The Society of Editors has welcomed the decision by the courts to refuse to order journalists to hand over their notes to counter-terrorism investigators.

The Met Police had sought an order for material from the Times, Sky News, ITN and the BBC from their conversations with 19-year-old “Isis bride” Shamima Begum after she was discovered in Syria earlier this year.

But an Old Bailey judge has ruled that the news providers cannot be compelled to hand over their unpublished notes to the police.

“This is an important decision in protecting both the rights of journalists to protect their sources but also to ensure journalists are not put in increased danger when they are pursuing stories where there is a risk of reprisals,” comments Ian Murray Executive Director at the Society of Editors.

“Anyone giving an interview or information to the media should do so in the knowledge journalists cannot be forced to reveal sensitive information they discover. Journalists also need to be assured they will not be seen as seeking information to then pass on to the security forces.”

At a hearing at the Old Bailey last month, lawyers for the Met applied to have unpublished material from interviews carried out by The Times, BBC, ITN and Sky News handed to counter-terrorism command under the Terrorism Act 2000.

All of the outlets resisted the application, arguing it would undermine their journalists’ ability to cover foreign conflicts.

Gavin Miller, for Sky, ITN and The Times, said the order would deprive journalists of their neutrality and place them at risk by making them de facto actors of the state.

Ms Begum was one of three girls from Bethnal Green, east London, who left the UK aged 15 in February 2015 and travelled to Syria to join Islamic State.

She was tracked down when nine months pregnant with her third child by Times correspondent Anthony Loyd in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

Ms Begum, who has since been stripped of her British citizenship, later gave interviews to broadcasters including the BBC, ITN and Sky News.

While most Brits will spend the majority of their hard-earned cash and spare time on their back yard, homeowners are being encouraged to invest in their front gardens too.

Outdoors experts at BillyOh.com have compiled a list of seven tricks and tips to help homeowners reinvent their front yard, maximising their property’s kerb appeal – and potentially its value.

Seven Tips to Maximise Kerb Appeal

Homeowners are being encouraged to make the most of their outdoor space by investing in their front gardens.

Most Brits will spend the majority of their hard-earned cash and spare time in the back yard, whilst front gardens are left neglected and unloved.

So outdoors experts at BillyOh.com have compiled a list of seven tricks and tips to help homeowners reinvent their front yard, maximising their property’s kerb appeal – and potentially its value.

Advice includes adding a gate for extra security, painting the front door to add personality and utilising space by using wall climbers.

Researchers have found that planting greenery can help combat pollution and increase the value of property. This trend is replacing the paved driveways which is a common site nationwide.

A spokesman from BillyOh.com explained “The first impression of a house is the front garden, so is a great opportunity for homeowners to show individuality and personality.

“Paved driveways without greenery lack identity and can make a house feel cold and unwelcoming

“Increasing kerb appeal does not have to be stressful and can be achieved easily, a new lick of paint and introducing a variety of plants can do wonders, with little cost or effort need.

“Homeowners should first know what image of themselves they want to present to the world and then translate that when planning the garden.”

Here are BillyOh.com ‘s seven top tips for maximising kerb appeal:

Add a gate

Placing a gate at the entrance of the garden alongside being an additional security measure can also add a warm and welcoming for guests and sets the tone of the garden.

Refresh

Rather than putting in a new pathway a cheap and quick alternative is to instead use a power wash to give the existing footpath a good scrub. Add gravel to hide paths that are past saving.

Enhance with an Arch

Putting an arch over the pathway is enticing and adds dimension to the area. Train plants like beech or hornbeam to make an evergreen arch, in winter the bare branches provide a strong structure.

Variety of greenery

When deciding on greenery, include a mix of different leaves and foliage to add dimension and interest. Stick to low maintenance plants such as hostas and lady ferns which thrive in shaded areas. Perfect for all seasons so no risk of looking bare or dull in colder periods.

Utilise space

For residences with a smaller front garden such as townhouses, wall climbers should be considered. Taking no floor space and growing directly onto the outer walls of the house. Greenery can be introduced no matter how small the area.

