Author: Rhys Gregory

An inspirational family from the Llanelli area will be returning in a new season of the popular Welsh language version of Gogglebox, it’s been revealed. During the first series of Gogglebocs Cymru mum Nia Phillips won the hearts of viewers when she opened up about her son’s courageous journey battling spina bifida. Single mum Nia from Trefach told of George’s miracle journey and praised independent programme makers Cwmni Da and Chwarel for their inclusive approach to casting. Nia, 51, and children George, 20, and Olivia, 16, became firm favourites with the audience in season one for giving their off-the-cuff assessments…

A skilled trailer maker is celebrating 50 years on the job – and one of the shortest commutes in Wales. Father of two Peter Jones, 66, has always lived within 200 yards of the Ifor Williams Trailers factory in Cynwyd, near Corwen, where he’s worked since 1973. Living so close has meant that he’s been able to walk there every day – come rain or shine or even snow. Peter is the longest serving current employee and, as a mark of appreciation on reaching the golden milestone, he was presented with a Clogau Gold watch by managing director John Williams.…

As part of the major capital redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd’s 46-year-old, grade II-listed building, today the theatre issued a call-out for inspirational and inclusive public art that enhances the venue’s reputation as a beacon of artistic excellence, as well cementing it as a hub for the communities that it has historically embraced. With a commitment to public art at its heart, the redevelopment will include specially commissioned work that will be on permanent display.  To this end, Theatr Clwyd is looking to commission artists, theatre-makers and collaborative design teams to create this art for the community with a series of…

Cowbridge local and former RAF parachute instructor Corporal Rob Bugden, 37, is completing his fifth marathon this year, for five charities, at the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 1 October. Rob, who is an ambassador for the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, will have completed all five marathons in his wheelchair. The challenge is no mean feat for Rob, who was involved in a parachute accident whilst on exercise in California in 2016, which resulted in life-changing and career-ending injuries including a C5 spinal injury, leaving him tetraplegic. However, Rob has remained determined throughout, originally hoping to…

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has launched a bold and head-turning creative for the Cymru national team as they embark on their inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League 2023 campaign.  The FAW has worked with Cardiff-based design agency Andco Studio to create the new brand, which is visible across all of the FAW’s digital channels in the build-up to the national team matches. Cymru’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification campaign was a watershed moment for women’s football in Wales, with Cymru making their first ever play offs and repeatedly breaking attendance records. Through increased television coverage, improved marketing, and the FAW’s…

Makers, creators and creative start-ups working out of studios which are earmarked for development as part of the regeneration of Dumballs Road in Cardiff have secured a new temporary home with help from Cardiff Council. Sustainable Studios, an artist-led provider of affordable studio space recently signed a three-year lease on a former Transport Club on Tudor Street, providing them with a secure home for the meantime, where they can continue their work. After carrying out some refurbishment work, the organisation intends to use the site to build on their existing work, and expand their offering for communities and young people,…

Applications for secondary school places to start in September 2024 opened this week (Monday 25, September 2023) and families are reminded that applying on time and by providing five school preferences, can increase their chances of getting a place at one of their preferred schools. Cardiff Council’s Admissions Team have provided simple step-by-step advice and guidance in the form of 7 tips, to help families who are applying for a school place in Cardiff. The information is available online and through an animation aimed at children and families, helping to explain how the admissions process works and the importance of…

A second round of funding applications is now open for projects aimed at boosting Swansea’s rural communities. The grant funding is being made available to projects that support themes including rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being. The funding is part of a rural anchor project being run by Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Projects that will be considered for funding include capital grants for investment in renewable energy for community benefit. Potential projects could include renewable energy schemes for community buildings or…

Neath Port Talbot Council is asking residents and visitors for their views on proposals to invest £7.7 million in facilities and infrastructure at Waterfall Country Pontneddfechan in order to ease visitor pressures in the area. In 2022 Neath Port Talbot Council submitted a successful funding application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to deliver investment at Pontneddfechan which will: Create a permanent parking solution for the area Deliver new and improved public toilet provision Create a farm/community shop Create low key visitor accommodation provision See Improvements to road safety, public realm and landscaping. The proposals are now being made…

Neath Port Talbot Council has taken decisive action to ensure the continuation of cherished Remembrance Day Parades in Neath and Port Talbot. The Royal British Legion (RBL) branches in the towns which traditionally organised these poignant ceremonies faced challenges due to branch closures and the extensive risk assessments now required making the task of organising these events much more onerous. As a result, on September 20th, 2023, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet approved the council taking over the role of ‘Event Organiser’ for the parades, at the same agreeing a payment of just over £18,000  to pay for expenses including…