Swansea’s Drop Bear Beer Co. lands first national supermarket deal with Morrisons

From Monday 24 November, the company’s new Peach Cut Lager will be available in 475 Morrisons stores across the UK, marking the brand’s first national rollout with a major retailer.

Founded in 2019 by Sarah and Joelle Drummond, Drop Bear has grown rapidly from a bold start-up into one of the UK’s leading independent alcohol-free brewers. The company opened its dedicated alcohol-free brewery in Swansea in 2023, backed by a £1.9 million equity investment.

A breakthrough moment for Welsh brewing

Co-founder and Director of Sales and Marketing Joelle Drummond said the Morrisons deal was a landmark moment:

“We are proud to share this milestone moment, as it marks the first time Drop Bear will be available on shelves across the UK. As a Welsh business, this achievement is especially meaningful. Wales boasts incredible talent and outstanding food and drink brands, yet gaining visibility on the national stage can be a challenge. Securing this listing demonstrates not only the strength of our products, but the growing recognition of the innovation coming out of Wales.”

The new listing features Peach Cut Lager, a 0.5% ABV fruit lager described as a “crisp European lager with a smooth stone fruit twist.” It will be sold in four-packs of 330ml cans with an RRP of £5.

Scaling up to meet demand

Drop Bear’s range is already available via Tesco (Wales), Ocado, and East of England Co-op, with exports to Finland and Australia. To meet growing demand, the company has acquired additional brewing equipment that will increase capacity by 700%.

Managing Director Sarah Drummond said:

“In just two years since opening our brewery, we’ve seen phenomenal growth in demand for Drop Bear. We’re scaling up fast, from growing our team to investing in equipment that increases our capacity by 700%. Partnering with Morrisons is a huge step forward, making it even easier for more people across the UK to get their hands on Drop Bear.”

A rising category

The Low & No alcohol category remains one of the fastest-growing parts of the UK beer market, with NielsenIQ data showing continued double-digit value growth. Fruited lagers like Peach Cut are especially popular with younger shoppers and flexi-drinkers who are moderating their alcohol intake.

Drop Bear’s beers are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, low-calorie, and made with 100% natural ingredients. The brewery is also the world’s first certified carbon-neutral alcohol-free brewer, and a B Corp™️ member committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

#alcoholFreeBeer2 #bCorpWales #brewery #business #dropBearBeerCo2 #foodDrink #lowAndNoAlcoholBeer #morrisonsListing #peachCutLager #swansea #swanseaBrewery #swanseaBusinessNews #welshFoodAndDrink

Snow and ice warnings issued for South West Wales as cold snap bites

The snow and ice warning runs from Wednesday at 12pm until midnight on Thursday.

A wider ice warning is in place from midnight tonight until 11am on Wednesday, covering the rest of Wales.

Wintry showers sweeping in

Forecasters say a band of rain, sleet and snow is moving southeastwards, with showers expected to turn wintry over higher ground in Carmarthenshire and inland Pembrokeshire. Coastal areas, including Swansea and Gower, are more likely to see icy patches forming overnight as temperatures dip close to freezing.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong explained:

“Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather. Wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, in particular southwest Wales.”

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1990770716346556577?s=20

How much snow could fall?

Not everywhere will see lying snow, but where showers are most frequent, 2–5 cm of snow could accumulate. Higher ground in Carmarthenshire is most at risk, while Swansea and Pembrokeshire may see sleet or slushy conditions. The Met Office warns that untreated surfaces could quickly become hazardous.

Ice a bigger risk for many

Beyond snowfall, ice is expected to be the more widespread hazard. With clear skies overnight, temperatures are forecast to fall well below average for mid‑November, creating tricky travel conditions on Thursday morning.

Armstrong added:

“Daytime temperatures will stay in low single figures for many, and overnight ice could create particularly difficult conditions for drivers and pedestrians.”

Health advice as cold snap continues

NHS 24 Executive Medical Director Dr Ron Cook urged residents to take extra care:

“Cold weather can be particularly challenging for older people, young children, and those with long‑term health conditions. Please check on neighbours and loved ones to ensure they have what they need to stay warm and safe.”

He advised sturdy footwear, allowing more time for journeys, and keeping medication handy for those with asthma or COPD, as cold air can make breathing more difficult.

