The historic chapel is where the words Bread of Heaven was first sung

The Welsh valleys chapel where the beloved hymn Cwm Rhondda / Bread of Heaven was first performed is officially in the hands of the community after a huge fundraising drive to save it. A community group has taken over the iconic Capel Rhondda, located in the former mining village of Hopkinstown, near Pontypridd, after they raised more than £70,000 to buy it.

The campaign was launched after the building was put up for sale for just £47k last year. Residents were concerned that the Grade II listed chapel would potentially be bought by property developers, … worries that the history of the building would be lost.

One local woman stepped in to create a crowdfunding campaign for locals to try and save it for themselves at the last minute, and the campaign quickly garnered widespread support from across the globe and raised the funds to buy the chapel within days.

Rhian Hopkins, who is from the small Rhondda Cynon Taf village and attended Sunday school at the chapel when she was young, was one of the campaigners leaders. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here

After she received the keys to the chapel earlier this week, she said: “The purchase of Capel Rhondda demonstrates what is possible when people come together.

“We are so incredibly proud of our community fundraising achievement and grateful for every donation received, from individuals and organisations, near and far. Community ownership of the chapel is not just a powerful symbol, but ensures that the future of Capel Rhondda will be shaped by local voices, preserving an important community space for generations to come.”

To celebrate the group’s purchase, members of the Pontypridd Male Voice Choir performed Bread of Heaven / Cwm Rhondda on Thursday, within the chapel walls where the hymn was first heard more than a century ago.

The Welsh Government has awarded a £10,000 grant to through its Perthyn grant scheme to support the next phase of the project and help bring the community’s vision to life. It will be used to fund surveys and repair work on the building.

Finance minister Mark Drakeford, also visited Capel Rhondda to celebrate the purchase. He said: “It was an honour to visit Capel Rhondda so soon after the community received the keys and to celebrate what has been achieved. Hearing the choir perform the hymn in its birthplace was a moving experience.

“I am proud to support this project through the Perthyn grant, helping to safeguard a building of real historical and cultural significance for future generations, while creating a hub for the whole community, where the Welsh language can be promoted and used.”

Rhian added: “The backing we have received from the Perthyn grant is instrumental in helping us to take the next steps, allowing us to carry out essential surveys and plan the necessary repairs to be able to re-open the doors of this precious building.

“While we recognise the many challenges that lie ahead, from securing significant additional funding to carrying out extensive repair and restoration work, we are committed to consulting with residents to create a welcoming space for all, where our heritage will be treasured.”

The Perthyn grant scheme helps communities to take the practical first steps to turn projects into community initiatives, with the Welsh language at the heart of the work. These initiatives create economic opportunities, provide affordable housing and protect community assets in Welsh communities. Since 2022, more than 70 grants have been awarded to support groups to develop and establish new cooperatives.

Following the expansion of the scheme across the whole of Wales, Capel Rhondda is the first project in the south Wales valleys to benefit from the grant.

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Flavia Scheul, who now works as an area manager at Amazon’s Bolton fulfilment centre, is sharing her experience during National Apprenticeship Week.

Originally from Leigh, Ms Scheul began her career in education in Romania before moving to the UK in 2019.

She initially joined Amazon in an entry-level position, later progressing to roles as a process assistant, team leader, and eventually area manager.

She said: “I had been with Amazon for a few years when, in 2023, one of my managers encouraged me to go for a Chartered Management degree through the Amazon Apprenticeship programme.

“To be honest, I didn’t know much about apprenticeships at first, but looking into how I wanted to progress, it felt like the next natural step.”

Ms Scheul is currently completing a Level 6 Chartered Management Degree apprenticeship through Manchester Metropolitan University.

Despite the challenge of working night shifts and studying during the day, she has found the experience rewarding.

She said: “I love it. I adore every bit of it.

“It can be tricky at times to balance both work and the apprenticeship, but every module I’ve done, I’ve put something into practice.”

Ms Scheul has also started the Eastern Europeans at Amazon employee group in Greater Manchester.

She credits the apprenticeship programme with giving her the confidence to launch the initiative.

