Author: Rhys Gregory

The Snowdonia National Park Authority is reaching out to farmers and land managers to take advantage of a new scheme to restore traditional field boundaries in Snowdonia. Traditional boundaries form an integral part of Snowdonia’s landscape – from dry stone walls and hedgerows, to the rarer slate flag crawiau fences of the slate quarrying areas. As well as serving a practical purpose, these boundaries are also important for wildlife and the environment. Traditional boundaries of stone or hedgerows provide livestock with shelter from extreme winter conditions, or the heat of the summer sun, while providing a habitat for wildlife at…

An appeal for information has been launched by RSPCA Cymru after three cats have died in Flint from suspected poisoning. Tragically the cats – who were from different households – from the Romans Way area of Flint have all passed away in the last month. RSPCA inspector Rachael Davies, who is investigating, said: “It is so very sad to hear about these three deaths and our thoughts go out to their owners. “One cat sadly died from antifreeze – which was confirmed via a post mortem. The other two cats are suspected to have been poisoned due to the way…

Halloween has arrived early on S4C’s Stwnsh this year with the a new series of the challenging adventure show, Gwrach y Rhibyn (The Witch of Rhibyn). But this time, the challenge is even greater than before for the teams. It’s ‘Dydd y Dychryn’ (The Day of Horror) once again and the Witch is hunting. The aim is the same for the competitors, to reach a safe shelter before sunset. But this time not everyone will reach the end. The series, which returns to S4C on Thursday 27 October at 17.35 and online on S4C Clic, will follow pupils from Ysgol…

Neighbourhood Kitchen will be opening it’s doors for an entire month to host Cardiff’s first ever dedicated Camembert Bar! As cold winter nights are dawning in on us, what else would be better to indulge in than a hot, baked, gooey camembert with a divine choice of different toppings and sides. Throughout November you can build your own feast with a variety of different cheeses, toppings and outrageous sides. First on the agenda is picking your own cheese! Choose from a classic Camembert, a premium Welsh Caws Cenarth Perl Wen supplied by Ty Caws, or a vegan equivalent. Next up,…

As autumn approaches, firework season will soon whizz-pop into our lives and for this Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night, Dogs Trust, which has rehoming centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, is issuing advice to dog owners to help our canine companions, who might be scared by the unexpected bangs and bursts of fireworks.  Angela Wetherall, rehoming centre manager for Wales, said:  “Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying and confusing experience for them. Fireworks tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright. This combination can be…

Having been ranked as the top university in Wales for graduate employability earlier this year, Cardiff Met has now been ranked the 16th best university in the UK from a total of 143 universities for graduate employability. The University is among the 20 best UK universities for job prospects – 2nd in Wales after Cardiff University. This is according to StudentCrowd, which creates UK league tables based on verified student reviews. StudentCrowd’s latest employability league table is based on 15,871 student reviews submitted between June to May 2022 across 10 different areas of student life. StudentCrowd describes Cardiff Met as…

Families in Wales could save up to £2,000 a year towards their childcare costs to help pay for October half-term holiday clubs and wraparound care during the school terms, reminds HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). More than 13,800 families in Wales saved money on their childcare costs in June 2022 and HMRC is urging thousands of other families to not miss the chance to save up to £500 every 3 months, or £1,000 if their child is disabled. Overall, HMRC paid out £41.6 million in top-up payments, which was shared between more than 391,000 families across the UK in June…

An official opening ceremony and open day for the Metal Box Factory in Neath, one of the most historic and iconic industrial buildings in South Wales, was well attended by local business leaders and dignitaries last week (Thursday October 13). Attendees learned of the ambitious plans of its occupants and moves to put the site back at the heart of the local community. Special guest Max Boyce was invited to officially reopen the 55-acre site, which once employed almost 500 people. The Welsh comedian, singer and entertainer worked in the factory for five years before paving his current career, and…

Artisan gelato brand Swoon will open its first Cardiff shop in the new year at the entrance to Duke Street Arcade, overlooking Cardiff Castle. Swoon’s distinctive black and white shops serve its own handmade gelato alongside speciality desserts such as mini gelato cakes, ‘Swoondaes’ and semifredo cakes. They also serve Italian coffee from Naples and their own pure hot chocolate drinks. Launched in Bristol in 2016 by the Forte family, Swoon has expanded to have gelato bars in Bath, Oxford and Selfridges Foodhall on Oxford Street, London. Swoon Gelateria’s, Stefano Tarquinio, a gelato expert based in Bologna, travels the world…

AN award-winning practice manager has Come Together with a prominent law firm ahead of further expansion. Steve Bradley, from Wilmslow, is the new Operations Manager at Mackenzie Jones Solicitors, which has offices in St Asaph, Chester, and Menai Bridge. With plans to grow further in the new year, the business is recruiting staff and secured clients in a wide range of sectors over past months. Dad-of-two Steve – who received the prestigious Law Society Practice Manager of the Year Award for 2020-21 – is looking forward to the challenge and says joining the 21 year-old company was the right move…