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South Wales Argus
37 minutes ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool dad nearly choked to death at Father's Day meal
Derek Parker, 66, had been enjoying a special meal with his family at the Harvester restaurant in Pontypool on Sunday, June 15. However, this joyous occasion took a turn for the worst when Derek started choking on a mouthful of his steak. Luckily for Derek the Pontypool community helped him and his family during this frighting ordeal. The Parker family out for a family meal (Left dad Derek Parker 66 with wife Susan Parker 67) (Right daughter Amy Parker 30 and brother Matthew Parker 31) (Image: Amy Parker) Speaking of the traumatic experience Derek said: 'I had the steak and on my second mouthful I couldn't get it back up. 'Our son (Matthew) did the Heimlich manoeuvre on me and managed to dislodge some of it. He has Autism, so he did very well but he was afraid he'd hurt me, but I was still choking.' Derek continued: 'Apparently this little boy ran up to his mother and said a man has fallen down and a woman came over. She was an off-duty nurse.' Thankfully for Derek and his family, the off-duty nurse was in the right place at the right time. Derek Parker and Wife Susan Parker outside their Pontypool home with a card and bunch of flowers gifted to them by the Pontypool Harvester team. (Image: NQ) Derek explained: 'She took over and I remember someone saying to me can you open your eyes, can you open your mouth. I couldn't do either. 'The next thing I remember was them lifting me into the ambulance and I had a quick scan in the Grange, and I was rushed up stairs for surgery.' Staff at the hospital thought the food had penetrated Derek's lungs. Rapidly responding to the incident, doctors performed an emergency surgery on Derek to help flush any food, vomit or blood out of his lungs. Derek has since fully recovered from the incident. The card written to Derek and his family from the Pontypool Harvester team. (Image: NQ) Derek's daughter Amy Parker, 30, witnessed her father choking in front of her. She told the Argus her account of events. 'It's a horrible feeling on any day but especially on Father's Day. I thought my dad was dying in front of me. 'At one point I could see he was coughing. I kept saying are you okay? Do you need a drink? Then the drink came through his nose, and he started turning blue. I was panicking. 'I couldn't remember how to do the Heimlich manoeuvre so I shouted out can somebody help.' Amy continued: 'Everyone was so helpful, one woman named Amelia helped calm my brother outside, another man named Stephen offered to pay for our meal which Harvester gave us for free. 'Louise the nurse was brilliant, she talked to the 999 operator and was telling me different things and reassuring me.' The family are incredibly grateful for the support given to them through this terrible ordeal. Derek said: 'I want to thank all the people involved. Many people moved their tables for me because I was on the floor. I was lucky.' Amy added: 'I will forever be grateful for everyone's help and support that we received during this difficult time. 'From the moment he started choking, up until when he got discharged the following evening, we could not fault the care and support we received. 'I genuinely thought I'd lose my dad on that day, but I'm so thankful he's still here with us, and that's down to all the action and care we received during this difficult time.'
The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Why Torness nuclear power plant is not all it's cracked up to be
The risk of a nuclear accident is thought to be relatively high in new reactors as they are broken in. Three Mile Island and Chernobyl were both in their break-in phase when accidents occurred. Then the risk lowers in mid-life. But as reactors become older, as with any other sort of equipment, there is an increased risk of age-related failures. The Fukushima reactors began commercial operation between 1971 and 1975, so were over 40 years old when the meltdowns occurred. Torness and Hunterston B are both Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs) which opened in 1976 and 1989 respectively. There were an estimated 586 cracks across the two Hunterston B reactors when it was eventually forced to close in January 2022. There are a similar number of cracks in just one of the two reactors at Torness, with cracks also starting to appear in the other reactor. Cracking in the graphite core of these reactors is a problem because graphite debris could build up in the fuel channels comprising the operator's ability to keep the fuel cool and misshapen bricks could make inserting the control rods difficult. In a worst-case either of these could lead to a meltdown. The late John Large, a nuclear engineering consultant, explained that cracks also cast doubt on the safety of these reactors in the event of an emergency like an earthquake. A cracked and deteriorating core has lost its residual strength. If the core is wobbled by a small earthquake the core could become misaligned, and the fuel modules could get stuck in the core. Then the fuel temperature would get raised and could undergo a melt. If the radioactivity gets into the gas stream and the reactor is venting because it's over pressurised then you have a release the radioactive gas into the atmosphere and you have dispersion and a contamination problem. Pete Roche (Image: NQ) Clearly, it's time for the ageing Torness reactors to be closed. Keeping them open any longer would be gambling with public safety. We also have to bear in mind that there is a significant design difference at Torness, compared with Hunterston, which could make the cracking problem worse. The Torness reactors have seal rings between the graphite bricks that make up the reactor core. