Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales & West Utilities has this week (Monday 24 June) launched its first Sustainability Strategy, outlining its commitment to sustainability and its role in delivering a net zero energy system. The strategy translates the big idea of sustainability into the actions to be taken across every part of the business and establishes the key priorities for customers, workforce and local communities. Developed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Well-being Goals set out in The Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales), the ambitious strategy has benefited from the input of Wales & West Utilities’ customers and…

A busy first day has set the tone for what is predicted to be a bumper 2023 Royal Welsh Show. Visitors came in their thousands to the pinnacle event of the British agricultural calendar at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. Addressing visitors at this morning’s opening ceremony (Monday 24 July), the 2023 President, Mr John Homfray of Penllyn Estate said how proud he was to be the President of the Society during Glamorgan’s year as Feature County. “For any farmer or indeed any Welsh person, there is no greater honour than to be standing before you representing…

BOLESWORTH Castle is revving up for Britain’s first ever Arenacross Festival. The stunning 6,000-acre estate, in Tattenhall near Chester and Wrexham, will host AXFest over three days from September 15. Organised by Bolesworth’s Managing Director of Events and Arenacross creator Matt Bates, a former Pro Motocross rider, the inaugural celebration is set to welcome more than 10,000 visitors and will serve as a spectacular prelude to the indoor motocross racing season, which begins in January. AXFest will feature three days and two nights of world-class motocross and SuperEnduro racing and Freestyle Motocross displays in the amphitheatre-style International Showjumping Arena, where an epic track will…

Shafiul Mannan readily admits that he was close to ‘going off the rails’ when he was in his teens. But now, the 22-year-old from Newport has a big future ahead of him, having just gained an honours degree in cyber security from the University of South Wales (USW), been crowned a Welsh boxing champion, and is giving up a good deal of his free time as an army reservist. Shaf’s road to a higher education qualification started when he was studying for his A-levels, first at Newport’s John Frost School, and then at Cross Keys College, but it was also…

An additional 2,150 Primary school children in years 5 and 6 are set to receive free school meals in Neath Port Talbot. Children will automatically receive the free school meals directly through their school at the start of term. Parents do not have to apply. However, parents that receive benefits that entitle their child to a free school meal are still being encouraged to register for a free school meal if they haven’t already done so as they may be entitled to a SEG – School Essentials Grant. The scheme is a part of the Welsh Government’s commitment for every…

School lunchtimes have become calmer and more enjoyable says the Headteacher of Neyland Community School, thanks to a new initiative. Round tables have replaced the traditional long tables to encourage communication and relationships, while plates and bowls have replaced the plastic trays. Children set the tables with their cutlery and serve themselves vegetables and side dishes from serving bowls in the middle of the table. Headteacher Clare Hewitt said the aim was to create a social, relaxed and enjoyable lunchtime for the whole school community. “Staff join the pupils for lunch to support with skill development and role modelling, and…

Universal Resource Trading Ltd, trading as UniGreenScheme, is an award-winning asset resale service based in Pontygwindy Industrial Estate in Caerphilly, started by Welsh founder Michael McLeod. The company has been in operation since 2015, originally launching as a student start-up. The company collects, stores, and sells unwanted and redundant laboratory equipment from universities and returns a share of the profits back to the institutions. To date, about £450,000 has been invested back into institutions, with about £3 million saved for institutions in equipment costs. As well as this, by preventing equipment from being sent to waste disposal, UniGreenScheme has also…

Ty’n Y Wern Primary School, already the recipients of the ‘Active Journeys Silver Award’, have now been awarded with the gold title. The school is only the third school in Wales and the first school in Caerphilly to receive this prestigious award. It recognises and celebrates the commitment and dedication of the children, teachers, and parents to active travel to creating a happier and healthier community. Since Ty’n Y Wern Primary School began their journey as an Active Journeys School in September 2019, they have worked hard to encourage as many children as possible to choose an active journey to…

Keep Wales Tidy recently announced that Parc Taf Bargoed has again been awarded Green Flag status – its 12th consecutive year since it was originally given the prestigious award in 2011. It is joined by Cyfarthfa Park, Aberfan Cemetery and Thomastown Park, as well as thirteen community projects, in recognition of their environmental efforts, excellent visitor facilities, and community involvement. Councillor David Hughes, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Attaining the Green Flag for our parks and cemetery is a truly wonderful accomplishment, and testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers who have created these green…

A project aimed to improve maths confidence is underway across Powys libraries, the county council has said. Powys Library Service is now offering Number Up, a project which aims to grow maths confidence in parents and carers, helping to improve their numeracy skills and ignite a passion for maths throughout the family. Number Up will be offering a variety of learning opportunities for free, from bitesize maths courses to formal qualifications that can open doors to new job opportunities or further education. Courses can be accessed online or in person, with library users able to borrow an iPad or laptop…