Fabian Way cafe boss says rubbish trouble is hitting trade

July 24, 2014, 11:00 am

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A FABIAN Way cafe owner has said her new business is being stymied because Neath Port Talbot Council is letting her recycling stack up outside her doors and it won't collect it.

Samantha Miller, aged 26, has been in the premises for just six weeks and said she has called the council scores of times to ask them to take her recycling away because the mounting rubbish affects her fledgling trade.

She said: "I have phoned the council every Monday, every Wednesday and every Friday for the last five weeks and sometimes on a Tuesday as well.

"They tell me they will come out so I stack the recycling up outside and then they don't turn up. At their worst they have left it for two weeks."

She added: "If I leave it outside the cafe it looks bad for the business, but I can't keep bringing it back inside the cafe because it takes up a lot of space.

"If I leave it outside I end up rebagging the rubbish a lot because the seagulls rip the bags to shreds and make a mess."

Ms Miller said it was unacceptable that business owners were expected to sort their recycling but then it isn't taken away by the council.

"They ask us to separate rubbish so it can be recycled and I agree with that. I recycle at home as well.

"But it takes time and effort, and if you don't do it you can be fined. But then they don't take it away. It is wrong."

Ms Miller said businesses in the area were already coping with the disruption caused by works on Fabian Way to build access roads to the new Swansea University Bay campus.

That work is expected to last for another eight months.

She said: "The works on Fabian Way are hitting the business as it is, so we don't this as well."

Neath Port Talbot did not respond to the Evening Post at the time of going to press.

But their website refers to businesses' "legal duty to dispose of waste responsibly" and to "use a registered waste carrier to dispose of their waste".

It continues: "Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is available to offer advice and assistance with the disposal of your waste.

"We are committed to providing a professional service; allow us to take care of your waste in order that you are free to concentrate on your business."

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We're in Holy-wood! Even the clergy in Carmarthen are getting in on the selfie craze

July 24, 2014, 11:18 am

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It's not just A-list Hollywood stars that love a good selfie - it seems that even members of the clergy in Carmarthen are getting in on the act nowadays!

It might not have been taken at a glittering LA ceremony but the tongue-in-cheek 'Holy-wood' picture is glamorous enough in its own right.

Bishop of St.Davids in group selfie at Archdeacon Roger's licensing last night @Carmjournal@PoblDewi@churchtimespic.twitter.com/XAQ87PvWW0

— Leigh Richardson (@tweeting_rector) July 23, 2014

The Twitter picture features Bishop of St Davids the Very Reverend John Wyn Evans and other clergy at the celebration of a new ministry licensing of Archdeacon Roger Hughes. 

Newport M4 relief road project 'could hit road plans' in Llandeilo and Ammanford

July 24, 2014, 12:00 pm

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A DECISION to spend around £1 billion on an M4 relief road in Newport could negatively impact projects in Llandeilo and Ammanford, says Plaid Cymru.

Last week, the Welsh Government announced it hoped to proceed with the costly plan, aimed at reducing motorway congestion around the city.

Jonathan Edwards MP has said he feared the project could suck transport expenditure away from other parts of Wales, and could hamper efforts to build the Llandeilo bypass and the proposed Ammanford relief road.

He said: "The Labour Welsh government's decision to bulldoze its way with the M4 relief road at a cost of £1 billion is reckless. It will inevitably endanger other infrastructure projects throughout Wales, including the Llandeilo bypass and a proposed Ammanford relief road."

Plaid politicians have reacted angrily to the government's decision, claiming there are cheaper options available which would leave money for transport projects in other parts of Wales. Mr Edwards has asked the Welsh government for assurances that the M4 relief road would not have any negative repercussions for the Llandeilo and Ammanford projects.

Mr Edwards said: "The decision to spend £1billion on just 15 miles of road will jeopardise projects in Carmarthenshire. I've therefore written to the Minister and requested a categorical assurance that the Llandeilo bypass scheme will not be sidelined, and have requested a start date for that work.

"Infrastructure projects always cost more than projected — High Speed Rail is a prime example which has doubled in price to around £40 billion without a single mile of railway track installed."

Swimmer Jazz Carlin finishes sixth in Commonwealth Games

July 24, 2014, 12:05 pm

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JAZZ Carlin finished sixth in the 200 metres freestyle final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Swansea swimmer clocked 1.57.26 in the final. Australian Emma McKeon took gold ahead of England's Siobhan O'Connor. Carlin, who qualified fourth fastest for the final, was behind the pacesetters from the off. And while she made up ground in the final 50 metres as her stamina came into play, she could not peg back the leaders. But she has more realistic medal hopes in the 400m and 800m, in which she will start among the favourites for gold.

