James

Pictures and words in the Cardiffian today on the closure of Cardiff University’s School of Music

#cardiffuni #cardiffunicuts

'I felt absolute joy when I crossed the finish line': The unstoppable rise of ultra running - The Cardiffian Sam Humphrey claimed victory in the gruelling 43-mile Brecon to Cardiff Classic, finishing in 5 hrs 25 mins. The race, which winds through the Brecon Beacons and along the Taff Trail, saw over 350 com...

“I felt absolute joy when I crossed the finish line,” said Sam Humphrey from #Penarth - winner of the Run, walk, crawl #Brecon to #Cardiff #Ultramarathon.

By @bessantdavies.bsky.social

Read here: cardiffjournalism.co.uk/thecardiffia...

Thanks so much for the share Andy.

Students and staff react to the proposed closure of Cardiff University's School of Music YouTube video by The Cardiffian

Heartbreaking (and heartwarming) coverage of the fightback against plans to axe the School of Music by Cardiff University bosses. Produced by student journalist (and CU Music allum) @bessantdavies.bsky.social: youtu.be/KWS0fwn267c

Watch: Students protest against plans to close Cardiff University's music school - The Cardiffian Music students at Cardiff University arranged a ‘protest busk’ against plans to close the School of Music, as a petition to save the school gains over 22,000 signatures.

Students #protest the proposed closure to Cardiff music school by public busking protest

By @bessantdavies.bsky.social

#music #cardiff #cardiffmusicscene

‘There is ALWAYS a problem': More than four trains a day cancelled at Penarth station - The Cardiffian Penarth station saw 1,690 train cancellations over the past year, impacting 8.7% of services—almost double the Transport for Wales network average. Local councillor Anthony Ernest called the situation...

@transportforwales.bsky.social passengers travelling from #Penarth are facing up to four cancelled trains a day.

By @bessantdavies.bsky.social

Outlook - War was my comfort zone, until I had to walk away - BBC Sounds Chris Booth dodged bullets and bombs, but came home with mental health concerns.

Chris Booth shares his experiences in Moscow, Chechnya, and Iraq—along with the internal struggles that led to his detainment in a UK psychiatric ward. Considered, kind, and deeply purposeful, Chris is an infectious person to be around. Give it a listen. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct5pdm

Thank you for the excellent explainer.

Charities are warning that NHS #mentalhealth funding and the #MHIS could be at risk

Secretary for Health and Social Care #WesStreeting has stated he is “committed to the MHIS,” with full financial allocations releasing in the new year.

But what is the #MHIS, and why are charities still concerned?

Musk is pictured standing with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and its Treasurer Nick Candy. Behind them is a truly hideous but hilarious painting of a young Trump in cricket whites.

Reform UK has today visited the US and met Elon Musk.

Two critical points:

1. UK Govt needs to act NOW to limit political donations before Musk tries to buy UK politics like he has in the US.

2. That painting behind them is the funniest crime ever committed in the world of art.

A look at the joys of bellringing - a hidden British tradition - The Cardiffian Bell-ringers in Penarth meet for weekly practice nights at St. Augustine's Church. The tower is encouraging learners to get involved.

Ever fancied giving #Bellringing a try? Or wondered what it is to be a #Bell-Ringer? Go along to a session in #Penarth in the New Year.

My words and photos in @thecardiffian.bsky.social

#Cardiff #Christmas

cardiffjournalism.co.uk/thecardiffia...

Your words mean a lot Callum, thank you.

Thanks for the share James.

The Syrians who can’t go home In August, I was bundled into the back of a pickup while working with a charity supporting Syrian refugees in the Beqaa Valley.

Great piece by my colleague @bessantdavies.bsky.social on his harrowing ordeal of being detained in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley while doing humanitrian work www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...

The Syrians who can’t go home In August, I was bundled into the back of a pickup while working with a charity supporting Syrian refugees in the Beqaa Valley.

I spent a month detained in #Lebanon this summer. I was held in appalling conditions in a detention centre with #Syrian refugees, many of whom children. I got out. Others are still trapped in a system designed to harass refugees, forcing them across the border.

www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...

Triumphant scenes in #Cardiff as Syrians celebrate the capture of #Damascus by rebel groups

Notes on an Uprising What the demonstrations mean for Georgians - and what they can tell the rest of us.

For an in-depth and current insight into Georgia’s recent demonstrations - see this piece by Chris Booth.

open.substack.com/pub/newnotes...

Aleppo's Kurds fear displacement as thousands flee rebels in Tel Rifaat Syrian Kurds say they fear for their community's future in Aleppo despite assurances by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham

www.middleeasteye.net/news/aleppos...

Beirut - Aug 24

Blimey.

Barn Cymru poll by YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales/ @walesgovernance.bsky.social

Puts Plaid Cymru ahead of Labour. Reform joint 2nd.

Senedd voting intention:

- Plaid Cymru - 24% (+1)
- Labour - 23% (-4)
- Reform UK - 23% (+5)
- Con - 19% (+1)
- Lib Dem - 5% (-1)
- Green - 6% (+1)

Meet the energy workers battling to keep the lights on in Ukraine When Russian missiles hurtle towards the Ukrainian power plant and employees scramble for the bomb shelter, a handful of workers stay above ground in a control room protected by sandbags to keep the system running manually.

When Russian missiles hurtle towards the Ukrainian power plant and employees scramble for the bomb shelter, a handful of workers stay above ground in a control room protected by sandbags to keep the system running manually reut.rs/3OvEP7J