CARDIGAN Bay and the surrounding area has so much to offer, but sometimes it is nice to just to just look at the view. There is no end of scenic vistas to appreciate.

And even on the bleakest of days the county is welcoming, interesting and entertaining.

Aberaeron is a charming town with a colourful harbour and lovely places to eat and drink.

And you can't leave without trying its famous honey ice-cream from The Hive, which has been serving customers for more than 40 years. Eat it in, or enjoy it on the harbour.

But let's start with a bit of history — the town of Aberaeron is more than 200 years old, and celebrated its bicentenary in 2007.

It took shape around the harbour and the small fishing village grew into a trading port — with ships bearing the town's name travelling far and wide across the globe and homes were owned by sea captains from the Southern Hemisphere and Africa. It became a bustling centre of industry and the site of the local woollen mill still stands on the banks of the river Aeron.

And, of course, there was agriculture — and a hugely successful annual show.

Nowadays, that industry has gone and you can see the results —  instead of 35 public houses, the town now only has nine.

But it remains a charming place to visit, with colourful houses, good places to eat and an eclectic mix of shops.

Of course, along the bay is New Quay — and it's traditional to eat fish and chips on the sea wall, sitting alongside the lobster pots, watching the boats in the little bay and taking in the sea air.

It has a calming effect.

There is no end of places to stay — B&Bs and small hotels and even a silver American Airstream caravan, with a log burning stove, in the middle of a field are up for grabs.

In the early days New Quay was a fishing and smuggling port. Later a thriving shipbuilding industry developed, reaching its peak in the middle of the 19h century. Towards the end of that century shipbuilding died out, railways came to West Wales and tourism became the main industry.

Of course, many believe the town "cliff-perched town at the far end of Wales" is the inspiration for Llareggub in Under Milk Wood.

Dylan Thomas lived in New Quay in 1944 in a little house called Majoda atop the cliffs opposite the town.

And there is a trail you can follow to the places he frequented and those spots believed to feature in his play for voices. When better than to take the trail than on the weekend before the anniversary of what would have been the poet's 100th birthday.

IT'S not every day a mother and daughter chose to spend a winter's night sleeping rough, but one Llanelli pair did just that in a bid to raise £10,000 in the memory of their friend's little girl.

Charlene Reekie and her mother Michelle Williams spent 11 long hours in the freezing cold and rain to raise money for Ty Hafan Children's Hospice.

Charlene, aged 23, and 44-year-old Michelle, from Pwll, were inspired to begin fundraising for the South Wales hospice after it took care of their friend's seven-year-old daughter, Hayley Walsh, in her final days.

"Ty Hafan looked after Hayley and we are doing this for the children and families who have to use the hospice," Charlene said.

Hayley was diagnosed with infantile batten disease, a condition of the nervous system which progressively deprives movement and brain function, when she was just four years old. It is a disease which is so rare only nine people in the UK have been diagnosed with it.

"Between the ages of four and seven her brain closed down - she could not talk, eat, she could not move and she was fitting all the time," Charlene said.

The mother and daughter duo began fundraising for Hayley in 2009 just after she passed away.

Charlene added: "We are doing this in Hayley's memory. We started by doing charity events and collections in pubs and clubs, but we wanted to do something more."

Before Hayley passed away, Charlene and Michelle, joined her parents Vicky and Rob Walsh, in raising money to take their little girl to Disneyland, and for her to go on to the pitch with Swansea City.

The club agreed. But Hayley sadly passed away before she got the chance to spend time with her favourite players.

"We were very upset that she didn't have the chance to do the things she wanted. That's when we started raising money for Ty Hafan," she said.

Since 2009, Charlene and Michelle have raised £6,500 for Ty Hafan under the name Hayley's Wish and that total is without the money raised from their sleepless night on the streets.

Charlene said they not only chose Ty Hafan because it helped Hayley but also because of the work it does with families all over the country. "Ty Hafan try to make it happy there for an ill child in their last few months, days and weeks, so the families will always have good things to remember.

"They do not get help from any other organisations, it's all done through fundraising.

"It is a charity that is close to our hearts and not many people know about it."

She added: "We chose to do the sleepless night for Ty Hafan, because parents who's children are looked after there have lots of sleepless nights."

On the sleep-out near Verdi's in Mumbles, the pair were joined by Charlotte Nelson, Alison James, Carly Watson and 15-year-old Katie Evans.

Charlene said: "It was freezing cold and a really long night. We didn't get any sleep. We were there from 8pm and 7am. It was quite hard, but it was worth it. We want to do even more events and get more people involved."

