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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ARREST MADE: Teenager held over Ysgol Maesydderwen threats that sparked school shutdown

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that the teenager, from Pontardawe, was taken into police custody on suspicion of sending digital communications conveying threats of death or serious harm, with the intent to cause fear.

His arrest follows an intense investigation by Dyfed Powys Police into the alarming messages that led to the Ystradgynlais school being shut down on February 27 and 28, according to the force.

The threats had a “profound impact” on pupils, parents, and staff, causing widespread disruption and anxiety, Dyfed Powys Police stated.

Powys Superintendent Gareth Grant extended his gratitude to the community for their support and patience during the challenging period.

“I’d firstly like to thank the parents, teachers, staff and the wider community, for the support and patience you have shown whilst we have carried out our enquiries in relation to this incident,” Superintendent Grant said.

He acknowledged the severe emotional toll the incident had taken, stating: “I understand this will have had a profound impact.”

Superintendent Grant also moved to reassure residents, confirming that Neighbourhood officers would maintain a visible presence in the area.

“Our Neighbourhood officers will maintain a local presence for reassurance, and we will continue to work with our local secondary schools, and partners, to ensure our local community are supported,” he added.

The school had previously been forced to close for a second day after a fresh threat emerged just hours after the initial incident.

Parents and guardians had been left scrambling for childcare arrangements as the school remained shut, with many expressing their concern over the safety of their children.

The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, and Dyfed Powys Police expressed hope it would bring a sense of relief to the worried community.

Dyfed Powys Police have urged anyone with further information to contact them on 101, reiterating their commitment to supporting the community.

Gwobr 3ydd i'r Côr Tŷ Tawe yn yr #Eisteddfod Cwm Tawe heno!

#Abertawe #Pontardawe

Max Boyce and local heroes celebrated at St David Awards

Welsh legend Max Boyce MBE and Wales’ most-capped footballer Jess Fishlock MBE were celebrated at the 2026 St David Awards, sharing the spotlight with a remarkable group of winners from communities across South West Wales.

Now in its 13th year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It has been a privilege to honour all of this year’s winners who make me even more proud to be Welsh. They are an inspiration to us all.”

Here are the winners from the Swansea Bay region and beyond:

Young Person Award: Cian Evans

Cian Evans from Pontardawe received the Young Person Award for his incredible fundraising efforts in the face of unimaginable tragedy. After surviving a devastating car crash that killed his mother and unborn sister, Cian has raised thousands of pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which helped save his life. His resilience and determination have been described as an inspiration.

Bravery Award: The Teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman

Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, and Darrel Campbell were jointly awarded the Bravery award for their heroic actions during the terrifying knife attack at the Carmarthenshire school in April 2024. The three staff members put themselves in harm’s way to protect pupils, with Liz Hopkin sustaining multiple stab wounds while continuing to act decisively.

Community Champion Award: Faith in Families

Swansea-based charity Faith in Families won the Community Champion award. The judges recognised their incredible work supporting some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods through their Community Cwtches and the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, which has distributed over a million essential items to families in need.

Innovation, Science and Technology Award: Professor Joanne Davies

Professor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation at Swansea University, won the Innovation, Science and Technology award. Her work in transforming medical training in Wales through cutting-edge simulation was praised for improving patient safety and preparing clinicians for real-world pressures.

Public Service Award: Dr Tipswalo Day

Dr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, was awarded the Public Service award for her pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth-related brain injuries. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternal care.

Other Winners

• Culture Award: Max Boyce MBE
• Sport Award: Jess Fishlock MBE
• Business Award: de Novo Solutions
• Environment Champion Award: Deorfa Cynrig Hatchery
• Volunteering Award: Brian Jones
• First Minister’s Special Award: Henry Engelhardt CBE and Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE

Pontardawe Arts Centre to host new drama inspired by forgotten Welsh folk songs recorded in a workhouse

Pontardawe is one of just 13 venues across Wales chosen to host Ledi’r Wyrcws (The Lady of the Workhouse), a new production uncovering the remarkable true story behind one of Wales’s most important folk‑song collections.

