Elias is likely to make his Test start since the opening round of the 2024 Six Nations against Scotland.
Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd is the other hooker in the squad and could make his first international appearance for more than a year, with Dee’s anticipated arrival in South Africa providing extra cover and experience.
Morgan is the obvious choice as captain against the world champions unless Tandy opts to rest the open-side flanker.
Wales slipped to 12th in the world rankings with their loss to Argentina and suffered a record 73-0 loss to the Springboks in their last meeting in November.
Exceptionally hot weather in May and June was responsible for the heat-related deaths of at least 2,700 people in England and Wales, according to British research out Monday. File photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE
July 13 (UPI) — Exceptionally hot weather in May and June was responsible for the heat-related deaths of at least 2,700 people in England and Wales, according to British research out Monday that found that human-caused climate change was a significant factor.
Temperature records for both months fell during heat waves May 21-29 and June 18-28, with the bulk of the fatalities — 2,200 — in June when the temperature rose to as high as 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit compared with average daytime highs of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the Met Office said in a news release.
Researchers from Imperial College London, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Met Office modeled excess deaths — those over and above normal levels — during both heat waves using historical mortality records and established peer-reviewed methods.
Notably, almost 6 in 10 of fatalities during the May heat wave were attributed to additional heat contributed by human-caused climate change, compared with a little less than 4 in 10 during the heat wave in June, which was hotter and lasted longer.
The scientists said daytime maximum temperatures approximately 7 degrees Fahrenheit higher than they would have been without human-induced climate change had fueled temperatures that would have otherwise been far less likely to occur — making the heat waves far more hazardous to human health.
“We all love the sun, but people need to be aware that we are now seeing dangerous climate-change-fueled heat that is claiming lives, disrupting schools and hospitals and shutting down transport and infrastructure,” said Dr. Clair Barnes, Research Associate in Extreme Weather and Climate Change at Imperial College London.
“It’s time we woke up to the fact that we now live in a country with dangerously hot summers. To protect people during future extremes, we must urgently adapt to the reality of the climate we now have, and double down on global efforts to reach net zero emissions to stop this from getting worse,” she said.
Dr. Malcolm Mistry, Assistant Professor in Climate and Geo-spatial Modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, expressed concern that only a few weeks into summer England and Wales had already experienced two record-breaking heat waves.
He warned that with spikes of extreme hot weather more frequent and more intense due to human activity, summer heat waves were “rapidly evolving into a major health risk for people in the United Kingdom.”
Mistry said it was critical that changes to homes, workplaces and critical infrastructure to cope with extreme heat kept ahead of rising health risks in order to protect the elderly, children, babies and other vulnerable groups.
The Met Office said 2026 has been exceptional with the two heat waves topping records that had stood since May 1944 and June 1976.
“For the time of year these events were extreme, even in our warmer climate,” said Climate Attribution Manager, Dr. Mark McCarthy.
The climate division of the U.K. Health Security Agency said that with periods of heat likely to become more intense, longer and more frequent as the world continued to warm, the study showed the “scale of risk associated with extreme heat and the growing threat climate change poses to our wellbeing.”
Continental Europe has also been in the grip of a more or less continuous heat wave since May that has placed health systems under huge pressure, triggered deadly wildfires that have burned through tens of thousands of hectares of woodland and scrubland, crippled power grids and forced schools to close.
The World Health Organization said Sunday that 1,300 excess deaths reported across Europe since June 21 were linked to the high temperatures.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe was warming twice as fast as the rest of the world with 150 million people suffering the negative impacts of the extreme heat.
France’s Health Ministry said Sunday that there were 1,000 extra deaths between Wednesday and Saturday alone, compared with previous months.
Beard will complete a long season after the final two Wales matches against Argentina and South Africa in Durban next weekend.
The former Ospreys lock had only just linked up with the Wales squad a couple of days before the Fiji game, following a mammoth first season with French club Montpellier, which included a Challenge Cup success and losing the Top 14 final to Toulouse.
“I have personally loved it and it was probably the best decision I’ve made rugby wise so far for myself and my family,” said Beard.
“It was a tough decision at first, leaving the Ospreys after being there since I was 14.
“But it was probably something, if I didn’t join Montpellier, I might have regretted at the end of my career.”
While playing in France is a tough challenge, it is also a rewarding one said Beard.
“It’s a physical league and you’ve got to play 30 games a season,” he added.
“But just the support and passion, everything they do out in the Top 14 is a different level to what I’ve experienced before.
“So it’s been an amazing move for myself and my family.”
THE Prince and Princess Of Wales have paid tribute to singer Bonnie Tyler, describing her as a “proud Welsh icon” following her death aged 75.
Bonnie died on Wednesday night, months after being treated in intensive care and being placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.
Bonnie Tyler was given an MBE by the Prince of Wales at Windsor CastleCredit: PAThe singer died on Wednesday night aged 75Credit: PA
A post on William and Kate’s joint Kensington Palace account said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bonnie Tyler.
“A proud Welsh icon, her extraordinary voice and unforgettable music touched millions around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come.
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“Our thoughts are with her husband, family, friends and all who loved her. Diolch am y gerddoriaeth (thank you for the music).”
Bonnie was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Prince Of Wales in 2023 for services to music.
It comes after Chicago star Catherine Zeta-Jones said her “heart is broken” after the Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer’s death.
Catherine, 56, said Bonnie was a big part of her life after marrying her cousin Robert Sullivan and paid a heartfelt tribute to the Welsh singer, real name Gaynor Hopkins.
