Author: Rhys Gregory

Fonmon Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan has become a hugely popular visitor attraction since opening to the public four years ago. Visitors are drawn to its ornamental gardens, dinosaur park, medieval village and the many beautiful walks that can be enjoyed in the grounds. Now it has a new offering: from Spring 2024, couples can tie the knot at Fonmon, celebrating their big day at a unique and hugely romantic location that dates to the 12th Century. Couples can exchange their vows in the Scented Garden, the Watch Tower Folly, or the Grand Library. Fonmon’s wedding manager Zoë Binning…

Five cap Welsh rugby wing Lowri Norkett-Morgan is set to pass on her legacy to the next generation of elite athletes in Wales after hanging up her boots to join Coleg y Cymoedd’s teaching team at its renowned Sporting Centre of Excellence in Nantgarw. After the sudden death of her sister, Elli, in 2017, who was the youngest player at the Rugby World Cup in 2014, Lowri made the decision to switch from a professional netball career to one in rugby so that she could pay homage to her sibling and carry on her legacy in the sport. She went…

The Woodland Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Hall – Lord Hall of Birkenhead as the charity’s new chair. He will take up the role in June 2024 when current Chair, Barbara Young – Baroness Young of Old Scone, steps down after eight years as Chair. All at the Woodland Trust wish to thank Baroness Young for her unwavering commitment to the cause of woods and trees, for her expert guidance, governance, and counsel over the past eight years. Lord Hall, appointed a CBE in 2005 and created a life peer with the title Baron Hall of…

A new radio show has been launched to discuss everything to do with the Welsh language and its culture. ‘Cymru United’, which is held by Cered: Menter Iaith Ceredigion and Radio Bronglais, aims to support Welsh learners by introducing items by Welsh and non-Welsh speakers. The programme is hosted in English by Cered’s Development Officer, Rhodri Francis, but includes Welsh music and an array of interviews in both languages to help people who are not confident in speaking Welsh to familiarise with the language. Rhodri Francis, said: “This programme is a brilliant opportunity to show that the Welsh language belongs…

Leftover turkey, pigs in blankets, and Brussels sprouts could power 20,000 homes for a year if disposed of correctly. UK households are predicted to throw away up to 200,000 tonnes of food at Christmas, and anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are gearing up to convert the waste into energy. Properties are likely to see a dramatic increase in electricity usage, with tech products including gaming consoles and tablets topping many festive wish lists, along with extra TV consumption and flashing decorations during the holiday season. Combining the additional energy output with the rising cost of living can put extra strain on…

Stone pitching is a specialised skill used to construct solid and durable paths in the countryside. As there is a shortage of individuals and landscape contractors with stone pitching skills, the National Park Authority has joined forces with the National Trust Cymru and Natural Resources Wales to arrange a special stone pitching training course. Stone paths are commonplace in the uplands of Eryri. As well as providing walkers with a solid and durable path, they also fit in well with the area’s rugged landscape. By incorporating bespoke stone features such as culverts and water-breaks, water runoff and erosion can be…

A High Court claim launched by almost 300 former rugby union players will have a “huge impact” on the sport regardless of the outcome, according to a legal expert.  A group of 295 former players recently went to the High Court in London in the latest stage of their claim for damages against rugby’s governing bodies.  The players are all suffering with various irreversible neurological impairments including early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and believe their brain injuries came as a result of playing rugby.  They claim they were not aware that taking part in the sport…

A SECONDARY school ranked in the top five in Wales is attracting students from across the region to its award-winning sixth form. Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay is preparing for an ‘Opportunities Evening Event’ that will showcase its post-16 offering and academic support. The school – listed fourth in Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table earlier this month – will hold the session from 5.30pm-7.30pm on Tuesday January 16. Headteacher Zoe Evans hopes parents and prospective students can join them to see the wide range of options available. “We are proud of our sixth form provision, as in addition to award-winning teaching from subject teachers who have a wealth of…

South Wales Police received a report just before 7.55pm, Sunday 17th December, that a 30-year-old man had been assaulted in a property on Princess Street, Treforest. His family has been informed and police cordons remain in place whilst enquiries continue. Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time, and we will continue to support them as our enquiries continue. “It is imperative that we find out exactly what happened and I’m appealing to the public for help. “I would urge anyone who was in the…

Primary school pupils learned about farming and agriculture first-hand at Langtons Farm as part of the Welsh Veg for Schools project. Ten primary schools are part of the pilot project to develop new local agroecological supply chains into schools, specifically on locally supplied vegetables. Eight of the ten schools recently visited Langtons Farm to learn more about the supply chain and gain experience in planting and harvesting vegetables that will supply their school lunch. During their visit, the pupils had the opportunity to plant onion sets and garlic bulbs and tour the farm. With the help of farm owner Katherine,…