The drama, written by author and academic Jerry Hunter, explores the unlikely relationship between Lady Amy Parry‑Williams — wife of renowned scholar and poet T. H. Parry‑Williams — and a woman living in a workhouse in the 1950s, where Amy recorded traditional songs that were on the brink of disappearing forever.

A forgotten workhouse and a cultural mystery

Hunter says the idea struck him after giving a talk in Denbigh, when a member of the audience pointed out an old building across the road — once a workhouse where Lady Parry‑Williams had captured some of her most treasured recordings.

He was stunned to learn that a workhouse was still operating in the 1950s, years after the founding of the NHS.

The revelation sparked a series of questions that form the backbone of the play: Who was the woman singing in the workhouse? Why was she there? And what conversations unfolded between two women from completely different worlds, united only by their love of Welsh culture?

Hunter said the story “immediately captured” his imagination, leading him to picture the pair spending a day together — one a respected academic’s wife, the other living in poverty — yet both preserving the same musical heritage.

Touring Wales — with a key stop in Pontardawe

The production stars Morfudd Hughes, Owen Arwyn and Judith Humphreys, and will tour Wales from 4 March to 2 April.

Pontardawe Arts Centre will host the show on 25 March, giving local audiences a rare chance to see a drama rooted in real Welsh history and cultural survival.

Full tour dates

04–05 March – Galeri Caernarfon 07 March – Twm o’r Nant 10 March – Theatr Clwyd 13 March – Theatr Derek Williams 17–18 March – Theatr Arad Goch 19 March – Yr Egin 20 March – Theatr Felinfach 24 March – Theatr Soar 25 March – Pontardawe Arts Centre 26 March – Yr Olwg 28 March – Llanover Hall 01 April – Neuadd Dwyfor 02 April – Pontio

Tickets and more information are available via Galeri Caernarfon: https://www.galericaernarfon.com/eng/ledirwyrcws.html

Pontardawe engineering firm up for two major Swansea Bay Business Awards

Wall Colmonoy, which employs nearly 200 people at its site on the Alloy Industrial Estate, is in the running for Manufacturer of the Year and Innovative Business of the Year at the Swansea Bay Business Awards 2026.

The firm produces specialist alloys, castings and precision‑engineered parts used in aerospace, automotive, defence, energy and oil and gas. Most of what it makes in Pontardawe is exported around the world.

The double nomination follows major investment at the site, including £4.5 million spent on new metal powders and a high‑tech lab to support advanced manufacturing and research.

The company has also pushed into new technology, including AI‑driven casting simulations and one of Europe’s largest vacuum precision investment casting foundries — a facility backed by Innovate UK and defence innovation programmes.

Managing Director Rob Davies said the recognition belongs to the workforce.

“These nominations are a testament to our workforce… their dedication, consistency and technical depth underpin the quality of our products and drive our innovation.”

Wall Colmonoy has been operating in Pontardawe since 1969 and remains one of the Swansea Valley’s most established industrial employers.

The Swansea Bay Business Awards take place on 30 January at Brangwyn Hall.

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Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe

Dating back to the 1800s, Ty Mawr is identified by Neath Port Talbot Council as a Building of Local Importance. It once formed part of the sprawling tinplate works owned by W. Gilbertson and Company, which at its peak provided employment for much of Pontardawe’s population and sustained families for generations.

Today, the rest of the site is occupied by Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, retail units and housing — leaving Ty Mawr as the sole surviving structure of the town’s industrial past.

Vacant since the late 2000s, and formerly used as an “Extra Care” facility, the building had fallen into disrepair. Now, thanks to housing association Pobl, working with T.A.D Builders Ltd. and supported by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, the landmark has been carefully restored and extended.

