Author: Rhys Gregory

A unique film project which brought together Swansea University students, staff and the community to showcase the beauty of Gower will be officially launched next month. The Gŵyr documentary series is a collection of films which each capture elements of local history, culture, ecosystems and natural resources. They have been created by a not-for-profit community-driven project which saw residents sharing their experiences while working with students and filmmakers. The project has been led by media and communication lecturer Georgios Dimitropoulos and the films will all be available for free on YouTube following a special premiere at Taliesin Arts Centre on…

The FUW has been at the heart of discussions to bring back a mart to Cowbridge as well as creating a multi-purpose resource which will not only benefit the farming community, but the much wider area as well. It is widely accepted that the heart of our agricultural and rural communities is a livestock market, and Cowbridge was no exception. Known as a market town for 750 years, Cowbridge benefitted from farmers and their families visiting the town to carry out their weekly business-calling in at the feed merchants, doing their grocery shopping as well as the important trip to the…

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning tax credits customers to be aware of scams and fraudsters who imitate the department in an attempt to steal their personal information or money. About 2.1 million tax credits customers are expected to renew their annual claims by 31 July 2022 and could be more susceptible to the tactics used by criminals who mimic government messages to make them appear authentic. In the 12 months, to April 2022, HMRC responded to nearly 277,000 referrals of suspicious contact received from the public. Fraudsters use phone calls, text messages and emails to try and dupe…

£7 million second refurbishment phase completed at Hodge House in Cardiff city centre The completion of a £7 million second phase of works marks the conclusion of restoration of the landmark Hodge House office building in Cardiff city centre. Last year owners Legal & General carried out a comprehensive £10 million refurbishment and re-branding of the 110,000 sq ft, eight-storey Grade II listed office building. Now it has invested a further £7 million to create a remodelled ground floor with new reception and an open plan coffee lounge with meeting areas, break out spaces and facilities to suit the new…

A highly-innovative Cardiff housing development that is creating tomorrow’s homes today has scooped a prestigious national award for its sustainability, climate resilience and low carbon footprint. At the annual RESI Residential Property awards atGrosvenor House, London, Cardiff Council and its Cardiff Living scheme development partner, Wates Residential were awarded thetop spot in theClimate Crisis Initiative – Residential category. Aspen Grove in Rumney is a ground-breaking scheme currently being developed on the former site of Eastern High school that has been awarded £4.1m of Welsh Government Innovative Housing Programme (IHP) funding. The Council and Wates Residential are working withCardiff-based sustainable energy…

A chance discovery in an attic sparks fascinating family story with folk tales and legends. Welsh Storyteller Phil Okwedy, and producers, Adverse Camber in association with Theatrau Sir Gâr, have united to share an incredible story revealing a chance discovery about his own past and family history. The Gods Are All Here will tour across Wales this May and June, and later again in autumn 2022. The Gods Are Here explores equality, freedom, racism, family and growing up without your birth parents, in a touching, funny and evocative performance, The Gods Are All Here is both timeless and very much a story of…

There are plenty of fun events and inspiration for days out in Monmouthshire this coming half term, many of which are free. Monmouthshire County Council’s MonLife, which runs many of the county’s museums, attractions and leisure centres is offering a chance to make Brilliant Banners and Super Scrapbooks. Families can create their own family banner using printmaking techniques or make a scrapbook to collect and preserve all favourite keepsakes and memories. It’s messy fun for all the family so do take along an old shirt or apron. There’s no need to book but children must be accompanied by an adult. …

Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt today unveiled the Welsh Government’s new Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Strategy, highlighting the six aims that the government will set to help end the abhorrent abuse women face. Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said: “Today, we are committing to making Wales the safest place for women to live fear free. We want to end violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wales. In committing to this, we must be ambitious, violence against women is not inevitable. That’s why we have set six ambitious targets…

Climate Change Minister Julie James has today (Wednesday, May 25) announced £26m to limit the carbon footprint of tourism in Wales, boost biodiversity and improve access to the countryside so all can enjoy its beauty. The Minister made the announcement as she opened an electric vehicle (EV) network in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – it is believed to be the most extensive network in any UK national park with 74 charging points. The Minister explained that the funding would be used to help make tourism more sustainable and Wales’ countryside more resilient following the growth of staycations during the pandemic.…

Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled the 53 coastal areas that have met the high standards needed to receive the prestigious Blue Flag, Green Coast Award and Seaside Award. Across the country, 25 Blue Flags are flying at 22 beaches and three marinas. The iconic Blue Flag is a world-renowned eco-label owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). For more than three decades, Blue Flag has had a transformational impact on water quality, safety and environmental management, it has also inspired environmental awareness through education activities and promotion of social responsibility. 23 beaches have achieved the Seaside Award for their…