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North Wales Live
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Tributes after former Race Across the World contestant dies in car crash
The family of 24-year-old Sam Gardiner who competed in the BBC 's Race Across The World show have paid tribute to him after he died in a car crash. The accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle on Monday night, Greater Manchester Police said. His mother Jo, who appeared with him in the second series of the travel competition, and his father Andrew, issued a statement. 'We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. 'Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now 'He did Race Across The World in 2019, which opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel. He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland. 'Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we'll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade.' A spokesperson for the makers of Race Across The World said: 'We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam. 'Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo. 'Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result. 'Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across The World cast family, and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his step mum Justine; his family and friends.'
North Wales Live
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Live: Vehicle fire causing delays on A55 near Llanddulas
A vehicle fire has led to queues of traffic in the A55 near Llanddulas in Conwy county. 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.
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Wales Online
'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars'
'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars' A charity has claimed there is evidence of people throwing food onto roads to watch seagulls swoop down and be hit by vehicles. WARNING: Contains images some people may find distressing Llandudno's Herring Gulls 'all need an ASBO' (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) Bird enthusiasts in Wales have been left appalled by a cruel new "trend" that has emerged, as reported by a local charity. The Foundation for Feathered Friends (FFF) in Caernarfon claims there is increasing evidence of individuals deliberately luring seagulls into traffic by scattering food on the roads, only to watch the birds get struck by passing vehicles. The FFF volunteers have noted a worrying rise in such incidents along the North Wales coastline, with reports suggesting not just youths, but adults too are engaging in this harmful activity. Denise Theophilus, the founder of FFF, said: "We totally support the feeding of wild birds, especially gulls," and "Often they are emaciated when they arrive in coastal communities. But this is not the right way to do it." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here She continued: "Who in their right mind would deliberately put these birds in danger by making them swoop onto roads to be hit by oncoming cars? "We are aware that children will get up to all kinds of mischief – but adults doing this must have some kind of psychiatric issue. "It's definitely a trend, we're seeing more and more instances of it happening. And it's us that have to pick up the poor gulls wounded by monsters like these." Denise highlighted that volunteers have observed such behaviour in various locations including Abergele, Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Llandudno, reports North Wales Live. With the number of injured birds being cared for by North Wales Wild Bird Care, the sister organisation to FFF, she suspects that this disturbing practice is likely occurring in other areas as well. Denise, a local resident, reported an alarming incident where food was deliberately placed on a street in Rhyl, leading to the death of three gulls hit by cars. Two gulls lie dead next to food that was accidentally or deliberately dropped on the road (Image: Cheryl Jones/Foundation for Feathered Friends ) The birds were found "equidistantly" near the food, with a fourth gull later succumbing to its injuries. She also recalled another disturbing episode involving a group of youths in Llandudno. "One of our volunteers was driving through Llandudno when she saw a group of youths throwing food onto a road," she said. "They were laughing as they watched cars come towards the gulls. She wanted to go back and disperse the kids but her husband didn't want to get involved." Litter blown by the wind is another factor contributing to the perilous situation for gulls on busy roads. Social media videos have also highlighted the dangers posed by carelessly discarded food cartons. However, there's online evidence of clips showing gulls being deliberately lured onto roads. Three gulls lie dead next in Rhyl. Rehab volunteers claimed each were found next to food 'deliberately placed on the road' (Image: Jane Taylor/Foundation for Feathered Friends ) Denise claims such practices have been observed outside schools and in retail car parks. When images were shared online, bird lovers were left "sickened" by the claims. One person labelled the practice "shameful and inhuman", while another deemed it "utterly disgraceful". A man claimed some motorists deliberately target gulls. He said: "I've seen a few birds, mainly gulls, laying in the road that have been run over on purpose." Herring gulls are a protected species and are on the Red List for Conservation. The RSPCA has urged people to be mindful when disposing of edible litter. Gulls will themselves scatter food waste on roads by ripping open bin bags (Image: Georgina Ford ) A spokesperson stated: "Gulls can get a bad rap especially in seaside towns, and sadly are thought of by some as a pest. "However, they are simply wild animals trying to survive in their surroundings, and deserve our kindness and respect. "It's important for people to remember that they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to intentionally harm any wild bird, except under licence." Article continues below The RSPCA offers guidance on how to live in harmony with gulls:.
