Latest news with #Chadwick
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
MOD concerned over Powys wind farm affecting RAF training
Concerns have been raised about potential dangers to RAF planes that could be caused by a planned wind farm in Powys. The Banc Y Ceylin Wind Farm would border the Sennybridge Training area near Builth Wells and the plans on the site for 26 wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 200 metres have raised worries with the armed forces. It is understood the MOD has raised concerns over the impact of the windfarm on low flying military aircraft, which was now been highlighted by constituency MP David Chadwick. The Tactical Training Area known as "Low Flying Area 7(T)' sees military aircraft operate down to 100 ft above ground level – which is well below the 500 ft tip height of the planned turbines. The MOD can raise objections to plans which may affect national security and defence when it may affect defence sites such as the training area. The planned wind farm is a joint venture between Wind2 and companies managed by Octopus Energy Generation. The plans in a scoping report submitted to the Welsh Government noted a potential impact on the low flying area. MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick raised concerns after learning that the wind farm may impact the low-flying training zone. Mr Chadwick wrote to the MOD regarding concerns raised by local residents about the potential impact of the development. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Attending a low-flying aircraft briefing last week, he said he was told that the proposed turbines could force low-flying aircraft to divert from key training areas. 'Low-flying training in mid Wales plays a vital role in keeping our armed forces prepared and ready,' said Mr Chadwick. "It is vital that all relevant information is now put on the table, that the MOD and RAF are fully aligned, and that local communities such as Merthyr Cynnog are kept properly informed. "We must strike the right balance between delivering clean energy and protecting the operational needs of our armed forces. I will continue to press for full transparency on this matter.' A spokesperson for Wind2 said: "From the outset, Wind2 has recognised the significance of SENTA and the associated safeguarding considerations. "We've been in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as part of our early development work, and that dialogue continues to ensure any potential concerns are fully understood and addressed. "In March 2025, we submitted a formal scoping request to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), with the scoping direction being issued on June 20. "We've also been in regular contact with Powys County Council as part of our broader engagement. We are fully committed to continue to work with all stakeholders. "It's also important to note that no planning application has been submitted.
New Paper
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Chadwick keeps Poon on toes
HONG KONG The battle for the Tony Cruz Award as Hong Kong's leading homegrown jockey intensified at Happy Valley on June 25, when Matthew Chadwick's double pushed him to within two wins of Matthew Poon, with only six meetings left in the 2024/25 season. Chadwick boosted his season's tally to 34 - compared to Poon's 36 - with wins on the Cruz-trained Superb Capitalist in the HK$1.86 million (S$303,000) Class 3 St George's Challenge Cup Handicap (1,000m) and Me Tsui's Another Zonda in the HK$2.05 million Class 3 Renfrew Handicap (1,650m). Winner of the Tony Cruz Award in 2021/22, Chadwick has steadily cut into Poon's lead with seven wins from the last nine meetings, and is poised to continue the challenge ahead of the season finale on July 16. "We'll see what happens, we'll try our best. I'm just trying to pick up better rides. The fields are getting smaller, everyone's riding well and it's harder to get rides," said Chadwick. "You've just got to make them count when they come. Hopefully, I can get some more decent rides." Superb Capitalist ($23) notched his fifth victory at Happy Valley - and sixth overall - before Another Zonda ($54) scored his first win at the city circuit after previously triumphing at Sha Tin. My Day My Way ($16) broke through in spectacular fashion for Danny Shum and Jerry Chau in the second section of the Class 4 Hereford Handicap (1,200m). Woodfire Champ ($58) claimed his second course-and-distance victory with success in the Class 5 Chester Handicap (1,200m) for Michael Chang and Derek Leung. Seventh of 12 runners at the 150m, My Day My Way charged late to claim New Power in the last stride, prevailing by a short head. "He ran a tremendous race, I knew coming to the outside would be hard but we were very lucky," said Shum. "The last 20 metres, he was very strong. I think he can win in Class 3 as well. I'll give him a break now and wait for next season." Shum