Author: Rhys Gregory

A famous radio broadcast by poet Dylan Thomas about Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is being recreated to mark its 70th anniversary. The reading from actor, writer and director Celyn Jones will form the centrepiece of a mini programme of events to celebrate the literary magician’s 15-minute masterpiece on the BBC’s Home Service when he visited in 1953. The vivid verbal images conjured an enchanting and unforgettable picture from the unique event and was delivered in his deep, resonant voice. But it’s been revealed that the historic broadcast very nearly didn’t happen because at one point Thomas lost his notes on…

The Football Association of Wales is pleased to announce the appointment of three Independent Non-executive Directors to its Board following their confirmation at a meeting of the FAW Shareholders on Monday, 12 June. The FAW is delighted to announce Alys Carlton as the new Independent Chair, with Sameer Rahman and Dr Carol Bell as Independent Non-executive Directors, all of whom bring a variety of experience and specialist knowledge to the Board. Outgoing Chair, Steve Dalton OBE, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been at the FAW for 7 years and privileged that 4 of those have been as Chair. As…

Tickets are now on sale for Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales. Preparations are coming together well for what is set to be a fantastic two days of livestock, competitions, attractions and much more. General entry tickets for the show, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, 16 & 17 August, are now available at an ‘early birds’ rate online from the website. Adults £13, children £8 (5-16 years) under 4 years and under are free. At the event in August visitors will be able to enjoy listening to the all-day entertainment from the music stage, tickle…

Major plans aimed at helping Swansea reach its net zero city target by 2050 are picking up pace. Expansion proposals are already being explored for a Swansea Council-run solar farm due for construction on land at the former Tir John landfill site in Port Tennant. Under recently approved plans, the 11-hectare solar farm would be made up of 5,500 solar panels that would combine to generate 3MW of green energy a year. It’ll be located on land that’s been capped and grassed over since Tir John was closed as a landfill site. Subject to approval in future though, expansion proposals…

A group of students from Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science is visiting South Africa to learn more about the importance of the profession in wildlife conservation and social justice. As part of their ‘One Health’ visit this month (14 – 27 June 2023), the undergraduates will visit two research centres in the Kruger National Park and the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science. Among the exotic animals they will encounter are giraffes, hippos and the endangered white rhinoceros. The students will learn about a wide range of wildlife research and conservation, including rhino dehorning, TB testing of buffalo, vulture…

Thousands of people flocking to the annual Pride Cymru Parade are getting helpful travel advice from Cardiff Bus.  The operator is alerting customers and attendees to road closures and route diversions ahead of the hugely successful event set to take place in Cardiff on the weekend.  The annual Pride Parade will take place on Saturday 17th June where thousands of people are expected to fill the capital’s streets and celebrate LGBTQ+ communities across Wales.  Summary of road closures: Castle Street, outside Cardiff Castle will be closed all day.  Cardiff Bridge will be closed between 10.00 and 13.30.  Some of the city centre…

The restoration stage of the Old College project is set to get underway as work begins on the building’s stonework, windows and storm-damaged roof. As the project progresses, funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund means the project is to be extended to include the adjoining Cambria building. Over the coming weeks, extensive scaffolding will be erected along the prom-facing side of the Old College to facilitate the work, as the team aim to make the building water-tight before winter. The start of restoration marks an important milestone in the ambitious project to redevelop the Old College, the home…

Residents across Bridgend County Borough are invited to attend a celebratory event in support of the Armed Forces community, on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 24 June. The event will take place on Wyndham Street and Dunraven Place in Bridgend town centre and will feature a parade in honour of the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops and service families to cadets and veterans. The South Wales Police Band will lead the parade from Carnegie House at 11am and the event will close with a Drumhead Service at 1.45pm. Military vehicles, musical entertainment,…

More than 32,000 jobs and 26,400 new homes could be delivered in Cardiff by 2036 if Cardiff Council agrees its ‘Preferred Strategy’ for the Replacement Local Development Plan (RDLP). The Council’s Cabinet will take a report on the RDLP at its meeting on Thursday, June 22. In it, Cabinet is recommended to consult on a “Preferred Strategy” which proposes a 1% annual growth rate for housing each year up until 2036. If approved, the report will then go to Full Council on June 29 for consideration. The report and associated documents make clear that all of the 26,400 homes required…

Swansea Council is behind the festival, due to take place from June 15-19, featuring world-class artists and diverse jazz styles. Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The festival promises to be an exceptional celebration of talent, creativity and the power of jazz.” Concert series: Hoop – a top class seven-piece band that blends funk, rock, and jazz. June 15, 8pm, The Garage, Uplands. Laurence Cottle All Star Big Band – Laurence is one of the UK’s leading jazz musicians and musical arrangers. June 16, 8pm, Dylan Thomas Theatre. Daniel John Martin’s Gypsy Jazz Quartet – Paris-based Daniel John Martin is…