Author: Rhys Gregory

Slot machines were first deployed in casinos as a distraction for casual players. In contrast to conventional table games, slot machines don’t need any prior gambling experience, and anybody may participate with a relatively little wager.  Slot machines gradually overtook other games to emerge as the most well-liked and lucrative ones in town, accounting for more than 60% of all gaming earnings made in the United States each year. This invention proved to be a colossal success. Slot machine technology has advanced significantly over the years. Computer-controlled machines have almost entirely supplanted traditional mechanical designs. But the game itself has…

Pobl Group today announced the appointment of Julia Cherrett as Chair Designate, confirming that current Chair, Wendy Bourton OBE, is to stand down after serving six years in post.   Julia is expected to be formally confirmed in the role at the Group’s Annual General Meeting which is taking place in September.  As she prepares to hand over the reins to Julia, Wendy reflected on a successful six years that has seen Pobl establish itself as Wales’ largest social housing and care provider and set ambitious targets for further growth this decade.  Wendy said:  “It’s been a simply amazing six years, as Pobl has matured into the strong, resilient, and successful Welsh housing and care provider it is today.…

The contract bottling arm of Hensol Castle Distillery is on track to more than double its turnover by the end of 2022, as it expands its storage facilities with the lease of a new warehouse. Contract bottling, which represents 80% of the distillery’s revenue, has doubled year-on-year from a turnover of £1.2 million (excluding duty) in its financial year (April-March) 2020/21 to £2.5 million last year (2021/22), and is expected to reach £4.3m in the current year (2022/23). To support the growing demand for the distillery’s services, the business has signed a five-year lease on a 20,000 sq ft off-site…

The first homes at a housing development near Swansea have gone on the market after a sales office was launched on site. Bellway is building 184 properties at Parc Mawr, on land off Brynrhos Crescent to the south of the village of Penllergaer. The development will include 147 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and 37 affordable homes available for local people through shared ownership or rent, as well as public open space including a children’s play area. The first residents are expected to move into their new homes in January 2023, with building work progressing well at…

Cardiff Bus is advising customers of changes to bus stop arrangements on Saturday 27th August as the Pride Cymru parade returns to Cardiff city centre. Between 10:30 and 14:00 some city centre roads will close and as a result bus routes and stops will be revised.  Bus stops within Grangetown will also be affected as buses will not be able to enter and exit the city centre via their usual route. Routes 1, 2, 5, 6 baycar, 7, 99 and X45 will start and end at Callaghan Square North-side (outside Eversheds).  Between Penarth Road / Clare Road and Callaghan Square…

As the cost of living rises and household budgets are squeezed, a Welsh Community Bank has launched a new scheme to help those who are struggling to afford the things they need. Smart Money Cymru’s Credit Builder finance aims to extend credit to people who have not been able to access loans elsewhere, and may even have been turned down recently by other lenders due to poor borrowing histories. But now loans of up to £400 are being made widely available for new members of Smart Money Cymru, and to members who haven’t yet taken out a loan, even if…

With thousands of teenagers across Wales anxiously awaiting their GCSE and A-Level results this month, care worker Callum Fennell has highlighted the benefits of an apprenticeship to school leavers. Callum, 18, is reaping the rewards of choosing an apprenticeship to develop a rewarding career after feeling disengaged at school. He joined Bethany Residential Care Home in Chepstow at the age of 16 and has transformed his confidence, skills and career prospects by taking a Foundation Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care, delivered by work-based learning provider ACT. His apprenticeship has allowed Callum to earn while he learns and gains the…

The Hope House Cycle Challenge saw pedal power raise more than £7,000 to support seriously ill local children. Hundreds of cyclists pulled on their helmets and took to the roads on Sunday, August 14, starting at Hope House in Oswestry and heading on two routes to either 56-miles to Lake Vyrnwy or 70-miles to Lake Bala and back. Cyclists were sent on their way in the early morning sun by event sponsor Ash Poole from The Fencing Bloke who sounded a horn to get the event into gear. After completing their ride, cyclists were provided with a well-deserved afternoon tea…

The Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon will feature its strongest elite field to date when it returns on Sunday 2 October, with more nationalities represented than ever before. The packed line-up mirrors the mass race which is expected to have the most international representation in the race’s history. It comes as the race has joined the new international SuperHalfs series along with events in Prague, Lisbon, Copenhagen and Valencia – leading to a significant increase in runners from outside Wales signing up to take part, from both across the UK and overseas. Elite runners from Canada, Djibouti, Great Britain, Ethiopia,…

With the climate crisis increasing the risk of wildfires in the UK and many other parts of northern Europe, scientists from across the world are sharing their expertise to help tackle the dangers. Last week Swansea academics were among UK wildfire experts who warned that the record temperatures recorded across the country, along with extremely low fuel moisture conditions, had increased the chances of Britain experiencing severe wildfires. Last weekend kept UK Fire and Rescue Services exceptionally busy. The fact that severe fires are happening further north than ever has been highlighted by the FirEUrisk consortium. Made up of partners…