Harmonise colours: When adding colour into the garden from front doors to plants and flowers choose complementary colours to unify the garden as one whole. This is an incredibly effective and easy way to add kerb appeal.

Upgrade the door :

The main focal point of the house is the front door; a lick of paint refreshes the home and draws the eye alongside polishing existing hardware. Before going for a bright colour consult with residents and ensure that it is appropriate for the location.

Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have revealed the best sweet smelling plants.

Among them are mint and lavender which last longer and are cheaper than air fresheners.

In a bid to turn Brits against artificial air fresheners, five of the best smelling plants have been revealed.

Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have compiled a list, including mint and lavender, of plants which will help keep houses smelling fresh for longer – and cheaper.

Air fresheners are believed to be causing adverse health effects such as migraines, asthma attacks and earache, causing many people to look for a natural alternative.

By swapping air fresheners for flowers, not only can it stop these harmful side effects, but plant can help improve mood and have positive effects to mental health.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “The side effects of air fresheners are not well known and can have an extremely negative impact on health.

“By swapping them with fresh flowers you are reducing the amount of chemicals people in the house are being exposed to, whilst achieving the same end goal.

“Just like air fresheners there’s a wide choice of scent meaning personal preference can play a large part in which plant you choose.

“Colours and the amount of space you are able to provide means that you can also add a decorative touch to rooms.”

This is GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk ‘s list of best smelling plants:

Lavender

Famous for its remedial smell, Lavender is thought to have a calming effect which causes many to fall asleep. It has a distinct smell and has recognisable purple tipped flowers. Although it is famous for its soothing effect, it is still unknown how it works.

Lavender requires plenty of sunlight, so the window sill is the best place to leave it when growing indoors.

Citrus Plant

The sweet smells emitted from lemon, lime and grapefruit trees can help anyone relax, but can cause a lot of maintenance issues when grown inside. Needing at least eight hours of sunlight a day and a large water once a week, the plants survive best in the sunnier climates of Spain. A sourness can be created in the fruit, and smell, of the plant if enough sun isn’t received.

Gardenia

The flower is a regular ingredient in many perfumes, even if it isn’t found in the name. The sweet-smelling aroma can help keep houses and rooms smelling fresh for months. The plant will survive well under bright light and with a water once a week.

Scented Geranium

These plants can be chosen in unique scents, including apple, lemon and strawberry which can add a natural fragrance to any home, saving money on air fresheners. They can be split into seven main categories depending on their smell: rose, lemon, mint, fruit and nut, spice, pungent and oak. The plants also don’t take much looking after, with potted geraniums needed to be watered once every four weeks.

Mint Plant

If you’re not a big fan of flowery fragrance, fresh mint plants will give your house a clean smell without being overly floral. The most popular scents are peppermint and spearmint, which can also be used in the kitchen. The plant does need watering at least three to four times a week.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35281338

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132316304334

https://www.nhs.uk/news/mental-health/lavender-scent-may-help-anxiety-mice/

Former BBC news correspondent and leading journalist, Kate Adie, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Society of Editors’ 20th Anniversary Conference in November.

Kate Adie’s career as BBC Chief News Correspondent covered the most important dispatches of the age, including both Gulf Wars and coverage throughout the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland, as well as the referendum on the Good Friday Agreement.

Her most memorable broadcasts include her overseas assignments from the Tiananmen Square protest in Beijing in 1989 and the final NATO intervention in Kosovo in 1999.

She has served as Radio 4’s From Our Own Correspondent for many years, alongside writing several books – one of which documented her life as a female war correspondent.

Receiving a BAFTA Fellowship and CBE last year, Adie’s ground-breaking news reporting has garnered recognition across the world as her contribution to journalism continues to be valued.

It is expected that Adie, who was appointed Chancellor of Bournemouth University in January, will address conference members at the Gala dinner on the evening of November 12 when she will receive her award.

Ian Murray, executive director of the Society of Editors commented: “Kate Adie is one of the most influential journalists of our age. Her record speaks for itself and her dedication to our profession and the high standards the public demands of it is legendary.

“I’m delighted that the Society is able to recognise Kate’s achievements and her on-going commitment to our profession with a Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The Anniversary Conference has already secured a line-up of key industry figures including the UK’s Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham and national newspaper editors James Harding (Tortoise), Ted Verity (The Mail on Sunday), Alison Phillips (Daily Mirror) and Chris Evans (The Telegraph).

