Author: Rhys Gregory

Nearly 2,000 abandoned chickens have been reported to the RSPCA already this year and the charity fears this number could rise due to bird flu. Worryingly, these shocking new figures are already 8% higher than for the entirety of 2020 (1,704) with 1,841 abandoned chickens reported to the RSPCA’s cruelty line in 2022 so far. They are on course to also surpass 2021’s total – which saw 1,841 abandoned chickens reported to the charity.* In Wales, there have been 75 chickens abandoned and reported to the RSPCA since 2020 including 18 in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Sadly, the UK has experienced…

Music legends Blondie are heading to the Welsh capital next summer, for what promises to be a sensational night at Cardiff Castle. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icons – whose chart-topping and era-defining career has seen them sell more than 40 million albums worldwide – will play the iconic outdoor venue on Friday 16th June. Undeniably one of the most trailblazing and influential bands of all time, Blondie is pioneering frontwoman/songwriter Debbie Harry, guitarist/conceptual mastermind Chris Stein and powerhouse drummer Clem Burke, along with band mates bassist Glen Matlock, guitarist Tommy Kessler and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen. Founded in…

A group of young footballers are causing comedic chaos as they tackle 2,000 keepy uppies to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. Ruthin U8s based in Denbighshire, North Wales, is taking part in the charity’s One Million Keepy Uppy Challenge after coach Becky Davies lost her father, John Williams, to brain cancer in 2019. Becky, whose son Harrison, seven, is in the team, said: “The kids are really getting into this challenge; they are having so much fun. The skill level varies so it’s usually absolute chaos, with balls flying everywhere. It’s a mix of brilliant and hilarious. “I’ve wanted…

From elves and owls to chances to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, Fonmon Castle delivers a feast of festive fun from until December 23. The castle, which is located near Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, has a host of special Christmas attractions and has given its regular attractions – including its story trail, dinosaur park and medieval village – a magical festive twist. Families can explore 10 acres of Illuminated gardens and dinosaurs and enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas, stopping off to meet a host of festive characters. Magician Patrick will be performing his own special magic tricks, and…

Shoppers looking for festive treats at this year’s outdoor Christmas Market in Swansea can also pick-up personal safety and crime prevention advice. The team from Safer Swansea has a chalet at the popular attraction on Oxford Street and along with partners is looking forward to speaking with Christmas shoppers. There are also free activities including arts and crafts where children can make their own Christmas decorations and a chance to win a signed Swans shirt by completing a short safety questionnaire. Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Well-being Alyson Pugh said: “Our team from Safer Swansea and our partners hold engagement…

The latest updates on multi-million plans to redevelop the South Quay site in Pembroke will be available to view in an Information Event on Monday, 12th December. The drop-in event will be held at Pembroke Town Hall between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. New images, plans, timelines, and detailed project information will be available to view, and architects, contractors and Council officers will be on hand to chat about the project and answer questions. There will also be the opportunity to provide comments and feedback. The South Quay redevelopment project, led by Pembrokeshire County Council, has two phases: Phase 1 (Castle Terrace):…

Welsh Government has confirmed its funding contribution towards brand new school buildings for Pontyclun Primary, Llanilltud Faerdref Primary, and Penygawsi Primary – allowing work to start at each site in the coming weeks. The exciting projects will deliver state-of-the-art facilities for the schools in Pontyclun, Church Village and Llantrisant. The schools require investment to be fully-accessible and bring their facilities up to a 21st Century standard. The projects secured planning permission in March 2022 following separate public consultations on the plans. Last year, Cabinet agreed to the Council’s submission of a business case to Welsh Government, to secure Mutual Investment…

It’s the end of an era as a former Blaenau Gwent Council office which housed hundreds of staff since it opened in 1960’s is in the process of being demolished. Prichard’s Contractors have now started the demolition of the front part of the Civic Centre building, which housed the main reception and a Council Chamber which has seen many healthy political debates over the years. Overall it is expected that 97% of the building will be recycled. Councillor Helen Cunningham, Executive Member for Place & Environment says: “Many people will be familiar with the Civic Centre, so its demolition marks…

Parents in Powys that have baby self-feeding pillows are being urged by the county council to stop using them and dispose of them safely. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued an urgent safety alert as self-feeding pillows/prop feeders present a risk of serious harm or death from choking or aspiration pneumonia. Now Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service are urging parents in Powys to stop using them immediately and dispose of them safely. Businesses in the county are also being told by Trading Standards to immediately remove these products from the market as they do not comply…

The Welsh Government has invested £6.6m over 3 years to support Welsh-medium late immersion provision across Wales. The project, which aims to bring the educational virtual reality (VR) game to pupils learning Welsh across Wales, is part of this investment. The project was established by Cyngor Gwynedd for pupils in Welsh-language late immersion centres to develop their language skills. The council worked with former Welsh-language Children’s Laureate Anni Llŷn and Anglesey-based company Animated Technologies to create a game, Aberwla, tailored to the needs of pupils aged 7 to 14 who are learning Welsh. Pupils use a VR headset, create a…