Author: Rhys Gregory

Swansea University has gained global recognition for the high standard of chemistry education it offers. The chemistry department, part of the University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, is one of just three in the world to have been recognized by the American Chemistry Society through its prestigious Recognition of Global Programs in Chemical Sciences. This initiative aims to promote excellence in undergraduate chemistry education for institutions outside the United States. To gain this honour they must offer a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education which gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals. Professor Simon Bott said…

A former acupuncturist from Talog in Carmarthenshire has turned a smallholding hobby into a growing pig farm and charcuterie business thanks to British Business Bank funding. Moch Coch, which translates to ‘red pig’, sells an array of artisan dry-cured meats, including salami, chorizo, coppietta and pancetta, produced from a herd of Tamworth pigs. Owner Bethan Morgan, 44,  previously ran a multidisciplinary natural health centre in Narberth, Pembrokeshire. During this time she began to recognise the benefits of eating well-sourced local meat and started to explore rearing her own livestock. Bethan and her partner bought a smallholding in Talog, with the…

A Cardiff mother and daughter fundraising duo have raised over £2,031 throughout the years and £460 so far this year for learning disability charity, Follow Your Dreams, who support children and young people with learning disabilities across Wales & England. Over the past 5 years the family have been involved in multiple fundraising efforts with mum Lauren planning her third Skydive following a previous two sponsored leaps. In their latest efforts, Chloe 13, and her mum Lauren are raising funds by selling handmade knitted socks in mis-matched pairs, available to visitors at NatWest’s Canton branch. The mother and daughter duo…

The Cherry Laurel pub in Bridgend has reopened with a new look following an investment spend of £135,000. To mark the occasion, representatives from the local football team, Pencoed Athletic BGC, were chosen as the pub’s community hero, pouring the first pint in the pub.  The refresh has seen the introduction of new wallpaper, stylish lighting, updated seating, and uplifting colour palettes. With a brand-new menu, updated bar area and investment in team training, the pub has now officially reopened with an elevated traditional cosy pub feel.  Situated on the edge of the busy Bridgend Industrial Estate, The Cherry Laurel,…

Cardiff Council’s Cabinet has agreed the local authority’s Workforce Strategy for the next five years which details its commitment to employing ‘the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time and at the right cost’. The strategy, which is closely linked to the Council’s ‘Stronger, Fairer, Greener’ approach to how it delivers services to its residents and communities, covers the period from 2023-2027 and includes a host of initiatives and innovations intended to: Establish a more diverse workforce reflecting the diversity of Cardiff’s communities Identify innovative mechanisms for recruiting and retaining staff in areas…

UEFA EURO 2028 matches being hosted in Cardiff as part of a joint bid by the Football Associations of Wales, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland would deliver ‘significant economic benefits for Cardiff and the Capital Region,’ according to a Cardiff Council Cabinet report that has been approved ahead of a final bid submission. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “Time and again Cardiff has shown itself capable of hosting world-class sporting events and they don’t come much bigger than the UEFA European Football Championship. “It’s not just the significant economic benefits…

The Celtic Freeport private-public bid consortium has reacted to today’s announcement it has been shortlisted by the UK and Welsh Governments for freeport status. The Celtic Freeport will deliver an accelerated pathway for Wales’ net zero economy generating over 16,000 new, green jobs and up to £5.5 billion of new investment. The transformational bid covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering and the steel industry across south-west Wales. Commenting on the selection of Celtic Freeport as one of the candidates for a Welsh Freeport,…

Residents and visitors to Pontypridd Town Centre may notice works activity within the former Marks and Spencer and Dorothy Perkins buildings from next week, in preparation for the future regeneration of the site. The future development is a key element of the Pontypridd Regeneration Plan that was approved by Cabinet in June 2022 following positive public feedback. The Plan identifies core ambitions for the town including a ‘Southern Gateway’ that brings several key sites back into use through exciting redevelopments. Redevelopment of the M&S, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons buildings (97-99a, 100-102 Taff Street) provides an opportunity to open the townscape…

Residents are invited to have their say on potential options to alter the section of the Taff Trail at Trallwn – to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, make the route easier to follow and promote access to nearby communities. The need to improve this section of the Taff Trail has been identified by the Council in the process of submitting its Active Travel Network Map to Welsh Government, a requirement of all Councils in Wales. The map shows existing walking and cycling routes, as well as proposed routes that the Council would like to eventually develop to create a…

A Newport car company and its director were fined for breaching legislation designed to protect consumers in relation to the sale of a car. CMB Value Car Sales and Nicholas Ward, who were prosecuted by Newport City Council, both admitted two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The company, of Mill Parade, Newport, pleaded guilty at Cwmbran magistrates court and was fined a total of £2,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190. Ward, of Pentwyn Terrace, Marshfield, also admitted the offences and was fined £2000, costs of £857 and compensation to the car…