A panel scrutinising the survival of investigative journalism has also been announced with Claire Newell (Daily Telegraph), Paul Henderson (Daily Mirror), Jane Bradley (BuzzFeed) and Tom Bristow (Archant Investigations Unit).

More details of the conference programme and speakers are soon to be announced.

Kate Adie’s career . . .

Kate grew up in Sunderland and gained her BA from Newcastle University where she read Swedish.

She became a familiar figure through her work as BBC Chief News Correspondent. She is considered to be among the most reliable reporters, as well as one of the first British women, sending despatches from danger zones around the world. Kate is also the long-serving presenter of Radio 4’s From Our Own Correspondent and a presenter or contributor to many other radio and television programmes.

As a television news correspondent, Kate’s memorable assignments include both Gulf Wars, four years of war in the Balkans, the final NATO intervention in Kosovo and elections in 2000; the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster at Zeebrugge, the massacre at Dunblane, the Selby rail crash, the SAS lifting of the Iran Embassy Siege in London, the Bologna railway station bombing and the Tiananmen Square protest in Beijing in 1989.

Kate carried out numerous assignments in Northern Ireland throughout “The Troubles” as well as reporting on the referendum to ratify the Good Friday Agreement.

Kate covered the Lockerbie bombing and reported from Libya after the London Embassy siege of 1984, reporting from Libya many times thereafter, including the bombing of Tripoli by the US in 1986. She also covered the Rwandan Genocide and the British military intervention in the Sierra Leone Civil War.

She has served as a judge for the Orange Prize for Fiction, now the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and the Whitbread, now the Costa Prize, and recently, the RSL Ondaatje Prize.

Kate has also served as a trustee of the Imperial War Museum and is a trustee of Sunderland Football Foundation.

Kate has honorary degrees from universities including Newcastle, Bath, Nottingham, Cardiff and St Andrews and is Honorary Professor of Journalism at Sunderland University.

Kate was honoured with a Bafta Fellowship in 2018.

Other awards include:

Royal Television Society Reporter of the Year 1980, for her coverage of the SAS end to the Iranian Embassy siege.
Winner, 1981 & 1990, Monte Carlo International Golden Nymph Award.
The Richard Dimbleby BAFTA Award 1990.

Kate received a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2018.

This month (and next), thousands of teenagers will be leaving home for the very first time as they start university.

For some it’s a truly daunting experience.

So, with the help of ex BBC World boss, now Head of school at ScreenSpace (part of London’s MetFilm School), Dr Lisette Johnston, here’s a list of 11 things for students to consider before they head off on their next big adventure.

Finance:

1. Banking: If you don’t already have a bank account – once you have registered and got a student card you can open a new student account, or convert your existing account. Lots of student accounts come with benefits such as free student rail cards or cheap house or mobile phone or travel insurance. Investigate the options it’ll be worth it.

2. Overdraft: But… some student accounts also come with overdrafts, and if you aren’t used to dealing with your own money, it’s easy to go ‘over draft’. Try to keep an overdraft for emergencies only, it is not free money, it’s not even really yours.

3. Budget: Do not blow your student loan all at once.

Set a realistic budget for yourself for each week. It’s very easy to think you need all the new sports kit, a fresh haircut, new clothes and to eat and drink out every night, but pretty soon you might not have enough money for next month’s rent or a pint of milk. So, try and be sensible – being too poor to eat properly and look after yourself will make you stressed and anxious – don’t create unnecessary worries, you’ll have enough to think about.

Health & Wellbeing:

4. Make friends: This means leaving your room and saying hello to people; If you are in student accommodation (halls), everyone will be in the same boat and living away from home for the very first time. 20 years later I am still in touch with people I met in fresher’s week, one was even a bridesmaid at my wedding! So open your door and be open minded at fresher’s events and, when you turn up at class for the first time.

