Author: Rhys Gregory

With more than eight in ten (84%) saying that spending time with their dog makes them feel more positive, dog owners across the UK will no doubt want to show their canine friends just how much they love them this Valentine’s Day. But while we may want to show our love through big bear-hugs and kisses on the nose, these acts may actually be causing our four-legged companions more stress than joy. Ahead of the big day, the team at Dogs Trust’s Dogs School, which runs classes across South Wales, gives their top tips for showing your dog just how…

This February half term, there’s plenty to see and do with all the family at the special places in National Trust Cymru’s care.   Discover and explore trails in gardens, estates and historic buildings near you with a day out for the whole family.  Enjoy time outdoors together in nature, spotting snowdrops, or squirrels, or the first signs of winter melting into spring in estates and gardens across Wales. Or head indoors to keep warm during the colder season with storytelling, puppet making, and much more.   South Wales  Dinefwr, Llandeilo  Visit the magnificent Newton House at Dinefwr for creative, fun half…

A Cardiff-based entrepreneur is ready to take the UK by storm, going all out to launch two sensational alcoholic tipples into the mainstream drinks market, having battled through all the challenges posed by Covid-19, to bring his product to fruition. Harry Hewett spent the pre-Christmas period at various markets and events around South Wales, promoting a unique spirit and liqueur that has no equal in the UK, either in terms of taste or back-story. After this soft launch activity, he is ready to go big. The product he has passionately steered through all the ups and downs of the past…

Entries are now coming in for the Montgomery Canal Triathlon on Saturday 20 May 2023. This popular event is organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and brings entrants from across the country to cycle, canoe and run or hike along the canal from Newtown, mid-Wales, into Shropshire. The Triathlon starts at Hafan Yr Afon, Open Newtown’s riverside venue in Newtown, with a 12-mile cycling section to Belan Locks, south of Welshpool. This section will include five road crossings where the canal was blocked after it was closed. Then there will be 5½ miles by canoe through Welshpool passing…

Popular UK bar and restaurant company Loungers is opening a new venue in the Neath Leisure Centre and Library complex which has just opened to the public in Neath’s town centre. Known as Cadno Lounge, the new outlet in Fairfield Way will be one of more than 200 sites operated by Loungers in England and Wales across two distinct but complementary brands, Lounge and Cosy Club. Cadno Lounge will serve a wide range of meals from tapas and salads to burgers and mac ‘n cheese, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options also on offer. There will also be a…

Important flood alleviation work will get underway at two separate locations in Rhydyfelin, to reduce the risk of flooding in heavy rainfall – and both schemes are benefitting from significant Welsh Government funding. The works at Masefield Way and a nearby section of Bryn Tail Road start on Monday, February 13.The schemes will take place away from the highway, requiring no traffic management and causing minimal disruption locally. The Council has appointed Calibre Contracting Ltd to deliver each scheme on site. Seven weeks of work at Bryn Tail Road will install a structure that will help better control the flow of…

A new attractive market development in the heart of Caerphilly town centre has moved a step closer to reality today, as the County Council confirm that planning permission has been granted. The new market will provide 28 small-scale units and space for additional ‘pop-up’ market traders. The site will also house an external events venue to further enhance the visitor attractions on offer within the town centre. The site is due to open in September 2023. The plans form part of a wider regeneration blueprint for the town, with funding support from Welsh Government’s Transforming Town’s initiative. Within this plan…

Thanks to funding of £134,000 from Caerphilly County Borough Council and £269,902 from Welsh Government’s Capital Transformation fund, Rhymney Library is set to receive an exciting refurbishment. Improvements include refurnishing and modernising both floors of the library; creating an innovative education, reading and support hub for residents, Council staff and partner organisations. Many features of the new design were taken from a Community Voice survey carried out with the local community. The ground floor of the library will focus as the main book lending space for children, young people and adults.  It will also feature a new seating area for…

Blaenau Gwent Council has welcomed an Estyn report into its education services which shows that the authority has made good progress since its last inspection and that important areas for improvement have been addressed. Estyn carried out their inspection over several days in late November/early December, and engaged with schools, children and young people, parents and other key stakeholders. The final report recognised a strong commitment to education by senior officers and councillors; good planning to ensure the educational needs of all learners are met; the growth of Welsh medium education and, pleasingly, the council’s work to support vulnerable learners…

The Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has launched a £5m Brilliant Basics tourism fund for 2023-2025. Brilliant Basics is a capital fund to deliver small-scale tourism infrastructure improvements across Wales and is aimed at public, third sector and not for profit organisations. Previous projects funded by Brilliant Basics have included electric vehicle charging points, improved toilet and car parking facilities, accessible changing places facilities and improved signage and interpretation panels. Brilliant Basics will also support projects that improve accessibility at sites and those  that make their destinations more environmentally sustainable. 2023 is Wales’ Year of Trails which…