To help you get the best deal on your petrol or diesel, we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest garages in and around Barry.
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The Blue Peter 50p, featuring a high-jump athlete and designed by Blue Peter competition winner Florence Jackson to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics, fetched £200 on eBay after 21 bids.
Another example has previously sold for as much as £286.
Although around 20,000 were minted in 2009, the coins were never officially put into general circulation.
However, collectors believe many have since entered everyday use, meaning some could still be sitting unnoticed in loose change across the UK.
Originally sold for £1.09, the coin’s value has soared due to its rarity and Olympic connection.
Coin experts are advising members of the public to check old 50p pieces carefully, as rare editions like the Blue Peter coin could be worth far more than their face value.
Five Incredibly Rare and Valuable British Coins
What makes a coin valuable?
The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas.
Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures. It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.
The rarest coins tend to be of the greatest value, with the mintage (number of coins with each design made) being the fundamental attraction for collectors.
Along with the design, other aspects of the coin which increase value are the condition of the coin and whether it has an error in its design.
The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value – while some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on eBay or at auction, others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.
Royal Mint top 10 most valuable 50p coins
Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable coins, when they were made and how many were minted:
- Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
- Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
- Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
- Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500
- Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
- Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
- Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
- Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
- Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
- Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500
The 17-year-old boy from Cardiff was injured in an incident that took place on May 25 and taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
However, he has since had to undergo a life-changing leg amputation.
Detective Inspector Sarah Lee of South Wales Police said:
“The extent and seriousness of the injury sustained by the teenage victim is absolutely devastating.
“Understandably, his family are distraught, and they have been assigned a specially trained family liaison officer for additional support.”
A full investigation is underway, including a review of hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and witness tracing.
An 18-year-old man from Riverside, Cardiff, was arrested the same day on suspicion of wounding with intent and remains on bail.
Detective Inspector Lee has appealed to the public for information.
She said:
“We urge witnesses or anyone with information to please contact South Wales Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact South Wales Police and quote reference 2600163243.
Enquiries remain ongoing.
Residents and business owners had raised concerns following the stabbing on May 25 as the island had a boom in tourist trade for the bank holiday weekend.
One concerned resident said: “It happens every summer in Barry, if not a stabbing, there’s people fighting, drinking, beating people up, more police are need I think to be down the island”.
Louis Rees who owns Barrybados said: “Barry island is becoming a bit of a free for all when it’s hot and sunny.
“What ever happened to it being an alcohol free zone?\
“It needs to go back to pre covid where alcohol wasn’t allowed on the beach and only permitted in designated bars.
“Although these incidents are few and far between, they are expected when it’s hot and sunny.
“More needs to be done to stop drinking on the beach. Confiscating it on the trains when they arrive [and we need] regular police checks on the beach and a heavier police presence.
“Drinking on the beach has become accepted and in order to minimise incidents, it needs to go back to an alcohol free zone”.
Marley was enjoying a day on the water with his grandfather, David ‘Dai’ Jones, during a holiday in Fontygary on May 27 when their kayak capsized and they found themselves unable to get back onboard.
Mr Jones helped Marley get back onto the kayak but was unable to climb back on himself, so he held onto the kayak while Marley sat in it.
Mr Jones said: “I was getting tired and cold and there was a point where I wasn’t sure I’d make it.
“But I was trying to stay positive and keep calm for Marley because I didn’t want him to be frightened.
“Seeing the lifeboat arrive was a huge relief.”
Despite the frightening situation, Marley stayed calm and used a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch to contact his grandmother on shore.
She immediately called 999 and requested the Coastguard.
Barry Dock RNLI launched their D-class inshore lifeboat with helm Andy and crew members Ben, Gerwyn, and Kris, heading directly to Limpet Bay.
By the time the crew arrived, strong tides had carried Marley and Dai two and a half miles in just 25 minutes—from Fontygary Steps to near the Cason by Aberthaw.
Marley was found sitting on top of the kayak, while Dai, exhausted and cold, was still clinging to it in the water.
Both were rescued and taken ashore, where they were handed over to Coastguard team volunteers.
They had spent about 25 minutes in the water, which was only 11–12°C despite warm weather.
A few days later, Marley and Dai visited Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station to meet the crew involved in their rescue and Marley’s father, Joe, also joined them.
During the visit, Marley was awarded a special medal for his composure and courage.
Marley said: “When I called my Nan, I told her I was okay, but Granscha looked like he was drowning and we needed help.
