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March 2007 Archives
March 28, 2007
new library
Cardiff is changing so fast it is hard to keep up with the various developments.
Today it was to the Marriott to witness the first 'pilling' for the new Central Library.
This was the first time I have seen the model of what will be our new library - and it looks fantastic.
As Lester Hampson, of St David's 2, said, it is a real iconic building that will be up there with the Stadium, the Millennium Centre and the City Hall in years to come.
Walking onto the site ahead of the ceremony, the size of the site being developed literally takes your breath away.
Continue reading "new library" »
March 28, 2007
Babies, Dolly Parton and a sense of duty
The Echo's Beautiful Babies competition starts up again today - and the interest will be massive.
Previous years have seen literally thousands of readers vote for the winners of this competition and we know that families take it extremely seriously.
For us, Beautiful Babies is intended as a bit of fun, giving families the opportunity to get their little ones featured in the Echo, along with the possibility of winning a big prize.
To enter, take your child along to one of the nominated venues, listed in the Echo over the next few days, and simply pose for the Echo photographer. Then wait until we print the pictures in the paper and start voting.
Continue reading "Babies, Dolly Parton and a sense of duty" »
March 22, 2007
bluebirds
Today was one of those days when the newsdesk has so many stories we were presented with options for the front page.
But look deeper than that inside and you will find some gems.
In today's paper, two pages really caught my eye.
One is a great story about blind craftsman Roger Ball who restores wooden boats from his home in Penarth. The pictures of his work are amazing - and his is a truly inspiring story.
The second story which grabbed my attention today was the one about the priest opening a church in a nightclub. This isn't a joke but a serious move to make religion more attractive to a younger age group.
Continue reading "bluebirds" »
March 19, 2007
a big weekend
The Wales rugby win made for a big weekend all round and it was great to have something to celebrate in today's paper.
Yes, I know it's sad that just one game should spark such a huge reaction but there's always something special about a victory over England.
And the birth of a new star in James Hook adds an extra dimension to the party.
Even the downpour after the match and the freezing weather couldn't dampen the atmosphere in Cardiff on Saturday night.
Our sportswriters were happy to shower the team with praise today but they make the point that questions still remain about the coaching team.
Continue reading "a big weekend" »
March 13, 2007
A stroke of luck
Sometimes you are lucky... other times you make our own luck.
Last night our reporter Gerry Holt was interviewing John Baker about the night when firefighters had to save his life as no ambulances were available.
And just as she left Mr Baker shared with her a valuable piece of information.... the man responsible for our NHS crisis was once his friendly GP!
This little gem gave us such great pleasure becauise not only is it a fantastic twist on what is a long-running story but also just yesterday the BBC were running an exclusive story featuring an interview with Mr Baker with no mention of this little fact. Ooops.
Continue reading "A stroke of luck" »
March 12, 2007
cpz, crossword and rugby
Cardiff Council today scrapped all of its plans for controlled parking zones in the city - and we report on the delighted reaction to the move.
There are few issues which get readers going as much as the right to park in front of your own home.
The council were brave to step into this arena and provoked a huge controversy - who can have failed to have seen the yellow protest signs in Canton?
But today, after another week of stormy meetings last week and, in all truth, the prospect of an Assembly election just weeks away, the Liberal Democrats have scrapped the plans.
Continue reading "cpz, crossword and rugby" »
March 8, 2007
School closures and maggots
Today on page three of the Echo we print a disgusting picture of a chicken tikka wrap covered in maggots.
This was the same wrap that one of our readers wrapped his mouth around and bit into.
The shop which sold this disgusting item was fined £250 in court.
One of my conundrums this morning was whether I should have published the picture of the sandwich.
After all, for many the sight would have turned stomachs - and I was risking alienating some readers with queasy stomachs.
Continue reading "School closures and maggots" »
March 7, 2007
wedding night
You're the judge.
A paedophile admits that he abused a 10 year old girl in a most horrible way. During his trial he is on bail conditions which say he must stay in his home.
He then tells you that he is getting married this weekend and wants to spend his wedding night in a hotel.
What do you do?
Do you show him leniency and let him and his new wife enjoy a last night of happiness before his inevitable sentence?
Continue reading "wedding night" »
March 6, 2007
Russell Brand's no-show
Over the last two days we have been featuring reports on the comedian Russell Brand and the reasons that he failed to show up in Cardiff on Sunday for a show.
He let down an audience of 1,200 who had packed into the St David's Hall with an excuse that his car had broken down.
Sorry? His car had broken down.
Yes, one of Britain's showbusiness stars couldn't come to Cardiff because his car had broken down.
Pathetic.
Continue reading "Russell Brand's no-show" »
March 1, 2007
any questions
Health minister Dr Brian Gibbons has agreed to take part in a Questions and Answers session with Echo readers about the current ambulance crisis.
Today yet again we report that last night at 10pm there was not a single ambulance available in Cardiff for emergency use - they were all queuing up at the Heath hospital and unable to deliver their patients because there was no bed available.
Picture for a moment what would have happened had we encountered some terrible disaster in that time.
We are avoiding disaster by the skin of our teeth at the moment.
Continue reading "any questions" »
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