Transport for Wales to sponsor rally highlighting sustainable mobility http://dlvr.it/TNYVWk #Aberystwyth #Cardiff #EVcharger #Network

COAST TO ROAST? Popular comedy festival returns to the town #aberystwyth #wales #ceredigion #cymraeg #cymru

https://aberystwyth.net/popular-comedy-festival-returns-2025/

AI device to restore impaired speech scoops student awards #aberystwyth #wales #ceredigion #cymraeg #cymru

https://aberystwyth.net/ai-device-to-restore-impaired-speech-scoops-student-awards/

Rugby legend Scott Quinnell discovers family secrets in S4C series

The former Llanelli, Scarlets and Wales No. 8, who won 52 caps for his country and toured twice with the Lions, travelled to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth to uncover more about his grandfather Stan, a Second World War veteran who rarely spoke about his experiences.

Family history revealed

Speaking to presenter Dot Davies, Quinnell explained that his motivation was to understand what life was like for young Welsh soldiers during the war. He was shown a never‑before‑seen video of an 80‑year‑old former Welsh prisoner of war in Germany, which painted a vivid picture of what his grandfather may have endured.

The Library’s family archivist Beryl Evans unveiled the Quinnell family tree, including a 1945 Llanelli Star report on his grandparents’ wedding, which left the former rugby star visibly moved.

Quinnell also discovered the Library’s vast collection on dogs — a subject close to his heart as the owner of four terriers and a Labrador — and was given a private viewing of an unseen portrait of his late uncle, Welsh and Lions fly‑half Barry John.

Dyslexia connection

Quinnell, who has spoken publicly about his dyslexia, admitted that libraries were not familiar territory.

“I don’t read, I’m dyslexic. So why would I go to a library?” he said.

But in the Library’s grand Reading Room he was shown a 1917 book documenting dyslexia for the first time, alongside stories of others who had triumphed against the odds. The experience, he said, changed his perspective:

“I’m coming back with the family.”

Production team reaction

Executive producer Geraint Rhys Lewis of Slam Media described Quinnell as “a wonderfully warm, engaging and inspirational character” who was visibly vulnerable as he crossed the Library’s threshold.

“By the end Scott was a complete Library convert and self‑proclaimed spokesperson, making this episode not only the biggest emotional rollercoaster so far but also the most important and insightful,” he said.

S4C’s Head of Docs and Specialist Factual Llinos Wynne added:

“We’re used to seeing Scott tackling opponents on the rugby pitch, but here he tackles another subject close to his heart as he finds out more about the history of dyslexia.”

Family pride in a different spotlight

Away from the rugby field, the Quinnell family name is also making waves in a very different arena. Scott’s son Steele Quinnell, 26, has carved out a career as a drag performer under the stage name Heidi Heights.

A personal trainer by day, Steele transforms into Heidi by night — a 7ft‑tall cabaret and musical theatre performer whose act has quickly become a fixture on the Welsh drag scene. His journey began after playing the role of Lola in a production of Kinky Boots, which led to a string of bookings from pantomime to residencies.

Steele has said his family have been fully supportive of his career choice, with Scott described as “incredibly proud” of his son’s success.

The Quinnell dynasty, long associated with rugby through Scott and his brothers Craig and Gavin, is now also linked to the world of performance and entertainment — showing that the family’s passion for hard work and courage extends well beyond the pitch.

About the series

Cyfrinachau’r Llyfrgell blends storytelling, genealogy and archival discoveries to tell the stories of some of Wales’ best‑known faces through their family history. Previous episodes have featured former First Minister Mark Drakeford and actress Dame Siân Phillips.

The series continues on S4C, Tuesdays at 9pm until October 7, and is also available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.

Related rugby stories

Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones champions lifelong learning
The former Wales captain has been named ambassador for Adult Learners’ Week 2025, encouraging people of all ages to take up new skills and education opportunities.

WRU sets out four futures for Welsh rugby
The Welsh Rugby Union has launched a month‑long consultation on four possible models for the professional game, with the future of all four regions under review.

Jonathan Davies OBE delivers management masterclass
The former dual‑code international shared lessons on resilience, leadership and teamwork with students and business leaders at Gower College Swansea.

Ken Owens mulls conversion to politics with Senedd bid
Recently retired Scarlets and Wales hooker Ken Owens is considering standing for Labour in the new Caerfyrddin constituency at the 2026 Senedd election.

#Aberystwyth #CyfrinachauRLlyfrgell #dyslexia #genealogy #HeidiHeights #Llanelli #NationalLibraryOfWales #Rugby #S4C #Scarlets #ScottQuinnell #SlamMedia #SteeleQuinnell #tv #WalesRugby

Current view while I'm sat with a coffee.

Out of shot are the brave souls who just came out of the wood fired sauna next to the cafe I'm sat at and gone for a cold dip.

