Author: Rhys Gregory

Ysgol Treferthyr learners have etched their names into history during a visit to the site of their new school building, as the development hits a major milestone.  Year six pupils along with the school’s board of governors were invited by Bodelwyddan-based contractor Wynne Construction to see the shape and size of the building, with its steel beams now installed.  To mark the end of this significant stage in construction, one of the final beams was signed by the children before it was lifted into place, followed by a tour of the site, led by Wynne Construction project manager Andy Lea…

Billed as ‘the antidote to modern living’, a new camping and wellness experience launches this July among the trees at Candleston Woods. Called This Must Be The Place, the temporary campground will pop up for three weeks this summer, bringing a mix of 20 luxury bell tents and 14 campervan pitches to the site at Merthyr Mawr, Vale of Glamorgan. The experience will focus on allowing people to disconnect from their devices and ‘rewild themselves’ in the forest, among the nearby dunes and on the beach. Campers can enjoy a two hour forest sauna, dawn sea swims, communal campfires, yoga,…

There are just a few weeks left to enter the 2023 Wales STEM Awards with entries closing on 7th July. The 2023 Wales STEM Awards will shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a difference to the STEM agenda in Wales. Following the success of last year’s awards, the 2023 ceremony will take place on 13th October at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. The awards will celebrate those leading the sector in Wales, those businesses creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage, and those inspiring and raising…

Young people with additional learning needs are being given a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive environment to help secure placements in the working world. King, Morgan and Cecily, from Pembrokeshire, are just one group of learners whose performance at Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK has helped them land paid work experience. They are currently on a supported internship programme with major Welsh employer, Bluestone National Park Resort, having impressed the award-winning resort destination after their triumph in skills competitions. The trio, who started out at Pembrokeshire College’s Life Skills Academy, are now gaining real work experience…

Coleg y Cymoedd has unveiled its new Ystrad Mynach campus at an official launch event following a multi-million-pound revamp. The South Wales college has invested more than £9m into the campus over the last year, including renovations to over 20 classrooms, a new restaurant, the development of VR and robotic provisions, a painting and decorating workshop, as well as the creation of a dedicated sports facility. Attended by local employers, industry partners and school representatives, the event saw invitees tour the recently refurbished classrooms and new facilities before enjoying a three-course seated meal at the campus’ new and improved ‘Scholars’…

The forward end of HMS Cardiff, the second Type 26 City Class frigate, has emerged from BAE Systems’ ship build hall at Govan for the first time in an important moment for the programme to deliver the most advanced anti-submarine warfare capability available to the Royal Navy. The aft section will follow in the coming days as the company’s engineers prepare to join the whole ship together on the hardstand at the Glasgow shipyard on the river Clyde. HMS Cardiff will undergo further structural work on the hardstand before being floated off and transported along the Clyde to BAE Systems’…

Welsh Government funding is supporting the phased roll out of Flying Start provision across the county borough. Key areas within the county borough have been targeted according to need, with areas in Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Maesteg benefitting from phase one of the initiative. Phase two of the expansion programme is currently underway, with eligible two-year-olds receiving funded childcare provision in areas including Blaengarw, Pontycymmer, Nantyffyllon and parts of Ynysawdre.  Further areas, including the Ogmore Valley, are planned for September 2023. Funding is marked for a variety of projects including classroom adaptations, building refurbishments, as well as new builds –…

The food, drink, and music line up for Cardiff Food and Drink Festival in Cardiff Bay has been revealed, and it includes a feast of festival favourites as well as first timers serving up foodie delights fit for a king. Among the newcomers at the festival, which runs from Friday 7th until Sunday 9thJuly, are Cardiff-based ‘Let Them See Cake,’ with their range of cupcakes, macaroons, cookies and cookie sandwiches. Also at the Producer’s Fair will be festival regulars ‘The Garlic Farm,’ bringing their range of condiments and chutneys from the Isle of Wight. Lovers of Welsh Cakes can head to…

A Local Nature Partnership that has planted thousands of ‘bee-friendly’ bulbs, installed green ‘living walls’ at schools and community centres, and helps communities in Cardiff take practical action to support biodiversity, has secured £1.3 million of funding. The funding, from Welsh Government’s ‘Local Places for Nature’ scheme, will enable Cardiff’s Local Nature Partnership to: continue its programme of pollinator-friendly planting, help create and restore wildlife habitats, improve how grassland in parks and open spaces is managed for biodiversity, help community groups make their local green spaces more nature-friendly. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “Since…

Pembrokeshire County Council is carrying out a consultation on council tax premiums that apply to second and long-term empty homes in Pembrokeshire. The consultation is open until 6th August 2023 and can be completed on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website. The consultation seeks your views on: Current council tax premiums for second homes Current council tax premiums for long-term empty homes Whether the Council should use its discretion following Welsh Government’s reform to self-catering holiday accommodation thresholds The consultation provides context and background information on the current council tax premiums and housing in Pembrokeshire. It also provides the definitions of second…