18/07/2011 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Tonight's top story. A consolation prize for

St Athan - in place of the scrapped defence academy special forces

training will continue and the MOD rejects plans to close the army's

Also tonight - the dog owner fined �2,000 after becoming the first in

Britain to be prosecuted for using an electric shock collar.

Welcome to the Royal Welsh Show. Nearly 50,000 people have passed

through the turnstiles today. More than a million pounds spent

upgrading the facilities - we've been finding out how the main

ring's new turf has been holding up under hundreds of galloping hooves.

And slightly late for his graduation. Harold Jones finally

gets his degree 66 years on. think I am by fire that oldest by

40 or 50 years. Good evening. There's mixed news

for defence bases in Wales this evening. Dr Fox said more or

service women and servicemen and would been based there. He also

announced plans to scrap the Welsh headquarters.

It was supposed to be the future of technical training. The role was

expected to bring thousands of jobs. The academy was scrapped last year

and today Hope's of something to take its place would killed off.

will increase its usage to take advantage of the facilities there.

A cryptic comment understood to refer to the role regarding the

special forces' support group. It is this group rather than the

proposed technical training academy that will be the key to the future

of St Katharine. The local MP was happy with the consolation prize.

It is good news. By its very nature we cannot say much. Very good news.

There was some relief in Army circles. This could have led to the

end of the army's administrative headquarters some feared. MPs hope

today's announcement means it will remain at the hub of the Army in

Wales for generations to A man who admitted using an electric shock

collar to stop his dog straying, has been fined �2,000. Philip Pook

from Ogmore by Sea near Bridgend is the first man to be charged with

the offence after the use of the dog collars was banned in Wales

last year. They're still legal in the rest of the UK as Nick Palit

reports. These electronic shock collars are

widely available on the internet and from pet supply stores. However

after lobbying from the RSPCA and the Kennel Club their use was

outlawed here in Wales in March last year.

48 year old Phillip Pook from Ogmore by Sea is the first man to

fall foul of this law. His border collie Dougie was found wearing it

when he was rounded up as a stray on a local beach. Mr Pook pleaded

guilty to using an electronic shock collar contrary to Animal Welfare

Wales regulations. Mr Cook said he had never used it in it shock

mauled but just as to make at bleep. The court heard that at least half

a million of the devices are used across the UK, with millions more

in use worldwide. But the Kennel Club believe it's a cruel, outdated

method of training dogs. The Welsh Assembly have made the decision

that these devices are cruel and in doing so they have put in a piece

of legislation But not everyone believes this kind

of collar is cruel. Charles Wall runs a dog training company with

bases in Wales and England and says electronic collars are a useful

training tool. An electric collar is a way of saving the lives of

dogs who could otherwise get shot for chasing sheep or running out on

to busy road. It comes down to licensing the people who should be

able to use them. Thankfully electric collars are not banned in

England. So I can use them there. When used in the correct hands

Lady is being trained not to chase sheep. This is what happens when a

small shock is applied to her collar. Mr Pook is the first man to

be prosecuted for using a shock collar.

The magistrate said the excepted that the caller had been supplied

with good intent and that the dog showed no sign of distress but she

said Mr Pook had been warned on a number of occasions that use of the

collar in Wales was illegal. He was fined �2,000 and has to pay �1,000

in costs. The management of Blaenau Gwent

council is to be investigated just days after its education services

were put into "special measures" by the schools inspectorate, Estyn.

Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant called for the

investigation after a report found standards were "well below" what

was expected. North Wales Police say they're

investigating claims that Directors at Wrexham Football Club have

received threats against their homes, businesses and families. The

club says the threats were made in the last few days. Negotiations are

continuing over the sale of the club.

A man's been cautioned for child neglect after a two-year-old boy

travelled on his own on a bus from Powys to Shropshire. The child got

on with other passengers at Montgomery last month, and was only

noticed when the bus arrived at its destination in Shrewsbury - 28

miles away. Britain's biggest countryside show

is underway at Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells. More than 200,000

people are expected to pass through the turnstiles over the next four

days life. Ross Harries is reporting for us all week.

Good Evening. Welcome to the Royal Welsh Show. The crowds started

arriving early this morning, and the rain we feared has held off for

most of the day. As always there's plenty to see and do here. Hundreds

of traders, thousands of animals, and millions of pounds worth of

farming machinery on display. Visitors have flocked to the main

ring behind me, to watch all kinds of events from horse displays to

some daredevil motorbike riding. One thing that has been observed is

the condition of the turf. In years gone by a wet weather has turned it

into a mudbath. Hopefully that will not happen this year. It is looking

in good shape this evening. Our reporter has sampled what is on

offer on day one. This is the chance for these stars

of the shore to shine. Each one hopes to impress. As the show got

under way all eyes were on the new show ring. �220,000 has been spent

renovating the drainage system which allows 15 centimetres of

water to drain away in less than one hour. Thousands of tons of sand

have been placed on the ground. Their aim is to avoid scenes like

these from last year. Bear in mind we had heavy rain on Saturday but

it has withstood that extremely well. I am very confident that we

will be able to cope. It sounds firm as they are carbolic --

galloping around. It was a mud bath last year. Overlooking the new Ring

is the result of another investment. This will allow members of the

Royal Welsh Society a place to shelter from the rain. At a cost of

over �1 million others are questioning that decision.

facilities are first class. Always there is something to do. Always

there is something to spend money on. This was the choice. They

wanted it. At the heart of the show lies the competition. This man

arrived on Saturday morning. He was last here 31 years ago. On that

occasion he left with his future wife. This time he will leave with

a red rosette after a wash his father's drool it claimed a victory.

