22/07/2011 BBC Wales Today

. Than the millions of people who have and probably will be destroyed

Ben and Catherine Mullany were murdered on their honeymoon. As the

trial of two men draw to say a close, the latest live from Antigua.

Why has disabled Patricia Mahrenholz been waiting six years

for her home to be adapted? Breaking his silence after being

dropped in the Wales World Cup squad, Andy Powell tells us he has

not given up the dream yet. All I can do is just keep training

hard and if it comes along, I will grasp it with two hands.

This fluffy flamingo chick is believed to be the second ever to

Good evening. The Church in Wales is

investigating after a Rector from Gwynedd burnt pages from the Bible,

in what he called an "artistic statement". The Reverend Geraint ap

Iorwerth from Pennal also cut up pages from the King James Bible to

create his artwork, which he says reveals a "cruel and vile God". But

the Bishop of Bangor has branded it disrespectful and says it will

offend many people. Over now to our reporter Tomos Dafydd who's at an

exhibition celebrating the bible in Good evening. Welcome to the

Norwegian church in Cardiff Bay. This exhibition celebrates the

400th anniversary of the King James Bible. These are some of the 66

photographs representing the 66 books of the bible, but it is a

different exhibition that has been hitting the headlines today. A

rector from Pennal has has unveiled his own artwork made up of pages

from of the bible. This is the story of the cruel god,

a vengeful God that feels as you can see the hole bible.

Reverend Geraint ap Iorwerth displays his new artwork, a collage

of cuttings from the King James Bible. The work began as the rector

started to reread the Bible at the beginning of lent.

When we come to the positive words. The healing words, I put them on

three tear drops, but sadly we condition ignore this huge wall of

shame and that god is alien to me. Last Thursday, he decided to show

the creation at his church. It was here too that he proceeded to burn

remaining parts of the bible. There were a few pages left over

from the huge bits that had gone missing after the work of art. I

wanted the charred pages to be a memorial to the millions of people

who suffered at the hands of this cruel god.

Clearly, you are trying to get your point across here, but do you not

feel there was a less provocative way of doing that? I wish there was

because what drove me was the talk of the beautiful language of the

King James Bible, nationwide, big churches are celebrating this.

Nobody is asking the language behind it and that to me is

something that I would have betrayed the gospel, the principle

of Jesus's work if I hadn't highlighted what this language is

talking about. One member of the congregation that

day says she understands the vicar's actions. Well, that's what

he feels. He didn't upset me at all. I don't think it upset anybody. I

was talking to them all afterwards and none of them seemed upset.

But not everybody shares the same view. The church in Wales Wales

launched an investigation in what happened here a week ago and in a

statement the Bishop of Bangor says destroying parts of the bible we

don't like is disrespectful and will offend many people. Andy John

has written to Reverend Geraint ap Reverend Geraint ap Iorwerth

remains defiant. Next year he will be stepping down as vicar of Pennal,

but he says he will continue to spread the message of love and

peace in which he believes so strongly. He is hoping to have his

It is a lovely evening, let me introduce you to Owen Brown, you

are the curator and you work with Christian groups across the country.

Are you offended by his actions? think the strongest emotion is

probably sadness. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Reverend Geraint ap

Iorwerth says that we should focus on the figure of gentlemen ses,

that's great, but gentlemen ses in his teachings, he is clear and says

we should not mess mess around with scripture.

Do you think it is an over reaction to launch this enquiry? I think any

officer in the church of Wales should regard the hole of scripture

as very seriously, yeah. Language he uses is strong. He

describes some of the passages of god being cruel and vile. How do

you defend the god that's portrayed in some parts of the bible when you

meet young Christian groups throughout the country? I don't

think you can adopt the cut and paste attitude. On the one hand

there is a god of fair judgement and justice, but on the other you

have got a god of love and compassion and peace. We want a

world of love and peace, but we also want a world in which fair

judgement is exacted and the god of the bible offers both and it is

those elements we try to get across in this exhibition.

We live in a country where congregations are dwindling, but

you disagree with his actions, do you welcome the fact of the

opportunity to have this debate? Definitely. The Bible is amazing.