Looking ahead to the weekend

The Met Office says conditions should ease by Friday, with drier weather for many and temperatures gradually turning milder. Rain is expected to reach western areas later in the day, followed by fronts crossing from west to east on Saturday. Further wet and windy weather is possible on Sunday.

#carmarthenshire #metOffice #pembrokeshire #sleet #snow #snowAndIce #swansea #weatherWarning #yellowWeatherWarning

Clase man jailed after police find him asleep in car with heroin

Jason Grove, 34, from Clase, was arrested in June last year after officers responded to reports of an intoxicated man in a vehicle on Honeysuckle Drive. When they arrived, they found Grove asleep in the driver’s seat with the door open. A search uncovered amphetamine in his pocket, while a lock knife and a small silver case containing heroin, weighing scales and foil were found inside the car.

South Wales Police said Grove later admitted possessing amphetamine for personal use but initially denied involvement in drug supply. He went on to plead guilty to possession of heroin and amphetamine, possession with intent to supply diamorphine, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Detective Constable Samuel Tobin said:

“It is clear that Jason Grove had a significant quantity of illegal drugs in his possession which he intended to sell to other drug users. Jason was yet another cog in the drug trade wheel which blights our towns and cities. The damage these drug dealers do to our communities is immeasurable, and they are solely motivated by their own financial greed, and care nothing for the welfare of those they sell the drugs to.”

At Swansea Crown Court, prosecutors told the judge that the heroin seized was enough to make more than 50 individual street deals. Recorder Victoria Hillier said Grove had “the means to measure and prepare deals” and stressed that trafficking Class A drugs was always treated as a serious offence because of the harm caused to users and communities.

The court heard Grove had no previous convictions and had turned to drugs following the death of his grandmother. His advocate, Andrew Evans, said Grove had been an “ad hoc street dealer” supplying to a small number of people to fund his own habit, and that he had supportive family ties to help him rebuild his life after release.

South Wales Police said Grove’s case also highlighted the dangers of knife crime. DC Tobin added:

“Grove was also found in possession of a lock knife. With this week being Operation Sceptre Intensification Week, our officers will again take the opportunity not only to carry out enforcement activity against those carrying knives in public; they will also be out educating the public and sharing wider awareness of knife crime.”

Grove was sentenced to 30 months in prison, with the court confirming he will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence.

Police have urged anyone with concerns about drug dealing or vulnerable people being targeted by organised crime groups to contact them on 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In emergencies, the public should dial 999.

#amphetamines #clase #diamorphine #drugConviction #drugDealing #drugs #heroin #knifeCrime #southWalesPolice #swansea

Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein honoured with blue plaque at Langland Bay

The plaque has been installed on the promenade wall near the Hole in the Wall Café — a spot the philosopher is believed to have walked past many times during his visits to the area.

It is the latest addition to Swansea Council’s blue plaque scheme, which celebrates the city’s heritage and has now been running for 12 years.

Wittgenstein’s Swansea connection

Born in Vienna in 1889, Wittgenstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of the modern era, best known for his work in logic, mathematics, the philosophy of mind and language.

His visits to Swansea were prompted by his close friendship with philosopher Rush Rhees, who taught at Swansea University from 1940 to 1966. Wittgenstein often stayed at guest houses in Langland and Uplands, spending time walking the Gower coastline and developing ideas that would shape his later work.

It is believed these summers had a profound influence on his thinking. In a 1945 letter to his friend Norman Malcolm, Wittgenstein reflected warmly on his time in Swansea, writing:

“I know quite a number of people here whom I like. I seem to find it more easy to get along with them here than in England. I feel much more often like smiling.”

Recognition and legacy

The plaque was proposed by Dr Alan Sandry, Senior Lecturer in the School of Management at Swansea University.

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“Ludwig Wittgenstein’s connection to Swansea is a remarkable story that links our city to one of the greatest minds of the 20th century. His time here influenced his thinking and helped inspire a generation of philosophers at Swansea University. The blue plaque scheme allows us to celebrate these powerful connections and share them with residents and visitors, helping shine a light on the people who have shaped our city’s cultural and intellectual heritage.”

Swansea’s blue plaque scheme

The scheme is open to nominations from the public for people and places of historic interest. Other recipients include architect Glendenning Moxham, musician Pete Ham, novelist Ann of Swansea, anti‑slavery campaigner Jessie Donaldson, polar explorer Edgar Evans, and the Vetch Field.