Wales's Jemma Lowe clinches final spot in Commonwealth Games

July 24, 2014, 12:58 pm

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JEMMA Lowe will go for Wales's first medal in the pool in Glasgow on Friday night. The former Swim Swansea star reached the final of the 100 metres butterfly after posting the fifth fastest time and will have hopes of getting on the podium. Lowe finished third in her semi-final in a time of 58.47 seconds. Katerine Savard won in 57.83 ahead of Emma McKeon. Lowe looked in good shape in her morning heat and continued that form into the evening, starting her race well and turning third before finishing just a couple of metres down on Savard. Swansea University's Alys Thomas finished just behind Lowe in fourth, but her time of 59.52 was not quick enough to secure her a spot in the final.

Wales win first medal of Commonwealth Games in rhythmic gymnastics

July 24, 2014, 2:15 pm

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WALES have won their first medal of the Commonwealth Games, with a silver in the rhythmic gymnastics. The team - led by Frankie Jones - and completed by Laura Halford and Llanelli's Nikara Jenkins - finished second behind Canada. It was a superb performance by the Welsh team, who were second throughout the day and held their nerve in the final two rounds.

Two-vehicle collision partially blocking Cockett Road in Sketty

July 25, 2014, 4:45 am

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COCKETT Road in Sketty is partially blocked and traffic is queuing at Broadway mini-roundabouts on the A4216, because of an incident involving two vehicles.

5 great things to do in south west Wales this weekend

July 25, 2014, 5:15 am

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THERE are some great things to do in Swansea Bay this weekend...The Lions and the Lillies... Lions and Lillies Medieval Knights and Archers will be showing off their archery, combat and sword skills at Margam Park on Saturday and Sunday. More info here.Cancer Research UK Race for Life. If you're taking part - well done you. If not, you can cheer on the runners from the National Waterfront Museum Green from 10am on Sunday, July 27. More info here.Katherine Jenkins live in Swansea. The brilliant Neath classical singer performs at Singleton Park from 6pm on Sunday, July 27, with the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis. You can get tickets here.Hop aboard! The Swansea Bay Rider is running every day along the prom until August 31. Enjoy the amazing views of the sweep of Swansea Bay as you pass. More info here.Be happy... ...by heading to the Well-being, Health and Happiness Weekend at the National Botanic Garden in Carmarthenshire. It is billed as the biggest holistic event in Wales with relaxing therapies to try, beautiful gifts and crafts. There will also be a wide selection of free talks and workshops. More info here.

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Ospreys and Scarlets start LV= Cup campaigns on the road

July 25, 2014, 5:21 am

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THE Ospreys kick off their LV= Cup campaign away to Gloucester, with the Scarlets travelling to the Arms Park to face Cardiff Blues the same weekend. The first round of fixtures take place on the weekend of October 31 - although specific dates are yet to be announced. In round two, the weekend commencing November 7, the Scarlets host Premiership heavyweights Northampton Saints, while Steve Tandy's men face off against Saracens at the Liberty. Round three (weekend commencing January 30): Ospreys v Newport Gwent Dragons, Scarlets v London Irish. Round four (weekend commencing February 6): Bath Rugby v Ospreys, Sale Sharks v Scarlets.

End is in sight for traffic misery in Oystermouth and Mumbles Road - says Wales & West Utilities

July 25, 2014, 5:45 am

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MISERY for motorists is continuing along Swansea's seafront, but the company behind the roadworks is promising that the end is in sight.

Lanes out of commission and subsequent delays have been a feature of the Osytermouth Road and Mumbles Road scheme since early February.

"The road along the seafront always seems to be dug up," said commuter Petra Slocombe. "It is an all too familiar tale. This time seems a very long one."

But Wales & West Utilities says the gas pipe replacement scheme is on track for an August finish, although there could be an extra weekend of work near the Civic Centre.

"Work continues on our £1million investment to improve the gas network for people who live and work in the Sandfields and St Helen's areas of Swansea," said a spokeswoman. "We are replacing and connecting three kilometres of gas pipe, to support future regeneration and growth of the city, to make sure the area continues to have a safe and reliable gas supply.

She insisted the 26-week scheme, which started in early February, was progressing to schedule.