posted a double when Harry Bentley piloted progressive three-year-old Wrote A New Page ($29) to his second successive win in the first section of the Class 4 Lancashire Handicap (1,650m). Chang also eventually sealed a brace when Amazing Victory ($156) presented James Orman with his ninth win of the season by claiming the third section of the Class 4 Hereford Handicap (1,200m). "When I thought I was going to be here for only six weeks, the goal was to get one winner," said Orman, who arrived from Queensland, Australia in February. "When I got the extension, I thought I wanted to ride 10 winners - I thought it was a reasonable goal for my first stint and less than half a year. "I didn't come here with expectations to be riding winners here every week like at home. I just wanted to get a few winners and hopefully stay." David Hayes combined with Lyle Hewitson to land the second section of the Class 4 Lancashire Handicap (1,650m) with Amazing Run ($58), who succeeded despite drawing his eighth double-figure barrier from 11 starts this season. "He's had a really unlucky year with bad barriers - tonight included (gate 10), but Hewitson rode a great race and he won like a good horse, so we're very happy," said Hayes. "He had no gear on when he won, then he lost his form and we were trying to make him win playing around with his gear. "But we just decided to go back to nothing and the horse really likes it." David Hall's Never Too Soon ($16) swept to a three-length triumph in the first section Class 4 Hereford Handicap (1,200m) for Brenton Avdulla. "He (Never Too Soon) is a good old soldier, he's had a pretty tough season - it's taken him all this time until he could get his win," Hall said of the seven-year-old, who won three races in Australia when he raced as Never Never River in 2020/21. "He's got down to a rating of 54 and he was always going to be dangerous. He's a backmarker and in these 1,200m races at Happy Valley races, he always needs a bit of luck. "He needs a barrier and he needs a bit of speed to help. He got in the right race tonight off that rating and got his run at the right time." Dragon Four Seas ($26) thundered to victory in the Class 3 Selkirk Handicap (1,200m) to give Zac Purton his 123rd win of the season and Manfred Man his 38th of the campaign. HKJC
Powys County Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys MP meets Government Minister over bluetongue crisis
A Powys MP has met with a Government minister over the crisis for sheep farmers that could be coming due to Bluetongue restrictions. MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, met with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales Dame Nia Griffith to discuss the issue which has farmers either side of the Welsh Border alarmed. Mr Chadwick was also able to secure invitations for Matthew Nicholls - Director at Hereford Market Auctioneers & Welsh representative of the Livestock Auctioneers Association and Simon Edwards - the Chairman of McCartneys to join the meeting with the Minister. From July 1 sheep farmers will be required to pay for a bluetongue test for the animals to cross into Wales from England which may cost as much as £70 per animal. The move has been met with horror by local farmers who in some cases will face a bill of as much as £25,000 to move sheep from one part of their land to another. During the meeting, Mr Chadwick explained the situation facing farmers on the Welsh border and the economic impact facing farmers and local livestock markets in Knighton, Talgarth, Builth Wells, Hereford and Welshpool. Both Mr Nicholls and Mr Edwards explained directly to the Minister the scale of the threat faced by local farmers and livestock markets as a result of the effective hard border for sheep travelling between England and Wales. Following the meeting, Under-Secretary of State for Wales Dame Nia Griffith said she will seek to work with the Welsh Government to find a solution. 'I'm very grateful to the Minister for making the time to meet with myself and representatives of the local livestock markets to discuss the issues being faced by the sector as a result of the Welsh Government's response to Bluetongue,' said Mr Chadwick. 'The Liberal Democrats have been repeatedly highlighting how the current system is completely unworkable and not financially viable for local farmers, especially as we approach breeding season at the end of summer. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app 'The Welsh Government must focus on vaccination and do away with the impractical testing scheme. 'I will continue to ensure I engage with both Welsh and UK Government ministers to make this case and update local farmers on any progress.' Mr David Chadwick has questioned ministers twice on the issue, as has his Lib Dem colleague from North Shropshire Helen Morgan MP and the Liberal Democrats' Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Marie Goldman MP.
