http://syniadau.forumotion.net/feed/? Latest topics Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:46:43 GMT 10 http://i76.servimg.com/u/f76/13/06/32/38/syniad11.jpg http://syniadau.forumotion.net/feed/? http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/the-size-and-cost-of-wales-armed-forces-t33.htm MH This post was original made on the walesonline.co.uk forum on 4 September 2007 http://forums.icwales.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=16591#16591 The first thing to say is that we already have an Army! Welsh regiments play their full part in the British Army now. So when the UK breaks up (or if, for those who still doubt what I think is inevitable) they will naturally form the base of our own Army, just as the Scottish regiments will form the base of the Scottish Army. The bases, barracks, firing ... Defence Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:36:49 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/the-size-and-cost-of-wales-armed-forces-t33.htm#40 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/the-size-and-cost-of-wales-armed-forces-t33.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-economy-f12/protectionism-or-free-trade-t80.htm Draig32 Given the current economic situation, there's a word that's starting to be picked up by the Press and certain politicians, and it's called "Protectionism". Interestingly, it relates to Barack Obama, who shows modest Protectionist inclinations. At the start of the year, he co-sponsored an Act called the "Patriot Employer Act" that basically offers tax breaks to US multinationals that invest a little more at home and a little less abroad. With around 30,000+ Welsh jobs dependent ... The Economy Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:48:27 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-economy-f12/protectionism-or-free-trade-t80.htm#110 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-economy-f12/protectionism-or-free-trade-t80.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/a-place-for-informal-discussion-f6/what-s-a-pub-without-beer-t112.htm MH We all have our favourite beers. For me, one of the nicest is Double Dragon from Felinfoel (cask, of course). My great Aunt lived very close to the brewery, and I can still remember the rather pungent smell that sometimes wafted over if we came over from Dafen on the wrong day. Fortunately the end product consistently smells and tastes much better. It was a source of some pride that Felinfoel was the first company to put beer in cans ... at least that's what everyone told me when ... A place for informal discussion Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:49:24 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/a-place-for-informal-discussion-f6/what-s-a-pub-without-beer-t112.htm#217 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/a-place-for-informal-discussion-f6/what-s-a-pub-without-beer-t112.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/learn-from-irish-example-t124.htm Draig Werdd When the Irish Free State got independence in 1922 we Irish people foolishly thought that english speaking areas would revert to Irish and we focused on a vision of an Irish speaking Ireland. This is something Wales should not do ie an entirely Welsh speaking Wales. We have always focused policies on getting all people Irish speaking in entirely English speaking areas and neglecting Irish speakers in Irish speaking areas known as Gaeltachts. This has resulted in Irish speaking areas going from ... Language Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:46:43 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/learn-from-irish-example-t124.htm#247 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/learn-from-irish-example-t124.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/welsh-medium-education-in-caerffili-t77.htm MH A few months ago there was quite a fuss in the media about schools in the SE corner of Caerphilly county. This is one account: Waterloo English medium school gets go ahead Wednesday 3rd September 2008 CAERPHILLY council have given the go-ahead for an English medium school in Waterloo, Machen. At a meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday, it was decided to go ahead with the original plans, as opposed to proposals put forward by Plaid Cymru for a Welsh school at the site. In July, ... Education and Training Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:01:01 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/welsh-medium-education-in-caerffili-t77.htm#106 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/welsh-medium-education-in-caerffili-t77.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/strategic-rail-improvements-t85.htm MH Prompted by an article in the Guardian by George Monbiot, and by Vaughan Roderick's blog, I thought this would be a good time to look in detail at how we can improve Wales' rail network. This is something I've commented on before in the WalesOnline forums, and I'm about half way through looking at things in greater detail. More on that in the next post. But to start with, here are links to what George Monbiot has written: Guardian, 30 Dec 2008 The Open Veins of Wales - Monbiot.com I've ... Transport and Communications Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:52:11 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/strategic-rail-improvements-t85.htm#126 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/strategic-rail-improvements-t85.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/child-poverty-what-can-wales-do-about-it-t123.htm MH This is a copy of what I posted on the Syniadau blog. I've opened this thread for anybody who wants to reply in more depth, or address other aspects of what we can do about child poverty in Wales. - Thanks to Valleys Mam, I downloaded Victoria Winckler's research paper for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on child poverty in Wales.      What is needed to end child poverty in Wales? It's a very good piece of work. And as it's only eight pages long, I really would urge ... Rights, Social Inclusion, Poverty and Welfare Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:57:17 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/child-poverty-what-can-wales-do-about-it-t123.htm#240 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/child-poverty-what-can-wales-do-about-it-t123.