"Work to connect the new gas pipe to services in the side streets, to make sure that we bring the new gas pipe into service safely, is continuing," said the spokeswoman. "The junction of Oystermouth Road and Bond Street has now reopened, after the gas connections were completed. From Mondaythe bus lane on Oystermouth Road, and the closure at the junction of Oystermouth Road and Gorse Lane, will be reopened."

Then, though, the inside eastbound lane, from the Bay View Hotel to the junction of Bond Street, will be closed for around two weeks, followed by closure of the same lane from Bond Street to the Christchurch junction.

"Work is on schedule to be completed by August – and we will then move to connecting properties in the wider area to the new gas pipe," she said.

There may yet be an extra weekend of work connecting the new gas pipe to the Civic Centre and the marina, and which may mean a westbound lane closure. The company will update people when a decision has been taken.

"We appreciate local people's patience while our essential work is ongoing," said the spokeswoman. "Our work is part of the company's multi million pound, 30-year replacement programme across Wales and the south west, where old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with highly durable, non-corroding plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years."

Swansea    Traffic and travel

New Swansea City pre-academy to open next month

July 25, 2014, 6:15 am

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A NEW Swansea City pre-academy is due to open next month.

The venue is understood to be Pitchside Football, Cwmdu, pictured, which had been a playground for amateur footballers and winter cricketers for years.

Swansea City academy postings on Twitter said the new facility would give opportunities to under-fives up to under-nines, that it would open on August 18, and that the long-term plan was a girls' academy.

Another academy tweet said: "Big investment into the facility and development opportunities for all young Swans."

However, the abrupt closure of Pitchside last month dismayed its devotees.

Chris Ramsell, who plays for FC Manselton, said the decision was a blow.

"We went there on Monday to play as usual and we were told that the place would shut down on Sunday," he said.

"We were all shocked about it because we were given so little notice. I have been going there for seven years but this will probably mean the end of our team really."

He added: "Hundreds use The Pitchside, including groups like the Bravehearts, which is a club for people with special needs."

At the time, the Post was not able to ascertain a reason for the closure.

Angus Johnston had a heart attack last year - but it won't stop him walking 52 miles to honour his late brother

July 25, 2014, 6:30 am

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A BISHOPSTON man is not allowing a heart attack to get in the way of a 52-mile charity walk in memory of his late brother.

Angus Johnston, aged 43, will be lacing up his walking boots just before midnight and setting out on a adventurous hike around the challenging terrain around the Gower Peninsula, in memory of his brother James 'Jock' Johnston who died in a motorcycle crash in 2004.

Mr Johnston, who aims to finish in Mumbles tomorrow evening, said: "The walk is the second memorial walk for my late brother James 'Jock' Johnston. This year is the 10th anniversary of his death from a motorcycle accident.

"It is also the first anniversary of my heart attack. In July 2013 I was rushed into hospital suffering acute chest pains and shortness of breath. I had an emergency angioplasty and was kept in for four days where a second stent was inserted in another valve. The attack came about as a result of hereditary factors and lifestyle.

"Since then I have lost 2.5 stone, drastically cut back my alcohol intake and exercised more.

"I'm doing this walk to raise money, hopefully £3,000, for Cardiac Risk in the Young, a worthy charity that works with young children with heart defects, this charity works to raise awareness of the issues and promotes early screening."

To donate to the charity walk please visit www.justgiving.com/Angus-Johnston1

Live footage at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells is a big hit as membership is up but visitor numbers are down

July 25, 2014, 6:43 am

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VISITOR numbers are down, but membership is up at the Royal Welsh Show.

Organisers have also said that by Tuesday evening 30,000 people in 34 countries had viewed live footage online from the main ring and sheering centre.

There had been two record-breaking years at the Royal Welsh.

But this year's attendance at the Builth Wells, Powys, attraction was 237,694, more than 4,000 down on 2013 and 3,400 less than in 2012.

Prince Charles visited last year, however, giving the figures a boost.

This year Prime Minister David Cameron made a surprise trip on Monday to the annual four-day event.

There were record livestock entries and the number of trade stands also increased.

Chair of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society board of directors, John T Davies, said: "Although figures are not always the best way to measure success, in the society's 110-year history we have more members than ever before which is a gauge of people's loyalty and respect and demonstrates their commitment and confidence in the future of the show."

