Author: Rhys Gregory

Outstanding contributions from volunteers, charity champions, and other pillars of local neighbourhoods in Bridgend County Borough were all recognised as winners in this year’s Mayor’s Citizenship Awards. The awards, organised by Bridgend County Borough Council, recognise the outstanding achievements by local residents who have put their community on the map, or regularly go the extra mile to make a difference. Amongst the full list of winners was a teacher from Cefn Glas Infants School, the chair of a baby loss support group as well as vital community organisations such as the Ogmore Valley Suicide Awareness Group and the Newton Buoyant…

The transformation of a Cardiff allotment site, that two years ago was almost completely hidden behind a wall of brambles and is now home to newly created ‘starter gardens,’ accessible plots, a community garden, orchard, and education space, has won a ‘Community Transformation’ award. Back in 2021, plot holders at Pengam Pavilion allotments on Rover Way took it upon themselves to clear an area of the site that had become so overgrown with brambles that according to allotment association member John Cook, as he points to a large oak tree standing tall amongst 21 newly created ‘starter gardens’ designed to…

A special meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet has approved the next steps in establishing the newly approved Celtic Freeport which aims to generate billions of pounds in new inward investment creating 16,000 high quality, green jobs in south west Wales. The next steps include creating a company to run the Freeport and setting up the decision making arrangement for investing the public funds provided by the governments to achieve the Freeport objectives. The council will also enter into a memorandum of understanding with Celtic Freeport partners Associated British Ports, The Port of Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire Council. It…

A new exhibition has opened at the Riverside Gallery, Haverfordwest that celebrates the artists of Pembrokeshire, and how its landscape, people and light have inspired them. The Pembrokeshire Artists exhibition includes works by renowned early twentieth century artists such as Gwen and Augustus John and more contemporary artists such as David Tress and Claudia Williams. It brings together a diverse mix of works by local artists, or those with connections with this picturesque county. Presented through three main themes of seascapes and coastlines, urban settings and portraits, the Pembrokeshire Artists exhibition showcases items from the works on paper collection at…

Newport City Council’s cabinet has approved a strategic plan for Pillgwenlly that was drawn up following extensive consultation with residents and businesses. The Pillgwenlly masterplan was commissioned through the One Newport partnership, which includes the council, in response to the challenges faced by the community. One Newport approved the final report, and its recommendations, before asking each partner organisation to also support the document and its aim to build on “what is strong, not wrong.” Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: “Pill is vibrant, diverse and has a strong sense of community but residents and businesses also…

Residents may notice site activity from next week to carry out river wall repairs beneath Hopkinstown Road – which is anticipated to cause minimal disruption locally. The scheme, near the footbridge leading to the cricket field, will include vegetation clearance from behind the walls and the removal of brick, masonry and concrete rubble. Collapsed sections of the structure will be dismantled, cleared and then rebuilt using reclaimed stone where possible – while remaining sections of the wall will be repointed. Contractor Hammonds Ltd will carry out the works from Monday, May 15, lasting around 15 weeks in total. Most of…

Technology plays a key role in the way businesses work. New developments and tools are always behind the corner, and you need to keep up with the latest trends to stay competitive. However, it should be more about quality rather than quantity when it comes to tech solutions in business. Depending on the nature of your business, you might need to provide your employees with computers, laptops, tablets, or even phones. Whether you’re a small business or have an extensive team of employees, buying all the new gadgets might become very expensive and make a significant dent in your finances. Here are…

A builder from Milford Haven whose ticket matched all five main numbers in The National Lottery’s Set For Life draw on 27 March 2023, has won an amazing £10,000 every month for one year. Having discovered his win, the lucky man, Paul Bevans (50), wasted no time in celebrating in style, shouting his workmates a round of bacon rolls! Paul’s winning journey began earlier that morning when he checked his Set For Life ticket on the National Lottery app, he said: “I know my mates will laugh when they hear this but, whenever I check my tickets on the app,…

A popular independent antiques dealership in Mydroilyn near Aberaeron in Ceredigion has turned to social media to help improve its customer service thanks to Openreach’s Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband. Husband and wife Jonathon and Yvonne Holder have been running ‘Welsh Vernacular Antiques’, from their rural Ceredigion village for nearly 25 years.  Split between two sites the online business is run from their home in Mydroilyn while their period showroom, which holds the country’s largest collections of Welsh antiques and quality country furniture, can be found 10 miles away in Pontsaeson near Llanon.  Given their rural location the majority of  business…

s your dog a golden oldie or the best rescue? If so, your pet pooch could be a winner at a dog show taking place to raise funds for RSPCA Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre. The Upper Colwyn Bay animal centre is holding its annual dog show on Sunday 21 May between 11am and 3pm and promises to be a fun-filled day with you and your pooch. As well as a dog show with classes for all ages, there will be rescue dog of the year, raffle, tombola, bargain pre loved pet goods, along with with VIP tours of the cattery and…