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/and-they-call-it-an-independent-nuclear-deterrent-t82.htm Aggressive Voltage I just saw it on the news, and found this via Google: AWE Aldermaston now in US hands Posted by jossc on 19 December 2008 Trident - costs and 'independence' are both spinning out of control The management of the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston, the 'bomb factory' which makes and maintains the UK's nuclear warheads, is now controlled by private US companies following the sale of the government's 33 per cent holding yesterday. The news, a further nail in ... Defence Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:41:50 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/and-they-call-it-an-independent-nuclear-deterrent-t82.htm#113 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/and-they-call-it-an-independent-nuclear-deterrent-t82.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/rsbp-attitude-to-windfarms-and-the-barrage-t122.htm MH I came across this article on the RSBP website a few weeks ago, and thought I'd better put details of it here for future reference. Is this the wind of change? We've never opposed the development of any windfarm that doesn't pose a threat to sensitive wildlife. And we're never going to stop opposing those that do. Climate change is the most significant threat to biodiversity on the planet. And it’s because of this we feel the need to make our position on wind energy clear. The ... Energy Fri, 08 May 2009 00:10:28 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/rsbp-attitude-to-windfarms-and-the-barrage-t122.htm#237 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/rsbp-attitude-to-windfarms-and-the-barrage-t122.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/a-new-prison-in-north-wales-t47.htm Admin The prison system is one area which needs to be adressed in Wales. North Wales currently has no prisons, and there is no women's prison anywhere in Wales. I have copied the some relevant posts on the subject from the WalesOnLine forum. MH, 9 Oct 2007, 11:29am wrote:I am by no means an advocate for a programme of increasing the number of prison places in the UK ad infinitum. The UK's prison population is far higher than it needs to be and, in my opinion, this reflects a systematic failure ... The Justice System Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:48:15 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/a-new-prison-in-north-wales-t47.htm#56 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/a-new-prison-in-north-wales-t47.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/political-structures-f7/wake-up-t107.htm ged_deschain
I fy i fy at arennau]]> Political Structures Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:23:37 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/political-structures-f7/wake-up-t107.htm#202 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/political-structures-f7/wake-up-t107.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-constitution-of-wales-f26/the-rights-of-man-t121.htm sionnyn New Wales will need to have a written constitution, in my opinion. We can't start from scratch, but we could do a lot worse than start with the French and USA constitutions, both inspired by my greatest ever Englishman, Tom Payne! The right to bear arms I would drop, but apart from that, fit for purpose! The Constitution of Wales Wed, 06 May 2009 13:36:01 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-constitution-of-wales-f26/the-rights-of-man-t121.htm#234 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-constitution-of-wales-f26/the-rights-of-man-t121.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/bilingual-juries-t68.htm Aderyn y Si In looking into another subject I came across a lecture by Roderick Evans on bilingual juries in Wales. The Centre for Welsh Legal Affairs BILINGUAL JURIES The seventh annual lecture of the Centre for Welsh Legal Affairs was delivered by The Hon. Mr Justice Roderick Evans, Presiding Judge of the Wales Circuit, on Saturday, November 25th, 2006 at the National Library of Wales. Download I thought it might be appropriate to use it as the basis of putting together a report on what ... The Justice System Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:55:00 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/bilingual-juries-t68.htm#90 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/bilingual-juries-t68.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/legal-aid-administration-offices-in-wales-t120.htm MH In view of the fact that the Justice System is slowly but surely being devolved to Wales it is rather strange to see this story in today's Western Mail about the threatened closure of Cardiff office of the Legal Services Commission, the body that runs the Legal Aid Scheme. This is a map showing the LSC regions: You can see that Cardiff is the only office in Wales. So closing it would leave Wales without any office at all, with the jobs relocated to Bristol instead. Of late, ... The Justice System Fri, 01 May 2009 12:05:46 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/legal-aid-administration-offices-in-wales-t120.htm#232 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/legal-aid-administration-offices-in-wales-t120.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/76-want-goods-and-services-advertized-bilingually-t119.htm MH An interesting piece of research on attitudes to bilingual policies is in the news today. Mae arolwg yn awgrymu bod mwy na thri chwarter pobl Cymru (76%) yn credu bod cwmnïau'n hysbysebu eu gwasanaeth neu gynnyrch yn ddwyieithog yn bwysig. Holodd cwmni Beaufort fwy na 1,000 o bobl dros 16 oed ar gyfer yr arolwg. Dim ond 11% oedd yn ystyried eu hunain yn rhugl yn y Gymraeg. Ond roedd 82% yn dweud fod y Gymraeg yn rhywbeth i ymfalchïo ynddi. Dywedodd 81% eu bod yn credu ... Language Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:13:20 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/76-want-goods-and-services-advertized-bilingually-t119.htm#231 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/76-want-goods-and-services-advertized-bilingually-t119.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/blogging-t118.htm MH http://syniadau--buildinganindependentwales.blogspot.com/

