Author: Rhys Gregory

A group of more than 50 housing association tenants had a right royal time to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Smiles were wide and voices were loud as they partied at Trinity Community Centre in Llandudno at the first such social event Cartrefi Conwy had been able to host for its community there since the Covid-19 restrictions eased. As well as the array of home-made food, bunting, fancy hats and decorated tables the party goers enjoyed bingo games, a raffle and music from the Colwyn Bay Ukulele Group. The musicians encouraged everyone to singalong as they played a selection of…

A WELSH Ambulance Service stalwart who changed the face of ambulance education has been recognised in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours List. Jeff Price, the Trust’s Senior Education and Development Lead before his retirement in August, has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal. Jeff, from Usk, Monmouthshire, began his ambulance career in 1983 after a brief period with the RAF Police, during which time he served in Northern Ireland. He initially joined as a patient care service operative and later held roles as a paramedic and station supervisor before his journey into training began. Jeff, who himself has…

An award-winning day nursery in Cardiff is passionate about providing opportunities and support for staff, children and parents to use the Welsh language. Whitchurch-based Si-Lwli, which was named Nursery of the Year for Wales in 2018, has 21 staff who care for 105 children between the ages of six months and four years. Such is the demand for places in the nursery that parents have to join a growing waiting list. Apart from promoting the Welsh language, the nursery is equally passionate about developing skilled staff. At least half of the workforce has achieved apprenticeships ranging from levels 2 to…

The Autism Cymru Charity Cup football match was back on a level playing field and raising money for good causes again after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The annual football match took place in Ebbw Vale for the first time since 2018 to jointly raise £650 for the National Autistic Society and Ukraine Appeal Funds. It is the seventh time that Orbis Education and Care, which runs schools, residential homes and day facilities for individuals with complex needs, has held the event. Each year, Orbis fields two football teams; from its children’s homes and schools, and from…

Cardiff and Vale College’s Rugby Academy has celebrated a successful, championship-winning season by welcoming English champions Hartpury College for a training session. The 2021-22 Rugby Academy performance programme has been the most successful one since the Academy gained its A License five years ago. The players have seen success in the Association of Colleges RFU premier league and were crowned Welsh Schools and Colleges League and Cup champions. Eight Rugby Academy players contested national squad representation: Harrison James and Mackenzie Martin at U20 level, while Harrison Bellamy, Ethan Rudyj, Saul Hurley, Lucas De La Rua and Gabe Lacey played at…

Checks Direct is breaking into new areas of the UK screening market in 2022 with the introduction of its new Employment Referencing and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) checking services. As an umbrella body of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Checks Direct works with public, private and not-for-profit clients from a range of industries, who will now benefit from additional safeguarding solutions. Employment Referencing Checks confirm an applicant’s employment history and current employment status, and employers can choose to cover a period of one year, three years, or five years. DVLA Checks confirm a person’s driving background, including…

With Cymru Men’s National Team one game away from a first World Cup finals since 1958, the Women’s National Team well placed to qualify for a first ever World Cup, Football Association of Wales CEO Noel Mooney is marking Volunteers Week by thanking the more than 17,000 volunteers involved in Welsh grassroots football. He is also calling on football lovers across Wales to volunteer in the beautiful game and ensure the wait for the biggest stage isn’t so long next time around. Noel Mooney said: “With football’s growth at many levels all over Wales and our national teams being more…

The energy in the stadium will be high ahead of Wales’ World Cup play-off final on 5 June, and many supporters will be relying on their usual food and drink traditions to settle their nerves. A game day pie is the usual for many football fans, and those lucky enough to be in hospitality will be anticipating a multi-course meal before kick-off. But behind the scenes, making and serving all of those meals is a massive undertaking. In the lead up to the big match, we talk to Andrew Draper, head chef at Cardiff City stadium, from catering partner Compass…

Leading Welsh wine producers are preparing for a week-long series of in-person events at this year’s Welsh Wine Week which kicks off on Saturday (4th June). From this weekend until Sunday 12th June, Welsh vineyards will invite crowds of wine enthusiasts to explore the country’s leading vineyards and sample the growing collection of award-winning vintages that have put Wales on the map as a leading wine producer for the annual Welsh Wine Week. Since its launch two years ago, Welsh Wine Week has supported Welsh vineyards in withstanding the effects of the coronavirus pandemic by inviting wine connoisseurs from across…

The Royal Mint has today unveiled a giant portrait of Her Majesty The Queen made entirely out of coins. Working in partnership with Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn, The Royal Mint commissioned the piece in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee. Taking over four days to complete, Nathan helped create the 3m x 3m masterpiece using over 5000 coins including a mixture of £5, £1, 50p, 5p, 2p and 1p coins. Employees at The Royal Mint were given the opportunity to lay coins to mark their time working at the site in Llantrisant during this historic occasion. Using the current official effigy…