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) says there could be 'a systematic failure' of the seal rings after cracking. In January 2020, ONR brought forward the date when it expected to start seeing cracks appearing at Torness by six years but the closure date was only brought forward by two years from 2030 to 2028. Logically, we might have expected Torness to close in 2024. Then, in January 2024, in a bizarre switch, EDF changed its mind, and reverted to a 2030 closure date 'subject to plant inspections and regulatory approvals'. READ MORE on the Future of Torness series: Torness was only ever expected to operate for 30 or at most 35 years, so it is now past its sell by date. With cracks appearing in both reactors the precautionary principle dictates that it is time to shut up shop. Jobs at Torness won't disappear immediately when the station closes. It took over three years to empty Hunterston B of fuel. After that it will take almost a century to dismantle the buildings, decommission the reactors and eradicate the radiation from the land and buildings, in fact, when Hunterston B transfers its ownership from EDF to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) next April, the Scottish Parliament has been told the NDA will probably need to recruit more staff to help with the decommissioning work. As far as building new reactors at Torness, or anywhere else in Scotland, whether large or small, is concerned, that would be the last thing Scotland needs. It is perfectly feasible to supply 100% of Scotland's energy (not just electricity) from renewable sources. Future of Torness logo (Image: NQ) In fact, a recent study by renowned energy modelling academics at the LUT University in Finland, showed that not only is a 100% renewable energy mix feasible for the whole UK but it would save well over £100 billion in achieving net zero by 2050, compared to the UK Government's current strategy. What we need to balance variable renewables and reduce payments for turning off renewables is not always on 24/7 nuclear reactors, but more energy storage and flexibility in electricity demand. Nuclear power is too slow, too inflexible and too expensive to play a role in cutting carbon emissions.
South Wales Argus
16 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Is there a charge to visit Big Pit museum in Blaenavon?
Run by ex-miners, the site located in Blaenavon first opened back in 1983 and operated independently until it became part of Amgueddfa Cymru. Its cultural purpose, of course, is to educate visitors about the lives of miners who worked there. Now the museum has started charging people for the famous underground tour. The grounds of Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) From April 2025 to Summer 2026, a trial has been launched with tickets at £8 per person. Tickets for the tour also must be booked in advance. However, there is an on the day option which is limited depending on availability for a fee of £5. The controversial idea to start charging people has been met with mixed reviews. Speaking at a Senedd Committee earlier this month (June 6) Delyth Jewell MS, Chair of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee, said: 'Free entry to national museums has been a successful policy and we want to see it continue – as a matter of principle, no one should have to pay to enjoy collections that belong to the people of Wales. 'As the custodians of our nation's history, the Welsh Government has a responsibility to fund our national institutions adequately.' Inside Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Around 150,000 visitors descend on the location each year to experience the world-famous underground tour. The immersive museum has been a childhood cultural staple for many people in the area and attracts visitors from far and wide. Here's how these visitors on site reacted to the news of increased fees. Teacher Steven Hurst at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Steven Hurst, 39, is a teacher from Chepstow. He was at the site on a school trip. Steven commented that funding could be an issue. He said: 'A lot of funding has disappeared from these spaces and it's necessary to keep this heritage alive. 'It's a bit disappointing because heritage and history should be free for all. 'Especially people in Wales who have grown up with these things. 'I came here as a kid, and to see these things increasing in price it's quite disappointing.' Visitor David Bernntto at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) David Bernotto, aged 72, was surprised by the fact fees had been introduced. He said: 'I was a little bit surprised, but they've had their funding cut by the Welsh government and if they want to keep going, they've got to do something.' He added: "For children I think it should be free. 'To be fair I think but it's a brilliant day out and there's tonnes here to see so it's really worth a visit.' Last year alone Amgueddfa Cymru's revenue was cut by 6%. This cut was part of broader reductions in public funding for cultural services in Wales. The museum described this as the "biggest cuts to Amgueddfa Cymru's budget ever.' Husband and wife Pat Bradbury and Marie Bradbury at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Husband and wife Pat Bradbury 84, and Marie Bradbury 74, were on holiday in Wales. Originally from Cornwall the couple argued it was worth the fee. Pat said: 'Compared to some other exhibitions in the UK that you can go around and tends to be much more expensive this seems okay. 'It was very interesting.' Marie added: 'You learn about what a hard life the miners had, and I think it's very reasonable price for the tour we had today.' Visitor Ralph Davey at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Ralph Davey aged 80, said: 'I think for the tour it's fair because you've got to employ people without it you wouldn't get footfall.' An Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales spokesperson said: 'We look forward to continuing to work with Welsh Government as they consider the findings and recommendations of this report. 'The current trial is likely to run until summer 2026.'
