Author: Rhys Gregory

MORE than 17,000 visitors enjoyed this year’s record-breaking Bolesworth International. The lifestyle and equestrian festival packed hundreds of activities into five days featuring celebrity guests, international showjumping competitions and a feast of fun for all the family. The Brand New Heavies, Rick Parfitt Jr and DJ Trevor Nelson were among the stars who took to the live music stage over the weekend, and from Wednesday to Sunday there was a wide selection of things to do, from falconry displays, freestyle motocross and a wildlife and reptile show to a celebrity BBQ masterclass, fancy dress parade, BMX displays, a dog activity…

A new woodland grove has been planted in Neath to commemorate 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush docked in England on 22nd June 1948, and the significant contributions that the Windrush generation and their descendants have made to life here in Wales. The creation of the Windrush Grove was facilitated by Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, and forms part of Brynau, the largest woodland creation project ever to be undertaken by the charity in Wales. To celebrate, Windrush Elders were invited to a special event at Brynau; it was an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the Windrush…

A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after he mutilated a hedgehog who was found alive in a bedroom drawer covered in blood. Richard Coyle of no fixed abode appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday 16 June for sentencing after pleading guilty to one offence. The offence was that on or about 29 September 2022 at Greenmeadow Drive, Crosskeys, he caused unnecessary suffering to a captive hedgehog and knew that deliberately mutilating the animal would have been contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006. As well as the prison sentence he was also banned from keeping…

Lloyds Bank has strengthened its support for businesses in Wales after appointing two new relationship managers. Jonathan Michael and Josh Williams both join a team of eight working under Sam Noble, area director for South Wales. In the new roles they will be working closely with businesses in Wales, providing tailored financial packages to help firms achieve their immediate and long-term ambitions. Jonathan Michael has more than 15 years’ experience in the sector. In his new role, he will specialise in supporting manufacturing businesses and providing bespoke financial aid as well as support and advice for companies. To further its…

A South Wales college is set to welcome a cohort of famous film industry professionals to run exclusive workshops and masterclasses for aspiring young screen sector creatives this July. Off the back of the successful His Dark Materials exhibition that ran in March, seeing over 1,000 visitors, Coleg y Cymoedd’s brand new Make! programme will open to the public this summer to highlight career opportunities and emerging technologies in film, such as creature effects, digital technologies and costume construction through a range of practical workshops, lectures, and industry engagement from leading professionals. The sessions will be run by renowned industry…

An Aberystwyth University academic has led a project to develop software to help different organisations share information about military veterans and others to protect them from having to revisit trauma. Auxilium is a software solution that was first developed for Veterans Legal Link, a project which helps provide veterans across the UK with free legal advice and specialist support services. The software was built by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Ola Olusanya from the Department of Law and Criminology with support from Aberystwyth University’s Research, Business & Innovation department and funding from the National Lottery The software brings clients…

A key development milestone was reached this month with a ‘topping out’ ceremony held at Western Quayside, Haverfordwest’s multi-million regeneration project. John Weaver (Contractors) Ltd have now reached and finished the highest point of the flagship development and work is on track for hand over for internal works later in the year. The former Ocky White department store has been transformed into a modern and stylish accessible to all three-storey development that will feature a multi-user food emporium along with a restaurant, bar and roof-top terrace. Senior Council members, officers and contractors gathered on the roof terrace to celebrate the…

At the end of October 2019, Michelle Watters, owner of beauty business Mia Bella, was all set to expand her business, but when the Covid Pandemic struck and like a lot of new businesses delivered a huge blow which could have seen an end to her dreams before they had properly begun. However, Caerphilly businesswoman, Michelle is made of true Welsh resilience and vowed to soldier on to achieve her goal. Faced with such adversity her daughter, Rebecca joined the business and they set about making it a success. Michelle herself, also credits her staff for all the help they…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is issuing some general advice to residents, following confirmation of potentially harmful blue-green algae in Pen y Fan Pond. The algae produces toxins which can be harmful to both humans and animals. Residents are advised to ensure pets, particularly dogs, do not enter the water of the Pond – should pets come in contact with the water, owners are advised to thoroughly wash the animal with clean water and seek precautionary advice from a qualified vet. In humans, the toxins can cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed. More information about the blue-green algae…

The children and young people of Merthyr Tydfil have made their voices heard with the launch of the Merthyr Tydfil Schools’ Climate Charter. At a student conference held last July, schoolchildren from years four to 10 shared their ideas and suggestions about what schools could do to support the world-wide climate crisis. Through a range of workshops with local organisations, charities and businesses, the students were challenged to identify ten commitments that would allow them to play their part in addressing this serious issue. In line with Curriculum for Wales, they rose to the challenge of thinking like ethically informed…