Author: Rhys Gregory

Owing to our Celtic heritage, Welsh tradition and folklore has plenty of ties to lucky days, numbers, and occurrences. While not to the same extent – or at least, not as well-known as – in Ireland, superstitions are rife across Wales, with many being tied to the Celt ways of old. Of course, there are also many that are simply derived from the number symbolism that is found across the history and around the world. While not scientifically the first day of the summer, each year, many across Wales and the rest of the UK celebrate Calan Mai or a…

SWANSEA-BASED energy efficiency firm Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) has recruited 250 new staff so far this year as it experiences growing demand for its products and services. The recruitment drive follows the opening of two new offices in Swansea’s SA1 waterfront area at the end of 2023 as the company addresses those growing demands. The fast-growing company now has a workforce of more than 700 people, supporting customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint, and ultimately, their energy bills. The new hires span across various departments, including administration, customer service, finance, people services, heating, insulation, renewables and…

Greggs has opened a new shop in Gowerton, creating 12 new jobs for the area. The shop will stock freshly prepared Greggs favourites, such as the on-the-go-retailer’s popular Sausage Roll, Steak Bake and delicious vegan alternatives. Customers can also take advantage of Greggs’ deals throughout the day, including its famed breakfast combinations, offering a breakfast roll or baguette alongside a Fairtrade orange juice or hot drink – served until 11am every day. Ahead of the warmer weather, Greggs have also launched two brand-new pasta pots – the Piri Piri Chicken Pasta and Pesto & Mozzarella Pasta and a handful of…

A charity committed to combating clothing poverty in South Wales has been awarded £15,000 from NatWest’s Cost of Living initiative. Working Wardrobe supports individuals looking to return to employment by providing high quality workwear and interview outfits to those facing financial hardship. The Moxie Foundation was founded during the Covid-19 pandemic by Cardiff recruitment firm, Moxie People when company directors spotted an urgent need to address the rise in joblessness and resulting poverty in the area, particularly within the service industry. The organisation was originally set up to provide grants to support work-ready individuals facing financial hardship as they re-enter…

Students from the Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management degree at USW recently visited Continental Teves in Ebbw Vale – one of the largest car parts manufacturers in the world – to learn more about its contribution to the economy in Wales and beyond. The Ebbw Vale plant specialises in the production of hydraulic brake calipers and other components for the automotive industry, exporting them worldwide. The second year students visited the site as part of their Logistics and Material Management module, enjoying a tour of the facilities and a Q&A session with the Continental team. As part of USW’s…

A THRILLING new aqua park will create jobs, attract visitors, and boost the economy in a seaside town. Sblash has been given the green light by Conwy’s planning authority and is already making waves in Penmaenmawr. Owners James and Debbie McAllister – who have decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry – are transforming Graiglwyd Springs Fishery into an inflatable water attraction that will employ up to seven additional staff from May to October each year. Proposals for the seven-acre site also included parking, changing facilities, hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Each customer will be kitted…

16-time JD Cymru Premier champions have joined an elite group of clubs in world football after completing an invincible unbeaten league season. TNS sealed the unbeaten league campaign with a 2-0 victory over fierce rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads at their Park Hall home this afternoon. It means the UEFA Champions League regulars finished the league season with 30 wins and two draws in their 32 league matches played this term. It means they join an exclusive club of teams who have completed this feat such as Arsenal, Rangers, Porto and Juventus. TNS have firmly put themselves on the map after…

A Cardiff man has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, assault, and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Nineteen-year-old David McCauley, from Hiles Road, Ely, was found in possession of a large ‘zombie knife’ (pictured), which has been seized. He pleaded guilty in March this year. PC Jon Grenville-Roberts said: “This conviction stems from a good bit of work by PC Clarke from Ely Response. “Even one instance of knife crime is one too many, and tackling the harm that knife crime causes is an absolute priority…

A new 3G pitch at Olchfa School is already proving a game changer for pupils and the wider community. Swansea Council and the school’s governors identified a parcel of land that was surplus to requirements and it was sold to help fund the £1.6m investment, with money also coming from the Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools programme. Olchfa headteacher Julian Kennedy said: “We are delighted that, through partnership working with the local authority and Welsh Government, we have been able to make such significant improvement in the facilities we can offer to our young people. “As well as transforming how we…

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s telecare service has launched its new digital alarm receiving centre platform. Caerphilly Careline provides a telecare service to residents in the Caerphilly borough, as well as other local authorities and housing associations in South Wales.  The system includes a base unit installed in the individual’s home which can be activated remotely by a button worn around the neck or on the wrist.  Once the alarm is activated it will connect to an operator who can talk to the caller to find out what support is needed. Changes to the system have been needed to prepare for…