The actress shared a photograph of the pair together on Instagram which was taken the night before her wedding.
She said: “An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.
“Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady. We shall forever ‘Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides’ of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family.”
A statement on the singer’s official website said her family and team were “heartbroken” after she “unexpectedly passed away” on Wednesday night in a hospital in Portugal where she was being treated near her home in Faro.
Catherine was among the stars who paid tribute to the singer including Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Rod Stewart and rockstar Bryan Adams.
Sir Cliff, who sang a duet with Tyler on the 2019 song Taking Control, said she was a “wonderful friend gone too soon” in a post shared on Facebook.
He added: “Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me.
“It is shocking news to wake up to this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time.”
Bonnie was due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates, and was also booked to perform at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on December 17.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the singer, who he described as “one of Britain’s greatest recording artists”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “An iconic figure, she leaves behind a catalogue of music – from Total Eclipse Of The Heart to Holding Out For A Hero – which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors and fill karaoke booths.”
He added: “The Prime Minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”
The singer achieved international fame in the 1980s with the release of Total Eclipse Of The Heart, which shot to the top of the charts in the UK and the US.
Faster Than The Speed of Night, the album which featured the smash-hit track, was also a chart-topping success and landed the singer her only UK number one album.
Recognisable for her husky voice, Bonnie released many other hit songs over the years including Holding Out For A Hero, It’s A Heartache and If You Were A Woman (And I Was A Man).
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth led tributes on Thursday and said Wales had “lost a true icon”.
He posted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bonnie Tyler.
“Wales has lost a true icon, whose music brought joy to so many.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans across the world.”
She represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, with the song Believe In Me finishing in 19th place.
Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman also paid tribute, writing: “I’m so very sorry to hear this. As a Welsh woman Bonnie and her music represented so much to us, it was about fighting and power and living life without apology.
“May you rest in Musical Glory Bonnie.”
The star, who was born in Neath in South Wales, continued to make music and perform until her death, having released her 18th studio album The Best Is Yet To Come in 2021.
Despite being a widely acclaimed and globally-renowned star, Bonnie never received a Grammy Award during her decades-long career but did receive three nominations.
Bonnie’s official website appears to have crashed since the news of her death was announced.
Travel experts at Time Out have ranked the best seaside towns to visit in the UK in 2026, and a town in Wales has taken the top spot
It’s often overlooked for its famous neighbour (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Wales is fast becoming one of the most sought-after staycation destinations for Brits this summer, with its long-overlooked coastal treasures finally getting the recognition they deserve.
As holidaymakers hunt for wallet-friendly breaks, the newly opened King Charles III Coastal Path has thrown open the entire UK shoreline to those keen to explore it on foot. With it comes a wave of enthusiastic walkers on the lookout for their next adventure, and it appears this Pembrokeshire town could be just the ticket.
Travel experts at Time Out have ranked what they believe, after scouring the length and breadth of the country, to be the finest UK seaside towns to visit in 2026. Topping the list is an underrated Welsh treasure, Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire.
Pipping some of Britain’s most beloved coastal hotspots to the post — including Brighton, St Ives, and Folkestone — this charming seaside retreat is well and truly having its moment in the sun.
Nestled between the popular towns of Tenby and Amroth, Saundersfoot is loved for its sweeping beach and bustling harbour. Many visitors choose to tackle part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which winds through these spots, and a straightforward 3.3-mile route with breathtaking views will bring you directly from Tenby.
Beach and harbour
As with any seaside town worth its salt, it’s the spectacular beaches that first lure people in — and everything else on offer that keeps them coming back. Saundersfoot is no different, boasting a standout stretch of shoreline that draws visitors from far and wide.
Saundersfoot Beach is the main expanse of sand, providing a level surface for families to relax and watersports enthusiasts to enjoy. TimeOut described it as “one of the most gorgeous beaches of any British seaside resort”, and its prime position near the town centre makes it even more appealing.
Its blue flag accreditation ensures a safe seaside experience for those bringing young children, and many visitors can be spotted walking their dogs along the water’s edge.
Describing Saundersfoot beach, one TripAdvisor user noted: “Lovely beach to walk on, very clean and close to the town with shops and cafes literally just a street over. It’s also very close to the harbour, so it’s nice to see the boats.”
Adding to the area’s charm is its historic harbour, originally constructed in 1829 to enable coal exports from local mines. It has since evolved into an ideal fusion of heritage and modernity with excellent amenities and activities, serving as the town’s focal point.
One review said: “On the way from Swansea to Tenby we made a short stopover at Saundersfoot Harbour. The small port is quite beautiful and worth seeing.”
Part of the harbour area features an array of eateries and drinking establishments where visitors can sit back and admire views of the peaceful coastline. Here, you can begin your morning at The Breakfast Clwb or enjoy lunch at Catch Beach Club, treat yourself to ice cream at Odley’s Gelato and sample traditional pasties at Pembrokeshire Pasty and Pie Co. From the harbour, visitors can book a variety of boat trips to explore the surrounding area, as well as hire equipment to go crabbing along the waterfront.
For those who prefer to stay put in Saundersfoot, the Welcome Centre and Coal Museum offer a fascinating insight into the town’s origins.
Free to visit, the centre shines a light on the lives of local mining families, the hardships they endured and the gruelling conditions that shaped miners’ working days. Along the way, you’ll uncover the pivotal role the harbour once played in the area’s rich coal mining history.
