Latest news with #RichardClark
Bloomberg
17-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
UK Hydrogen Firm Warns of Spillover From Ethanol Plant Closures
Nascent green energy companies that are needed to decarbonize the UK warned they would be hurt by the closure of the country's ethanol industry. British ethanol makers are facing imminent shutdown due to competition from a wave of cheap product unleashed by a deal with the US that lifted tariffs. It's 'critical' that the Vivergo Fuels plant remains open to support the wider development of sustainable fuels in northeast England, said Richard Clark, development director at Meld Energy.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Primary school pupils star in 'spectacular' Bugsy Malone performance
PUPILS at a primary school in Carlisle have starred in a 'spectacular' performance of the iconic musical, Bugsy Malone. Over two performances, pupils at Carlisle's Newlaithes Junior School took their audience back to the 1920s with their version of Bugsy Malone, which featured plenty of jazz numbers and splurge guns. The school's version of Bugsy Malone, which was adapted from Alan Parker's original script for the famous musical comedy, was packed with several 'toe-tapping' songs and was met by 'roaring applause' from all in attendance. (Image: Newlaithes Junior School) Richard Clark is the headteacher at Newlaithes Junior School, and was on hand to thank everyone involved in bring the production to life. He said: "From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that weeks of rehearsals had paid off. (Image: Newlaithes Junior School) "The lead role of Bugsy was played with charm and confidence, while Blousey Brown's solo was met with roaring applause. "Fat Sam and Dandy Dan's rival gangs brought comedy and chaos in equal measure – and the splurge scenes had everyone on the edge of their seats. (Image: Newlaithes Junior School) "The production was made possible thanks to the hard work of Year 6 staff, who guided the children not only in acting, singing, and dancing, but also in teamwork and resilience. "Costumes, sets, and props – including water pistols and silly string – added polish and flair to the whole show." (Image: Newlaithes Junior School) Miss Lowther is one of the school's Year Six teachers and expressed her pride at watching the pupil's hard work pay off through their top-notch performances. (Image: Newlaithes Junior School) She said: "It's been amazing to watch the children grow in confidence. "They've worked incredibly hard, and we couldn't be prouder of what they've achieved." Parents, carers, and staff who attending the performances were also keen to pile the praise on the young performers. (Image: Newlaithes Junior School) "You should be charging for this? It's like a West End Musical," said one audience member. "They were all stars."
South Wales Argus
11-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen has highest number of children in care in Wales
At the start of January Torfaen Borough Council had 355 children in its care at a time the projected overspend in its children's services budget was expected to hit £3.7 million by the end of March. The council has made additional funds, from its reserves, available to cover the shortfall but has also since last autumn had a recovery plan to reduce costs in children's care. It finished the financial year with a £3m children's services overspend while the budget for this year is more than £24m and it could have to use £500,000 from the support fund. Councillor Richard Clark the cabinet member responsible described the spending as 'unsustainable' but said changes made as a result of tackling rising costs are also intended to better support children. He said: 'More importantly to me it is giving better chances to those individuals'. He said the numbers in the authority's care have reduced since January and had fallen to 316 but increased by an additional child on Monday while Jason O'Brien, the strategic director for children and family services said the figure on Tuesday, when his report was discussed by the cabinet, was 315. 'Since January our children looked after population has reduced at an accelerated rate and we continue to narrow the gap with the Welsh national average,' said Mr O'Brien. Steps to reduce costs have included establishing an early intervention hub to better support families in need of support and the council has also opened its own small children's home, in partnership with a housing association, with another to open shortly to reduce the cost of residential placements and use of those outside of Torfaen. By the end of June the council had also placed more children with its own in-house foster carers and reduced the number placed with those from more expensive independent fostering agencies. A revamp of staffing structures within children's services is also due to take effect from August 4 and that will base staff around demands on the service rather than location. Torfaen's Labour leader Cllr Anthony Hunt praised the work of the 'necessary confidential but vital' service and said it was 'good to focus on the people and not just the figures'. The Panteg councillor said: 'In the current political climate people say councils should be run more like a business but we're not a business we're a public service and provider of last resort and supporting vulnerable people. The finance works hand in hand with better outcomes for individuals.' He added he was pleased youngsters in the council's care can 'live locally around their other support networks.' Torfaen has the highest rate of children looked after per 100,000 of the population under 18 years in Wales, though the figure has reduced since 2021 when it peaked at 232 per 100,000, an actual figure of 479 children in care. The figure reported to the Welsh Government, in May, was 316 which was 169 children per 100,000 in care while the council has targeted reducing the number of children looked after to 296 for the 2026/27 financial year and it is confident its figures suggest that will be achieved.
South Wales Argus
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Free Summer Reading Challenge returns to Torfaen libraries
The Summer Reading Challenge, launching across Torfaen libraries on Saturday, July 5, encourages children aged four to 11 to read or listen to six or more library books over the summer holidays. Cllr Richard Clark, executive member for children, families and education, said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to spark a love of reading in children while helping them stay academically engaged over the summer break. "Last year, we had more than 900 children take part. "Research shows that regular reading can boost vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills – giving children a real head start when they return to school in September. "While we work hard to support children and families all year round, the summer holidays are a perfect time to explore new stories, build reading confidence, and enjoy the wide range of free activities on offer in our libraries." This year's theme, Story Garden, invites children to explore the connections between storytelling and nature. Participants can enjoy books, e-books, and audiobooks, and will earn rewards such as stickers, bookmarks, and bags as they progress. One lucky participant will also win a £100 Smyths Toy Store voucher in a prize draw at the end of the challenge. The scheme is free to join, and parents can sign their children up by visiting the Torfaen Council website or their nearest library. Torfaen Libraries will also host a variety of free events throughout the summer, including Rhymetime sessions, Lego clubs, and the popular Story and Craft sessions for children aged five to 10. A mini challenge is also available for children under four. The Summer Reading Challenge is organised by The Reading Agency, in partnership with the National Trust and arts charity Create.
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Seven new sensory rooms open for children across Torfaen
Located across Torfaen, the rooms offer a calming space designed to stimulate the senses through light, sound, touch, and movement, providing a therapeutic environment for children and young people. The rooms have been introduced in response to Torfaen's recent Play Sufficiency Assessment, which identified a need for more inclusive play spaces. Cllr Richard Clark, the council's executive member for children, families and education, said: "These sensory facilities will make a real difference in the lives of children with disabilities. "We're committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can have equal access to inclusive, welcoming community spaces with their families." The sensory rooms are located at Glenside Community Hall, Victory Church, Mount Pleasant Hall, Glansychan Hall, Civic Centre Play, Thornhill Community Centre, and The Cockerel – Greenmeadow and St Dials Community Hall. They are available for hire by parents, carers, community groups, and professionals. While there is no charge for use, donations are welcomed to support the service. Jason O'Brien, strategic director for children and family services at Torfaen Council, said: "Play is vital to a child's development, and I'm proud that our world-class play service continues to grow from strength to strength. "The creation of these new sensory rooms is a direct response to what families told us they needed, and they reflect our County Plan commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life." For more information or to book a session, contact the Torfaen Play Service at torfaenplay@
