Author: Rhys Gregory

The brand-new cinema at Pontardawe Arts Centre will officially open its doors to the public on Monday 6th October 2025. The first screenings will feature Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG), Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures (U), and TRON: Ares (12A), marking the launch of a new era for the venue. Tickets are available now at www.pontardaweartscentre.com. The newly redeveloped 74-seat cinema features cutting-edge laser projection, immersive Dolby ATMOS surround sound, and comfortable seating—offering a high-quality viewing experience right in the heart of Pontardawe. For the first time, the venue will be able to screen the latest first-release films, bringing a…

Over the next three years more than £2.5m will be invested to modernise and refurbish 16 children’s playgrounds across Neath Port Talbot identified as being in poor condition. Funding for the vital Playground Improvement Programme, to which £2,521,500 will be allocated, was approved by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025. Cllr Scott Jones, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said: “The aim is to replace outdated playgrounds with modern, purpose-built spaces tailored to the needs of each community. “Playgrounds are recognised as essential community resources promoting physical activity, social development and…

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet has received a progress update from officers on the next tranche of major investment projects in local schools, that the Council is developing. Nine exciting projects are in varying stages and are earmarked for delivery over the next few years – with continued support from Welsh Government via the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. The Council completed several major development projects at local schools in the 2024/25 academic year, delivered within Band B of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme – which pupils and staff are now enjoying. Brand new schools were established in Cilfynydd, Hawthorn…

New figures have shown that more than 83 per cent of premises in the city are now occupied and the number of independents has risen to nearly 70 per cent. It means the number of vacant shops has decreased again and is 16.86 per cent of the total compared with 19.88 per cent in February and 23.51 per cent in September 2024. And that is despite an increase of two new units take the total number in the city centre from 508 to 510. Every six months, the council counts the empty ground floor premises as well as the figures…

Powys County Council’s search for a site to accommodate a new gypsy and traveller site in the Welshpool area will be discussed at a drop-in session in Forden next week. The council is looking for a 1.2-hectare site to accommodate 12 mobile homes and has identified six potential sites on council owned land in Leighton, Forden and Churchstoke. A drop-in session will be held in Forden Community Centre on Monday 6 October from 4-8pm. Need for the new site, which must accommodate 12 mobile homes and have potential for future expansion, has been identified as part of work on the…

Wales is becoming a must-visit destination for cruises, with new figures revealing a surge in ship visits over recent years. The country welcomed 84 cruise ships in 2025, representing a more than 100% increase when compared with the 41 ships that visited Welsh ports in 2021. This sustained growth demonstrates Wales’ increasing recognition as a must-visit destination for cruise passengers seeking authentic experiences and stunning landscapes. Wales offers cruise operators and passengers access to five strategically located ports across the country: Cardiff, Swansea, Milford Haven, Fishguard, and Holyhead, with each providing unparalleled access to the country’s diverse attractions. The growing…

Following the confirmation of Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) at a premises in Monmouthshire, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Wales has announced a Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone (TCZ). On Friday [26 September] the CVO confirmed that a single cow tested positive for BTV-3 following a report to the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) of clinical signs indicative of Bluetongue by the farm’s veterinary surgeon. Further epidemiological investigations by APHA and the Pirbright Institute have identified that BTV-3 is actively circulating on the farm. A TCZ will be declared to help prevent the spread of disease by livestock movements, and support…

As autumn settles across the Welsh countryside, The Celtic Manor Resort is bringing the season to life with a limited-time dining experience that’s unlike anything else. Lauched this week and available until Saturday 11th October 2025, Rafters Restaurant has been transformed for WILD at Rafters, an immersive forest-inspired menu rooted in nature. Perched high above the Twenty Ten golf course, Rafters is already one of the resort’s most striking settings, with vaulted beams and sweeping views across the parkland. For this event, it takes on an even more atmospheric feel, with natural textures, seasonal displays and a warm woodland theme…

Online casinos have become a popular form of entertainment across the UK, and Pembrokeshire is no exception. With its stunning coastline, charming towns, and slower pace of life, the region might seem far removed from digital gaming. Yet, more locals are increasingly engaging with online platforms as a way to unwind, socialise, and access games once limited to land-based venues. Several factors are contributing to this trend, combining technology, convenience, and lifestyle preferences to make online casinos an appealing choice. Convenience in Everyday Life One of the most significant attractions of online casinos for Pembrokeshire residents is the convenience they…

Strong communication is the lifeblood of business success. Whether it’s internal dialogue between employees or external interactions with clients, partners, and stakeholders, how companies communicate can directly influence growth. Businesses that prioritize clear, consistent, and adaptable communication methods position themselves to improve collaboration, strengthen relationships, and seize opportunities faster than competitors. The Importance of Choosing the Right Tools Technology has transformed how businesses communicate. Email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms are now crucial in most workplaces. Selecting the right mix of tools is crucial to ensure that communication flows smoothly across all departments.  Businesses that rely on…