Powys County Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers' along the border
The Welsh Government have been warned that Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border. MP for Brecon, Radnorshire and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick and Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds have demanded urgent action to support farmers in Powys and across the Welsh marches. New rules set to come into force on July 1 will see sheep unable to cross the Welsh border unless it has had a bluetongue test, even if it has been vaccinated, which can cost as much as £70 per animal. The Welsh Government has relaxed rules on cattle to allow vaccinated animals to enter, however sheep will not be subject to the change despite there being over 8 million sheep being farmed in Wales in 2024. Much of the trade taking place across the England-Wales border and local farmer James Gittins warned that "in the worst-case scenario, we are going to see the numbers of lambs produced in Wales drop by 10 to 20 per cent, from which it may never recover." Livestock markets such as Builth, Prestige and Welshpool are also set to be massively hit by the rules. In Westminster on Thursday, Mr Chadwick questioned the UK Government EFRA Minister about how it plans to prevent a de facto veterinary hard border between England and Wales and protect cross-border farms from economic harm. Chadwick warned that the cost of testing 'is a devastating burden our local farmers cannot afford to take on at a time they are already under such significant financial pressure'. While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the Minister declined to commit to additional support, citing devolved powers. 'These sudden and costly changes risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border,' said Mr Chadwick. 'Cross-border movement is essential to how agriculture works in this region, it's not optional. If nothing changes, this will do serious damage to rural livelihoods and the local economy. 'We need urgent coordination between the Welsh and UK Governments to ease the burden and protect our farms.' In the Senedd, Jane Dodds raised the impact the policy is having on farmers' mental health, and urged the Welsh Government to work more closely together with a focus on vaccination over an unworkable testing and licensing scheme. Both representatives are calling for a joined-up, four-nation response to bluetongue, including surge funding for testing and vaccination. 'I've spoken with farmers, vets, and local markets and the message is clear, the current plan is unworkable,' said Ms Dodds. 'Testing is costly, slow, and does nothing to support already stressed farm communities. 'Vaccination must be at the heart of our response. We need a united approach between both Cardiff and London that puts farmers' wellbeing and practical realities first.'
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Luke Chadwick on facing up to abuse and lifts to Old Trafford with Roy Keane
Luke Chadwick racked up over 500 professional appearances and an immensely successful football career. But the majority of conversations he has - including this one - still revolve around his seven years at Manchester United and the 39 appearances he made under Alex Ferguson. 'I never get bored of it', Chadwick says. 'I'm not naive to think anyone would know who I am if I hadn't been lucky enough to represent the club and it's something I'm very proud of. I'm really grateful. The life lessons I learned helped shape the person I am today.' Chadwick can look back fondly now, but the scars from that period took a long time to heal. It was October 1999 when Ferguson continued his contempt for the League Cup and selected the youngest-ever side in club history for a trip to Villa Park, with wiry winger Chadwick handed his debut. The 3-0 drubbing saw Ferguson deliver a forceful post-mortem, reminding the novices that such a defeat was wholly unacceptable. Chadwick was dispatched to United's partner club Royal Antwerp and would wait an entire year before seeing first-team action again. But in Belgium, Chadwick's excellent performances stirred some media attention and after a major interview with one of the national papers, he raced to a newsstand later that week to proudly grab a copy. 'I couldn't understand Flemish but I skimmed the article nevertheless,' Chadwick recounts in his recently-released autobiography Not Just A Pretty Face. 'I froze when I saw a paragraph containing words and phrases that I could understand. 'Dentures a la Bugs Bunny'. 'Acne''. Read More Matheus Cunha completes move to Manchester United on a five-year deal Embarrassed and ashamed, Chadwick hoped that it would be the first and last time the media would target him because of what he looked like. It wasn't. After being summoned back to Manchester early in the 2000/01 season, Chadwick was frequently involved and found the net twice as United cantered their way to another Premier League title. He had earned Ferguson's trust, negotiated a lucrative new contract and should have been savouring every moment. Instead, he was struggling with his mental health, becoming reclusive and withdrawn and dealing with paralysing levels of anxiety. All because of an incident that occurred the night before a home fixture against Derby County. Chadwick, then just 20 years old, received a text from a friend, who congratulated him on his 'appearance' on the BBC's light-hearted sports panel show They Think It's All Over. In the pit of his stomach, Chadwick knew what was coming. He waited to catch a repeat and sat in horror as his picture came on screen and host Nick Hancock did the rest. 