Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) has been named ‘Organisation of the Year’ at this year’s Welsh Charity Awards in Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel, scooping the top award. The leading charity has been recognised for its outstanding contribution in supporting asylum seekers and refugees across Wales. Announced late on 11 October, WRC fought off stiff competition from finalists Calan DVS, Cycling4all,FareShare Cymru, and Llamau to win the coveted prize. It has been commended for a programme of work, over the past year, that has successfully homed over 200 refugees who would otherwise have been homeless and for initiating a unique pan-Wales project benefiting over 1,700 Ukrainians. Andrea Cleaver, Chief Executive Officer, of the Welsh Refugee…

RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a neglected and emaciated dog was found in Llwynhendy, Llanelli. The unwell dog – who is thought to be aged around 10 – was found on Saturday (7 October) near the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre with the finder kindly taking him to a veterinary practice. RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “This dog – who is clearly unwell – has a large mass to his right hind, pressure sores and his ribs, hips and spine are clearly visible. “He was found close to the wetlands centre, but unfortunately the contact number for the person who…

Rogue Jones from Cwm Gwendraeth, were thrilled when accepting the £10,000 prize at the ceremony, presented by BBC Radio 1 presenter Sian Eleri. Bethan Mai of Rogue Jones said: “I’m a bit speechless. Hearing that name was bonkers, I’m feeling absolutely over the moon. It’s been a long time coming (this album) and we’re really proud of it. It means the world, I can’t really put it into words, I’m literally humbled. It’s great that people have listened to the album and enjoyed it to the extent that they have. “What’s next? We have a young family so we will work around that. This…

Rain, heavy and persistent at times, is expected to develop through Thursday evening, before affecting much of England and Wales through Friday. Rain gradually clears from the north through Friday afternoon and evening. Widely 10-20 mm of rain is likely but in the wettest spots 30-50 mm is possible, and some high ground of Wales especially could see 60 to 70 mm. Across the south of the area its possible some thunderstorms may break out, and these could bring 20-30 mm of rainfall in a couple of hours. What to expect Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times…

Popham Kidney Support, the Swansea-based charity, has unveiled its latest fundraising event: Wally’s Way, a dinner commemorating ten years since the passing of its namesake, Paul ‘Wally’ Popham. This one-off event is taking place on October 20 at Morgan’s Hotel, Swansea, also marks the charity’s tenth anniversary providing an array of support services including financial, informational and emotional support to kidney patients and their families throughout Wales. In honour of Wally, the evening will be hosted by the renowned Swansea figure, Kev Johns. The event features a drink upon arrival, a 3-course meal, and guest speakers including Swansea football legends,…

Following an investigation by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS), Bridgend based window and UPVC fitter Jordan Klein Jones has been sentenced to 32 months in prison after defrauding 22 customers out of thousands of pounds. In a case brought by Bridgend County Borough Council, Jones’ company (KJ Windows Limited) cold called many of its victims and took money for works and materials without ever returning. In situations where work had actually been carried out, it was often of a poor and even dangerous standard. Cardiff Crown Court heard that victims were regularly given a string of excuses such as the weather, Covid-19,…

Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas has welcomed this week’s news that Wales will host matches at the finals of a major senior international football tournament for the first time. In a ceremony in Switzerland today, UEFA announced that the UK and Ireland’s bid to host the 2028 UEFA European Championships has been successful. Wales has previously hosted major sporting events, including the UEFA Champions League Final in 2017, boxing, the London 2012 Olympics and the Rugby World Cup final.  EURO 2028 will be the first time matches in the finals of a major senior men’s international football tournament are…

Swansea Canal Society has reached a major milestone in its work to regenerate the historic Swansea Canal. After several years of work by volunteers and supporters, a previously infilled section of the waterway in Clydach has become a water-filled mooring basin. It flooded for the first time on Friday in an event attended by funders and project supporters, including the council. Also unveiled was a launching ramp for use by canoeists, and a by-wash water channel that will maintain canal water levels. The work was made possible thanks to the Welsh Government Brilliant Basics programme administered by Visit Wales, with…

An investigation into the remnants of a cannabis farm being dumped on Natural Resources Wales land near Blaengwynfi, in Port Talbot’s Afan Valley, has cost a Caerphilly man nearly £2,000. Peter Darmanin, 50, of Penyfordd, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court to an offence of failing to comply with his Duty Of Care, when disposing of waste under s34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. He told Neath Port Talbot Council Waste Enforcement Officers that through his contractor, he arranged for the waste to be removed by another business, from a house in Margaret Street, Blaengwynfi, of which Mr…

Neath Port Talbot Council has welcomed an announcement from the National Lottery Heritage Fund which will see the county borough benefit from a share of £200m to help transform the area’s heritage through a new Heritage Places initiative. Neath Port Talbot is one of the first nine places set to benefit from the funding that aims to unlock the potential of their heritage. Building on almost 30 years of experience, research and learning from the largest funder of the UK’s heritage, Heritage Places will provide early funding to engage communities and develop partnerships which unlock possibilities from the heritage on…