Latest news with #Welsh-born
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
WRU scrap programme that has discovered hidden Wales stars in controversial move
WRU scrap programme that has discovered hidden Wales stars in controversial move The WRU's exiles programme has come to an end Archie Griffin was originally identified by the WRU's exiles programme (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) The Welsh Rugby Union has scrapped its exiles programme, WalesOnline has learnt. WalesOnline understands the WRU has parted ways with its National Exiles Officer Gareth Davies - a terrific servant to the game in Wales. The exiles programme has been scrapped altogether, with the WRU now focusing on the 'retention and repatriation' of young players who are already in Wales or young players who have recently left the country. This decision is as a result of the WRU's transformation programme where it will focus on cutting costs and making savings of £5m. In recent years the Exiles programme has produced about 100 players who have won Wales u18 and u20s caps, awarded senior regional contracts and been involved with the senior men's national squad. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Most of these first came to Exiles events as 14 or 15-year-olds and the programme has been successful over the years with young players also getting help educationally. Article continues below The latest senior squad selected to tour Japan this summer includes Archie Griffin (Wiltshire), Freddie Thomas (Gloucestershire) and Johnny Williams (Berkshire); they all came into the Exiles programme as 15-year-olds. Blair Murray has settled into Welsh rugby with ease. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Others in the squad such as Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Sam Costelow and Blair Murray were also monitored via the Exiles programme. This decision is a head scratcher given Wales' small talent pool in comparison to other tier one nations and the threat of English fee- paying schools offering scholarships to young Welsh players. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free As a result Welsh-born youngsters like Exeter Chiefs No 8 Kane James have ended up representing England U20s. The WRU will now put a huge emphasis on trying to bring Welsh-qualified players back to Wales. Article continues below It has already begun this process with the likes of England U20s full-back Ioan Jones signing for the Scarlets along while the likes of front-row duo James Talamai and Codi Purnell have left England for the Dragons. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. The WRU has also launched the Wales Pathway Players programme where up to 60 players will receive access to nationally-run group clinics to work on their technical, tactical and physical development; locally-delivered position-specific coaching sessions; regular one-on-one support and advice from S&C specialist coaches and nutritionists, along with mentoring from current or recently retired senior professional players.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Eye-watering amount Rolf Harris' wife left in will after years of loyalty
Rolf Harris' wife Alwen Welsh died last year aged 92, one year after her disgraced husband, and the shocking amount left in her will has now been confirmed The amount Rolf Harris' wife left in her will has been confirmed - and it's eye-watering. The shamed TV star died aged 93 in May 2023 after suffering from neck cancer and left behind a staggering £16million fortune. Now, it's been confirmed how much his wife Alwen Hughes left in her own will. Her death came in August last year, aged 92, just one year after her husband. She stood by the disgraced star despite his conviction for a string of historic offences, reports the Mirror. The Welsh-born sculptor and jewellery designer - who was married to Harris for more than six decades - left a staggering £4million following her death. Official documents show her estate at the time of her death was worth £3,975,950, reduced to a net value of £3,840,532 after deductions. Her will - described as complex and drawn up in 2018 years before the death of the former Animal Hospital presenter - included her husband in it. But following his death a the couple's riverside mansion in Berkshire in May 2023, their only daughter Ava Reeves (formerly known as Bindi) was listed as the main heir. Other relatives were also included in the final document. Harris and Welsh married in 1958. She stood by his side despite his convictions and attended every day of Harris' initial trial alongside their daughter - who later changed her name to cut ties with Harris' tarnished legacy. It comes just weeks after the couple's luxury property hit the market, two years after his death, with a £4million price tag. A source told the Mirror at the time how Ava had been trying to sell the property: 'Bindi [Ava] was seen emptying the property about a month ago," the insider said. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. "She wants to sell it, but she doesn't desperately need the money and is in no rush, so she's determined to hold out for a good price. Potential buyers have already begun viewings." Harris died of neck cancer at the house aged 93 in May 2023, a year before Welsh, who had been suffering from Alzheimer's. The former presenter was jailed in July 2014 for five years and nine months after he was found guilty of a dozen indecent assaults against four young girls. His crimes took place between 1968 and 1986. In one instance, it's claimed Harris sexually assaulted one of his daughter's friends, who was between the ages of 13 and 19 at the time. During his final hours while surrounded by loved ones, Harris is said to have made an emotional request to his daughter through a feeding tube. His parting words were reported to be: "I always believed we would go on longer together but, if I go first, promise you'll take good care of your mum."
Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
‘No apology, no sorry, no nothing'
It was to be their dream home. A small footprint in the heart of historic Otago goldmining country, where Welsh-born couple Geraint Lewis and Rosana Gunton could finally put down roots. But that dream has turned into a nightmare as the couple face spending winter in an uninsulated former Scout den in the shadow of their unfinished cottage. Their builder, Andrew Innes, of Mosgiel company A&H 2016 Ltd, collected his tools from the site in February and later sent a brief email to say the build would not be completed as the business had been put into liquidation. "No apology, no sorry, no nothing," Mr Lewis said. Earlier this month, the liquidators said Mr Innes had been requested to provide details of the factors that contributed to the company's financial situation. The amounts owed were still being established and, given the limited assets available, it appeared unlikely a dividend would be available, the initial report said. Mr Lewis and Ms Gunton, who estimated they were out of pocket by about $100,000, believed there needed to be changes in building industry rules to protect clients. "Nobody takes responsibility. You've got no control as a customer and there's no comebacks for anybody else," an emotional Ms Gunton said. "We've got to pick up the pieces and we've done nothing wrong," Mr Lewis added. Lawrence couple Geraint Lewis and Rosana Gunton outside their half-finished dream home. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY In his job as a site supervisor — including on the Beaumont Bridge project — he tried to save taxpayer money on projects, so money was not wasted, he said. "But then I've been walked over." The couple have had no further contact from Mr Innes since the email advising liquidation. When contacted by the Otago Daily Times in Australia, where he now lives, Mr Innes maintained he had done nothing wrong. He alleged Mr Lewis and Ms Gunton owned him nearly $54,000, which the couple disputed, saying he had broken the contract and not finished the build. Mr Innes said he was in Australia with his family from early January until early February when he "decided not to continue with the build" due to a break-down in the relationship between the couple and himself, the couple wanting to change details of the build without getting council consent and the engineer's ticket expiring in December 2024. Mr Lewis acknowledged the relationship break-down, claiming it was because the builder was so difficult to deal with, but said any changes to the build were approved by the council and the engineer had extended his ticket. Mr Lewis and Ms Gunton bought the Gabriels Gully Rd property in 2018. Being from the United Kingdom — and with New Zealand so young in comparison —— they were drawn to live in one of the most historic parts of the country and fell in love with the community, where Mr Lewis is now a volunteer firefighter. At just 65sqm and a price tag of about $560,000, their plan was for a smaller footprint using quality materials and it was very much a labour of love, the Welsh slate for the roof coming from the quarry where Mr Lewis used to work in Wales. Many of the materials had been reclaimed or collected and the intent was for the new build to look like an old, historic cottage, in keeping with the local area and history. The couple were aware their home was to be Mr Innes' last build before he moved to Australia. Mr Lewis laid the pad in January, 2024, but he said council delays meant the build did not get under way until about September. Mr Innes said that late start contributed to the liquidation of the business. He had hoped to "go out on a high with an awesome build". Mr Lewis said the couple had paid more than $380,000 to Mr Innes and had been "left with a shell". Recently, they had to borrow $50,000 to get the roof finished before winter. "They [builders] are so protected and its part of the whole thing in New Zealand — the bureaucracy. [There's] so much bureaucracy but it doesn't help you. All these things supposed to keep you safe don't work and it has to change," Ms Gunson said. When contacted, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson, who lives in Lawrence, said he knew Mr Lewis well and it was obviously a traumatic experience for them. He had sought advice from Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson, who said it was a difficult situation once someone had left the country.
