Author: Rhys Gregory

Following the arrival of steam locomotive ‘Falcon’ number 10,  volunteers at Corris Railway are now turning their attention to the next major project which will double the journey for passengers. ‘Falcon’ completed its first spell of operations on the railway on October 21, having headed all passenger trains since its entrance into traffic on September 8. Engineers from Alan Keef Ltd at Ross-on-Wye and Corris Railway will now work on a snagging list of minor problems on the new loco, the paintwork and lining out of which will be completed before in returns to passenger train services next Easter. A…

Caredig, a community based Housing Association situated in Swansea, have completed a development project transforming former farm land in Trallwn, Swansea, now known as Trallwn Farm Close into new homes. Being community based, Caredig has a clear mission to create strong, vibrant and resilient communities, where people can live active, fulfilling, lives – living independently and safely. The new development adds twelve new homes to their current portfolio andsupports their ambitious programme of delivering 700 affordable, energy efficient homes over the next 10 years. All twelve homes,  both one and two bedroom,  with 4 specifically adapted for disabled users,  have…

Havershed, Pembrokeshire’s newest Men Shed have receives a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to ensure they can run their activities for men in Haverfordwest  Havershed were recently awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to establish a place for men to share skills, socialise, support each other’s health and wellbeing, and carry out projects that benefit the community. Using a grant of £9,470 they will be able to refurb a building in the centre of Haverfordwest to carry out their activities and sessions for men in the area.  Men’s Sheds (or Sheds) are a place to…

Working Wales hosted a special event to recognise the importance of working with partner organisations at the new Careers Wales centre in the YMa building in Pontypridd last week. Opening its doors in July this year, the new careers centre has been welcoming customers for appointments with careers advisers and employability coaches. Hosted on Thursday 26 October, the event brought the Working Wales team together with partner organisations they work with to support the people of Pontypridd and surrounding areas. Those attending were able to network and find out more about Working Wales services and Local Market Information, as well…

A STATE-of-the-art communications upgrade of ambulances in Wales has begun. The £23 million technology refresh will improve the way information is passed between Welsh Ambulance Service control rooms and the frontline crews delivering care to patients.Almost 800 vehicles will undergo the installation of the high-tech Mobile Data Vehicle Solution (MDVS), which includes a new vehicle data router and tablet device. The upgrade is expected to be complete by late spring 2024.   Jonny Sammut, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Director of Digital, said: “Reliable communications technology is vital to keep the wheels turning on our ambulance service.This technology refresh signals a…

A fast-growing Wrexham-based renewable technology business has seen its turnover rocket as it helps businesses across North Wales and the North West go green. Rawson EV, which started three years ago installing electric vehicle charging points for homes and businesses, moved into solar energy last autumn and has seen a huge surge in business. In the past 12 months, they have installed 5,000 solar panels, 4,000 at businesses, and seen their turnover jump from £300,000 in their first year to a projected figure of over £4 million in the current financial year. It’s seen them short-listed for Business of the…

Keen runners looking to take part in a mammoth challenge next year can now sign up to take part in the ABP Newport Wales Marathon. The event will be returning on Sunday 28 April 2024 and entries are now open. For the first time an exciting new half marathon option will be added to the existing marathon and 10K offering. Participants can now sign up for the marathon and half marathon distance, with those registering early able to take advantage of special early-bird pricing. The 10K and junior race entries will launch later this year. Event organisers, Run 4 Wales,…

The UK has retained a top 10 spot in the Mercer CFA Institute’s Global Pension Index. The research includes 47 pension systems covering 64% of the world’s population and benchmarks each system using more than 50 indicators including sub-indices of adequacy, integrity and sustainability. The UK’s pension system has been ranked as the 10th best system in the world, while the Netherlands, Iceland and Denmark took the top three spots. Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, says: “The UK has maintained its position in the top ten of the index. However, this ranking places it mid-table compared to…

Passengers are being urged to check for the latest information before travelling as a number of routes will be closed tomorrow (November 2) due to the impact of Storm Ciaran. There will be no services on the Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury or the Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog on Thursday 2 November. On the Cambrian line an amended timetable will be in place with pre-planned bus replacement services between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth and train services between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury running every two hours instead of hourly. No rail replacement services are available on…

A ‘topping-out’ event has been held as construction of a major new office development in Swansea city centre continues at pace. With construction earmarked for completion in early 2024, the development at 71/72 The Kingsway, once open and operational, will provide space for 600 jobs in sectors like tech, digital and the creative industries. The topping-out event marks the completion of the seven-storey development’s highest structural feature. Located at the former Oceana nightclub site, the 71/72 The Kingsway scheme is being developed by Swansea Council. The development is being part-funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal. Bouygues UK are…