Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

New nest boxes have started appearing around Aberystwyth as part of a new study to understand the impact of climate change on competition between birds. Wales’ climate is warming because of human activity, with 2022 and 2023 the warmest years on record. Climate change is affecting the breeding patterns of different species of birds: great tits are laying their eggs two weeks earlier today than they were in the 1960s. The new study by experts at Aberystwyth University will place a number of nest boxes at different altitudes in Aberystwyth and woodlands in the surrounding area. The breeding patterns of…

Heating bills will be slashed by more than 80 per cent at a £6 million development of 21 low carbon homes in North Wales. The properties at the Plas Penrhyn site in Penrhyn Bay in Conwy are being built to passivhaus standards thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between two housing associations, Adra and Cartrefi Conwy. The timber frames and posi-joists for the affordable homes are being custom made for the Adra scheme by Creating Enterprise, a subsidiary of Cartrefi, at their factory in Rhyl. The development was paused for a while when the original construction company, Brenig, went into voluntary…

On 8th May, ‘It’s Your Pembrokeshire’ will be held at The Queens Hall, Narberth, to foster conversations about topics which are relevant to the county’s residents and businesses. This free event is organised by 4theRegion, an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to enhance southwest Wales and the local economy through collaboration and by bringing people together. A first-of-its kind event for the county, ‘It’s Your Pembrokeshire’ will be about co-creating positive change and encouraging discussions surrounding topics chosen by the community. There will be eight ‘zones’ covering talking points that have been decided through consultation with local residents and organisations including Pembrokeshire…

INNOVATORS behind revolutionary solar technology for the shipping industry have unveiled a cutting-edge and ruggedised new model for a giant of the marine sector. Anglesey and Manchester-based Grafmarine created a square Nanodeck tile – in addition to the current hexagonal shape – that will be tested in Caribbean waters by SMT Shipping, a worldwide leader in the movement of bulk cargo. This will allow pieces to connect on a flat surface even easier, which in turn means the AI solar management system can capture, store, and remotely manage more clean energy. Leaders in the international shipping market are working towards…