Author: Rhys Gregory

Joining the other successful litter picking hwbs across the county, Builth Wells Library has become the latest place to loan out litter picking kits to those keen to help keep their local area free from rubbish. The kits, which include hi-vis vests, litter grabbers, hoops to keep the sacks open and a supply of recycling and rubbish bags, are provided in conjunction with Powys County Council and Keep Wales Tidy. Kits can be loaned to local groups, clubs, families, and other volunteers wishing to help make a difference to their local area. Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener…

In the demanding world of industrial manufacturing, reducing waste has become an essential part of streamlining operations and ensuring profitability. But waste reduction is about much more than just cost-saving measures. It plays a vital role in improving overall efficiency and contributing to the worldwide drive for environmental sustainability. At a time when issues of sustainability and efficiency are at the forefront of global discussions, the need for industries to adopt effective strategies to minimise waste has never been more pressing. In this article, explore several strategies for reducing waste in different industrial settings. From lean manufacturing principles to proper…

RUGBY star Jonathan Davies is the new champion and ambassador for a leading mental health service. The Wales, Scarlets and British Lions centre has joined forces with CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales, a partner of the popular print and digital media platform, Sportin Wales. Given the increasing need for mental health support and a rise in male suicide rates, as well as the many challenges facing people of all ages across the country – notably the cost-of-living crisis, mortgages, and energy costs – Jonathan encouraged anyone struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression to contact the organisation. “Mental health is…

A unique display of daisies at Cardiff Castle will open to the public this Saturday (5 August). Over a thousand expertly crafted daisies will feature in the free display, which runs until 13 August, as the Forever Flowers campaign organised by City Hospice returns for its third year. Forever Flowers provides an opportunity for people to unite and remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones with unique and lasting tributes. This year, supporters were invited to ‘Dedicate a Daisy’ to a loved one. Those who have purchased a flower will also be able to join together for a…

A fire damaged South Wales valleys house which experts warned could only be viewed from outside and from a distance smashed its guide price when it went up for auction. The ultimate property doer upper challenge was listed with a price of £14,000 eventually sold £71,500 for after a surge of bids from those wanting to get their hands on the terraced house. There was a stark Fire Brigade safety notice pinned to the front door  of the house, at 8, Suffolk Place, Ogmore Vale, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan warning of its condition and that it is unsafe to enter. Prospective…

Menter a Busnes is to expand its portfolio of expert support for food and drink businesses in Wales with the addition of a new Welsh Government skills programme. The ‘Skills for Success’ programme is part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to working with the food and drink industry to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It will help Welsh food and drink companies access training and skills development for their staff, driving up productivity, improving bottom line financial returns as well as promoting best practices. Increasing workforce skills is a prerequisite to increase productivity and efficiency and to fuel innovation…

West End and Broadway leading man John Barrowman MBE confirms appearance as a special guest star across select dates on the UK tour of Dreamcoat Stars, a concert featuring artists that have played the role of Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Barrowman, whose Television credits include Doctor Who, Torchwood, Desperate Housewives and Arrow, will appear in Folkestone, Swansea and Stoke-on-trent, as part of the Dreamcoat Stars 2023 autumn tour line-up. Natively from Glasgow Scotland, Barrowman has, through his work on stage and television in both the UK and the US, become one of…

After seven weeks at sea, the Hodge sponsored rowing team Flyin’ Fish is expected to reach Kuaui in Hawaii on August 2nd. The five-strong team taking part in ‘The World’s Toughest Row’ left Monterey Bay in California on June 12th and have been rowing the 2,800 miles to the ‘Garden Island’ of Kauai in Hawaii ever since. Retired solicitor for Abergavenny Elaine Theaker celebrated her 60th birthday on board the boat a few days into the row with a meal of dehydrated fish in parsley sauce and mashed potato, with some well-deserved Haribo sweets for pudding. Just a few days…

A jailed fraudster who bought three Spanish villas after stealing from the taxpayer must pay £1.2 million back or face another seven years in jail. Graham Drury, 71, formerly of Strathalyn, Rossett, Wrexham, was jailed for five-and-a-half years in 2021 after submitting fraudulent VAT returns to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). At a hearing in Mold Crown Court on Friday (28 July 2023), Drury was told to pay a £1.2m confiscation order within three months or have seven years added to his prison sentence. Debbie Porter, Operational Lead, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Drury stole almost £2m of taxpayers’ money…

Wales’ largest medieval fortress is set to be transformed over the next three years as work begins on the Caerphilly Castle Regeneration Project. The £10m project is part of a wider investment into Wales’ historic monuments and is due to be complete by Summer 2026. The 13th century castle will benefit from extensive improvements to facilities, visitor experience and conservation – bringing a state-of-the-art welcome centre, brand new café, toilets, and an education room. Of the total investment, £1m has been allocated to develop a new interpretative scheme – telling the fascinating stories of people who built and lived in…