Premier League transfer deadline: Who we think will be where when the ink has dried on the last summer signing

July 25, 2014, 7:00 am

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WITH just over a month left until the transfer window closes, there is still plenty of business to be done in the Premier League. Here we look at the big moves made by every club so far this summer — and what may be still to come. ARSENAL The Gunners have spent big on Alexis Sanchez and also recruited Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy as a replacement for Bacary Sagna, but there could still be some big moves to be made. Arsene Wenger has suggested he won't move for a striker despite ongoing links with AC Milan's Mario Balotelli. A defensive midfielder is on the wish list, with Sami Khedira and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho among the names who have been mentioned as targets. ASTON VILLA Paul Lambert has not exactly sent pulses racing with his signings so far. Philippe Senderos and Joe Cole have both arrived on free transfers, while Kieran Richardson was recruited from Fulham. Some more defensive beef could be handy — particularly if Dutch World Cup star Ron Vlaar is tempted away. BURNLEY The Clarets are not going crazy following promotion, having paid small fees for Lukas Jutkiewicz and Michael Kightly and snapped up various free transfers including Steven Reid, Matt Taylor and Marvin Sordell. Sean Dyche is said to be in for Danny Graham — and looks to be winning his battle to hold on to Danny Ings. CHELSEA Moneybags Chelsea have splashed the cash yet again to sign Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis. The Blues continue to be linked with various others, yet Jose Mourinho has claimed their spending is over for this summer — though he could bring back free agent Didier Drogba. CRYSTAL PALACE The Eagles made their first signing of any note when they snapped up Fraizer Campbell from Cardiff in a £1 million deal this week, but Gylfi Sigurdsson and Steven Caulker have both turned down moves to Selhurst Park. Tony Pulis, who needs defensive reinforcements, is famous for leaving it late to do his business, and a few more signings are sure to come. EVERTON Roberto Martinez has landed Gareth Barry on a permanent deal after his loan last season, but that is it so far. Swansea City target Muhamed Besic should follow soon, while Romelu Lukaku is tipped to return to Goodison. Martinez says he wants a big squad with the Europa League ahead this season, so there could be more recruits to come. HULL CITY Another club who have to prepare for the Europa League, Hull have so far spent sizeable fees on Robert Snodgrass and former loanee Jake Livermore, while a tribunal will decide how much they stump up for Tom Ince following his switch from Blackpool. Steve Bruce has been after a centre-back all summer, while Dundee United left-back Andrew Robertson is poised to seal a move to the KC Stadium. LEICESTER CITY The Foxes have splashed £7 million on Brighton frontman on Leonardo Ulloa, and landed the likes of Matthew Upson and Marc Albrighton on free transfers. They are still in the market for attacking reinforcements, with Watford's Troy Deeney and Algerian international Islam Slimani among those who have been touted as targets. LIVERPOOL Having sold Luis Suarez, Brendan Rodgers is in the midst of a busy summer. Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Emre Can and Rickie Lambert have all arrived for decent money, but the Reds still have plenty to spend. They are in need of a left-back — Ryan Bertrand is again being linked — while Southampton's Dejan Lovren looks set to arrive. Rodgers must then find a striker to help fill the void left by Suarez, with Wilfried Bony one of numerous forwards who has been linked. MANCHESTER CITY By their standards, City haven't spent that much so far this summer. Bacary Sagna joined from Arsenal on a free, while £10 million went on Porto midfielder Fernando plus £6 million on keeper Willy Caballero. Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala is expected to follow in a big-money deal, but Manuel Pellegrini doesn't look like being that busy from here on in. MANCHESTER UNITED The Red Devils have spent £60 million on Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, but it seems there is plenty more spending to come. Mats Hummels, Stefan de Vrij and Arturo Vidal are among the numerous names linked with Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal bids to revive last season's big underachievers. NEWCASTLE UNITED The Toon have been busy compared to recent transfer windows, snapping up French pair Remy Cabella and Emmanuel Riviere as well Dutch duo Siem de Jong and Daryl Janmaat. They also recruited Sunderland's Jack Colback on a free transfer, but Alan Pardew may still try to convince Mike Ashley to let him sign one or two more. QUEENS PARK RANGERS Harry Redknapp has a new central defence after landing Cardiff's Steven Caulker and Rio Ferdinand, but there will surely be more new faces to come. Rangers look thin on strikers following their Championship play-off final win, and Samuel Eto'o is said to be target after leaving Chelsea. SOUTHAMPTON The Saints have been pillaged this summer, with Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Rickie Lambert gone and Dejan Lovren and Morgan Schneiderlin set to follow them out of St Mary's. New boss Ronald Koeman has snapped up Eredivisie stars Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle, but further reinforcements are required. Ron Vlaar, Virgil van Dijk and Jordy Clasie are among the many names who have been linked. STOKE CITY The Potters have made some interesting signings, including Barcelona's Bojan Krkic and ex-Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf. They have also snapped up the likes of Phil Bardsley and Steve Sidwell on free transfers, but Mark Hughes is still after a winger. Liverpool's Oussama Assaidi and Norwich wideman Nathan Redmond are on the radar. SUNDERLAND The Black Cats have so far only added three free transfers — former Swansea City player Jordi Gomez, keeper Costel Pantilimon and full-back Billy Jones. They are after a striker — Fabio Borini remains a possibility — and are also keen to recruit a centre-back having missed out on Ashley Williams. Not for the first time, Sunderland could be in for a busy transfer window. SWANSEA CITY Garry Monk has been bust already, landing Lukasz Fabianski, Bafetimbi Gomis, Marvin Emnes, Stephen Kingsley, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jefferson Montero — but there is still work to do. With a number of players moving on, Monk is still likely to be in the market for at least one defender, a midfielder and an attacking player. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Mauricio Pochettino's only recruits so far are Swansea pair Ben Davies and Michel Vorm, yet Spurs are being linked with a host of players. Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin is a target, while they could also be in the market for a centre-forward. Saints star Jay Rodriguez has been linked despite the fact that he is injured. WEST BROMWICH ALBION The Baggies have broken their transfer record to land £10 million striker Brown Ideye, while they have also snapped up Joleon Lescott, Craig Gardner, Chris Baird and Sebastien Pocognoli as well as Andre Wisdom, who arrives on loan from Liverpool. Despite Ideye's arrival, new boss Alan Irvine may want to add further firepower. WEST HAM UNITED The Hammers have signed World Cup star Enner Valencia for £12 million as well as £7 million Anderlecht defender Cheikhou Kouyate. Ipswich left-back Aaron Creswell is another of the new recruits, but Sam Allardyce may have to find another forward after Andy Carroll was ruled out for four months.