Cardiff loose-head prop Rhys Barratt and Dragons back-row forwards Harri Keddie and Ryan Woodman all made their international debuts in Twickenham, but miss out on the squad for the three Tests.
Wings Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Tom Rogers, centres Bryn Bradley and Joe Roberts, fly-half Jarrod Evans, scrum-half Ellis Bevan, lock or flanker Freddie Thomas and back-row forward Olly Cracknell also miss out.
Leicester open-side flanker Tommy Reffell makes the cut after being overlooked by Tandy for the autumn internationals and Six Nations.
“We have selected a squad of 33 players for the Nations Championship to mirror what will be required for the World Cup in 2027,” said the head coach, who cut 11 players and lost Jenkins.
“We are building a lot of competition among our group of players, which is what we want to have, and there were some tough calls to make.
“We have an exciting opportunity over the next three weeks in a brand-new competition and can’t wait to get our campaign started against Fiji on Saturday.”
Louis Rees-Zammit, Max Llewellyn, Tomos Williams, Rhys Carre, Nicky Smith, James and Reffell could not face the Baa-Baas because they play for English clubs, but all return for the Nations Championship fixtures.
The loss of Jenkins means that Tandy is down to three specialist locks – Ben Carter, Teddy Williams and Adam Beard, who is included fresh from playing for Montpellier in their Top 14 final defeat by Toulouse on Saturday.
The former Ospreys second-row forward, who lost his starting spot to Carter during the Six Nations, came on in the final quarter in Paris.
“He has been with us for two campaigns, is battle-hardened and is really experienced,” said Tandy about Beard.
Wales had already lost centre Louie Hennessey, tight-head prop Keiron Assiratti and hooker Liam Belcher to injury before cutting down their squad.
GOING on holiday is something we all look forward to, but with rising prices across the board, wouldn’t it be great if you could go somewhere in the UK that looks abroad?
Think white sands and crystal clear waters – the UK is home to some great destinations that will make you feel as if you have jetted off somewhere.
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Is this in the UK or in Spain?Credit: AlamyBoth countries have jungle-like destinationsCredit: Alamy
So, let’s put it to the test – can you guess which of the following destinations are abroad and which are in the UK?
One image above shows Tresco Abbey Gardens on Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly and is noted to look more like a thriving tropical jungle than the UK.
The gardens – which first opened in the 1830s – are home to more than 20,000 plants, from 80 countries, sprawling across 17 acres.
Nestled in between the plants, you’ll also find hand-carved figures made from the wood of shipwrecked boats.
The forests are much-loved by tourists that are keen hikers, with multiple trails through them.
More specifically, Los Tilos Forest is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the island and is one of the largest laurel forests in the Canary Islands.
Answer: The first image shows Tresco Abbey Gardens on Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly and the second image shows La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain.
There is a spot in the UK and one in Germany that boast timber framed housesCredit: AlamySo which of these is which?Credit: Alamy
One image shows Dartmouth in Devon, littered with Tudor-style houses that make it look as if it has been plucked from the Netherlands or a quaint German village.
The Dutch port-style harbour is home to The Butterwalk, which is a row of overhanging half-timbered Tudor buildings dating back to the 1630s – mimicking the buildings commonly seen in the Netherlands.
The town is home to plenty of independent shops and cafes to explore and to venture around the estuary the town sits on, make sure to hop on a river cruise.
The other image shows the historic houses in Celle, Germany.
The town in northern Germany sits on the banks of the River Aller and is around 25 miles from Hanover.
The town is home to one of the largest and most densely packed collections of half-timbered houses in Europe dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Answer: The first image shows Celle in Germany while the second image shows Dartmouth in Devon.
Portmeirion and Portofino look similarCredit: AlamyCan you guess which destination is this image?Credit: Alamy
One image shows Portmeirion in Gwynedd in North Wales, which was built by architect Sir Clough William-Ellis to look like the Italian Riviera.
With pastel-coloured houses and a subtropical micro-climate, it really feels as if you could be in the Med.
The village has a central plaza and other European-style features include classical pillars and ornate domes.
Thanks to the micro-climate, you’ll also find exotic plants including palm trees.
Day tickets to Portmeirion cost around £20 per adult.
The other image shows the popular fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera.
Known for its pastel-coloured houses, the village is cobbled throughout and boasts a number of designer stores and seafood restaurants.
To get to Portofino, jump on a ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Camogli or Genoa.
Answer: The first image shows Portmeirion in Gwynedd in North Wales, while the second image shows Portofino in Italy.
The UK is home to some beach bars that look like they could be somewhere else like GreeceCredit: AlamySo is this in Greece or in the UK?Credit: Instagram
One image shows Blackpool Sands, which is one of the UK’s most picturesque beaches and when there you’ll find a beach bar that transports you to the Med.
Complete with straw umbrellas, the cafe and bar features natural materials throughout including wood and stone.
If you prefer to be on the sand, then eat outside at one of the tables that sit directly on the golden beach.
The Greek island is known to be a haven for holidaymakers with tonnes of resorts to choose from.
Answer: The first image shows a beach bar in Crete, Greece, while the second image shows the beach bar at Blackpool Sands in Devon.
We all like white sand beachesCredit: AlamyAnd both the UK and abroad have themCredit: Alamy
One of these is Luskentyre Beach, which can be found on the Isle of Harris, in Scotland.
Well-known for its massive stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, it is easy to think that you are in the Caribbean instead.
The beach overlooks the island of Taransay and is a great spot to head off on walks.
There is a car park near the beach where you’ll also find toilets.
