Author: Rhys Gregory

The founder of a popular Mid Wales chocolate school is inviting local tourism and hospitality businesses to visit on March 22 to make and sample chocolate in its first familiarisation event since moving to new premises in Llanidloes last year.Owner of Coco Pzazz and Coco Live, Lori Whinn, said: “We are looking forward to meeting businesses and introducing them to our Coco Pzazz chocolate and events at Coco Live. “We encourage them to please come along to find out more about us, taste our range and also make some chocolate to take home with them. “It’s just the sort of…

An organisation that represents independent work-based learning providers across Wales has pledged to work collaboratively to shape and deliver inspiring vocational qualifications that benefit learners and employers and support economic growth. Launching its strategic plan for the next three years at an event held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Tuesday (March 7), the National Training Federation of Wales (NTFW) set out five strategic priorities. A lunchtime reception for Members of the Senedd was held earlier in the day. At the heart of the plan, ‘Developing the future workforce of Wales’, is the NTFW’s long held mission to achieve…

A pet hamster was abandoned in his cage after he was left amongst bags of household rubbish which were due to be picked up by refuse collectors the following day. The unwanted tan and white pet had been left in his enclosure at Penllyn, Cwmavon near Port Talbot, alongside bags of general waste. Luckily a member of the public noticed him moving around inside and contacted the RSPCA. Several messages had been scribbled on the base of the cage in black pen including ‘name Harry’ ‘pick me up’ ‘I like food’ and ‘do not destroy.’ RSPCA animal rescue officer Paula…

Lymphoma Action is hosting a webinar about chemotherapy on Tuesday 28 March from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Readers affected by lymphoma may be interested and can register to join this free event if they go to www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/ChemoWebinar1. The panel will include two healthcare professionals and a Lymphoma Action chair. This webinar will focus on the technical details of chemotherapy, and will be followed by a webinar on experiences of chemotherapy in April. Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for many people with lymphoma. For some, this treatment might start within a short time of diagnosis, and it can feel like a…

A couple from Newport has praised the support they have received in helping them back into work following funding from the Welsh Government. Shane Lock and Corrina Lewis from Newport are encouraging more adults to seek support after they both received funding and advice following a change in their work circumstances. Shane Lock, 35, previously worked in warehousing and hospitality before landing his new role as a Health and Safety Compliance Officer thanks to a fully funded training course. He contacted Working Wales, an all-age careers advice service funded by the Welsh Government and run by Careers Wales, after hearing…

HALF the homes on the fifth phase of Rhyl’s Parc Aberkinsey development have been sold, less than a year on from its launch. The latest phase of Anwyl Homes’ hugely popular venture, off Dyserth Road, will eventually feature just over 100 homes in total, in a choice of one to five-bedroom designs. Graeme Gibb, sales director for Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, said: “We’ve averaged around one house sale per week on phase five at Parc Aberkinsey. It’s a phenomenal sales rate and reflects just what a popular location this is to live in. Of those reservations, we’ve already…

B Fit Personal Training has revealed an ambitious growth strategy, following the acquisition of a regional competitor in a deal advised on by the GS Verde Group. Founded by serial entrepreneur Kev Foley, an expert business owner and coach with over 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry, B Fit has developed a specialist focus on personal training for people aged 40+. The acquisition of Fithub30, which follows the B Fit Group’s growth in Bristol through the purchase of Empowered Fitness, is another leap forward on the business’ scale-up strategy. Said Kev: “At the core of B Fit is the…

Team GB and Persimmon Homes have today launched Get Set to Build a Community, a cross-curricular challenge to support the development of employability, teamwork and decision making skills in students aged 11 – 14 across Wales in the run up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Originally created as the official education programme for London 2012, Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s youth engagement programme Get Set now offers a broad programme of free, cross-curricular resources and activities for schools and community groups. Get Set to Build a Community tasks students with planning, designing, building and marketing a community-focussed housing development with…

A dad who lost his leg in a road crash can carry his baby son without fear of falling after being fitted with a high-tech artificial limb. Richard Jones owes his life to a passing stranger, air ambulance medics and surgeons at Morriston Hospital after suffering critical injuries when the truck he was driving left the road three years ago. Although surgeons were able to save his left leg they had no choice but to amputate the right above the knee. Eventually, Richard was fitted with an artificial leg. But occasionally it would bend when he put his weight on…

The New Theatre have announced Birds of a Feather legend Lesley Joseph will lead the cast in this year’s GIANT family pantomime, Jac and the Beanstalk, as The Spirit of the Beans from Saturday 9 December 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024. Alongside Lesley will be panto Dame extraordinaire Mike Doyle, who returns for a tenth consecutive year after a triumphant season last Christmas appearing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Lesley Joseph celebrates a career which has seen her appear on stage in dramas, musicals, and revues in the West End and across the UK and on every…