Author: Rhys Gregory

A busy year of wacky and wonderful outdoor activities in Llanwrtyd Wells, reputedly the smallest town in Britain, continues with the challenging Trailhead Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase Ultra Trail Race on April 1. Held for the first time last year, following a delay caused by the pandemic, the endurance race covers around 31 miles with a total ascent and descent of about 4,700ft. Most of the race, designed to test endurance and stamina, is off road with some short road sections, including the hellishly steep 25% ascent of the iconic Devil’s Staircase. Starting and finishing at the Neuadd Arms in…

RSPCA Cymru is calling on the Welsh Government to commit to the compulsory microchipping of cats – after plans were progressed in England. The call follows the UK Government’s announcement on the 13 March that there would be compulsory microchipping for owned cats in England. Under the plans it is to become a legal requirement for cat owners to microchip their cats after 20 weeks of age and to ensure their contact details are stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. Under the new legislation, cat owners in England will have until 10 June 2024 to…

A MUSIC studio launched a new ‘Creative Club’ for young people with additional learning needs (ALN). Supported by funding from Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW), Wrexham Sounds will deliver up to 40 weekly sessions over the next year focused on music, craft and movement. The grant was matched by the not-for-profit organisation, which is encouraging children with ALN to participate in Saturday morning activities at the Rhosrobin facility. General Manager Olivia Gallagher secured financial backing after being quizzed by a committee of young people from AVOW, a part of Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW), a nationwide network of voluntary…

A scientist from Cardiff-based Cansford Laboratories this week joined pupils at Whitchurch Primary School to help introduce them to the possibilities of a career in STEM as part of the 2B Enterprising educational programme for Primary Schools Cansford Laboratories specialises in hair and blood testing, having pioneered hair testing in the UK. The company has joined forces with 2B Enterprising who have created a portfolio of storybooks and resources to teach enterprise in the classroom and pair schools up with businesses who are keen to give insight into their sector.   Whitchurch Primary School is one of the largest in Wales…

A project is underway to replace the highway lighting and improve active travel connectivity between the promenade and the harbour in Aberystwyth. This comes following the funding received by Ceredigion County Council from the UK Government Levelling Up initiative. The current Street Lighting equipment along the promenade in Aberystwyth is nearing the end of its operational life and the latest condition reports have confirmed that the complete system will need to be replaced. To minimise disruption during the busiest times of the year, the Council will proceed with the works during the coming months. The works will be phased starting…

ICC Wales, Wales’s first dedicated convention centre, will be hosting a series of medical conferences that will support the post-pandemic recovery of the in-person medical meetings sector and highlight the venue’s pivotal role in the recovery of the UK Meetings Industry. This stunning venue first opened its doors in 2019 for the annual three-day Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK 2019 conference and more recently, welcomed over 1,400 delegates for the Royal College of Midwives annual conference in October 2022. The venue will now host more than 4,000 healthcare professionals over six major events in 2023, and a further 2,400…

For those looking for a festival with rest and relaxation on the line-up, look no further than Summer Camp – a series of micro-festivals running for four long weekends in July. Set in the elegant Walled Garden on the private grounds of Hawarden Estate, North East Wales, Summer Camp offers a blissful rural escape for explorers, families, couples, and friends to enjoy ‘workshops, feasts, wellness, and freedom’. Brought to you by The Good Life Society, creators of intimate events, experiences, workshops and holiday accommodation, Summer Camp is a celebration of nature and the great outdoors. Guests can look forward to…

A teenager from Pontprennau, who left school without any GCSEs, took home a gold award at Skills Competition Wales along with a brand-new job offer from Welsh skills and training provider, Itec Skills. The 2023 Skills Competition Wales saw over 1000 young people compete across five different sectors: Construction & Infrastructure, Engineering & Technology, Health, Hospitality & Lifestyle, IT & Enterprise and Media & Creative. 101 gold medals were awarded in total this year. At the virtual award ceremony Katie Pearce, aged 19, who studied Customer Service Level 1 with Itec, won the top award for Inclusive Skills: Customer Service, which…

Careers Wales are pleased to announce the launch of a new innovative web resource that provides real-time information on jobs in Wales. Future Jobs Wales enables users to view up-to-date labour market information (LMI) for specific industries and geographical areas. Through an interactive webpage, people can look at the particular data they’re interested in. This ranges from a general overview of a particular industry, through to more granular data including specific skills in demand and key employers within the industry. This BETA (in development) product represents the first phase of development and focuses on the construction and energy industries in…

Gyms and fitness clubs across the city are being asked to join the campaign to help tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Around 200 businesses including martial arts clubs, boxing gyms and yoga and pilates studios across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan will shortly be receiving information and resources to help raise awareness of the issue and enable them to signpost any clients needing help to local and national specialist support providers. Following the success of information and advice being shared with hair and beauty organisations across the region last year, it’s hoped extending the initiative…