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Well over four years ago a wind farm consultant knocked on our door to inform us that a massive wind farm was planned in close proximity right in front of our bedroom window. We soon learnt thatthere is no compensation for loss of value or unsaleability of affected properties since the Wind Industry, disgracefully backed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, claims a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' surveycarried out in 2007 at two small wind farms in Cornwall (16 turbines of 57 metres at Bear's Down wind farm and 11 turbines of 48 metres at St Breock, compared with 'our' wind farm of 62 turbines, 146.5 metres high!) proves that there is no adverse impact on the value of properties 'in view of' wind turbines!
Please downloadheremy letter to the RICS, their reply to me as well as their letter to the Secretary of Energy and Climate Change himself which leaves little doubt that the Industry's and the DECC's interpretation of the 2007 RICS survey is disgracefully flawed.
Tim Wainwright RICS.pdf
Tim Wainwright RICS reply.pdf
RICS Letter to SoS for Energy.pdf
To add insult to injury, the villages around the proposed wind farm, which, for the greater part, will not hear or see a single turbine, are in for a hand out of up to 20,000,000 should the project be given the go-ahead!
In April of 2009 we first put our beloved home of 36 years on the market and had viewer after viewer telling us that this was precisely what they had been searching for for many years. If it had not been for the proposed wind farm project we could have sold our house within twenty-four hours to the very first viewer! But none of these potential buyers had any wish to move to such an idyllic and remote location to be faced with close proximity to giant wind turbines. I sent the Department of Energy and Climate Change well over 40 documents, testimonies from Estate Agents and from affected residents, which left absolutely no doubt that close proximity to (proposed) wind turbines can seriously devalue a property, in some cases rendering it completely unsaleable. Despite such clear and irrefutable evidence from myself as well as from many other affected residents, the DECC persists in their atrociously disingenuous claim that they ' have yet to see any compelling evidence that the proximity of wind turbines adversely affects house prices .This includes a personal reply to our MP from the Secretary of Energy and Climate Change himself!
So without the slightest fear of prosecution, as I have clear and irrefutable proof that such a serious allegation is entirely justified, I can claim that the DECC, including the Secretary of Energy and Climate Change himself, quite deliberately ignore all evidence presented to them of property devaluation from close proximity to (projected) wind turbines and are not averse to wholly perverting the facts about the adverse impact close proximity to wind turbines can have on property values.
We are now in the untenable situation where we should no longer be living in such a remote location. My wife has recently undergone major surgery and is having chemotherapy. But unless we can somehow defeat this application (which is most unlikely since the final decision for over 50MW projects lies with the Secretary of Energy and Climate Change himself) we are stuck here forever. We shall not be able to move from here until maybe one day one of us breaks a hip or something and Social Services is forced to deposit us in an Old People's Home where we'll become totally dependent on the State for our remaining years!
It seems that we, and other affected residents all over the UK, have no chance of receiving justice... unless enough MPs are honest enough to concede that the way residents such as ourselves are treated is indeed a disgrace, and are brave enough to put massive pressure on the Secretary for Energy and Climate Change to force him either tointroduce a decent compensation scheme, such as is in place in countries such as Denmark, orby introducing proper bufferzones of at least 1.5km to give such residents the protection they are entitled to!
Please click here to view, download and print my draft objection document . If you are faced with a similar predicament, do send an email to the DECC at correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk ,but don't forget to Cc in your own MP and please Cc me intoo at info@windfarmvictims.org.uk .Even if you are not personally affected but agree that residents in close proximity to present day giant wind turbines don't deserve such indecent treatment as they get from the Industry and the DECC, please write to your MP and the DECC too!
For more photo-montages of the proposed Nant y moch wind farm project click: http://www.cambrian-mountains.co.uk/nantymoch-windfarm-photo-montage-index.htm . See also: http://www.nonantymochwindfarm.co.uk
Wyck Gerson Lohman
Machynlleth
With winter at its worst, it is easy to yearn for the summer: the sunshine and sea, the beach and ice cream. The coast has always attracted us, and in Gwyn Jenkins new book, On the Seashore , we have a collection of photographs that portray the relationship between the Welsh and the seaside from the mid 19 th century to the present day. From the black and white photographs of Llandudnos promenade in 1857 to the surfers braving the waves on Y Sgers beach today, you can enjoy the varied coastal views through the last centuries, in every season, and without leaving your armchair.