#Aber #Aberystwyth #Sea #Coffee

Wedi mwynhau'r rhaglen hon yn fawr. Rhaid cyfaddef mod i dal heb ymweld a'r Llyfrgell Genedlaethol!

https://www.s4c.cymru/clic/programme/910290463

#teledu #s4c #aberystwyth #Gwleidyddiaeth #Cymru

Despite the weather doing it's very best to demonstrate that Wales is indeed a very wet country, at least in the autumn, the drive from #Ledbury to #Aberystwyth, and then on to #Caergybi via the mountains showed off some fantastic scenery. Tomorrow, weather permitting, off to #Dublin on the normal ferry, as the catamaran was cancelled for "operational reasons". Seems to be a regular occurrence with #IrishFerries.

#CymruAmByth
#Wales
#areaofoutstandingnaturalbeauty

Made it to Aberystwyth, enjoying the view from the billiard bar restaurant.
#fishandchips
#aberystwyth
#cymru

National Railway Museum donates Rheidol tank to Vale of Rheidol Railway http://dlvr.it/TMzGwl #Aberystwyth #narrowgauge #NationalRailwayMuseum #RailNews

Music, Food, Action: Popular Aberystwyth festival returns this Weekend #aberystwyth #wales #ceredigion #cymraeg #cymru

https://aberystwyth.net/music-food-action-popular-aberystwyth-festival-returns-this-weekend/

From a train window, a tidal river flowed gently beneath a sky laden with dark clouds. and hills , creating a dramatic backdrop. I wanted to capture the moodiness of the landscape, emphasizing the tranquil yet somber feel of the scene.

#Photography, #blackandwhite, #Aberystwyth, #trainjourney, #naturephotography, #Bnw, #Bw, #Nature, #monochrome, #Hill, #tidalriver, #River, #Wales, #Clouds #aberdovey

TOP places to watch Rali Ceredigion 2025 FOR FREE #aberystwyth #wales #ceredigion #cymraeg #cymru

https://aberystwyth.net/top-places-to-watch-rali-ceredigion-2025-for-free/

Controversial editorial decision from the BBC in an article about new @walesgreenparty.bsky.social leader Zack Polanski. #Aberystwyth

Calls grow for urgent investment in west Wales hospitals as new-build plan pushed back a decade

The board had proposed a £1.2 billion facility between St Clears and Whitland to replace key services at Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital and Haverfordwest’s Withybush Hospital. Two sites were shortlisted in 2023 after a lengthy selection process — which, a BBC Wales freedom of information request has revealed, cost the health board more than £1.2 million. No land has yet been purchased, and the health board now says the project is on hold for the long term.

‘We can’t wait for the new hospital’

Hywel Dda chief executive Prof Phil Kloer said he was making a “strong case” to the Welsh Government for immediate investment in existing sites.

“I think there is an understanding that we have ageing infrastructure, and it does need investment, and we can’t wait for the new hospital before that happens,” he said. “Some of this will depend on the results of the consultation and our deliberations following that. There’s a lot of discussion to be had on how best to direct any investment we get.”

The board’s Clinical Services Plan consultation, which closed on 31 August, set out proposals to tackle problems in nine “fragile” services, including potential changes to stroke care at Bronglais and Glangwili, and centralisation of other specialist services.

Pressure across the region

With the new-build delayed for at least a decade, attention has turned to the hospitals that will have to carry the load in the meantime — not just Glangwili and Withybush, but also Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital.

Campaigners in Llanelli point to the hospital’s role in acute medical assessment, elective surgery and its Minor Injury Unit, arguing that sustained capital investment is essential to keep pace with demand. Prince Philip has been at the centre of community activism for years, with local groups lobbying for expanded services and modern facilities after the loss of its A&E department.

Plaid Cymru councillor Gareth John said it was “very unlikely” a new hospital would be funded “any time soon” and urged ministers to modernise Glangwili, while also ensuring Prince Philip receives the upgrades it needs.

“We have to invest in our general hospital, bring it up to a modern age, bring new equipment and diagnostics and buildings up… to give our staff a fighting chance and work in a decent, modern environment,” he said. He also called for “heavy” investment in community services, primary care and suitable accommodation to speed up patient discharge, warning of a “distinct lack of capital investment” in west Wales “going back decades”.

Conservative Senedd member Sam Kurtz said the Welsh Government should “invest in the infrastructure that already exists”.

“There should be investment at Glangwili, at Withybush Hospital and Bronglais. Why not invest in those sites that we’ve already got? This is about ensuring that patients and the population of west Wales have the services they deserve.”

Government response

The Welsh Government said it was working with Hywel Dda on its future requirements and had invested over £500 million in the NHS Wales estate and infrastructure last year.

#Aberystwyth #BronglaisHospital #Carmarthen #GlangwiliHospital #Haverfordwest #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #PrincePhilipHospital #WithybushHospital

PETITION SUCCESS: Senedd to consider Debate on Bronglais Services #aberystwyth #wales #ceredigion #cymraeg #cymru

https://aberystwyth.net/petition-success-senedd-to-consider-debate-on-bronglais-services/

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