05/08/2016 BBC Wales Today

The 2016 Olympics are about to get underway in Brazil with the opening

ceremony in Rio just hours Our top stories: As many as 1,000

people turn out in Merthyr to see Jeremy Corbyn -

will his message persuade Labour A row between Bruce Dickinson,

the front man of Iron Maiden, He claims his airline

company is losing millions. His country ripped apart by war -

medical student Mohammed was studying in Syria,

now universities here want to help. In tonight's sport: Final rehearsals

ahead of tonight's opening ceremony. Welsh athletes countdown

to the start of the Rio Olympics. One clear goal for Cardiff City

as the football season starts - He stepped onto the balcony

of Merthyr Tydfil's Old Town Hall to the cheers of hundreds

and hundreds of supporters who had gathered in the square below -

their sea of red flags Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader,

was in town to launch the Welsh leg of his

campaign to keep his job. His key pledge - that no community

would ever be left behind Our reporter Cemlyn

Davies was there. This is how Jeremy Corbyn made his

appearance in Merthyr Tydfil today to the delight of the hundreds of

followers who had gathered to see him. Jeremy Corbyn and his team have

chosen this location deliberately for the event today. Red house is

where the party's first leader would address his constituents when he was

the local MP here at the start of the 20th century. This square was

also the scene of the temp one rising in 1831 when the red flag, a

symbol of the working-class cause, is said to have been flowing for the

first time. But today was about the current fight within Labour and

before he addressed his supporters I has Jeremy Corbyn what his messages

for the party members who will decide if he stays or goes. Labour

is going to be a party of investment, the growing economy and

leaving no community behind. We need investment across the whole of the

UK, including many parts of Wales that have suffered grievously have

written the end of the mining industry. Owen Smith says juror

going backwards here if you look at some of the Assembly election

results. We gained some seats as well as losing one. We made a lot of

progress there. Labour Party hasn't grown without a reason. People are

coming into labour because they see something of themselves in the

party, they see the possibility of a spark -- a party speaking for them

and that is exactly what you're doing here today Merthyr Tydfil.

More people have joined Labour under Jeremy Corbyn but the party did not

win any new assembly seats in May. These supporters are confident he

can lead the party to success. Since the Tony Blair thing I haven't

touched it. It has just been one Tory thing after another and neither

is a man can get the habit -- get together behind. Can win an election

question I yes. You can get the sound bites of the hypocrisy, just

the man. This is a leadership contest, as we saw in the

head-to-head debate last night. Owen Smith says only he can get Labour

back into power. I think I am the person who has got the ideas in this

debate, the person who has the energy and I think I see very

clearly that we have not been what we need to be in recent months. Back

to Merthyr Tydfil and away from the Jeremy Corbyn pride I spoke to her

supporter of Smith. The Labour Party is not currently in the position to

win the general election. Owen Smith is the candidate to take us forward.

In a blow to Jeremy Corbyn's campaign this evening to win union

at the Port Talbot steelworks said it was supporting Owen Smith, but

other major unions are expected to back the current leader. He and his

supporters intent on keeping the flag flying.

The rock star Bruce Dickinson says his Vale of Glamorgan aviation

firm is losing millions of pounds worth of business because of

Mr Dickinson, the front man of Iron Maiden, says

that when he located to the Enterprise Zone at RAF

St Athan he was given verbal assurances by the Welsh Government

that they would be able to use MoD technology that would allow planes

But, four years on, they're still being denied access.

Bruce Dickinson has been Iron Maiden's front man since the early

1980s. He set up an aircraft maintenance and training sector --

centre near Cardiff airport. This is as 747. The same type of aeroplane

that we flew around on tour with Iron Maiden. Training makes up a

significant part of his business. He says the maintenance side is being

hampered. Part of that facility at St Athan is in an aviation

Enterprise Zone but the MoD are not among them to use RAF systems to

land planes there. There has been a long-term failure to provide the use

of an instrument landing facility which exists and was paid for by the

taxpayer at vast expense and is used by the RAF. But they don't permit

civil aircraft to use it because they say it is too risky. We have

painted this up as the Iron Maiden simulator. He says that when they

signed up for the Enterprise Zone they have verbal assurances that

there would be able to use the system but it is still not happening

and it is costing them millions of pounds in lost business. Big

airlines expect a high volume of traffic to go in and out of

maintenance. They need those aircraft, they need them

immediately. So they are bringing aircraft in, 36 hours later it goes

back out. Of that aircraft is delayed it will cost them about

$50,000 a day. It is extremely difficult to go to probably 70% or

80% of the marketplace out there with the field that on a cloudy day

you can't land. Without the system, maintenance customers claims can

only take off or land at St Athan in good visibility during office hours.

