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Retired journalist David Edwards recalls stories from his reporting days. Stan Stennett and Bonzo I USED to love covering pantomimes during my reporting years…“Oh no you didn’t”“Oh yes I did” I well remember the panto time when I covered the first night of a performance of Cinderella. It was the scene of the Ball when everyone was awaiting the arrival of the Prince. Suddenly one of the cast shouted, “Here comes the Prince.” No sign of the Prince. Another shout: “The Prince is coming.” Still no sign of the Prince. One more shout: “The Prince really is coming”. Finally the Prince appeared on stage. And of course I will always remember the time I interviewed Pencoed-born comedian and TV’s Crossroads cast member Stan Stennett at his Cardiff home. Stan was a regular on the panto stage with his stuffed dog Bonzo. Another memorable panto story I did was about a Pontypridd-based Women’s Institute back in 2013. Here it is… “Members of a WI group decided to stage their own panto version of Cinderella with a difference. The cast included a town crier with a drink problem and a fairy godmother too old to “waft through walls”. The women, who belong to the Pontypridd Women’s Institute, decided to create some stage fun and put on a panto called The Alternative Cinderella. The panto was staged at Pontypridd Museum and received a standing ovation from an audience of more than 50. The audience were treated to the panto antics of a mincey princey, a town crier with a drink problem and a fairy godmother who travels by bus pass. There were two ugly sisters called Twigletta Brighter and Fatsima Dumb. The panto was written, produced and directed by Sue Granelli. Set in the fair town of Pottypridd, the panto featured the Prince’s Ball taking place in the Municipal Hall. The offbeat tale concluded with Prince Charming ending up with both Ugly Sisters. Former WI president Janet Jones said: “It was a chance for members to let their hair down and enjoy some stage fun. The panto went down so well that we may decide on staging another one in the future. You never know, we may get a booking for Broadway… not the one in New York, the one in Ponty.” Pontypridd W.I Another memorable panto story I did was about a Pontypridd-based Women’s Institute back in 2013. Here it is… “Members of a WI group decided to stage their own panto version of Cinderella with a difference. The cast included a town crier with a drink problem and a fairy godmother too old to “waft through walls”. The women, who belong to the Pontypridd Women’s Institute, decided to create some stage fun and put on a panto called The Alternative Cinderella. The panto was staged at Pontypridd Museum and received a standing ovation from an audience of more than 50. The audience were treated to the panto antics of a mincey princey, a town crier with a drink problem and a fairy godmother who travels by bus pass. There were two ugly sisters called Twigletta Brighter and Fatsima Dumb. The panto was written, produced and directed by Sue Granelli. Set in the fair town of Pottypridd, the panto featured the Prince’s Ball taking place in the Municipal Hall. The offbeat tale concluded with Prince Charming ending up with both Ugly Sisters. Former WI president Janet Jones said: “It was a chance for members to let their hair down and enjoy some stage fun. The panto went down so well that we may decide on staging another one in the future. You never know, we may get a booking for Broadway… not the one in New York, the one in Ponty.” Local News The Rhondda Lip February 2026 February 9, 2026 Local News New Year, New Reads January 14, 2026 Local News What’s On January 2026 January 13, 2026

A Rhondda-based Pool League, who are in their 50th season, have right on cue been given a cash injection. By Dave Edwards The Upper Rhondda Pool League started when there were only eight teams, while currently there are 24 teams. League chairman Kevin Moon, who has been a League official for 25 years, said: “The League involves teams playing from the top of the Rhondda to Penygraig and is made up of two divisions comprising of 12 teams in each division.” Kevin said that the League started in stalwart valley pubs like the Tynewydd Hotel, known as The Bricks, and the chap who started it off was named John Pendry. “Over the years there was a lot of interest in the League and it has got bigger and bigger.” Kevin said to celebrate its 50th season a number of special events have been planned and what has made it extra special is that sponsors have come on board, which has been a real cash boost. “We have been fortunate to have secured sponsors over the years but unfortunately due to circumstances some have not been able to continue with their support.” Kevin said that one of the sponsors is Geoff Dyer, who is the owner of the Parc and Dare Sports and Social Club. “Geoff has been a massive help to the League, especially on the trophies side, and we are very indebted to him.” Meanwhile Geoff Dyer was instrumental in getting the Treforest-based Liquid Measures company to offer their support in sponsoring the League. Kevin said: “The support given to us by The Parc and Dare Sports and Social Club and Liquid Measures has given us a much needed financial backing and we will be making every effort to show our appreciation.” Kevin said the standard of pool playing has greatly improved over the last 15 years, with the League producing a few Welsh internationals. “Gareth Rosser and Ceri Hobbs who played for the Lion Hotel in Treorchy, and Jonathan Samuel and Leighton Davis who plays for the Parc and Dare Social and Sports Club.” Kevin said that there are still players in the League who were there 50 years ago. “The oldest player is Clive Collins of the Ystrad-based Scoobys team while another long time player is David Holvey who plays for the Lion Hotel. “Pool is played on Tuesday nights with the same format every season and the competition is always intense with two teams getting promoted and two relegated.” Local News Mission Christmas appeal January 11, 2026 Local News Mission Christmas appeal December 7, 2025 Local News The Rhondda Lip November 2025 December 7, 2025