http://www.golwg360.com/UI/News/ViewNewsDetails.aspx?ID=1108&navigationID=0&domainID=0

Just a test

test]]> Comments, Complaints and Suggestions Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:42:00 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/blogging-t118.htm#230 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/blogging-t118.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/caernarfon-criminal-justice-centre-t117.htm MH The new Criminal Justice Centre at Caernarfon has just opened. BBC 23 April 2009 Obviously the old courts were hopelessly inadequate so this, and of course the expansion in size, is going to enable Caernarfon to function properly as the main centre of justice for North West Wales. That's something good. It is also, I think it's fair to say, one of the main resons why the outskirts of Caernarfon were chosen as the location for the new prison in North Wales, as talked about ... The Justice System Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:01:34 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/caernarfon-criminal-justice-centre-t117.htm#229 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/caernarfon-criminal-justice-centre-t117.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/health-f20/ysbyty-alltwen-tremadog-t116.htm MH Continuing the theme of Welsh excellence, a new hospital has just opened in Tremadog. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8004749.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/7967522.stm The pictures show something that looks very well designed, but I was rather disappointed to read that the patient accommodation was described as one large mixed ward. Wasn't this a retrograde step? If you recall, the new hospitals that are currently being ... Health Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:02:25 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/health-f20/ysbyty-alltwen-tremadog-t116.htm#228 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/health-f20/ysbyty-alltwen-tremadog-t116.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/offshore-windfarms-in-welsh-waters-t87.htm MH The waters around the UK belong to the Crown Estate. These include not only territorial waters (within 12 nautical miles of shore) but also those parts of the sea above the continental shelf that are closer to the UK than another country. Up until now the offshore windfarms around the UK have all been relatively close to shore, as can be seen from this map for Rounds 1 and 2. But Round 3 looks at sites which are further offshore and this raises questions of sovereignty when Wales ... Energy Sun, 04 Jan 2009 04:13:58 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/offshore-windfarms-in-welsh-waters-t87.htm#130 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/offshore-windfarms-in-welsh-waters-t87.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/wales-in-europe-and-the-world-f9/preserving-welsh-identity-in-europe-t83.htm Thorvald
Keep up the good work]]> Wales in Europe and the World Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:54:44 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/wales-in-europe-and-the-world-f9/preserving-welsh-identity-in-europe-t83.htm#121 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/wales-in-europe-and-the-world-f9/preserving-welsh-identity-in-europe-t83.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/tory-plans-for-devolving-prisons-and-rehabilitation-to-wales-t115.htm MH Jonathan Aitkin has for good reason bowed out of elected politics, but that doesn't rule him out from being able to speak about the prison and rehabititation service. In fact it qualifies him to do so. But nonetheless I am amazed at this story from the BBC: Control prisons from Wales call Former MP Jonathan Aitken has called for the Welsh assembly government to take over responsibility for prisons and rehabilitating offenders in Wales. Ex-prisoner Mr Aitken led the prison reform ... The Justice System Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:06:16 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/tory-plans-for-devolving-prisons-and-rehabilitation-to-wales-t115.htm#221 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/tory-plans-for-devolving-prisons-and-rehabilitation-to-wales-t115.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/hello-and-thank-you-t106.htm Drachenfire Hello Syniadau members! I am very excited to have discovered this site, and hope to contribute positive ideas “Towards Welsh Freedom”. What I particularly appreciate is the non-partisan perspective and tone outlined. While independence and membership in the world community of nations has been one of the two primary pillars of Plaid Cymru, it stands to reason there are those currently closeted within Welsh Labour, Welsh Conservative, Liberal Democrats, and other/independents parties ... Comments, Complaints and Suggestions Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:39:06 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/hello-and-thank-you-t106.htm#196 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/hello-and-thank-you-t106.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/how-many-aircraft-carriers-sion-jobbins-t109.htm Drachenfire How Many Aircraft Carriers? - Sion Jobbins In an article in the current issue of the Cambria magazine, Sion Jobbins tries to answer David Williams' question put to Plaid Cymru Candidate Bethan Jenkins on BBC Wales' Dragon's Eye program "how many aircraft carriers would an independent Wales have". We are grateful to Cambria and to Sion Jobbins for allowing us to reproduce this slightly extended article. It will be posted in 5 instalments. HOW MANY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS? by ... Defence Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:01:01 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/how-many-aircraft-carriers-sion-jobbins-t109.htm#208 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/defence-f10/how-many-aircraft-carriers-sion-jobbins-t109.