She said: “If I’d never taken part in an apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have the confidence to do that.

“I was a very shy person; English wasn’t my first language. Studying in English really pushed me forward.”

The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is ranked among the UK’s top three apprenticeship schemes by the Department for Education.

Scheul’s advice to others considering an apprenticeship is clear. She said: “Just go for it.

“Be brave, be curious. “It might feel scary, it’s a commitment, but it’ll pay forward so much.

“It’ll open so many doors you haven’t even imagined exist.”

National Apprenticeship Week runs from February 9 to 15.

There will be a selection of around 36 stalls at each market.

Artisan Markets NI have been given permission to hold a number of markets at Belfast Castle over an eight month period this year.

Councillors at Belfast City Council this week approved an application from Artisan Markets NI to hold a number of markets in Belfast Castle over the period April to November 2026. The decision, made at the monthly meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee at City Hall, will go for ratification at the full council next month, where it is expected it will pass.

Belfast City Council has exclusive rights to hold markets in Belfast. Anyone wishing to operate a market or car boot sale within Belfast must apply to the council for permission to do so. The income generated for the council from the licence on the Belfast Castle arrangement will be £1,250.

READ MORE: East Belfast to get £1.6million to help disadvantaged areas get involved in climate action

READ MORE: Local opposition grows against Botanic GAA pitch plan that will uproot community gardens

Around eight markets are scheduled, each involving around 40 stalls for shopping, crafts and food. The proposal is to run markets on eight dates, from 11am until 4pm. The dates are April 19, June 21, July 19, August 2, 8 and 9 (to coincide with the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann), September 13 and November 28. There will be a selection of around 36 stalls at each market.

A committee report on the application states: “The organisers have been successfully running artisan craft markets in various locations since 2014 and currently operate regular markets in Portballintrae, Greyabbey, Killyleagh and Greenisland.

“As makers themselves, they are passionate about promoting and encouraging appreciation of the wide variety, originality and incredibly high quality of goods created by artists, creators and producers in Northern Ireland.”

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge agreed Thursday to block the Pentagon from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, for participating in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that Pentagon officials not only violated Kelly’s First Amendment free speech rights, but they also “threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees.” The judge invoked an old-fashioned rebuke — “Horsefeathers!” — in response to the government’s claim that Kelly is trying to exempt himself from the rules of military justice.

“To say the least, our retired veterans deserve more respect from their Government, and our Constitution demands they receive it!” wrote Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush.

Kelly, who represents Arizona, sued in federal court to block his Jan. 5 censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Leon’s order prohibits the Pentagon from implementing or enforcing Kelly’s punishment while his lawsuit is pending. The judge instructed the parties to provide him with an update in 30 days.

In November, Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration. Republican President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post days later.

The court case is just one front in a broader dispute that has spiraled between the group of Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration since they posted the video. Earlier this week, a Washington grand jury declined to indict the lawmakers over the video.

Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin has said she has been told the Justice Department could seek a new indictment as soon as Friday. Kelly and Slotkin said at a news conference Wednesday that they are keeping all legal options on the table regarding potentially suing the administration.

Hegseth said the government will appeal Leon’s decision. “Sedition is sedition, ‘Captain,’” he posted on his X account, referring to Kelly by his rank at retirement.

Leon said that Kelly “is likely to succeed on the merits” of his free speech claim. “He has also shown irreparable harm, and the balance of the equities fall decidedly in his favor.”

Hegseth said Kelly’s censure was “a necessary process step” to proceedings that could result in a demotion from the senator’s retired rank of captain and subsequent reduction in retirement pay.

The judge concluded that Kelly’s speech is entitled to full First Amendment protection.

“Rather than trying to shrink the First Amendment liberties of retired servicemembers, Secretary Hegseth and his fellow Defendants might reflect and be grateful for the wisdom and expertise that retired servicemembers have brought to public discussions and debate on military matters in our Nation over the past 250 years,” Leon wrote.

“If so,” he added, “they will more fully appreciate why the Founding Fathers made free speech the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights!”

Kelly said in a video statement posted after the ruling that the case was about more than just him and that the administration “was sending a message to millions of retired veterans that they too can be censured or demoted just for speaking out.”