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
people watch on as rows erupt on infamous 'Swearing Bridge'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info For best views of the action, locals recommend the Tu Hunt i'r Bont tearoom or the Eagles beer garden. From here, there's a reasonable chance of seeing a 'hilarious' row erupting on Llanrwst's 17th Century bridge over the Afon Conwy. For as long as anyone can remember, High Noon showdowns have been taking place on the apex of a humpback bridge that's a Welsh icon. When drivers approach the single-lane bridge, there's no way of knowing if a vehicle is also crossing from the opposite direction. A recent video shared online showed the inevitable outcome: two motorists gesticulating, each insisting they have right of way. A few hours later, an almost identical scenario played out, this time involving a truck and a queue of cars. Some residents shake their heads sadly, others draw up their seats and watch the unfolding dramas. 'Who needs Netflix...?' noted one man online. Another added: 'We used to sit on the bridge watching them argue, it was fun!' Impasses on Pont Fawr bridge are part of local folklore – so much so that it's been dubbed Pont y Rhegi (The Swearing Bridge). One celebrated individual used to arbitrate disputes and for a while the bad language dissipated. Attempts to find a solution have done little to ease the problems. Sensors embedded in the bridge asphalt near the A470 trigger a flashing amber light on the other side of the bridge, warning oncoming drivers to stop. But by then it's often too late: two or more drivers are trundling towards each other en route to yet another Mexican stand-off. Regular users have long lived by the rule of 'first to the top wins' – first to the apex has the right of way and the other motorist must reverse off the bridge. 'I've reversed 6 times in a row before now,' sighed a local woman. 'Saves arguments.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now It's not a perfect system and increasing numbers of tourists not familiar with the local rule means the number of stand-offs is on the rise. There are other issues too: as well as endangering pedestrians on the bridge, drivers reversing onto the A470 are contravening Highway Code rule 201, which advises motorists not to back up onto main roads. Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has asked the Welsh Government to intervene on 'numerous occasions'. 'Our understanding is that Conwy Council was working with the Welsh Government to find solutions for the A470 side of the bridge,' said a spokesperson for her office. 'But in the last 12 months we've heard nothing, so Janet will be raising further questions in the hope of reducing the risk of bridge stand-offs in the future.' (Image: Wayne Thorley) A joint project between local and national government was announced in February 2024 by Lee Waters, the former deputy minister for climate change. Its main aim was to assess new A470 and pavement markings to prevent turning vehicles from scraping the bridge parapet. The study, which would also examine traffic priorities, was 'subject to prioritisation and funding'. Former Llanrwst mayor Cllr Mostyn Jones, now chair of the town's finance committee, would prefer a solution involving three-way traffic lights – one on the Trefriw side, the other two on the A470. The latter pair would need to be sited so as to give sufficient room for traffic turning on and off the bridge. It follows years of bridge strikes by long-axis vehicles: the most recent involved a coach said to have sent mortar tumbling into the river last week. (Image: Google) Worried about constant repairs to a listed structure and a scheduled ancient monument, Cllr Jones has been lobbying heritage body Cadw for action. While Pont Fawr's 18-stone limit can accommodate two-axle HGVs and coaches, its narrow nature means slight misjudgements can have serious impacts. 'For the last two or three years I've been complaining to Cadw about the poor state of the bridge,' he said. 'With the high volume of traffic now seen in the Conwy Valley, a sustainable solution needs to be found urgently. 'Pedestrians use the bridge and we've seen that funding can be sourced for active travel schemes. A list of potential ideas must be drawn up and put out for public consultation.' Booming tourism in Eryri has brought more traffic into the Conwy Valley and its road infrastructure can struggle to cope. Notoriously, all four river crossings between Conwy town and Betws-y-Coed involve either single-lane bridges (Pont Fawr and Pont-y-Pair) or single-lane approaches (Talycafn and the Conwy town wall arch). 'There needs to be a more strategic approach to getting traffic across the river from the west side of the valley,' added Cllr Jones. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Mystery woman's daily ritual on North Wales beaches leaves onlookers astonished
