Author: Alice Gregory

A college student from Merthyr has been named joint winner of a nationwide playwriting competition. Emyr Strudwick, a 19-year-old student from The College Merthyr Tydfil, was announced as one of two winners of this year’s New Views programme – the National Theatre’s annual playwriting competition for young people. Emyr’s play, ‘Teulu’ was selected from over 500 submissions from 90 schools across the UK. Emyr will have the opportunity to develop his play, ‘Teulu’ alongside Director of the National Theatre, Rufis Norris as part of the News Views Festival on 4-5 July. He said: “Winning this competition has been an amazing…

The Queen B Boutique in Penarth has announced that City Hospice will be its new charity partner for 2024-2025. City Hospice, Cardiff’s local hospice, is the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital. In addition to providing care and services including welfare advice and complementary therapies to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses, the charity offers bereavement counselling and support for their families. The charity needs to raise over £3m each year to provide their services free of charge and the work would not be possible without the support from the local community. Over the next…

A sold-out show with The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer will kick off a glorious summer at TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle this Friday. The multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning rock pioneers are the first of 16 headline acts to head to the iconic Welsh venue between now and the end of July. And as final preparations are taking place to throw open the gates, it is expected around 170,000 people will attend a show there this summer. In a double-headlining set, US rockers The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer selected Cardiff as one of only five UK dates for their…

JNP Legal has welcomed the addition of Alisa Smith to their team as a Commercial Lawyer. With 20 years’ experience in both residential and commercial property law, Alisa has developed her expertise at prominent law firms Eversheds and Hugh James, where she skilfully managed a variety of complex property transactions. At JNP Legal, Alisa will serve a diverse client base, including small property developers, corporate clients, and high net worth individuals. Her work will encompass new developments, from site setup to plot sales, and advising on complex property transactions and infrastructure agreements. Alisa’s expertise in these areas represents a significant…

Locit, a leading manufacturer of steel lockers and innovative storage solutions, has bolstered its sales team to drive growth. Aaron Grant joins the Deeside-based company as Strategic Business Manager, bringing 15 years of experience and a strong track record in the sector. He will focus on boosting sales in the Midlands, North and Scotland, working alongside Kevin Elliott, who manages South West, Wales and Ireland, and Daniel Fordham, who heads the North West. Lindsey Hewitt and Sasha Capiello make up the customer and sales support team. Locit, the world’s only carbon-neutral steel locker manufacturer, is on course to book more…

A primary school in Cardiff, that has been at the forefront of encouraging families to ditch the car, has seen almost one third of its pupils (31%) change how they travel to school since launching its campaign in 2018. Through a collaborative effort with the Cardiff Council’s active travel team, Howardian Primary School in Penylan, has introduced cycle clubs, training sessions, and events like ‘Bling Your Ride’ and ‘Spring Bling’.  By engaging with parents and pupils from nursery to year six, nine in ten pupils are now walking, cycling, or scooting to school on a regular basis. Helen Thomas, Active…

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is unveiling an array of nature inspired activities at its Swansea store to keep children engaged and entertained throughout summer, free for families to attend. The first Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club session of the summer takes place on Sunday 7 July and will spotlight minibeasts that live in the garden. The Garden Creatures workshop at Dobbies’ Swansea store will explore the world of snails, slugs, spiders, and beetles, helping children understand their microhabitats and fascinating defence mechanisms. The kids will also gain an understanding of what a pollinator is and how you can attract…

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 70% of UK adults agreed that being close to nature improves their mood. In support of this, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is sharing the best ways to experience that dopamine hit and connect with the great outdoors of West Wales this summer. After all — whether you’re looking to take the plunge and delve into the deep blue or find your inner peace on a coastal hike — there are few better places to top up your mental and physical well-being than the 600 miles of rugged coastline and countryside in the…

Dozens of volunteers who support the UK’s leading end of life charity were celebrated at events across Wales last week. Marie Curie brought volunteers from all roles together at thank you events as part of the 40th Volunteers’ Week – from fundraising group members to retail volunteers, Companions and hospice supporters. In Penarth, the charity held a thank you tea party at its Cardiff and the Vale Hospice on Bridgeman Road, with games and cakes – also welcoming two of its furry volunteers in Acer and Alfie, pet therapy dogs who visit once a month. Meanwhile, in North Wales, staff…

Iconic rock band Foo Fighters are set to embark on their Everything or Nothing at All UK stadium tour next week, visiting Manchester, Glasgow, London, Cardiff and Birmingham to showcase their latest album But Here We Are. The band will be supported by a variety of artists during their UK stint, 70% of whom are female fronted outfits or solo artists. Ahead of opening for arguably the biggest rock band on the planet, Welsh alt-rock band, Chroma, have contributed to a discussion about the ongoing misogyny and abuse faced by women in the music industry, and called for more to…