Author: Rhys Gregory

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies recently met with local fishers at Swansea Maritime Quarter. The Cabinet Secretary gained an insight into local fisheries in Swansea Bay and the South Wales Region as he met with Barry Thomas, Swansea and Director of South Wales & West Fishing Communities; Jim Evans, CEO, Welsh Fisherman’s Association (WFA); and Kevin Denman, Director of South Wales and West Communities, and the WFA. It was a chance to discuss a range of topics including the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, said: “As I begin this…

Food stalls, workshops and dance performances on stage will all feature in a celebration of Indian culture that’s soon taking place in Swansea. Organised by the Indian Society of South West Wales, Mela 2024 is being held at the Brangwyn Hall on Saturday May 11. Lasting from 10am to 6pm, the event will also include Indian clothes stalls, jewellery and craft stalls, a henna artist and stalls showcasing a number of local businesses. Cookery, yoga and menopause wellbeing workshops are among those being held on the day. At Swansea’s last Mela event in 2022, over 600 people attended. Sindhu Mahadeven,…

A MULTI award-winning organic farm estate launched its own charitable trust to promote sustainability, healthy eating and give disadvantaged children from urban areas an opportunity to experience nature and the countryside. Rhug Estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year and has raised money for many UK and international organisations and campaigns, including the NSPCC, Awyr Las, Hope House Hospice, and humanitarian appeals for Ukraine. More than 1,500 school children enjoyed trips to the 12-500 acre site – which includes a farm shop, drive thru, retail operation, sustainable meat processing plant and Wild…

The Haywain in Caldicot, Gwent welcomes pub-goers back following an extensive 3-week refurbishment. Boasting a brighter, new modern look, the renovation has seen the pub undergo a complete transformation. A refreshed bar, new soft furnishings and an enhanced dining area has given the pub a new lease of life, providing guests with a relaxed, welcoming environment to enjoy their visit. Along with the new look, The Haywain has introduced an all-new food menu featuring exciting and delicious dishes such as the ever-so indulgent Laying it on Chick Burger, mouth-watering Tandoori Chicken sizzling skillet and the impressive Giant Gyros. If that…

BOLESWORTH CASTLE is reaching for the skies with a new attraction to be launched this summer. Spectacular hot air balloon flights and displays will form part of the epic and much-anticipated Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, which runs from June 6-16. Following the success of last year’s inaugural Cheshire Balloon Fiesta – which took place at the 6,000-acre Tattenhall estate, near Chester and Wrexham, in 2023 – Bolesworth has added the adrenaline-fuelled activity to its line-up on the weekend of June 14-16. The action-packed programme will include more than 20 balloon launches, iconic tethered balloons, ‘Meet the Pilot’ and ‘Basket and Burners’…

Two Welsh charities that help inspire young people through science education and help those living with cancer to access financial support are among those chosen for support from the ScottishPower Foundation this year. Some of the most forward-thinking and progressive charities across the country will use this backing to support vulnerable people, local communities and the environment. Twenty charities across Scotland, England and Wales have been awarded funding totalling almost £1.2 million for projects committed to tackling current issues, from cost-of-living support and raising aspirations for the next generation to protecting the environment and celebrating cultural diversity. The ScottishPower Foundation…

A Wrexham gang who targeted local families for sentimental gold jewellery have today been jailed for a combined total of more than 14 years. Over a three-month period from September last year, members of the gang smashed their way into the homes of six Asian families, ransacking each one and entering their lofts looking for family gold. They attempted to cover their tracks by committing the offences using a car they bought for the conspiracy and using cleaning products at some of the houses. They even stole the gloves they used to commit the burglaries. Following each burglary, members of…

Swansea University students have been given the opportunity to develop their innovative business ideas through its annual Big Pitch Competition, sponsored by Santander Universities. Hosted by the University’s Enterprise Team, The Big Pitch offers entrepreneurs business funding, mentorship, access to networks, accelerator programme spaces and more. The latest competition last month saw 15 students pitch their businesses, from healthy dog treats and accessories to Swansea-based cleaning services. This year’s esteemed panel of judges included Dr Ben Reynolds, Swansea University Alumnus and founder of The Urban Foundry, Kim Mamhende, Chief of Staff for the Centre for African Entrepreneurship, and Chris James,…

Exhibitors and visitors were united in describing the weekend’s successful Wonderwool Wales 2024 as one of the best ever shows. The award-winning two-day event,  which celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, attracted around 6,000 visitors, with the bulk attending on a bumper Saturday Held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, the show exceeded 4,000 advance online ticket sales and there were a lot of tickets sold at the gate over the weekend. Overseas visitors travelled from as far away to Australia, America and Canada, including a party of 18 booked with Rowan Tree Travel.…

Employers from across North Wales gathered at Venue Cymru, Llandudno last week to share experiences and hear from the experts on everything workforce-related – from skills development to managing Gen Z. The conference arranged by the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) was attended by over 150 delegates, including many prominent names from businesses across the region. Delegates heard from keynote speaker, Craig Weeks of JCB who delivered a personal perspective on skills development, as well as from a panel of experts, who shared views on innovative solutions to challenges linked to attracting and retaining talent. Opening the conference RSP…