Author: Rhys Gregory

This week (Wednesday, 1 June), it was announced that Osian Wynn Davies from Llanfairpwll, Anglesey is the winner of the 2022 Denbighshire Urdd Eisteddfod Drama Medal. This year the competitors were required to write a play or monologue suitable for performance for any medium for no more than two actors, and no longer than 15 minutes. According to the judges, Llinos Geraint and Siân Naiomi, 12 short plays were received and the competition standard “makes it clear that the future of playwriting in Wales is secure.” Originally from Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, Osian has lived in Cardiff since moving to the capital…

As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup Play-Off Final against Ukraine at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, 5 June (KO 5:00pm), it’s important for The Red Wall to have a high-quality spectator experience. To ensure this, the Football Association of Wales would like to remind fans of some important details that will aid their experience so that they can enjoy what is hoped will be another memorable occasion at Cardiff City Stadium. Sold Out The FIFA World Cup Play-Off Final is completely sold out. There are no tickets available to purchase at Cardiff City Stadium. Access to the stadium…

Twins from Merthyr Tydfil are gearing up to exhibit their photographic work at Llandough Hospital. Rhodri and Lewys Watkins, 20, live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, sometimes shortened to DMD or just Duchenne. It is a rare genetic disease that primarily affects males, and causes the muscles in the body to become weak and damaged over time, and is eventually fatal. They said: “We are really excited that our work will be shared in this way as it raises awareness of the difficulties that people living with a disability face on a daily basis.” The photographs, which were taken in public…

Businesses across Bridgend County Borough have been invited to attend an upcoming Business Support Fair that will be running later this month. The free event will be taking place on Thursday 16 June between 4pm and 6pm at the Halo Leisure Centre in Bridgend. Businesses from all industries and types are invited to attend, with support and guidance available to help run a business effectively. A number of partners across Bridgend County Borough will be in attendance at the fair which include Employability Bridgend, Business Support Wales, Welsh Government, Bridgend College, Cwmpas and many more. The event is free for…

Bridgend County Borough Council has secured a grant worth just over £5 million as part of the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund. The funding will benefit residents by creating safe and accessible cycling and walking routes which will encourage people to not be so reliant on cars. This will also play a key part in helping Bridgend County Borough Council achieve its target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The breakdown of the grant will see the funding have an impact right across the county borough: Bridgend to Pencoed (Package of improvements phase three)- £3.46 million Ynysawdre to…

COMMUNITY groups and organisations across Swansea are being urged to help make it a summer of fun for children and young people in our communities. Grants of up to £10,000 are on offer to voluntary and community groups, who’ve got bright ideas to help children and young people enjoy their summer break. People organising events and activities for children and young people, or looking to get useful equipment for their club or local community group can apply for the cash on offer from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government. But the deadline for applications is June 8 and all activities,…

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards Department is encouraging local businesses to sign up with the nationally recognised trader approval scheme Buy with Confidence. It was set up around 20 years ago by a partnership of local authority Trading Standards services in response to concerns about “rogue traders” and a general wish to raise the standards across certain trade sectors. The Buy With Confidence brand has been developed so people will associate its logo with businesses they can trust and rely on and the scheme is already well established – now operating in more than 50 counties and boroughs from…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Leader, Councillor Andrew Morgan, has been awarded an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours. Councillor Morgan, an Elected Member for Mountain Ash, said he is both proud and privileged to receive this honour at such a special time for Her Majesty The Queen. Councillor Morgan becomes an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his Public Service. The honour follows his strong leadership of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council during his time as Council Leader, but most specifically for his leadership during the severe flooding in 2020, which affected more than…

Nominations are now open for the prestigious awards ceremony which recognises the efforts of dedicated volunteers and community champions. Organised in partnership with Caerphilly Council, the annual Caerphilly GAVO Volunteer Achievement Awards provide an opportunity to thank and recognise local people and groups who dedicate their time, energy and skills to helping others and making a positive impact in their community. Each day thousands of people give their time freely to protect the environment, lead youth activities, preserve our heritage, support those in need and respond to international crisis. You can nominate an individual or group in the following categories: Environmental –…

For the first time in Merthyr Tydfil’s history, women now make up half of the County Borough Council’s Cabinet. The Council has a new Leader following this month’s election and Annual General Meeting, and three of the six Cabinet members are female, two of them new councillors. The Leader is Cllr Geraint Thomas, who served as Deputy Leader for the previous 16 months, while Cllr Julia Jenkins has been appointed Cabinet Member for Social Services, and Cllr Michelle Symonds Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Protection, Crime and Disorder Cllr Thomas said: “This is the most diverse Cabinet in the county borough’s…