CARE AWARD: Mumbles and Pontardawe care homes named in Wales Top 20 — rated by residents and their families

Two care homes in south west Wales have been named among the top 20 in Wales — recognised not by inspectors or regulators, but by the people who matter most: the residents themselves, and the families who placed their loved ones in their care.

Brynfield Manor in Newton, Mumbles and Cwm Cartref in Pontardawe have both been included in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Homes in Wales awards for 2026, placing them among the highest-rated homes out of more than 1,000 care facilities across the country.

The accolade is based entirely on independent reviews submitted by residents and their friends and relatives, covering areas including quality of care, staffing, dignity, cleanliness, food, activities, management and value for money. More than 127,000 reviews were submitted to the platform between February 2024 and January 2026 to determine this year’s winners.

For Cwm Cartref, it is the second consecutive year the home has appeared in the top 20. Home manager Frency Francis said the recognition was particularly meaningful because of where it came from. “This award is incredibly special to us because it’s based on the honest feedback of our residents and their families,” she said. “Our ethos is simple — we put our residents at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team works with compassion, pride, and genuine care, and this recognition shows just how much their efforts mean to the people who live here.”

At Brynfield Manor, director Jason Banfield paid tribute to his team — and in particular to dementia champion Mandy Russ, who he credits with shaping the home’s culture. “The staff at Brynfield are extraordinary — highly trained, wholly committed, and the home hasn’t relied on agency staff for nearly a decade,” he said. “Their continuity and expertise ensure that every resident is not only cared for but truly known, respected, and cherished.”

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager at carehome.co.uk, said the awards were designed to give families real confidence at one of the most difficult moments they face. “Looking for a care home for a loved one can be incredibly time-consuming and emotionally draining,” she said. “You’re not just choosing a building — you’re choosing a home where your mum, dad or loved one will live, be cared for and feel safe, and it can feel like a huge responsibility.”

With almost one in five people in the UK now aged 65 or over, and that figure expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, the demand for high-quality, trustworthy care continues to grow. Awards based on first-hand experience from residents and families are increasingly seen as a more meaningful measure of quality than formal inspection ratings alone.

carehome.co.uk lists all registered care homes across the UK and provides verified reviews, inspection ratings and transparent fee information. It also operates a free expert care helpline for families navigating the search for a suitable home.

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A flight around Mumbles, Bracelet Bay, Limeslade Bay and some of the coast.

https://youtu.be/I7gXycxWq1w
#Mumbles #BraceletBay #LimesladeBay #Coast #Swansea

Ancient Gower skill revives ‘flying hedge’ near popular play area

Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council have teamed up to create a traditional Gower-style “flying hedge” between Mumbles Road and the playground opposite West Cross shops.

This isn’t just any hedge; it’s one of 17 variations found across Wales, showcasing a countryside skill that is slowly disappearing.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, who is also a Gower farmer, highlighted the multiple benefits of the project.

“Hedge laying sustains healthy dense hedges, which provide corridors for wildlife to move about, homes for birds to roost and nest and nuts and berries growing in the hedge also feed the wildlife,” Cllr Stevens said.

“Hedges are also great at soaking up air pollution and noise pollution especially when they run along a busy road.”

The project aims to bring back these vital green corridors, offering a natural haven for birds and other creatures, while also acting as a natural barrier against pollution from the busy Mumbles Road.

The initiative is supported by the Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature 2025-27 grant funding, administered by WCVA and managed by Swansea Council.

Swansea’s women-led brewery toasts success on International Women’s Day

Drop Bear Beer Co., which specialises in alcohol-free craft beers, has confirmed it is leading a new generation of women in the industry as it reflects on its recent acquisition of the iconic Welsh brand, Tomos Watkin.

The company has said that while women once dominated the brewing trade as medieval ‘alewives’, they now make up only around 30 per cent of the UK’s brewery workforce, with even fewer in technical roles.

Founded by Joelle and Sarah Drummond, the business began with small-scale recipe development in their kitchen before expanding into a multi-award-winning international brand.

According to the brewery, the acquisition of Tomos Watkin in 2023 marked a significant milestone, allowing the female-led team to take ownership of one of Wales’ most historic beer names.

The Swansea firm is now recognised as the UK’s largest alcohol-free brewery and continues to operate from its production base in Llansamlet.

Leading the production line is Head Brewer Bex, who oversees quality and operations at scale, providing what the company describes as a visible example of women in technical brewing roles.

