Author: Rhys Gregory

A NEW health, exercise and wellbeing complex will breathe life into a seaside town centre and give the economy a welcome lift. Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake, directors of LVL5 Gyms Ltd, are awaiting a decision on plans to transform empty units at the former Tudno Castle hotel site in Llandudno into a high-quality gym, coffee, and smoothie bar, changing rooms, sauna, spin zones and more. The 6,000 square metre two-floor facility will employ up to 10 people and both Sion and Rich – who hail from Conwy county – are hopeful their proposals for the coastal resort will be…

University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has launched new postgraduate scholarships for students from Ukraine. Ukrainian students can apply to study a Masters in Global Citizenship and Sustainable Leadership on the University’s Lampeter Campus. All costs for postgraduate tuition, accommodation and pre-sessional language classes will be covered by UWTSD for 16 successful applicants. The Masters course is broadly built around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and will prepare students to critically engage with the key global challenges of the 21st century, to become global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. Kath Griffiths, UWTSD’s International Regional Manager says: “Student scholarships…

A local school has helped to mark the launch of a trailblazing community-led initiative that aims to recycle, recreate, and retail single-use plastics in the Rhondda Valley. Treorchy Primary School has partnered with social enterprise, Soaring Supersaurus based in Penrhys, but working across the valley, to create a currency for recycled plastic within the local community. The innovative new pilot will see children and young people educated on the recycling process, whilst getting them involved in designing and creating their own products for market. Soaring Supersaurus collects and reuses local plastic waste to generate unique and sustainable everyday household items…

An actress, singer and storyteller who switched from a career in the theatre to become one of the youngest care home owners in Wales has won a top award. Bethan Mascarenhas, now 33, was chosen by the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers to receive its City and Guilds Livery Company Prize for 2023 for her outstanding commitment. The honour came hot on the heels of what Bethan described as a ‘baptism of fire’ after she took on the Old Vicarage Care Home at Llangollen with her brother Richard just a few months before the Covid pandemic struck. She had to…

The leading global communications and advocacy agency, SEC Newgate has announced that Tim Rogers is to join the group as Senior Counsel. A familiar face in Wales and beyond, Tim brings a lifetime of experience working across the media, business and as a senior civil servant. Most recently, Tim was Head of Business Affairs for the Secretary of State for Wales. Tim’s appointment is set to reinforce SEC Newgate’s work within Wales and across the UK. Emma Kane, SEC Newgate CEO said; “I am delighted that Tim is to join us. The breadth of his experience will be a huge…

Popham Kidney Support, a Swansea-based kidney charity recently received over £5,000 in fundraising on the back of a sponsored walk which spanned the distance of the Pembrokeshire Coastline. Sarah Greenwood completed the 186-mile walk in several stages, beginning in October 2022 and completing the challenge in Tenby on April 8, 2023. Greenwood donated her sponsorship funds to the charity, which aids kidney patients and their families with emotional, financial and informational support, contributing to its fundraising efforts for the Children’s Kidney Centre at Cardiff & Vale University Hospital. Popham Kidney Support is looking to raise £130,000 towards the refurbishment. Her…

Works on Coal House, an ultra-green, next generation office space in Cardiff city centre, have now been completed after a significant redevelopment programme. Thought to now be one of the most sustainable offices in Wales, Coal House, on Dumfries Place, has undergone a huge transformation, resulting in a cutting-edge 30,000 sq ft office building that is net zero carbon in operation, stylishly designed and promotes health, wellbeing and productivity. Formerly known as Dumfries House, Coal House has been redeveloped by investor and developer Create, which is currently in talks with several potential tenants about taking space in part of the…

To celebrate National Walking Month in May, there is a series of events taking place in Mid Wales, which has so much to offers walkers all the year round, as the seasons change. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve physical and mental health and stay connected to our community, helping people feel less lonely and isolated. By swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can also help reduce air pollution, congestion and road danger, save yourself money and keep active in the process. Did you know that a 20-minute walk can reduce the risk of…

Kind-hearted rail contractor, QTS Group, has been working alongside local support organisation Lads & Dads to carry out improvement works at the group’s first allotment in Brackla, Bridgend. QTS, who have been working on the Llanharan to Bridgend line, reached out to Lads & Dads to offer their help, free of charge, for this project. Over a three day period, QTS staff took part in an array of activities including building polytunnels, clearing planting areas, removing rubbish and then constructing and painting a shed. Rob Lester, chairman of Lads & Dads said: “The help from the QTS staff has been…

Transformation plans for Swansea’s landmark Castle Square Gardens have taken a step forward as the council begins its search for a contractor to deliver the prestigious scheme. Public feedback from several rounds of consultation has helped influence the look and feel of the focal point at the heart of the city centre ahead of planning permission granted earlier this year. Now the council has moved ahead by putting out the transformation project to tender this week. The plans will see Castle Square Gardens get: An increased amount of greenery, including new lawns, ornamental and biodiverse planting Two pavilion buildings for food,…