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/thirteen-percent-favor-independence-t108.htm Drachenfire Thirteen percent favor independence According to a recent poll commissioned by BBC Wales, 13% of respondants favor Welsh independence of some sort. Eight percent favor an independent Wales within the European Union, and another 5% outside of the EU. Additionally, 52% of respondants favor full parliamentry powers akin to the Scottish parliament. The question is, how to increase the margin from 13%. What prevents that number from raising further? According to Cardiff University ... Strategies and Tactics Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:13:52 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/thirteen-percent-favor-independence-t108.htm#206 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/thirteen-percent-favor-independence-t108.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/new-high-speed-connections-t92.htm penddu There will be a lot of news today regarding the development of Heathow Airport's third runway, but buried in the detail is a proposal to build a new railway station on the Great Western Main Line, conceptually called Heathrow Hub ( but I suspect that Heathrow Parkway my be its eventual name), which would be linked directly to the various Heathrow terminals by a local metro system. This would be immediately benefical to Welsh rail travellers (or at least those in the South) by providing ... Transport and Communications Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:16:40 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/new-high-speed-connections-t92.htm#146 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/new-high-speed-connections-t92.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/youth-justice-t65.htm MH I am reposting some things I wrote in May and June this year on the WalesOnline forum under the title: Youth Justice - here's another reason to devolve it to Wales MH, 21 May 2008 5:42 pm, wrote:A report from the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS) at King’s College London, has shown that most youth justice targets in "England and Wales" have been missed. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3976279.ece Over the past few years there has ... The Justice System Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:04:42 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/youth-justice-t65.htm#84 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/youth-justice-t65.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/pembroke-power-station-second-best-t104.htm MH I have mixed reactions about the decision to build a 2000MW gas power station in Pembroke. BBC, 5 Feb 2008 In one sense the decision was inevitable, South Wales lost a major part of its generating capacity when the old oil fired station closed, and that capacity does need to be replaced. South Wales is currently a net importer of electricity; when this station is built, it won't be. Also gas is the cleanest and most flexible form of fossil fuel. Much better to have a gas ... Energy Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:42:43 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/pembroke-power-station-second-best-t104.htm#181 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/pembroke-power-station-second-best-t104.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/the-new-welsh-language-lco-measure-t71.htm MH This is an attempt to get a discussion started on the New Language LCO (which will eventually become a Measure of the National Assembly rather than an Act of Parliament). The starting point is that the One Wales Agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru made the following commitment: Supporting the Welsh Language The Welsh language belongs to everyone in Wales as part of our common national heritage, identity and public good. We will work to ensure that more people, young and old, ... Language Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:05:50 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/the-new-welsh-language-lco-measure-t71.htm#94 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/language-f25/the-new-welsh-language-lco-measure-t71.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/welsh-medium-education-in-sir-gar-t72.htm MH I originally posted on this subject on the WalesOnline forum under the title: Critical point for Welsh-medium education in Sir Gâr MH, 26 Sep 2008, wrote: I've read this story on the BBC website: Ad-drefnu addysg: Pryder rhieni I looked for something in English, but haven't found anything yet. I won't translate the whole thing, but the essence is that Sir Gâr seem to be considering merging a Welsh-medium secondary, Ysgol Maes yr Yrfa at Cefneithin, with Ysgol y Gwendraeth, ... Education and Training Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:12:49 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/welsh-medium-education-in-sir-gar-t72.htm#98 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/welsh-medium-education-in-sir-gar-t72.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/enforcing-the-minimum-wage-t105.htm MH This is a slightly edited copy of something I wrote in the Wales Online Forum last July: To be fair to Labour at Westminster, one of the best things they introduced was the minimum wage. Unless we want to take the draconian step of starving people into work by cutting benefits, measures like this serve as by far the better incentive to get people back to work. Others include better childcare, better public transport, more flexible working hours and the now scrapped 10p starter rate ... Rights, Social Inclusion, Poverty and Welfare Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:50:01 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/enforcing-the-minimum-wage-t105.htm#192 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/enforcing-the-minimum-wage-t105.