Gair Rhydd

University generosity

Cardiff University has donated £5,000 to the charity Mothers of Africa as part of an evening of opera and choral singing.

The concert, which took place last week as part of the University’s 125th anniversary, saw over 400 guests fill Llandaff Cathedral.

Tamil Tigers spark political feud

A dozen Sri Lankan Government soldiers and 40 Tamil Tiger rebels were killed in “heavy confrontations” last Monday, according to Government officials.

The political feud is centred on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who are demanding a Tamil Homeland.

State of emergency sweeps East Timor

Jose Ramos-Horta, the President of East Timor (pictured above left), is in a critical condition after being shot by rebel soldiers while at his home in Dili.

Rebel leader Alfredo Reinado died in the attack and another soldier is thought to be seriously injured.

Spring roll strikes

Numerous Asian restaurants in Israel went on a one-day spring roll strike last Tuesday in protest over government plans to rid kitchens of foreign chefs.

The restaurants have also issued threats that equally popular sushi and noodle dishes could be the next items taken off the menu.

A race against time

Concerns rise for the life of a deported Ghanaian cancer

Supporters of a terminally ill Ghanaian woman deported in January are still trying to scrape together the funds to save her life.

Janet Simmons, friend of Ama Sumani, said: “It’s coming in small bits, but it’s grown to £25,000.”

Students get aware

Cardiff University Students’ Union has seen a flurry of campaigns this February, covering various current issues by which Cardiff students are affected.

The campaigns were set in motion two weeks ago by Healthy Week, a campaign aimed at raising students’ awareness about their health.

Success for The Low Lights in Battle of the Bands heat 2

Heat 2 was an awesome event with all four bands giving energetic and exciting performances. However, it was The Low Lights and The Three Aces who impressed the audience and the judges sufficiently to progress to the semi finals, which are to be held in CF10 on the 6th and 13th March.

Commiserations to Stamina Straightjacket and Me and the Major, who put in accomplished performances but unfortunately missed out. Tickets for the semi finals and final are on sale now from the union box office. Get yours early to avoid disappointment!

Investment in eye care

Cardiff University School of Optometry and Vision Sciences has celebrated the official opening of its flagship facility.

The new state-of-the-art building on Maindy Road is the only provider of academic optometry and vision sciences in Wales, which makes it the largest single investment in eye care anywhere in the UK.

Canna-bust

Police raid on Cathays house uncovers illegal cannabis factory

More than 400 cannabis plants have been discovered in a Cathays house after a raid by local police.

The factory was broken into in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday February 6, following months of police investigations and the gathering of evidence.

Disneyland goes Welsh

Disneyland Paris will soon be embracing all things Welsh as it holds a St David’s Day Welsh Festival at the end of the month.

Between February 29 and March 2, Minnie Mouse will become Myfanwy Mouse and Disney’s best known characters will be dressed in traditional Welsh-themed costumes and national dress.

Faeces dinner

Last Monday two local takeaway owners were each fined £1,500 for selling a cake covered in human faeces.

After beginning to eat the dessert, an unsuspecting customer noticed something was not “quite right”.

Change ahead for Higher Education

Debates at the Guardian Higher Education summit in London heard last week that universities could face radical changes to the way they are financed and managed.

Speakers discussed the need for more highly skilled workers due to increasing global competition.

Pulling A Crowd

The Annual General Meeting is Cardiff University Students’ Union’s most important event of the year.

Usually held half way through the academic year, the meeting is the sovereign body of the students’ union and holds the executive committee to account for their year so far.

Wales takes action on alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse in Wales is to be confronted through a 10-year substance misuse strategy, it has been announced.

Over the next three years, £3million will be made available from Government funds to deliver what has been named an Alcohol Action Plan, with a view to reducing the harm that alcohol misuse can cause.

Government to fund Welsh news service

A Welsh language newspaper is to be launched as the anchor to a £600,000 effort by the Government to improve Welsh

A Welsh language newspaper is being launched as part of a new and improved Welsh news service.

Approximately £600,000 will be spent over the next three years as part of the Government’s commitment to support and fund Welsh language magazines and newspapers.