Author: Rhys Gregory

TICKETS are selling frightfully fast for a sensational Halloween spooktacular. The fangtastic, family friendly Gandeys Spooky Circus returns to Bolesworth Castle in Tattenhall, near Chester and Wrexham, over 12 days from Friday October 20. And legendary ringmaster Binky Beaumont will be joining the 16-strong internationally acclaimed ensemble for what promises to be their best show yet. The hair-raising one-hour event will be packed with spine-chilling entertainment, ghoulish tricks, and unbelievable feats of Rolla Bolla balance and aerial ballet bravery. Binky has enjoyed a colourful career, beginning life in a popular clown troupe before turning to luxury car sales in the…

Small businesses and co-working spaces in Cardiff are among the first to benefit from the city’s new full fibre broadband network, being delivered by Ogi – Wales’s largest alternative telecoms provider. Announced in March this year [2023], it’s taken Ogi less than six months to install the initial phase of Cardiff’s newest high-speed network, bringing much needed connectivity solutions to the east of the city centre. Available in the East Moors district to begin with, this new Gigabit-capable full fibre network will eventually rollout across Cardiff Bay, Dumballs Road and the city’s new Capital Quarter in Ogi’s first phase plans…

Dear Sir/Madam, Our children are in a mental health crisis. We need to take action now. Together with other organisations across the running sector, we’re calling on the leaders of our biggest political parties, to unlock the potential of sport and physical activity to play a more meaningful role in tackling the UK’s growing mental health epidemic. We’re failing too many of our children, who leave school unfit, inactive and dealing with poor mental health on an unprecedented scale. The number of children and young people in mental health crisis reached record levels this year. In the year to March…

A young rugby fan from Cardiff had a weekend he won’t ever forget after playing an important role during Rugby World Cup 2023, in France. Zachary, nine, led Wales onto the pitch against Georgia in Nantes as a Defender of Tomorrow and Mascot ahead of the two teams continuing their Rugby World Cup campaign on Saturday. The inspiring youngster was awarded the role for his commitment to playing rugby, despite being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year. On his experience, Zach had said: “I hadn’t even thought about being a diabetic since I got to the stadium. I can’t…

SME leaders have the chance to take their seat on a professional advisory taster board to help strengthen collaboration within the North Wales business community.   The region’s chair of international mentorship service The Alternative Board (TAB) is hosting two free coaching sessions to allow company directors to share the challenges they face and receive guidance from industry peers.   David Roberts, who has led the North East Wales TAB division for more than eight years, will run the meetings on 18 October and 15 November, with participants urged to bring an organisational problem to the discussion.  To replicate the…

From exciting family trails and harvest celebrations to Halloween crafts and natural play areas; there are a whole host of family adventures to be had at the places cared for by National Trust Cymru this October half term. In North Wales, discover more about Nos Galan Gaeaf or ‘winter’s eve’ as you help to protect Chirk Castle from the ghosts and ghouls who lurk on this night, step into the world of folklore as you take part in some magical local traditions at Penrhyn Castle and Garden, hunt for acorns on the Red Squirrel trail at Plas Newydd House and…

The Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) has been named ‘Organisation of the Year’ at this year’s Welsh Charity Awards in Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel, scooping the top award. The leading charity has been recognised for its outstanding contribution in supporting asylum seekers and refugees across Wales. Announced late on 11 October, WRC fought off stiff competition from finalists Calan DVS, Cycling4all,FareShare Cymru, and Llamau to win the coveted prize. It has been commended for a programme of work, over the past year, that has successfully homed over 200 refugees who would otherwise have been homeless and for initiating a unique pan-Wales project benefiting over 1,700 Ukrainians. Andrea Cleaver, Chief Executive Officer, of the Welsh Refugee…

RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a neglected and emaciated dog was found in Llwynhendy, Llanelli. The unwell dog – who is thought to be aged around 10 – was found on Saturday (7 October) near the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre with the finder kindly taking him to a veterinary practice. RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “This dog – who is clearly unwell – has a large mass to his right hind, pressure sores and his ribs, hips and spine are clearly visible. “He was found close to the wetlands centre, but unfortunately the contact number for the person who…

Rogue Jones from Cwm Gwendraeth, were thrilled when accepting the £10,000 prize at the ceremony, presented by BBC Radio 1 presenter Sian Eleri. Bethan Mai of Rogue Jones said: “I’m a bit speechless. Hearing that name was bonkers, I’m feeling absolutely over the moon. It’s been a long time coming (this album) and we’re really proud of it. It means the world, I can’t really put it into words, I’m literally humbled. It’s great that people have listened to the album and enjoyed it to the extent that they have. “What’s next? We have a young family so we will work around that. This…

Rain, heavy and persistent at times, is expected to develop through Thursday evening, before affecting much of England and Wales through Friday. Rain gradually clears from the north through Friday afternoon and evening. Widely 10-20 mm of rain is likely but in the wettest spots 30-50 mm is possible, and some high ground of Wales especially could see 60 to 70 mm. Across the south of the area its possible some thunderstorms may break out, and these could bring 20-30 mm of rainfall in a couple of hours. What to expect Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times…