New homes and sustainability

The project has created 12 modern, energy‑efficient apartments for social rent — six one‑bedroom and six two‑bedroom units. A new build element complements the refurbished two‑storey detached structure, with improved access from the highway and enhanced parking arrangements. Solar panels have been installed on the roof to boost sustainability.

Jo Brown, Project Manager for Pobl Group, said at the outset:

“This scheme is an excellent example of Pobl’s commitment to build general needs homes and bring existing buildings back into fruition. We look forward to working with T.A.D Builders Ltd, and all being well, working toward a completion date in Summer 2025.”

That completion has now been achieved, with residents beginning to move in.

Blending old and new

A spokesperson for Pobl said:

“Restoring such an old structure came with challenges — from insulating thick walls to retaining its unique character — but the result is a striking mix of old and new.

“We’re so pleased to welcome new residents to Ty Mawr and see this much‑loved building once again playing an important role in the heart of the community.”

Local heritage preserved

By regenerating Ty Mawr, Pobl say they have helped preserve the character of Pontardawe’s industrial past while addressing contemporary housing needs. The building’s legacy as part of the tinplate works endures — but now with a new role, providing homes and stability for today’s community.

#BuildingOfLocalImportance #construction #CwmtaweCommunitySchool #Pobl #Pontardawe #renovation #socialHousing #TADBuilders #tinplate #TyMawr #WGilbertsonAndCompany

Four Neath Port Talbot vape shops shut down in crackdown on illegal sales

A District Judge at Swansea Magistrates Court approved three‑month closure orders against:

• Vape Land, Commercial Road, Taibach
• Vape Zone, Queen Street, Neath
• Classic Vape, Station Road, Port Talbot
• Pontardawe Vape, James Street, Pontardawe

It is the second time in six months that Vape Land has been issued with a closure order.

Pattern of illegal sales

The court heard that test purchases and inspections over the past two years had repeatedly found counterfeit cigarettes, non‑tax‑paid tobacco and oversized or non‑compliant vapes on sale.

In September, joint inspections by South Wales Police, Neath Port Talbot Council Trading Standards and Waste Enforcement Officers led to seizures of vapes, leaf tobacco and cigarettes. Further complaints were also received about sales to under‑18s.

Despite being notified of the council’s intention to apply for closure orders, the owners of Vape Land, Vape Zone and Pontardawe Vape did not attend their hearings. Classic Vape’s new owner contested the application, but the judge accepted the council’s evidence that the business had changed hands repeatedly following inspections.

What Trading Standards do

Trading Standards teams work to protect consumers and communities by tackling illegal, unsafe or unfair trading practices. Their work includes:

• Carrying out test purchases to check if shops sell age‑restricted products like tobacco, alcohol or vapes to under‑18s
• Inspecting premises for counterfeit or non‑compliant goods
• Seizing unsafe or illegal products, including oversized or disposable vapes
• Taking enforcement action through the courts, including closure orders
• Advising businesses on compliance with consumer protection laws

Residents can report concerns about illegal sales to their local council’s Trading Standards team.

Wider crackdown

The closures come just days after Swansea Magistrates extended closure orders on vape shops in the city, underlining a wider regional clampdown on illegal sales.

Since June 2025, the sale of disposable single‑use vapes has been banned across the UK. The ban was introduced to tackle environmental concerns and to protect children and young people, with many illicit products found in child‑appealing packaging and flavours.

Council response

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Trading Standards work hard at protecting the public and the vulnerable from illegal tobacco and vape sales. Considerable work has gone into obtaining these closure orders, and the team will continue to use the resources at their disposal to combat this illegal trade.”

He urged residents to report any information about illegal tobacco or vape sales to the council.

More on Trading Standards

From vape shop closures to counterfeit goods crackdowns, our Trading Standards coverage follows the teams working to protect communities across South West Wales.

