Issue 152

Swansea News in Brief: Issue 152

12th February 2007

News in brief from Swansea and the surrounding areas. In this issue: Business across Swansea introduce smoking restrictions, a woman is chared with the attempted murder of her husband and tropical fruit is grown in Swansea.

Don't cross her

Gail Oakman, a former lollipop lady from Pontarddulais, has been charged with attempted murder of her husband Alan. It is believed that the motive for the attack was financial. Mrs Oakman is currently being held in HMP Eastwood Park, near Bristol - from which she appeared by video link at Swansea Crown Court. At her hearing, she denied attempted murder - but admitted causing wounding with intent; for which she will be sentenced at the end of the month. Patrick Griffiths, prosecuting, express the opinion that the public interest test has been fulfilled in this case - pursuant to the Code of Crown Prosecutors.

Memorial concert for Swansea graduate

A concert is to be held in memory of Swansea graduate Michael Blakey, to raise money for a centre in his name. The Tong-Len charitable trust, of which he was a trustee; hope to build a community support centre to continue their work with Indian refugees, displaced in their own country. Michael was working in Dharamsala in northern India when his body was found; with Indian police suspecting the motive for his killing was robbery. A special website has been established for donations to raise the £20,000 necessary for the centre to be built. To contribute, please visit justgiving.com/michaelblakey

Smoke free trial across Swansea

A number of Swansea businesses are introducing smoking restrictions prior to the Wales wide ban, which comes into force on April 2nd. Castellamare restaurant in Bracelet Bay; CJs Wine Bar in Mumbles; Madasons Café in Mumbles; The Chattery, in Uplands and Mecca Bingo in Carmarthen Street will all introduce a ban as of Sunday. John Griffiths, deputy Minister for Health in Wales said "It is good to see businesses in Swansea taking positive action and being proactive to meet the implications of going smokefree now

It's not the tropics, but...

A Swansea couple have spoken of their amazement at discovering grapefruit growing in their garden in winter. Juanita and John Latham - who live in West Cross - planted the tree from a seedling over 10 years ago and are subsequently surprised to discover to tropical plant had produced fruit.

Mr and Mrs Latham, aged 88 and 83 respectively, attributed this distinctive piece plants fruition to climate change.

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