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Meet Newport's newest Italian restaurant, Moka E Farina
Owner and manager Aziz Harache, 46, began cooking in 2000 and since then his work has taken him across Europe, before coming to Newport. After working in Paris and Ireland, Aziz developed a love for 'late cafes'. These cafes are simply cafes that stay open later than usual but give customers a relaxed environment to spend their time sipping coffee and eating crepes until the early hours. The restaurant interior is modern and homely (Image: NQ) Aziz claims that over 20 years of experience working as a chef means that he can cook anything, but Italian food is his specialty and always a favourite among customers. The menu boasts a large selection of Italian favourites, along with a fresh cake cabinet and several gelato flavours for customers to enjoy alongside a barista crafted coffee. All food on offer at Moka E Farina is halal, and the restaurant serves no alcohol on the premises. Aziz said: 'My vision is to create a family restaurant for people of any age to visit. They serve up fresh cakes all day (Image: NQ) 'I want to have a place that young people can come to and avoid heavy drinking around them, so they can feel safe if they're out late at night. And their parents can feel safe knowing that they're with us.' Those who have had the pleasure of dining at Moka E Farina are already hooked, with Aziz and his staff already boasting many loyal customers who visit multiple times a week. Some have even taken to eating there multiple days in a row, finding themselves drawn in by their large portions, fresh ingredients and low prices. Aziz Harache, 46, and Kaitlyn Short, 19, offer up service with a smile (Image: NQ) They pride themselves on making sure that every person that comes through their doors is looked after, with Aziz claiming that its simply part of his Algerian tradition and culture. Aside from the restaurant upstairs, downstairs has an extra seating area that can be opened when the restaurant upstairs is full. The walls are adorned with flowers, and Aziz hopes that the homely space will be available to host events and parties in the future. Though the outside of the building is currently covered by scaffolding, Aziz hopes that customers aren't deterred from visiting Moka E Farina and seeing the service with a smile that his cheery staff offers.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
'Incompetent' ScotGov 'failings' on affordable homes pledge laid bare
The Scottish Government-backed Affordable Housing Supply Programme was officially launched in March 2022 with a fanfare fronted by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon which stated that of 110,000 homes promised by 2032, 77,700 would be for social rent - aimed at low income families. But since then, official data shows there have been 28,537 affordable homes delivered - 5000 short of what was needed to be on target to deliver on the pledge. Having fallen behind, to fulfil on its promise by 2032, the Scottish Government would have to deliver at a rate of 1005-a-month from now on, but that is two-and-a-half times the 396 affordable homes-a-month that actually were approved for public funding in 2024/25. To meet its pledge over the building of social homes for rent, the Scottish Government would have had had to oversee the delivery of 23,692 homes, but currently ministers are around 2,800 short of what was needed to be on target. The afforeable homes pledge (Image: NQ) To meet the promise of 77,000 homes for social rent by 2032, ministers would have to deliver at a rate of around 690-per-month from now on. But it can be revealed that in 2024/25 an average of just 347 affordable homes for social rent were being approved per month for funding - the lowest level for a decade. The Scottish Tenants Organisation said that the delivery of affordable homes has been shown to be "woefully short" and said that it shows the "sheer scale of this catastrophe in the social rented sector being overseen by this incompetent Scottish Government" and said there needs to be an emergency housing action plan. They said: "The Scottish Government is clearly failing the people of Scotland with declining approvals, starts and completions in the affordable housing supply programme and at this rate will fail to meet their own housing targets. This is completely unacceptable." Housing rights group Living Rent said that despite declaring a housing emergency a year ago, it has "completely failed to show any leadership on solving the crisis of affordable housing". Read more: "Declaring the emergency should have pushed the government to take concerted action but instead we have seen empty statements and not enough funding," they said. The Herald revealed in 2023 how professional standards body CIH had raised concerns over cuts to the budget and warned progress on homelessness is at risk without a funding commitment over rapid rehousing in permanent homes rather than in temporary accommodation. In the wake of the Scottish Government making a symbolic housing emergency declaration