Latest news with #JohnGriffiths
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Dementia-friendly art class in Wrexham helps and calms
Kath and John Griffiths have been married for 63 years, and for the past decade, she has also been his carer, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in are challenges and difficulties, Kath says, good days and bad, but says a weekly art class the couple both attend has a calming effect on her husband. "It's very relaxing, drawing. You can get your feelings out," John says, by Dementia Friendly Wrexham, the class is for those living with the disease and their partners, carers, or other family members and friends. For Kath, it's also a place where she can relax, chat and seek support from others going through the same things she is, while John, a former engineer, is absorbed in his art said it was part of the week they can "both look forward to", adding that they have "surprised themselves" with what they have achieved."Margaret [the teacher] has this way, she can get anyone to do things. We're so proud of the things we've produced," Kath added. Work created by Kath and John as well as some of the other 33 members of the class are currently on display at an exhibition at the National Trust property, Chirk Castle, which runs until the middle of champion Frank Hemmings, who has been involved with the art class from the beginning, said it gives them a sense of "pride" to see their work on display. But he said the real benefit is in the quiet time they spend in the class."It's good therapy. For those two hours, that person living with dementia is calm and enjoying themselves and really engrossed in their art, and their carer... they're given that period of time with peace, amongst like minded people," he said. "They can talk, ask for advice and share issues and problems."He added that some of the art work created is a "really high standard", but said it can sometimes be sad."We see some fabulous art by some... and 10 minutes after they've done it, they don't realise they've done it, I've had that conversation on a lot of occasions," he said. The way people with dementia draw and paint can also change over time, he Keen, from Llangollen, Denbighshire, said her husband Terry, 80, started off in the class four years ago painting things that were recognisable, but now draws in an abstract way."He just enjoys the drawing and he's just evolved over the years," she said. "He's not seeing things in the same way, but still getting something out of it. He's meeting people and getting his ideas down on paper."I just think it's an excellent way of expressing himself." The class teacher Margaret Roberts has taught watercolour painting for 30 years and says the dementia friendly group is "full of love". "Some say it's the highlight of their week... the joy of painting and drawing together and just having a nice time doing it," she said. "There's banter between the couples... it's just fun."
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Newport takes centre stage at road safety conference
The third Rhiannon Jade Smith Road Safety Conference, organised by the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust, was co-hosted by Newport East MS John Griffiths and the charity's founder, Dr Julian Smith. The trust was established in memory of Ms Smith, who died in a car crash in 2017 at the age of 21. Dr Smith said: "A big thank you to all who helped organise the third Road Safety Conference in memory of our daughter Rhiannon. "This includes our speakers, John Griffiths, and Langstone Community Council, who provided a grant towards the conference costs." He said the event focused on achieving 'Vision Zero'—the goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on UK roads and graduated driving licences, the 20mph zones and hazards towards vulnerable road users. Newport City Council representatives were in attendance, including Councillor Rhian Howells and Councillor Ray Mogford. The recently formed St Julians and Beechwood Community Action Group also took part. Mr Griffiths said: "Road safety is a fundamental issue for every community, not just in Newport but across Wales. "I was proud to support this important conference and the powerful work of the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust."
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Protesters surround Senedd with 'red-line' at Palestinian demo
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered at the Senedd to call for the end of Israeli action in Gaza.A long red banner was held around much of the parliamentary estate, and chants of "free Palestine" were politicians, including Labour Senedd member John Griffiths and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, joined the Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar criticised the protest over slogans he said were used there. Former Plaid Cymru MS, Bethan Sayed, said the red banner - meant to symbolise a "red line" - was to show "how the people of Wales are angry at the current situation".The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Cymru activist said: "We know the Welsh government, the Senedd has taken a vote in support of a ceasefire, but since then, we haven't really seen as much action collectively as a parliament."The Welsh government is not responsible for international relations, but Ms Sayed said: "We certainly have moral compasses. We have that moral ability to stand up and to engage with world leaders on this." In the Senedd In the Senedd on Tuesday, First Minister Eluned Morgan said the situation in Gaza was "extremely grave" and it was "incumbent on all of us to draw attention to the dire situation and the extreme approach that is being taken there, in particular when it comes to preventing food from getting to the people in those areas".Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar criticised the livestream on BBC iPlayer of Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, whose singer was broadcast saying "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]" and for Palestine to be free "from the river to the sea".Millar said leaders of the Jewish community in Wales told him many were "extremely distressed and fearful" as a result of the scenes at claimed the words were "repeated at a protest that was attended by Labour and Plaid MSs" on Tory Senedd leader criticised the attendance of the MSs that went and invited Morgan to condemn the chants and the BBC for broadcasting said: "I'm very clear that it is not right to stir up hatred against any community, and it frankly, it's illegal, which is why there is a police inquiry going on at the moment."The phrase "river to the sea" refers to the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean, which critics of the chant argue is anti-Semitic and implicitly calls for the destruction of Israel. The PSC and other activists have contested this, saying the slogan refers to "the right of all Palestinians to freedom, equality and justice".A spokesman for PSC Cymru, which organised the demonstration, said they were not aware that any of the chants were made and said they were concerned that Millar's claims would "shift the story from Gaza"."We are a mainstream organisation that does not promote violence," the spokesman said. Later, Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt told the Senedd that the Welsh government continues to "call for a lift on the aid blockade to Gaza".She issued a statement after meeting an official from the UN Palestinian aid agency, Unrwa, which has been banned from operating in Israel."Unrwa should be supported and empowered to carry out its mandate," she wrote.