So I think it is as relevant today as it was 400 years ago. Anything

that encourages people to look again, look for the first time of

the bible is amazing. Lucy, the investigation by the

church of Wales has been launched The jury in the trial of two men

accused of killing the Swansea couple, Ben and Catherine Mullany

while on their honeymoon in Antigua, has heard recordings retrieved from

Ben Mullany's mobile phone. They include a conversation between one

of the men accused of killing him, talking to a female friend. In

court today the defence was making its closing speeches. From Antigua,

The defendants arriving at court., ""it wasn't me." That sums up the

defence in one simple sentence. The prosecution said that on the other

hand all the evidence pointed to Martin and Howell. AV Howell's

decision not to give evidence under oath was highlighted. His silence

is deafening the court was told. Martin made an unsworn statement

from the dock. That was said to be a tissue of lies.

Ben and Catherine Mullany had married weeks before they were

attacked. It was the last day of their holiday. The motive, robbery.

Cash, a mobile phone, and a camera. It was in their room at the hotel

that Ben and Kath were shot at 5am. Mobile phone records put mart nn

the area at the time. His version was he had gone there for a swim.

The police investigation also discovered according to the

prosecution that a a sim card belonging to Howell was put in Ben

Mullany's mobile phone. The jury was played recordings from Ben

Mullany's mobile phone. Also on the phone was music recorded by Ben

We can go over live now to Antigua to get the latest from the court

and our reporter Roger Pinney. What have the defence been saying?

The defence tactic has been to attack the prosecution evidence. We

have heard more of that today from Howell's lawyer. He highlighted

what he said was key inconsistency in the statements given by

prosecution witnesses, particularly with respect respect to who was

where at time. He reminded the jury that the Mullanies were shot during

Antigua's carnival time. He also said there was no evidence to tie

his defendant to the vicinity of the Mullany's hotel at the time

they were killed. Other than his close friendship with the other

defendant. Martin has admitted he was in that area, but he said he

only gone there to use the beach and have a swim.

The court has adjourned. On Monday we expect to hear from Martin's

defence lawyer. After that, it will be the judge's summing up and the

jury rb sent out. The jury in the trial of a 16-year-

old boy charged with the murder of his former girlfriend, have been

sent home for the weekend after spending five hours considering

their verdict today. 15-year-old, Rebbecca Aylward from Maesteg was

found dead in woods in Aberkenfig near Bridgend in October last year.

The 16-year-old defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons,

claims that it was his friend, and not him, who battered her to death.

The jury resumes its deliberations on Monday.

The Royal Mint has announced �3.6 million in profits for the last

financial year. As well as producing global currencies, the

government-owned company is supplying the medals for next

year's Olympic Games. 800 people work there.

A 23-year-old mother has admitted killing her baby daughter just four

days before her first birthday. Harley Ruck died as a result of

multiple stab wounds in Abergavenny last November. Jade Ruck denies

murder but today admitted manslaughter on the grounds of

diminished responsibility. She has been remanded in custody. A

disabled woman from Wrexham is still waiting for modifications to

her home six years after she first made the request. Patricia

Mahrenholz who has difficulty walking, was due to have her home

adapted in 2005, but Wrexham Council told her the house was

unsuitable. She moved into a rented property, but can no longer afford

to live there and doesn't know where she will go next. Matthew

Richards has this report. I've got big thick rubber insoles

and callipers on. Patricia Mahrenholz Has spinal

problems which make it difficult for her to walk and man over around

the house. Even private home-owners are entitled to get ramps fitted if

they have mobility problems. In 2005 she asked Wrexham Council to

make alterations to this bungalow. She says she was told it it

wouldn't be suitable for her if her condition got worse. She She moved

to this flat. Our dignity has been taken away. Our health and

wellbeing. Mostly everything has been taken away. It has been a

living nightmare. I just want to be able to live a peaceful and quiet

life like I was before all this happened.

Patricia Mahrenholz had her complaints against Wrexham Council

upheld by an Assembly Government panel. The authority rejects her

criticism saying it assessed her property in January 2011 and agreed

it was unsuitable for her needs, but could be adapted to make it ute

it suitable. The council proposed to work work with her landlord to

undertake the necessary alterations. The Shadow social justice and

Housing Minister says she has been let down.

She could still be in that property to this day without this problem

and having saved the council a huge amount of money and heartache in

the meantime. I would would add that complaints have been made to

the council and the complaints were upheld.