Now Michelle and Charlene say they would like to reach the £10,000 fundraising mark in Hayley's name.

Michelle, who works at Mite, is planning to sit in a bath of custard to raise money and Charlene, a support worker, is planning to do a skydive.

"Hayley's parents are very happy we are doing this. A day does not go by when they do not think about Hayley. They are very touched by what we are doing," Charlene said.

If you would like to help raise money for Ty Hafan in Hayley's memory, you can text HAYS65 to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/michelle -williams35, or you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/ Hayleys-wishin-loving-memory -of-Hayley-age-7

SUE Poole, enterprise education manager for Gower College Swansea, which is sponsoring and supporting the competition, says she has been amazed at some of the brilliant ideas competitors have come up with.

Mrs Poole, who is also involved with Swansea Bay Consortia, added: "There were 10 schools and some amazing ideas, including one who came up with that idea of making a washing line with an automatic canopy that goes over the washing and over the rotary line to keep the clothes dry when you are in work.

"They were so many brilliant ideas with at least five or six in with a chance of winning."

Among the judges were Mike Lewis from Lloyds Bank, John Dyer, who was formerly with the chamber of commerce, and Mark Wilkes from GCS Training.

THE wait, finally, is over. After all the fanfare, the exhibitions, festivals, books, films, talks, competitions and touring writing sheds held to mark what would have been his 100th year, Dylan Thomas's birthday has finally arrived.

And if there is anywhere where the occasion will not go gentle, it is in Swansea, the great poet's home town, which this weekend will celebrate with an unprecedented programme of events inspired by, and commemorating, the life and linguistic genius of the Rimbaud of Cwmdonkin Drive.

Author, and president of the Dylan Thomas Society of Great Britain Jeff Towns said: "This year has proven the popularity of Dylan Thomas and his work.

"It began with Sir Peter Blake's exhibition of illustrations to Under Milk Wood, which took him 25 years to undertake, and has taken on a life of its own.

"There is something that is fascinating about Dylan, that people can't put their finger on, but they realise there is more to the drunken, womanising lay-about image which is sometimes projected, that demands attention.

"The Do Not Go Gentle Festival, which begins on Friday in his old stomping ground, the Uplands, is a great way to start the weekend. Now in its third year, it is designed to be something that Dylan himself might have liked, and it should not be over looked."

The festival sees a diverse programme with actors, musicians and films in venues, including comedian Jo Brand, Meic Stevens, and the cast of Ugly Lovely Town, the BBC film made with poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who helped Dylan inspire residents of Townhill.

Curator Pierre Donahue said: "My intention was always to put Uplands on the map, and it was a three project building up to this, to establish the festival in time for Dylan's birthday."

Also taking place at the Grand Theatre is the Dylathon, a 36-hour non-stop reading of Dylan's work, with contributors including Sir Ian McKellen, Katherine Jenkins, Jonathan Pryce, Michael Sheen, Charlotte Church and Robert Peston.

Geoff Haden, owner of Dylan's birthplace at Cwmdonkin Drive which also has its own programme of events, also takes part in the Dylathon, with a new contribution made to the Birthplace.

He said: "We've been donated a bike which dates from the mid-1920s, of the type Dylan's sister might have used, and passed down. It was donated by a family from Gower who visited the house, and is a welcome addition. We hope it will be used in the Dylathon at some point."

See tomorrow's Evening Post for your 4-page programme for the Dylathon

EVER wondered what your county councillor does? All 72 in Swansea have been asked to complete reports on what they got up to in their wards in the last civic year (up until May 2014). Here are some edited highlights of the last group we have looked at, along with overall attendance at meetings and salaries as published on the council's website. 

Not all councillors' reports are available and the ones not yet on the authority's website are listed at the bottom of this article.

Gloria Tanner : Mynyddbach

Council Salary - £13,175

Attendance - 57%

Regular surgeries every three weeks. Attended Pact meetings, Sheltered Accommodation at Penrhiw Court Clase. Quarterly meetings with Police. School Governors meetings at Clase Primary and Clase Community Management Committee. Worked with Communities First on projects such as "Playing areas in Clase" and on a Horses' project. Worked with PCSO' on road safety & off road bikes. Regular site visits to monitor fly tipping, litter and potholes.

