Author: Rhys Gregory

The last Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, (also known as Llywelyn the Last) is a national hero — but his life and times are shrouded with a 740-year-old mystery… The location of his long-lost crown jewels. Could they be hidden at a historical site in Wales? Announced this week (09 August), Cadw is inviting visitors to dig into the history of Llywelyn the Last this August — as a series of archaeology-inspired events arrive at the Castles of Rhuddlan, Laugharne and Beaumaris. Visitors to Cadw’s series of three and four day ‘Discovery Dig’ events will be invited to uncover…

A REVOLUTIONARY new climate-controlled facility designed to support a ground-breaking vertical farming project was officially launched today (Tuesday). Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, opened the Tech Tyfu Innovation Hub at M-SParc on Anglesey. Delivered by not-for-profit organisation Menter Mon, with support from the Welsh Government, the pilot programme was a success with growers in Gwynedd and Anglesey, who developed and supplied fresh micro greens to restaurants, hotels and consumers using sustainable, water-based hydroponic methods. The second phase of the initiative will see 13 growing sites across Wales supported by the Hub – which features…

Professor Iain Barber has been appointed as the new Head of the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University. Professor Barber joins Aberystwyth from Nottingham Trent University where he is Deputy Dean with responsibility for the learning and teaching portfolio in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, and more broadly, for the student experience at their Brackenhurst Campus. Prior to joining Nottingham Trent, Professor Barber was the Head of the Department of Biology and, subsequently, Deputy Head of the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour at the University of Leicester. He is also a former member of staff…

Concept models created by University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Automotive Design students and alumni were exhibited at the prestigious Best of Belron International Conference and Exhibition held in Barcelona’s FIRA conference centre. Current BA Automotive and Transport Design student Christian White and alumni Francesco Galimberti and Gary Peterson displayed work at the conference, which was attended by over 1600 delegates from the automotive manufacturing and service sectors. Belron is the world’s largest automotive glass repair and replacement company, and has supported UWTSD’s applied automotive research for over thirty years. Belron’s Head of Technical Research & Innovation, Dr Chris…

A construction consultancy in Neath is looking at expansion as work comes in from all around the UK.  Nidum Consulting offers contractors a tendering service supporting them in competing for projects of all types including schools, residential, student, commercial and industrial contracts and at the same time helping to minimise risk and possible disputes.  David John of Nidum says his service is unusual in that he is operating as a freelance in a sector where most work is done in-house. “We offer design, procurement, costings, planning and preparation for all sorts of mechanical and electrical projects.  “I feel that being…

A visually impaired couple are among the real life stars of a new photographic exhibition focusing on the extraordinary life stories of older community members. Cartrefi Conwy housing association tenants David Emmins and his wife Kate Taplin are tickled pink to be taking part in the project which sees them photographed together while holding a treasured photograph of their beloved seven year old grandson Zachary. The resulting image will be included in the exhibition called This is Me to be shown at North Wales’s first ever dedicated photography gallery, Oriel Colwyn, at Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, in September. The couple…

The first 100 homes in the Penderi community, Swansea, have started their journey to Net Zero, greener living. As part of a retrofit scheme being delivered by the Pobl Group, Sero and Everwarm, these homes can now enjoy the benefits of generating, storing, and using their very own solar energy. At a time when the energy crisis is pushing most households towards fuel poverty, Penderi sees the UK’s first community energy sharing scheme, with renewable energy stored and shared fairly between residents. This innovative billing model allows them to receive a combination of cheaper electricity and a shared fund, used…

Support from an adventure centre is helping a new generation of rugby players reach for the stars. Adventure Parc Snowdonia has signed an agreement to sponsor Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) which was set up to fast-track the region’s brightest rugby talents. As part of the arrangement, players are able to enjoy the huge range of facilities at the pioneering complex in Dolgarrog in the Conwy Valley – including riding the waves in the UK’s first inland surfing lagoon The club attracts players from across North Wales and Mid Wales, from as far afield as Newtown and Llanfair Caereinon. The aim…

Temperatures will increase across much of the UK over the coming week. Temperatures will be highest across parts of England and Wales with these peaking on Friday and Saturday. In addition to high daytime maxima, temperatures overnight will remain very warm, especially in larger urban areas. The amber warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Wales and is set to remain place until Sunday, 14 August 2022. The amber weather warning is in place for the following areas in Wales: Blaenau Gwent Caerphilly Cardiff Merthyr Tydfil Monmouthshire Newport Powys Rhondda Cynon Taf Torfaen…

Monmouthshire Building Society have pledged to double the amount they donate through their Charitable Foundation this year, as charities and communities start to feel the pinch. The Monmouthshire Building Society Charitable Foundation donated over £26,000 last year and is set to almost double the figure, pledging to donate a further £50,000 this year. The foundation, which is funded by the Newport-based building society, helped 34 charities, community groups and organisations in need last year. The foundation aims to provide modest donations that have a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the communities they serve. Dawn…