Author: Rhys Gregory

The talents of Wales’s food and drink processing and manufacturing businesses were recognised last week (Thursday 19 January) at the Lantra Cymru Awards 2022 at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. The Lantra Cymru Wales awards recognise the initiatives, skills and enthusiasm of individuals pursuing careers within the environmental, land-based and food manufacturing sectors. For the second consecutive year the Food Skills Cymru programme held awards to acknowledge businesses in the food and drink manufacturing and processing industry that have undertaken training over the last three years, investing in their employees and upskilling their staff  with a defined  range of training…

Over 60 swimmers plunged into a freezing pool at Lido Ponty on the weekend (Saturday 21st January) to take part in a challenge and raise funds to help people experiencing homelessness. The swimmers were taking part in an Icebreaker challenge event for national homelessness charity Crisis at the National Lido of Wales – Lido Ponty in Pontypridd. While the pool is usually heated, the heaters were off for the challenge and the temperature was just 14°C as they entered the water, many wearing fancy dress! Ashella Lewis, Director of Crisis Skylight South Wales, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took…

AN ESTEEMED surgeon has launched a new private vascular health clinic. L&P Vascular will be based in Rossett, between Wrexham and Chester, and offer consultation and surgical procedures for people with conditions that affect the arteries, veins, and the lymphatic system, including varicose veins. With more than 30 years’ experience in the UK and Hungarian health services, director Laszlo Papp is a well-known name in the sector having obtained the European Qualification in Vascular Surgery (FEBVS) two decades ago. He is also one of only 12 Professors of Vascular Surgery in Europe to hold a Gold Examiner award from the…

A leading expert on the relationship between dialogue and knowledge exchange has taken up her role as Principal Lead of Aberystwyth University’s new Dialogue Centre. Dr Jennifer Wolowic joins the University from Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue and Public Square in Vancouver, Canada, where she led projects related to democracy, public engagement and culture. Throughout her career, Dr Wolowic has been involved in interdisciplinary applied research and will bring that experience to bear as she heads up the new Dialogue Centre, which is part of the Department of Research, Business & Innovation. Launched in November 2022, the aim of…

Drone footage of Neath’s new Town Centre leisure centre due to open at the end of this month gives a breathtaking fly-through of the completed multi-million pound project. The development has delivered a major leisure, wellbeing, shopping and learning zone for Neath’s town centre. It is due to open on January 30th, 2023. The striking town centre building features a six-lane 25m swimming pool with associated learner pool, two group exercise studios, a 100-station gym, a health suite, retail floorspace, child care facilities a café and a modern library. The new library (opening on February 1st, 2023) will have 30,000…

Visitors to Caerphilly castle and the surrounding area are being reminded to take care following confirmed cases of Avian Influenza among dead birds found at the site. A number of dead swans and geese were found on land around Caerphilly Castle before Christmas. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA – part of DEFRA) carried out testing as part of their Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance programme and have confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza. APHA work closely with Public Health Wales to monitor public health risks related to avian influenza and their advice remains that the risk to the…

World leading soft drinks company Britvic has renewed its partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union until 2027. As an official supplier to the Home Union, the drinks distributer has supplied Principality Stadium with beverages from its own leading brand portfolio including Fruit Shoot, Robinsons, Tango, J2O, London Essence, with PepsiCo brands such as Pepsi, 7UP and Lipton Ice Tea since 2018. Benjamin Griffiths, Director of Foodservice & Catering says, “We’re delighted to continue our sponsorship with the WRU.  We know that brands such as Pepsi MAX, Tango, and the London Essence Company’s premium tonics are the perfect fit for visitors…

The first ‘Big Bocs Bwyd’ scheme in Blaenau Gwent was officially launched at Willowtown Primary School in Ebbw Vale this week. The scheme, which is a modified shipping container turned into a school shop, means children and families at the school, as well as members of the local community, will be provided with food items and only asked to pay what they can afford. They will also be supported with authentic learning experiences through growing and cooking food. Currently, the shop will open on a Monday and Wednesday, with plans to hopefully extend this. Schemes like Big Bocs Bwyd can…

The proposed precept for Dyfed Powys Police will be put under scrutiny at the first meeting of the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel in 2023. Panel members will meet on January 27 to discuss the precept and challenge Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn on his budget plans for the coming year. The panel, made up of members nominated by the four councils in the force area plus two independent members, has the power to approve or veto the proposed police precept. Local policing is funded from a Home Office grant, as well as contributions from the public via…

Once completed, this will become a meeting point for different modes of transport, creating a hub for sustainable forms of travel. Adjoining the Council’s Grade II listed Docks Office building, the project is being delivered in partnership with the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) and Welsh Government. It will connect train, bus, cycle and taxi services as well as offering close by park and ride facilities. Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “This is an ambitious, forward-thinking project, originally identified in the Local Development Plan, that can help make sustainable travel more comfortable, convenient, and appealing. “Linking…