“We’re proud to be part of a new generation of women building and brewing in this industry,” Joelle Drummond, Co-Founder of Drop Bear Beer Co., has said.

She added: “Women were central to brewing historically, and while representation today isn’t equal, it is changing.”

The brewery, which is a certified B Corp and carbon neutral, has previously secured major supermarket deals with Morrisons and Tesco.

Its range of 0.5% ABV beers includes Tropical IPA and Yuzu Pale Ale, all of which are produced at the Swansea brewery and exported internationally.

As International Women’s Day approaches, the team has said they are celebrating women across Wales who are shaping business and industry, proving that “leadership in beer is evolving.”

MOTORISTS WARNED: Three months of lane closures on Mumbles Road for gas pipe upgrade

Motorists are being warned to expect delays as a major gas pipe upgrade is set to begin on Mumbles Road next week, bringing with it three months of phased lane closures.

Wales & West Utilities will start work on 4 March to replace over 1,000 metres of gas pipes in the area, a project described as “vital to ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses.”

The work, which is scheduled to finish in June, has been planned in conjunction with Swansea Council to minimise disruption. While access will be maintained at all times and traffic will still be able to travel in all directions, lane closures will be in place and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.

Crucially, the project has been planned to avoid working on Mumbles Road itself during the busy Easter school holidays.

The work will be carried out in three phases:

•Phase 1: Mumbles Road at the junction with Sketty Lane (4 – 27 March)

•Phase 2: Mill Lane (30 March – 10 April)

•Phase 3: Mumbles Road at the junction of Mill Lane (13 April – 15 June)

Wales & West Utilities’ Adam Smith, who is managing the work, said the project was essential for the community.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future,” he said.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.”

He added that the work would also ensure the network is ready to transport green gases in the future.

Swansea Opticians celebrate milestone 30th anniversary

Judith Roberts Opticians has been at the heart of the community since its opening in 1996 by Judith and Austin Roberts, serving generations of patients over the decades. The team has developed strong ties to their patients and the local community over the years, aided by their cultivated family environment and focus on clinical excellence.

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the team at Judith Roberts Opticians held an event on Monday the 2nd of February where patients were welcomed into the practice to join the team in their celebrations and enjoy special offers such as 20% off complete glasses amongst other exciting surprises and discounts.

During its 30-year history, Judith Roberts Opticians has established itself as a family-focused practice that invests in achieving high standards of care for each individual patient, supported by long-standing team members and high-quality technological equipment.

Senior Optical Assistant, Elizabeth Leonard, said:

“I am incredibly proud of the impressive development of our practice since it’s opening in 1996. Our 30th anniversary is a huge testament to the work that we’ve put in.

“Over the years, we have made it an absolute priority to invest in new technology, as well as specialising in contact lenses, including complex lenses. We’re truly proud to offer world class eyecare in Mumbles for all the family.”

Across 2024 and 2025, the team at Judith Roberts Opticians gained new leadership, with Hannah Walters and Patrick Foley taking the lead and allowing original owners Judith and Austin, along with Practice Manager, Julie, to retire.

Embodying the ethos and the trust that Judith and Austin built, the Mumbles community remains the team’s absolute priority, along with the new Practice Manager, the wonderful Ali Lloyd-Henderson, who deeply fosters the same values and beliefs.

Ali added: “We want everyone who visits the practice to walk out the door every time and say ‘wow, that was impressive’. We treat each patient as if they were our own family and focus on what is best for them.

“Our growth over the years has been due to this ethos, alongside developing an amazing team. This has been the eyecare experience, the Judith Roberts way, for 30 wonderful years.”

After 30 years of loyal and dedicated expertise, the team at Judith Roberts Opticians look forward to continuing to provide friendly, unmatched standards of clinical excellence for the eyecare needs of Mumbles and the wider Swansea community.

To find out more information about Judith Roberts Opticians or to book an appointment, please visit https://www.judithroberts-opticians.co.uk/

Banking hub recommended for Mumbles as high street services continue to disappear

Mumbles has become the latest community in Swansea to be recommended a banking hub, after LINK — the UK’s cash access network — said the village qualifies for a dedicated shared branch. It follows an application from local councillor Will Thomas, who warned that years of bank closures have left residents struggling to access basic services.

If delivered, the hub would be the third in Swansea, joining Morriston’s already‑open site and Gorseinon’s hub, which is due to open later this year.

What the hub will offer

Banking hubs operate like a traditional branch but are shared by all major banks. Customers can withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and speak to staff from their own bank on rotating days.