'This photo of Luke Chadwick was ruined…when Luke Chadwick showed up'. Zing. Chadwick writes in the book that despite being so embarrassed, he 'perversely' kept watching. And a few minutes later, Hancock delivered another insult. Luke Chadwick's book 'Iron Maiden's biggest hit is The Number of the Beast. And if you want to know the number of the beast, Luke Chadwick wears the number 36'. Chadwick's self-esteem started to unravel. He would turn down invitations from team-mates to head out and socialise, the numbing fear of abuse ensuring he'd order a takeaway and hunker down in his flat instead. He would even avoid shopping. But every Friday night, without fail, he would sit in front of the TV and tune into They Think It's All Over, agonisingly waiting for the inevitable mockery. Afterwards he'd sit in silence and wonder when it would all stop. Instead, it started to spread, from national television to magazines and newspapers. At one point, The Guardian described a blow-up between Ryan Giggs and goalkeeper Roy Carroll at a festive knees-up. 'Manchester United's Christmas party turned ugly on Wednesday night, though it had nothing at all to do with the presence of Luke Chadwick'. The media instigated the abuse and others were empowered. Chadwick was teflon on the pitch, unaffected by any verbals from the crowd. But, getting back on the team bus after away games now became a jarring experience. He avoids the specifics, but describes the toxic abuse from rival supporters as 'really awful stuff'. On trips back home to Cambridge - a consistently safe space for Chadwick - he started to hear the occasional smart comment. As a defence mechanism, he'd proudly boast about earning £12,000 per week. He admits the entire ordeal changed him as a person 'for a short period'. Years later, as the world grappled with the mental toll of isolation amidst persistent lockdowns, Chadwick finally opened up via social media, discussing his struggles during that period. Hancock apologised, as did Gary Lineker - one of the team captains on They Think It's All Over. 'I was never watching telly thinking, 'I hate these guys'', Chadwick says. 'There was never any grudge like that because I'm just not that type of person. All I wanted was for it to stop because it filled me with so much dread and shame. But I'm 100% responsible for how I feel. I didn't have the emotional intelligence to deal with it internally. I wasn't able to show vulnerability because I felt so embarrassed about it. So it wasn't about the TV show. It was about me and trying to stop how I felt and not knowing how to do that'. Chadwick is quick to admit his off-field struggles did not contribute to his subsequent exit from United in 2004, following loan spells with Reading and Burnley. Known for his pace, he'd begun to feel pain in his pelvis and hips. Surgery inevitably followed and when Chadwick returned for pre-season, he noticed a seismic change in his game: a substantial drop in his explosiveness. Roy Keane advised him to grin and bear it, that playing through an injury was part of the life of a Manchester United player. Ironically, Keane would be forced to retire because of a persistent hip problem. Keane provided plenty of counsel to Chadwick throughout his time at the club, putting him in touch with his solicitor Michael Kennedy during contract negotiations and acting as an unofficial chauffeur on plenty of occasions. Memorably, it was Chadwick in the passenger seat on the drive home following Keane's infamous retribution on Alf Inge Haaland in the Manchester derby in April 2001. PRESENTING: MUTV Presenter Luke Chadwick is seen prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium. Pic: Visionhaus/Getty Images 'That was a quiet car ride back to my flat', he says with a laugh. 'But he was the ultimate captain. Some players are just moaners, whinging about everything. And you never felt that way about him. It's hard in the moment, when he's shouting at you and telling you off. But you listened to him and understood why he was doing it. More than anything, you wanted to impress him because he was such an influence on the club.' Though there was plenty of advice on some things, few at United seemed interested in delving too much into the abuse Chadwick was still receiving. During a reserve game against Manchester City, he played poorly and was replaced. As he sat on the bench, confidence completely extinguished, the insults began from the City fans. The abuse was so bad, and so personal, that in an effort to quell the vitriol, Brian McClair - United's reserve boss at the time - turned around to chastise them. Chadwick describes it as 'probably the lowest point of my United career'. When he left the club and signed with West Ham, it was an escape from the goldfish bowl, the intensity of the spotlight. Chadwick never played top-flight football again but went on to enjoy an impressive career with Stoke, Norwich and most notably MK Dons. And he also developed the maturity to look back on his struggles with a fresh perspective. Read More Roy Keane: England players were having a chat like they were in Starbucks Chadwick is now director of the Football Fun Factory, a nationwide company specializing in using sport as a way for children to express themselves in a relaxed environment, and has developed the maturity to look back on his struggles with a fresh perspective. 'The understanding of self is the most important thing we can ever accomplish, really', he says. 'There should probably be more work done within that field when you're growing up to ensure you develop into a grounded young adult. My whole life was about football. And it's all you think about. But when something happens, do you have the emotional intelligence to handle it? With the abuse I received, I didn't know how to deal with it. And it's not just being about a footballer but on a wider scale. It's having a better sense of your emotions and feelings to lead a happy and fulfilling life.' Not Just A Pretty Face is out now and available via Pitch Publishing.
