Author: Rhys Gregory

On the eve of Welsh Referee Cheryl Foster’s World Cup debut on Monday July 24, the Football Association of Wales launched its referee academy for women and girls. Through FIFA funding, the Adran Leagues Referee Academy is a targeted programme that will recruit and develop referees to effectively service the rapidly growing women’s game with match officials. The Adran U19s league will be utilised as a development platform for referees as well as players. Over 100 women and girls have signed up to the induction workshops so far. With only 50 women referees in the whole of Wales it highlights…

A Swansea University-led study revealed breastfeeding rates in Wales increased during the pandemic. The research, which included all women in Wales who gave birth between 2018 and 2021, found that breastfeeding rates at six months were higher during Covid compared to the pre-pandemic period – with rates increasing from 16.6 per cent before the pandemic to 20.5 per cent in 2020. The study also found a strong correlation between a mother’s intention to breastfeed and the likelihood of exclusively breastfeeding for six months. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. …

Some school children felt that their Welsh-language skills were “on pause” during the COVID pandemic, according to research by Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities. The research explored the experiences of learners in Welsh-medium education who were from non-Welsh speaking families, and the perceptions of their parents during the public health emergency, particularly in the transition from primary to secondary school. As part of the study, pupils and their families were interviewed about their experiences of home learning during COVID. The research was supported by the Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, which is funded by Health and Care Research Wales on behalf of…

Jellyfish Business Solutions, a trusted provider of comprehensive IT, telecoms, and managed print services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rhys Clark to its Business Development Team.  With 14 years of industry experience across various sectors, Clark’s wealth of knowledge and expertise is expected to boost Jellyfish’s client-focused services and help continue the rapid growth of the firm. “We are delighted to welcome Rhys to the Jellyfish team,” said sales director Jack Walsh. “His extensive background in print supplies, managed print, and more recently in telecoms and IT services, aligns perfectly with our service portfolio, and we’re confident he’ll…

Prominent Cardiff estate agent Thomas H Wood has been announced as the lead partner of Radyr Lawn Tennis Club for 2023 and into next year. The family run sales and letting agent, which has a showroom on Station Road in Radyr, will support its local club financially as well as providing prizes for fundraising events throughout the year. Radyr Lawn Tennis Club was established in 1914 and aims to provide the local community with top-class tennis and social facilities which promotes and encourages participation in tennis for everyone. The site is made up of 10 courts which includes a mix…

Savills, on behalf of MVJ Capital, has completed the sale of In ‘N’ Out Centres, Drive Thru MOT and Servicing Centre in Cardiff to a private property company for £1.35m. The sale price represents a net initial yield of 6.80%. The 3,682 sq ft property comprises a steel framed modern construction arranged on the ground floor providing a reception area, glazed customer lounge and 5 car servicing bays. The site has 27 car parking spaces, which are suitable for further development. In ‘n’ out is situated on Cowbridge Road West (A48) in Culverhouse Cross, 8 miles west of the city…

Equipmake is partnering with local bus service provider, Newport Transport, in a fleet deal that will see eight of the operator’s double deck buses repowered with Equipmake’s state-of-the-art electric drivetrain technology. Operating throughout the city and surrounding areas of Newport, South Wales, this innovative transport operator is committed to environmentally sustainable local transport, currently operating 49 electric buses and coaches in fleet, further building on this with an Equipmake partnership which will electrify ICE buses for use on school and city routes. The eight buses scheduled for repowering consist of five diesel ADL E400s and three hybrid Volvo B5LHs with…

They say everyone has a story to tell. Well, Cardiff Council’s Child-Friendly team has created nine trails that prove some of the city’s most fascinating areas have amazing stories all of their own. Each of the story trails is a unique adventure and presents an exciting, fun-filled way for families to explore our beautiful city. They take you from the bustling and historic Cardiff Bay to the serene surroundings of Bute Park, from the lush Forest Farm to the ancient and mystic Caerau Fort and even more amazing locations in between. Every path is not just a trail, but a…

Shakespeare comedy Twelfth Night is due to play in the grounds of Oystermouth Castle on Wednesday, August 9. The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, adapted from stories by Beatrix Potter, will be performed at the same venue the following day. Both are being organised by Swansea Council. Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “We’re looking forward to the outdoor theatre returning to Oystermouth Castle, with those attending having the opportunity to make the most of Mumbles’ many excellent restaurants, bars, shops and ice cream parlours.” Twelfth Night is presented by Immersion Theatre who stage shows across the UK. The…

Swansea Council is investing an additional £250,000 in supporting projects to provide food for children and young people during this summer’s school holidays. The extra cash will help provide around 50,000 extra meals to children in Swansea at risk of going without. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Welsh Government introduced temporary payments during the school holidays to families receiving free school meals, but these have now ended. To help support families, the council is funding projects that offer breakfast and lunch clubs as well as other food initiatives such as meals, food bags and vouchers. Existing foodbanks can…