The Welsh Government says that the Enterprise zones across the country

meeting or exceeding targets. In the aviation sector this will says a 20%

share of the maintenance and overhaul business, much of a base to

run the airport here. They said the introduction of the system is a

matter for the MoD but they will be lobbying on behalf of Mr Dickinson's

A Social Services watchdog says it is satisfied with the measures

that Camau Bach nursery in Aberystwyth has put in place

to safeguard children, following an incident last month

where a boy was left alone on a minibus for two hours on one

It reopened yesterday, and the Care and Social Services

Inspectorate Wales says it will work with, and monitor, the nursery.

Every home in Caerphilly County is to be visited by a council

official to ensure that households are recycling their

Recycling advisors hope to call in on nearly 80,000 properties

The council says it could save nearly ?200,000 a year

if everyone recycled their weekly food waste.

Some Welsh universities are considering offer scholarships

to refugees who've fled here from war zones and want

The Syrian-Welsh Society says students who have been forced

to flee their homeland face barriers when it comes to entering higher

This is daily life on the streets of Aleppo.

Syria's largest city has become a battleground - a war

waged between government troops and rebel militias,

with civilians caught in the crossfire.

Many have simply left their lives behind and fled the city,

seeking refugee and safety in other countries.

One of those refugees is 21-year-old Mohammad Haji Saleh,

Back home he was a medical student and he would like to continue his

education at somewhere like the School of Medicine

He was two years into his studies in Syria, but the war

It was very difficult for all the Syrians living in Aleppo. Everything

was destroyed. No water, no electricity. Not any thing for a

Cardiff University already offers financial help to asylum seekers

and Bangor University offers scholarships aimed

Now, two further institutions in Wales say they'll be doing

more to help refugees who want to study here.

Aberystwyth University hopes to offer five scholarships

to refugees with detailed plans finalised over the coming

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David said it was committed

Both institutions want to give refugees, just like any other

student, the chance to gain qualifications and skills.

We have been looking for potential students who would benefit from the

opportunity, but also could bring something to the university, and

could then give back to the UK when they get their qualification.

But Universities here could be doing a lot more,

He's chair of the Syrian-Welsh society, but also a Research Fellow

Some universities do not accept students on a transfer from Syrian

universities to the UK. Tuition fees are also a problem. References or

sufficient document also a problem. References or sufficient

document also a problem. Mohammed still hopes to find

a university in Wales that will allow him to complete his

medical degree, so he can graduate and practice medicine

in the Welsh NHS. Much more to come before 7.00pm:

Fireworks and final rehearsals ahead We're live in Rio as Welsh

athletes countdown to 31 Celsius in Rio tomorrow -

not as hot as that here, but some nice weather

and sunshine this weekend. It's the penultimate day of the

National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny. Kate Morgan is there for us

this evening. It's been another busy

day here on the Maes. The highlight some would argue

was a ceremony to welcome new members into the Gorsedd

of the Bards. It's certainly a colourful event,

steeped in tradition - a chance to honour those who've made

a contribution to Welsh life. Being honoured for their commitment

to Wales, the language and their own communities,

wherever that may be. Martha Davies lives

is from California and now She learnt Welsh while living

in Aberystwyth, and returned to the United States to work

as a Welsh translator and librarian. This is like being a parent for the

first time, or getting married and being a parent, it is of that

magnitude. It is very real-life, but it is not usual. It is unusual.

Also receiving her robes was the MP Liz Saville Roberts, who said

It was so nice to be amongst people but you know. You think might be

embarrassing, but it is not. There is real friendship.

But it's not just who would made it into the Gorsedd this year

Calls for the Welsh Football team to be recognised after their success

at Euro 2016 were dismissed - they were too late and not

all of the players or coaching staff speak Welsh.

The Football Association of Wales, who were welcomed in the Pavilion

this week, say they wouldn't just want individuals to be honoured

The best way around it would be for somebody like the assistant manager

or one of the players like our Joe Allen. You wouldn't get all the

players together at the Eisteddfod at this time of year because they

are at their clubs. One person being nominated on behalf of the squadrons

and send out the right message. The other highlight

of the week for many This year there was

a poem worthy of wining. The judges said the winner's worksed

said the work made him stop and think.

