Author: Rhys Gregory

HE jacket potato has had an unexpected revival. Driven by the viral success of street food favourites like ‘Spud Bros’ and a wider appetite for loaded, locally sourced baked potatoes, the traditional school dinner staple has become one of the most talked-about foods on social media – and Welsh schools are making the most of it. A new concept called Ty Tatws is reshaping secondary school canteens across Rhondda Cynon Taf, serving locally sourced potatoes with the kind of branding and energy more often associated with high-street food trucks. Bright new ‘Spud Stations’ are already running at Porth Community School,…

Plans are progressing for a significant refurbishment and extension at Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth, alongside the development of a new Welsh Language Immersion Centre. The project will modernise the existing school building and deliver a new two-storey classroom block, providing 10 classrooms, a staff room, intervention spaces and improved facilities. Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth is currently the only Welsh-medium primary school in Aberystwyth, and the proposed developments form an important part of the Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. The new Language Immersion Centre will play a central role in supporting Welsh-medium education across the area providing additional opportunities for local families…

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth set out his ambition for Wales to become a world leading cycling tourism destination, as he took to two wheels in Caerphilly following the one-year countdown milestone to the Wales stage of the Tour de France in July 2027. With this year’s edition of the race underway in Catalonia and France, the First Minister was joined by Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan to lay out how the Welsh Government is working to make the most of the opportunity the race create a legacy that benefits communities, businesses and visitors for years to…

More than 25,000 cataract surgeries have been successfully delivered across South-East Wales in just twelve months, improving patient care and significantly reducing waiting lists by almost 10,000 patients. The day surgery, which is generally completed within an hour, involves replacing a cloudy natural eye lens with a clear, artificial one. With an exceptional demand for cataract treatment prevalent across the area, the Regional Ophthalmology Programme saw teams from Aneurin Bevan, Cardiff and Vale, and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Boards come together in 2023 to review how to combine resources and increase the amount of cataract surgery undertaken. Following a 12-week public engagement period to seek patients’ views on the proposed plans, the programme developed two regional cataracts ‘hubs’ to provide additional clinical capacity – one in the…

A Cardiff school is celebrating a remarkable first year of a unique gardening and sustainability programme, which has seen more than 140 pupils benefit from hands-on learning opportunities. Mary Immaculate High School’s innovative gardening project has transformed outdoor learning opportunities for pupils, providing a unique environment where practical skills, environmental awareness and personal development are flourishing side by side. It has also seen homegrown produce used in the school canteen and the successful introduction of a thriving colony of honeybees. Since the installation of the school’s polytunnel in June 2025, Year 9 and Year 10 pupils have taken part in…

More new images have been released to show how a redeveloped Civic Centre site in Swansea could look in future. The images will form part of an exhibition taking place at Y Storfa on Oxford Street later this week, giving residents the chance to shape plans for the site. Proposals include: A next-generation aquarium Around 130 high-quality apartments, including one, two and three-bedroom homes A roof terrace and sundeck overlooking the bay A light-filled central atrium A new saltwater lido Cafés, bars, shops and flexible workspaces New leisure and events facilities A saltwater lido for a future phase of the…

The inside of a vehicle can rapidly heat up and, any dog left inside, can very quickly suffer the effects of heatstroke. That’s the warning from the RSPCA – who are urging dog owners to never to leave their pets in cars, caravans, vans – or in sheds, outbuildings or conservatories – during the heatwave. And the charity is issuing advice to the public about three simple steps they should follow if they come across a dog in a hot car: Check the dog – if the dog seems okay then try to find their owner and monitor them closely. But if…

Following a joint operation in Cardiff and surrounding areas during Anti-Social Behaviour awareness week, more illegal e-bikes and scooters have been taken off the roads. The operation on Friday July 3, which saw South Wales Police, Cardiff Council staff, and National Police Air Service (NPAS) fixed-wing crew all working in collaboration, resulted in 68 illegal mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) seized and destroyed. Friday’s seizures included several from along the Taff Trail, with a total of 17 illegal e-bikes spotted and seized from Cardiff’s green spaces and trails. One e-bike was also seized from a rider on Castle Street that had…

A new Independent Chair has been appointed to drive forward the community-led Pride in Place programme in Ely and Caerau, which will oversee residents shaping the priorities for this UK Government funding. Kevin Gardiner has been selected as Chair and Joseph Goode as Vice Chair of the soon to be formed Neighbourhood Board that will oversee the delivery of the Pride in Place Programme in Ely and Caerau. Together they will lead the Board, which will bring together the local MP Alex Barros-Curtis, residents, community organisations, businesses and partners to develop and deliver a shared vision for the area. The…

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg has been praised by Estyn for its caring community and rich curriculum following a recent inspection. Inspectors found that the Barry school provides a broad range of valuable learning experiences, with pupils demonstrating positive attitudes to learning and taking pride in their Welsh identity. The development of pupils’ speaking and listening skills in Welsh was identified as a key strength, helping learners to communicate confidently and supporting their progress across the curriculum. Inspectors also praised the school’s inclusive approach, particularly its support for pupils with additional learning needs, and recognised its commitment to professional learning and…