Author: Rhys Gregory

Welsh rugby legend Ray Gravell has been revealed as the mystery figure who anonymously paid a fine to release iconic singer Dafydd Iwan from prison early. Big hearted Ray, from Mynydd y Garreg, in Carmarthenshire, who played for Llanelli, Wales and the British and Irish Lions, was determined to keep the news secret until after his death. His wife, Mari, was under strict orders not to tell Dafydd, who had been jailed following a Cymdeithas yr Iaith (Welsh Language Society) protest,  about it until after he had passed away in case the singer was upset with him. The revelation is…

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain on Thursday. Persistent rain, heavy at times, especially over higher ground, could bring some disruption to north Wales on Thursday. 30-50 mm of rain may fall quite widely within the warning area, with the potential for 60-80 mm of rain to fall in a few spots on high ground. Strong north to northwest winds may exacerbate any impacts from heavy rain. What to expect Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer Spray and flooding on roads…

On behalf of Redcat Pub Company, specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has successfully completed the sale of Caerphilly Cwtch, a former pub and hotel in Caerphilly, to Amber Taverns. Formerly known as ‘The Railway’ due to its proximity to the town’s train station, the Caerphilly Cwtch occupies a prime position within the characterful town and is well known locally for its live music and sports. Sam Frankland, Property Director at Amber Taverns, comments, “Amber Taverns are excited to be the new owners of this pub in the heart of Caerphilly. We are currently carrying out a major refurbishment of…

With Bonfire Night fast approaching, St John Ambulance Cymru has shared some vital safety advice, to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities safely. Volunteers from the first aid charity for Wales will be at various local firework displays across the country this weekend just in case somebody gets hurt. It’s important to take safety precautions to help keep everyone safe this Bonfire Night. Go to an organised firework display. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous, so it’s always better to leave it to those who have been professionally trained. It’s also a great opportunity to get together with your local community!…

Matt Powell, chef proprietor of Annwn restaurant in Narberth, Pembrokeshire – which has glowing reviews from the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide – has spoken of his worry at receiving a series of messages threatening bad reviews unless he paid the scammer. Matt often receives messages on WhatsApp offering paid-for reviews and routinely blocks them, but after blocking one message, he received the following demand from someone called Masoom in Pakistan: “Hello brother, I need the work of just £50 from you. I have posted bad reviews & added disgusting pics at your business bcz you blocked me.…

The festive spirit is about to come alive at the Morgan Quarter in Cardiff, as the city’s home of independent shopping invites everyone for a season of enchanting free events, shopping, and family fun. The Morgan Quarter Christmas campaign launches on November 18, celebrating the unique festive charm on offer to people in the heart of the Welsh capital in one of the city’s most iconic locations. There are plenty of festivities for all the family to enjoy, including a free Santa’s Grotto, where young and old alike can meet Santa Claus himself at our Santa’s Grotto. It’s the perfect…

Wales will be taking on Barbarians on Saturday November 4that Principality Stadium. With the kick-off taking place at 2.30pm – there will be a full city centre road closure from 10.30am until 6.30pmor as soon as it is deemed safe to do so,to ensure all ticket holders can get into and out of the stadium safely. The M4 motorway and surrounding Trunk Road Network is expected to be very busy for this event – please plan ahead – and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the Park & Ride facility at County Hall, in Cardiff Bay.For up to date…

A PORT Talbot man who fly-tipped green waste near the centre of the town and failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) ended up being sentenced to pay a fine, costs and a victim impact surcharge totalling £1,288.38. Swansea Magistrates’ Court heard David Edward Schwonek, 58, of Willow Grove, Baglan, Port Talbot, was spotted depositing green waste on land at Riverside Road, Port Talbot, on August 15th 2022, by a witness who took photographs and a video of the incident. Neath Port Talbot Council Waste Enforcement Officers traced Mr Schwonek’s home address, via his car registration number, which was…

RCT Council has provided an update on the Maindy Road bridge scheme in Ton Pentre, where continued good progress has resulted in the main work now entering its final weeks – around six weeks ahead of the original schedule. The bridge replacement at B4223 Maindy Road, near the police station and just south of the junction with The Parade, started in late July. The structure is in a very poor condition and requires a bridge deck replacement – a process complicated by the presence of key utility apparatus for water, electricity, gas and fibre optic connections, which need to be…

Penallta Reuse Shop celebrate a successful first year in operation. Penallta Reuse Shop opened in partnership with South Wales based charity, Wastesavers Charitable Trust Ltd. in October 2022, providing an opportunity for items once destined for the Household Recycling Centre to be reused and sold at bargain prices. Since opening, the Shop has successfully diverted 115,605 kgs of items from the waste stream and gotten them into the hands of those who need them. Whilst offering pre-loved items at great prices, Penallta Reuse Shop has also spent the year joining forces with local projects and charities to offer community projects…