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Catherine Fookes MP on Welsh public services funding
This is a clear example of two Labour governments in Westminster and the Senedd, working together to invest in our country's renewal and deliver for people across the UK. I know that many people across the UK are angry and fed up. After 15 years of Conservative underinvestment in our public services and infrastructure, Wales in particular, has been left underfunded for far too long, with the Welsh Government doing their absolute best to deliver for Wales, dealing with limited budgets and an uncooperative UK Government. Compare that with today, it's so encouraging to see the UK Government committed to working with our Welsh Labour Government and finally giving Wales the investment it deserves. I know some people across Monmouthshire are still angry and fed up, and rightly so. 15 years of neglect by the former UK Conservative Government can't be undone overnight. People want to see action and they want to see real change in their daily lives. I truly believe that with this new partnership between the UK and Welsh Labour Governments, we finally have the opportunity to start delivering that. One of the most exciting announcements from last week's Spending Review was the £450 million allocated to rail infrastructure in Wales. This gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finally deliver a new train station in Magor and Undy – a project I've long supported alongside MS John Griffiths, MP Jessica Morden, Labour councillors on Monmouthshire County Council, and the Magor Rail Group. From knocking on doors and speaking with residents, I know how much this station means to our community. It would deliver greener, more reliable transport, ease congestion, and open up new job opportunities by better connecting us to the wider region. I've already raised the project in Parliament and held conversations with transport ministers, so I'm glad to see that this project could soon become a reality. I'll keep pushing to ensure Magor Walkway Station receives its share of this new funding and hope that we can get spades into the ground as soon as possible. But it's not just about transport. Wales will also benefit from £211 million each year for the next three years via a Growth and Community Fund, supporting our high streets, community centres, and investing in local regeneration. Other highlights from the Spending Review include: £80 million for green industries in Wales to drive the clean energy transition. £211 million a year for three years to support local growth and regeneration projects as a replacement to the Shared Prosperity Fund £118 million to maintain and make safe coal tips across Wales This is just the beginning. For the first time in a long time, we have two Labour Governments working hand-in-hand, and the benefits of that are being felt already. There's more cooperative decision-making, more fair funding, and more opportunity to deliver real, positive change for all of us across Monmouthshire. As your MP, I'll continue doing everything I can to make sure all of us here get our fair share of this investment. That means not only fighting your corner in Parliament, but also staying closely connected to your concerns and priorities at home. That's why I'm continuing to host regular face-to-face constituency surgeries to support residents with specific problems. I've also launched a series of 'Street Surgeries', where I visit different areas of Monmouthshire and go door-to-door to speak directly with residents and learn more about the issues you think we need to address. These conversations help shape the work me and my team do every week to support you – and I'll be continuing them over the coming months in every corner of Monmouthshire. Together, let's continue to build a stronger, fairer, greener Monmouthshire. But I can only do that by listening to you and working with you. If you have an issue or concern you think I can support you with, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can email me at or call my office on 01291 200 139. Catherine Fookes is Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire.
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Call to use rail investment to fund Magor Walkway Station
The investment, which forms part of the UK Government's latest spending review, is seen as a pivotal moment for Welsh railways. It is expected to fund significant transport upgrades throughout the country. Catherine Fookes MP, John Griffiths MS, Monmouthshire County Council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby and other local councillors are keen for part of this funding to be channelled towards the development of a station in Magor. Ms Fookes said: "Wales was starved of rail funding under the previous Conservative government and so this investment is long-overdue. "A new train station in Magor and Undy will have a huge positive impact on Monmouthshire. "I'll be doing everything I can to ensure a share of this investment goes towards finally delivering the station." The hope is that a station would deliver greener travel, better transport links and boost the local economy through improved access to jobs and services. Mr Griffiths said: "Magor Walkway Station has overwhelming local support and would bring huge benefits to our communities. "I've worked alongside campaigners for years and this investment gives us the best opportunity yet to make the station a reality." Ms Brocklesby added: "Magor Walkway Station is a project with strong community backing from local councillors, residents, and campaign groups. "I'll continue working with Catherine, John, and all partners to make sure Monmouthshire sees the benefit of this long-overdue rail project.'