The other image shows Exuma Point Beach in The Bahamas.
Known for its shifting sandbars, the beach features white sand and crystal clear waters.
During low tide, you can even walk along a mile-long sandbar and spot starfish and conch shells.
If you are really lucky, you’ll spot baby nurse sharks and lemon sharks swimming in the shallow water.
Answer: The first image shows Exuma Point Beach in The Bahamas and the second image shows Luskentyre Beach in Scotland.
Other top spots have turquoise waters ideal for watersportsCredit: St Andrews LakesSo is this or the above the UK?Credit: Alamy
One of these images shows St Andrews Lakes in Halling, Kent, which is a huge outdoor attraction with bright turquoise waters found in a former quarry.
Looking like it is from elsewhere, visitors can head to the lakes for the day and enjoy an inland beach, floating lodges and a number of activities including Kent’s largest inflatable obstacle course.
If you really want to get into the holiday mode, there is a Nordic-inspired spa onsite with wood-fired saunas and hot tubs right by the lake.
When the family gets peckish, there is also an onsite pizzeria and cafe.
The other image is of Bercsenyi Beach in Balatonakarattya, Hungary.
The beach is one of the most popular and largest family-friendly beaches around Lake Balaton.
At the edge of the beach you’ll find lots of trees and when on the beach you can even have a go at sand volleyball.
For a bit more of adventure, you can also hire water bikes and kayaks.
Answer: the first image shows St Andrews Lakes in Halling, Kent and the second image shows Bercsenyi Beach in Balatonakarattya, Hungary.
Who doesn’t love a pool bar?Credit: Hotel Imperial MedYou don’t have to leave the UK to find a nice oneCredit: The Nici
One of these images is actually the newly-opened Nici hotel in Cornwall, which has a huge 20-metre indoor pool overlooking the coastline.
But for the true ‘abroad feeling’, head outside to the clifftop heated pool with views over the ocean and a vibrant poolside bar.
According to the hotel’s website, The Nici is “inspired by the sun-soaked glamour of the Amalfi Coast” and has the “indulgence of a Mediterranean escape”.
There’s even direct lift access from the hotel to the beach below.
Rooms at The Nici Newquay cost from £155 per night.
It was an uncapped warm-up game for the Nations Championship tournament which starts with the opening game against Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium next Saturday before away trips against Argentina and South Africa.
Morgan took over the captaincy at half-time when Lake was taken off.
“I love being back,” said Morgan. “It’s always an honour to be able to put the jersey on and I was chuffed to be back in the field with the boys.
“It was a tough game against a good Barbarians side and it was great to be able to get that win.”
Morgan says he has seen improvements under Tandy since his return.
“It’s been great to be able to watch because you can see how Steve and the coaches want to implement the game,” said Morgan.
“You can see during the Six Nations we’re getting better every game. You could see the identity we were trying to bring through.
“You always want to be out in the field, but it was great to be able to watch the boys play and I thought they did a brilliant job.”
Wales have named hooker Dewi Lake as captain for their summer internationals ahead of fit-again flanker Jac Morgan.
Lake led the side for eight Tests in the 2025 autumn series and 2026 Six Nations while Morgan was injured.
The British and Irish Lions flanker captained Wales in the first game of the Steve Tandy era against Argentina but dislocated his left shoulder when scoring a try.
The Gloucester-bound Ospreys have both been named in the squad for the summer internationals, which start against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday.
Lake will be skipper after recovering from a shoulder injury that required an operation after the Six Nations.
Many years on, thousands of visitors have cherished memories of its thrilling rides and attractions
The theme park many created treasured memories for kids and adults alike(Image: South Wales Evening Post archives)
When it comes to theme parks in Wales, most people would immediately associate the region with the now-sadly defunct Oakwood Park in Pembrokeshire. The Narberth attraction, which shut its doors in 2015, was a cherished part of many childhoods, with trips on Megafobia and Snake River Falls over the years becoming the stuff of legend.
However, it wasn’t the only theme park that once created treasured memories for many, and for some, it was a rival to its more celebrated neighbour.
Back in 1994, another attraction was opening its gates for the very first time. The £1 million Grove Land Leisure Park was constructed in St Clears in Carmarthenshire, transformed from a working dairy farm.
And it offered something for everyone, with unforgettable rollercoasters such as Thunderbolt, Cyclone and Cyber Space. There was also the ‘Dance Master’ waltzer, twist rides like the iconic ‘Rodeo Rider’, the Snake Slide, dodgems and go-karts, reports Wales Online.
There was also a pirate ship, laser clay pigeon shooting and pedalo boats.
Barmy Barny served as the park’s mascot, and appeared on its emblem. It was especially appropriate given the herd of pedigree Freisians, which had been bred at the dairy farm by the Williams family across four generations, earning recognition throughout the agricultural world.
It was their herd that inspired John and Janet Williams to transform 30 acres of their 210-acre Grove Farm into a theme park.
At the time, the couple explained how the enjoyment and experience they had gained from showcasing their herd and hosting large crowds, combined with a passion for sport and leisure, had driven the park’s creation — along with their recognition of “the pressing need to impede any further decline in the local rural economy.”
When it opened on a seasonal basis, the theme park was expected to give tourism a significant boost and create up to 70 jobs in its first year alone, rising to 300 over the following three years.
It was also anticipated that 75,000 visitors would pass through its gates in the opening season, eager to experience what was promised to be a “country show ground atmosphere”, complete with calf parades, animal showmanship, and a range of rides and attractions specifically chosen for their interactive appeal and suitability for the whole family.