He added that the ruling was unlikely the end: “This might not be over yet, because this president and this administration do not know how to admit when they’re wrong.”

The 90-second video was first posted on a social media account belonging to Slotkin. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania also appeared in the video. All of the participants are veterans of the armed services or intelligence agencies.

The Pentagon began investigating Kelly in late November, citing a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty on orders of the defense secretary for possible court-martial or other punishment. Hegseth has said Kelly was the only one of the six lawmakers to be investigated because he is the only one who formally retired from the military and still falls under the Pentagon’s jurisdiction.

Kelly’s lawyers said the Pentagon’s censure of Kelly — and its efforts to reduce his retirement grade and pay — are an unprecedented attack on the rights of veterans to publicly debate national security issues.

“Defendants assert an absolute and unreviewable authority to impose military punishment on a retired veteran and sitting United States Senator for engaging in speech a civilian political appointee dislikes. That position is as alarming as it is unprecedented,” they wrote.

Government lawyers said the case “is not about legislative independence or freedom of speech in civilian society.”

“Instead, this case involves a retired military officer who seeks to use his military status as a sword and his legislative position as a shield against the consequences of his actions in military personnel matters,” they wrote.

Hegseth, the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan and the Navy are named as defendants in the lawsuit.

___

Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

John Crawford, 36, was jailed for 20 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

A serial offender was caught on camera brandishing a golf club only weeks after police arrested him for carrying a knife.

John Crawford, 36, was jailed for 20 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted having a knife in Logans Road, Motherwell, on June 2 and a golf club in the town’s Brandon Parade South on July 23.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard police went to the level crossing in Logans Road after concern was raised about a man under the influence.

Crawford was traced and was seen to place a lockback knife in a hedge.

Weeks later he was caught on CCTV brandishing a golf club at unknown individuals in Motherwell town centre.

READ MORE: PC suffered cuts when she was assaulted while trying to arrest man

Crawford, of Airth Court, Motherwell, has a long criminal record. In 2022 he was jailed for 38 months for carrying knives twice within four days in Uddingston and Hamilton.

Sheriff Kevin McCallum said there was no alternative to another prison term, given Crawford’s record and the nature of the offences.

However, the sentence was cut from 30 months to 20 because of his guilty pleas and backdated as he has been in custody since July 24.

READ MORE: Man ordered to stay away from his ex partner for five years after campaign of domestic abuse

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Netflix’s must-watch Irish comedy mystery drama is now streaming, but what happens in the final episode?

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Warning – this article contains major spoilers for How to Get to Heaven From Belfast

Netflix’s new murder mystery series follows a trio of women on a perilous search across Ireland to get to the bottom of what happened to their enigmatic friend, Greta (played by Natasha O’Keeffe).

Across eight episodes, frazzled TV writer Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), short-tempered mother Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), and awkward and religious Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne) dig up secrets, chase clues and theories and reckon with a traumatic event from their past to unearth the truth.

From the creator of Derry Girls, Lisa McGee, the new series was released this Thursday (12th February) and has already scored rave reviews from critics, who are calling the comedy thriller a must-watch.

But what exactly happened to Greta and has the trio managed to uncover a satisfying solution to this enthralling mystery?

Here is your essential deep dive into everything that gets revealed in the new series’ final episode.

READ MORE: Netflix’s ‘wildly entertaining’ Belfast murder mystery from Derry Girls creator now streamingREAD MORE: How to Get to Heaven From Belfast key scene was completely made up ‘on the spot’

How to Get to Heaven From Belfast ending explained

Throughout the series, it’s revealed that Greta is actually alive but is on the run after accidentally killing her childhood friend, Jodie.

The two girls had been abused by their parents as children in their town of Heaven’s Veil, where they burned down the church, accidentally killing those inside.

Journalist Charles Sampson, also called Jason Meadows (Josh Finan) by Greta, picked up their trail and followed Greta and Jodie in the hopes of finding answers. However, Jodie fatally stabbed him, leaving Greta to bury the body with the help of young Saoirse, Robyn and Dara.