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/devolving-the-benefits-system-t103.htm MH Someone was kind enough to show me a copy of the Plaid Cymru Parliamentary Group's submission to the All Wales Convention. If I get permission, I'll link to it in the relevant thread, however there was one table in it that I hadn't seen before, and which surprised me. The source document was the Wales Devolution Monitoring Report 2008, part of a series of reports from the Constitution Unit at University College London. Devolution Monitoring Reports 2006-2008 Survey respondents ... Rights, Social Inclusion, Poverty and Welfare Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:56:45 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/devolving-the-benefits-system-t103.htm#176 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/devolving-the-benefits-system-t103.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/tidal-power-from-the-severn-estuary-t99.htm MH The UK government published a shortlist of schemes for the harnessing tidal power from the Severn yesterday, along with a consultation document. There will be a three month consultation period, with a final decision made in 2010. Here are some of the news clips. Please note that the C4 news shows the correct location of the shortlisted Bridgewater Bay lagoon (although with the wrong profile) but that the BBC shows the wrong location. One of the more balanced ... Energy Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:05:16 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/tidal-power-from-the-severn-estuary-t99.htm#171 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/tidal-power-from-the-severn-estuary-t99.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/estyn-annual-report-2007-08-t100.htm MH Prompted by this report on the BBC website, I visited the Estyn website to download their latest Annual Report. I must say that I am very impressed with their graphic makeover. This is my favourite banner: They even had a video introduction by the Chief Inspector, Dr Bill Maxwell. I'll resist the temptation to post it here in the hope that people will go to the site and see it for themselves. Annual Report Introduction Annual Report 2007-08 As I skimmed through it one ... Education and Training Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:30:32 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/estyn-annual-report-2007-08-t100.htm#172 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/education-and-training-f19/estyn-annual-report-2007-08-t100.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/how-to-submit-formal-evidence-to-the-all-wales-convention-t61.htm MH The All Wales Convention chaired by Emyr Jones Parry has invited people in Wales to submit their views on the matter of a referendum for primary lawmaking powers to be devolved to the Assembly. There are two ways people or organizations can do this. One is easy, one is a little more complicated but will probably carry more weight. There is no reason why people can't do both. The easier way is to submit your views in the form of a short letter or email. The more formal way is to ... Strategies and Tactics Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:29:33 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/how-to-submit-formal-evidence-to-the-all-wales-convention-t61.htm#75 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/how-to-submit-formal-evidence-to-the-all-wales-convention-t61.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/credit-unions-t102.htm MH There can be hardly anyone that thinks the High Street banks are not major culprits in the current economic crisis ... although government policies and lack of effective regulation might challenge them for that accolade. Yes, the fault was not so much in retail banking as in their other activities, but the ordinary person in the street is going to be the one who suffers most. Banks are now looking for any excuse not to lend, so as soon as anyone gets into difficulty and defaults on a contract ... Rights, Social Inclusion, Poverty and Welfare Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:19:00 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/credit-unions-t102.htm#174 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/rights-social-inclusion-poverty-and-welfare-f21/credit-unions-t102.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/is-there-an-english-backlash-reactions-to-devolution-t101.htm MH The National Centre for Social Research has today published its 25th British Social Attitudes Report. It a collection of nine research articles. The first of these, entitled "Is there an English backlash? Reactions to devolution" is of particular interest to us in Wales. It has some useful statistics that anyone putting the finishing touches to their AWC submission might be able to use. This is the press release: REACTIONS TO DEVOLUTION: GROWING ENGLISH CONCERN ABOUT ... Strategies and Tactics Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:05:57 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/is-there-an-english-backlash-reactions-to-devolution-t101.htm#173 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/is-there-an-english-backlash-reactions-to-devolution-t101.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/we-can-t-even-get-a-cycle-track-unless-it-goes-through-westminster-t98.htm Bagpuss If anyone still hasn't sent in thier views to the All Wales Convention, this item in the news today illusrates another reason why the LCO process doesn't, and can't, work. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/01/21/legal-logjam-blocks-cycle-scheme-91466-22740995/ Legal logjam blocks cycle scheme A LOGJAM between Cardiff and Whitehall is stopping Wales gaining new powers which could help fight climate change and obesity, it is claimed. The Assembly Government ... Strategies and Tactics Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:40:21 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/we-can-t-even-get-a-cycle-track-unless-it-goes-through-westminster-t98.htm#168 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/we-can-t-even-get-a-cycle-track-unless-it-goes-through-westminster-t98.