Mitchell Theaker : Cockett

Council Salary - £31,900

Attendance - 84%

Surgeries in varying locations and PACT meetings. My colleagues and I did a significant amount of work with Fforestfach Library to ensure it remained open. We were also successful in securing a major upgrade to the playground next to the library. Discussions with Highways about making safe the road running through Waunarlwydd. Dealt with a number of general ward issues such as potholes, grit bins, parking and dog mess. Governor of Cadle and Bryn Tawe.

Ceinwen Thomas: Mynyddbach

Council Salary - £18,445

Attendance - 76%

Surgeries were held every three weeks. PCC meetings. Governing Body at Gwyrosydd Primary School. I spent my environmental improvement money on traffic calming measures and double yellow lines. Led a petition to try to save the Post Office. Chairman of building sub-committee for St Albans Church and was successful in obtaining a grant to extend the church hall. Obtained help to clear the grounds of three churches in my area.

Des Thomas: West Cross

Council Salary - £13,175

Attendance - 67%

Weekly surgeries. Supported and attended West Cross Community Centre's Management Committee. Sheparded through council the application for "Village Green" status for green areas at Heathwood Road and Alderwood Road. Oversaw design and location of signs at above locations. Following First Cymru's decision to cease the 3A service via Woodland Avenue, negotiated between council and the bus company for its reinstatement. Meetings with housing managers to oversee management of estate.

Graham Thomas: Cwmbwrla

Council Salary - £13,175

Attendance - 68%

I delivered focus leaflets to residents every 8 weeks to update them on issues and activities in the ward. Helped residents with issues such as dog fouling, street lighting, pot holes, etc. Attended PACT meetings as required. I was involved in the introduction of residents parking to combat problems created by match days at the Liberty Stadium. Attended meetings regarding the construction site for the New Burlais Primary School. Vice Chair of governors at Pentrehafod Comprehensive and governor of Burlais Primary.

Mark Thomas: Penclawdd

Council Salary - £13,175

Attendance - 73%

Held monthly surgeries. Liaised with NRW on the new flood defence scheme for Penclawdd. Worked with the owners of the Railway Inn and a potential developer to restore the building as a Pub/Restaurant. Addressed many issues raised these include street lighting, pot holes, hedge and grass cutting, stray horses and sheep, speeding traffic and dog fouling. I also helped to campaign to have evening buses restored – successfully! Planted wild flowers and worked with community council on various activities.

Linda Tyler-Lloyd: Mayals

Council Salary - £13,175

Attendance - 60%

Held a surgery each month except December and January. Chairman of Mumbles Community Council (MCC) until my term of office ran out. Supported the Clyne Valley Project Committee in its preservation work. Released £5,000 of my environmental money to enable the Clyne Valley Committee to apply for Entrust Grant of £42,000 to refurbish the "Roman Bridge" at Blackpill. Currently working to enable a pathway to be laid across the grass between the crossing at Llwynderw and the promenade. Also working to bring about a safer access through Mayals Green.

Lesley Walton: Townhill

Council Salary - £13,175

Attendance - 71%

Monthly surgery. Bi-monthly PACT meetings. Helped address dog fouling by getting new bins placed strategically around the ward. Used some environmental money to contribute to the TOPIC House extension and responded to residents' requests to get certain road blocks removed in the Mayhill area. Resolved some practical issues such as getting new lamppost down Tower Lane and as requested by Townhill Community Centre in having fence erected between Scout Hut to alleviate anti-social behaviour.

Mike White: Landore

Council Salary - £13,175

Attendance - 86%

Ward surgeries, Pact meetings, school governor meetings. Worked with transportation department to implement new traffic orders outside local schools and traffic measures on top section of Trewyddfa Road. Worked with parks department on upgrading of play area at Davies Street, Plasmarl. Meetings with STADCO to discuss travel plan in regards extension of the Liberty Stadium. Worked with local residents/schools/groups/parks liaison officer to set up a new 'Friends of Hafod Park'.

Reports have not yet been published on the council's website for these members of the authority. The council said they would be added when they become available.

Peter Black: Cwmbwrla

Tony Colburn: Oystermouth

Yvonne Jardine: Morriston

John Davies: Morriston

Richard Lewis: Gower

John Newbury: Dunvant

Geraint Owens: Cockett

Cheryl Philpott: Sketty

Huw Rees: Sketty

Neil Woollard: Uplands

Pearleen Sangha: Uplands

June Stanton: Sketty

Gareth Sullivan: Llangyfelach

Miles Thomas: Newton

Gordon Walker: Clydach

WAYNE Pivac has admitted that Leicester will present something of an unknown challenge when they pitch up in Llanelli tomorrow.

