Author: Rhys Gregory

Aberystwyth University has received a half a million pound boost from the UK Government to research the role of artificial intelligence in crop breeding. Led by scientists at the Institute for Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, the project will explore how AI can select varieties of miscanthus that are best to help tackle climate change. The work is part of a wider multi-million pound investment to develop trustworthy artificial intelligence research announced by the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Chloe Smith. Miscanthus is a plant with a straw-like stem that grows up to four metres high…

Britain’s biggest indoor motorsport event roars back to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday, September 2, celebrating an amazing 21st year in the Welsh capital. Fast and furious family fun, the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff saw British speedway hero Dan Bewley raise the roof in 2022, becoming the first home rider to top the podium since Chris Harris won in 2007, and all eyes will be on him as he bids to secure a second win. Adding to the excitement for the home fans, three-time world champion Tai Woffinden and Robert Lambert are the other two Brits…

Love Trails Festival, the world’s first trail running and music festival, returns to the Gower Peninsula in South Wales for 2023, bringing with it a packed programme of adventure over 4-days. Combining the collective euphoria of watching live music on a big stage, the ‘runner’s high’ and the feeling of pure joy from running into the sea, Love Trails Festival is a magical weekend of adventure, wellbeing and exploration. Throughout the day runners can take in the stunning landscape by foot, exploring the dramatic coastlines, beaches and trails with non-competitive runs ranging from 3km – 55km. Guests can level up…

British Council Cymru, BBC National Orchestra, and Chorus of Wales gathered last week at the BBC’s Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff with schools from across Wales to celebrate international language learning through Cerdd Iaith – that helps bring the world into the classroom though the music of language. Hosted by Musical Artist Lily Beau, with a special keynote address from Poet, Professor Mererid Hopwood, the celebration was presented by British Council Cymru together with BBC National Orchestra & the Chorus of Wales, with performances from schools including: Sully Primary School, Myfenydd Voluntary Primary School, Bro Pedr School; and St David’ CIW…

Professor Catrin Webster has been appointed as the new Head of the School of Art at Aberystwyth University. Professor of Fine Art, Webster joins Aberystwyth University from Camberwell, University of the Arts London, where she is Programme Director of BA & MA Fine Art, leading and managing an interdisciplinary portfolio of courses.  She was formerly Programme Director of Research Degrees, the Masters’ Contemporary Dialogues portfolio and BA Fine Art at Swansea College of Art, University of Wales Trinity Saint David. She was awarded a Professorship in 2016 for her contribution to teaching and research in Fine Art Practice. Professor Webster…

Parents who have lost a baby are supporting others going through the same devastating experience to create precious memories of their own. They have donated a special cooling cot that allows families grieving the loss of their baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth to spend time with them by slowing down the natural processes that occur after death. Known as a cuddle cot, it is a specifically-designed system with a cooling mattress that is placed within a Moses basket. The new cuddle cot is an addition to the two already available in Singleton Hospital’s maternity and neonatal units. The…

A world-renowned restaurant based in mid-Wales has opened a new site in the heart of Machynlleth, thanks to the support of the Development Bank of Wales. Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, Eglwys Fach, is the only restaurant in Wales to ever have held two Michelin stars, and was named the UK’s best restaurant at The Estrella Damn National Restaurant Awards 2022. Multi-award winning chef Gareth Ward has led the kitchen at Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms since 2013, earning Five AA rosettes and scores of accolades from across the world of fine dining. Now, thanks to a £100,000 loan from the Development…

Two major milestones bring Caerphilly’s new market development one step closer, with the search for a market operator and formally welcoming expressions of interest from potential traders. The search has begun for a market operator to manage the new Ffos Caerffili market, and with the market due to open this autumn, the council is now welcoming expressions of interest from local, independent businesses who are interested in securing a unit. The container style market on Cardiff Road will bring an enhanced food and drink offer to the town, as well as a traditional market experience featuring fresh food and produce…

A housing project in the centre of Porthcawl spearheaded by local community housing provider, Valleys to Coast, alongside design, build, fit-out and refurbishment specialist, Paramount, has entered an exciting new phase. The development, which is intended to serve the over-50s in the Bridgend region, kicked off works in February 2023 and once completed, will be a welcome addition to the Porthcawl skyline, where demand for one-bedroom accommodation is very much on the rise. The new 20-property development on the site of a former garage and bus depot on Old Station Road will consist of 17 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom accommodation.…

Is this Cardiff basketball team the most successful school sports team in Wales? Mary Immaculate High School’s Year 11 boys’ basketball team have been crowned Under 18 Welsh Basketball Champions for the second year in a row. The victory tops an outstanding few years for the boys, who have remained unbeaten since they were in Year 9. Adam Camilleri, PE teacher and head of basketball at the school said: “It’s one thing being able to perform at a high level against people your own age, but what these young men have achieved against teams much older than them is incredible. “The…