looks to become established, with occasional weather systems moving in from the Atlantic. 'This means further rain or showers and breezy conditions at times, especially in the northwest. This will be interspersed with some drier, sunnier periods. Temperatures are expected to average out above normal and whilst brief hotter and humid days are possible. This broad pattern is likely to continue through to the end of July.' Neither does the forecaster expect much change in the first week of August, though things may improve later on. 'The rather changeable pattern will likely continue through early August with spells of rain or showers mixed in with some drier, brighter days,' said the Met Office. 'Towards mid-August, there are tentative signs that high pressure may become rather more dominant, which could bring more in the way dry, settled weather more widely. 'Temperatures will likely continue to be above average overall, with the possibility of very warm or hot spells developing later in the period, especially further south and east.'
North Wales Live
a day ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Former Royal bolt-hole named best in Wales in AA awards
The AA has announced the winners of its 2025 B&B Awards - which includes a former Royal bolt-hole in Gwynedd. The awards honour the top places to stay across the UK that continue to set the benchmark for excellence in British hospitality. Now in its 29th year, the AA B&B Awards celebrate establishments that go the extra mile, from meticulous housekeeping and memorable breakfasts to authentic service and unforgettable stays. This year's winners impressed AA inspectors with their individuality, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to guest experience. There were awards for the different UK nations with a location in Gwynedd named the best AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year in Wales. A pub in Mid-Wales was named the best Inn. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services , said: 'These awards shine a light on the brilliant people and places that make Britain's B&B scene truly world class. . Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "Whether it's a warm welcome in Scotland, a design-led retreat in England, or a culinary gem in Wales, this year's winners represent everything that's special about independent UK hospitality. They go beyond offering a bed for the night - they offer character, comfort and care that stays with you long after check-out.' Wales winners AA Restaurant with Rooms - Wales: Plas Dinas Country House, Bontnewydd, near Caernarfon What judges said: 'Plas Dinas Country House nestles between the Snowdonia (Eryri) mountains and the Irish Sea; an idyllic setting with stunning views. Located in beautiful grounds, this delightful Grade-II listed building dates to the mid-17th century. Featuring beautiful grounds and an award-winning restaurant, and formerly the home of the Armstrong-Jones family, it offers ten individually styled bedrooms in historic yet relaxed surroundings. "Take a stroll round the estate or sit by the roaring log fire in the drawing room on a cold winter's day. Each room has recently been redesigned to represent the person or role within the Armstrong-Jones family that they represent. The Princess Margaret Suite has been recently redesigned and features wedding memorabilia from her wedding to Lord Snowdon.' AA Inn of the Year - Wales: The Nags Head Inn, Montgomery, Powys Judges said: "Once a coaching inn, the Grade II listed Nags Head but has been bought right up to date to offer modern accommodation. A warm welcome is assured from the friendly team here. Log fires in the winter and a sunny terrace for alfresco dining make this a great destination at any time of the year. A range of imaginative dishes including their own take on pub classics is on offer. To complement the food, a range of local beers is stocked in addition to a well-chosen wine list.' AA Bed and Breakfast of the Year - Wales: Ramsey House, St Davids, Pembrokeshire Judges said: 'Ramsey House offers the ideal combination of professional management and the warmth of a family-run establishment. The property is quietly located on the outskirts of St Davids and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside. It provides modern, well-equipped bedrooms, with en suite bathrooms, along with a good range of welcome extras. The award-winning breakfast provides a choice of home-made items, including breads and preserves.'
North Wales Live
a day ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
'Our £325k family home on Anglesey could be all yours for just £5'
An Anglesey couple have put their home in an online raffle where people could win their coastal retreat for a £5 stake. John and Jennie Bailey and their two children are looking to move from the two bedroom apartment in the seaside village of Rhoscolyn to a larger nearby bungalow to accommodate their growing family. But they've decided to try an unconventional way of selling the property - which is valued at £325,000. Rather than the usual approach of placing the home on the market they have teamed with Raffall, a UK-based company often used for property raffles. This has seen people given the opportunity to buy £5 raffle tickets to secure a chance to win the home. If the 150,000 ticket sales target is reached then one lucky winner will get the property. If the target is not reached by January 1 2026 then the draw is still held and the winner gets 50% of the pot. Jennie, 43, mum to Henry, 11, and Sebastian, nine, said it is a wonderful opportunity for someone to win a home in a dream location and they will be sad to leave the place. