Author: Rhys Gregory

The longest running variety show on television in Europe has clocked up another major milestone – a staggering 10 million views on its YouTube channel. The popular S4C staple, Noson Lawen, celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and in terms of longevity its second only worldwide to a variety series on Brazilian TV, Programa Silvio Santos, which has been broadcast continually since 1963. Over the years Noson Lawen has given a boost to the fledgling careers of some  of Wales’s brightest and biggest stars, including the likes of Katherine Jenkins and  Bryn Terfel. In the early days the programme was…

As part of a recent visit to South Wales, Her Majesty The Queen, met Calan DVS representatives, refuge residents and their children in Brecon. During the visit, Her Majesty The Queen, spent time talking with the refuge staff and residents who have sought a safe space at the refuge. Calan DVS has been at the forefront of providing vital support and sanctuary across South, Mid and West Wales to those affected by domestic violence, offering a safe haven where survivors can rebuild their lives with dignity and empowerment. The visit not only highlighted the essential work carried out by the…

A Wrexham man has been sent to prison for 26 weeks for the neglect and suffering of a number of animals while in breach of a disqualification order. Nicholas John Low, Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Tuesday 18 July. He had previously been found guilty following a trial on Wednesday 7 June of five offences under the Animal Welfare Act. They were that he caused unnecessary suffering to a yellow Labrador – who was found in an emaciated state. Another offence related to two puppies who were found dead. The third was in relation to a…

Wales & West Utilities has this week (Monday 24 June) launched its first Sustainability Strategy, outlining its commitment to sustainability and its role in delivering a net zero energy system. The strategy translates the big idea of sustainability into the actions to be taken across every part of the business and establishes the key priorities for customers, workforce and local communities. Developed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Well-being Goals set out in The Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales), the ambitious strategy has benefited from the input of Wales & West Utilities’ customers and…

A busy first day has set the tone for what is predicted to be a bumper 2023 Royal Welsh Show. Visitors came in their thousands to the pinnacle event of the British agricultural calendar at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. Addressing visitors at this morning’s opening ceremony (Monday 24 July), the 2023 President, Mr John Homfray of Penllyn Estate said how proud he was to be the President of the Society during Glamorgan’s year as Feature County. “For any farmer or indeed any Welsh person, there is no greater honour than to be standing before you representing…

BOLESWORTH Castle is revving up for Britain’s first ever Arenacross Festival. The stunning 6,000-acre estate, in Tattenhall near Chester and Wrexham, will host AXFest over three days from September 15. Organised by Bolesworth’s Managing Director of Events and Arenacross creator Matt Bates, a former Pro Motocross rider, the inaugural celebration is set to welcome more than 10,000 visitors and will serve as a spectacular prelude to the indoor motocross racing season, which begins in January. AXFest will feature three days and two nights of world-class motocross and SuperEnduro racing and Freestyle Motocross displays in the amphitheatre-style International Showjumping Arena, where an epic track will…

Shafiul Mannan readily admits that he was close to ‘going off the rails’ when he was in his teens. But now, the 22-year-old from Newport has a big future ahead of him, having just gained an honours degree in cyber security from the University of South Wales (USW), been crowned a Welsh boxing champion, and is giving up a good deal of his free time as an army reservist. Shaf’s road to a higher education qualification started when he was studying for his A-levels, first at Newport’s John Frost School, and then at Cross Keys College, but it was also…

An additional 2,150 Primary school children in years 5 and 6 are set to receive free school meals in Neath Port Talbot. Children will automatically receive the free school meals directly through their school at the start of term. Parents do not have to apply. However, parents that receive benefits that entitle their child to a free school meal are still being encouraged to register for a free school meal if they haven’t already done so as they may be entitled to a SEG – School Essentials Grant. The scheme is a part of the Welsh Government’s commitment for every…

School lunchtimes have become calmer and more enjoyable says the Headteacher of Neyland Community School, thanks to a new initiative. Round tables have replaced the traditional long tables to encourage communication and relationships, while plates and bowls have replaced the plastic trays. Children set the tables with their cutlery and serve themselves vegetables and side dishes from serving bowls in the middle of the table. Headteacher Clare Hewitt said the aim was to create a social, relaxed and enjoyable lunchtime for the whole school community. “Staff join the pupils for lunch to support with skill development and role modelling, and…

Universal Resource Trading Ltd, trading as UniGreenScheme, is an award-winning asset resale service based in Pontygwindy Industrial Estate in Caerphilly, started by Welsh founder Michael McLeod. The company has been in operation since 2015, originally launching as a student start-up. The company collects, stores, and sells unwanted and redundant laboratory equipment from universities and returns a share of the profits back to the institutions. To date, about £450,000 has been invested back into institutions, with about £3 million saved for institutions in equipment costs. As well as this, by preventing equipment from being sent to waste disposal, UniGreenScheme has also…