Author: Rhys Gregory

A call is going out for people to have their say on Pembrokeshire County Council’s budget for the coming year, 2024-25. Like all other Councils in Wales, the Council continues to face significant budget pressures – especially in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Alec Cormack, encouraged all those interested in how the Council is funded and how it spends its funds to take part in the consultation. “It’s very important that we hear from as many people in Pembrokeshire as possible,” he said. “Like other Councils, we are once again facing significant…

Wales again secured high-quality results in 2023 with 98% of designated bathing waters meeting our stringent environmental standards. 80 of our 109 bathing waters achieved the highest classification of ‘excellent’. An ‘excellent’ classification is one of the essential criteria for obtaining a Blue Flag accreditation, one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels. Two beaches at Tenby North and Aberdyfi have moved up from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ classifications, making them eligible to apply for the coveted Blue Flag status. Climate Change Minister, Julie James, said: “Wales is recognised internationally as having some of the best beaches and water quality in…

5 million free school meals have been served in primary schools across Wales as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. Providing free school meals to all primary school pupils is a key commitment in the programme, which was signed two years ago. All primary school children and more than 6,000 nursery-age pupils attending a maintained school will be eligible for free school meals by the end of 2024. The second annual report about progress under the Co-operation Agreement has been published. Working together, the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru have delivered on a wide…

Narberth restaurant Annwn has received the latest in a string of accolades: inclusion on the prestigious worldwide restaurant selection, La Liste. The illustrious guide, based in Paris, uses reviews, guidebooks and chef’s recommendations to formulate a score out of 100. Annwn scored 90 which places it well up the thousand-strong list. Annwn’s chef patron Matt Powell says he is delighted with the result. “I was just looking through the list on Thursday morning when it came out. I wasn’t expecting to be on it at all, and then all of a sudden there we were,” he said. “It was mind…

Aaron Ramsey has been there and done it when it comes to world football, and the Welsh legend is now helping his hometown club, Cardiff City, to challenge for promotion in the EFL Championship. The Bluebirds are having a decent season so far and are well and truly in the mix for a playoff place. Ramsey has been instrumental in the good form at The Cardiff City Stadium this season, with the veteran still showing the same class that once made him one of the best footballers in European football. Bluebirds Flying It is now five years since Cardiff City mixed…

The landscape of scientific research and publications is rapidly evolving, with open access journals playing a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge. These journals have revolutionized the way research findings are shared, making them more accessible than ever before. Among them, Extrica stands out as a notable example, particularly in the fields of engineering and technology. Understanding Open Access Journals Open access journals are scholarly publications that are available online to the reader without financial, legal, or technical barriers. They operate on the principle that knowledge should be freely accessible to everyone, a stark contrast to traditional subscription-based journals. The Rise…

Christmas at Bute Park is back for 2023 and has opened its doors to thousands of visitors in its first week. Organisers have introduced an all-new layout with live music and an extra half a mile of illuminations. Highlights this year include a magical Twilight Garden, a dazzling disco ball spectacular, a magical rainbow road, a giant sleeping dragon, and a whole lot more. Tens of thousands more are set to follow suit over the next five weeks and experience a string of seasonally sensory delights – which this year also include an immersive light spectacular called ‘Light of the…

Christopher El Gifari has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 32 years. He was also sentenced to 10 years for robbery, which will be served concurrently. The 32-year-old was found guilty of the murder and robbery of Mark Lang following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court last month. Today (Friday, December 1) he was back in court to be sentenced. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell, from South Wales Police, said: “Today the court has sentenced Christopher El Gifari to life imprisonment where he will serve a minimum term of 32 years for the murder of Mark Lang.…

A number of empty units in the city centre and Swansea’s district shopping centres will be brought back into temporary use, thanks to a new project. Creative regeneration agency Urban Foundry will deliver the ‘Meanwhile Spaces’ project in partnership with Swansea Council. Funding for the work has been awarded through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Opportunities will be provided for new independent businesses as part of the project, as well as local food and craft producers, social enterprises and pop-up arts and cultural activities. As well as empty commercial buildings in Swansea city centre, the project will also…

Harrison Walsh, former Ospreys rugby player turned Commonwealth and European medallist in discus, opens up about his rugby career-ending injury and the importance of seizing every opportunity as he looks ahead to next year’s Paralympic Games. At the age of 18, Harrison experienced a life changing injury during a rugby match, which cast doubt on his career prospects in the sport he loved. Determined to continue his passion for sport the former prop forward turned para-athlete wants to show how facing challenges can help you build resilience and doesn’t have to stop you from following your passions, both personally and…