Patricia Mahrenholz has just a few weeks left before she has to leave

this flat behind. She doesn't know where she and her husband will end

up living let alone if it will be If you've got a story you want us

to cover get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Email us at

[email protected] or phone our audience line on 03703 500 700.

Still to come tonight: After being dropped from the World

Cup squad, Andy Powell says he's focussing on his new club Sale.

It's only the second time it's happened in the UK, a flamingo

chick born in captivity, and its Now, a reunion for 60 former

servicemen and womeen at an RAF base in Gwynedd. It's the 70th

anniversary of RAF Llandwrog. Many of those who served there during

World War II, like Kathleen Baynham and her forces sweetheart here,

went on to marry. The base itself was used to guard against invasion

from the Irish Sea. It was also the site where tens of thousands of

nerve gas bombs were stored after Taking a trip back in time.

Veterans remembered life when it was the biggest military airport in

Wales. They remembered how it was used as a secret facility for nerve

gas seized from Nazi Germany. It was a highly dangerous job. It was

like a clear liquid. If you got any on your skin, it would kill you

within 30 minutes. Despite this, good times were hard. Many people

met their future partners. I was stationed here. We came on

Valentine's Day. We met had started courting and eventually married

after about 10 weeks. We all got on well together and pulled together.

That was it. We quite enjoyed it. Another worker to find a husband

was Kathleen Baynham. She has made her memoirs into a book. She had

the crucial job of parachute maker. Every six weeks, the parachutes had

to go and be aired. In a great hangar they would hang them for so

many days. Then we would have to pack them up. It is not an easy job.

It may be a far cry from the aircraft of 70 years ago but if the

site is also known as the birthplace of the RAF search and

rescue unit. Who would have thought all of these years on that not only

is the service going strong it is also the workplace of a future king.

News of a rare baby flamingo in just a minute. First, Claire's

flown in to bring us the day's sport.

Good evening, Olympic news in just a minute. First, Cardiff City

manager Malky Mackay says the club are hoping to complete the signing

of Kenny Miller by the end of the day. It's believed the Bluebirds

have paid around �800,000 for the Scottish striker who's leaving

Turkish side Bursaspor. The 31- year-old has passed his medical and

the Cardiff manager feels he'll be a great addition to the club.

are just waiting for the documentation for the transfer. He

is a leader and is someone who is a proven goalscorer. He leads the

line very well. Rugby. Wales forward Andy Powell

has insisted he hasn't given up hope of making the World Cup

despite being left out of the current training squad. While the

Welsh squad are out in Poland, Powell has begun training with his

new club Sale and says they are his Adam Powell was in the initial

Wales World Cup squad but missed the cut when it was reduced. The

number eight began this year as first choice for his country. After

linking up with Sale, he says club now comes before country. If it

does happen, it will be great. My focus now is playing for sale. I am

still thinking about it but my main goal is the club. He started the

last six nations that injuries then put him on the sidelines. It was

very frustrating. They had been playing some of my best rugby since

the Lions. I was out for six or eight weeks. Not thinking straight

and not training after words. It puts you back a few places and it

is very frustrating. These things happen, it is a professional game.

After a high-profile incidents in a London pub, he says his final days

at Wasps left him needing a fresh start. You can speculate, which the

papers do very well, but I enjoyed my time there. I will not knock

that. I played some Goodwood be there but looking forward to what

lies ahead now. He will be hoping back-to-back matches against

England could give him a route to and New Zealand.

Next week marks a year to go until the London Olympics. On Wales Today,

starting on Monday, we'll be beginning our countdown to the

games. We'll be meeting five Welsh athletes with their own Olympic or

Paralympic Dream, hoping to win selection for Team GB. And we'll be

meeting those who been there before and won medals, finding out where

are they now. Here's a taster of These are the athletes with the

dream. Meet the five we are following on the road to London.

get her to this stage, they were repeating everything in to get to

the last bit. I am still getting stroppy in training if it does not

go right. By contrast to try to calm me down. I keep -- I hope I

keep progressing at the right rate. It gives you goose bumps just

thinking about it. The Olympics is the one I have not been to yet.

