Author: Rhys Gregory

Scientists have solved the mysterious absence of star-shaped dunes from Earth’s geological history for the first time, dating one back thousands of years. The study by Aberystwyth University, Birkbeck and UCL academics is the first to date how long it took a star dune to form and examine its internal structure. Star dunes are massive sand dunes which owe their name to arms that spread from a central peak. These sand pyramids, which look like stars when viewed from above, are widespread in modern deserts including sand seas in Africa, Arabia, China, and North America. The research reveals the oldest…

South-east Wales housing association Melin Homes is working with social enterprise Celtic Offsite to bring new affordable housing to Llanishen, Chepstow. The Church Road development will consist of eight properties, developed and managed by Melin Homes. Celtic Offsite, a social enterprise within the United Welsh Group, is providing timber frame structures for the new homes, which were manufactured from their factory in Caerphilly. Development contractor M & J Cosgrove Construction Ltd is completing the build of the homes on site. Neil Robins, Managing Director of Celtic Offsite said: “We are committed to bringing more affordable, energy-efficient housing to South Wales,…

Skybound Therapies, a world-renowned behaviour analysis and therapy provider, has opened its newly expanded therapy centre at its headquarters in Wiston near Haverfordwest. Skybound Therapies provides tailored support to help improve the quality of life for individuals with learning, behavioural or emotional difficulties. It was founded in 2012 by Risca Solomon, who first discovered behaviour analysis when looking for ways to support her foster brother Dan, who has autism. Her journey to help raise Dan, which she documented on YouTube, led her to discover Behavioural Analysis. She went on to train as a behaviour analyst, and eventually started Skybound Therapies to…

A social care champion said care homes in Wales felt they were caught up in a nightmare “experiment” when Covid struck in 2020. According to Mary Wimbury, the Covid inquiry had flagged up once again that Wales and the rest of the UK was under prepared to deal with a pandemic. She was speaking after the UK Covid-19 inquiry moved to Cardiff to scrutinise the Welsh government’s handling of the emergency. In the early stages , said Ms Wimbury, protecting the NHS had been treated as the  paramount priority while social care hadn’t been given enough consideration. One of the…

Family-run business Flocon has successfully completed a company share buy-back, with expert advice from Cardiff law firm Darwin Gray. Recognised as one of South Wales’ premier distributors of products servicing the pipeline industry nationwide, Flocon has solidified its position as a market leader. The completion of this share buy-back underscores the company’s commitment to strategic growth and continuity. The transaction saw founders and brothers Nigel and David Phillips retire, with the future of the company remaining in the family with shareholders and directors, Craig and Andrew Phillips and Matthew Davies. Flocon Director Craig Phillips, said: “It was important to us…

MORE than a thousand people flocked to one of the biggest employment exhibitions North Wales has ever seen. The third annual Conwy Job Expo brought together over 1,110 attendees with up to 90 leading organisations at The Barn, Eirias Events Centre, Colwyn Bay. Organised by Conwy Employment Hub (part of Conwy County Council) in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, Creating Enterprise and Conwy Business Support, the popular Expo exceeded all expectations, shining a light on career opportunities and securing permanent and temporary positions for many candidates.…

The 13-year-old boy who was involved in a road traffic collision on Brecon Road, Hirwaun, on Thursday, February 29 has died in hospital. He is Kaylan Hippsley from Hirwaun. Police have said their thoughts and condolences are with Kaylan’s family at this difficult time. Harley Whiteman, 19, from Hirwaun, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, March 2 charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He is remanded in custody. Police are continuing to investigate the collision and are appealing for witnesses and footage. Emergency services were called at 6.25pm on…

A man who stole hundreds of thousands of pounds from a Port Talbot charity has been jailed. 57-year-old Andrew Philpin, from Parc Wern, Skewen, stole in excess of £300,000 from the YMCA where he worked, leaving the charity at risk of bankruptcy. The YMCA has also lost its charitable status and dozens of staff could be made redundant. Across a period of six years, he stole £310,000 from the charity. Andrew Philpin was sentenced to five years in prison for fraud. A proceeds of crime investigation will now be launched to recover the money stolen from the charity. Detective Constable…

Rolls Royce Submarines decision to open a new office in St Mellons Business Park, Cardiff, creating 130 new jobs has been warmly welcomed by Cardiff Council. The investment in St Mellons will support the ongoing UK Submarines Programmes including the AUKUS programme recently announced by the Governments of the UK, Australia, and USA. Cardiff Council has been actively working with the company, the site developer, and our partners, to land this project and the decision is a ‘great endorsement’ for partnership working and in the capital’s skilled labour market and the Cardiff City Region. A key requirement of the company…

Ysgol Gymraeg Trefynwy will open its doors to the first pupils in September 2024, with the new school’s refurbished building scheduled for completion in 2025. The first students will use accommodation available in Overmonnow Primary School as the new school’s refurbished building is developed. The new school will welcome pupils from Monmouth and the surrounding areas. School transport will be available for school age pupils who live more than 1.5 miles from the school and reside within the catchment area. From September 2024, for one year only, Ysgol Gymraeg Trefynwy will offer full days for 3 and 4 year olds in line…