Here in Monmouthshire, it's expected the use of the Welsh

language will now go up because of the Eisteddfod

That's according to the local council.

It had to pay an extra ?100,000 to ensure the event went ahead

after local fundraising efforts fell short.

But council leader Peter Fox says the event has also been a great

The sights and sounds of the Eisteddfod. But our businesses in

Anne Begg any more likely to choose Welsh now and after takings up or

down? There has been no noticeable difference. In terms of what it has

done to your perception of the Welsh language, has changed your

perception, or argue more likely speak Welsh now? Yes, I spent six

months trying to learn Welsh. 95% of the people who came and who are

Welsh speaking have been very positive. I spoke to 21 businesses

on the busy streets and at the beginning. Quiet. Very quiet. The

worst Saturday in quite awhile. You more likely to use Welsh now? No,

no. Taking that this bakery were down significantly. Local staying

away concerned about traffic chaos. The park-and-ride facilities have

worked well. You can move very freely around the time. For the rest

of the week, please come on backing. I hope the longer term legacy of the

Eisteddfod is to embed further the Welsh language, a celebration of the

culture, even though it was pretty strong anyway. Many hotels and

guesthouses were fully booked and some pubs busier than normal in the

evening. Especially when the boys from North Wales have come down.

That has brought in a younger crowd. Has the Eisteddfod being here, has

it encourage you to learn the Welsh language more? It hasn't been as

well-known as I think it should be, personally. This will encourage it.

I have spoken to 21 businesses here in Abergele today and only four of

them said they were making more money because the Eisteddfod is

based to this year. At third of them have said it will encourage them to

use more Welsh in which is the other main event aim of this event. So,

many giving itself warm welcome, others questioning what its

long-term impact will be in this part of Wales.

Elfed Roberts is the Chief Executive of the Eisteddfod and joins me now.

How important is it to you that the Eisteddfod

gives an economic boost to an area like this?

It was always nice to be able to say that the Eisteddfod has benefited

the area. I have been to the town in the evenings what I have seen is

that the is bustling. The businesses that have come out best of the

businesses who have made reference. I have been to a couple of

restaurants and hotels and they have been thriving. I haven't been there

during the day. I can understand people coming here, paying ?20 to

come here for a day and they want to spend most of the day here. The most

important thing for the people coming here is that they have seen

Abergele, they have seen Monmouthshire and from what's I can

understand is that they will come back. The council wants the language

to be increased, the use of that. It is all about trying to raise the

profile of the language and promote the culture of Wales. I hope we have

proved that the language is thriving. I hope we have persuaded

some of them to learn the language but I think basically if we can

educate people that the language belongs to them, to the people of

Wales and it is washed preserving I would be happy with that.

So plenty more to come from the Maes, but that's it from me.

In just a few hours, the Olympic cauldron will be lit

in Rio's Maracana Stadium and the 2016 Olympics will be

This time round, there's a record number of Welsh athletes

23 sportsmen and women from Wales are ready to compete in Rio

In 2012, Welsh athletes won a record seven medals for Team GB -

a bronze, three silvers and three gold medals.

Jade Jones, in the taekwondo, is the only Welsh athlete

The youngest, 20-year-old Chloe Tutton in the pool.

She's burst onto the scene in the last year, breaking

the British record in the 200 metre breaststroke.

First in action is double Olympic champion Geraint Thomas,

Is everything ready for tonight's opening ceremony?

Let's hope so, because we are expecting a worldwide audience of

over 3 billion people this evening. As we know, there have been problems

leading up to these games. The Zika virus, a million tickets unsold for

different events, protests on the streets and even today Team GB

announcing that some of the swimming has gone missing. After today, the

organisers are hoping that they will be able to concentrate on sporting

success. The final preparations as reload the

junior gets ready for the Big show on Earth. Seven years in the making,

the party starts tonight and the world is invited. A carnival of

colour is expected at the Maracana. 300 dancers, 12,000 costumes and

amongst them Welsh athletes savouring every second. So excited.

I remember the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, so this will be ten times

bigger. So I will imagine it was going to be ten times better. There

are fears that gate-crashers could spoil the celebrations. Rio is a

city divided. 15,000 protesters are expected on the streets tonight

unhappy with the cost of the games. It is a nine billion pound bill

which have this country said it don't want to pay. For 23 Welsh

athletes here, they just have medals on the mind. For some, including

Geraint Thomas, it all starts tomorrow. He is expected to play the

supporting role for Chris Froome, as he did in the Tour de France, but he

is ready to take his chance of something happens to the lead rider.

