Author: Rhys Gregory

Detailed plans to extend a flagship special school in Ystrad Mynach have been unveiled by Caerphilly council this week. Alternative proposals for the expansion of Trinity Fields School were announced last October, following concerns that the original plans would have led to the loss of an adjacent sports pitch. Eye-catching visuals show a colourful new two storey extension within the footprint of the existing school site to accommodate an additional 80 places, plus extra facilities. Cllr Carol Andrews, CCBC’s Cabinet Member for Education said, “These exciting plans signal a new era for this flagship school and also clearly demonstrate that…

Network Rail urges passengers to check before they travel as multi-million-pound Ebbw Vale upgrade continues. The Ebbw Vale line will be closed for 6 days from Saturday 25 to Thursday 30 March (inclusive) The main work sites include: Newbridge station – we will continue work to lay bricks which will form part of the front of the new platform walls. the Crosskeys area – we will be regrading an embankment which will allow more space for the second track to be installed. Llanhilleth station – the new footbridge and stairs will be lifted into place next week. the Abercarn area…

A new community orchard has been developed in Maes Mabon, Nelson. The orchard, which boasts pear, apple and cherry trees, was made possible thanks to investment through Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Welsh Housing Quality Standard Environmental Improvements programme. Planting of the trees was carried out by pupils and teachers from years 3 and 4 of the local Llancaeach Junior School, alongside the Council’s Leader and local ward member Cllr Sean Morgan, and staff from housing and parks teams. Cllr Sean Morgan, Leader of Caerphilly Council, said “It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from the young people who’ve taken part in…

Thanks to funding secured from the Arts Council England / V&A Purchase Grant Fund and National Lottery support, Museums Association Beecroft Bequest, The Usk Valley Trust and MonLife museums’ acquisitions fund, a ‘local treasure’ – a painting by JMW Turner – will be coming home to Chepstow soon. Turner’s watercolour of Chepstow Castle is one of only two works by the artist known to capture the iconic view of the castle by the River Wye. MonLife Heritage have acquired the beautiful landscape which will be on display in the summer at Chepstow Museum and it is hoped that as many…

On the one-year anniversary of the Welsh Government’s Homes for Ukraine super sponsor route opening, Jane Hutt and Mick Antoniw have restated the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting people fleeing the illegal war. It comes following the ‘Support for Ukraine’ conference yesterday [Friday 24th March] which focused on ensuring Ukrainians are well supported. In the last year more than 6,500 people with sponsors in Wales have escaped the Russian invasion, including more than 3,000 through the Welsh Government’s super sponsor route. Last week the Welsh Government confirmed how an additional £40m of investment to support people from Ukraine in 2023-24…

ome of Wales’ leading games development and software companies have been in San Francisco this week at the gaming industry’s largest annual gathering, thanks to Creative Wales and Welsh Government support. The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the largest annual gathering of professional video game developers in the world, and the pinnacle for showcasing industry excellence. In 2019, the event attracted more than 29,000 game industry professionals and is a must for industry professionals seeking to attract attention, support, promotion and credibility. In Wales, the growing field of games engine technology is underpinning new content production development. Thanks to strong industry networks and collaborative spirit,…

If you live in a period property with single-glazed windows, you are probably fully aware of the drafts, condensation, and mounting energy bills. A smart solution to resolve these issues is to retrofit your single-glazed windows with modern vacuum glazing. Double glazing existing sash windows is a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution, this popular technique helps to improve the energy performance of your property without the need for a complete window replacement. Here we take you through the benefits of retrofitting single-glazed windows to upgrade your home and help you to save money and energy. Why Retrofit Single-Glazed Windows? Vacuum glazing…

Age Cymru and its partners have launched their fourth annual What Matters to You survey of the over 50s across Wales to gain a better understanding of their challenges, needs and aspirations.    Nearly four thousand people have responded to the previous surveys which has provided the charity with vital information to inform and influence key decision makers and service providers including the Welsh Government, local health and social services, and the wider care sector.  It’s also helped the charity and its partners to campaign on the issues that matter most to people.  The survey delves into the experiences of older…

Savills and Aurum Real Estate, acting jointly on behalf of Boultbee Brooks, have completed the freehold sale of Park House in Cardiff city centre to Arasam Ltd, for £3.86 million. The sale price represents a net initial yield of 8.75% excluding any rent guarantees on the vacant space. The property comprises a high-quality building that provides basement car parking and modern offices arranged over five upper floors (Ground – 4th floor). The property has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment to provide high quality office accommodation spanning approximately 24,000 sq ft (c.2,229 sq m). The property is multi-let producing a rent…

A creative collaboration between Print Wagon and The Printhaus will see the PRINTED FESTIVAL launch in Cardiff from 10-11 June to celebrate the legacy of Wales’ print culture. A series of focused talks and Q&A sessions will feature none other than independent label makers Yuk Fun and prolific ink illustrator Richey Beckett, who has created artwork for Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Grateful Dead and Foo Fighters, no less! Hay-on-Wye based illustrator and printmaker Aidan Saunders is dubbed the ‘Del Boy’ of print by Design Week and entertains and educates audiences on the magic of printmaking practices, honed while…