Author: Rhys Gregory

Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, has chosen Cardigan sculptor Paul Clarke to create an ambitious new public art installation at their most recent woodland acquisition in Neath, South Wales. The £30k artistic feature will form part of a £2.2m project at Brynau, the largest woodland creation project ever to be undertaken by the charity in Wales. Aberporth-based sculptor Paul Clarke, who in his own words has “lived almost 50 years in Wales surrounded by woods, farming countryside and the sea,” had his unique and ambitious design chosen by a panel of seven Coed Cadw staff and volunteers. His…

More than four in 10 people do not know how to access financial support and advice to help combat the rising cost of living, a new survey suggests. The results come as the Welsh Government launches its awareness campaign to encourage people to check their eligibility for further financial support and advice this winter. The Welsh Government has pledged £90 million to address immediate pressures on living costs in Wales, including its Welsh Fuel Support Scheme which means 400,000 households can claim a one-off £200 payment towards keeping their homes warm. Ministers are now encouraging the public to ‘claim what’s…

With Hollywood backing from superstar Matthew Rhys, a community project has smashed its target of £250,000 and saved the historic Glan yr Arfon pub in Pennal, Machynlleth just in time for Christmas. The village of Pennal played a key part in Welsh history in the 15th century with the then Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndŵr, and the funding will mean the community can continue with their plans of running the pub and restaurant, with a café and community hub, and look at further development plans for a hotel. Chairman of the Menter Y Glan management committee, Meirion Roberts, would like…

A POP-UP retail project moved to bigger premises and is supporting more businesses than ever following a successful first year. The Antur Cymru Trading Space in Aberystwyth has relocated to the former post office on Great Darkgate Street and can now host up to 20 independent sellers. Part of the innovative New Skills New Start programme – a UK Government initiative funded via the UK Community Renewal Fund, led by Ceredigion Council – the site is already proving popular with customers and held a bustling Christmas market over the weekend following an event to celebrate progress over the last 12 months. Project…

Aberaeron Swimming Pool will close from 09 January 2023 for 6-8 weeks in order to carry out renovations. Ceredigion County Council have secured a Sport Wales Capital Grant of £200,000 from the Welsh Government to fund the renovation at Aberaeron Swimming Pool. The Swimming Pool will be upgraded with Pool Plant Equipment and new lighting which will reduce energy costs and support its future sustainability. John Gwynne-Hughes, Chairman of Aberaeron Swimming Pool Committee, said: “The swimming pool committee are delighted to announce that we have received a grant from Sports Wales to carry out much needed works to the pool…

A pioneering student project to encourage people to reduce food waste has received funding for further development from the British Academy. Led by Aberystwyth University English and Creative Writing graduate Ellena Jenks, ‘A Taste for Change’ will explore how local consumers could be educated, encouraged and enabled to make sustainable food choices. The work will see the development of a social media and poster campaign, as well as local events and activism, to raise awareness of the environmental impact of food waste, and promote ways that individuals can reduce waste. The project will liaise with local stakeholders in Aberystwyth, such…

An offer from the Academy Music Group Limited (AMG) to take over the running of St David’s Hall as the National Concert Hall of Wales, via a long-term lease has been approved in principle by Cardiff Council Cabinet. The plan to safeguard the future of St David’s Hall could see much-needed repairs and refurbishment works worth millions carried out on the building, and a revitalised events programme designed to safeguard the classical music repertoire, while also bringing some of the most celebrated rock and pop artists to perform in Cardiff. A report to Cardiff Council’s Cabinet reveals that the Hall…

Small grants are now available to community groups and charities that develop safe spaces and events for diverse communities in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. The Western Bay Community Cohesion Team has received Welsh Government funding to establish a small grant fund. The team is particularly keen to hear from groups that have faced barriers to funding in the past and may need more support in their development. Grants can be up to £1,500 with the closing date for submissions December 28. To apply visit: www.swansea.gov.uk/communitycohesionfund Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Well-being, Alyson Pugh, said: “These grants are aimed at…

Neath Port Talbot Council has launched a new online directory of public spaces and buildings which people can use to keep warm during the winter. The NPT Warm Spaces Directory enables people to find their nearest library, community centre, church hall or any other registered place that is offering a welcoming space for people to stay warm and safe. It includes information on opening times and what sort of services are available such as Wi-Fi access, toilet facilities, activities, and refreshments. Councillor Simon Knoyle, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, said: “We know that…

A Pembrokeshire Secondary School has been named best in Wales in a prestigious annual national list. Welsh medium Ysgol Bro Preseli, in Crymych, has been named the top performing school in Wales in the ‘Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2022’. It is now ranked as the 105th best performing school in the UK league table with this year’s guide using the first post-Covid set of exam results for state and independent secondary schools. Ysgol Bro Preseli Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said: “This is fantastic news for everyone associated with Ysgol Bro Preseli. To be ranked the top Welsh State…