The finger-prick blood test, which takes just seven minutes to complete, will be rolled out at around 100 pharmacies this autumn.
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The 764-pipe organ in the historic Capel Rhondda came under threat when the church was put up for sale last year.
But villagers pulled out all the stops to buy the property after raising £47,500 in just two weeks – and the price tag included the organ.
Composer John Hughes wrote the well-known hymn ‘Cwm Rhondda’ for an anniversary service at the chapel in Hopkinstown, South Wales, in1907.
It is better known as “Bread of Heaven” sung at rugby matches, pubs and funeral services for generations.
The organ fell into disrepair after not being played for the last 20 years but is set to be fully restored for the hymn’s 120-year anniversary next year.
Campaigner Rhian Hopkins, who grew up in the village, said a team of volunteers will now replace all of the Blackett & Howden organ pipes.
She said: “The organ had been completely unplayable, we think, for nearly two decades.
“We have been told that repairs were carried out on the organ nearly 20 years ago and it hasn’t worked properly since.”
The charity Pipe Up for Pipe Organs is carrying out the restoration at the Grade II listed church.
Charity co-founder Martin Renshaw said: “It’s not been cleaned for 60 or 70 years there’s a lot of stuff in the pipes.
“There’s coal dust, there’s brick dust, there’s white wash off the walls but that’s normal for an organ of this age and we have started in the cleanest bit which has been in a box and the pipe work isn’t too bad but the rest is pretty bad.
“I work on historic organs from 18th Century in historic places but they’re not that many historic 20th Century organs, so its wonderful to work on.”
Organ builder Kingsley Robinson said the work has been “tricky” – but he has fixed the faulty mechanics to play Cwm Rhondda.
He said: “It’s because it’s very compact because it’s fitted into the back wall of the chapel and there’s no organ chamber behind it so everything is quite tight to work on and hard to get to on this organ.
“The blower on this organ, which basically provides the wind to make the pipes sound, was spinning in the wrong direction.
“But now that has been resolved and its back to spinning in the right direction the majority of the keys work too but we will need to replace some switches which can be challenging.”
The final service at the chapel was held in December 2024 before it was put up for sale by the Baptist Union of Wales.
Villagers wanted the property to remain a community space and went on to raise the cash to buy it.
The BUW said it was “deeply moved by the extraordinary response to the campaign”.
Blood pressure can be lowered with a simple trick (Image: Getty)
Weekend lie-ins could protect against high blood pressure, new research suggests. Scientists say people should not feel guilty about sleeping in at the weekend as it could be the body’s way of recovering.
A seven-year study of 41,000 adults found people who slept in late at the weekend were less likely to have high blood pressure. Analysis identified the perfect amount of catch-up sleep – with a one-hour and 27-minute lie-in resulting in the most benefit. Someone getting this amount of extra sleep would be 9% less likely to have high blood pressure.
Study author Dr Nawon Lee, of Korea University in Seoul, said: “Not getting enough sleep puts extra stress on the body. It keeps the heart and blood vessels working harder and can increase blood pressure.
“Getting some extra sleep on the weekend may give the body a chance to recover and reduce some of that stress. People should not feel lazy or guilty for sleeping a little longer on the weekend. If they have not been able to get enough sleep during the week, some extra sleep on the weekend may simply be the body’s way of recovering from that sleep loss.”
Adding 90 minutes to a lie-in can reduce blood pressure (Image: Getty)
The average British adult gets between 6 and 6.4 hours of sleep per night – below the recommended seven to nine hours. Not getting enough sleep is known to prevent blood pressure from dropping at night, which increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Officially known as hypertension, it is referred to in medical circles as the “silent killer” because it is often symptomless despite increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Around one in three UK adults – or 13 million people – have hypertension but many are unaware.
Previous research had stressed the importance of having a regular bedtime and wake-up time and many experts dismissed the idea that you should catch up on missed sleep at the weekend.
However, the new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology showed that getting some catch-up sleep could boost heart health – but getting too much could still be harmful. People getting over four hours extra sleep at the weekend were at greater risk of hypertension.
Dr Lee added: “I think moderate weekend catch-up sleep may have a protective effect because, in people who are sleep-deprived during the week, the benefit of compensating for insufficient sleep may outweigh the potential harm from having an irregular sleep schedule.
“However when weekend catch-up sleep becomes excessive, the degree of sleep irregularity and circadian disruption may increase, which could offset that benefit.”
She added: “Keeping a regular sleep schedule is still important, but getting a moderate amount of catch-up sleep may be beneficial rather than something to feel bad about.”
Study participants who had any duration of catch-up sleep at the weekend were 6% less likely to have high blood pressure on average.
A greater benefit of weekend catch up sleep was seen in people who didn’t get enough exercise and were considered to be physically inactive. They were 6.9% less likely to have hypertension if they had weekend lie-ins.