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/health-f20/ysbyty-ystrad-fawr-groundbreaking-t94.htm MH Watching any collection of civic dignitaries at an event can leave one wondering whether sliced bread used to be the best thing since sick bags. Nonetheless, on this occasion I'd urge you to click "Play" because some of the hype is justified ... and the sheepish "JCB grin" is always one of the high spots of the day. Ysybyty Ystrad Fawr is under construction and what Rhodri Morgan said about it not only right, but should not be underestimated. Here's the written ... Health Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:04:31 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/health-f20/ysbyty-ystrad-fawr-groundbreaking-t94.htm#153 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/health-f20/ysbyty-ystrad-fawr-groundbreaking-t94.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/should-public-transport-in-wales-be-free-t95.htm MH Trish Law and Dai Davies of Blaenau Gwent People's voice have recently said that they want all public transport in Wales to be free. ALL public transport in Wales should be free and publicly-owned to face up to the “staggering challenges” of climate change, according to two Independent politicians. Dai Davies and Trish Law, the MP and AM for Blaenau Gwent, insist their plan of free transport for all is no pipe dream, but costed and achievable. They set out their strategy in a submission ... Transport and Communications Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:44:09 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/should-public-transport-in-wales-be-free-t95.htm#154 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/should-public-transport-in-wales-be-free-t95.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-economy-f12/the-holtham-commission-t64.htm Admin The One Wales agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru included the following commitment: There will be an independent Commission to review Assembly Funding and Finance, to include a study of the Barnett Formula, of tax-varying powers including borrowing powers and the feasibility of corporation tax rebates in the Convergence Fund region, including the implications of recent European Court of Justice Rulings in this area.This is formally known as the Independent Commission on Funding and Finance ... The Economy Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:01:15 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-economy-f12/the-holtham-commission-t64.htm#82 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-economy-f12/the-holtham-commission-t64.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/how-to-submit-views-to-the-all-wales-convention-t62.htm MH The All Wales Convention chaired by Emyr Jones Parry has invited people in Wales to submit their views on the matter of a referendum for primary lawmaking powers to be devolved to the Assembly. There are two ways people or organizations can do this. One is easy, one is a little more complicated but will probably carry more weight. There is no reason why people can't do both. The easier way is to submit your views in the form of a short letter or email. The more formal way is to ... Strategies and Tactics Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:55:50 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/how-to-submit-views-to-the-all-wales-convention-t62.htm#76 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/how-to-submit-views-to-the-all-wales-convention-t62.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/rail-to-gwaun-cae-gurwen-trying-to-find-a-silver-lining-t89.htm MH In the news today are a couple of stories about reopening the 11km stretch of railway line from Gwaun Cae Gurwen to Pantyffynnon, just south of Ammanford, to carry coal from the newly reopened East Pit. BBC Cymru website South Wales Guardian I have very mixed feelings about this: 1. Burning coal is the most environmentally damaging way of generating electricity; one we should be phasing out, rather than expanding. For the people of the area around East Pit, there will be even ... Transport and Communications Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:35:00 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/rail-to-gwaun-cae-gurwen-trying-to-find-a-silver-lining-t89.htm#140 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/transport-and-communications-f17/rail-to-gwaun-cae-gurwen-trying-to-find-a-silver-lining-t89.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/policing-in-wales-t93.htm penddu Britain is possibly unique among larger countries, in that it has primarily only one tier of policing, run on a county or regional basis, and who are responsible for everything from parking enforcement to anti-terrorism. Most countries have a series of police forces with different responsibilities and different accountabilities – take USA as one example where the FBI, State Police, City Police Departments all have separate roles. Similary in France where the Gendamerie, National and Municipal ... The Justice System Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:00:27 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/policing-in-wales-t93.htm#150 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/the-justice-system-f11/policing-in-wales-t93.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/biogas-t91.htm MH I caught a very interesting story on Channel 4 news about biogas: Up to half the gas used for cooking and heating British homes could be produced by renewable waste by 2020. The findings are contained in study carried out by Ernst & Young for National Grid, which now runs Britain's gas network. Channel 4 News, 13 Jan 2009 Wales in particular is more dependent on gas than the rest of Britain. Over half (50.6%) of our electricity is generated by gas compared with a ... Energy Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:27:25 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/biogas-t91.htm#144 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/biogas-t91.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/cyfarchion-t90.htm penddu
Excellent site - I have been a bit quietly recently, but you should see a bit more of me from now.

