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More than 700 children could benefit in Cardiff

Calls have been made for Cardiff to follow in Manchester’s steps to give free school transport to hundreds of homeless children.

Earlier this month the Greater Manchester Combined Authority granted thousands of children living in temporary accommodation free bus travel to and from school.

It has been reported the Manchester scheme will benefit more than 8,000 children living within the Greater Manchester area.

Last month a freedom of information request filed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed Cardiff Council is currently housing 776 children, classed as under-16s, in temporary accommodation with 431 of them being part of a single-parent household. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

When asked by the LDRS if a similar scheme to Manchester’s should be rolled out in Cardiff Sophie Haworth-Booth, interim director of operations at The Wallich, one of Wales’ leading homelessness charities, said: “It can be a massive barrier and stressor for families who are already going through the most stressful period in their lives and they don’t want to impact the one stability in place for their children – their schooling.

“While many people we support are grateful for any shelter after being made homeless sometimes placements mean either having to move their children’s school to an unfamiliar area or increasing costs of keeping them in the same school.

“A free school transport initiative for children in temporary accommodation would be one less thing for anxious parents to worry about while waiting for the availability of affordable long-term housing.”

Currently Cardiff council provides free school transport for pupils between the ages of five and 16 who live outside of walking distance from their school, measured by the shortest walking route.

Rocio Cifuentes, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, said: “My work with children and young people has highlighted the profound impact of temporary accommodation on children’s lives including their access to education.

“For many children long and costly journeys to school can lead to tiredness, poorer attendance, and make it harder for children to participate fully in school life. No child should be disadvantaged in their education because their family is living in temporary accommodation.

“Providing children living in temporary accommodation with free transport to school would be a positive step, helping to ease financial pressures on families while giving them greater stability in their education.

“More broadly I continue to call for free public transport for all children and young people in Wales. Removing transport barriers can help children access education, healthcare, leisure opportunities, and other support services, helping them fulfil their rights and reach their full potential.”

She added a more “joined-up” approach across multiple sectors was needed to support children and young people living in temporary accommodation in Wales.

When Cardiff council was asked by the LDRS if it had considered a similar scheme to Manchester’s a council spokesman said: “The council does not have a universal scheme to offer free transport to and from school to pupils in temporary accommodation.

“However arrangements are in place between the council’s housing services, education welfare service, and the home to school transport team to ensure that appropriate advice and support is offered to any families having trouble in maintaining their children’s education because of a temporary change of address.

“Temporary free transport may be provided whilst options are considered to support any family requiring assistance. Each case is assessed according to individual need and context.”

The music legend, who has appeared as an on-off coach since its premiere in 2012, issued a statement following reports that he would not return for the 2027 series.

ITV has said that bosses are hopeful the star would return.

However, reports suggest that it would be in a smaller role, which Sir Tom has now confirmed in a scathing statement on the situation.

Sir Tom Jones issues statement on exit from ITV’s The Voice

He said: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience.

“ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently.

“The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.

“They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me.

“They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that.

“So the only thing I know right now, is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

The Welsh singer, best known for hits like It’s Not Unusual and Delilah, has mentored three winners during his time on the show: Leanne Mitchell (series one), Ruti Olajugbagbe (series seven), and Anthonia Edwards (series 11).

Throughout his more than 60-year career, Sir Tom has earned three UK number one singles and four chart-topping albums.

He has also received a Grammy, two Brit Awards, and an Ivor Novello Award, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to music.

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An ITV source said previously: “ITV absolutely loves working with Sir Tom.

“They are in talks with him and are hopeful he will return to the series.”

Sir Tom has coached alongside a variety of stars over the years, including Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue, and Rita Ora.

Would you like to see Sir Tom Jones remain on The Voice? Let us know in the comments.

The trial of a man accused of murdering his wife has heard he admitted to being jealous of her and insecure about their relationship. Michael Davies has told the trial on Tuesday how his wife Tracey Davies had returned to bed to “cwtch” him but he killed her moments later.

After Davies killed his wife at their home in Cefn Cribw, Bridgend county on April 18 last year, he told a psychiatrist he was jealous, insecure, and had worried about his wife starting a new job where he believed she’d be surrounded by lots of men.

Davies, 58, has admitted the manslaughter of Mrs Davies, 48, at her home at Bryn Terrace in Cefn Cribw but denies murder. He later said he fought his impulses but “couldn’t stop” squeezing her neck. Mrs Davies’ body was found on her bed while Mr Davies was slumped against the door with self-inflicted stab wounds.

The defendant, a security worker, has pleaded not guilty to murder on the basis of diminished responsibility. “It wasn’t a rage,” he told police after he’d killed Mrs Davies. “It just came to me to do it.”

