Author: Rhys Gregory

An online scheme providing people with training and knowledge about the special qualities of areas in Wales continues to expand. Adults Learners’ Week takes place during September and enrolling to become a Wales Ambassador is a great opportunity to learn something new this month. Continuous learning can have a positive impact on people’s lives; whether you’re looking to learn more about the area, improve job prospects or meet new people, becoming an Ambassador is a great way to deepen your appreciation of a place. A series of online modules on a variety of themes relevant to each area is offered.…

A cricket team in South West Wales has been handed a funding boost by a leading Welsh housebuilder. Pontarddulais Cricket Club has been awarded £1,000 after being selected by Persimmon Homes West Wales as one of its monthly Community Champions. The club was formed in 1876, and participates in the South Wales Premier Cricket League, South Wales Cricket Association and South Wales Junior Cricket League. The club has a proud and strong community footprint running four senior teams and eight junior teams during the season. Persimmon’s donation went towards the club’s end-of-season junior presentation, which saw all players receive awards,…

Llŷr Roberts has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Menter a Busnes and will take up his post later this year. He will succeed Alun Jones, who is stepping down after 20 years as head of the leading independent economic development company, which employs 150 people, and specialises in tailored support for new and growing businesses throughout Wales and beyond. A founder and managing director of strategic development consultancy Blwbo Limited, Llŷr has a very successful track-record designing and evaluating major strategic initiatives and assisting high-profile organisations in delivering their business goals. A fluent Welsh speaker, Llŷr…

Santa and his amazing Toy Mine are returning to A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park for 2022. The ever-popular event takes place from November 19 to December 24, allowing visitors the chance to enjoy a festive tour and experience and meet the man in red himself! As well as a magical tour filled with Christmas surprises, the event will also include themed activities, including write a letter to Santa, that will take place in small log huts scattered throughout the site. A Christmas photo and gift shop will be open so you can choose the perfect gift…

Newport City Council does not have its own social housing stock but manages the social housing register for the city. People can have different reasons for registering for social housing and this is not always because they are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Homelessness or the risk of homelessness is something the council works hard to prevent as we know the terrible impact it can have on families and individuals. However, it is dealing with an unprecedented demand for both temporary and long-term housing. The availability of accommodation is simply not keeping pace with demand. During the pandemic, there…

Sixteen shops involved in the illicit sale of tobacco have been given closure orders this year following investigations led by Newport City Council. In the latest round of court action, four more shops received three-month ASB closure orders issued by Gwent magistrates in August. Superstore, 141 Commercial Street (closed to 10 November 2022) Jacobs, 61 Commercial Street (closed to 11 November 2022) Maleek, 61 Commercial Road (closed to 17 November 2022) Food Store, 155 Commercial Road (closed to 30 November 2022) Food Store unsuccessfully contested the application for the ASB closure order. Twelve shops were given three-month closure orders by…

The deadline for applications for membership of the Merthyr Tydfil Local Access Forum is being extended to 30 September. If you’re a local resident who’s interested in helping to protect and maintain access to Merthyr Tydfil’s rights of way and green spaces, this is a chance for you to play a role in doing so. There are 24 Local Access Forums across Wales, which were created in 2000 to advise the local authority, Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government about public access to land for open air recreation and enjoyment. In providing advice, the forums consider important issues related to…

Applications are now open for children starting secondary school in September 2023, Powys County Council has said. Parents or carers of children who are now in Year Six have until Friday 11 November 2022 to complete their application. Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “All parents/carers are encouraged to complete this application as soon as possible for a place in a secondary school in September 2023. “If it is not completed in time, then this has the potential to jeopardise their child’s place at their preferred school.” Parents/Carers need to complete an online application at Applying…

The Welsh Government’s Placemaking Grant funding for the mid-Wales region will see an investment of £5.08 million to help revitalise Powys and Ceredigion town centres over the next three years. As part of the wider Transforming Towns regeneration programme, the Placemaking Grant is designed to offer broad and flexible support for a wide range of projects aimed at rejuvenating town centres across mid-Wales. Projects that may be eligible for grant support can range from developing commercial and residential properties, developing town centre markets, improving the public shared outdoor spaces, and the installation and exploitation of digital infrastructure. Projects will…

A new plan to help develop Wales’ existing and next generation of talent in TV and film, music, and digital content has been launched today by the Welsh Government. Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has also launched a new £1m fund to support the new plan. The creative industries are hugely important to Wales’ economy and culture.  According to 2021 data, 35,400 people were employed by 3,423 businesses who make up the creative industries sectors in Wales, an increase of 6.4 per cent from 2018, while the industry generated an annual turnover of £1.7 billion in 2021,…