But for many Scarlets fans, they will be more than familiar with the scars the Tigers are capable of inflicting.

The vision of Tim Stimpson's late penalty bouncing off the crossbar then ricocheting in off the upright will probably still induce cold sweats among those who ventured to Nottingham 12 years ago.

Then, five years later at Leicester's Walkers Stadium, a Scarlets side that stunned Toulouse and Munster on their way to the semi-final, found the men in red, white and green, another insurmountable obstacle.

In all, out of seven meetings between the sides in European competition, the Scarlets have only emerged with the spoils once — on a memorable Saturday afternoon at Stradey Park in January, 2002.

That day, spearheaded by the inspirational Scott Quinnell, Gareth Jenkins's side hounded down the defending champions, who boasted a pack that had been at the heart of England's rise to World Cup glory.

Martyn Madden and John Davies delivered colossal performances, backed up by the likes of Chris Wyatt, David Hodges and Simon Easterby.

With Stephen Jones kicking eight penalties, the Scarlets produced one of their great European performances.

And although the Tigers these days may not be the same English powerhouse as they were under Martin Johnson, the West Walians are going to need a similar display of doggedness and passion if they are to claim a victory that will keep alive their Rugby Champions Cup hopes this season.

So what of Leicester this term?

Ravaged by injury, they suffered the ignominy of a 45-0 Premiership drubbing at the hands of Bath last month, then suffered a rare Welford Road reverse against London Irish.

But there are few who dare write off Richard Cockerill's side, a wise move considering the way they laid the platform for victory with an outstanding first-half display against Ulster last weekend.

"They are a little bit of the unknown, which is probably a threat in itself," said Pivac ahead of tomorrow's clash in Llanelli.

"Because of the injuries they have had, they haven't really had a stable side over recent weeks.

"I know with Tuilagi back over the last couple of weeks that has improved them, but he is not going to be there this weekend so we go back and look at them prior to that.

"It is a bit of a juggling act in terms of our previewing, but we have got to just go out there and the focus has got to be replicating the performance and energy levels of last weekend in Toulon.

"If we can do that then we will give ourselves a very good chance."

Certainly, the Scarlets will feel if they take the field with the same appetite as they did on the French Riviera then they have every chance of opening their Pool 3 account.

Shorn of Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Ed Slater, Geoff Parling, Tom Croft and Samoan prop Logovi'i Mulipola, the Tigers have lost significant power and international experience up front.

The absence of Manu Tuilagi, sidelined with a recurrence of a groin injury, also takes a major weapon out of their armoury.

But Tigers will still roll into town with the likes of All Black World Cup winner Brad Thorn, Fijian try machine Vereniki Goneva and England half-backs Ben Youngs and Freddie Burns in their ranks, not to mention Ystradgynlais's Owen Williams, who is set to make his first appearance at Parc y Scarlets since his controversial move to Welford Road in 2013.

"Leicester are another quality side," added Pivac. "With guys coming back from injury I am expecting them to be strong and we can't drop away from the level of intensity we showed for 80 minutes in Toulon.

"When you have one lapse quality sides will put you to the sword.

"There are plenty of good sides in this competition, but clearly we have already been to play one of the best and after that match last Sunday the boys were disappointed that they didn't come away with anything.

"They have shown, collectively, if we all put in the effort and everyone applies themselves, we can compete against all sides at this level.

"It is going to be another big occasion and one I am really looking forward to."

The issue for Pivac is to get his side to back up their Toulon performance six days on.

The Scarlets have been a model of inconsistency in recent seasons with many of their best European displays coming on the road — Northampton, Castres, Harlequins, Racing Metro, and at the Stade Felix Mayol last Sunday.

At Parc y Scarlets, they haven't won a European tie since beating Castres in November 2011 with Northampton, Munster, Exeter, Leinster, Clermont (twice) and Harlequins having all won at the Pemberton venue since.

With a side boasting eight of Warren Gatland's November squad, the West Walians possess plenty of quality, both behind the scrum and in the front five, where Leicester's traditional strength has been.

They will also have John Barclay and Aaron Shingler — both ignored this week by their national selectors — keen to prove a point or two.

In the true traditions of European competition, the Scarlets are already in must-win territory in their brutal pool.

Pivac insists his players have taken belief and confidence from their performance on the Cote d'Azur.

But if they do harbour any ambitions in Europe this season, they need to start delivering in front of their own fans.

RHYS Priestland has revealed the Scarlets have put pressure on themselves to deliver in their crunch European Rugby Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers tomorrow (7.45pm).

