Author: Rhys Gregory

A Caerphilly man pleaded guilty at Cwmbran Magistrates Court to animal welfare charges, which included seven charges of failing to meet welfare needs of dogs under his care to the extent required by good practice and three charges of causing unnecessary suffering contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Simon Hobbs (aged 46) was fined £360 for causing unnecessary suffering to five dogs including a pregnant Belgian Malinois.  Hobbs was ordered to pay costs of £7,884 and a victim surcharge of £144.  He was disqualified from keeping all animals for five years. The sentencing follows an investigation by Caerphilly Council’s…

A local luxury cheesecake company is spreading its wings and reaching new customers, thanks to grant funding and support from Pembrokeshire County Council’s business team. The Pembrokeshire Cheesecake Company was formed when Claire Garland started making cheesecakes for friends who encouraged her to turn her hobby into a business. Setting up her business at her Herbrandston home meant that Claire was able to combine her new venture with looking after two young children. She said: “It just grew and snowballed. It really took off. It’s something I really enjoy and people seem to love it. The business means I can…

Ross Fleming, 24, from Caerau, Cardiff, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, February 26, to 30 months in prison for possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine. On October 10 last year, Ross Fleming was seen in Trelai Park in Caerau, meeting with customers and supplying them with suspected Class A drugs. He was detained and found in possession of several wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, plus £530 cash. It was suspected he was dealing for an established Caerau drug line. He provided an incredulous account when interviewed. He was inevitably charged and remanded and…

A resident of Cwm believed to be one of, if not the, oldest former Miner in the UK has celebrated his 102nd birthday! Local legend Ronald ‘Ginger’ Parsons said if he “closes his eyes tomorrow, he’s had the most wonderful life, has been truly happy and never made an enemy!” Ginger spoke while visiting the Blaenau Gwent Museum in the General Offices, Ebbw Vale, which currently has an exhibition telling the story of the mining disaster at Marine Colliery, Cwm. The explosion killed 52 men on St David’s Day, 1927. Too young to really remember the tragedy, Ginger does remember…

A project which aims to put Powys on the map, by celebrating its culture and heritage, is now underway. Welsh consultancy company Anian has been tasked with breathing new life into the county’s cultural tourism offer and instilling a new sense of pride in its residents, after Powys County Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Team was successful in securing a £30,000 grant for the work from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling Up). It will research the county’s outstanding cultural assets and stories – from its medieval history to modern-day festivals – to prioritise ideas. A three-year action plan…

A new deal between the Welsh Government and award-winning Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf will ensure a slate of high-end TV dramas will be made in Wales over the next four years. The £4m deal, which was brokered by Creative Wales, the Welsh Government agency charged with supporting and growing Wales’ creative industries, will enable Bad Wolf to consolidate its position and continue to grow in Wales. Bad Wolf will maintain its principal base at Wolf Studios Wales in Cardiff and build on the global success it has achieved with huge returning hit shows such as Doctor Who, Industry, I…

Wales’ Final Budget for 2024 to 2025 has been published this week [Tuesday 27th February], as persistently high inflation continues to erode public finances and difficult choices are made to protect core services. This Final Budget updates the Draft Budget proposals which were published in December. Those proposals had to take into consideration the most difficult financial situation faced since devolution, with the impact of persistently high inflation making the budget worth £1.3bn less in real terms than when it was set in 2021. Speaking at a press conference today, Finance Minister Rebecca Evans, said: “Our budget proposals for 2024…

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s School of Art and Design is launching a range of new evening and weekend short courses open to all abilities, giving people the opportunity to hone their skills at the university’s professionally equipped studios and workspaces. From printmaking to painting, drawing to doodling for mindfulness, ceramics and craft courses, Cardiff Met’s School of Art and Design will be adding nine new courses to its programme, with a total of 14 courses set to take place during the summer term. The courses are suitable for complete beginners as well as artists and designers of all abilities. Dr Bethan…

Anticipation for the Wales Technology Awards 2024 builds as Technology Connected, the organisers of the prestigious showcase, announces the much-awaited Finalists. This year’s shortlist is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the ingenuity, innovation, and resilience that define the Welsh tech industry. From ground-breaking startups to established leaders, the Finalists represent the best and brightest in Wales’ ever-evolving technology landscape. The countdown is now on for the announcement of the winners at the Wales Technology Awards 2024, taking place on the 22 March at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa. The Finalists for the Wales Technology Awards 2024 are:…

When it comes to running longer distances, it’s important to have an effective fuelling and hydration plan in place to keep you going. While you don’t need to worry too much when it comes to completing a 5K or 10K, you need to make sure you have enough energy if you’re going to be on your feet for a long period of time. Run 4 Wales Race Director, Steve Brace, is a double Olympian having represented Great Britain in the men’s marathon in the 1992 and 1996 summer Olympics. He’s also a former winner of the Paris and Berlin Marathon,…