The park was remarkably affordable, with adult tickets priced at £7.50 and children’s tickets at £5.60. Visitors paid at the gate, and once inside, all rides and shows were included at no extra cost.
Takeaways, burger bars and a picnic area were all on hand for families looking to take a breather from the excitement of the rides.
Jade Walsh worked at the park for two to three seasons from the age of 16, taking it on as a summer job. Miss Walsh, now 40, who worked as a ride operator, said: “I worked a lot on the bumper boats and the pedalos which I enjoyed. I remember people would often get stuck in the reeds and things so you would often have to go out and rescue them.
“The boats would also have to be tested in the morning, and it was all young people who would work there seasonally and we’d all enjoy that. Mr Williams who ran it was lovely, and was such a nice guy.
“Thunderbolt was a gravity rollercoaster and how fast it went would depend on how heavy you were. Sometimes we would have to load it with sandbags if there was only a couple of kids in it. If it got stuck at the top, you’d have to climb up it, run across the tracks, push it, then get down to the bottom so you could stop it at the end. Health and safety wasn’t a thing then, but I loved it!
“My favourite part of working there was the people. It was a nice environment to work in. If you can imagine a nice seventies movie with children working at a funfair, it was like that.
“We had a lot of people who would come over and over again. Some people would visit a couple of times in the summer and come back every year. It was better for smaller children than Oakwood and there was less queues and things like that. It was just a much more relaxed atmosphere. It felt very safe. You could literally see everything from one place so parents could relax and let their children run from ride to ride.
“Everyone was really sad when it went, because there wasn’t a hell of a lot to do around here. Everybody missed it.”
Gemma Daniels has treasured childhood recollections of visiting the park on frequent end-of-year school outings between the ages of six and nine when she was a pupil at Ysgol Llwyn Yr Eos School in Penparcau, Aberystwyth.
Miss Daniels, now aged 36, said: “Trips to Grove Land are a core childhood memory for me. One ride that sticks out for me the most was rodeo-themed and it had a big mechanical horse in the middle with a cowboy on it. Basically, it was a sizzler ride. They also had a rollercoaster where the carriage you were in, it looked like a gold mine.
“The ride that we all avoided was a slide, it was like a big dipper, and it was the first time I had ever seen a ride like that. I remember kids coming off it with friction burns! They had a protector mat but you would bounce off it, because it was really fast.”
She added: “I remember that it was never crowded like you see at theme parks these days, and you didn’t have to queue long for rides. You’d have a chance to go on everything and see everything. When we were on school trips they would let us go off and we’d have to meet at a picnic table to have our packed lunch at lunchtime. It was really safe.
“I remember the little shop they had there where people used to get those water worms, that was the fascination at the time, and kids would also used to get snap bangs and use them on the bus on the way home.
“If it was open now, it’s a place I’d take my son to. It’s somewhere that I’m pretty gutted my kids won’t get to go.”
Sadly, in 2005, it closed its doors for good, with its rides relocated, including Thunderbolt, which was transported to Loudoun Castle, and Cyclone, which found a new home at Killarney Springs Family Park.
In 2008, it emerged that the site was on the market for £3.3 million.
By April 2014, we reported how plans for a “massive development” at the site had been given the go-ahead by Carmarthenshire Council, which would create 32 new-build holiday cottages, 26 holiday accommodation units and supporting leisure facilities.
In 2018, we reported how the planned accommodation project had yet to materialise, though it’s believed that it eventually launched at the start of the year, taking the form of a static caravan park.
It’s now been 21 years since Grove Land welcomed its last visitors. Yet for the thousands who spent their summers visiting or working at the attraction, it has left behind memories that they continue to cherish fondly.
The village was once a thriving community, but it was completely submerged to create a reservoir – and visitors can see its haunting memorial today and even spot the buildings if they’re lucky
Everything was taken from the village and its rich heritage (Image: Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
Once a thriving, proud Welsh-speaking community, this cherished village was entirely abandoned and left to disappear beneath the water without a trace.
The submersion of this much-loved settlement remains a deeply painful topic for those in the surrounding area, who fought with every ounce of strength to preserve their homes. Sadly, their determined efforts proved futile, as the UK government flooded the village entirely to provide water to a considerably larger English city.
In 1965, the village of Capel Celyn, tucked away in the Tryweryn Valley in North Wales, was lost forever when it was left to sink beneath the surface of a vast reservoir. It was a deeply contentious decision, to say the least, driven by the Liverpool Corporation to provide water to Liverpool and the Wirral.
For some, it may have appeared to be little more than a straightforward infrastructure project, but for the vast majority, the implications ran far deeper. The devastation it brought to the local area and the broader Welsh community had a profound political impact, fuelling a significant surge in support for Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru.
The fight for the village
It was in 1955 that the residents of Capel Celyn first discovered their homes had been earmarked for sacrifice to make way for a new reservoir, marking the start of a grueling decade-long struggle. Before long, the villagers banded together, forming what became known as the Capel Celyn Defense Committee, which debated, protested and condemned the scheme across the country and as far as Liverpool.
On several occasions, this led them to march directly to Liverpool to make their opposition unmistakably clear.
Despite their determined efforts, Liverpool councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of pressing ahead with the plans, and in 1957, a private bill backed by Liverpool City Council was brought before Parliament.
All 35 Welsh Members of Parliament who cast their votes opposed the bill, yet it was passed regardless in 1962. Three years on, the village and all its buildings, including people’s homes, were submerged beneath the water.