Participants were deemed inactive if they did not get the World Health Organization’s weekly recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes vigorous exercise, or a combination of both.
A coin expert has shared details of the piece which could potentially be worth up to £1,000 – and it might be in your change right now. So do you have this two penny?
You’ll never know if you own the ‘rarest coin in UK history’ until you examine your stash. Just recently, households were urged to check their change now for a 50p coin that sold for hundreds on eBay.
Now if you’re planning to do a clear out this bank holiday Monday, see if this two penny coin winds up in your collection. According to one expert, it’s worth up to £1,000 and rising in value. It’s so special, even after a few decades, and collectors will do just about anything to spot one in their change. So do you have this coin?
Discussing the 1983 New Pence coin, the @CoinCollectingWizard shared a clip with his 272,000 followers on TikTok where he warned many to never clean their change.
He then said: “Did you know about the New Pence 2p coin worth £1,000? Don’t worry though this one is 1971 and not the rare date.
“Want to know what rare New Pence coins to look out for, keep watching. After the design changed from New Pence to Two Pence in 1982, a mistake was made during production of a small number of 1983 coins.”
The expert explained these particular coins were mistakenly minted bearing the obsolete ‘NEW PENCE’ wording, rendering 1983 2p coins the authentic treasure to seek.
He stated: “If it says New Pence on the reverse instead of the words Two Pence then you have found it.
“If you are lucking enough to find a 1983 New Pence 2p in your change, then it is worth around £1,000. You are more likely to find the coin in the 1983 Royal Mint set though as this is where the mistake happened.”
Since he shared the information, many couldn’t get over the fact that some collectors would ever clean their coins. One said it was the “worst thing to do”, while another added: “Never clean coins.”
If you suspect you own the 1983 coin, the first thing to do is seek professional advice who can provide a proper valuation. To gain a profit, you must find the coin which displays the inscription ‘NEW PENCE’ on the reverse alongside the date 1983.
While a limited quantity of these 2p coins from 1983 are in circulation, the Royal Mint stated they were originally designated for special sets. However, they can still appear in your change.
All two penny pieces minted between 1971 and 1981 bear the inscription ‘NEW PENCE’ as part of their reverse design. In 1982 and in following years the inscription ‘NEW PENCE’ was substituted with the wording ‘TWO PENCE’.
However, a year afterwards, these coins were erroneously struck with the ‘NEW PENCE’ inscription.
Yellow box junctions are a common sight on UK roads, but drivers who stop in one unlawfully could face a fine of up to £130 – a legal expert outlines three ways you may be able to appeal
ShenSmith said there are three circumstances in which motorists may have grounds to appeal a penalty(Image: jikgoe via Getty Images)
Yellow box junctions are intended to keep traffic flowing, but motorists who get caught in one could face a hefty penalty.
The distinctive criss-cross markings are found on roads across the UK, yet there is still confusion over when drivers can enter them and whether stopping inside one will automatically result in a fine.
Daniel ShenSmith, a barrister of England and Wales and creator of BlackBeltBarrister, has explained what motorists should know if they receive a penalty. He has also highlighted circumstances in which drivers may have grounds to challenge one.
Yellow box junctions are covered by Rule 174 of the Highway Code, which states that drivers must not enter one until their exit road or lane is clear. There is, however, an important exception for motorists waiting to turn right.
Speaking on his BlackBeltBarrister YouTube channel, ShenSmith said: “174 of the Highway Code provides that you may enter the box junction and wait to turn right if you’re stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic or by other vehicles that are also waiting to turn right,” reports MyLondon.
At signalled roundabouts, however, motorists must not enter the box unless they can cross it completely without stopping. Rule 174 is backed by law under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions.
“And when there’s law that underpins it, there’s usually a fine that comes along with it,” he said.
Drivers who enter a yellow box without a clear exit and then stop can receive a penalty. The amount depends on where the offence occurs and the enforcement regime in place.
The rules are designed to prevent gridlock. If a driver stops inside the junction because traffic ahead is stationary, they can block vehicles travelling in another direction when the lights change.
However, ShenSmith outlined circumstances in which motorists could potentially challenge a penalty.
One example could be where temporary roadworks make it genuinely difficult for a driver to see whether the exit lane is clear.
“If you’ve got a situation where you can’t really see the other side and you can’t reasonably see whether the exit lane is clear,” ShenSmith said, this could potentially be relevant.
He suggested motorists could investigate whether temporary road restrictions had been properly authorised by submitting a Freedom of Information request to their local authority.
There may also be cases involving the road layout itself. ShenSmith said there could be “narrower circumstances” where it is unreasonable to expect a driver to see the exit, such as where there is a particularly large distance between the vehicle and the other side of the junction or where the road curves over a hill.