The West Wales region performed doggedly in defeat out in Toulon last weekend and came close to snatching a losing bonus point after being written off beforehand.

But after adopting a 'nothing to lose' approach against the defending champions, the Scarlets have put expectation on themselves to get their European campaign up and running in Llanelli.

"It will be different for us this week," said Priestland, one of eight Scarlets named in Warren Gatland's Wales squad this week.

"We had nothing to lose out in Toulon. Nobody gave us a chance. Playing away from home against the European champions it's not the end of the world if you lose, whereas if we lose this one it's a completely different circumstance.

"We know if we lose this weekend it is the end.

"To start the group with two losses, it would be tough to come back from that, especially in this group.

"Leicester will want to come down and get a victory. I am sure everyone will look at us as the team they have to beat to go through.

"We have put ourselves under a bit of pressure to put a performance in.

"While everyone gave everything out in Toulon, I don't think we played at our best. I think there's a lot more to come in attack."

The Tigers are likely to include former Scarlet Owen Williams, who has made a big impression at Welford Road since his move from Parc y Scarlets in 2013.

"I was a bit disappointed that he left because he's a top bloke and a fantastic rugby player," added Priestland.

"You never like seeing talent like that leave. But it was a decision he had to make. It's happened and all we could do as Scarlets and personally was wish him well.

"It's no real surprise he's fitted in the way he has at Leicester. I've spoken to him on a few occasions and he really enjoys the club, he enjoys what they stand for up there.

"I want him to do as well as he can with Leicester, just obviously not this weekend!"

Robert Lloyd / roblloyd@swwmedia.co.uk / @RobLloyd2

Scarlets

THE hugely controversial closure of junction 41 of the M4 in Port Talbot has helped traffic flows along the motorway, a study has found.

Experts have looked at how the first six weeks of the part-time trial has gone.

And their findings reveal it is working.

The scheme has been angrily opposed by thousands of locals who have argued the closure is cutting their community off and is making local roads far busier.

The closure means the westbound on-slip is closed between 7am and 9am and 4pm to 6pm from Monday to Friday in a bid to improve traffic flows on the motorway.

The scheme has so far cost in excess of £1.3 million.

A meeting about the progress of the trial closure has now been staged between representatives of the chamber of trade, the local community and officers of the Welsh Government and Neath Port Talbot Council, along with representatives from Business Wales.

A report from the meeting has concluded: "Early indications are that there has been a benefit to the flow of traffic on the M4 westbound and an increase in traffic on the local road network in Port Talbot. Monitoring of both networks is ongoing.

"Members of the public travelling on the local road network are encouraged to use the signed diversionary routes to alleviate congestion on the local roads when the slip roads are closed between 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday."

Since the trial began a group of residents, traders and local politicians have joined forces to oppose the scheme.

Diane Thomas, of Stop the Lane Closure Action Group, said: "There is definitely an increase in traffic on local roads. The traffic might be flowing better on the M4 but it is not in Port Talbot.

"It has been chaos —  that is the only word for it. It's an absolute nightmare.

"The feedback we are getting from people is desperation, asking if we can do something to stop it. They are not listening to us up in the Assembly."

AM David Rees said: "I am deeply concerned that any solution to increase the flow of traffic on the M4 should not be at the expense of the local traffic, creating heavy congestion for the people of Port Talbot."

Rebecca Jones / rebecca.jones@swwmedia.co.uk / @jonesrebeccaj

M4 Port Talbot

GARRY Monk reckons divers must be banned — because the current rules are not strong enough to stop players trying to con referees.

The Swansea City boss has called for suspensions as he continues his campaign against players who are guilty of simulation.

Monk was yesterday asked by the Football Association for his "observations" on his post-match comments at Stoke City last weekend, when he called Victor Moses a cheat and criticised referee Michael Oliver as well as refs' chief Mike Riley.

The Swansea boss will be happy to explain himself — because he feels everything he said was justified and has no regrets.

And Monk has urged football's authorities to bring in new rules in a bid to stamp diving out of the game.

"If a player dives, the worst-case scenario for him is a yellow card," he said, "and that means it's worth taking the chance.

"For me proper punishment will clear that up.

"A fine, whether it be one or two weeks' wages, and whatever ban they want of up to three games.

"That would suffice and send a strong message to everyone and players would think twice about it."

Monk believes a player who is guilty of diving should receive a red card.

And he argues that if the referee misses such an incident, retrospective action should be taken — as currently happens in Scotland — with an independent panel of football figures deciding whether simulation has occurred.