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Beachgoers on west Anglesey were left uplifted and profoundly moved when a mystery woman strode up to the water's edge. As the sun sunk towards the horizon, she began singing a hauntingly beautiful song as if serenading the sea itself. Those looking on settled down on the sand at Traeth Porthdafarch beach to watch the performance, wondering who the woman was and why she was doing it. It soon emerged she often sang at other beaches on the island, enchanting those lucky enough to witness her. Filming a clip of the shoreline song was Abigail Druce, who said it was a 'lovely moment'. She added: 'Everyone just stood still and watched her, definitely not something you see often. Just wow!' Another onlooker added: 'Absolutely beautiful voice, just her the sound of the waves and the sun setting. What a talent and a lovely surprise while we were sat with our beach fire and tea.' When the video was shared online, the woman's identity was revealed as Karen Jones, a former gemnologist and diamond grader from Waunfawr, Gwynedd. The 64-year-old artist sings at sunset most days as a lament to her elderly mother as she battles severe illness. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up Sometimes she performs to campervanners on the hills above her home in Waunfawr. From there, she can gaze out across to Anglesey where she dreams of moving to permanently. (Image: Karen Jones) Adding extra pathos to her singing was the death this week of Deiniolen's Annette Bryn Parri. Appointed musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir last year, the distinguished pianist took time out to help Karen compose four songs for Spotify. Usually when she's singing al fresco, Karen performs Welsh folk song Cilfan y Coed (Shade in the Trees). 'It's about sanctuary – somewhere you can go to forget all your troubles,' she said. 'For me, singing these lovely songs is a matter of self-expression. I forget the hurt as I sing. 'I had singing lessons with my dear friend Annette. The day after she died I sung it in her memory at sunset with a big view of the Menai Straight behind me.' (Image: Karen Jones) On Anglesey, Karen performs on the beaches at Trearddur Bay, Porth Dafarch and Holyhead. She always sings at sunset. 'I go out every single evening,' she said. 'It's my way of saying thank you for the day. Otherwise the days pass so quickly: I want to make the most of them. 'When I go up on the hills, I always asked the campers if it's OK to sing. They're fine about it and afterward they're always very generous in their comments, just as people are on the beach when I sing.' For 18 years, Karen and her mother Esme Dyson ran Jones & Dyson Jewellers in Bangor and Caernarfon. When their prime stock was stolen at an exhibition in London, the business folded but the mother-and-daughter bond remained as strong as ever. Now that Esme is seriously ill, Karen's sunset singing has added poignancy – it's the one time she can set aside her worries. It's also meant a planned move to Anglesey has been put on hold. (Image: Karen Jones) In Waunfawr, Karen runs a 12-acre smallholding by herself while operating an Airbnb. With the Welsh Government's 182-day letting rule causing extra work and price-cutting, she's had enough. Last month the property went on the market, only to be withdrawn as her mother's health declined. But Karen still has her heart set on a move to west Anglesey and its glorious sunsets. 'It's such a deeply magical and spiritual place,' she said. 'From the hills behind me I can see the sun setting behind Holyhead Mountain and half of Anglesey. One day I will move there.' One beachgoer who heard her sing said Karen's 'eerily beautiful haunting voice' was reminiscent of the sirens of the sea. Explaining her connection to the coast, Karen cited Fibonacci's mathematical formula, a sequence of numbers that has been used to describe the logarithmic spirals of seashells. 'I love the island's beaches but it's deeper than that,' she said. 'I receive a spiritual connection via Fibonacci's eternal formula from the shells and from the waves. Beaches and the movement of the sea bring me confirmation of the eternal nature of consciousness. "Through song it enables me to express my heartfelt loss as I see people decline and die.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find the weather forecast where you live