I am overjoyed. It is something for my father. Have you given him the

good news? Yes I have. I was in the ring. My brother was on the bank.

He is happy. Back in the name every now that there was another test.

There is something for everybody here. More than enough to wear

somebody out. Throughout this week our rural

affairs Correspondent will be finding out about the big issues

affecting rural life. You can join him now.

They show ground sits in the heart of Wales. One issue that has been

dominating a rural agenda throughout the countryside in

recent years has been the building of wind turbine is. Today was no

different. This group is keeping its campaign

in the public eye. Almost as quickly as buyers were

put up Wells government officials took them down. We need to make the

Welsh nation aware of the threat they are facing. These are not

community-based schemes. These and massive industrial type

developments. Later at the protesters squared up to Carwyn

Jones asking the first minister to visit. Successive ministers have

not come to Montgomery Shea. They have not looked at the position.

They have not what with the people. That is what devolution was about.

Many in mid-Wales are up concerned that this new turn lines could

effect the area. People feel you are not engaging with them. But we

must engage with the right people. The UK government will take the

final decision not us. Are you engaging with them? I have met with

people in Cardiff. If they want to get the decision made the need to

get the Secretary of State for Wales there. But farmers such as

this one who keeps a dairy herd are happy to have turbine so on their

land. Income from the turbine cells to pay for the farm. We get a small

percentage of the money that these turbines produce. By having these

turbine is I can employ a farm manager. This argument is not just

about Engineering and the environment it is also political.

The UK government has ruled out of all link all power on this policy

to the Welsh government. It makes sense to try to plan and national

In the meantime, the National Grid's plans are set to carry on. I

am joined now by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Alun

Davies. You force -- your first visit to the show in this post. I

know wind farms and bovine TB are not part of your portfolio. But

they are big issues. This is the Royal Welsh show. I have been

coming here for decades. I have enjoyed this event. It is all part

of the debate we have about the future of rural Wales. It is

important to have events like this. I think it is a marvellous event

and Iolanthe thoroughly enjoyed the day. What do you say about bovine

TB? Is it an issue like the wind farms? It is clear that we want to

eradicate bovine TB. One of the things I have found today, I

enjoyed going around this Showground speaking to people and

watching the judging of the cattle. You have fabulous produce and

products on display. We should all be very proud of this. What have

people been telling you? You have this very met a of Agriculture as

part of the business department. Two people see this as a growing

business industry? I think people are very positive. 10 years ago, we

had foot and mouth. The whole agricultural industry was very

uncertain about the future. People I have been speaking today have

been positive about the future. We have an innovative industry that is

based on the backbone of Agriculture in rural Wales. We are

selling world-class products across the globe. That is something we

could all be very positive about. It is the first day of the show. I

thank you very much. They will be more from the Royal Welsh a little

bit later in the programme. Our top story tonight:

Two big defence announcements in place of the scrapped defence

academy. Special forces training will continue in St Athan and the

MoD rejects plans to close the army's headquarters in Wales.

Coming up before seven o'clock. Harold Jones finally picks up his

A group of travellers, who set up camp on a school in Denbighshire

over the weekend, has now moved to a nearby nature reserve. Ysgol Glan

Clwyd in St Asaph was closed today after the travellers set up camp on

Saturday. Denbighshire Council is now trying to remove them from land

near Rhuddlan Castle. Another day and another unauthorised camp for

this group of travellers with around a dozen caravans. For the

second time in recent months, they have moved onto this nature reserve.

The site was only opened this year. They did not want to be interviewed.

But they said they are only in the area while one of them received

hospital treatment. Until last night, they were here at his local

school. The move onto the playing fields on Saturday night. The head

teacher had no choice but to shut the school today for the 550 non

examined her pupils. A lot of people were supposed to come in to

help us. We had to cancel and people have lost out. It was very

inconvenient for the parents and I would like to apologise for this.

The best companies have been informed not to travel. It was

impossible to arrange -- change the arrangements. The school will be

open for the last day of term tomorrow. Then she council says it

will decide tomorrow what steps it can take to move the travellers on.

Cricket. Former England paceman Simon Jones is to stay with

Glamorgan for another two weeks. He's extended his loan deal from

Hampshire and is expected to play Essex in the 40 overs match on

Wednesday. Jones has been with Glamorgan for a month but had been

due to return to Hampshire on Wednesday.

Wales midfielder Joe Allen has said he's on the verge of agreeing a new

deal with Swansea City. The 21 year old has a year left on his current

deal and the Premier League newcomers are keen to secure him on

a long-term deal. European Junior Swimming Champion

Ieuan Lloyd from Penarth is one of 32 athletes representing Wales in

the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games. Athletes across six sports will be

travelling to the Isle of Man in September. Back to the Royal Welsh

Show. With news of some of today's winners, here's Ross.