The project will now be taken forward by Cash Access UK, which will begin speaking to local businesses and searching for a suitable site in the coming weeks. There are currently 214 hubs open across the UK, including 12 in Wales.

Dr Chris Ashton, Chief Commercial Officer at LINK, said the decision followed evidence of strong local need.

“We’re delighted to recommend a new banking hub in Mumbles. Special thanks go to Councillor Thomas for helping to ensure we had a full picture of the town’s cash access needs.”

“Part of the fabric of a thriving high street”

Cllr Will Thomas, said the hub would restore a vital service that many residents still rely on.

“I’m absolutely delighted my application was successful, so Mumbles will once again have a dedicated community banking facility. Many residents still rely on face‑to‑face services, whether that’s for depositing cash, managing accounts, or simply having the reassurance of speaking to someone in person.”

He said the loss of high street banks had hit the village hard.

“Banking isn’t just about transactions. It’s part of the fabric of a thriving high street. When people come into the village to use banking services, they visit our cafés, shops and local businesses. It supports footfall, strengthens our local economy, and helps keep Mumbles vibrant.”

“A real difference for residents and small businesses”

Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, also welcomed the recommendation.

“This will make a real difference for residents — particularly those who need extra support when banking — as well as the many small businesses central to the area that rely on cash for their day‑to‑day operations. It’s an important step in keeping our community connected and thriving.”

LINK says anyone can check their nearest free cash access point using its online Cash Locator tool.

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Night‑time road closures as new safety upgrades head to Mumbles seafront

Swansea Council confirmed that work will start on January 25 to install two new pedestrian crossings and widen pavements at the junction of Newton Road and Mumbles Road. The authority says the scheme is intended to link the recently upgraded promenade with the village’s main shopping street ahead of the Easter tourism season.

Five nights of closures before weeks of temporary lights

According to the council, a short stretch of Mumbles Road will close overnight for five nights from Sunday to Thursday, between the White Rose pub and the taxi office. Diversions will run via Newton Road from 8pm to 6am.

The council says almost all construction will take place at night to keep traffic moving during the day and maintain access to businesses.

From February 1, Swansea Council says three‑way temporary traffic lights will operate 24/7 for around six weeks. The authority says the lights will be removed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays where possible, returning each Sunday evening.

Crossings, wider pavements and a safer bus stop

The council says the upgrade includes two new pedestrian crossings near the mini‑roundabout, wider pavements around the junction and improvements to the Swansea‑bound bus stop, which will get a new shelter and more space for waiting passengers.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the work would complete the link between the new prom and the village centre.

“The seawall upgrade and prom improvements have made a huge difference to the area for residents and visitors,” he said. “Mumbles remains open for business during the new work. Most work will be done by night to minimise impact on traffic and businesses.”

Cllr Stevens said the new crossings would give people “safe and easy” access between the shops and the seafront.

“Newton Road is a busy pedestrian area and we want to ensure those walking between the prom and the shops can do so as safely as possible,” he said.

He added that the bus stop upgrade was needed because queues often formed on a narrow pavement.

Delays expected but work timed for pre‑Easter finish

Swansea Council says temporary traffic lights are unavoidable and will cause delays, but the aim is to complete the scheme before Easter.

“We will be doing everything we can to keep the disruption to a minimum and complete the upgrade as soon as possible,” Cllr Stevens said. “We want to thank businesses, residents and visitors alike for their patience while it goes ahead.”

The council says the bus stop will remain in use throughout the works but may be temporarily relocated along the same stretch of pavement as construction progresses.

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Four men charged after ‘aggressive’ cold‑callers spark alarm in Mumbles and Gower villages

Officers moved in after multiple reports from concerned households who said the men’s behaviour left them feeling uneasy.

Raymond Turnbull, 34, and Liam Doherty, 32, both from Middlesbrough, along with 25‑year‑old Connor Peacock from Reading, have each been charged with acting as a pedlar without a pedlar’s certificate.

A fourth man, 31‑year‑old Ryan Steel from Stockton‑on‑Tees, faces the same charge and an additional count of possessing cannabis.

Detective Inspector Tom Richardson said the men’s behaviour had rightly raised concerns among residents.

“These four men aroused suspicion due to their behaviour and made local residents feel uncomfortable. We thank residents for their diligence and willingness to report this to police. Reporting to and engaging with the police is invaluable in helping us keep our communities safe.”

He urged people across Swansea to stay alert and report anything that doesn’t feel right.

“If you witness unknown individuals acting suspiciously in your area, please report it to us.”

The men are expected to appear in court in due course.