Author: Rhys Gregory

More than 120 cricketers in Denbighshire will benefit from a major new training facility thanks to a £5,000 donation. Trailer manufacturer Ifor Williams Trailers (IWT), which has factories in Denbighshire and Flintshire, has funded the installation of a brand new net cage at Ruthin Cricket Club’s Memorial Playing Fields. The enclosed facility features two artificial cricket pitchers where coaches can help youngsters develop their  batting and bowling skills in a safe, match-like environment. Meanwhile, senior players will also be able to use the nets to improve their game as the club looks to strengthen its future on and off the…

A bold blueprint that will guide economic development in Powys over the next 15 years has been approved by the county council’s Cabinet. The GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026–2040, sets out a long-term vision to create a stronger, fairer and greener economy by focusing on higher wages, better jobs, innovation, skills, sustainability and creating opportunities. Opportunities that will allow more young people to stay and build their futures in Powys. The strategy has been shaped by extensive consultation with residents, businesses, partners, town and community councils, staff and young people. Feedback received during the consultation helped strengthen the final document,…

The first ever nursing students have graduated from Aberystwyth University. The students began their studies when the University’s Healthcare Education Centre first opened its doors in September 2022. The £1.7 million centre located opposite Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth includes high-quality clinical practice rooms and was supported with a grant of £500,000 from the Welsh Government. Among the almost 40 students who have graduated this year, some studied adult nursing and others mental health nursing. The degree courses have now expanded with 239 studying at the University this academic year. Students studying for the degree have the opportunity to follow up…

By Jarrad Morris, CEO of Plug Charging The UK’s transition to electric vehicles is accelerating, but the infrastructure needed to support it is struggling to keep pace. Without a reliable, accessible charging network, the shift to zero-emission transport risks stalling before it truly takes hold, explains Jarrad. Jarrad says it should go without saying that the transition to zero-emission vehicles won’t happen overnight, it needs careful planning. Electrification is not just about vehicles, it requires a completely new infrastructure ecosystem to support businesses, public sector organisations and communities to be a part of the change. The charging network needs to…

Crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to work at the scene of a large industrial fire in Llantrisant. With the support of Natural Resources Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and employees of the recycling centre, crews are working to extinguish the fire using water and wetting agents. Shortly after 2am yesterday, SWFRS arrived at the scene of a large fire at Llantrisant Recycling Centre involving 1,500 tonnes of non-hazardous waste covering 1,200m squared. Multiple stations from across the Service and a significant number of resources were deployed, including eight pumping appliances, four water bowsers, one aerial…

The next 12 months could see a significant contraction within the small business and self-employed community, according to sobering new research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). In the second quarter of this year, the proportion of small firms who expect to grow over the next year reached its lowest ever point in the history of FSB’s Small Business Index, going back to the end of 2014. Just over one in six (18%) anticipate growth, but they are comprehensively outweighed by the nearly one in three small businesses (32%) who expect to shrink, sell up, or close entirely over…

Aberglasney Gardens’ artist in residence, internationally renowned painter, Andrew Douglas-Forbes, is collaborating with artist Jeweller, Carol K Gwizdak, for an unique exhibition later this month ‘Patrwm Cymru/Welsh Pattern’. The exhibition runs from 24 July until 2 August, and is inspired by the diaper pattern found in the Cloister Garden, which is widely considered to be Aberglasney’s “most extraordinary and legendary feature”. It is believed that the Cloister Garden originates from Bishop Rudd’s time at Aberglasney during the 1600s and the parapet walkway is the only known surviving structure of its kind left in the UK. Andrew Douglas-Forbes said, “Artist in…

Families visiting Bryngarw Country Park can once again enjoy its children’s play area after it officially reopened this week following a major redevelopment. More than £200,000 has been invested in the project, with funding support from Bridgend County Borough Council, the Welsh Government and project partners. The upgraded play area has been redesigned to provide an even better space for children of all ages and abilities to play, explore and enjoy the outdoors. Among the new features are a forest canopy adventure tower, a five metre climbing net, new swings and a dedicated toddler zone. Inclusive play equipment has also…

Wales is facing a succession planning gap that could put thousands of locally owned businesses, jobs and community value at risk, a new report from Economic Intelligence Wales has warned. It calls for a single, visible national support offer to help SME owners plan earlier, access practical guidance and prepare for ownership transition before it becomes urgent. The report, Small Business Ownership Succession Planning Strategies, published in July and written by Mark Lang, Max Munday, Annette Roberts, and Neil Roche of the Welsh Economy Research Unit at Cardiff Business School, explored the opportunities and challenges facing Wales’ SME community as…

Oystermouth Castle is welcoming residents and visitors alike this summer with a lively programme of family-friendly events, blending history with imaginative activities at one of Swansea’s most popular heritage attractions. Families can enjoy the Enchanted Fairy Trail on Saturday 18 July, where they can explore the castle grounds and surrounding woodland while following a magical trail filled with fairy folklore, hidden surprises and interactive storytelling. Young adventurers are encouraged to dress up and immerse themselves in the enchanting world brought to life around the historic site. Also returning is the much-loved Prince and Princess Day on Monday 31 August, when…