Over the centuries many Welsh men and women earned their living from fishing, importing and exporting, or by providing leisure activities on the shore and on the water, and the aim of On the Seashore is to reflect this aspect of our history. The book includes photographs of fishing boats that sailed from small ports, such as Porth Dinllaen on the Lln Peninsula, where there were up to 40 boats that were used for fishing herring. There are also photographs showing the development of larger ports such as Aberdyfi and Porthmadog, as well as the significant docks of Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Barry. Among the other striking photographs there is an image of Porthmadog harbour in its heyday, when the ferry would transport people between Aberdyfi and Ynys-las.
Some coastal towns, such as Aberystwyth and Tenby, developed facilities to attract wealthy visitors, and with the arrival of the railways came the development of other seaside towns for the not-so-wealthy. Thousands would come on their holidays from large cities such as Liverpool and Manchester to Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Llandudno, and families would flock to Butlins in Pwllheli. In the south, mining families from the Rhondda would travel by train or bus to enjoy a day at the seaside in Barry or Porthcawl, where there was a fair, as well as the beach, to amuse them.
Even with the arrival of overseas package holidays, where sunshine was guaranteed, our coastline continues to attract visitors. The book includes some stunning recent photographs, including one of the more unusual visitors to Aberystwyths pier each February the starlings that flock there in their thousands at dusk to roost.
In the style of its precursor, Life in the Welsh Countryside , the photographs include the work of some of Wales best known photographers such as Geoff Charles, John Thomas, J H Lister, Tom Mathias, William Harwood, David Hurn and Keith Morris.
Gwyn Jenkins was brought up in Perparcau near Aberystwyth but has made Talybont his home for over thirty years. Before retiring in 2009, he was Director of Collections Services at the National Library of Wales. He has published several books, including the successful Life in the Welsh Countryside .
Some images from the book
Bath house Llandudno
Porthcawl picnic
WINNER IS 'I AM WALES' . RUNNER UP GORLLEWN CYMRU .
It was a difficult task to differentiate between the final two. Extremely difficult. Both had many positives and a few negatives. I thought that it was story line that added the feather on the scales to push the balance to I AM WALES. There were no moving images in either of these finalists submissions. That was a pity as to my mind a video IS 'moving images' or an amalgam of stills and vids. One thing for sure is that both submitters are passionate Welsh people and have succeded in laying down a seduction to showcase the country.
I AM WALES.
A lot of work went into this presentation. The amount of stills put into this one video left me breathless and frankly did not aid my appreciation of the subject, Wales. The changes were simply to fast. I appreciate that the video maker wanted to showcase many of the sites of Wales but the viewer would find it difficult to concentrate. BUT in saying that the whole 'concept' I thought was wonderful and I especially enjoyed the story line. The music was dramatic which increased the power of the stills. It was also nice to see varying subjects, people, places, cultures etc.,
GORLLEWIN CYMRU.
Many extremely evocative and unusual photographic stills made this video enjoyable. The presentation gave the viewer time to take in the actual pictures before moving onto the next. I know that the video maker presented his favourite piece of music from Brittany. I am aware of course of the links between Brittany and Wales. (Same National Anthem etc., ) One thing that actually made me pull back from the enjoyment of the photos was half way through. It appeared as if a Scottish Pipe Band took over and virtually played to the end. I asked a couple of people to watch the video and both commented on the 'Scottish' music over a Welsh video. Perhaps it's a bit churlish to major on the pipe music as the actual presentation was first class. I've watched it a number of times and thoroughly enjoyed the montage of photographs.
In his own words Michael O'Brien tells his moving story of how he was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit the Cardiff Newsagent Murder during the 1980s. The book reveals the trauma and heartache he suffered whilst in prison and how he learnt to cope. During the eleven years he not only lost his freedom and youth but also members of his family including the tragic death of his daughter and step-father.
