Author: Rhys Gregory

Minister for Climate Change Julie James has announced nearly £15million for landowners and managers who want to improve biodiversity to help Wales fight the climate and nature emergencies. The Nature Networks Programme, which opens to applicants today, will help all types of Wales’ most precious habitats flourish under better management – from saltmarshes and estuaries to forests and grasslands – whilst helping to connect people to nature to improve wellbeing These sites are home to the iconic – such as otter, bottlenose dolphin and grey seal, alongside the obscure – such as the petalwort plant and whorl snails. They are…

The past few years have prompted a significant rise in the number of people looking to write their wills and plan the future course of their estates. The number one reason for having a will is, of course, to ensure that your loved one’s interests are safeguarded – particularly their financial interests – and make certain that the promises you make in life are upheld after your death. Another reason, however, that is becoming increasingly common among will writers, is making charitable gifts – passing portions of your estate onto non-profits that mean something to you. These donations are often…

Sun-kissed Llanfyllin and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show returned in style on Saturday with a record attendance and fantastic feedback from the thousands of people that attended the popular event. The spectacular Atkinson Action Horses stunt and display team from East Yorkshire was a huge hit, attracting many new visitors to the showground for two performances in the main ring. A new Montgomery Young Farmers Clubs speed shearing competition, which attracted 60 shearers in four categories, was another big success, providing entertainment well into the evening. One of the shearers was world champion Richard Jones from Llangollen. Show chairman Dyfrig…

A NEW £7.6 million UK Government initiative has been launched to help over 2,000 adults with learning disabilities and autism move into work. The Local Supported Employment (LSE) initiative is providing grant funding to 24 local authorities in England and Wales, representing an investment of £7.6 million over the next three years. In Wales, £665,000 will be available to support 190 jobseekers with learning disabilities and autism. Each local authority area will support between 60 and 140 adults with learning disabilities, autism or both to move into competitive employment and provide the help they need to maintain that employment. An…

Data from national careers advice service Careers Wales, has revealed a record low in the number of NEET (not in education, employment or training) school leavers thanks to the success of the Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee. The percentage of those finishing exams and becoming NEET has steadily declined over the last few years and now data shows an average of just 1.4% of students across years 11-13 were known to be leaving school with a NEET status in 2021, the lowest figure in five years. Having not sat formal examinations since 2019, this year’s cohort of GCSE and A…

As millions of children go back to school this autumn, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding families in Wales to not miss out on up to £2,000 a year towards their child’s wraparound care. Tax-Free Childcare puts more money back in the pockets of working families by providing much needed financial support towards the cost of childcare for children aged 11 or under, or up to 17 if the child has a disability. For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare online account, families will automatically receive an additional £2 in government top-up. Families receive up to £500 every…

Cyber security consultancy PureCyber is warning holiday makers of the dangers of oversharing about their summer breaks on social media and falling prey to the work of cyber criminals. With the world opening back up, the temptation of sunny climes and city breaks are too alluring for most. Unfortunately, cyber criminals don’t take holidays, and as such, Cardiff-based PureCyber is emphasising the importance of caution even when the out-of-office is on and the suitcase is packed. Social Engineering is the term used in the cyber industry when hackers utilise information posted on social media platforms to make their phishing emails…

Scottish wrestling promotion Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), returns to Cardiff, Wales on Saturday 3 September at Y Plas for a special midnight show featuring hard-hitting, high-flying action immediately following WWE’s huge Clash at the Castle event at the city’s Principality Stadium. The last time ICW rolled into Cardiff, fans were left shocked when WWE legend Triple H joined WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne and ICW owner Mark Dallas in the ring.   Triple H praised the role smaller organisations like ICW have in the wrestling industry. “The truth is, this is where our business starts,” Triple H told the crowd. “That’s where…

Bridgend Community Transport is seeking to recruit new drivers who are able to support their services across a range of volunteer and paid positions. As a local charity, Bridgend Community Transport supports residents of Bridgend County Borough who may not have access to other transport by providing a range of alternative services. The Town Rider helps residents to maintain their independence and carry out daily or weekly tasks such as shopping, socialising, attending medical appointments and more. Available Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4.30pm, the Town Rider is designed to offer an affordable door-to-door service which…

Swansea’s spectacular Oystermouth Castle will play host to outdoor theatre again next week Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer’s Night Dream is set to return to the iconic Mumbles venue on the 25th August. Produced by Quantum Theatre, the production is brought to Oystermouth Castle by Swansea Council. Swansea Council cabinet member for Investment Regeneration & Tourism Robert Francis-Davies said: “We have been putting on outdoor theatre at Oystermouth Castle as part of our annual events programme for many years and it has now become a firm favourite in the summer events calendar. Tickets will also be available at the gate in…