However, motorists should not expect an appeal to succeed without supporting evidence.
“As with all of these things, evidence is the key,” ShenSmith said.
He recommended taking photographs showing the junction from the position the vehicle was in before entering it. Dashcam footage could also prove particularly useful.
“If you have, download it, save it,” he said.
Anyone who receives a penalty should also examine the notice carefully, checking that all the information is correct and considering the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.
ShenSmith added: “Ultimately, if you want to challenge these things, there are a lot of successful challenges to these things by way of appeal.”
It could be very expensive to fix if you don’t take action now
Homeowners have been urged to do a quick online check that could save them a lot of heartache. Your home could be at risk which could be costly to fix if you don’t make the change.
Qualified mortgage advisor Daniel ShenSmith warned his YouTube viewers about a common “problem” that homeowners face. One way fraudsters could target you is by taking out another mortgage on your property, or trying to change the registration details in HM Land Registry. He said there is a common misconception that, should someone try and do this, Land Registry will automatically send you an email to verify the situation.
But there is a risk you may not hear about the scammers trying to change the details. He said this could happen if you are away on holiday or if you rent out the property, or if you are otherwise away from the property, and so you might not receive any letters or communications about the issue.
‘Simple’ solution
Fortunately, the financial professional said there is a “surprisingly simple” to make sure you do hear about any untoward changes. You just need to go to the gov.uk website and sign up for the Property Alert service for HM Land Registry. The expert said you can complete the process in just 60 seconds.
You can sign up to be sent alerts for your property, as well as the property of a friend or relative. In fact, you can use this service to monitor to up to 10 properties. You will be sent an email alert about any “significant activity” for the property, such as if a new mortgage is taken out against it.
What details are included in the email alert?
The alert will email you details such as:
- An application being made to change the register
- Who the applicant is
- The date and time it was received.
If you do get an email, it doesn’t necessarily mean the activity was not legitimate. Government guidance explains: “Not all alert emails will mean fraudulent activity.
“If you don’t think the alert email is about any suspicious activity, you don’t need to do anything.” The email will tell you who to contact if the activity was not legitimate. The service is free to use.
The Highway Code sets out clear rules that apply in this situation
No one wants to get stuck at traffic lights(Image: Getty)
Getting stuck at some traffic lights that are seemingly refusing to change colour can be a nightmare for drivers. You may be unsure whether to move forward or just keep waiting, and you could get some angry blasts of the horn behind you if you don’t take action.
This can be particularly frustrating at a set of temporary traffic lights managing traffic coming in several directions. You may not be sure if the lights are not working or if it’s just a long time to wait until it’s your turn. Motoring experts at Auto Express have helped clarify the rules for motorists.
The rules are clear
Steve Walker, head of digital content with the publication, said: “By the letter of the law, you can’t drive through a red light under any circumstances. If a traffic light is stuck on red, it’s the responsibility of the authorities to fix it and/or get a police officer to direct traffic.”
The Highway Code lays down the law on this question in Rule 176. Drivers are expressly told: “You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing.
“Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely or you are taking up a position to turn right.” However, Mr Walker said it may not be practical to just sit there if the lights really are just stuck on red.
He said: “In practice, motorists faced with a stuck red light could be waiting for days if they stick to these rules and a little common sense will probably need to be applied.”
‘Guilty of an offence’
The legislation that sets out the rules around driving through a red light is Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The law mandates that road users must obey and relevant “traffic signs”.
Any driver who “Fails to comply with the indication given by the sign is guilty of an offence”. If you do decide drive through the red light, Mr Walker said to be very careful as you proceed.
‘You are taking a risk’
He said: “This is obviously going to be easier to do in some situations than others. If you can see far enough to be sure that there’s nothing coming in the other direction, it should be possible to negotiate a traffic light that’s stuck on red safely.”
But he reiterated that this is a risky business, and you may be better off finding another way around. He urged: “You do need to make absolutely sure that it is stuck on red.
“You are taking a risk – both in the eyes of the law and, potentially, your insurance company if an accident takes place. In lots of situations, it may be better to turn around and find another route.”
Proceed with great care
Rule 176 also informs drivers: “If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care.” This refers to when the traffic lights are out entirely, not just when they are stuck on red.
Citizens Advice Wales warns households not to ignore water bill debt
Households struggling to pay their water bills have been warned they should not simply ignore the debt – but there are important protections in place. People facing mounting water bills could be taken to court if they fail to pay, according to Citizens Advice.
But the charity says water companies are not legally allowed to disconnect or restrict a household’s water supply because of unpaid bills. Citizens Advice says anyone who is struggling should contact their water company as soon as possible and try to agree a payment plan based on what they can afford.
The charity warns that ignoring the problem could ultimately result in court action. However, water debts are classed as non-priority debts, meaning households should first deal with debts where the consequences can be more serious.