In total, approximately 800 acres of land were consumed by the reservoir, taking with it the school, the post office, the chapel and the cemetery.
Some 48 people lost their homes out of the 67 who had lived in the valley, with many forced to relocate to entirely unfamiliar areas and rebuild their lives from scratch.
What made this so deeply controversial was the wholesale destruction of a traditional Welsh community, as the village had stood as a living symbol of authentic Welsh culture and its endangered language.
The site today
Visitors continue to flock to the site to this day. During particularly dry periods if the water levels drop enough, you can occasionally spot some of the ruins of the houses, school and post office. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the place as “beautiful but sad”.
They wrote: “This wasn’t my first visit to this beautiful area, but after researching the flooding of the village and being Welsh, we spent more time around where the village once stood.
“There is no doubt the scenery is outstanding, but I also found it to be quite sad; people’s lives were completely upturned, and their entire village was drowned. Well worth a visit, especially if you read the history of the village.”
The reservoir offers a breathtaking backdrop, framed by the gently rolling hills of the valley, and many visitors opt to take a stroll around the area. A memorial chapel stands as a tribute to the village that once existed, offering a place for people to reflect on its history.
One visitor remarked: “Poignant and stunning. The heartbreaking history of this reservoir should never be forgotten.”
There is every chance the village could resurface this year, as it only emerges above the waterline during spells of extreme heat. The ongoing heatwave may cause water levels to drop sufficiently, much as they did in 2018.
A future that, he says, has always intrigued him – and perhaps not dissimilar to David Beckham.
Like Bale, the English icon was his nation’s footballing figurehead and could have had his pick of post playing jobs, before ending up a co-owner of MLS franchise Inter Miami as part of various business interests.
Was that route an influence?
“I think so; a lot of American athletes do that type of thing and I would read about it and listen to interviews about what they’ve done,” says Bale, whose old Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric has become a minority investor in Swansea City.
“A lot of players still go down the coaching route, management or even with younger players at academies.
“But you are seeing more players being a bit more business minded. Maybe because we’ve done so much on one side, this side becomes a new chapter, a new world.
“It always really interested me, but I didn’t really have the opportunity before being introduced to John.”
The John who could help Bale build it like Beckham is experienced US investor John Shulman, founder of private equity firm Juggernaut Capital.
The company is said to have $1bn in capital commitments and had already been investing in various sport businesses – from golf courses and volleyball to “thrill” sports – but sensed an opportunity, especially when it came to Europe and the UK.
Shulman says he wanted to bring on board “an elite, iconic athlete” to help launch a sports specific investment platform – Juggernaut Diversified Sports – ready to invest more than £500m.
And after an introduction – and, naturally, a round of golf – found one.
“There is only a small number of human beings on the planet who have done what Gareth has done,” Shulman says.
“We’re good investors, but what we lacked is the mindset, experience, drive and unique perch Gareth does.
“I mean, the guy has got it all. What he can do on the pitch, I’ve seen him do in the boardroom metaphorically. So I have nothing but excitement about [our plans], doing it at the right time and the right place and the right way.”
Wales are preparing for head coach Craig Bellamy’s possible move to Burnley with a shortlist of potential successors which includes former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.
Football Association of Wales (FAW) bosses held informal talks with Cooper before news emerged of Burnley’s renewed interest in Bellamy, while ex-Wolves manager Rob Edwards is also under consideration.
Burnley have not yet reached an agreement with the FAW, which wants at least £1m in compensation.
If Bellamy rejoins the club where he worked as an assistant coach under now Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, the FAW already has a list of possible replacements.
Former Forest and Swansea City boss Cooper is a leading candidate and would not require a compensation fee as he has been out of work since leaving Danish side Brondby earlier this year.
Like Cooper, Edwards would have been in a strong position to get the Wales job when Bellamy was appointed in 2024, had he not been at a Premier League club – Luton in Edwards’ case.
The FAW has also kept tabs on Eric Ramsay, the former Wales and Manchester United assistant coach who was briefly in charge of West Bromwich Albion during the 2025-26 season.
North will link up with the Barbarians squad in London next week after the invitational side have played South Africa on Saturday.
The Wales and Barbarians occasion in Twickenham will be a double-header with the men’s game at 14:00 BST followed by the women’s game at 17:00 BST.
On the previous occasion that Wales men faced the Barbarians, after the 2023 World Cup, Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric were given a farewell to the Welsh crowd when they lined up for the invitational side at the Principality Stadium.
This time North will be one of the headline acts.
“I have been privileged to enjoy the career I have had, and I have so many unforgettable memories from Wales and friendships to last a lifetime,” said North.
“So to go out against my country, with some of my friends and team-mates playing is so special.
“To also be able to play alongside some of the best and most exciting players in the world, and to enjoy that famous Barbarians spirit is something I couldn’t turn down.
“I can’t wait to link up with the boys next week and hopefully we can do something special.”
The Barbarians fixture is a warm-up for Wales’ Nations Championship Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in July.
Wilkinson says Wales have learned from their experience at Euro 2025, when they stuggled to make an impact against three of the world’s best teams – Netherlands, France and England.
“I think we all learned a lot through the Euros – myself, my staff, the players,” she said.
“Do I wish I’d coached differently? Parts of it, absolutely. I’m sure they (the players) look back on it and think like ‘what if, what if we could have…’
“But you don’t know until you’ve been to a major event what it’s going to be like, what the pressure feels like, what the stress feels like.
