Author: Rhys Gregory

Garden design projects take a lot of time and effort, so they’re one of those things that are often made to last rather than based on short-term fads. Still, garden design trends do come and go every year, and in 2023 it’s all about the Mediterranean landscape. Italian style for women is a hot topic right now, so it’s perhaps understandable that those who already own the clothes would want to embrace the home and garden that Italians enjoy. Italy is famed for its natural style and simple tastefulness, and the same goes for its gardens. Gardens in Italy are…

A search has been launched to find the best apprentices, employers and work-based learning practitioners across Wales. Entries are being sought for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru before the closing date of 12 noon on June 16. Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW). Application forms for the awards, which recognise the shining stars of the Welsh Government’s apprenticeship programme, are available to download from gov.wales/apprenticeshipawardscymru From the applications, finalists will be shortlisted for awards including…

Street Food Circus is bringing its block party back to Roath Yard for four weekends of flavours from around the world from 10 June to 2 July. The St Peter’s Street site, just off City Road in Roath, will host a rotating line-up of some of Wales’ best loved street food trucks, chefs and pop-ups. Street food traders will be bringing the authentic flavours of India, Mexico, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, France, the USA, Argentina and, of course, Wales to Roath Yard including: Fire & Flank – Argentinian steak and fries – British Street Food Awards ‘best main dish’ winner…

azz, a Cocker Spaniel, has been reunited with her owners thanks to her microchip, having been found dumped in an ambulance over 50 miles from her home. Jazz disappeared from her family home in Powys, Wales, last year. Her devastated owner, Emma Darling, 45, and her family, were determined to find Jazz. Emma contacted Petlog, who Jazz’s microchipped is recorded with, and her vets to alert them. She also put up posters, shared on social media and looked every day for Jazz for months – but heard nothing. Then, out of the blue, eight months later, a vet’s practice in Wolverhampton…

THE CEO of leading health and social care company, Cygnet, led a team to the top of Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon last week on a charity trek that has raised a massive £10,000 to support health workers with their mental health. The team of colleagues from across Cygnet services were raising money for Doctors in Distress, a small charity doing big work to support healthcare workers with their mental health. Cygnet runs health and social care services to support individuals with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism. The 20 members of staff from across the company, led by CEO Dr Tony…

At their end of year degree show, students from University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art scooped numerous awards in recognition of their talent and hard work. Each year, the Summer Show exhibition presents the culmination of degree work by graduating students. Their final pieces are viewed by staff and professionals on the lookout for standout talent. The specifications of this year’s prizegivers were varied, from seeking work with retail potential to rewarding students who have performed excellently whilst experiencing adversity during their studies. The ceremony was held in Dynevor courtyard at UWTSD on the opening…

A number of grants are now available to boost businesses of all shapes and sizes in Swansea. Funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, Swansea Council has introduced several schemes in recent weeks. These include: Pre-start grants to support start-up businesses. With a maximum grant of £10,000, this funding can be used to cover the costs of expenditure including equipment, training, accreditation and marketing. Website development grants of up to £1,500 to help cover the costs of creating a business website for the first time or making improvements to an existing business website. Business growth grants up…

A range of temporary road changes have been announced to ensure that tens of thousands of people can enjoy this year’s Wales Airshow safely. The free-entry two-day event is due to take place on July 1 and 2 with a series of world-class displays over Swansea Bay. Temporary road changes for the 2023 show are the same as those that were in place for last summer’s highly successful event. They will include seafront sections of Oystermouth Road and Mumbles Road, a number of roads in Sandfields plus Pantycelyn Road, Townhill. Diversions will be signposted. Swansea Prom, from the Civic Centre…

An exciting demonstration of green zero emission public transport is underway in Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. Bus operator South Wales Transport and private hire operator Hyppo Hydrogen solutions are providing transport services to the communities using locally produced ‘green hydrogen’ made from renewable energy and local water. The initiative is being delivered by a private sector consortium responding to the climate change emergency. The hydrogen fuelled H2 City Gold electric bus is being provided by Caetano Bus UK with a HyQube refueller being provided by Fuel Cell Systems. The hydrogen fuel is being produced and supplied by green hydrogen…

Powys County Council is keeping a close eye on developments after Broadway Partners was placed in administration. The broadband provider has been working on seven community schemes in the county with the aim of bringing ultrafast fibre connections to more homes in rural areas. It had also been expected to become the supplier for several others that were still at the stage of assessing demand. There are hopes that a buyer may be found during the administration process, but, if necessary, the council will look to work with the affected communities to source an alternative provider. The only community broadband…