#bluePlaque #cllrElliottKing #drAlanSandry #heritage #holeInTheWallCafe #langlandBay #ludwigWittgenstein #philosopher #schoolOfManagement #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversity

Second strike: Swansea speed camera targeted with red paint days after angle‑grinder attack replacement

Camera targeted twice in 18 months

The average speed camera outside the Kings Head pub on Llangyfelach Road was first destroyed in May 2024, when it was hacked down with an angle grinder. Video footage of the incident went viral, prompting South Wales Police to launch an appeal and offer a £1,000 reward for information.

After standing dormant for more than a year, a replacement camera was erected on 20 October 2025. But within days the new device was attacked — this time sprayed with red paint, apparently fired from a paint gun, leaving its lenses obscured.

A controversial history

The cameras themselves have long been controversial. Installed in June 2018 as part of a £455,000 road safety initiative, they remained switched off for five years due to technical issues, only becoming operational in June 2023.

The stretch of Llangyfelach Road was reduced from 30mph to 20mph under the Welsh Government’s default 20mph speed limit introduced in September 2023. That policy sparked a record‑breaking petition against its implementation. While Swansea Council later identified 17 roads to revert back to 30mph, Llangyfelach Road was not among them — a decision that has fuelled frustration among motorists.

Enforcement hotspot

The road has also become one of South Wales’ busiest enforcement sites. In August 2025, Llangyfelach Road ranked 6th in the region’s top 20 speeding hotspots, with 3,295 Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIPs) and 1,116 fixed penalties issued.

GoSafe, the Wales road casualty reduction partnership, says cameras are placed in areas with high collision rates or community concerns about speeding. Four fixed 20mph cameras are being activated across Wales this month as part of wider enforcement measures.

Police investigation

South Wales Police previously confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with the 2024 incident, but no further action was taken due to lack of evidence.

The force has yet to issue a statement on the latest vandalism, but enquiries are understood to be ongoing.

Community reaction

Local Facebook groups have been filled with debate since the latest attack, with some residents criticising the 20mph limit and others warning that vandalising cameras undermines road safety efforts.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Video of speed camera cut down goes viral
Footage showed the original Llangyfelach Road camera being removed with an angle grinder in May 2024.

Police re‑issue appeal after camera cut down
South Wales Police offered a £1,000 reward for information following the incident.

Speed cameras switched on five years late
Cameras installed in 2018 as part of a £455k scheme were only activated in June 2023.

17 Swansea roads revert to 30mph
Council confirmed which roads would return to 30mph after the Welsh Government’s 20mph rollout.

Thousands caught speeding on Swansea roads
Llangyfelach Road ranked 6th in South Wales for speeding offences in August 2025.

#20mph #criminalDamage #featured #fixedPenaltyNotice #gosafe #llangyfelachRoad #noticesOfIntendedProsecution #speedCamera #speeding #swansea #treboeth #vandalisedSpeedCamera #vandalism

Swansea support worker honoured with national award for helping rare cancer patients

Lucy Whiddett, 40, won the Sarcoma Healthcare Professional Innovation and Excellence Award at Sarcoma UK’s Shining Star ceremony, held at Tower Bridge in London last week.

Lucy has worked as a sarcoma support worker since 2019, becoming a vital lifeline for patients and families facing the disease. Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can develop in muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues, with around 100 different subtypes. Around 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day across the UK.

“I love this job. I feel very privileged to be able to help people at such a difficult time in their lives and make things a little easier,” Lucy said. “I now can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Supporting patients from diagnosis onwards

Lucy is often the first point of contact for newly diagnosed patients, offering phone guidance, signposting to services and making direct referrals. She has also helped create a digital noticeboard giving patients instant access to information about their diagnosis, and organised engagement events to bring patients together.

Remarkably, Lucy had never heard of sarcoma before applying for the role.

“I had worked in community care, but I wanted a change and saw the job, then I looked into it,” she explained.

Her impact has extended beyond Swansea Bay. Lucy helped establish a national group for sarcoma support workers, meeting regularly online to share expertise and hear from specialists.

National recognition

With around 5,300 people diagnosed with sarcoma annually in the UK, Lucy’s work ensures patients have a positive experience throughout their treatment journey.