“We talked about it, we prepared for it, and it still blew us away, but there’s confidence that comes from having done it.
“I also look at our last Nations League A campaign – two draws against Sweden, but also keeping the scores really competitive against some top nations.”
Wales will have to improve their away form if they are to get through the play-offs and make it to Brazil.
Wilkinson’s side sailed through their home qualifiers, with a 6-1 mauling of Montenegro, a 4-0 romp past Albania and a 3-1 win over Czech Republic to wrap up the group.
On the road, however, they were fortunate to salvage a draw in the Czech Republic in their opening qualifier in March, then scraped a 1-0 victory in Albania before a shock 1-1 draw in Montenegro in the penultimate match.
“We were a bit frustrated when we played Albania away (in April), but this is a good opportunity to improve our performance against a challenging opposition,” said Wilkinson.
“I thought (Albania) played really well in that second leg, so they’ll be tough. It’ll be a good tactical battle between them and us, and who’s learnt the most.
“It was obvious from our campaign that our away form wasn’t what we wanted it to be. There’s definitely some work to be done away from home.
“It’s about showing up with the best version of ourselves.”
England did not want to go through the play-offs but were given an unkind draw in the qualifying groups when they met world champions Spain.
It does mean, however, that Sarina Wiegman’s side are in a strong position for the play-offs and will fancy their chances with a kind trip to Greece in October.
They beat potential round two opponents Ukraine in both matches in the qualifying group stage, which will give them confidence too.
There is a tricky tie for Northern Ireland, who come up against a talented young squad from Portugal in round one. Portugal twice beat Northern Ireland in Euro 2025 qualifying.
Their task gets trickier if they make it through to round two with potential opponents Iceland proving to be difficult to break down in their matches against England this year.
Scotland are hoping to reach just their second Women’s World Cup finals having failed to qualify in 2023.
They performed well in this year’s qualifying group stages, including draws with Belgium that showed they can compete with Europe’s strongest teams.
They will need to produce their best in round two if they meet big-hitters Sweden, who have been semi-finalists in the past two Women’s World Cup finals.
Wales have never beaten a top-20 ranked nation in a competitive fixture and are likely to need to do so to qualify – and their away form needs improvement.
But Rhian Wilkinson’s side face familiar opponents in round one. They thrashed Albania 4-0 in their qualifying group so who says they can’t do it again?
Meanwhile, having performed superbly in qualifying, the Republic of Ireland have a tricky play-off route with established European opposition Belgium potentially waiting in round two.
First, Carly Ward’s side will have to navigate a 3,100-mile trip to Kazakhstan, against relatively unknown opposition.
The abandoned village was once home to 2,000 people who worked at the nearby Quarry – but in 1927, they were all relocated to a brand new village, leaving their old home to be reclaimed by nature
The slate quarry’s decline saw the village crumble(Image: Getty)
An entire village was created after all 2,000 of its residents were forced to up sticks and relocate. All that remains of what was once a bustling community are buildings completely reclaimed by nature, smothered in moss and vegetation.
The deserted village of Talysarn, nestled in the Nantlle Valley of Gwynedd, North Wales, is a former settlement that has been slowly swallowed up by the earth as the years have passed. It was once home to workers and industrial buildings serving the nearby Dorothea Quarry slate mine.
Throughout the 19th century, these mines provided a vital source of income for thousands of people across Wales, but as the quarries expanded, the village was forced to grow alongside them. Eventually, when 1927 arrived, the decision was taken to move thousands of residents to a brand new village built from scratch.
By the 1840s, production at Dorothea had climbed to a remarkable 5,000 tonnes annually, but output would soon soar even higher. By the 1870s, that figure had surged to more than 17,000 tonnes — well over three times what had been produced just 30 years earlier.
Despite the quarry’s seemingly promising future, it was plagued by severe flooding problems. This was tragically highlighted in 1884, when several men lost their lives after the pit was overwhelmed by water while they were working on site.
In response, the river was realigned and deepened to better manage the flow, and while this resolved the issue temporarily, it would go on to cause further problems further down the line. To combat the problem, a Cornish beam engine was constructed on the site to replace the waterwheels, and it still stands there to this day.
Indeed, this is one of the abandoned village’s most impressive sights — a towering structure with its original machinery still intact.
Another focal point of the old village is its 18th-century hall, which has remained untouched since 1946 and now stands as an ivy-covered building, heavily daubed with graffiti, its brickwork slowly crumbling away.
The abandoned village as a whole has become a hugely popular destination for avid explorers and walkers eager to unearth its secrets and snap an eerie photograph of the overgrown ruins. Today, the site sits within the UNESCO Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales and is protected as a piece of history, frozen in time.
Wild Guide Wales author Daniel Start wrote about what remains of the site, likening the ruins to a Welsh Angkor Wat. He said: “Only the baboons are missing. It’s a vast, wild site with many fascinating, overgrown ruins, including a Cornish beam engine and the overgrown remains of the chapel at Plas Talysarn.”
The quarry finally closed in 1970 and has since flooded, creating a lake reportedly exceeding 100m in depth in certain areas. This too forms part of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site.
One visitor left spellbound by the village’s remnants is photographer Tony Harnett, who runs the website Gems of Snowdonia. He previously told WalesOnline: “I’d seen photos of Plas Talysarn and knew it was an interesting place, but I thought that’s all there was.
“When I went there, I did not expect to find so many other old buildings in the area. Some I just stumbled across, others I could see in the distance but didn’t have time to visit.