5. But don’t try too hard: You don’t need to be everyone’s friend, you don’t need to go to every night out, and you shouldn’t join every society (do you really need to enrol in the fencing club when you have already joined videography, canoeing, chess and photography?) Don’t have FOMO (fear of missing out) when you have an essay due. There will be other events and other nights out!

6. Watch your mood: Moving to uni is a daunting thing, if it all seems a bit overwhelming don’t forget about the support available from your uni, family and friends. There are lots of support networks out there. And, while student life does mean freedom, going all out drinking every night in the short term sounds fun, long term it can lead to problems and won’t help your mood as much as a walk or run in the park, or a nice chat over a coffee will.

7. Register with a GP: You might have a dentist and doctor in Dundee, but if you have move to Dorset that’s not much help.

What else?

8. Packing: Remember important documents: depending on the course, you might need your qualifications, certificates, proof of family income and ID. A lot of this is done digitally these days but it never hurts to have scans or paper copies if you need to file something with university finance or student services.

9. Do a checklist: Depending on where you move to, or if you move at all, you might not need to bring everything you own. If you are in catered accommodation, you should be good, if you are in shared flats or halls, perhaps wait ‘til you have seen the kitchen before you go out and buy a full set of pots and pans. A kitchen doesn’t need 10 tin openers, and you might not cook a lot in the first few weeks anyway, while you are getting to know your uni and your city.

10. Remember to check in: you might be ‘finding yourself; and get drawn into the throes of student life in the union most nights, but there will be people back home who will want to know how you are doing. Gone are the days of queuing for a payphone to ring home, just check in now and again so your parents or guardians know you are alive and in one piece.

11: Above all, be yourself. Enjoy the experience, don’t be scared to ask questions (there is no such thing as a stupid question) and know that the people at the university, whether it be wardens, counsellors, lecturers or student ambassadors are there to help!

The members of the Hospital Notes Choir – based in Llanelli but with choristers from all over Carmarthenshire – are getting ready for a big concert this weekend.

Hospital Notes will be joined by Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir for ‘The Greatest Show’ on Friday, September 6 (7.30pm) at The Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli.

It promises to be an entertaining evening, with Côr Meibion Llanelli under the baton of their new musical director Alex Esney.

Alex said: “My first couple of months with the choir have been great fun and we’ve been working hard on some old favourites and some new songs to add to the repertoire.

“The enthusiasm of the choristers is great. We’ve had a few new members – and could do with a few more.

“But the choir produces a great sound and we are all looking forward to a great evening with Hospital Notes.”

The Hospital Notes Choir was founded to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service.

Hospital Notes will perform under the guidance of talented musical directors Andrew Harries and Stacey Harris.

Tickets are just £10 for Friday night’s concert.

September is turning out to be a busy month, with Côr Meibion Porth Tywyn (Burry Port Male Choir) holding their 56th annual concert at 7pm on Saturday, September 21, at St Mary’s Church in Burry Port.

The guests include bass baritone Anthony Stuart Lloyd, soprano Keely Morgan, harpist Rhian Griffiths and accompanist Caradog Williams,

The compere will be Iwan Jenkins. The musical director will be Ryan Lee and the choir’s accompanist will be John Evans. Tickets are available at £10.

There is more information this week on the big Three Welsh Tenors concert coming up in Llanelli.

Y Tri Tenor will perform at a charity fundraising concert at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, on Friday, September 27, 7pm.

The concert is part of Lleisiau Llan choir’s year-long fundraising for the Uganda Dr Vaughan Fund.

The host for the evening will be Carmarthenshire councillor and former TV presenter Glynog Davies.

Llanelli, Wales and British Lions rugby hero Phil Bennett will be the guest speaker.

Lleisiau’r Llan is a ladies choir from Llanelli formed in 1995 in response to a request by a group of friends who wanted to sing and socialise.

The choir’s conductor is Jill Evans and they have two talented accompanists, R Allan Fewster MBE and Julie Humphreys. Glynog Davies and BBC newsreader Huw Edwards are the choir’s honorary presidents.

The choir has raised more than £250,000 for the Breastcare Unit, Ty Bryngwyn Hospice in Llanelli, Dementia and Kidney Research.

Y Tri Tenor are, of course, Rhys Meirion, Aled Hall and Aled Wyn Davies.