in mid-May, last year the key housing professionals group had said that while it is a start, it was not enough as the affordable homes budget, a key part of the Scottish Government bid to end the crisis lost more than £300m over the previous two years alone. John Swinney (Image: NQ) But in December, John Swinney reversed a near £200m annual cut to the provision of affordable homes although campaigners said it still fell short of what is needed to end the housing and homelessness crisis. The Herald's seven-point charter for change to help end Scotland's housing emergency, launched last July, was credited by some for sparking the change of heart. It included a call to cut the number of children living in temporary accommodation and a significant increase in the building of affordable homes. New official analysis further shows that the number of all new housebuilding starts continued to drop in 2024/25 after and is at its lowest since 2012/13 with 15,053 begun in the last financial year. Some 13 of Scotland's 32 councils declared housing emergencies since Argyll and Bute Council became the first in June 2023. It comes as the number of small and medium size (SME) home builders has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Red tape and rising costs are highlighted as key issues, with nearly 9 in 10 survey respondents saying government policies are making it harder for them to build, according to sector body Homes for Scotland. Sean Clerkin, campaign co-ordinator of the STO said: "Affordable housing has to become the number one priority for the Scottish Government which means that they have to spend hundreds of millions of pounds more to build tens of thousands of new affordable homes to provide warm and secure homes for all so as to greatly reduce social housing waiting lists and eradicate homelessness in Scotland." Aditi Jehangir, chairman of Living Rent, added: "Every voice on the issue is in agreement. Scotland needs more social housing. This government needs to take proper action now. Gordon MacRae, Shelter Scotland's assistant director for communications & advocacy, said the decline in the number of social homes being delivered was the "inevitable, and entirely foreseeable, consequence of repeated changes to the housing budget and lack of urgent action from the Scottish Government". Gordon MacRae (Image: Sarah Beveridge) He said: "If ministers fail to deliver the 110,000 new affordable homes by 2032, they will turn their backs on the thousands of people in Scotland who are being harmed by temporary accommodation while waiting for their forever home. 'Homelessness is rising across the country, and this is the opportunity for our new cabinet secretary for housing to lead in tackling the housing emergency and do things differently. We need homes for people experiencing homelessness and to get those 10,360 children out of temporary accommodation. This must start with sustained investment for more social homes.' Earlier this month the First Minister urged the UK Government to take more action and spend more money to address Scotland's housing crisis. Two weeks ago the First Minister was subsequently challenged to finally fix Scotland's housing emergency after the UK Government announced a multi-billion pound investment to build more affordable homes. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that £39 billion will be spent over the next 10 years in England to boost the supply of properties available for social and mid-market rent. The Chancellor announced the Scottish Government will receive £52 bn in total over the next three years, which means an additional £9bn for Holyrood by 2029. That came as it was announced Mairi McAllan would serve as the new Cabinet Secretary for Housing after receiving constant criticism in slumps in new build properties at a time of rising homelessness. The housing secretary said: 'Having a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is critical to a life of dignity and opportunity. The Scottish Government has a strong record in supporting the delivery of affordable homes but demand is high and we must step up our efforts." She said the affordable homes delivery analysis demonstrated "the challenge we face, but it will be my top priority to ensure everyone in Scotland, and in particular our children, have the opportunity to thrive and I am focussed on delivering that real change". She added: 'These challenges, which are not unique to Scotland, are made harder to tackle due to an incredibly difficult financial settlement from the UK Government. However, we have consistently invested and have delivered more than 139,000 affordable homes from 2007 to March 2025. 99,000 of these have been made available for social rent. That's 47% more per head of population than England and 73% more than Wales as of March 2024. 'I will re-double efforts now by investing £768m this financial year in affordable housing and give tenants stronger protection against damp and mould through Awaab's Law. We'll also invest a further £2m this year to help councils unlock barriers and to target empty homes."