Mrs Davies has been described as “an extraordinary woman” and a “devoted mother”. Her family said: “Tracey was an extraordinary woman whose strength, love, and humour touched every life she encountered.

“She was a devoted mother, a cherished sister, a loyal friend, and a radiant presence whose laughter could light up any room. Her unwavering support, fierce spirit, and boundless compassion made her the heart of her family and a second mum to many.

“Whether through a perfectly timed joke, a warm cwtch, or simply being there, she gave so much of herself to others. Her children were her greatest pride, and she fought for them with unmatched devotion.”

You can follow live updates from the trial at Newport Crown Court, where the trial is hearing defence evidence. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here

Malcolm Butler, 79, of Maes Y Cwm Street, Barry appeared before Cardiff Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexually touching a girl under the age of 13 between November 11, 2017, and November 10, 2019.

He also denied a charge of assault a girl under 13 by penetration.

Judge Vanessa Francis adjourned the case for trial which is due to take place on July 19, 2027.

The case is expected to last five days.

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

Tanya Gleed, 60, who lives in south Wales, was just 12 when she sailed 6,000 miles to Brazil with her parents

A family embarked on a 6,000-mile voyage to Brazil with four children, a dog and minimal navigation equipment – aboard a 46ft boat their father constructed in the back garden.

Tanya Gleed was merely 12 when she boarded the remarkable catamaran alongside her parents, Christopher and Antonia Wheller, and three brothers, aged eight, nine and 14.

They departed from Bideford in Devon in September 1978 and eventually arrived in Brazil in January 1979 after covering approximately 6,000 miles. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

Without GPS, modern navigation systems or a seasoned sailing crew, Mr Wheller, an electrical engineer, charted their course using only a plastic sextant, paper charts and the sun and moon.

During their journey, the family encountered numerous challenges, including severe weather, military inspections, and close encounters with whales and sharks in open waters.

They called at various ports across Europe, including Spain and Portugal, and Cape Verde in Africa, before arriving at their final destination in Brazil.

Upon reaching Mrs Wheller’s hometown of Porto Alegre and docking at a yacht club, journalists and locals flocked to hear about their expedition, offering food and hospitality.

However, reflecting on the voyage nearly 50 years later, Mrs Wheller and daughter Tanya, who lives in south Wales, believed they were “protected by something”, acknowledging it was a “dangerous” undertaking.

Tanya, 60, from south Wales, recalled: “It was an adventure that I’d never forget and I used to love stopping at every port because I’d make friends.

“But I would never put my children through that if I had to.

“I wouldn’t do that again myself in the conditions that we went – on a DIY boat, second-hand motor and no experience of navigation whatsoever.

“I look back on it as if we were protected by something because, for a family of six, it was a dangerous thing to do.”

Mrs Wheller, 81, from Twyford, disclosed that she continues to have “nightmares” about the voyage.

Speaking with Sell Us Your Story, she recalled: “I wanted a bigger kitchen and my husband said, ‘Well, I want a boat’.

“I didn’t think much of it, but he said, ‘I will make a big one, and then we all go back to Brazil ‘, and I said, ‘all right’.

“Next thing I see is the lorry full of wood, and they started building it. I ended up working on the boat as well.

“I did all the painting, and so I was a great help to them.”

She encountered her husband while he was employed in Porto Alegre for Standard Cables. They wed in England, though travelled extensively afterwards.

For several years during the 1960s, they returned to Brazil where Tanya and one of her brothers were born.

However, in 1971 they came back to the UK and established their home in Cosham, Wiltshire.

It was in 1975 that Mr Wheller conceived the idea to construct the boat so they could visit their family in Brazil.

Following two years of building the vessel, they ensured they had plenty of food, plasters and medicine to sustain them throughout their adventure. Shortly after departing England, they faced a ferocious storm near Ilfracombe and barely escaped colliding with rocks.

Additional storms pursued them at Barry Island and France, while at one stage a massive vessel seemed to be bearing straight towards them.

The family possessed minimal modern navigation equipment. Their father relied on a rudimentary plastic sextant to determine their location by taking measurements from the sun and moon.

Tanya said: “Dad would look through the sextant, which would locate the horizon and the sun.

“He would align the horizon and the sun, and then he would ask the time, we would write down the time and the position of the sun and the horizon.

“He had his charts, and he would put those details on the chart – I don’t know how he did that part – and that’s how he managed to find out where we were.

“But I always helped him with the navigation side of things.”

She added: “In the beginning, I felt really sick, and you just had to keep looking at the horizon.

“My brothers would always feel sick. If you stayed outside of the boat, you could see more of the horizon and the sea doesn’t affect you.”

The family journeyed through Portugal, passing Lisbon, Porto and Leixões.

They navigated beneath the imposing bridge spanning the River Douro and received an invitation from local fishermen to tour a fish yard, where they were treated to caldeirada, a traditional Portuguese fish stew.