Sam Hackett, Sarcoma UK’s Healthcare Professional Engagement Lead, said:

“Many patients have never heard of sarcoma before their diagnosis, which makes Lucy’s role so vital. She provides that crucial human connection and support when people need it most. Lucy’s commitment to excellence in her role has undoubtedly made a real difference to many patients and families and we are really happy to be able to recognise her work in this way.”

#award #cancer #communityCare #sarcoma #sarcomaUk #swansea #swanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

Swansea MS meets First Bus to discuss future of city’s transport network

South Wales West MS Tom Giffard has met with FirstGroup representatives at the Senedd to discuss the future of Swansea’s bus services, including plans for electrification, franchising, and the impact of recent strikes.

The meeting comes as First Bus rolls out a £350 million national investment to electrify its fleet, converting diesel vehicles to electric and introducing new carbon‑neutral buses across Wales.

“Reliable, timely public transport”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Giffard said he welcomed First Bus’s commitment to improving services:

“It was great to meet some of the team from First Bus to talk through their commitment to helping provide a timely, reliable public transport system, as well as their huge investment into a fleet of brand‑new carbon‑neutral buses across Wales, many of which will be coming to Swansea soon.

“I sincerely hope the Welsh Government engage with First Bus to enable them to help build the services people across Swansea deserve.”

He also raised concerns about the impact of the default 20mph speed limit on bus routes and journey times, calling for greater investment in roads and junction upgrades along the M4 at Ynysforgan and Penllergaer.

On social media, Mr Giffard shared a light‑hearted post after trying out one of the new buses himself:

“Good to get behind the wheel of a new First bus coming to a Swansea street near you very soon. But don’t worry, hopefully the drivers won’t still be on strike by then, so I won’t be the one behind the wheel!”

First Cymru: Net zero ambitions

Rob Pymm, Commercial Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was pleased to hear Mr Giffard’s support for their net zero ambitions.

“We were pleased to meet Tom Giffard MS this week and hear he is supporting our moves to a net zero fleet with £350million invested so far nationally to electrify our depots and buses.

“The arrival of electric buses in Swansea will depend on franchise plans by Transport for Wales (TfW) and Welsh Government, and we’ll continue to work closely with TfW to lend our expertise in this area to help ensure our net‑zero ambitions arrive in the country. We already operate eight electric TrawsCymru buses on the growing T1 service as part of our partnership with TfW.”

Looking ahead

While the timeline for electric buses in Swansea will depend on Welsh Government franchising decisions, both First Cymru and Mr Giffard emphasised the importance of building a transport system that is affordable, reliable and sustainable.

Mr Giffard said he would continue to advocate for improvements and invited Swansea residents to share feedback on issues they want raised.

#busFranchising #electricBus #firstBus #firstCymru #swansea #t1 #tfw #tomGiffardMs #transportForWales #trawsCymru

Swansea’s Christmas Parade shortlisted for national award

The parade, which returns on Saturday 23 November with a new city centre route, has been shortlisted for Event of the Year (Local Authority) at the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards 2025.

Building on festive coverage

Earlier this month, Swansea Bay News reported on the city centre’s festive programme, including the Victorian Christmas Fayre, Winter Wonderland, and the new parade route beginning at the Guildhall and finishing on Princess Way. Now, the parade itself has been named among the UK’s best outdoor events.

National recognition

The NOEA Awards, held in Bath on Wednesday 26 November, celebrate excellence across the UK’s outdoor events industry. Swansea Council’s parade stands alongside major national festivals and pioneering councils, with finalists chosen for innovation, quality and community impact.

Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“This marks the second time this year that Swansea’s events programme has been recognised nationally. The Christmas Parade is a highlight of the city’s festive calendar, and this shows how Swansea continues to deliver memorable, inclusive and high‑quality events for our communities.”

What to expect this year

The 2025 parade will feature floats, performers and festive characters along its new route:

• Starting at the Guildhall
• Along St Helen’s Road
• Through the Kingsway
• Across College Street
• Down Castle Street and Caer Street
• Finishing on Princess Way

Organisers say the changes will give families fresh vantage points and new experiences as the city centre lights up for Christmas.

#christmas #christmasParade #nationalOutdoorEventsAssociation #noeaAwards2025 #swansea #swanseaChristmasParade #swanseaChristmasParade2025 #swanseaCityCentreChristmas #swanseaCouncil #swanseaCouncilEvents #swanseaFestiveEvents #swanseaWinterWonderland #victorianChristmasFayreSwansea