Wales Online
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Cardiff set to sign Welsh-qualified star from rivals
Cardiff set to sign Welsh-qualified star from rivals The 29-year-old has made 41 appearances for the Dragons since signing in 2022 George Nott goes up to take a lineout for the Dragons (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Cardiff are set to sign Welsh-qualified second-row George Nott from rivals Dragons and end the spate of players heading down the M4 from the Welsh capital to Newport. The 29-year-old has spent the last three seasons at Rodney Parade, having joined the Gwent side from London Irish in 2022. In his time at the Dragons, Nott has made 41 appearances for the club - being a big part in the Dragons having statistically the best lineout in the United Rugby Championship during his debut season. Prior to joining the Dragons, the Welsh-born lock turned out for Sale and London Irish in the Premiership, while he was also a part of the team of the tournament after helping England U20s win the 2017 U20s World Championship. Article continues below In moving from Newport to Cardiff, Nott will buck the recent trend - with the Dragons set to sign Seb Davies, Thomas Young and Tinus de Beer from the capital club. Former Cardiff tighthead Dillon Lewis is also heading to Newport from Harleqiuns ahead of next season. Having made 18 appearances last season, minutes have been a little harder to come by for Nott this season - with Filo Tiatia having already moved to bolster his second-row stocks for next season. Cardiff and Wales second-row Davies is set to head in the opposite direction to Nott, while the club also announced the signing of Welsh-qualified lock Levi Douglas from French side Biarritz Olympique this week. Matt Sherratt's side are also in need of depth in the second-row, with Davies leaving after a decade with the Arms Park club. The club did announce a new deal for Josh McNally, after an impressive debut season in Cardiff, while they also have Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell and Rory Thornton on the books. In January, they announced a senior academy deal for Wales U20s second-row Tom Cottle. Wales back-row Mackenzie Martin, who has yet to start a match this season amid interest from the Dragons, can also play in the second-row - having played there for Cardiff RFC this season. With a year left on his deal at the Arms Park, any move to Rodney Parade now seems unlikely - raising the prospects of Martin being used as a lock next year. 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Second-row has been an area Cardiff have been looking to target, along with tighthead prop and outside centre. Sherratt admitted after the win over Munster that the recent uncertainty with the Welsh Rugby Union's takeover of the club after they temporarily went into administration had not helped matters. The new Professional Rugby Agreement has yet to be signed, meaning clubs are currently unsure on exact budgets for next season - with Cardiff understood to have already missed out on one target for the 13 jersey. The club are relatively short on numbers there. Experienced Rey Lee-Lo could well sign another short-term deal, while Harri Millard has been starting there recently following a lengthy injury to Mason Grady. "I'll be honest, the change of ownership has probably delayed things," he said after the 26-21 win over Munster. "Nights like tonight help as well. "Regardless of results, there's a good group here and a good feeling. In the last two years, it's not long since we were talking about having 12 training. "We've changed training base mid-season, change of ownership, plenty of caps leave the club and new staff. This group have had every excuse to ease off. Article continues below "To be where we are at the moment, surrounded by good teams, is a massive credit to everyone involved in the club. There's always been a good spirit here."
Wales Online
26-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
People trapped in 'living hell' as Welsh house prices tumble in 'anti-tourism' climate
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 Alan Harper-Smith began his property journey by saving up for a deposit on a two-bedroom flat next to a railway line in an area he carefully describes as "down-at-heel". Now 67, he owns a large former farm in Gwynedd. He ought to feel content but instead, like many other homeowners in the county, he feels trapped. Having lived on the Llŷn Peninsula for 28 years, he was in no hurry to move. He loves the area and three of his four children still live at home. The farm's five 16th century cottages have been converted into holiday lets and the farmhouse accommodates B&B guests with the promise of smoked kippers, caught locally. Until recently, life was good. Now, an onslaught of punitive property and tourism measures is forcing his hand. Like others, he's looking at alternatives – or even moving. Writing online, Alan said: 'To be honest, we are thinking of selling up with all the restrictions coming in the pipeline and the destruction of tourism in Wales. It will be a massive reduction in price for me, but probably worth it from a mental health point of view for both my wife and I. It is driving me bonkers and my health is suffering.' Yet the housing market in Gwynedd has taken a tumble and there's only so much Alan's prepared to lose on his property. 'No one would sell a £500,000 house for £50,000,' he sighed. And so he's resigned to finding alternative solutions. Options include decommissioning the cottages – stripping out kitchens and bathrooms – and converting them to business units. He's not alone: across North Wales, desperate homeowners have taken to online message boards to complain the market isn't moving, even with hefty discounting. Many are second homes and holiday lets but there are plenty of primary residences too. A Gwynedd woman gave an example, explaining how how, 18 months ago, her parents' bungalow, with spectacular sea and mountains views, sold within 24 hours, only for the property to be delisted due to ill-heath. Now it's back on the market again, much improved. 