“I was really happy when the lifeboat arrived—I thought PHEW!
“When I visited the lifeboat station afterwards, the crew taught me about Float to Live.
“The thing I’ll remember is to lie on my back like a starfish if I ever get into trouble in the water.
“I’m going to practise it next time I’m in the swimming pool.”
Andy, helm of the D-class lifeboat, said both Marley and Dai made the right decisions in a dangerous situation.
He said: “Even when people are experienced and prepared, things can go wrong very quickly at sea, particularly in the Bristol Channel where the tides and currents are extremely powerful.
“Marley and Dai did exactly the right things when they found themselves in difficulty.
“They were both wearing lifejackets, they had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, they called for help when they realised they were unable to get safely back to shore, and they stayed with the kayak.
“Staying with the kayak made them much easier for the lifeboat crew to spot, while calling for help early meant assistance could be launched before the situation became even more serious.
“All of those actions played an important part in bringing this incident to a safe outcome.”
Reaching Fontygary steps led them down then up and through Fontygary Leisure Park with its rows of neat static caravans before steep steps in the cliff brought them out onto the salt flats at Andrew’s Pant on an ebbing tide. Over the sea defence wall that keeps the land dry at Pleasant Harbour and a visit to the ruined Aberthaw Limeworks that stands like a sentinel guarding the lake in front of it where a swan was observed sitting patiently on its nest.
By the turn of the 17th century the port at East Aberthaw was thriving with ships taking items to and fro to Somerset, Devon, northern France, Spain and Ireland. With smuggling being rife within the treacherous Bristol Channel many illegal imported goods no doubt found homes in the village. The Limeworks, built in 1888 utilised the local blue lias limestone from the foreshore, which also had hydraulic qualities so could be used in the building of canals, docks and lighthouses.
Onward along the coast path and across the bridge over the River Thaw which was re-routed when the Aberthaw Power Station was built and officially opened in the early 1960’s, and where its buildings are slowly being demolished after its closure in 2020.
Exiting at Limpert Bay a series of gates and bridges led them behind the sometimes called ‘dragon’s teeth’ that are huge cubes formed from pebbles with an outer coating of cement, sited there to form a barrier as part of the coastal defences during World War Two against invading German tanks.
Tramping a narrow path overlooking fields below Gileston Farm and crossing awkward pebbles to reach Summerhouse Point, the forecasted rain arrived forcing outer clothing to be hastily donned. At this point there is evidence of a fairly big Iron Age fort which was surrounded by ditches and also the remains of an 18th century summerhouse, utilised as a look-out and a picnic site and which during WW2 was used for defensive purposes.
Moving on along the clifftop and reaching Castle Ditches, this fort also relates to the Iron Age being protected on its southern side by the tall cliffs. A narrow rocky path and steps brought them downhill to Llantwit Beach and as the rain stopped, they sought shelter behind the sea defences near the Afon Col-huw, which winds it way down through the valley to exit into the Bristol Channel, for their lunch break out of the breeze.
Climbing steps onto the clifftop and following the pathway inland above Cwm Col-huw where many years ago a port stood, the story goes that after being raided by Irish and Viking men on many occasions, the locals lured the raiders in with wine and dancing girls before successfully attacking them and so May 3 held a celebration of this for many years, called Annual Day.
Entering Llantwit Major and heading for the Church of St Illtud there was time on their linear walk to visit the Galilee Chapel, initially used by priests to prepare for the service and which having been rebuilt now houses a fantastic collection of Celtic Stones. Surviving from a period after the Romans left and when Christianity began to flourish many were found in the churchyard and surrounding area and were brought inside to preserve them. The Celtic St Illtud built the first church in 500 establishing a monastery, mission centre and school, believed to be the oldest centre of learning in Britain. All that was left was to make their way to Llantwit Railway Station for the journey back home, after a lovely trek through history.
You can follow the group on www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com or on Facebook.
Between noon and 8pm on both days, the seafront promenade will be taken over by dozens of traders, transforming the Island into a place to celebrate only the best independent businesses from across the Vale and beyond.
Set overlooking Whitmore Bay beach, the festival offers an exciting programme of street food vendors, independent creatives and traders, and performers to bring vibrancy to the Island.
This year’s event has been developed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in collaboration with Indie Collectives, digital creator Llio Angharad and 96 Events, bringing together some of the best in the country’s emerging foodie talent.
