Author: Rhys Gregory

A tattooed vicar who loves make-up and false eyelashes is aiming to give viewers a slice of TV heaven on the Welsh version of Gogglebox. The Rev. Kirstie Griffiths, the unconventional cleric from Carmarthen, is among the newcomers on the second series of the hit S4C show, Gogglebocs Cymru. Joining her on the sofa is her sister, Annaly Jones, 42, who’s also from Carmarthen. Fifty-year-old Kirstie, who is married to a professional tattooist, got her first tattoo at the age of 35, a decade before deciding to train as a vicar, and enjoys nothing better than dressing herself up in…

Defib Dani, a short new cartoon animation, that aims to give people the confidence to use a defibrillator, during a cardiac arrest – the ultimate medical emergency, has been launched by Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) today. Recent data shows that 61% of people say they aren’t confident enough to use a defibrillator, yet early defibrillation within 3–5 min of collapse can increase survival rates by as high as 50-70%. RCUK is on a mission to get the UK defib confident, to increase survival rates, and have created an engaging and informative cartoon animation starring Defib Dani – a green talking…

Clean energy solutions company Enviromena has energised its first solar farm in Wales at a 30 acre site at Bryngolwg Farm in Rhigos, Aberdare. The news follows the announcement that Enviromena has just completed a major equity raise of £65million, which will support the growth of its constructed and operational UK solar portfolio to over 500MW by 2025. The 8.99 MWp project at Bryngolwg will provide power to over 2,500 homes and will offset around 3,700 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum for 40 years. This will help to contribute to the Welsh Government’s target of achieving net zero in the Principality by 2050.…

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for fog with slower journey times and delays to bus and train services expected. Areas of fog are expected to continue to develop this morning becoming dense with visibility falling to below 100 m in places. This will lead to difficult driving conditions, slower journey times and some disruption. The fog will slowly clear after sunrise but may take until late morning to do so in a few locations. The weather warning is in place until 11am on Wednesday. Local areas affected in Wales Denbighshire Flintshire Powys Wrexham

AN ENERGY boss has reinforced calls to install solar panels on all new-builds and housing developments in Wales. And Gareth Jones, Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders for Wales, insists safety must be top priority following a series of incidents in past months, notably a solar panel battery fire on Anglesey. Gareth, Managing Director of award-winning Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph, Mochdre, Llandudno and Deeside – backed the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales’s (NICW) plea for a review of national building regulations. They say there must be…

In May 2023, Police received reports of a child in Prince of Wales Hospital, Bridgend having suffered a potential drugs overdose. Following enquiries, officers were able to locate the supplier and conducted urgent warrants at an address Mill Street, Maesteg, the home address of David Rodgers, 51. In total over £8,000 worth of cocaine and amphetamine over £2,200 worth of Cannabis was recovered from the address. Other drug paraphernalia including scales, drug supply bags were also seized. Detective Sergeant Lia Jones commented,“This highlights the clear dangers and impact drug dealing has on our communities. That is why we act upon…

Milkshed on Machen Street in the town provides a functional modern base for a range of professionals and has created a colourful new community in the process. Hot desks can be booked for daily use, fixed desks are available on a longer-term basis, while larger studio spaces offer extra room for those that require it. A wide variety of people, often involved in creative industries, are already using the facility, which has recently been able to expand thanks to financial support from the Council. Graphic designer John Davies and Will Summers, a musician, are behind the venture and also sometimes…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced changes to its rail replacement service in Barmouth due to road closures beginning in early November. Church Street in Barmouth is set to close for eight weeks from Monday 6 November to allow Welsh Water to complete repairs to a damaged sewer. The road currently forms part of the route for the TfW rail replacement service which is in place between Machynlleth and Pwllheli while Network Rail carries out work on Barmouth Bridge. The main diversion through the town will be via the Quay but due to a low bridge the larger coaches currently…

Localised work will soon begin in Cilfynydd – to install a replacement culvert inlet grille in the Nant Cae Dudwg. The work location is off Pant-Du Road, near the junction with Cilfynydd Road – with the grille located in the watercourse behind the terraced properties on Cilfynydd Road. The scheme will improve the infrastructure and intends to enhance the performance of the culvert inlet, to better manage debris, and increase flow capacity within the watercourse at this location . The work will begin on Monday, October 30, lasting around three weeks. The work will be carried out by the RCT…

This autumn, Merthyr Tydfil town centre will welcome a new boutique hotel — within the former walls of historic bakery and confectioners, Howfield’s & Son (est. 1921). Howfields Hotel, the circa £2m development will also see the addition of a high-end restaurant, stylish bar, and 13 luxury private flats — bringing a new era of elegance and modernity to the town centre. At the helm of the project is Glynneath-based development company, RWP Properties, which has invested significantly into the venture. RWP Properties Director, Richard Powell, said: “I’ve been watching the development of Merthyr Tydfil town centre with great interest…