Author: Rhys Gregory

To celebrate the introduction of a newly planted Winter Garden, Aberglasney will reduce its entrance fee to £10 throughout January and February. January and February are beautiful months to visit Aberglasney as 100s of varieties of daffodils as well as hellebores will be in bloom around the gardens, the snowdrops have started to flower and crocus will be adding an elegant touch of colour to the historical Cloister Garden. Newly planted Daphnes, as well as Sarcococca and Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) also provide delightful, sweet scents. The newly planted Winter Garden has been funded by money raised by the Director, Helen…

A £1000 UKSE Bursary for a teenage rugby star has been described as a “God-send” as the young player juggles the demands of a hectic lifestyle. Kelyn Jude-Hobbs is doing GCSE’s at Croesyceiliog Comprehensive in Cwmbran – and at the same time travelling around the UK playing and training with an unbelievably busy schedule. Kelyn, who is 15, has already represented Wales in rugby league several times, and is now on the pathway to joining the Academy at top English side Hull Kingston Rovers and is aiming at a long-term training contract with the prestigious club. It means that Kelyn…

With Met Office warnings for snow and ice this week, the RSPCA is urging people to take some simple steps to help keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe. Low temperatures and icy conditions can present additional challenges for animals, particularly those that are outdoors or in exposed areas. The charity is reminding people that a few simple checks and small changes to daily routines can help keep pets, livestock and wildlife comfortable and safe during colder spells. The call comes as the charity’s Big Give Back to Animal continues to raise awareness for how the public can support its frontline officers amid…

Cardiff Council is set to launch its annual budget consultation for 2026–27, inviting residents to have their say on how the city’s resources should be allocated in the year ahead. For the first time in many years, the Council will not be proposing any cuts to frontline services, due to a better than expected 2026–27 draft budget settlement announced by Welsh Government last month. However, Cardiff Council still faces the challenge of closing a £22.7 million budget gap (the gap between the funding the council receives and the cost of the services it provides) while continuing to prioritise the services…

A 41-year-old man who died following a fatal road traffic collision on Boxing Day in Trebanog Terrace, Penderyn has been named as Jamie Lee Morrison, from the Penderyn area. His family has paid the following tribute to him: “Jamie was a loving son, brother, grandson, and uncle. He was only 41 having been taken from us so suddenly, and nothing can express the loss that we are currently feeling as a family. “He was well known in the community and was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a heart of gold and was totally selfless and would help…

A new video has revealed major progress on the landmark living building scheme taking shape in Swansea city centre. The Biophilic Living Biome development is being led by Hacer Developments in partnership with Pobl Group and brings together the former Woolworths building on Oxford Street with a new adjoining 13 storey tower. Anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2026, the scheme is designed around sustainability and wellbeing. Once finished, it will include an urban style greenhouse set across four floors, an education facility, rooftop gardens, wildflower borders and a range of green spaces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36EK0Y7eno0 The development will…

A foster carer, who has worked for Powys County Council for 18 years, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours. Mair Wilson, who says she is part of a team providing care with her husband Roy, their own children Nia, Rhys and Dale, and even family friends, said: “I keep on wanting to pinch myself, I’m going to wake up in a minute. “It’s really lovely. I’m very honoured and very humbled as well, I can’t believe it.” Mair and Roy, who live near Llandrindod Wells, have looked after 13 children on long-term placement and many more for…

An extra £2m has been allocated to help Welsh tourism and hospitality businesses install weatherproofing measures. The Year of Croeso Weatherproofing Fund received nearly 400 applications from businesses seeking grants between £5,000 and £20,000. The original £1.75m budget has been increased to meet overwhelming demand. The scheme supports micro, small and medium size businesses employing between 1- 250 people. Successful applicants will receive grants covering up to 75% of project costs. Visit Wales research in 2024 found that 55% of tourism businesses cited poor weather as the main reason for reduced visitor numbers. This additional investment will help businesses extend…

A vaccination programme to protect young children against chickenpox is being rolled out in Wales. All children aged 12 to 18 months across the UK will be offered a vaccine for chickenpox – also known as Varicella – for the first time. The programme is being introduced following advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommended a universal varicella vaccination programme should be introduced as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. The vaccine will be offered in a two-dose programme at 12 and 18 months of age using a combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella)…

Wales is waking up to an icy and frosty start today, with further snow flurries expected in parts of the country and a Yellow weather warning for snow and ice remaining in place for several areas. According to the Met Office, a slow moving band of hail and snow showers will continue to affect western parts of Wales throughout the day. Some of these showers could be heavy at times, bringing further snow accumulations, particularly across Pembrokeshire. Elsewhere, conditions will be largely sunny but very cold, with ice lingering in places. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach no higher than…