Author: Alice Gregory

Plant life becomes more diverse in drier areas of the world as it adapts to more arid conditions, according to a new study that has surprised scientists. A team of researchers from 27 countries, including an expert from Aberystwyth University, worked for eight years collecting samples from several hundred plots across six continents to determine how plants have adapted to these extreme environments. 45% of the land surface of the Earth is drylands, but 90% of the existing research on plant diversity comes from farmland or temperate climates. The findings, published in Nature, show that plants in arid zones adopt…

A wonkey donkey and a one-eyed Shetland pony were the stars of the show as care home residents enjoyed a taste of the American wild west. Residents at Pendine Park’s care homes in Wrexham got into the spirit of things, letting out cries of Yee Haw and whoop whoop when were treated to a Western-themed fun day. They also made friends with a Shetland pony, while staff wore cowboy hats, chequered shirts and bandanas, and a hot diggity menu was laid on. Among the highlights of the day was the arrival of Sherriff Paul – aka Pendine Park maintenance man…

The Swansea Fringe Festival is excited to announce the first wave of artists confirmed to perform at this year’s festival, taking place from October 3rd to 5th, 2024. As one of the most anticipated events in the city’s cultural calendar, the Swansea Fringe continues to deliver an eclectic mix of music, comedy, theatre, and the arts, with a lineup that celebrates both local talent and emerging artists. The 2024 edition will feature an exciting array of talent, from established acts to emerging artists across various genres. This year’s festival is set to build on its rich tradition of showcasing both…

Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co has launched a new Bard-branded mead bottled for Shakespeare’s Globe, the theatre and education centre on the banks of the Thames in London. Hive Mind is bottling its traditional mead in specially designed bottles for sale at performances and through The Globe Shop. A new label design, from illustrator Jesse Watkins, features an artist’s impression of The Globe’s heyday with a view of the river Thames complete with merchant sailing ships and a smokey London backdrop. The Hive Mind traditional mead is brewed from 100% honey to create a medium sweet, golden mead which…

JD Cymru Premier champions, The New Saints FC, have re-appointed Jacob Williams as their new club secretary and football operations manager. Williams, who will enhance the club’s football operations team, returns to Park Hall following a near two-year spell at one of our club partners, sports equipment provider Net World Sports. Speaking following his return, Jacob Williams said:  “It’s a great pleasure to rejoin The New Saints after nearly two years. “Throughout my time away, I’ve closely observed the club’s remarkable growth both on and off the pitch. “I’m eager to contribute to the team’s continued success as we strive…

Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria’s Iâl Restaurant in Wrexham, and baker and pastry chef Ella Muddiman, who also works at the Hafod venue, have been nominated for the Rising Star accolade at this year’s BIA (Baking Industry Awards) ceremony. The news comes after Naomi, from Mold – whose popular LittleWelshFoodie social media account encourages young people to take up baking – won the Fruit Cake category in Britain’s Best Cake competition, where she was joined by judge Daryl Stephenson, a Cambria work-based learning assessor. Congratulating the skilled duo – they are two of only three finalists in…

A four storey Swansea beach front terraced house with uninterrupted views of the sea is for sale at auction online. Previously let to students the nine-bedroom mid terraced house, in the city’s Oystermouth Road area, is looking to take a new course. Angie Davey, of South Wales-based Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the spacious property, said: “The views from the front of the four storey, mid terraced house nine-bedroom, at 378, Oystermouth Road, are simply breath-taking. “With an HMO (house of multiple occupation) licence and previously let to local students the large house, which extends a fair way back…

Joining the previously announced Michael Maloney as Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in Lucy Bailey’s new production of the UK & Ireland Tour of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, will be Bob Barrett as Monsieur Bouc, Mila Carter as Countess Elena Andreyni, Rebecca Charles as Greta Ohlsonn, Debbie Chazen as Princess Dragomiroff, Simon Cotton as Samuel Ratchett, Jean-Baptiste Fillon as Michel, Christine Kavanagh as Helen Hubbard, Paul Keating as Hector MacQueen, Iniki Mariano as Mary Debenham, Rishi Rian as The Colonel and Alex Stedman as Head Waiter. Also in the cast are Jasmine Raymond and Beth Tuckey. Agatha…

Farming is a traditional way of life in the Towy Valley but what is the future for farming in a changing climate? A forum to discuss farming in a changing climate will take place during next month’s Llandovery Sheep Festival. Panelists and guests will discuss the range of issues affecting farming as a result of climate change. Llandovery Sheep Festival will take place on 14 and 15 September. The Forum will be in the Castle Hotel from 11am on Sunday, 15 September and everyone is welcome to attend to hear the panellists speak and take part in the debate. Alan…

Nineteen-year-old Coleg y Cymoedd learner, Lydia Williamson-Price, has overcome a number of personal challenges over the last year to secure her spot at university, including a sudden hospitalisation with sepsis, the loss of her beloved grandfather, a scoliosis diagnosis, and balancing her studies with her caring and sporting roles. Having grown up supporting her dad to care for both her mum, who is disabled, and her younger brother, who has autism and ADHD, Lydia, from Mountain Ash, developed a passion for care and always knew she wanted to work in the health sector. The medal-winning high diver is now excited…