'In one month, not one viewing,' she sighed. A price cut is now planned. In Conwy, married pensioners who own a second home are desperate to sell as their council tax is due to rise to £9,666 this year: were it their main residence, the bill would be £3,866. They've been trying to sell the house for two years. 'I am feeling sick and worried,' said the husband. 'My Welsh-born father and grandparents would be turning in their graves if they knew. 'Had I known back in 2017 when we first exchanged contacts with the builder that there were so many problems ahead, we would have never purchased in Wales.' A 76-year-old woman on Pen Llŷn emphasised. 'I understand your grief,' she said. 'The stress of knowing I can't sell and move nearer family is stifling.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Wern Fawr Manor Farm) 'Hideous' catch for holiday lets Second homes face hefty council tax premiums and if they fail to meet stiff new letting thresholds, so do self-accommodation providers. Fearful of punitive taxation, many holiday let owners are in a rush to sell and there are anecdotal reports of cottages flooding the market. But, according to Nicky Williamson of PASC Cymru, there is another, more pernicious threat facing many accommodation providers – one that's suddenly left them facing bills for tens of thousands of pounds. This stems from a quirk in the Valuation Office system for assessing holiday lets and their liabilities. If they meet annual 182-day letting thresholds, introduced in April 2023, they pay cheaper business rates; if they fail, they face more costly council taxes which, in many counties, now come with crippling premiums. However there's a catch: even those who have met the 182 days-a-year letting threshold since April 2023 have been in for a nasty surprise. 'People are getting massive bills landing on their doorsteps,' said Nicky. 'They're now being penalised for not meeting the threshold in 2022-23 when legally they didn't have to – and they didn't know they had to. 'In the past two days I've had seven calls about this from people who are desperate. For a lot of people it's come as a shock. A farming family recently received a £37,000 bill. The owner of a five-bedroom let had a demand for £27,000, to be paid immediately. This was despite meeting the 182-day target for the past two years.' The problem, she said, was the Valuation Office method of assessing letting rates over three years. It means that liability calculations are based on the year when the 182-day rule didn't apply – and in 2022-23 many holiday lets fell below this threshold. The resulting penalty – a council tax premium - is then being applied across all three years, often resulting in eye-watering bills that owners cannot pay. In practice, refunds are available for post-2023 years in which the 182-day threshold was met. 'But there's a huge backlog,' said Nicky. 'I'm aware of an owner who started a refund claim last July and is still waiting. In the meantime, many people are putting their heads in the sand and getting deeper into debt. Many simply can't afford to pay upfront and don't know what to do.' This, in turn, is fuelling another rush to off-load holiday lets, she believes. In a depressed housing market it's a struggle, even with heavy discounting. In Gwynedd, hands are also tied to a degree by Article 4, a rule that requires planning permission for non-primary residences. It's left many property owners – and especially those with holiday homes and lets - feeling pushed into a corner. 'It's become a living hell for many people,' said Nicky. 'They feel completely trapped in a situation beyond their control. Take pensioners who invested in a holiday let next to their homes to supplement their retirement – they can no longer afford to stay there, yet they cannot move. It's a hideous situation.' Market 'madness' Article 4's introduction in Gwynedd had plenty of support in communities affected by rising house prices – though a legal challenge remains ongoing. Eryri National Park is adopting the same instrument on June 1. It was embraced amid concerns local people are being priced out of communities and away from family groups, loosening cultural and language bonds. According to research by Cyngor Gwynedd, 65% of people in the county have been priced out of the market. The council says it is keen to is to ensure sustainable communities by providing an adequate supply and mix of housing that meets local needs. With thousands on its social housing register, the local authority is aiming to build 700 new homes, with 361 affordable units 'in the pipeline' for next year. Campaigners also want a greater say in influencing the conversion of properties into Airbnbs. Most of all, people just want a roof over their heads. This, said one commentator online, was a 'basic human right... that gives them some dignity'. Already the effect of Article 4 and other policies – notably the 182-day rule and second homes council tax premium – are having an impact. In the year to December 2024, house prices plunged 12.4% in Gwynedd, the biggest fall in any local authority area in Wales, according to the Principality Building Society. Curbing property inflation was always the intention. But in Pembrokeshire there are fears it has gone too far, too fast, with a 200% second homes premium crashing the local housing market. After prices fell 8.9% last year, the local authority this month cut the premium to 150%. It's left all house sellers in a difficult position. Pensioners looking to downsize are having to slash prices. So too are second home owners unable to afford council tax premiums, and holiday let owners who now find themselves in the same boat. But, in a moribund market, sales are hard to come by, especially at the upper end. Here's a sample from frustrated online sellers in Gwynedd. 