This is anybody's dream. For that to come true, it is one of those

one in a lifetime things. We will be returning to our athletes who

have already achieved Olympic success. Where are they now? On

Monday, he won silver in Beijing. He has given up the chance to

compete on home soil to serve in the Royal Marines. We're in

Afghanistan were to meet Tom. a brilliant time it got as far as I

had hoped. After that, it was time to move on. That is the countdown

to the Olympic Games with one ear to go.

Yes, your Olympic countdown starts here all next week. One Welsh

athlete with a real chance of a medal next year is Dai Greene.

Fresh from his sensational win over the current World Champion in

Birmingham and ahead of the World Championships, he faces a real test

tonight in Monaco in the Diamond League meeting. The 400 metre

hurdler is up against the best in the world again. His race starts at

7pm. We'll let you know how he gets There's no mistaking a flamingo.

Staff at Llanelli's Wildfowl Centre are celebrating a rare event. Yes,

so rare it's believed to have only happened once before in Britain.

After a tense few weeks, a lesser flamingo chick has been hatched

there. Today, we got the first They say it is the Panda of the

birds world. At risk in its native habitat are incredibly difficult to

breed in captivity. Staff here in Llanelli are excited. It is only

the second time that we have managed to breed these lesser

flamingos. The last time was in 2007. This is a wonderful moment

for us. Is it down to luck or are you doing something special?

would like to think it is more than luck. We build a nest sites which

encourage the birds to sit done them. It is a lot of animal

husbandry. It is a special egg. This has come down from Our

Slimbridge centre of. It is only the second one that they have laid.

The reason it is in Llanelli is that the parents of this lesser

flamingo and not as experienced. We have Caribbean Flamingo which are

very good parents. They are stronger and they can look after

the bird to give this chick the best chance of survival. Will it

grow up thinking it is a Caribbean Flamingo? It will go back to a

Slimbridge, to go back with its parents in the flock. Of the

trickiest bit is the first couple of days when it is open to

predators. We should be OK now. Good luck and congratulations.

I wonder what the new arrival is making of the Welsh weather? How is

it looking for the weekend, Derek? The sun cream will come in handy.

It's looking quite promising for the weekend, believe it or not.

Much drier and brighter. Generally more sunshine around. Feeling

warmer too, but still cool at night. Today, some heavy downpours in

Northeast Wales, parts of Powys, the Marches and Monmouthshire this

afternoon. Torrential rain in places with thunder. This evening,

some sunshine for most. The heavy showers slowly dying away.

And where skies clear it will turn chilly, especially in some rural

spots. Temperatures falling as low as four Celsius. Tomorrow's chart

shows a deep low over Denmark with strong to gale force winds over the

North Sea. So a much better day for all of us. A lovely start. Cool and

fresh but fine with plenty of bright skies and sunshine.

Temperatures in starting off at 13 Celsius. During the morning,

cumulus will build up. The odd light shower is possible in the

south and east otherwise dry. The north and west coast sunny. And

becoming sunnier everywhere later in the afternoon. Warmer tomorrow.

Top temperatures 16 to 20 Celsius with a light to moderate west to

north-westerly breeze. In Ceredigion, lovely tomorrow. Plenty

of sunshine and dry. Ideal for the Lampeter food festival.

Temperatures in Ystrad Meurig 17 Celsius. Some tide times. Time of

high water in Mumbles 0121 and 1211. The sea temperature 15 Celsius.

There's a summer fete in Llanbedrog tomorrow. Lots of fun is forecast

and the sun will shine! Tomorrow evening, fine and sunny. Ideal for

having a BBQ. Dry overnight and turning cool again, especially

inland. Sunday dry. Some cloud possible in the south. The best of

the sunshine in Mid Wales and the north. Top temperatures 16 to 20

Celsius with light winds and sea breezes. Next week, more dry

weather and becoming warmer as well with high pressure expected by

Wednesday. A reminder of the headlines. A massive bomb blast

rocks the Norwegian capital killing at least two people and injuring 15

others. There was a loud explosion. We ran out on the streets. We saw

all the buildings surrounding the main building totally Crowe went at

a glass was all over the street. The Church in Wales is

investigating after a rector burnt pages from the Bible. The Bishop of

Bangor has said it was disrespectful and said it what

offence many people. The reverent defended his action and said it was

an artistic statement. And a reminder if you've got a

story you think we should cover let us know. Email us at