With a relaxed coastal setting, this festival offers a great opportunity for families, friends, locals and visitors to enjoy good food, discover independent traders and take in live music just metres from the beach.
Street food traders taking part:
This year’s street food traders at the Barry Island Food Festival will offer everything from sweet treats, loaded meals, global flavours and refreshing drinks. It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie or a grazer, there is guaranteed to be something for all to enjoy.
- Matty’s Chop Shop
- Leyli Joon, Bab Haus
- Grandad Needs His Medicine
- Meat & Greek
- Cegin Half & Half
- Hogi Hogi Hogi
- The Chock Shop
- Hangry Luchas
- Meating Point
- Mr Croquewich
- Gourmet Grazing
- The Posh Fish & Chi[s Company
- Flying Fillet
- The Dog House
- Scoffley Waffle
- The Might Soft Shell Crab
- I Feed – Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- Nuts About Cinnamon
- Street Food Kitchen
- The Real Ting
- Katsu Noodle
- Two Lads Kitchen
- Singhs Kitchen
- Gillys Coffee
- Keralan Karavan
- The Artisan Cook
Independent traders taking part:
A range of talented traders will be bringing their wares to the Barry Island Food Festival, offering everything from homeware and gifts to jewellery and artwork. There will even be the opportunity to take part in pottery wheel workshops with Matt Jones Ceramics, giving a new experience to many.
- Baldhead Designs
- Box Edit Boutique
- Bee & Bloom
- Cosy Crochet
- Coconatacha
- Seren Popi Jewellery
- Cosmic Design Studio
- Earth & Elm
- Tkeh Illustrates
- Fid Natural Treats
- Gwynfor
- Solskon Sunglasses
- Lady Boss Stitch
- Literally Made
- Mrs Bow-Jangles
- Matt Jones Ceramics
- Welded by SPJ
- Olivia Darling
- Primrose Pottery
- Peggy’s Pots
- Sunday Print Club
- Maeve & Moo
- Sugar by Shelley
- Thystle & Bean
- Sophie’s Wire Craft
- Rebecca Davies Jewellery
- Caerynys Shed
- Aurora Face Painting
- Flaire & Foxy
Offering lifts to friends will be second nature to many, but a potential issue could arise if offering some money to the driver for fuel costs.
Some might not know that charging even 1p more than the genuine cost of a journey (fuel, wear and tear) could classify the trip as ‘hire and reward’.
Under the Public Passenger Vehicle Act 1981, this could see drivers face a fixed penalty and a fine if the situation ended up going to court.
Why does accidentally overcharging for a lift potentially lead to a fine?
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, explained: “If you ask your passengers for a contribution to help ease the financial burden, you must avoid overcharging them by even 1p above the genuine cost of the journey, including fuel, wear, and tear.
“To do so, even completely unwittingly, risks crossing the line into a commercial transaction.
“Under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, making a profit from a lift – even a small amount – classifies your vehicle as a public service vehicle operating for ‘hire and reward’, which requires a commercial public service vehicle operator’s licence most drivers won’t have.
“This instantly invalidates your standard car insurance policy.
“If caught driving without valid insurance, you face a fixed penalty and points on your licence – and if the case goes to court, fines are unlimited. Recouping costs must be done carefully to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.”
Tempcover shared that 39.2 miles is the ‘tipping point’ where a friendly favour of a lift starts to feel like a financial strain.
It added that sharing the driving duties could be shared to avoid some issues, with the use of temporary car insurance to split time behind the wheel.
Breaking down how this could work, Tempcover shared:
- The Upfront Agreement
Agree on the split before setting off to avoid the awkwardness of the 39.2-mile tipping point.
- Consult Government Baselines
Use official HMRC travel and mileage calculators to find a neutral, third-party framework for calculating running costs.
Recommended reading:
Grounding your maths in official Government data helps ensure you are only covering actual expenses rather than generating an illegal profit.
- Share the load
If you can’t drive, take responsibility for the ‘mental load’ of the trip.
This could be being the navigator in chief, handling the route planner, or being the backseat DJ.
Will you be changing the way you offer lifts? Let us know in the comments.
Penarth RNLI hosted the RNLI Operational Review Team on June 1 for a formal coastal review, aimed at evaluating station performance and shaping future lifesaving services.
The review team toured the station before meeting with members of Penarth’s Local Management Group, led by Laurie Pavelin and Phil Lay, and speaking with operational crew who shared frontline experiences.