They are all famous tenors in their own right, enjoying successful solo careers.

But when they come together under the banner of Y Tri Tenor you are promised something extra special.

The concert line-up also includes James Oakley, the winner of the singing category in this year’s Llanelli Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year competition.

James is a pupil at Ysgol y Strade in Llanelli.

His previous choirs include – Ysgol Llangennech 2011-2015 and Only Kids Aloud Chorus 2013-2016.

He is currently a member of Côr Adran Llwyth Y Llan, Côr Ysgol Y Strade and Only Boys Aloud.

With the above choirs, James has taken part in a variety of concerts and celebrations in many locations in Wales and further afield over the years, .

James has also performed with the choirs on television programmes including S4C’s Noson Lawen, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol, Côr Cymru and the BBC’s Songs of Praise.

James has had the opportunity to sing with and alongside Sir Bryn Terfel, Shân Cothi, Alfie Bow, Only Men Aloud, Rhys Meirion and many more talented artists.

Also taking the stage at the Lleisiau’r Llan concert will be Elen Morse Gale, a talented violinist who is a music scholar at Llandaff Church in Wales School in Cardidd, and Gwyr Secondary School Senior Boys Choir, led by Mr Berian Lewis.

The evening will also feature an auction conducted by Mr Brian Richards.

Tickets are £20 and can be purchased by ringing either of these two telephone numbers – 07971116091 or 07805643281.

In November, Côr Curiad Ladies Choir are holding a Masquerade Ball at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. The event, in aid of Wales Air Ambulance, is on Friday, November 1.

This Côr Curiad’s first major fundraising event for Wales Air Ambulance, hot on the heels of two years of support for Marie Curie Wales.

Tickets are £35 per head. This includes music from Côr Curiad and live entertainment from the fabulous duo Sibling Rivalry, plus a three course meal and dancing until late.

The evening will be hosted by Kevin Johns MBE, of Swansea Sound fame.

You can book tickets by emailing Corcuriad@gmail.com

The team at Loud Applause Rising Stars has announced a couple of new members.

Matthew Lewis is 15 years old and lives in Llangennech. He is a pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr. He is a chorister with Only Boys Aloud (OBA), Côr Adran Llwyth y Llan and Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr Choirs and a former chorister of Côr Ysgol Llangennech and Only Kids Aloud. Matthew has also competed at local Eisteddfodau and the Urdd National Eisteddfod.

Some of his highlights include the Ypres and Somme tour with OBA to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the battle of Passchendaele and Hedd Wyn. Matthew was a member of the highly successful Côr Ysgol Llangennech when they won the BBC Songs of Praise ‘School Choir of the Year’in 2015 and later that year appeared with them in the Royal Albert Hall.

In 2016, Llwyth Y Llan were winners at the North Wales Choral Festival, double winners at the National Urdd Eisteddfod in 2015 and runners up in 2016 and 2017.

Matthew has achieved Grade 3 Piano and Euphonium Grade 5 and is focused on achieving singing grades.

Nikkila Thomas is a student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff. She is currently under the tutelage of Elizabeth Atherton. During this time she has been working particularly close with Stevie Wood, a coach at RWCMD and WNO.

Nikkila is an Alto at the BBC National Chorus of Wales. Nikkila started singing at the age of six with The Hywel Girls Choir in Llanelli, and remained a chorister with them for 12 years becoming the senior soloist. She achieved a Distinction in Grade 8 Classical Singing (ABRSM) with Penny Ryan.

Nikkila attended Gower College Swansea where she studied music, law, photography and Classical Civilisations. During her time there she had a scholarship to attend the Swansea Philharmonic Choir, whose musical director is Jonathan Rogers. This gave her the opportunity to widen her knowledge and sing more challenging classical repertoire. She performed with the Swansea Philharmonic Choir Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Nikkila has also performed as soloist with Dunvant Male Choir.

2016 was a significant year for Nikkila. She sang the role of The Youth in Mendelsohn’s Elijah with baritone Gary Griffiths in St David’s Cathedral.

* If you have news about the choral or concert scene in Llanelli, email robert.lloyd01@walesonline.co.uk or rlloydpr@btinternet.com