Latest news with #Neath
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Emotional moment man, 58, finally finds birth mother who abandoned him as a baby - but she doesn't want to meet him
A man was left heartbroken after finally locating his birth mother who abandoned him as a newborn baby in 1966 - only for her not to be ready to meet him. Simon Prothero, 58, was discovered as a young baby outside a toilet block of a children's home in Neath, Wales. Up until recently, he had no information on why or who left him. Soon after he was found, he was adopted by loving parents and grew up in a village just ten miles away from the children's home. When he was nine, they told him about the details behind his adoption. Fortunately, Simon enjoyed a happy childhood with his late adoptive parents. But years later, his wife Helen encouraged him to apply to ITV's Long Lost Family: Born Without a Trace to help solve the mystery of his heritage. 'I don't know where I was born when I was born, what the circumstances were. I don't know who my mother is,' Simon said on the latest episode of the show, which aired on ITV yesterday at 9pm. In September last year, Helen tragically died from cancer. Knowing Helen's wishes, Simon employed the help of Long Lost Family's team and hosts Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell to continue his search for his birth family. DNA tracing meant that, despite Simon not having a paper trail, researchers managed to track down his birth mother, and Simon finally received the information about who his family are and where he came from. However, in an emotional turn of events, Simon's birth mother, who is now in her eighties and had him when she was young, unmarried, and on her own without family support, was still not ready for contact with Simon. At the start of the episode, Simon visited the children's home where he was found for the first time and reflected on his past. He said, 'I believe I was only a few hours old when I was found', he said, adding, 'Nobody's ever come forward.' 'I think my mother lived local; I don't think a stranger would have found this place. It's so much to take in. I want to know why she felt like she had to give me up.' The visit proved to be a poignant experience for Simon, who knew little about his beginnings, and up until recently, had never even seen a photograph of himself as a baby. 'I don't actually have any photographs of myself growing up as a baby, through my childhood, I haven't got anything,' he said. Though he knew little about his life as a newborn, Simon did enjoy a happy childhood with 'loads of lovely memories'. 'My [adoptive] parents were very loving. They were really good parents, I had a very good upbringing,' he recalled. When the researchers got to work looking for DNA connections, they also tried to find a photograph of Simon to allow him to see himself as a young baby for the first time. Luckily, the team located a newsreel of baby Simon from 1966, allowing him to see footage of himself around the time he was found. 'That was the first time I've ever seen myself as a baby. Amazing. It looked as if I was cared for. It's mind blowing to be honest,' he said after watching the clip. Back at the DNA search, a lead called Noel emerged, which connected Simon to a very large family group from north Wales. Noel agreed to do a DNA test, which led researchers to identify Simon's birth mother, who is alive and in her eighties. Researchers discovered that, when Simon was born, his birth mother was young, unmarried, on her own without family support, and the relationship with Simon's birth father had ended. Unlike Simon's previous assumptions, his birth mother isn't from near the children's home in Neath, but from North Wales. She couldn't recall why she left him in that area. When Long Lost Family contacted Simon's birth mother, her first reaction was sadly to question, 'Am I going to be in trouble for this?' The team reassured her that it wouldn't be the case. Davina informed Simon of the findings and that his birth mother is not ready for contact yet, but that the Long Lost Family hope that she might be in the future. There was no information found regarding his birth father. 'I can't quite get my head around it,' Simon said. He added, I was hoping for some sort of answers and a little bit more on my background.' 'I would like to meet her, but obviously, if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be. I can't take it in at all to be honest.' 'Hopefully we do get to meet, it would mean a lot,' Simon added. Though Simon's birth mother wasn't ready to meet him, other family members, including Noel, gladly welcomed him into the family. The Long Lost Family team didn't explain Simon's exact connection to Noel to protect his birth mother's identity. At the end of the episode, Simon met three generations of his birth family's relatives and exchanged addresses with them. Simon concluded, 'I've had a few answers, I'd like to have a few more, but it's been a good day,' he said.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Is it really suitable to televise this heartbreaking moment?
