Author: Rhys Gregory

Narberth Library is celebrating a very successful first year in its fantastic, purpose-built new home in the town. Having opened in the bright, airy and welcoming space at the Town Moor site in September 2024, the library has attracted 361 new members and become an important hub for events and local community groups. The Project was funded by a £150K grant from Welsh Government and £30K match funding from Pembrokeshire County Council with the new build being part of an agreement to redevelop the Narberth Old School site. The library, which also now features an office for the Clerk of…

A place making plan for Newport’s city centre was launched 100 days ago and some of the proposals have already taken shape. Designed to bring real change to the city centre over 15 years, the plan included ideas and projects for the short, medium and long term. It followed extensive consultation with residents, businesses and other interested parties to ensure it is led by those who live and work in Newport with support from the council. Councillor James Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said “In just over three months since the plan was formally approved, a number…

Voters across the Caerphilly constituency will head to the polls this Thursday, 23 October, as the by-election takes place to fill the vacant Senedd Cymru seat. Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm, giving residents plenty of time to cast their vote. If you’re unsure where to go, visit wheredoivote.co.uk to find your local polling station. Polling stations will be open in the following wards and communities: Aber Valley Bargoed (not Aberbargoed) Bedwas and Trethomas Gilfach Hengoed Llanbradach Machen and Rudry Morgan Jones (Caerphilly) Nelson Penyrheol St Catwg’s (Cascade, Gelligaer, Penpedairheol) St Martins (Caerphilly) Van (Lansbury Park, Mornington…

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles will hold all NHS organisations to account about how they are improving care and access in a series of meetings in public. The meetings will be open to the public to view online to give an insight into discussions between the Cabinet Secretary and health boards about how the NHS is run in Wales. They will focus on how the NHS is meeting waiting times targets; their financial position and outlook; and quality and safety. The first meeting will be held on Thursday 23 October with Cwm Taf University Health Board. Cabinet Secretary for Health and…

Welsh communities are benefiting from significant defence investment that is backing high-quality careers across the nation, according to a new UK Defence Footprint booklet which highlights the positive impact of defence spending on the nations and regions of the UK. The latest government figures highlight that Wales received £1.1 billion in defence spending in the last year alone, directly supporting 3,900 Welsh jobs across a range of sectors. This represents £340 in defence spending per person across Wales, demonstrating the significant economic impact of the Government’s defence commitments on Welsh communities. This substantial investment underpins the Government’s historic increase in…

A couple’s business idea sparked by their own wedding has developed into a high-performing group with annual turnover exceeding £1 million and potential export opportunities. The amazing success of Welshpool-based Nomadic Washrooms Group since its launch by Stuart and Kate Richards in 2019 has been recognised with their second Powys Business Award. Stuart and Kate received the Micro Business Award – for companies with fewer than 10 employees – sponsored by Myrick Training Services at the prestigious annual awards ceremony held at The Hafren, Newtown last Friday night. Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, the awards showcase the diverse range…

Anglesey-based Ecodetect is set to represent Europe at a global competition aimed at addressing climate change and unlocking the world’s cleantech potential. Ecodetect provides marine life detection services designed to help offshore renewable energy developers monitor marine infrastructure projects and ensure projects co-exist safely with local biodiversity. The Welsh business will attend the competition on Friday [October 24th] where over 180 entrepreneurs, thought leaders, policy makers and corporate representatives from around the world join together to explore ways to make change and accelerate the sustainability transition. Ecodetect, winners of the European heats, is one of just eight firms from around…

A LEADING dental practice renowned for its patient-centred care is proud to welcome a new team member set to bridge experience with innovation. Alison Kime has joined West End Dental’s Porthmadog surgery, further strengthening a team that already serves patients across North Wales from its Llangefni, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay clinics, where the group’s headquarters are based. Originally from North Yorkshire, Alison brings almost four decades of clinical expertise spanning both general and special care dentistry. Her journey into the profession began early, inspired by her mother, a physiotherapist who suggested dentistry after her own positive treatment. Shadowing the family…

League of Legends has long been one of the most influential online games in the world. In Wales, it hasn’t just found players—it’s found a dedicated community. While the country doesn’t yet have a professional team competing on the European stage, League of Legends has quietly become one of the cornerstones of Welsh gaming culture, driven by grassroots enthusiasm, online networks, and the shared passion of players across towns and cities. A Global Game with a Local Heart The beauty of League of Legends lies in its accessibility. The game runs on most modern PCs, and thanks to Riot Games’…

That cough you can’t shake. The headaches that pop up at home. We often blame allergies for these, or we blame stress. But what if the problem is the house itself? Sometimes, the place we feel safest is actually packed with unseen things that make us feel sick. Most of us aren’t aware of how our homes can affect us, so let’s take a look. Chemicals Hiding in Your House It’s surprising where problems can start. A fresh coat of paint, for example. It looks clean, but many paints release chemicals called VOCs, which can cause headaches and irritate your…