VIDEO: Swansea and Neath Port Talbot pupils become deputy sheriffs

July 25, 2014, 7:05 am

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PUPILS across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot have marked the end of term by signing up to help keep their schools safe over the holidays. PCSOs visited schools across South Wales Police's western division to recruit new deputy sheriffs - and got an enthusiastic response. The junior crime fighting scheme sees youngsters taking an oath to keep an eye on their schools and communities over the summer holidays, and report anything suspicious to their parents or an adult. Part of the scheme focuses on preventing anti-social behaviour and damage being committed on school grounds during the summer break. The deputy sheriff scheme was launched in 2008 after a successful trial at Cwm Primary School in Bonymaen, and has now been extended across the whole of the western division.

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Michu hints at Napoli stay after completing loan from Swansea City

July 25, 2014, 7:17 am

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MICHU has revealed he is already thinking about staying at Napoli beyond this season after joining on a year-long loan deal. The Swansea City forward has been unveiled in Italy after clinching his move to Serie A last week. And the 28-year-old says he is looking forward to playing under Rafael Benitez - because he plays the same sort of football he experienced at the Liberty.

É nu piacere sta cca'!Ce verimmo int'o San Paolo! Grazie a tutti, #ForzaNapoliSemprepic.twitter.com/XJWrqJecuM

— Michu (@Michuoviedo) July 25, 2014

"If all goes well, and all parties are happy, there is no time limit to staying here," Michu told the Italian media. "Benitez has the same playing style as Swansea, which I like. "Of Napoli I had heard wonders of the city and the team. Even the climate of my country is very similar to that of Naples, but it was the meeting in the Europa League with Swansea that opened my eyes. "In terms of scoring goals I will say that I will work, I would like to score a lot, but if I do not then I will play for the team, and I can even put on the gloves to help, if I have to. "My best position is behind the forward, but I will play where the coach wants." Michu hopes to rediscover his best at Napoli after struggling in his second season at Swansea. And the former Rayo Vallecano man reckons Benitez's team can compete for the title. "I came here to work, to give my all and to return to my best form - I want to work well for a great season," he added. "The main goal is to win in Serie A, but there are strong teams such as Juventus, Roma, Fiorentina, and the important thing is to find the best form and to try to fight for everything."

Giant billboard poster advertises Cardiff woman's hen party - friends stumped up £500 for the stunt

July 25, 2014, 7:30 am

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A BRIDE-TO-BE was stunned when her best friends gave her an early wedding present - a giant billboard advertising her hen party.