A typically emotional journey of highs and hard-to-watch heartbreak kicked off a seventh series of Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace (ITV1), which set Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell on the identity trail of two more foundlings. One, Simon Prothero, was left in an outside toilet block in Neath. The other, Lisa Dyke, was found in a car park in another child's pram outside a health clinic. They came to the LLF team to find out what happened. Both of their paths to finding out who left them and why were copybook Long Lost Family, which is to say, extremely moving throughout. I clocked the LLF TTT (Long Lost Family Time to Tears) at 3 minutes and 41 seconds, and I was welling up not long afterwards. Even for this most lachrymose of series, this is a resplendent triumph. If that sounds soulless and cynical, remember that this is commercial television that, for its success, relies on fomenting, through DNA testing, hugely sensitive situations and then filming the outcome to transfer those emotions to the empathetic viewer. Of course, the aim is to help your Simons and your Lisas to find out 'who they are', in the common coinage. But that's not the only aim. Long Lost Family does tread very carefully, which is to its credit. Difficult news is broken to its subjects off-camera. The meetings with newfound family are filmed in good taste and with minimal American-style schmaltz. On the other hand, television is always manipulative. Is it fair, for example, in the case of Simon here, to find his birth mother and then have to tell him that she didn't want to be contacted? Might that not make Simon feel lost and unwanted a second time over? To these jaded eyes, it makes Long Lost Family slightly queezy viewing. The great DNA revolution, with home testing and the concomitant genealogy boom, has undoubtedly helped lots of people to find out who they are. But it comes with side effects, too. Lots of people have found things out that, on reflection, it might have been better not to have known, and that now can't be un-known. Whatever your position, it certainly shouldn't be television producers influencing these genuinely life-altering choices. What was particularly fascinating in this episode was Simon's admitting that it was watching old series of Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace that inspired him to apply to the programme and dig up his own history in the first place. There's a cultural genealogy to television, too, one in which over time the things we watch affect how we behave. It's probably too early to tell whether the repeated posing of the question, 'Who do you think you are?' and the ability to find out on camera in the presence of Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell, has been an unmitigated good. Simon would be worth asking, but we never got that far.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Michael Sheen's revived Welsh National Theatre to be based in Swansea
The new Welsh National Theatre set up by Michael Sheen will be based in Swansea, the actor has announced. Sheen stepped in earlier this year after the Cardiff-based theatre company and charity was forced to close after £1.6m in funding cuts from the Arts Council of Wales. It was announced on Wednesday that the theatre will be headquartered in Swansea, where the Neath-born actor's theatre journey began as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre. Sheen, the artistic director of the Welsh National Theatre, said: 'It feels fitting to come full circle to base Welsh National Theatre in the city. Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration and I'm excited by the possibilities this presents not just for artists, but for the people of Wales.' The theatre company will be based at a 'public sector hub' being built on the site of the former St David's shopping centre in Swansea's civic centre, Swansea council said. The centre currently houses the country council chamber and a library. 'This isn't about just an office space, but a cultural hub which welcomes creatives in,' Sheen said, adding that the company is working on plans to make the space come alive before audiences are welcomed in. Swansea's council leader, Rob Stewart, described the announcement as a proud moment that showed how far the city had come as a creative hub. 'We're thrilled that Welsh National Theatre has chosen Swansea as its home. The impact of hosting world-class theatre in Swansea will be transformative. It has the potential to stimulate a new generation of local talent and inspire even more visitors to come,' said Stewart. The company's first production – Our Town, by the US playwright Thornton Wilder, which is believed to have inspired Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood – stars Sheen. It will debut at Swansea's Grand theatre in January before touring Wales and the Rose theatre in Kingston upon Thames. Next year, the 56-year-old will also play Owain Glyndŵr in Owain & Henry, a new play by Gary Owen about the clash between the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales and King Henry IV, in a Welsh National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre co-production. Sign up to The Guide Get our weekly pop culture email, free in your inbox every Friday after newsletter promotion Arts and culture funding in Wales faces a longstanding public crisis. Last year, the Arts Council of Wales warned the country's professional sector could collapse within a decade, leading the Welsh government to announce an annual £4.4m top-up. Sheen is self-funding the new Welsh National Theatre 'until it can stand on its own two feet', but is seeking public and private funding. Its Welsh-language counterpart, Theatr Cymru, was founded in 2003.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Welsh rugby legend to be knighted and Leigh Halfpenny starts new job
