Author: Rhys Gregory

Aled Jones hits the top of the charts yet again as his brand new album ‘One Voice – Full Circle’, released last week via Decca Records in association with Classic FM, takes the No.1 spot in the Official UK Classical Albums Chart. Aled is now entering his fifth decade of showbusiness – having released his first album 40 years ago, in 1983, at just 13 years old – making chart history on the way. As a choirboy he was one of the first musicians to bring classical music to the mainstream and into the homes of the general public. He…

James Rowberry will take charge of the squad selected to represent Cymru in the Victory Shield Tournament that will be held in north Wales. Cymru kick-off their campaign on Monday 6 November at Denbigh Town where they will face Northern Ireland (KO 18:00). Rowberry’s side will return to Denbigh on Wednesday 8 November where they will host the Republic of Ireland (KO 18:00) before facing Scotland three days later at Colwyn Bay (KO 11:02). The Victory Shield is a prestigious U16 boys tournament held annually and rotated between the four participating countries. Cymru were joint winners of the Shield in…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council continues to press construction firms to deliver a range of community facilities linked to the housing development at Barry Waterfront. In August, the Council announced that it was considering legal action against the Waterfront Consortium, made up of national housebuilders Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes, over severe delays in providing these components of the scheme.Since then, work to serve the consortium with an injunction has begun, which will seek to prevent the sale of any more houses until the issues are addressed. Council Leader Lis Burnett, Chief Executive Rob Thomas and other senior…

South Wales Police is investigated the unexplained death of Rebekah Williams, 42, from Bonymaen, Swansea. Police were called to her home address in Myrddin Road just before 8.50pm on Thursday, November 2. Rebekah’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. They have released the following tribute: “Rebekah was a complex woman but very loved by all her family.” A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with her death and enquiries are on-going. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies, from South Wales Police, said: “Our thoughts are with Rebekah’s family and friends at this time. “There will…

Neath Port Talbot Council has announced a new chapter in its development journey with a re-launch of its latest Local Development Plan (LDP). The LDP is a crucial roadmap in the sustainable and responsible use of land, allocating areas for development in housing, employment, retail and tourism and containing policies to protect the environment and address climate change. The latest version of Neath Port Talbot Council’s LDP – known as the Replacement Local Development Plan or RLDP –  is being re-launched now with an open call for Candidate (potential development) Sites from 6th November 2023 to 18th December 2023. This…

Visitors to Pontypridd Town Centre may notice works activity within the former Bingo Hall site next week, after the Council appointed a contractor to carry out initial preparatory work ahead of its full redevelopment in the New Year. Prichard’s Contracting will undertake advanced ground works from Monday, November 6, following the previous demolition of the former Bingo Hall and Angharad’s Nightclub buildings. In May 2023, the Council announced that the area would be redeveloped into a vibrant and inviting open space, which was one of the well-supported ideas for the site in a previous public consultation. A small element of…

Newbridge Town Centre has become the latest town to benefit from free public access Wi-Fi. Newbridge is part of a wider provision that has already been rolled out in Bargoed, Blackwood, Rhymney, Risca and Ystrad Mynach. The initiative aims to improve the experience for visitors of the high street by helping people to access online stores and to engage with local businesses online. The expansion of the free public Wi-Fi position has already been a success in the five other town centres across the county borough with the provision contributing towards the Council’s ongoing support to regenerate our town centres.…

A remarkable lady who was born just two years after the Titanic went down celebrated her 109th birthday on Wednesday 1st November. Ivy was born in 1914, the same year that the First World War started. She has lived at Hillside Care Home in Goodwick since 2013 and celebrated her birthday with tea and cake and visits from family. Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Tom Tudor also visited Ivy to wish her a happy birthday and brought a gift of flowers. Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to visit Mrs Ivy Skeate to wish her happy birthday on her 109th…

Plans to enhance the riverside by the historic Monnow Bridge and improve basic infrastructure in Monmouth are under way. The project is a partnership between Monmouthshire County Council and Monmouth Town Council and is funded by the Welsh Government Brilliant Basics scheme. The scheme aims to enable small scale tourism infrastructure improvements designed to improve the attractiveness of towns for visitors. The project includes tree and wildflower planting, new picnic and park benches to enjoy the lovely riverside spot with its view of the iconic bridge, signage and a sculpture to create a more visual separation of the green space…

Monmouthshire County Council held an official opening of the Caldicot Leisure Centre’s new basketball, netball and tennis courts on the 1st of November. The dual-use site will cater for both curriculum usage, with the on-site secondary school and local cluster primary schools, as well as the community usage during evenings and weekends, thanks to the new LED bulb floodlights above the courts. Bookings can be made via the website, app or at the reception in the leisure centre. Caldicot Leisure Centre provides a fantastic base for many clubs, especially during the winter months. In addition to the new dual-use courts…