These include rent or mortgage arrears, gas and electricity bills, council tax and court fines. Citizens Advice says people should first establish exactly how much they owe and check that their bill is correct.
Those with a water meter should compare the meter reading with the estimate on their bill, particularly if they think they have used less water than the company has assumed. This could happen, for example, if fewer people are now living in the household.
Renters should also check whether their landlord is actually responsible for paying the water bill.
You can negotiate what you pay
Citizens Advice says households should work out what they can realistically afford and make an offer to their water company. The company should consider the customer’s ability to pay and accept a realistic offer, although it can refuse if the proposed payments are not enough to clear the debt.
Even if an offer is rejected, Citizens Advice says it is still worth paying what you can afford and keeping evidence of the payments. This could help demonstrate later that you have acted reasonably and in good faith to clear the debt.
The charity also advises customers to tell their water company if they are in vulnerable circumstances. This could include being disabled or having a long-term health condition, having reached State Pension age, not speaking or reading English well or being recently bereaved.
Citizens Advice says water companies should provide extra support where someone’s circumstances mean they need it. The advice is specifically for Wales and should not be assumed to apply in the same way to households in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
There are rules water companies must follow
Households facing action over unpaid bills should also check whether their water company has followed the correct procedures. Citizens Advice says that, in Wales, a water company should contact a customer twice before taking further action if a bill remains unpaid.
If the customer has told the company their preferred method of contact, it should use this. Where there is more than one unpaid water bill, separate reminders should be sent for each bill.
Water companies should also check whether customers qualify for help with their bills, explain different payment options and provide details of debt advice. They should also give customers their contact number and website address and, where appropriate, speak to their debt adviser.
Anyone who believes their water company has failed to follow these rules can make a complaint. Citizens Advice says complaining could result in the problem being corrected and may also stop or delay court action.
Your benefits could be affected
If an agreement cannot be reached, the water company will usually take the debt to court. There is also another route for recovering money from some people who receive benefits.
Citizens Advice says a water company can ask the Department for Work and Pensions to deduct money from certain benefit payments to cover ongoing water bills and debt. This is often known as Water Direct or a third-party deduction.
The DWP should write to the claimant explaining how much is being deducted. Citizens Advice says the deductions cannot normally exceed a quarter of the benefit payment to cover water bills unless the claimant agrees to a higher amount.
Anyone who disagrees with a deduction can contact the office dealing with their benefit.
You could qualify for help
People on low or no incomes, those receiving benefits, people living alone without a water meter and those who have reached State Pension age may be able to get help with their water bills.
Citizens Advice recommends checking whether any assistance is available before allowing water arrears to build up. Its key message to households struggling with bills is not to bury their heads in the sand.
Contact the water company early, work out what you can afford and keep records of payments and correspondence. More information here.
A yellow warning for thunderstorms is now in place across Gwent The warning covers all five of the Gwent authorities plus the Vale It is in place until 23.59 tonight
If you’re planning a trip to the shops this bank holiday Monday it’s worth checking which stores are open and their trading hours in Wales to avoid a wasted journey
This bank holiday weekend you might find yourself inspired to tackle a bit of DIY. Perhaps some time off during the summer break has encouraged you to look for new storage options to tidy your home or you’ve chosen to refresh your garden fence with a new coat of paint.
If you’re planning a visit to some of your go-to shops it’s advisable to check which are trading and their opening hours this bank holiday Monday, August 31, to prevent a wasted trip.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to trading times for Wickes, B&Q, Dunelm, Home Bargains, B&M, and The Range enabling you to stock up after the long weekend.
Here are the trading hours for some of your favourite retailers across Wales this August bank holiday. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
Wickes
This bank holiday Monday Wickes will be keeping their usual hours of 7am to 8pm in Welsh branches.
To confirm when your nearest branch opens you can check here.
B&Q
B&Q will be maintaining their regular hours of 7am to 8pm on Monday. However some smaller branches may open slightly later at 8am.
To confirm when your nearest branch opens you can check here.
Dunelm
Dunelm branches will be operating at reduced hours this August bank holiday, trading from 9am to 6pm, though exact times may vary depending on your local store.
Further details about your nearest store can be found here.
Home Bargains
While Home Bargains won’t be shut this Monday the retailer will be working reduced trading hours, opening from 8am or 9am and closing earlier at 6pm.
More information about your nearest store can be found here.
The Range
This bank holiday Monday The Range may be running on reduced hours although the retailer has yet to confirm its precise trading times. Stores usually open from around 8.30am to 8pm.
Further details about your local branch can be found here.
B&M
B&M stores may also be operating with shortened hours this August bank holiday though the retailer has not yet announced its exact trading times. Branches generally open from approximately 8am to 9pm.