Browse all Trading Standards stories →

#ClassicVape #CllrCenPhillips #counterfeitCigarettes #illegalTobacco #illegalVapes #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Pontardawe #PontardaweVape #PortTalbot #QueenStreet #Taibach #TradingStandards #VapeLand

Minister agrees to visit Godre’r Graig school after six years in portacabins

Pupils at the school have been taught in temporary portacabins miles from their community since the original building was closed and demolished in 2019. Despite a funding application for a replacement school being submitted by Neath Port Talbot Council, no decision has yet been made — and Welsh Government officials are reportedly assessing the proposal as if it were for a brand-new school.

“This isn’t a new school — it already exists”

Raising the issue in the Senedd this week, Sioned Williams MS, who represents South Wales West, urged the Cabinet Secretary to meet with school leaders and “understand the exceptional context” of the application.

“What is of concern to me is the impact on the many learners at Godre’r Graig School who have never been educated in a permanent school building in their own community,” she said. “This isn’t a ‘new school’ — the school already exists.”

Ms Neagle confirmed she was “very happy to visit the school,” and acknowledged the wider impact of the situation on Welsh suppliers and families.

Community frustration grows over delays

The funding application is being considered under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Nine-Year Rolling Programme, but concerns have been raised about the criteria being applied. A letter from Welsh Government officials reportedly referenced the impact a “new school” could have on pupil numbers at neighbouring schools — but not the disruption already affecting Godre’r Graig pupils.

David Chadwick MP, Liberal Democrat Member for the area, has also written to the Cabinet Secretary urging urgent action:

“Five years after its closure, pupils are still being taught in temporary offsite portacabins. These facilities are not suitable for long-term education, and parents continue to raise concerns about uncomfortable temperatures and extended daily travel.”

He called for clarity on the timeline for reviewing the application, the criteria being used, and whether any interim support would be offered to improve current learning conditions.

Rejected super school plan still casts a shadow

The original proposal to merge schools in the Swansea Valley into a single “super school” was overwhelmingly rejected by the local community in 2021. Campaigners argued that the plan would strip three communities of their local primary schools, including Godre’r Graig.

With the demolition of the original building now complete, campaigners say the lack of a permanent replacement risks undermining the future of a successful school — and leaving a generation of learners without a stable, community-based education.

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Blockbusters come to Pontardawe as new cinema opens

First screenings announced

The redeveloped 74‑seat cinema launches with a trio of films:

• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG)
• Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures (U)
• TRON: Ares (12A)

Tickets are available now at pontardaweartscentre.com.

State‑of‑the‑art facilities

The venue now boasts cutting‑edge laser projection, immersive Dolby ATMOS surround sound, and comfortable seating, offering a high‑quality viewing experience in the heart of Pontardawe.

For the first time, audiences will be able to enjoy the latest blockbuster releases locally. The cinema will also host relaxed screenings designed to provide a calm and inclusive environment for people with a range of impairments.

Café bar and theatre upgrades

Visitors will also benefit from a new modern café bar, open to all, while the theatre itself has seen upgrades including new balcony seating, improved lighting and cosmetic enhancements.

The redevelopment builds on the centre’s varied programme of film, music, comedy and theatre, cementing its role as a cultural hub for the community.

Backed by major investment

The project was supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, Arts Council of Wales lottery funding, Neath Port Talbot Council’s capital programme, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“This fantastic redevelopment means we can now screen the latest blockbuster films right here in Pontardawe. We’re incredibly grateful to the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government for their support in making this vision a reality.”

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added:

“High‑quality venues like this are vital for our town centres – they bring people in, support local businesses, and create a real sense of place.”

Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, said the £600,000 investment would “strengthen the cultural life of the community” and ensure the centre thrives as part of a vibrant arts landscape across Wales.

Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said more than £1.2m of Transforming Towns funding had been invested, “strengthening the social and cultural fabric that makes our towns vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.”

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#ArtsCouncilWales #bar #caféBar #caféBar #cafe #cinema #CllrCenPhillips #CllrSteveHunt #films #JayneBryantMS #movies #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Pontardawe #PontardaweArtsCentre #TransformingTowns #UKSharedProsperityFund #WelshGovernment