Britain will have a strong, an advantage over the other teams.

Looking at Spain, and lots of them are leaders and don't really like

each other, whereas we genuinely do get online can be honest and talk to

each other on the road. This is the stunning location where is Geraint

Thomas will be going for a third Olympic gold when he goes on the

road race tomorrow. Copacabana Beach could be very special for the Welsh

athletes, right at the end of the 70 days of competition, two triathletes

will be vying for a place on the podium. The stage is set. Rio is

ready and the world might soon be watching some Welsh sporting

success. What can we expect tonight? It will

not be as lavish as it was in London 2012. It is about a tenth of the

budget they had four years ago. There were rumours in Brazil that

footballing legend Pele would like the cauldron but we now know that

won't happen. He says he is not in the physical condition to do it.

What do we know? Five years in the making this ceremony, 5,000

volunteers involved. Dame Judi Dench will be reading a pawn, Gisele, from

Brazil, she will be taking part then it will be the turn of the athletes

to take centre stage. 217 Santry starred as ever with Greece, then go

in alphabetical order, then it will be the host nation, Brazil. It could

take four hours. My advice is to get comfy on the sofa this evening!

Sorry about the sound problems. To hear more about the Welsh

athletes going for Gold in Rio, you can watch 'Wales:

Olympic Dreams' on BBC One Wales He spent the summer

helping his country reach Now, Paul Trollope is about to take

charge of his first league Just a month after the Euros,

the season starts again with Cardiff A new season and a new man in charge

card at Cardiff City. Paul Trollope got the

top job last season. He was one of the coaches here,

juggling jobs with club and country. Finishing eighth in the Championship

last season was not good enough We are going to try and hit

the ground running. We are going to try really tried

to give the fans a team they are proud of and proud

to support and proud to watch. One of his new recruits,

defender Jazz Richards. Trollope was with him throughout

the summer as Wales reached The manager insists that being away

with Wales has not hampered We were exposed to a lot of good

things in the summer within, both in the Wales camp and other

teams, so I think it Trollope is slowly putting his

stamp on proceedings. Some predict people try

to mirror tactics employed Having worked with him the last 12

months, you can sense that he wants his team

to play football. By that, I mean play similar

to the national team, similar to us in terms of building

out from the back. This'll be Cardiff City's third

season since relegation from the Premier League and getting

back to the top flight of English While other clubs have spent big,

Cardiff have been relatively quiet But that could all change

in the coming weeks. The Chief Executive here says

the club will consider selling senior players if the money

is right, but will strive to keep Fans are also being warned to be

patient over new arrivals. Some decent weather to look forward

to this weekend! Saturday will be the best day of the

weekend, fine and warm, but it is not all plain sailing as it will be

dampened listing on Saturday night, windy on Sunday. Fine and breezy

this evening then. Overnight the dry weather will continue with clear

spells. The windfall for all lowest temperatures about ten to 15

Celsius. Tomorrow's charge was a ridge of high pressure over the UK.

Low pressure over the Atlantic will bring stronger winds by Sunday. He

the picture for tomorrow morning, the whole country dry. Some patchy

cloud, otherwise bright. It will feel very pleasant with a light

breeze. So, some nice weather tomorrow, feeling more like summer.

Dry and sunny than today. And it will warm up nicely, as well. Have a

chance -- top temperatures 19 up to 23 Celsius. 24 Celsius likely in

Flintshire with a light to moderate breeze. The wind increasing in the

west and north-west edge of the afternoon. A good day for a trip to

the seaside tomorrow. Don't forget the sun cream. The sea temperature

will be around 1617 Celsius. Fine and warm in Abergavenny tomorrow

with temperatures rising to 22 Celsius and perfect weather for the

Brecon County show tomorrow. A fine start tomorrow evening by clouding

over Pembrokeshire. This cloud will spread across the whole country

overnight, turning dampened market. The wind picking up and muggy night.

Sunday's judges of the blue between Scotland and Iceland bringing

stronger winds and a warning of deals in Scotland. Sunday World dawn

Gray and misty in the south that it will soon brighten up. The rest of

the day will be drive with broken cloud and

sunny. Mind you, it will be breezy. A gusty south-westerly winds making

it feel fresh. In summary, Saturday will be the best day of the weekend.

Next week, turning cooler with a mixture of sunshine and showers and

some chilly nights. I'll have an update

for you here at 8.00pm and again From all of us on the programme,

good evening.