Author: Rhys Gregory

A team of senior education officers will work with a Powys secondary school following a disappointing Estyn inspection, the county council has confirmed. Officers from Powys County Council, including school improvement officers, will support Brecon High School after it was placed in ‘special measures’ by Estyn following a recent inspection. Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “Today I share the disappointment that everyone associated with the school is experiencing. “The school’s senior leadership team know the steps that need to be taken to secure the necessary improvements and they have already started work…

Councils across Wales will receive an increase in their funding next year. The Welsh Government has today published its provisional local government settlement for 2023 to 2024. Core revenue funding for local government will increase by 7.9% on a like-for-like basis, compared to the current year. No local authority will receive less than an 6.5% increase. Social care, education and other key services provided by local authorities will be backed with £5.5 billion in Welsh Government Revenue Support Grant and non-domestic rates. The settlement reflects the government’s commitment to support key front-line services and protect the vulnerable and includes funding…

The Welsh Government expects that NHS Wales services will be significantly impacted by industrial action, as the first of planned strikes by staff begins today. The Royal College of Nursing has announced its members will go on strike on 15th and 20th December, with further action confirmed this month by the GMB union. During the industrial action, NHS services are likely to resemble those usually provided on public holidays. People in need of urgent assistance or with life-threatening conditions are advised to attend emergency departments or contact the emergency services as they would on any other day. As part of…

It’s officially panto season as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs stomps onto stage at the New Theatre in Cardiff. It’s true what they say, Christmas hasn’t truly started until you’ve visited a Christmas panto, and having grown up going to these at Christmas, it’s just something that’s ingrained in me. Cue the ‘Oh Yes It Is’, and Oh No It Isn’t’s and you won’t be too far off… This year, we have a homegrown Valleys star stepping onto the stage in Cardiff. Ian ‘H’ Watkins from international pop group Steps will lead the cast in this year’s magical family…

COLEG CAMBRIA excelled in finishing among the top four FE institutions in the UK at this year’s WorldSkills competition. The college achieved 18 points with three golds and two silver medals. Categories were hosted by different locations across the country – including Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham. Among those to receive medals were: Aircraft Maintenance: Gold – Rosie Boddy, Airbus UK; Silver – Tymoteusz Rozanski Beauty Therapist: Silver – Caitlyn Lawton Beauty Therapy Practitioner: Gold – Isabella Bailey Network Infrastructure Technician: Gold – Cameron Thompson Cambria’s chief executive Yana Williams congratulated them and all eight of the college’s representatives…

A team from Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – which has offices in the city, St Asaph, and Menai Bridge – donated time and materials to overhaul the Reception classroom and playground at Grosvenor Park Academy. The school has more than 180 children and is part of North West Academies Trust, so having a warm, welcoming area for the younger learners was important. The firm joined staff, parents, and governors in transforming it into a fresh, clean and inspiring environment, following a campaign which saw them receive toys, puzzles and utensils for the popular ‘mud kitchen’. Mackenzie Jones director Andy Foley-Jones and…

International real estate advisor Savills, on behalf of Adnayton, has secured a string of new retailers at Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre in Wrexham. The Fragrance Store has taken a new lease for 1,200 sq ft as part of its growing branch network German inspired kitchen manufacturer, Kutchenhaus, has agreed a new 15 year lease for a 1,040 sq ft store Yi Fang, the international Bubble Tea Bar, has completed terms on a 1,000 sq ft site with external seating Premier Radio, a local community radio, has relocated its broadcasting studio to the shopping centre Regional pop-up furniture store operator, Home…

Facilities management company MSS Group has announced the appointment of Jonathan James as Managing Director, taking over the role from CEO Bill Mayne. Having worked at MSS for over 12 years, Mr James brings a wealth of experience to the role, successfully leading operations in the MSS Environmental team. MSS Group founder Bill Mayne will continue to work within the Group, supporting the leadership team in taking the business forward. As Managing Director, Mr James will oversee MSS Group’s strategic operations in highly regulated and frequently hazardous environments, providing industrial and commercial cleaning, waste management, asbestos removal, water treatment, and…

A 13-year-old schoolboy from Penarth is taking on an impressive challenge in memory of his much-loved grandfather, fundraising for lifesaving heart research as part of his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Award. Martin Gilbert, a former geography teacher, deputy head teacher and schools adviser, passed away in May 2021, having suffered with heart failure, a condition where the heart is less able to pump blood around the body, as well as underlying health issues including a lung condition. Inspired by Martin, who had enjoyed physical activities when he was well, Arthur Gilbert, decided to run 242 km, approximately…

Founders & Co., Swansea’s much-loved Wind Street hub of independent food, drink, fashion and shopping outlets, is launching a ‘Reverse’ Santa’s Grotto this Christmas, encouraging guests to give back over the festive season. Putting a spin on the Christmas tradition of visiting Santa and taking home a present, Founders & Co.’s Santa will instead be accepting gifts, which will then be shared with Swansea’s Kids Cancer Charity. Donations will be accepted throughout the month of December, and will be dropped off to the charity for distribution to children around South Wales in time for Christmas Day. Based on Walter Road,…