Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Crisis, the national charity for people facing homelessness across Wales, Scotland and England, has warmly welcomed a new temporary addition to the law, passed by the Senedd this week The charity says this is a significant step forward for people experiencing the most visible and dangerous form of homelessness – rough sleeping.  The change in law will mean people who are sleeping on the streets in Wales will now legally be seen as one of the groups in priority need of rehousing support under Part 2 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. This change, the charity says, is crucial as…

The woman who convinced King Charles to reinstate the position of royal harpist after a century-long gap is aiming to inspire a new generation to play the instrument. Renowned harpist Elinor Bennett is going on a 12-stop Wales-wide tour, The Dwylo ar Dannau’r Delyn (Hands on Harp Strings). The concerts, masterclasses and workshops will take Elinor, the Artistic Director of the Wales International Harp Festival, to places where she has close personal connections. Starting at Bangor on October 23, the tour will visit Pwllheli, Llangefni, Llanrwst, Swansea, Barry and Denbigh. Elinor will also be going to Llangadfan in Powys where…

Swansea’s 10 globes from its city centre public art trail are being displayed in one place for the first time to create a unique, educational experience. The free spectacle of The World Reimagined sculptures all together is perfect for people looking for some free time well-spent during October – Black History Month. They’ll be in their new location – between the St David’s and St Mary’s churches – until early November. The sculptures are an invitation to talk about how the past – particularly the former Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans – shapes the future. Until last week placed as…

RCT Cabinet has approved a new Empty Homes Strategy to continue the positive work that has helped bring 662 homes back into use in recent years – and to consult on proposals about Council Tax Premiums for long-term empty properties and second homes. At their meeting on Monday, October 17,Members considered two reports about the Council’s commitment to reduce the number of empty properties in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Empty homes are a financial expense and a wasted resource which could be used to provide much-needed affordable housing. Their appearance can be unsightly and they attract anti-social behaviour. The interventions, actions…