Penddu]]> Comments, Complaints and Suggestions Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:48:07 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/cyfarchion-t90.htm#142 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/comments-complaints-and-suggestions-f1/cyfarchion-t90.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/sport-and-leisure-f22/ffos-las-racecourse-t88.htm MH As nobody has written anything about sport, I thought I'd say something about the Ffos Las racecourse due to open this summer, since it was mentioned in today's Western Mail: Ffos Las’s first horse race expected to sell out I won't pretend to know much about horse racing, and would welcome comments from anyone who does, but this seems to me to be a very good development. It is exactly the sort of world class sporting facility that Wales should be looking to develop. It has ... Sport and Leisure Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:55 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/sport-and-leisure-f22/ffos-las-racecourse-t88.htm#137 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/sport-and-leisure-f22/ffos-las-racecourse-t88.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/new-nuclear-plant-at-yr-wylfa-t86.htm MH I'm not in favour of nuclear energy for the simple reason that Wales has the potential to produce all the electricity it needs by other means. However, the simple fact is that Wales does not have any control over power generation over 50MW, and it's clearly the UK's policy to provide a large part of the energy it needs from nuclear. We in Wales can at present do nothing to stop it. All the indications are that a new plant is going to be built alongside the present one. And recent developments ... Energy Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:47:47 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/new-nuclear-plant-at-yr-wylfa-t86.htm#128 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/new-nuclear-plant-at-yr-wylfa-t86.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/emyr-jones-parry-on-the-all-wales-convention-t53.htm MH Martin Shipton of WalesOnline has conducted a two part interview with Sir Emyr Jones Parry, entitled Will the Welsh Assembly become a proper Parliament? available on YouTube and embedded below: One of the remits of the Convention is to raise awareness and improve understanding. I found this quote from the second part of the interview most interesting: The level of support for devolution and the Assembly is really quite high ... 70%. I suspect that the intricacies of the ... Strategies and Tactics Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:20:14 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/emyr-jones-parry-on-the-all-wales-convention-t53.htm#64 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/strategies-and-tactics-f16/emyr-jones-parry-on-the-all-wales-convention-t53.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/the-electricity-grid-irish-interconnectors-t70.htm MH A couple of months ago, there was a story on the BBC Website about an interconnector between Wales and Ireland Welsh-Irish electricity link plan Construction work will start next year on a 250km (155 mile) electricity cable linking north Wales and the Irish Republic if it wins planning approval. High voltage electricity cables would be laid under the Irish Sea from Prestatyn to the north of Dublin under the East West Interconnector scheme. It will carry 500 megawatts of electricity, ... Energy Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:33:07 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/the-electricity-grid-irish-interconnectors-t70.htm#92 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/energy-f18/the-electricity-grid-irish-interconnectors-t70.htm http://syniadau.forumotion.net/wales-in-europe-and-the-world-f9/scotland-joins-the-euro-t84.htm Aggressive Voltage
http://www.sktoday.com/sections/euro-changeover]]> Wales in Europe and the World Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:02:29 GMT http://syniadau.forumotion.net/wales-in-europe-and-the-world-f9/scotland-joins-the-euro-t84.htm#125 http://syniadau.forumotion.net/wales-in-europe-and-the-world-f9/scotland-joins-the-euro-t84.htm