“I arrived late in the day, for the golden hour for photography, so I only had two hours there. But I could easily have stayed for the whole day, there’s so much to explore.”
Wales have been boosted by the return from injury of highly-regarded back-row Alex Callender for their uncapped encounter against Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, 27 June.
The 25-year-old missed Wales’ Women’s Six Nations campaign because of injury, but is set to return for a fixture that follows a men’s international against the Barbarians in a double-header at the home of English rugby.
Head coach Sean Lynn’s 33-strong training squad includes 14 uncapped players, while 24 members of the squad play for Wales-based teams Brython Thunder or Gwalia Lightning.
Lynn has his eye on the future after Wales suffered a winless Six Nations and emphasised that focus.
“It’s a real opportunity to continue to build our playing philosophy and to have a look at the exciting young talent now coming through our pathway and through the Celtic Challenge teams, Wales U21s and Wales U18s,” said Lynn.
“All the players have been told there is a real opportunity to play against an experienced Barbarians side and not to assume that they will or will not play.
“The door is open for selection, and this is a good opportunity for our younger players to taste what is expected at international level.”
They have not been named in Wales’ initial squad and will be assessed on Thursday.
Saracens duo Georgia Evans and Donna Rose, and Trailfinders back Carys Cox, will be involved in the PWR final on the same weekend as the Barbarians game so will not be involved for Wales.
The abandoned Pontins resort in Prestatyn seems to have been left to decay since its closure in November 2023
The site has been left to rot(Image: Daily Post Wales)
A beloved entertainment hotspot has been left dormant for years and now looks a far cry from its former glory. Pontins in Prestatyn was once a thriving holiday destination, drawing families in droves with its private beach, swimming pools and children’s play areas. Now, the site sits largely deserted and crumbling, with many residents branding it a significant eyesore.
After over half a century of welcoming guests since it first opened its doors in 1971, the resort shut permanently in November 2023. The closure marked the end of a lengthy era in the town’s story, leaving behind a sprawling site that has since become a stark symbol of its deterioration.
Speculation has been rife in the three years since about its future. Rumours range from plans for a rejuvenated tourism venture to suggestions it may be bulldozed to make way for housing.
Images of the location continue to surface online, revealing boarded-up structures, unkempt grounds and clear signs of decay throughout the former holiday park. Once beaming with holidaymakers, large swathes of the resort now look abandoned, with several buildings visibly crumbling.
At the time, the closure of Pontins sent shockwaves through the entire local community. Britannia Hotels, which owns Pontins, had also shut down its Camber Sands resort in East Sussex.
Local residents previously shared their thoughts on the future of the site with North Wales Live. Among those to speak out was Pete Davis, who runs a cleaning firm that once worked with Pontins.
He said: “It ought to be used for something. I think it should be a holiday camp again. The council could issue a compulsory purchase order (to help that happen).”
A fellow resident shared the same view: “It’s empty and I’d rather it was a holiday camp again. We moved here in 1973 and it was never any trouble to us. I don’t want it knocked down for more houses as I don’t feel there are enough doctors’ surgeries and schools, not enough infrastructure to support them.”
A grandmother and grandson described the site as “decrepit” and an “eyesore”, saying: “It’s quite decrepit and an eyesore for the local community. Something needs to be done. It should be reborn as a holiday camp or used for modern apartments. Something needs to be doing to it otherwise it’s going to become a drug den or a place for fly-tippers.”
Residents aren’t the only ones calling for change at the derelict holiday park. Prestatyn’s Mayor, Cllr Adrian West, added his voice to the chorus, stating: “I want to see the site brought back into some form of productive use again.
“For it just to be lying idle is doing nobody any good. I would not want it used for some sort of industry, given that it’s right next to the waterfront.”
Not everybody is mourning the closure of Pontins, however, with one scathing TripAdvisor reviewer writing: “Thank god this rancid filthy cesspit has shutdown. Awful, worn out and really dirty. and it needed knocking down years ago.”
A further disgruntled visitor declared: “As time has gone by all the rooms are filled with mould, vomit, worse than a dog kennel. It looks like a rubbish dump,” while another pulled no punches, stating: “There are no words to describe how awful this place is. A prison cell would be preferable to the chalet.
“The areas outside are overgrown, potholes in the car park, pavements cracked and overgrown. Concrete on stairs broken, support for stairs rotten, nails sticking out.”
Wales pairing Jonny Clayton and Nick Kenny continued their impressive start to the World Cup of Darts with a resounding victory over Group C opponents Thailand in Frankfurt, Germany.
Having had to go through group qualifying after Gerwyn Price withdrew, the new Wales pairing opened their campaign by thumping Lithuania 4-1, and then followed that up on Friday by beating Thailand by the same score.
The Welsh duo topped their group to book a Saturday afternoon tie at the Eissporthalle against USA.
Hosts Germany again impressed with a 4-2 win over New Zealand as Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko secured their place in the second round where they will play the Czech Republic.
Republic of Ireland’s William O’Connor and Mickey Mansell clinched top spot in Group D by beating Gibraltar’s Craig Galliano and Justin Hewitt 4-2, earning a tie against Poland.
The top ranked nations – including England, Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland – enter the tournament in the second round.
England pair Luke Littler and Luke Humphries – the top seeds – face Spain, while defending champions Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney begin their title defence against Belgium.
Scotland duo Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies face Norway, while Netherlands pairing Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen take on Sweden.
France against Latvia completes the round two fixtures.