First of all, let me tell you about the crowds. Many of the visitors

are leaving now, but there are still plenty hanging around the

showground. In total, 48,610 people came to Llanelwedd today. That's

3,800 down on the same day last year. However, show organisers say

they are still happy with today's attendance.

There have been plenty of winners at the showground today. Husband

and wife Viv and Douglas Lockton are celebrating after their Angora

goat was named overall supreme champion. The couple are from

Mynachlog-ddu in Pembrokeshire. And one man with no shortage of

Royal Welsh wins is Phil Fowlie from Aberffraw on Anglesey. He was

at it again today. His pig, Braemor Daffodil the 12th, was crowned

Welsh supreme breed champion. Let me introduce you to a true

heavyweight champion, Eastern Promise, best of breed in the

Hereford Class. Its owners are from Leicestershire. The first time at

the Royal Welsh, but it has already won at the Royal Yorkshire, the

Highland Show in Scotland, the Three Counties Show in Malvern.

You've done the grand slam? We took the Scottish are, we took the

English are now we have come down to Wales to win the Triple Crown.

One match at a time. We will talk to him about the game and we will

go from there. You are used to winning. There is no greater turf

to win on than Wales for an English man. You have been involved in a

lot of the preparation. Give us an idea of what it takes to get a ball

like this prepared? We knew we had quality when he was born three

years ago. We had been showing him so he is used to as showing him. We

would wash them twice a day and feed him and get him walking right.

He is now very quiet and let us call paid off. He is well behaved.

Do not speak too soon. Thank you very much and congratulations once

again. There've been plenty of umbrellas

and raincoats on show here today, but the heavens haven't opened as

we feared they might. Derek's here. When's the sun going to come out?

We've been lucky at the show today. We've had a little rain but some

dry weather as well. Mind you, it's been much wetter in the west, for

example, in Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Carmarthenshire. While in Snowdonia

125mm, 5 inches of rain has fallen on the mountains over the past few

days. More than a month's worth of So some rivers are swollen

including the river Wye in Builth. Good news, after today, I think

we've seen the worst of the rain for a while. Tomorrow will be drier

but still on the cool side for July with sunshine in short supply. This

evening, cloudy with further rain and showers around the country

gradually turning lighter and more patchy overnight. Some dry weather.

The wind easing inland and a fairly cool night. Lowest temps 11 to 14

Celsius. Tomorrow's chart shows low pressure centred over the North Sea.

That's the reason for the unsettled weather and all the rain we've had

recently. So tomorrow better than today. A few spots of light rain

and drizzle in the north and west. The odd shower but drier than today.

Plenty of cloud but a few bright intervals are likely in parts of

Mid Wales, the south, and east. A little sunshine in Flintshire and

Monmouthshire. Temperatures on the cool side again, 15 to 19 Celsius

with a moderate to fresh west to north-westerly breeze. The pollen

count tomorrow low. Tomorrow night a few showers in the north and west

otherwise mostly dry. A few breaks in the cloud. Another fairly cool

night lowest temperatures 9 to 11 Celsius. As for the outlook, the

next few days will bring a few showers, especially on Thursday

when they may be heavy with thunder. Some dry weather as well. A little

sunshine. Temperatures generally below average for July but with

lighter winds it will should feel a little warmer. So better weather

for the show tomorrow. Mostly dry and hopefully a little brighter

than today. That's all from Derek and me. We'll

be back bright and early tomorrow though and we'll bring you

everything you need to know about what's happening here at Britain's

biggest agricultural show. Back to you Jamie.

It is the end of term, thousands of students are graduating, including

one special student at Cardiff University. 85 year old Harold

Jones from Brecon was a bit late picking up his award. He competed

his course in mechanical engineering in 1945 but headed

straight into the services without It is with great honour and a

pleasure that we welcome him back today, Harold Jones. He's waited 66

years to get on this stage and today Harold Jones got to don a cap

and gown and receive his degree. is a big thrill. I think I am

probably by far the oldest by maybe 40 or 50 years. But that is a

relatively unimportant. It is nice to be here. Harold was in the class

of 1945. Being a student then was very different to being a student

now. I was also in the Home Guard, manning a radio station. It was

very interesting. If they started coming our way, we had to get the

rocket-launchers ready to send some rocket up to greet them. Despite

only graduating today, Harold's engineering career has taken him

all over the world and he now lives in Madrid. But over the years has

he ever given thought to that unclaimed certificate? Yes, my wife

keeps good files. I did get a letter from the University signed

by the Registrar saying I had passed the exams. Otherwise, I

would not have been certain whether I had passed or not. But nobody has

ever questioned it. Apparently, I did OK. Harold says he'll be

framing his certificate and making copies for the family. So after

more than six decades, it has certainly been worth the wait. The

headlines. The hacking scandal has claimed another scalp tonight.

Assistant Commissioner John Yates, the man charged with keeping

England and Wales saved from terror attacks, resigned today. It comes

hours after his boss quit last night.