'We put ours on the market nearly one year ago, and reduced the price by a lot! Only had one viewing in all this time. We are prepared to keep it but it's madness how such a beautiful house hasn't been snapped up.' 'The estate agent has said nothing is moving. I have listed (my house) nearly 30k less than I did 3 years ago and expect to take a further hit. The estate agents will be going out of business and the solicitors are also being hit hard.' 'Sadly for us we live in Llanbedrog and it's our main and only home, now we feel trapped to stay forever unless we take a massive financial hit. We run a building business…. we are losing work as people are not spending money on their houses. We are downscaling our business – what a time to be alive.' 'I am second home owner trying to get out, for one year now. It's not happening, agents just want you to keep dropping the price. I am in the red against what I paid for my house.' Detractors claim a lack of housebuilding is at the centre of the property crisis in parts of Wales. In the final three months of 2024, just 760 new dwellings were started in Wales. This was 59% down on the same quarter in 2023 and the second lowest quarterly figure of the past decade. The Welsh Government has been accused of creating a 'self-made' housing crisis. For first-time buyers, housing is more expensive too: Land Tax in Wales is zero up to £225,000, in England the threshold is now £300,000. At the same time, social media is littered with claims of affordable property in places like Gwynedd. Some grate with their scorn. Here's an example. 'Right now, this second... 83 houses under 170k within 10 miles of Nefyn. Eighty f***ing three! What planet are these clowns on, are they actually too useless to use the search on Rightmove?" (Image: Wern Fawr Manor Farm) Decommissioning holiday lets to avoid tax Like many across Wales, Alan Harper-Smith's holiday let business in Llanbedrog is on a knife-edge. Although Wern Fawr Manor Farm has been meeting the 182-day letting thresholds set by the Welsh Government, it's a tough ask and one slip risks ruin: all five lets fail to meet the target, business rates will be replaced by more expensive council taxes plus a 150% premium. Alan estimates costs will rise from £9,000-a-year to £44,000. 'The business would be totally unviable,' he sighed. 'One cottage sleeps 10 and is pitched at families who come in summer and perhaps at Easter, as well as 80th birthday celebrations,' he said. 'How the hell are we going to be able to keep filling this cottage for 182 days each year?' His list of gripes runs much deeper. Article 4 is a major bugbear. So too is a UK government plan to reform the regime for Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), which could impact holiday lets. Then there's Wales' looming tourist tax and more. Like many bricks-and-mortar let owners, Alan also harbours a sense of injustice at the clemency showed to rival field businesses such as seasonal static caravans, lodge parks and glamping sites, which are not liable to council tax. He feels the sector is being targeted. 'Static caravans like the ones in Haulfryn's Warren should be paying 150% council tax per van,' he said. 'Like us, they should also have to comply with EPC regulations, meet the 182-day rule, conform to commercial waste conditions and so on.' Despite his concern, Alan is reluctant to sell up. 'I've re-invested every penny I've earned over the last 28 years into the old cottages, using local people,' he said. 'We bring a lot of people into the area, charging prices well below the astronomical fees levied by Airbnbs. We've had people coming here regularly for 15 years. 'Now we're seeing the government kicking us in the nuts. I wouldn't mind so much but the money is not being being-fenced for the visitor economy. 'Many people have given up already and are putting their properties on the market. These are people who have been here years and years supporting their local communities. But it's becoming harder because there's a growing sense among visitors that these communities are becoming anti-tourist.' (Image: Wern Fawr Manor Farm) Disillusioned, and looking for solutions, he posed the following question online: 'If I take the kitchens out of the cottages (oven and hob), can I change these cottages into storage units, which will reduce council tax dramatically? And tourists can stay in tents!' Decommissioning holiday lets – removing bathrooms and kitchens to avoid council tax premiums – is a common topic among worried owners. Nicky Williamson, of PASC Cymru, said it was understandable. 'People are desperate and are panicking, so they're looking for any angle they can,' she said. 'I hear a lot of owners talking about stripping out their properties to create offices or industrial units.' Despite this, she knows of only one person who has fully emptied their holiday let to avoid tax, in Cardigan. Nicky added: 'It's not really feasible for most people. Besides, why would you want to do it? You've invested a lot of money in your holiday let, and then on its maintenance, only to turn it into an empty property. It's doesn't really make sense.' In Gwynedd, empty properties without furniture are shielded from council tax premiums for six months, after which a premium becomes payable. For those trying to get off the hook, putting their house up for sale or let is a better option: this gives a year's grace from premiums. Now rooted in Llanbedrog, Alan is not quite ready to quit just yet. Having spoken to the Valuation Office, he's now looking to change his holiday cottages to office rentals. 'I would only need to replace beds and settees with desks!' he said. 'Rates would be negligible and payable by the tenant renting the unit. It removes five cottages from what the Senedd call the 'housing stock' although my property was bought freehold and does not belong to them. 'If I could get fibre to the properties, perhaps people could use them for hot-desking. It's something I'm seriously thinking about – I just need to persuade my team.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find properties for sale or let near you
