‘I remember thinking, “Why do I smell so bad?”, because I would have just showered’ says the former business development worker from Greenville, South Carolina.
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The supposedly healthy drinks have exploded in popularity in recent years, with millions now using them as part of their daily routine in the belief they will keep them better hydrated.
Officers are reminding motorists to check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off, and to allow extra time for journeys if conditions are poor.
They also advise delaying travel if the weather becomes severe.
A spokesperson for Traffic Wales said: “Driving in wet conditions can be hazardous, be safe, and prepare for wet weather.
“Use headlights when visibility is reduced.
“Regularly check your windscreen wipers and renew them if they’re worn or damaged.
“Give yourself the best chance of being able to see clearly in wet weather.
“Double the distance you leave between your car and the car in front of you, as stopping distances are increased by wet roads.
“If steering becomes unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually”.
Drivers are also being urged to double the distance between their vehicle and the one in front, as stopping distances increase on wet roads.
If steering becomes unresponsive due to rain, officers advise easing off the accelerator and slowing down gradually.
Traffic Wales are warning drivers not to attempt to drive through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge, as vehicles can easily be swept away.
They also recommend avoiding standing water where possible and adjusting speed to suit the conditions.
Aquaplaning, where tyres lose contact with the road, can cause a loss of control.
If this happens, drivers should hold the steering wheel lightly and lift off the throttle until grip is regained.
Driving through water at anything above a slow crawl can splash pedestrians or cyclists, which could result in a fine and between three and nine penalty points if police believe the driver was inconsiderate.
It can also damage your car.
The spokesperson explained: “Driving through water at speeds above a slow crawl can result in water being thrown onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists.
“You could face a hefty fine and between three and nine penalty points if the police believe you were driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.
“If you should find yourself driving through standing water, use a low gear so the engine rev’s are higher; water in the exhaust could otherwise damage the catalytic convertor.
“If you break down in heavy rain don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait for the patrol to arrive. The engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are all rain-soaked”.
‘You notice the changes and see wildlife coming in – it’s very rewarding,’ says one volunteer who works on the land
Dexter and Shetland cattle grazing at Cartersford nature reserve, which is springing back into life(Image: Paul Thornton)
More than 1,000 tree whips have been planted on land in Gower where large-scale illegal felling took place and thousands more will be put in the ground this winter.
The 43-acre site, called Cartersford, is now owned by the Gower Society and managed as a nature reserve by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Volunteers have been busy over the past 12 months removing an invasive plant called Himalayan balsam and helping install fencing as well as planting young trees, although some losses are expected due to the summer drought.
Rubble has been removed from a field, crushed, and then incorporated back into the soil, which has since become grassed over. Tree stumps left in what was a pond at the site at Lower Fairwood will be removed and the pond restored. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
The reserve has meadow and grassland habitat while cattle co-owned by site manager Paul Thornton visit from time to time and graze. “Cattle-grazing is really important for species-rich grasslands,” said Mr Thornton. “They maintain the diversity of the sward structure (grassland area) and wildflowers.” Their warm bodies and dung, he added, attracted invertebrates.
The site’s former owner, pensioner Thomas Jeffrey Lane, was prosecuted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and fined for cutting down around 2,000 trees at the protected woodland in 2019 without the appropriate licence and then failing to restock them.
A court heard he’d bought the land for his daughter to run a pony-trekking and alpaca-walking business. He claimed the trees were rotting and dangerous. An NRW officer said at the time it was one of the worst cases of illegal tree-felling the organisation had investigated in 30 years.
Aerial photos provided by the Gower Society at the time showed the land before the trees were chopped down and after. The society later bought the site and leased it to the trust last year.
The fencing – supplied by a local business – is keeping sheep out and cattle in and protecting the tree whips in newly-created corridors. Some of the native trees were provided by local nurseries. Mr Thornton said 1,400 have been planted and a further 6,000 or so will be added in the coming months.
There is evidence of otters at a stream bordering the land, plant species are being recorded, and volunteers are carrying out dormouse surveys. It’s hoped the project will improve habitat connectivity in the wider area. Money to help the restoration has come via the Welsh Government’s local places for nature challenge fund.
Mr Thornton said he managed around 30 Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales sites in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot and two in north Carmarthenshire. The former tree surgeon and charcoal-maker is constantly learning about Cartersford, which isn’t open to the public. “The other sites I know quite well – this one is throwing up new things all the time,” he said.
Heather Falconer began volunteering for the trust when work began at Cartersford, which is close to where she lives. “I’ve learned a lot – I’ve found out about different habitats, how to make fences, and a method of planting trees so they can survive drought,” she said.
“The other people who work here are really nice. I definitely feel a connection to the land. You notice the changes and see wildlife coming in – it’s very rewarding.”
A working mother of two, Maria Schenkel was used to rushing from one thing to the next and initially assumed she was simply getting hot and sweaty
The four-bedroom detached home is located in the sought after area of Marine Drive, Barry, and has views of the Bristol Channel, as well as Flat Holm and Steep Holm.
The estate agents say the house is ideal for families, with areas like Porthkerry Country Park and The Knap just a short distance away.
The front of the house has a block paved driveway with space for multiple cars and access to the garage.
The front door leads into the entrance hallway with original parquet flooring and access to the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
The living room has a fireplace and a door to the sunroom which has views of the channel.
The kitchen has integrated appliances, including a four-ring gas hob, oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher.
The dining room leads to the conservatory which has access to the garden.
There is also a utility room, boot room, and cloakroom on the ground floor.
Upstairs are the four bedrooms, a shower room, and a separate toilet.
The main bedroom has built in wardrobes and views of the channel.
The first floor landing leads to a balcony with galvanised railings and more channel views.
The rear garden is landscaped with a patio area and lawn, surrounded by established shrubbery.
There is also a separate area covered in chippings and a side gate that leads to a Zen garden with slate chippings.
The estate agent said: “This stunning detached family home offers an exceptional living experience with breath-taking, uninterrupted far reaching views across the channel and of Flat Holm and Steep Holm.
“This beautiful home truly encapsulates the essence of family living in one of Barry’s most sought-after locations.”
They include some of America’s most familiar over-the-counter remedies – but there is mounting evidence that these medications may harm the brain.
It is important to separate the marketing push to add protein to everything from what is really necessary for good health.
Postcode Lottery players living in 18 Welsh streets are £1,000 richer this month. The latest batch of results from August 9 to August 28 shows wins for people living in Pontardawe, Ebbw Vale, Ceredigion, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Bridgend, Flintshire, and Merthyr Tydfil.
Also banking a four-figure budget boost are people living in Cwmbran, Swansea, Neath, Llanelli, Briton Ferry, Abertillery, Narberth, and Abergavenny. Full details here.
There is a murder trial currently gripping the US. At its centre is a 36-year-old mother who strangled her three young children.