As things stand, Monk argues, players like Moses — who he has no doubt was guilty of a dive last week — will go down easily again.

"The punishment is not big enough to deter players from doing it," he added.

"I am not saying that Victor Moses has cheated his whole career, I am just talking about a specific incident."

Gareth Vincent / gareth.vincent@swwmedia.co.uk / @Gareth_Vincent

Garry Monk   Swansea City

ALUN Wyn Jones and Courtney Lawes are set to meet for the second-row championship of Europe at Franklin's Gardens tomorrow (5.15pm) — a contest Ospreys forwards coach Chris Gibbes bills as a "big hit-out".

There are other potentially mouth-watering Rugby Champions Cup duels, likely to involve Scott Baldwin and Dylan Hartley, Jeff Hassler and George North, and Justin Tipuric and Tom Wood.

But while he is looking forward to them all, Gibbes believes unity and teamwork, rather than individual efforts, are the key to the Ospreys' bid to prevail against English champions Northampton. "They have quality right through their pack," said Gibbes.

"That (the contest between Jones and Lawes) is going to be a big hit-out.

"But the worst thing we can do is start looking at individual battles, those one-on-one moments. That's not what is going to win us this game.

"When we played Northampton last year there was a hell of a lot of experience in the team and for large parts of the game we played pretty well and were right in it.

"This is going to be completely different for us as a group.

"We don't have that experience to rely on.

"But what we do have is a pretty solid team and quite a bit of unity there, so that when the pressure comes on we know we'll be able to lean on each other to get through it."

New Zealander Gibbes is a huge fan of the 20-team Rugby Champions Cup. "This is the best competition in the world," he said.

"If you look at how ruthless this competition is — lose one and you'll get left behind — and you are against the other top 19 teams in Europe, that's excitement.

"It's why you try to play and be involved in rugby at the top end.

"The tournament is excellent."

Mark Orders / mark.orders@swwmedia.co.uk / @MarkOrders1

Alun Wyn Jones   Ospreys

RHAPSODISING about the joys of travelling, the writer Bill Bryson once declared: "I could spend my life arriving each evening in a new city."

For the American, a lifetime on the move hasn't dimmed any of the pleasure. "I still enjoy travelling a lot," he has said. "I mean, it amazes me that I still get excited in hotel rooms just to see what kind of shampoo they have left me."

The Ospreys probably take a different stance.

In Europe over the years they have never quite mastered the art of decamping to a different town or city for a short stay.

Maybe it's the language barrier they struggle to get to grips with in certain countries, perhaps it's just that members of their party don't like waking up in strange beds or sampling the local delicacies.

Whatever, the fact is that the Ospreys are not happy European travellers, as evidenced by the fairly gruesome stat that tells us they have now gone 14 away games in a row in the northern hemisphere's top-tier tournament without a win, a run that stretches back close on five years, to December 2009, when they defeated Viadana 62-7.

Let's mull over an ever starker statistic.

You have to go all the way back to January 20, 2008, for the last time the Welsh region managed an away success over non-Italian opposition in Europe, with Bourgoin their victims on that occasion.

That is the kind of history Steve Tandy's class of 2014 will be up against this weekend when they make the 200-mile trip to the East Midlands. It isn't the edge of the earth: just across the M4, up the M5, a bit of time on the M42 and M1 and before you know it the Northampton signs will come into view.

But before they set out the Ospreys will need to prepare themselves mentally.

Because if they don't believe they can get a result at Franklin's Gardens the certainty is they may as well not bother getting on the bus.

Perhaps they need to remind themselves that they have already won in the Pro12 against Munster at Thomond Park this season, a ground long considered a citadel.

And maybe it might not be a bad idea for Dan Biggar to address the squad before the bus driver sets his satnav for NN5 5BG.

For Biggar is a winner to his core.

You could see that from his annoyance at missing a conversion against Treviso last weekend. He had previously succeeded with 18 kicks in a row and the Ospreys were 42-0 up against the Italians, but the fly-half was furious with himself for putting a shot at goal wide.

Later, he hit the right note in the post-match press conference, saying the Ospreys respected Northampton but would still travel with belief.

"We'll have to front up and be more physical and smarter than we were against Treviso, because we realise how difficult a place it is to play," he said.

"But we should also go up there with confidence. Why not? We are unbeaten at the minute.

"Yes, we have loads to work on.

"But why not go up there full of confidence and give it a go? If we walk onto the pitch thinking these are the champions of England, Northampton, with all these stars, then what's the point in going there?