In the present, Greta’s body is swapped with Jodie and Greta liaises with fixer Booker (Bronagh Gallagher) and a young woman named Feeney (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) to clear her paper trail and set up a new life away from Ireland.

The plan was also orchestrated by Greta’s mother, Margo (Michelle Fairley), and husband Owen (Emmett J. Scanlan), but Greta has a change of heart and drugs Feeney to escape and return to Heaven’s Veil to confront her past.

It’s there that she discovers her real mother is actually a woman named Nora, who sold her as a child. Later, she reunites with Saoirse, Robyn and Dara as well as Owen and her their daughter, Maria (Matilda Freeman).

Booker is ordered to kill Greta, but, after discovering the secret organisation she was a part of that was initially founded to help liberate women was corrupt, she, along with Feeney and another member known as the midwife (Shauna Bray), slay the rest of the society and let Greta go free, vowing to begin a new organisation that will uphold its values.

Saoirse, Robyn and Dara confess to Liam (Darragh Hand) and Charles’ son, Andrew (also Finan), who let them go free without pressing any charges.

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But what was in the bag?

One of the biggest mysteries hanging over the finale is a strange, pink bag the girls recover from Greta.

Earlier in the series, she had hitched a ride with Conrad, the original owner of the bag who drives Greta into the middle of some woods to meet a mysterious group of people. It’s also revealed that Conrad was killed with a screwdriver to the neck, but the perpetrator is still unknown.

In the final moments of the episode, Saoirse, Robyn and Dara are left with the bag and, after looking inside, they vow not to get involved.

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Bridgerton.

While the contents aren’t revealed to the audience, creator McGee exclusively told Reach that she knows what’s inside – although she hasn’t ruled out changing her mind.

“I know right now what’s in the bag,” she teased. “But I’m not saying I might not change my mind, which is why I left it so vague.

“I have a very clear idea of what it is, but if I think of something that works better or that might be more interesting when I start to write season two, I want to be able to change my mind.”

Netflix has not yet confirmed if the series will be returning, so stay tuned for updates as the streamer assesses its popularity over the coming weeks.

How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is available to stream on Netflix.

Meat:Stack, which started in Newcastle and now also operates in Leeds, is a finalist in the 2026 National Burger Awards.

The awards celebrate the best burger operators from across the UK and will be held in London in March.

Allan Hyslop, co-founder of Meat:Stack, said: “This one means a lot.

North East burger brand Meat:Stack, founded in Newcastle and now also operating in Leeds, has been shortlisted for the 2026 National Burger Awards (Image: Supplied)

“It’s something we’ve been aiming for over the years but never quite managed to get over the line for — until now.

“We’re seriously proud.”

Founded in 2016, Meat:Stack is known for its focus on classic American-style smash burgers and has developed a loyal following in both cities.

The brand says its approach is not about following trends but about continuous improvement.

Mr Hyslop said: “Since 2016 we’ve never cut corners. If anything, we’ve doubled down.

“The beef, the bread, the fresh beef dripping fries, the house-made sauces, the pickles— every element has been pushed to be better than when we started.

“What we’re serving now is the best version of Meat:Stack we’ve ever put out.”

The National Burger Awards stage has featured many of the UK’s top hospitality names.

This year marks Meat:Stack’s first appearance as a finalist.

Mr Hyslop credited their supporters for the brand’s success.

He said: “Huge thanks to everyone who keeps turning up and backing us by buying these daft little minced beef sandwiches day in, day out.

“Newcastle and Leeds – thank you.

“London, we’ll see you in March.”

Meat:Stack uses locally sourced bread and makes its sauces in-house.

The brand has earned a reputation as one of the North’s leading independent burger operators, known for its quality-first philosophy.

The National Burger Awards final will take place in London in March 2026.

Across history, humans have always been drawn to the idea that love isn’t random. In ancient Greece, Plato imagined that we were once whole beings with four arms, four legs and two faces, so radiant that Zeus split us in two; ever since, each half has roamed the earth searching for its missing other, a myth that gives the modern soulmate its poetic pedigree and the promise that somewhere, someone will finally make us feel complete.