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now She said: "As a family we have been coming to Rhoscolyn for 40 years, it was part of growing up and just where we came as my parents had another apartment in the same block here,where there are three homes. We then bought a flat for our family. "After Covid we found we were struggling to get down as often with work and family commitments and we decided as a family to move here from Stockport in Manchester in 2023. We have really settled, we already knew so many people and everyone has been so welcoming. We both mainly work from home so we could do this. "The children went to school at Ysgol Rhoscolyn and two years later are now fluent in Welsh, we are trying with our Welsh too. We love it here but while the apartment was fantastic for holidays it is too small now the children are growing up. Our eldest now wants his own room. We will be sad to leave and if it was just me and John we would be staying here." On picking this way to sell the house, Jennie, who works in home decor and helps manage a holiday property, added: 'I realise this is quite unorthodox, but that's what we love about it - imagine winning a home in the most idyllic place for a fiver - it's a life changing chance for someone!" She wants local businesses to get involved in the promotion as they can get a 75p cut in each raffle ticket sold with no cost to themselves. In total the couple need to sell 150,000 tickets for the sale to go through. This would raise a total of £750,000 but Jennie that is not what they would receive. She said: "There are a lot of costs to pay, we will do the stamp duty, potentially for a second home purchase, and the legal costs, Raffall get 10% and then we have significant marketing costs for all of this. Also when we have affiliates selling tickets they get that 75p cut per ticket. "There is a lot of marketing needed to get the sales and we have to be careful not to overspend or this could end up costing us. We started this two weeks ago and so far we have had 4,500 sales." She added: "This really is a once in a lifetime chance for people to live or holiday in a magical place by the sea. "We're only moving round the corner as we love it so much in Rhoscolyn, so we can't wait to see our home enjoyed by a new family and for them to build their own memories here.' On the property, Raffall said: "The two bedroomed coastal haven, worth £325,000 is the definition of modern elegance with an open-plan kitchen and dining area ideal for entertaining and the stylish dining-living space a perfect place to relax. "The property also features a family bathroom, downstairs WC, balcony, private garage and shared garden. Properties in Rhoscolyn are few and far between with the competition offering a rare opportunity for someone to get on the property ladder in this sought after location which has a population of just 542 residents." Property raffles like have become more common in the UK in recent years although don't end with the home changing hands at the end due to the ticket sales target not being met.
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Despair over hospice 'underfunding' amid Anglesey bed closures blow
The impending closure of the St David's Hospice ward in Holyhead, Anglesey, has provoked a wave of dismay and frustration among North Wales Live readers, with many voicing their discontent over the decision and the broader issue of hospice funding in the region. St David's Hospice has made public its intention to shut down its beds on Anglesey and is considering reducing its workforce. The charity had broadened its reach in 2021 by inaugurating a satellite facility at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead on March 1. A grant of £450,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund was secured to underwrite staffing costs at the new unit for three years. However, it has now been disclosed that the beds will be decommissioned this October for a minimum of twelve months, pending a future review. Consequently, some employees face uncertainty as a consultation process regarding their positions has commenced. St David's Hospice, which operates a 12-bed site in Llandudno and provides day therapy in Bangor, has not specified the number of staff members who might be impacted. The local Plaid Cymru MP and MS have described the announcement as "devastating news" for both families and staff, calling on the Welsh Government to intervene and support the hospice sector within Wales. One reader, Toxteth O'Grady fears: "I fear the Llandudno Hospice is next unless they find someone who can turn things around. Doesn't help that the Senedd continually underfunds it compared to South Wales hospices." While Old bat believes: "They are not interested in our corner of this beautiful country. Just Cardiff, that's all that matters to them and I can't see it changing anytime soon!" Bertrand?? adds: "This is a disgrace." Steamnut writes: "More NHS beds will have to be used which will exacerbate the bed-blocking situation." Starman1956 says: "Terrible news for Holyhead and Anglesey. Surely something can be done, to stop the closure of the ward." MickHookem states: "If you're that upset, try spending some money in one of their shops as that's how they raise money to keep operating." HWSmall comments: "Typically, Hospices are funded by donations (esp. included in wills). So the real question is 'do the people of Anglesey want to support the Hospice'?" Alwyn67 replies: "That's not correct. Hospices receive their funding from WG as a block grant and decide themselves how to allocate it across Wales. I think we can all agree that funding should increase, but it's certainly not unfairly allocated." Toxteth O'Grady as does: "Not sure where you get your information from, but you're wrong. The proportion of statutory funding varies significantly between hospices across Wales. In North Wales, the range is 15 per cent to 19 per cent. South Wales and Powys: In South Wales and Powys, the range is 10 per cent to 71 per cent." While over on our Facebook page - Nic Ap Clayton writes: "Get rid of the extra Senedd members and fund our hospice."
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- North Wales Live
Ethan Ives-Griffiths' grandparents guilty of murdering toddler
The grandparents of Ethan Ives-Griffiths have today been found guilty of the toddler's murder. Ethan died on August 16, 2021, two days after he collapsed with a fatal head injury at the home of his grandparents, Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, in Flintshire. Michael and Kerry Ives were found guilty of murder and child cruelty. Ethan's mum Shannon Ives has also been found guilty of child cruelty and causing or allowing the death of a child. A trial at Mold Crown Court, lasting more than five weeks, has heard the boy was severely underweight and dehydrated when he died, with 40 visible marks on his body. Michael and Kerry Ives, both of Kingsley Road, Garden City but originally from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, denied the murder of Ethan, an alternative count of causing or allowing his death and cruelty to a child under the age of 16. Ethan's mother Shannon Ives, of Rhes-y-Cae, near Holywell, who was living with her parents at the time, denied causing or allowing his death and child cruelty. This is a breaking news story. We will bring you all the latest as we get it via the live blog below. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here.
