Author: Rhys Gregory

Following National Sporting Heritage Day last week (30 September), Tennis Wales is marking 100 years of community tennis — at clubs across the country. With Wales recognised as the birthplace of lawn tennis, the country’s relationship with the bright yellow ball and stringed racket has stood the test of time. Indeed, many clubs and local tennis communities across Wales are a testament to this — with numerous clubs celebrating their centenary during 2023. During the last century, clubs, coaches, and players alike have faced challenge after challenge, from the Great Depression, the Second World War, and of course the most…

The UK had its joint-warmest September on record in a series which goes back to 1884 according to provisional Met Office statistics. The UK’s September 2023 mean temperature of 15.2°C puts it level with 2006’s record figure in statistics that have been ‘substantially influenced’ by the impact of climate change. England and Wales had their respective warmest September on record according to mean temperature. England’s provisional figure of 16.7°C topped the previous record of 16.5°C set in 2006. Wales’ 15.6°C also beat its 2006 figure of 15.2°C. For Northern Ireland, September 2023 was the joint-warmest on record with an average…

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet have approved plans to expand Coety Primary School following the outcome of a statutory notice. This will result in the school’s capacity increasing from 420 to 525 places for pupils aged between 4 and 11-years-old. An options appraisal previously identified the need to increase the number of places at the school and a two-storey, four-classroom extension was found to be the preferred option. All new classrooms will meet net zero carbon targets in relation to both construction and operation. There will also be an opportunity to increase nursery provision by an additional 12 full-time-equivalent places.…

Marketing of a new landmark office development in Swansea city centre is being ramped-up. Developed by Swansea Council, the 71/72 Kingsway scheme located at the former Oceana nightclub site is being specifically targeted at the digital, tech and creative sectors. JLL and Avison Young are the letting and marketing agents for the scheme. Main contractor Bouygues UK is making considerable progress on the seven-storey development, with construction earmarked for completion in early 2024. Designed by Architecture 00, the 104,000 square foot scheme includes innovative public spaces with specific areas of the building being offered to the open market to let.…

Growing Mid Wales, a regional partnership and engagement arrangement between the private and public sectors, and with UK and Welsh Government, has unlocked the first allocation of funding from both governments as part of the Mid Wales Growth Deal agreement. £4m of funding has been received, enabling the Growth Deal to progress to the next stage of delivery. The Growth Deal in Mid Wales is expected to deliver direct and indirect benefits, such as: Growth in regional prosperity Creation of better-quality jobs for the local labour market A more skilled workforce within the region Improvements in standards of living across…

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has submitted its proposed Business Plan (the ‘Plan’) for 2025-30 to Ofwat, the water industry regulator. If approved, the Plan will result in the company’s biggest ever investment programme, worth £3.5 billion investment over the five years, which will be equivalent to a 68% increase on the investment between 2020 and 2025. A key focus of the Plan is to adopt a collaborative approach to reducing its impact on the environment, in particular playing its part in helping improve river water quality. Welsh Water is committing to invest nearly £1.9 billion in the environment between 2025…

The 1Bws ticket available for bus services across North Wales now offers a one price weekly ticket as well as daily. The 1Bws ticket is a partnership project between the six local authorities and 27 local bus operators, and offers customers the opportunity to pay one price and travel on nearly 200 routes across North Wales, using tap on tap off technology or with a ticket bought on board. This month, to celebrate ‘catch the bus month’, TfW and partners have extended the offer so customers can now also pay one price and travel for a week. A weekly 1Bws…

The UK’s first team of specialist paramedics who provide palliative and end of life care has been shortlisted for a national award. The service sees palliative care paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) work with Swansea Bay’s specialist palliative care team (SPCT). Staff split their time by spending 50 per cent working in their usual WAST roles where they respond to emergencies. While the other 50 per cent is spent seeing patients referred to specialist palliative care, primarily in the community but also in hospital. They work with the wider multidisciplinary team to provide an extra layer…

Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney has been shortlisted for a prestigious award from trade association UK Active for its crucial role in boosting physical activity levels and improving mobility and reducing pain for people with chronic health conditions. The Better Cardiff centre – a bustling community hub open seven days per week – has been nominated for ‘Local and Regional Centre of the Year’ in recognition of its huge contribution to the local community. The centre meets the needs of a diverse range of customers with an innovative programme that includes one of the largest swimming schools in the city,…

Her Game Too has announced a partnership with Cardiff-based Women’s Football Collective, in a partnership that will see us launch  our first women’s & girls football training centre in Cardiff. This partnership brings extra significance because now for the first time, Her Game Too will have their very own training centre, dedicated to women of all ages and abilities, creating further opportunities that football is for everyone. This first training centre will be located in Cardiff, with plans for more training centres to be added in the UK over time. Charlotte Galloway, a representative of WFC, explains the importance and…