Can you help vulnerable children in South Wales? Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio launches annual Mission Christmas appeal and need your help… The largest Christmas gift appeal in the UK, ‘Mission Christmas’ is back – and they need you!Cash for Kids, the official charity of Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio, have todaykickstarted their annual appeal to listeners and locals to buy an extra gift and help thousands ofdisadvantaged children in South Wales. In 2024 Mission Christmas collected £14.8 million in gifts and cash donations, which were used to make sure that 289,596 children and young people had presents to open on Christmas Day.Locally, this meant that 1,865 in South Wales were able to open a gift on the big day. Once again as the cost of living continues to hit families across the UK, the charity is anticipating a huge level of demand for their support. This year across South Walesapplications on behalf of 1,700 children have already been received. Laura Tucker, Charity Manager, Cash for Kids South Wales said: “Every child should feelthe excitement of waking up to presents on Christmas morning and that’s why every yearMission Christmas is so important to us. Our community have always been so incrediblygenerous so, if you can, please just buy one extra gift this year and we’ll make sure it goes to a child who truly deserves it.” Supporters can take their gifts to a number of drop-off points near them, including local B&Mand Wickes stores. Simply head to B&M Store Locator from 17th November and enter yourpostcode to find the drop-off point closest to you. Supporters can also buy a gift online which will be delivered directly to the purchaser’s nearest Mission HQ for no delivery fee. Just head to Cash for Kids South Wales Gift List –cashforkidsgive.co.uk/donate/mission-christmas-2025-gift-list-south-wales to browse the gift list.Alternatively, you can text KIDS to:70905 = £5 donation70910 = £10 donation70920 = £20 donation70930 = £30 donationand the Cash for Kids team will buy a gift on your behalf. Cash for Kids works with thousands of grass-root organisations across the UK who supportdisadvantaged children (0 – 18 years). Throughout the Mission Christmas campaign, these organisations along with social workers, head teachers and the emergency services nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal. For further details, including information on how to get involved or make a donation, please visit: cashforkids.org.uk/mission-christmas/ and choose South Wales as your area.For more information please contact:Laura Tucker – Charity Manager, South WalesE: laura.tucker@bauermedia.co.uk Local News The Rhondda Lip November 2025 December 7, 2025 Local News The Rhondda Lip November 2025 December 7, 2025 Local News A Greener Christmas December 7, 2025

Retired journalist David Edwards recalls stories from his reporting days. This month, David looks back at the Littlewoods Pools. In 1990 I worked for a short while in a Press Agency in Cardiff. The Agency did press releases for Littlewoods Pools and whenever there was a winner of the Football Pools or Spot the Ball competitions it usually meant a job for me and a photographer. I remember travelling with a photographer to take a pic and do a story on a bloke who had won Spot the Ball.To win the competition an entrant had to mark a cross in the exact position of a ball missing from a football photograph. When I interviewed the bloke he said for years he had used a special stamp made up of crosses to try and find the exact centre of the ball.He did a first-class job because he won £25,000. And then there was the Pools winners. Anyway back in 1990 the Agency was put on standby because there was a big bucks Pools winner in West Wales.A right royal reception was held in a Cardiff hotel to welcome the winner and his family.There was plenty of food and drink laid on, and I don’t mean banana sandwiches, while there were financial advisers sat there all eager to tell the winner where to put his money after burning the begging letters. The Pools coupon was no longer a draw in 1994 when the National Lottery became the number one choice for people who wanted to be millionaires. Mind you there is a strong connection with the Lottery and the Rhondda.A Lottery draw took place on Saturday, November 18, 1994 when the jackpot was £5.9 million.The programme was presented by Noel Edmonds and held at BBC Television Centre in London. The programme also went to outside broadcast locations and one was the Rhondda Heritage Park which caused quite a betting fuss at the time.Watched by some 25 million people it featured celebrity star turns and the inimitable predictions of Mystic Meg (remember her?). The draw failed to make someone a millionaire with the jackpot shared by seven winners, with each one winning a shade under £840,000. Talking about Mystic Meg I remember many years ago I interviewed a psychic and when I had finished she asked if I did the National Lottery.When I told her that I did she said: “Write these six numbers down and you will be a winner.” I was already spending the money.I bought a lottery ticket and filled in the six numbers she gave me and guess what?None of ’em came up! Local News The Rhondda Lip November 2025 December 7, 2025 Local News A Greener Christmas December 7, 2025 Local News Coleg Gwent takes centre stage at WorldSkills UK final December 3, 2025