"For me, it's about going there and giving them a really good run for their money. We are fully expecting to rock up and test them as much as we possibly can.

"We know how they are going to come out of the traps. They're a top side with top players and they are going to be smarting from their defeat against Racing Metro — we are under no illusions that it's going to be pretty tough.

"But we have a group of boys who are working hard for the club and hard for the shirt."

The certainty is Northampton will try to outmuscle their Welsh visitors and bully them through a pack that is seen as one of the most powerful in the Aviva Premiership.

But the Ospreys have a hard-working forward unit themselves, with young players like Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin and Lloyd Peers developing rapidly this term, alongside the strongman that is Dmitri Arhip and the talismanic Alun Wyn Jones.

Jones's second-row duel with Courtney Lawes is going to be worth travelling to the Midlands to witness.

In the same fixture last year, the Ospreys' captain put in a massive shift, rising to the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in England.

But Lawes points the way for Northampton: when he is playing well, wiping out opposition with uncompromising tackles and making his presence felt at the set-pieces, the rest of their pack grow in confidence and the home crowd cranks up the volume.

The issue for the Ospreys is whether they can withstand the pressure in the front five that the Saints are certain to try to apply.

In that respect, big-prospect Smith, Baldwin and Arhip have to hold their own in the scrums, because the last thing the visitors need is to be giving away penalties and conceding either points or field position.

All this and Northampton also have George North.

But the first priority for the Ospreys is to front up at forward.

Do that and they might just surprise themselves.

Mark Orders / mark.orders@swwmedia.co.uk / @MarkOrders1

Ospreys

BRITAIN is being forced to fork out an extra £1.7 billion towards the European Union's budget due to its improving economy.
The payment comes in the wake of new calculations drawn up by the EU, which sets out how much each member state should give and is based on gross national incomes.
It means that it would add around a fifth to Britain's annual net contribution of £8.6 billion.
The move comes as pressure is mounting on Prime Minister David Cameron, particularly with the success of UKIP at the ballot box in recent by-elections.
It has led to a chorus of calls for Mr Cameron to renegotiate the terms of Britain's relationship with Europe.
Should the UK pay? Use the slider below to display your view (it's not a vote as such - but it might make you feel better! You can cast your actual vote at the end of this article)

CAMPAIGNERS are battling for it to be made illegal for adults to send sexual messages to youngsters.
Now, it is not an offence for someone over 18 to send a person under 16 a sex text, email or instant message.
But the NSPCC is urging for a change in the law, which has led them to launch its Flaw in the Law campaign.
The drive has been launched as figures were released by Childline in Wales, which revealed it spoke to 238 youngsters last year about online sex abuse.
Des Mannion, NSPCC national head of service for Wales, said: "No adult should be deliberately sending sexual messages to children, but incredibly it is not always illegal.
"Existing laws are hotch-potch and sex offenders can and do exploit the loopholes.
"The rise of online communication means that children are increasingly being exposed to sexual messages from adults on social networks or through messaging apps, but in many cases the police are powerless to act."
A Welsh schoolgirl revealed when she was just eight when she went online, logged on to her first chat room and sent off pictures of herself to men.
She said: "As soon as I went online, there would be people come up to me in their 40s, 50s, and ask me, 'will you show me pictures?'
"And because I was nine, out of curiosity, I'd say I'd want to do it. I want to see what people are doing... there was no pressure to do it, but every one was doing it."
She thought she would be able to stop using the chat room whenever she wanted but she couldn't.
Her parents banned her from using the internet until she was 12.
She said: "People were different then... they'd befriend you and... make it seem like it was a real relationship.
"So I got into a relationship with an 18-year-old and from then on he would ask me for pictures."
The knock-on effect of the abuser controlling her life was that her weight dramatically dropped, she started failing at school and self-harming.
She revealed she turned to chat rooms because she wasn't getting the attention that she craved.
"A child that wants something can always find their way around it," she said. "I had a secret phone and would carry on in my bedroom."
She said without the support from NSPCC she would never have broken free from the world of chat rooms.

THE sun should have hit hat on this afternoon - says the Met Office.

We should see a glimpse of that big yellow ball in the sky around 3pm today, for at least a couple of hours.

Otherwise there will be rain this morning, but it is forecast to be mostly dry for the rest of the day.

It should also be a relatively dry weekend, but cloudy.

Maximum temperature today will be 14 degrees C, the same tomorrow, then up to 15 degrees C on Sunday.