Today's rugby news as Welsh rugby legend to be knighted and Leigh Halfpenny starts new job These are the rugby stories making headlines on the morning of Tuesday, June 10. New Wales coach Leigh Halfpenny (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) These are your headlines on the morning of Tuesday, June 10. Welsh rugby legend to be knighted Rugby legend Billy Boston will be knighted today at Buckingham Palace as part of the King's birthday honours. The 90-year-old grew up in Tiger Bay in Cardiff and is widely regarded as one of the best rugby league players of all time. Often referred to as a "codebreaker", Boston has previously revealed his heartache at never representing his country. He said he had wanted to play for Wales "with all his heart" while representing Neath and Pontypridd in the 1950s. Article continues below But faced with no interest in his services he headed to league and Wigan where he scored 478 tries in 487 appearances and became one of the sport's greatest ever talents. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free "I used to catch the bus from Cardiff's ground to play for Neath," he said two years ago. "Cardiff didn't want to know. And I wanted to play for Wales with all my heart. But it wasn't to be' A statue of the legend was erected in Cardiff Bay - in Landsea Square, Mermaid Quay - to acknowledge what he has done for the sport and area. A knighthood was long overdue, David Baines, the chairman of the all-party parliamentary rugby league group and MP for St Helens, said. He told The Times: 'Billy Boston is an absolutely perfect first knight for rugby league given everything he has achieved, overcoming racial and class prejudice as well as his achievements on and off the field of play. 'But this has to be the first rugby league knight not the last, and Kevin Sinfield must be the next in line. He would have been knighted years ago had he grown up playing rugby union. 'I raised it in Parliament earlier this year pointing out that in 120 years of rugby league it has not had a single knight or dame. It is beyond reasonable doubt that a certain level of class prejudice did exist because the players come from working-class backgrounds, didn't go to the right schools, and didn't mix in the right social circles.' Halfpenny gets straight to work Leigh Halfpenny has got straight to work in his new role with the Welsh rugby team. Last week it was confirmed Halfpenny was joining Matt Sherratt's coaching ticket for the two-Test tour of Japan this summer. 'To be asked to work with the men's national squad this summer is a huge honour and I'm very grateful for the opportunity,' said Halfpenny. 'I really enjoyed my experience coaching with the U20s a few years ago and I'm looking forward to continuing my development in this area over the next few weeks. Neil Jenkins has been a massive influence on me throughout my career. 'He's one of the best that there has ever been and I've been privileged to have learnt so much from him and I hope I can take that knowledge forward into this role. 'I'm still finalising my plans beyond the summer and hope to update more on that front soon. In the meantime, I can't wait to get into camp and join up with Matt, the rest of the coaching team and squad next week.' With Wales players now in camp, Halfpenny has been pictured alongside fellow coaches Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, T. Rhys Thomas and Danny Wilson, putting players through their paces. Morris signs new deal Morgan Morris has signed a new deal with the Ospreys. Morris has made 115 appearances for the club since making his debut back in 2017 and the No.8 is known for his fine form at regional level over the past couple of seasons. Despite his levels of consistency, a Wales call has yet to come, but if he continues in the same vein, that will soon change. Morris said: 'It was an easy decision for me to sign a new deal with the Ospreys. This is my hometown club and where I have spent the whole of my professional career. 'My best mates are here, players that came through a similar time to me, and we've all developed alongside each other, which is something that we will always treasure. 'We are a young team that's moving in the right direction, and we're all looking forward to pushing on and doing something special next season under Mark (Jones)." Jones said he was delighted to see Morris extend his stay in Swansea. He said: 'We're all extremely happy to have Morgan staying with the club. He is an Ospreys man through and through and is the perfect blueprint for our young players to look at when it comes to succeeding in an Ospreys jersey. 'Morgan often gets the plaudits for his hard work on the ball, but he has been working incredibly hard at improving the defensive side of his game since I joined the club, and that is something that was highly apparent in his performances last season.' New Zealand chief resigns By PA Sport Staff New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will officially leave his post at the end of 2025, the organisation has announced. NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Article continues below Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers.
South Wales Guardian
30-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Llandovery RFC announce new signings for upcoming season
Addressing an audience at the annual 25 Club Dinner, Mr Evans, along with fellow coaches Gareth Potter and Nic Hudd, shared the news during a question and answer session. The club will see the departure of hooker Taylor Davies and Nathan Hart, both of whom are retiring. Mr Evans expressed his regret over their departure but showed optimism about the new recruits. "Three-quarter Corey Baldwin and hooker Cameron Lewis are really good arrivals at Church Bank; both players who, if they stay clear of injury, will be big players for us," he said. Davies, who had an impressive record of 32 tries in 59 games over two stints at Church Bank, will be especially missed. In the 2023-2024 season, he topped the Premiership's try-scoring list with 18 tries, including four against Neath at the Gnoll. Hart, 36, also had a remarkable run, contributing significantly to the team's success. In just 46 matches, he was on the winning side 39 times. Corey Baldwin, an Old Llandoverian, is considered the star signing. Baldwin, who has had stints with the Scarlets, Exeter Chiefs, and Dragons, will return to Church Bank, bringing his experience as a centre or wing. His career has been marred by injuries, but the 26-year-old is now looking forward to the new challenge of Super Rygbi Cymru rugby. Joining Baldwin is Cameron Lewis, a 25-year-old hooker who has been coached by Evans. Lewis, the son of former Llandovery coach Lyndon Lewis, is known for his well-rounded game. Despite being unlucky with injuries, Lewis is expected to adapt well to the Drovers' style of play. Other signings include Dan Gemine, a second row/back row player in the U20 World Cup squad, and Tom Pritchard, a former Wales U20 tight head prop transferring from Cardiff Met. Tom's younger brother, Jac Pritchard, who is the current Wales U20 tight head, will also join as a Scarlets Academy attached player. Lampeter lock Kai Jones, son of former Drover Ceirian Jones, will also join the team. Jones recently excelled at the U18s International Festival. Full back Sion Jones, a former Junior Drover, will join the club as a Scarlets-attached player. Ioan Thomas and prop Llyr James, key figures in Llandeilo's Welsh Youth Cup final win over Pontypool, will also train with the squad. Thomas was the hero of the day at the Principality Stadium, kicking a last-gasp penalty to secure the win.
