Author: Rhys Gregory

A handcrafted wooden steam train installation and a new heritage exhibition have been officially presented at Criccieth railway station, transforming the platform into a vibrant community hub. The two displays were unveiled on Thursday 4 June, bringing local community groups and residents together to celebrate Community Rail Week (1 – 7 June). The project was made possible through the Cambrian Railway Partnership’s Railway 200 Community Grant Fund, an initiative supported by Transport for Wales’s Challenge Fund to support projects that marked 200 years of the modern railway. The scheme empowers local communities to strengthen their connections with their local railway…

A former pub converted to a four-storey house could offer scope for further development with plans lodged for a three-bedroom house to be built on adjacent land. The former Drysiog Inn, at 26 Commercial Street, Ebbw Vale, is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £164,000. The current owner of the end terrace four-bedroom house has submitted a planning application for permission to build a house on land adjacent to the former pub’s garden. Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This deceptively spacious four-story end of terraced house is on a large corner plot which…

The Celtic Freeport has today published its Five-Year Plan, outlining how it will accelerate investment, create high-quality jobs and strengthen South and West Wales’ position as a leading hub for energy, manufacturing and engineering. The Freeport is designed to attract investment into growing green sectors including low-carbon fuels, floating offshore wind, clean energy manufacturing and advanced engineering.  Over the next five years, the Freeport’s priorities are to attract investment into key industries, support landowners in progressing major development projects, encourage innovation and decarbonisation across supply chains, and lay the foundations for a strong skills and employment pipeline. The strategy places significant emphasis on working collaboratively…

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is delighted to announce that the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir will perform in the Main Ring on the opening day of the 2026 Royal Welsh Show, Monday 20 July. Formed by Jeremy Clarkson, the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir was originally brought together as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business. Since then, the choir has grown into something far greater, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community. The group most recently captured the hearts of the nation by winning the 2026 final of Britain’s Got Talent, becoming…

Persimmon Homes has appointed a new Finance Director for its East Wales region. James Holmes takes over the reins at the accredited five-star housebuilder, with responsibility for the strategic financial planning of the business from budgeting to forecasting. He joins the company after serving in the same position for Barratt Redrow Southampton. Previous to this, he spent a decade working as finance manager in their South Wales division but also had a stint working in Wiltshire. An ACCA charted certified accountant, James is returning to his Welsh roots with an ambition to drive improvements in the business’ finance processes and…

Soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills is continuing its collaboration with The Walt Disney Company and Pixar for the upcoming blockbuster summer release of Toy Story 5. Specially branded 200ml Tetra Paks of Radnor Fruits feature new and iconic character designs from the film series including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie and in flavours which include Apple, Forest Fruits and Orange. The new on-pack promotion is rolling out across the UK, ahead of the film’s release this week, with listings online and in-store across the UK in Morrisons, as well as in Ocado and a number of Co-op Societies. The range…

Two apprentices supported through the Welsh Government’s Supported Shared Apprenticeship Programme have shown what can be achieved with the right opportunities, progressing into jobs they enjoy and are thriving in. Amber Spellman, 26, from Rhyl, works as a pharmacy assistant at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan while Morgan Griffiths, 23, from Bridgend, is employed as a customer team member at Co-op Food store in Brackla. They have both completed their Supported Shared Apprenticeships with Cambrian Training Company, one of the leading work-based learning providers in Wales. “At Cambrian Training we are committed to making apprenticeships inclusive and work-based learning opportunities available…

Blaenau Gwent organisations are being invited to apply for funding to help local people develop skills in digital and creative industries, as part of efforts to boost employment opportunities and support future economic growth. The funding is being made available through the Local Growth Fund Priority 2 grant, backed by the UK Government, and is aimed at projects that can help residents gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to access meaningful employment. Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is particularly interested in supporting initiatives that address identified local skills gaps in the digital and creative sectors, which have been highlighted…

Ceredigion County Council has confirmed that, following a major public consultation, Option A is the preferred option for the Plascrug Footbridge Replacement Scheme. The scheme aims to replace the existing footbridge at Plascrug, Aberystwyth, with a modern structure that meets current accessibility standards. The current bridge has been in place for around 20 years and provides a vital link within Aberystwyth’s active travel network. Crossing the Cambrian Main Line and the Vale of Rheidol railway line, the bridge connects residential areas with education, employment, leisure and retail destinations. It is a convenient and well-used route for people walking, wheeling and…

A neurodivergent support organisation headquartered in Margam is celebrating a decade of transforming lives across Wales, the wider UK, and internationally. Autside, established in 2016 by Donna Sharland and Emma Durman, is marking its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the organisation has supported thousands of families, children, young people and adults, helping them better understand and navigate autism, ADHD and wider neurodivergent conditions. Built on lived experience and a passion for change, Autside has become a trusted voice in raising awareness, challenging misconceptions and advocating for more inclusive support systems. Reflecting on the milestone, co-founder Donna Sharland who is…