At each port of call, Antonia faced the practical responsibility of maintaining the family’s provisions. She was responsible for purchasing provisions, laundering garments and organising water supplies for the journey.

The engine, meanwhile, proved troublesome throughout.

In Spain, the vessel’s engine would fail upon entering harbour, forcing the family to depend on local fishermen to tow them in.

Despite these setbacks, Tanya recalls finding the adventure enjoyable.

She said: “Everywhere that we went, people were curious.

“Some kids in Spain were shouting ‘come here ‘, and I didn’t know what they were going on about.

“I just went on the dinghy and met these kids. I didn’t understand them, but I really enjoyed my stay in Spain.”

The family pressed on southwards to Tenerife, Madeira and Cape Verde, where locals presented them with food and bananas.

One person even attempted to gift Mrs Wheller a live chicken.

The Atlantic crossing presented fresh obstacles.

On one occasion, the catamaran became stranded near the equator and stayed there for nearly a week, with insufficient wind to propel it onwards.

The family also came across whales during the passage. After dark, they could hear the creatures breathing near the vessel in the blackness.

Mrs Wheller grew so anxious about the whales that she tested using a strong lamp on the deck.

Following its activation at night, the whales ceased appearing around the craft.

Mrs Wheller said: “During the night they were still following us, and so I was petrified – those big heads – then they disappeared and we didn’t know where they were.”

The family eventually arrived in Recife, where they were welcomed by a family of 15 who provided them with food and clothing and supported them throughout their stay.

Departing from Recife, the family made their way down the Brazilian coastline towards Espírito Santo and ultimately Rio Grande do Sul. Throughout the journey, they encountered dolphins, whales and sharks.

However, food supplies began to dwindle.

Tanya recalls surviving on stock cubes for their salt content, acutely conscious that their provisions were running dangerously low.

Eventually, they arrived in Porto Alegre, where their appearance drew the attention of journalists and curious onlookers.

A local resident offered the family the use of a spare property, which they subsequently rented. Their father secured employment, and the family ultimately settled in Gravataí.

The handcrafted catamaran, which had carried them thousands of miles across the ocean, was transported from Porto Alegre to Gravataí in Rio Grande do Sul with the assistance of two government lorries.

The family eventually moored the vessel on a plot of land and made it their home.

For Tanya, the recollections remain those of an extraordinary childhood.

“I look back on it as if we were protected by something,” she said.

“For a family of six with no experience of navigation – dad didn’t have any navigation experience – I see it as an adventure.

“My mum was not afraid, she dealt with everything as it came.”

Yet her mother recalls the experience in an entirely different light.

“For me it’s a nightmare,” Mrs Wheler said. While her husband focused on navigation, she took charge of four children, preparing meals, laundry and securing provisions.

She was also required to handle officials and bargain for what the family required, occasionally because she possessed greater fluency in the languages.

“I had to teach them to behave,” she said.

She also ensured her children grasped the perils of life at sea.

If one of them tumbled overboard, she explained to them, they could simply vanish into the current.

Decades on, Antonia still finds the journey challenging to reflect upon.

“I have nightmares about the voyage. I don’t like talking much about it.”

Tanya revealed she would be keen to pen a book about the adventure and also pay tribute to her father, Mr Wheller, who died in September 2023 aged 83.

The house in Rutland Close, Barry, is being listed for offers over £300,000.

According to the estate agent, the property is situated in a peaceful cul-de-sac in Highlight Park and has countryside views of the Dyffryn Valley.

The house has an entrance porch, open-plan living room, kitchen/dining room, and stairs leading up to three bedrooms.

There are two double bedrooms and a single bedroom, as well as a family bathroom.

The property also has “off road parking” at the front and a private rear garden.

The estate agent says that this property offers an “excellent opportunity” for potential buyers.

The living room has a picture window to the front elevation.

It includes a chimney breast with an inset electric fire set into a faux fireplace, and internal double doors with an oak finish.

The kitchen/dining room has a modern fitted shaker style kitchen in varnished oak with a granite effect work surface and a peninsular breakfast bar.

It comes with a five-ring gas hob and overhead chrome chimney extractor, a 1.5 sink and drainer with chrome mixer tap, and a separate filtered boiling hot water tap.

The kitchen also has an integrated washing machine and tumble dryer, a built-in Samsung fridge/freezer, an electric fan oven, and an overhead combi microwave.

The master bedroom is a double bedroom with views across the Dyffryn Valley.

The bathroom has a four-piece suite in white, including a corner quadrant shower cubicle with wall mounted shower and jets, a wash hand basin with vanity unit under, a low level dual flush WC and a white panelled bath with chrome integrated mixer tap and electric shower overhead.

The property also has a garden with a patio and a decked area with a shed and greenhouse.