Representatives from water safety, retail, and fundraising also took part, offering feedback and identifying areas for growth and continued support.
A coastal review covers lifeboat station performance, rescue activity, training and volunteer development, partnerships with agencies including HM Coastguard, local risk assessment, future equipment needs, and potential investment in station infrastructure.
Penarth was one stop on a wider tour of South and West Wales lifeboat stations, with the review team collecting insights from multiple locations before concluding at St David’s.
Penarth RNLI thanked Andy Jordan and his colleagues for visiting Penarth.
A spokesperson for Penarth RNLI said: “On Monday 1 June, Penarth RNLI welcomed the RNLI Operational Review Team for an important Coastal Review. While the spotlight was naturally on our operational crew, the review’s aim was to build a complete picture of life at Penarth RNLI and ensure that lifesaving services continue to meet the needs of our community today and into the future.
“After a tour of the station, the Review Team settled in with the essential fuel for any productive discussion, tea and biscuits!
“They then heard from Penarth’s Local Management Group, led by Laurie Pavelin and Phil Lay, alongside experienced operational crew members who shared valuable first-hand insights from the frontline.
“Representatives from Water Safety, Retail, and Fundraising also took part, providing constructive feedback and highlighting opportunities for how the RNLI can continue to strengthen support for coastal stations like Penarth”.
The Strawberry Moon gets its name from strawberry harvests in North America.
However, you might recognise it as the Rose Moon or the Hot Moon, as it has alternative names.
Here’s what we know about the Strawberry Moon and what to expect in UK skies in June 2026.
Tips for night sky photos on your phone
What is a Strawberry Moon?
“In North America, the harvesting of strawberries in June gives that month’s full moon its name.
“Europeans have dubbed it the rose moon, while other cultures named it the hot moon for the beginning of the summer heat”, explains the Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) website.
When will the Strawberry Moon be visible in June?
You can look out for the Strawberry Moon during the last week of June.
It’s expected to be visible at 12.57am on Tuesday, June 30, based on the Royal Observatory’s location in London.
How to see a full Moon
BBC Sky At Night Magazine explains that “many astronomers will tell you not to bother trying to observe the full Moon, as it’s best seen during the crescent and gibbous phases.”
However, if you’re excited to see a full Moon, it’s suggested that you go to an observing site on a clear night.
The magazine suggests: “It’s all too easy to take the rising full Moon for granted, only stopping to watch if you glimpse it inadvertently rather than treating it as a celestial event in its own right.
Timelapse of the Northern Lights
“Yet if you can get to an observing site with an unobstructed horizon on a clear evening, there are many fascinating phenomena to catch sight of as the Moon climbs.”
When it comes to photographing a planet on a phone, the magazine adds: “If you want to record the planets as more than just dots, point your phone’s camera down the pre-focused eyepiece of a telescope.
“Known as afocal imaging, this takes a bit of practice and a steady hand!”
When is the next full Moon and when was the last?
The last full Moon was the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31.
After the Strawberry Moon, you can look forward to seeing the Buck Moon at the end of July.
Recommended reading:
The Buck Moon’s Native American name relates to the male deer, which shed their antlers annually and start to regrow them in July.
RMG adds: “Some refer to this moon as the thunder moon, due to the summer storms in this month.
“Other names include the hay moon, after the July hay harvest.”
Will you be looking out for the Strawberry Moon later this month? Let us know in the comments.
Jake Royle, 23, was locked up for 26 weeks after he appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.
He admitted a series of offences committed over several weeks in March, April and May.
The court heard Royle targeted a number of high street and supermarket stores, stealing goods ranging from alcohol and food to cosmetics, toys and electrical items.
The offences took place in Barry, Penarth and Cardiff.
Among the incidents, Royle stole alcohol worth £70.78 from One Stop on Broad Street on May 4, as well as further alcohol thefts from the same store on other dates.
He also admitted stealing £206.29 worth of electrical and cosmetic items from Boots on Holton Road, £183.28 worth of legs of lamb from Asda and £180 worth of beef joints from Tesco in Penarth.
Other offences included the theft of toys from Asda, cleaning products from Heron Foods, football trading cards and stickers from One Stop, and perfume from Boots.
In total, the offences involved hundreds of pounds worth of goods taken from businesses.
Royle also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to court bail on April 30.
His offending was aggravated by the fact he had committed the offences while on bail and while subject to a court order as well as his previous record and the number of offences.