Sarah Molland, 25, was on a boozy pubcrawl with friends when she came face-to-face with the huge roadside poster.

Her pals had clubbed together to organise the £500 billboard in Cardiff city centre.

Sarah said: "I couldn't believe my eyes - I knew I would be getting plastered on my hen night but not like that.

"My first thought was: "I'll kill them" - but I was delighted really. It was very funny."

The 24ft X 12ft billboard is based on the hit Russell Brand film Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Sarah's best friend and maid of honour Rachael Coombs, 25, spent months plotting to put the poster up for the hen night for 15 girls in the Welsh capital.

All the friends were sworn to secrecy so Sarah had no idea about the poster until she saw it on her big night out.

Sarah, of Birmingham, said: "It was a night to remember - I enjoyed being a poster girl but it was weird seeing my picture that huge."

The poster in the middle of Cardiff city centre has been seen by hundreds of shoppers and motorists.

And Sarah's giant photograph is still up more than a week after the hen night.

Criminology graduate Sarah studied at Cardiff University and returned to the city for her hen night - even staying in student accommodation for the weekend.

She is marrying businessman Paul Jones, 26, in Birmingham next month and her hen night friends will be among the 120 guests.

​Why is Derwen Fawr in Swansea closed to traffic?

July 25, 2014, 7:46 am

≫ Next: Swansea Museum is bringing wartime back to life

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IF you're wondering why you can't drive along Derwen Fawr except for access, read on.

The road, which links the top of Sketty Lane with Mumbles Road, near Blackpill, has diversion signs at each end.

Wales and West Utilities are to blame.

The company has been carrying out various gas main replacement work in the city and is doing the same in Derwen Fawr.

The work was scheduled to run for two weeks from July 21.

Swansea Museum is bringing wartime back to life

July 25, 2014, 8:00 am

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A CENTURY on from the start of the First Word War, Swansea Museum is paying tribute to the local men and women whose lives were touched by the conflict with an exhibition opening today.

The museum has collected stories and memorabilia to help bring to life the experiences of the thousands of men who fought in the trenches and the women who played a vital part in the war effort back home in Wales.

Among the items on display are medals, photographs, medical equipment, horses' stirrups and postcards written to those at home.

A scale model of a First World War trench complete with real sandbags and barbed wire has been built for the exhibition to help visitors get an insight into the grim reality of life on the Western Front.

Glenda Thomas, assistant exhibitions officer at Swansea Museum, said: "It's the centenary of the start of the First World War this year and I think it's really important that we commemorate that and tell the more personal stories as well as the overall view of what happened."

The six-month exhibition aims to tell the stories of Swansea women who helped keep the country running during the conflict by taking on jobs which had traditionally been carried out by men, such as working in munitions factories, carrying out farm work and teaching.

More than 60 million people from around the world fought in the First World War, which was declared in August of 1914 and lasted until November 1918, including thousands from the Swansea area and South Wales.

Around 1,200 men from the Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot areas fought alongside each other in the 14th Service Battalion of the Welsh Regiment which was part of the 38th Welsh Division.

The Battalion became known as The Swansea Pals, and were involved in one of the deadliest fighting of the war near the infamous Somme battlefield.

Hundreds of soldiers were involved in the notorious battle at Mametz Wood, with over 400 servicemen being killed or injured.

By the end of the war around 600 of the 14th Service Battalion had lost their lives and those who survived were often left traumatised by the events they witnessed in the trenches.

The exhibition will also explore the stories of those who conscientiously objected, and resisted conscription due to pacifist beliefs or religious convictions.

The exhibition will be on display in Gallery One at Swansea Museum from today until January 28, 2015.

Beautiful pictures blend Swansea city's past with its present

July 25, 2014, 8:30 am

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THESE eye-catching images bring the changes Swansea has seen over the last 100 years or so to life. Evening Post photographer Andrew Davies has merged black and white images with modern scenes taken from more or less the same spot.

One shows Mumbles Methodist Church at its junction with Dunns Lane taken in 1910 with a group of boys playing in the street.

It has been merged with one taken this week.

Another shows the iconic Castle Gardens in their 1970s heyday when a fountain, grassed lawns and flower beds occupied land now covered in paving.

Our cameraman has pulled off the montages with just a couple of clicks. He then reproduces the original image and overlays it on the newer one, creating fascinating scenes that collapse a century into a single image.