Paul Turner / paul.turner@swwmedia.co.uk / @readmybook

Weather

HERE'S this morning's latest Premier League transfer news and gossip from the nationals.

TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino has said the goal by Erik Lamela in last night's 5-1 Europa League win against Asteras Tripolis is 'probably' the best goal scored by one of his teams in his entire career, reports Mail Online.

LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers has given Mario Balotelli two months to prove himself at Anfield, or he may be looking for another goalscorer come the January transfer window, The Guardian is reporting.

ARJEN Robben has said there is not even one per cent chance of him heading to the Premier League, despite him having been high on Louis van Gaal's wishlist at Manchester United. The Dutch striker has said he is happier than ever at Bayern Munich.

ALEX Ferguson's story at Manchester United could be turned into a film. The idea is the brainchild of former New York Cosmos and USA star Werner Roth, The Sun has reported.

ARSENAL could seal the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira after he reportedly dropped his wage demands to £80,000-a-week. His agent has been in talks with Arsenal over a deal to join in the January transfer window, reports Metro.

Paul Turner / paul.turner@swwmedia.co.uk / @readmybook

Premier League

HERE'S today's latest traffic and travel news, updated throughout the rush-hour...

9.02am:

A collision involving one vehicle on Ynysallan Road in Birchgrove between the Heol-Las junction and the Tygwyn Road junction.

8.08am:

A483 Fabian Way in Jersey Marine busy but moving westbound between Jersey Marine Roundabout and the Baldwin's Crescent junction. In the roadworks area.

A465 busy but moving westbound between Neath and Llandarcy.

ONE casualty had to be cut out of a vehicle this morning following a crash in Llansamlet. 

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said a call had been received at 8.34am today to Ynysallan Road, in Llansamlet, Swansea. 

"There was one vehicle involved and one male casualty was cut from the vehicle by fire crews using hydraulic cutting gear, and taken to hospital," a fire service spokesman said. 

Two crews from Morriston and one crew from Swansea attended the incident. 

A witness on Twitter, Ade Taylor @ATaylor said: "Just seen a terrible crash on Ynysallan road. Just hope all occupants in the car ok."

The crews had all left the scene by 9.22am. 

Llansamlet / Fire Service News / 999

Chad Welch / chad.welch@swwmedia.co.uk / @chad_welch

The National Assembly's Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM, will commit the Assembly to Stonewall's campaign challenging and stamping out workplace bullying.

She will make the pledge during a keynote speech to Stonewall Cymru's Workplace Conference, at the Wales Millennium Centre, on 24 October.

"We are at an important time in the history of gay rights, a time of great change and a moment to look back at what has been achieved in the UK and what remains to be achieved here and elsewhere," Dame Rosemary will say.

"While we celebrate the freedoms and protections that LGB people in the UK can enjoy, it is important to remember that there is still work to be done to promote LGB equality across our society, including in the workplace, to challenge harassment, abuse and discrimination.

"Stonewall's 'No Bystanders' campaign reminds us that there are still challenges ahead and I am pleased to say that along with staff and elected Members across the National Assembly for Wales, I have taken the pledge to challenge bullying and offensive language.  As an organisation we fully support the campaign."

During her speech, Dame Rosemary will outline how the Assembly works with Stonewall Cymru to address the issue of discrimination against LGB members of our community, both in the workplace and beyond.

The Presiding Officer added: "Our commitment to reaching out to all of the people of Wales is why we are a part of Stonewall's Diversity Champion programme, why we enter the workplace equality index, why we have a staff network, why we attend Pride, why we mark LGBT History Month and International Day Against Homophobia and why I am here today."

A DEPUTY head teacher who was jailed for five years for secretly filming young pupils going to the toilet is set to appeal against the length of his sentence.

Gareth Williams, a former teacher at Ysgol Glantaff in Cardiff, admitted 31 charges, including nine of voyeurism and 20 of making indecent photos, in May.

The married father-of-four was sentenced to five years in prison but is now to ask the the Court of Appeal to reduce that.

The 47-year-old put miniature spy cameras in clocks, fans and toilet cisterns to capture semi-naked children.

He was investigated by police after computer specialists found he had been buying paedophile images on the internet.

His home was raided to discover two laptops and 11 memory sticks along with the pinhole camera gear. Williams had installed software to browse the internet undetected.

Cardiff Crown Court heard he had 16,419 indecent images of children and 691 videos.

The court heard some of the images dated back to 2009 - a year after he was appointed deputy head at the school.

His appeal is due to be heard in October.