A Greener Christmas Shopping More Eco-Friendly This Festive Season Christmas is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, cosy evenings and that unmistakable festive buzz. But it is also a season when recycling bins overflow and we sometimes end up with gifts that never quite find a purpose. More of us are looking to gift meaningfully, choosing presents that bring joy without creating unnecessary waste. Eco-friendly gifting does not need to feel limiting. In fact, it can be more thoughtful and creative. Rather than piling presents under the tree for the sake of it, there’s a growing shift toward gifts that last beyond the wrapping paper. Experience gifts are leading the trend. They do not need packaging, and they create memories far longer-lasting than most gadgets. From spa days and cooking classes to theatre tickets and adventure activities, they stretch the festive cheer well into the new year. Right on our doorstep in Caerphilly, Axcalibur Axe Throwing is offering gift vouchers this Christmas, a brilliant choice for families, friends or that person who “has everything.” It is fun, exciting and guaranteed to raise a smile. For traditional gifts, shopping locally is a simple way to make your Christmas greener. Handmade soaps, candles, baked treats, crafted decorations and artisan chocolates all make lovely presents and support independent businesses in our community. Reusable and sustainable gifts are also popular. Insulated bottles, beeswax wraps, eco-friendly skincare, natural fibre scarves or recycled-material bags feel thoughtful without being preachy. They are practical, stylish and kinder to the planet. Let’s not forget the old faithful, the humble gift voucher. It avoids waste, supports local businesses and ensures the recipient gets exactly what they want. Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best. Of course, not all gifts need to be wrapped. A winter walk, a home-cooked meal or simply time together can be every bit as meaningful as something bought. Christmas has always been more about connection than clutter. Choosing eco-friendly gifts isn’t about perfection. It’s about small shifts, memories over materials, thoughtfulness over quantity and a little more sparkle that lasts beyond the holidays. Whether you choose a handmade treat, a local treasure or a unique experience like axe throwing at Axcalibur, your Christmas can be joyful, thoughtful and kinder to the world around us. Local News A Greener Christmas December 7, 2025 Local News Coleg Gwent takes centre stage at WorldSkills UK final December 3, 2025 Local News Tonypandy Business Improvement District September 3, 2025

Coleg Gwent takes centre stage at WorldSkills UK final as Wales hosts competition for first time ever Coleg Gwent was selected as one of only five locations across South Wales to play host to the WorldSkills UK finals last week (26/27 November) — as the competition took place in Wales for the first time in the country’s history. Six talented students from Coleg Gwent were selected from hundreds of entrants to compete in the competition final — in recognition of their skills across a range of disciplines. They competed in everything from hairdressing and beauty to 3D Game Art — successfully bringing home one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Nicola Gamlin, Coleg Gwent’s Principal said: “We’re incredibly proud of our students competing at the WorldSkills UK Finals. Their achievements reflect the high-quality skills, teaching and resources available at Coleg Gwent.” She added: “These competitions give young people invaluable experiences — opening their eyes to new possibilities, building their confidence and showcasing the exceptional potential within our region.” The silver medal was awarded to 18-year-old Shakaya Powell, a trainee beauty therapist from Newport. Shakaya has always had a passion for creativity and is so dedicated to perfecting her craft, that she frequently went into college on her days off to refine routines and perfect her skills.   While studying her course at Coleg Gwent, Shakaya was also supporting a close friend through her battle with cancer — a battle her friend sadly lost. The experience was heartbreaking for Shakaya, but it strengthened her determination to succeed.  In her first year competing in the beauty category, Shakaya said: “My best friend passed away on the day I found out I was a World Skills UK Finalist — which was devastating but at the same time I believe it was a sign from her telling me to carry on and compete for her. Balancing my studies with grief was tough at times, but I’ve realised that if you are determined and you set your mind on something, anything is possible.  “Being in the competition has been an incredible experience. It has not only opened the door to new opportunities, but it has also helped me to develop my skills, while giving me the chance to form some amazing friendships along the way”.  