Author: Rhys Gregory

This summer children aged 4-11 can visit Newport Libraries and get involved in a science and innovation themed Summer Reading Challenge. The theme for this year’s challenge is Gadgeteers and by taking part in the challenge children will be able to use their curiosity and wonder to understand the science behind a whole range of interests, from fashion and technology to cooking and music. The challenge asks for children aged 4 to 11 to borrow and read any six library books over the summer.  The gadgeteers will feature amazing books and plenty of ideas for cool experiments and activities to…

At the meeting of Full Cabinet of Monmouthshire County Council on Wednesday 29th June, it was agreed that nearly two thousand of our hardest-hit households in Monmouthshire will receive a £150 boost from a Welsh Government funded emergency relief package. It will see just under £500,000 distributed to support the most vulnerable in the county. The funding will target groups such as care leavers, disabled people, and households in receipt of free school meals, amongst others. Just over £100,000 is also going to a special allowance to help those on low incomes or in financial difficulty so that they can…

On Tuesday 14th June, Monmouthshire County Council and Arup Group launched a public consultation on the future of transport in Chepstow, with the aim of getting constructive feedback from the residents and businesses. Focused on a Transport Hub and Active Travel measures, the consultation seeking residents’ views on the provision of increased sustainable transport modes in and around the Chepstow area. This includes methods such as improvements to the existing bus network, demand responsive transport, electric vehicle infrastructure and park and ride facilities. The consultation follows on from a previous study in 2020, when Monmouthshire County Council and strategic partners…

Children across Powys are invited to attend free sporting activities this summer. Powys County Council, in partnership with Freedom have arranged free sporting activity sessions in nine different locations across the county. These sessions are for children and young people aged 6 to 12 across Powys is part of Welsh Government’s Playworks Holiday funded project. Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Future Generations, Cllr Susan McNicolas said: “We are delighted that we are able to provide summer holiday activities for children across the county, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government. These sessions will provide an opportunity for children to…

Front line workers, such as the waste and recycling crews, have been relied upon to continue working hard throughout the chaos of the past couple of years. Despite the strains of a global pandemic and budget pressures, the council’s key workers have worked tirelessly to ensure services are maintained and resident’s needs are met. However, the current national recruitment crisis is now taking its toll and the waste and recycling service are suffering a staff shortage. At times this is resulting in missed collections and delays to emptying litter bins and the banks at community recycling sites. We are working…

The Welsh Government has outlined its approach to gender budgeting, with pilots and research helping to create a gender equal Wales. Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said gender budgeting underlines the Welsh Government’s commitment to be a feminist government. Gender budgeting is an analysis of how policies and associated budgets impact different genders. The approach does not mean different budgets for women and men. Instead, it involves actively identifying the impacts of spending on gender equality, leading to better focused funding decisions and in turn better outcomes. Three gender budgeting pilot schemes are taking place in Wales, in the areas of…

New planning laws, a statutory licensing scheme and proposals to change land transaction tax will be included in a package of measures to address second homes in Wales. First Minister Mark Drakeford and leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price set out the next steps in a programme of actions to help create thriving communities and to support people to afford a home, in a joint press conference yesterday (Monday 4 July). The Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru includes a commitment to tackle the issue of second homes affecting many communities in Wales. The package of measures…

There has been a rise in the rate of text and call scams working their way out in 2022. In the past year, text spam rose by 30%, with 38% of people reporting they had received a suspicious text message in 2021. Though these scams are still increasing and posing problems for individuals nationwide, there seems to be a new target for fraudsters to make use of – digital payments. Online Shopping Buying things online or paying for services online has become the new way to go about your normal day. Electronic and digital payments have become a huge way…

Sir Tom Jones is easily one of the best-known Welshmen in the world, having enjoyed success at the top of the music industry for decades. The 82-year-old first rose to prominence in the 1960s, with songs like Green, Green Grass of Home and Delilah. His iconic raspy voice is instantly recognisable, and he is easily one of the most talented singers ever to hail from Wales. But is he the greatest of all time? Jones Has Enjoyed a Recent Resurgence as a Coach on The Voice UK Jones may be better known among older audiences, but he has enjoyed a…

No Deposit Bingo Websites: All You Need To Know Playing bingo is a fun activity, and there’s no denying that. Not only does this social event game give the chance to interact with other players, but it also gives an adrenaline rush. In fact, this is as true for online bingo as it’s for traditional-style ones played in clubs and halls.  Today, you can find plenty of free bingo no deposit withdraw winnings bingo77uk.com sites that offer on-screen messaging and chat rooms to let players become regular users of the platform. You can sit back at home, wearing your comfy…