Death of Justice uncovers the shocking story of how police incompetence and scapegoating result in three innocent men being convicted and the catalogue of mistreatment during their time in prison. It is also details how Michael O'Brien taught himself law and successfully took two Home Secretaries Michael Howard and Jack Straw to court, how he won his appeal and eventual release and the largest payout in legal history.
Michael O'Brien lives in Cardiff with his partner and family and continues to support people who face similar legal battles. An exclusive programme of Wales this Week on Michael O Briens story is due to be broadcast on Monday night the 1st of September at 8pm.
Death of Justice (9.95), Michael OBrien is available here
Michael OBrien will be signing copies of his new autobiography The Death of Justice in Borders bookshop Cardiff at 12pm on Monday the 1st of September
If you would like to request a copy of Y Lolfas new catalogue e-mail llyfrau@ylolfa.com.
Welsh Captain and Swansea City legend Ashley Williams has been through a lot in the last couple of years. From achieving Premiership status with Swansea in the play-off final to becoming captain of the Welsh national side, its been quite an eventful period for Ashley, and hes now revealing all about life with Swansea City and Wales in a new book called My Premier League Diary.
His friend Rio Ferdinand has written the introduction to what he describes as an excellent book,which gives a unique view into what it takes to be a successful footballer at the highest level.
In the book Ashley reveals the highs and lows of a professional footballer, from the pre-season trip to the Alps, the harsh lesson of the first Premier League game against Man City and then the revenge of beating the eventual Champions at the Liberty. The book also includes a poignant tribute to his mentor and former Wales boss, Gary Speed and a detailed account of his pain and sorrow following his death.
The book also gives the reader a fascinating insight into the Swansea dressing room, the banter between the players and the resolve that made that first season such a success. Ashley is also very honest about opposition players and tells his feelings about players such as Rooney, Carroll and Suarez, and lets the reader know exactly what goes through his mind at the height of his personal battles with these world class players. In addition to his honest appraisal of his many opponents, Ashley gives a detailed evaluation of his then manager Brendan Rodgers and his approach to managing Swansea throughout the season, culminating in the shock Ashley felt when he received the phone call from Rodgers, telling him that he was leaving Swansea for Liverpool. Reflecting on Rodgers exit Ashley says Brendan gave me that extra 10 or 20% which meant that when the Premier League came along, I didnt look out of place, and that improvement was testament to him. Thinking of it all now, Im just happy that I had the chance to work with him.
The book is written with Swansea sports writer David Brayley, an experienced author who has written two other books, including the autobiography of Tony Cottey and delivers a sports literacy scheme for schools in Swansea. The book will be launched at the Liberty Stadium shop at 6.00 pm on Wednesday 21 November where Ashley will be signing his book.
There will also be a book signing at Waterstones, Swansea between 2-4 p.m on Saturday 24 th of November. Ashley Williams: My Premier League Diary is published by Y Lolfa and priced at 14.95. It will be avialable in book shops and from www.ylolfa.com .
| Blodwen Welcomes Christmas with the 'Craftsman's Carol'. In 1933, Iorwerth. C. Peate, the great Welsh academic, poet, founder and first curator of The National History Museum of Wales in St Fagans, penned a poem entitled 'Carol Y Crefftwr' - The Craftsman's Carol.The carol pays homage to the age-old traditions, skills and practices that formed the nucleus of Welsh rural life over the centuries. The potters, the carpenters, the blacksmiths, the weavers and the wood turners, who through the work of their hands, were able to create things of beauty to present to the infant Jesus. And so too, as we welcome the Advent Season, Blodwen celebrates the work of our present day collective of artisans, rejoicing in the fact that such rural industry is still producing beautiful handmade products for homes around the world. Just check out the new Gift Selector for lasting treasures made with care in Wales Blodwen wishes you and yours, wherever you may be, joy in receiving them. Nadolig Llawen !Happy Christmas ! Blodwen - Bringing thecraftman's way of life to your way of living www.blodwen.com Stop press : Check out Blodwen's Facebook page for a chance to win a whole pamper set! All you need to do is click on the image below and enter the promotion named 'Christmas Cracker Competition!' |
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