Coleg Gwent student, Phoebe Miller, brought home a gold medal for her achievements in hairdressing. The 19-year-old from Newport competed in the Welsh Skills competition last year and won a silver medal — but Phoebe returned this year and grasped her hard-earned gold medal after spending extra time perfecting her craft. Gold winner, Phoebe said: “When they announced I’d won, I cried. All the hard work had finally paid off. I never imagined I’d get this far — being part of WorldSkills has shown me what’s possible if you just keep trying.” In addition to hosting the World Skills Final, Coleg Gwent held a skills showcase event for local secondary schools from across the region. The event was designed to offer young learners the chance to explore the breadth of opportunities available at the college, while also having the chance to acquire a new skill. Pupils from Newport High School, St Julian’s School, Bedwas High School and Llanwern High School attended the event where they took part in a range of hands-on skills demonstrations and explored a freshers’-fair-style employers’ exhibition. Richard Wheeler, Skills Competition Manager said: “Having WorldSkills UK Finals hosted at Coleg Gwent has given our students and the local school children an incredible opportunity to see high-level skills in action.” WorldSkills UK is a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments — which works to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education to help transform the UK into a ‘skills economy’. In support of this, the annual WorldSkills UK competition seeks to recognise and celebrate the exceptional work and skills being showcased at local colleges, training providers, workplaces and online education platforms across the country. Coleg Gwent is a Further Education college with five campuses, Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, City of Newport, Crosskeys, Torfaen Learning Zone and Usk.    For more information on learning opportunities at Coleg Gwent, please telephone 01495 333777, email hello@coleggwent.ac.uk, or visit www.coleggwent.ac.uk     Local News A Greener Christmas December 7, 2025 Local News Coleg Gwent takes centre stage at WorldSkills UK final December 3, 2025 Local News Tonypandy Business Improvement District September 3, 2025

Tonypandy Business Improvement District given green light, supporting investment and development. Businesses in Tonypandy have voted to develop a Business Improvement District (BID) in the historic town to support future investment and development.The decision comes as the town also prepares to undertake extensive business and public consultation on the exciting Tonypandy Town Centre Strategy. Importantly, the work of the Tonypandy BID will be driven by the input of local businesses and organisations, following successful models already implemented by Your Pontypridd, Our Aberdare and Love Treorchy. Both Pontypridd and Treorchy have secured UK-wide success in the Great British High Street Awards, winning the “Wales’ Best High Street” and “Best Independent UK High Street” categories respectively in recent years. Proposals to develop a BID for Tonypandy were approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet in early July 2024, with approval secured from Welsh Government, via the Transforming Towns fund, to complete the process. All eligible businesses and organisations were invited to have their say via a vote. Twenty five businesses voted, with 17 in favour and eight against. Of those who voted, 68% voted in favour of the BID. A BID is an area where traders, linked to their business rates, pay into a levy that acts as a shared fund to be used for projects in the local town centre – while also drawing on other funding avenues to support this activity. There are 14 BIDs in Wales, including the three mentioned above. Tonypandy is an historic town centre with deep roots in the County Borough’s proud industrial legacy. While it faces its challenges, it has potential for a sustainable future with the right partnerships, support and investment. Located alongside the Rhondda river and served by major roads and the main Valleys train line from Cardiff, it’s a place that could be enjoyed by those looking for a welcoming high street with a range of places to eat, drink, shop and relax. The significant history and heritage of the area, as well as the stunning landscape in which it stands, with country parks, mountain walks and wildlife, is also a further draw to the town centre for visitors and residents. Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “Business Improvement Districts bring local businesses together with the aim of improving retail areas and enhancing their sustainability. “The power of their success is working together to identify opportunities and improvements – from improving bus services to organising events to bring people into the town. We have seen how effective they can be across the three BIDs currently operating within Rhondda Cynon Taf. “Tonypandy has a growing and active Chamber of Trade that has ambitions for more financing and funding and a BID will help establish a model for that future investment, development and growth. “We are pleased the process of developing a Tonypandy BID is now agreed and we look forward to sharing with businesses, residents and visitors alike the next stages and news in this process. “This is an important time for Tonypandy as local businesses begin the creation of their BID and prepare for the significant final consultation on the Tonypandy Town Centre Strategy.” A feasibility study for a Tonypandy BID took place in late 2023, with interviews across 56 businesses in the core retail area. In total, 68% of the participants believed the proposal should progress to the ballot stage, while 22% said they would be interested in taking on a leadership role in the BID. The businesses put forward suggestions for what a potential BID programme could focus on – from enhancing the CCTV provision to implementing a street warden service, lobbying of bus services, and expanding the town’s events programme. Welsh Government has also recognised the positive contribution that BIDs can make to establishing vibrant town centres, and has invited funding applications to its Transforming Towns Fund for initial development stages. Any successful bid to the Transforming Towns Fund would require 25% match funding from the Council – this would be met using existing resources. Source: RCT CBC Local News A Greener Christmas December 7, 2025 Local News Coleg Gwent takes centre stage at WorldSkills UK final December 3, 2025 Local News Tonypandy Business Improvement District September 3, 2025