Author: Rhys Gregory

A Cardiff man and woman have been handed suspended prison sentences for causing unnecessary suffering to their dog after failing to treat a “horrific injury” on her face. Dean Wayne Dando and Ceri Ann Parker both of Highbury Road, Ely, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 10 May. They each faced the same one offence under the Animal Welfare Act in that on and before 2 July 2021 at Highbury Road, they caused unnecessary suffering to their dog Elsa, by failing to ensure she had received veterinary care for swelling to her face and/or weight loss. Both defendants pleaded…

As an occupational therapist, one of Eleri D’Arcy’s passions has always been striving to prevent the number of falls that occur in day to day life. Whether it’s offering advice around making changes at home or providing support if someone has suffered a fall, her role has centred on reducing the risks and potential impacts associated with falling. “Occupational therapists tend to look at falls holistically; considering the physical and cognitive challenges a person may face, the environment, levels of activity, understanding of risks and their personal preferences and goals,” Eleri said. “We look at how people can remain independent and…

Tech company Nightingale HQ has appointed Chris Wilson as its new Chief Technical Officer (CTO) as it continues to set out its vision to promote digitisation across the manufacturing sector. The Cardiff-headquartered data and AI company specialise in helping manufacturers to digitalise and optimise their operations. The company has seen significant growth in this industry, expanding across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, with further partnerships across Europe expected in the next twelve months. Having originally joined Nightingale HQ in 2019, Chris played a key role in delivering core customer projects, he will now lead on the company’s technology vision and…

The latest Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Index (SBI) showed an increase in cost of doing business in Wales, with 80.4% of small firms in Wales reporting increase in costs in the first quarter. 67.9% of firms cited rising fuel costs as the main reason for an increase in costs, followed closely by rising utility prices. Despite increased cost concerns, the SBI also found a rise in small business confidence in Wales, with an easing of Covid-related restrictions in the first months of 2022. This followed national trends, which saw a general uplift across the UK following consecutive…

Volunteer support has helped a Ruthin wildflower site bloom with colour. Last Autumn, Ruthin’s Friends of the Earth along with other local volunteers and staff helped plant up thousands of wildflower plants on a large road verge at Glasdir. Denbighshire County Council’s Wildflower Meadow project has become larger this year following the announcement of additional sites for the environment initiative. Following the Council’s declaration of a climate and ecological emergency in 2019, this project is part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing biodiversity across the county, At the end of 2021 there were nearly 60 Wildflower Meadows project sites, including…

A LONG-STANDING accountancy firm has joined forces with a leading name in the sector. Lotti Summers Ltd in Beaumaris, Anglesey, is now part of Salisbury’s Chartered Accountants. The move comes after Salisbury’s – based in St Asaph, Penmaenmawr and Ruthin – opened new offices in Menai Bridge. Lotti grew up on the island and has spent more than 30 years in the industry; she and colleague Jess Massey are delighted to retain the company’s identity while uniting with the award-winning practice, led by Directors Aled Roberts, Jeremy Salisbury, and Jason Matischok. “I look forward to this next chapter for the…

A giant triangle that’s the height of 36 double decker buses stacked on top of each other has appeared on a hillside overlooking Denbigh. The massive structure in the shape of the famous Urdd logo has created a huge stir on social media and has been designed to flag up that the organisation’s National Eisteddfod is finally coming to town at the end of May. The week-long festival was originally due to be held there in 2020 but had to be postponed for the last two years due to Covid-19. The event, one of Europe’s largest youth festivals which usually…

A leading North Wales law firm has recruited a solicitor who specialises in supporting families who have to make decisions regarding vulnerable relatives. Claire Thomas has joined the Wills, Trusts, and Estates department at Gamlins Law where she will act for clients involved in Court of Protection matters. The Court of Protection makes decisions for people who lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs for any reason, such as an injury, dementia, a disability or learning difficulty. The decisions the Court of Protection can make include who should manage the person’s finances. Claire, who previously worked for one…

An elderly cat who was found abandoned in a cat carrier in a rural part of Newport is now in RSPCA care. The tabby and white female cat was handed into a vet practice by a member of the public after being found near the junction between Henton Road and Goldcliff Road, in Goldcliff – Newport at about 9pm on Tuesday 10 May. RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Black said: “The cat is microchipped however sadly the chip details are not up to date. “We have attended the chip address but the people there don’t know anything about the cat…

Retired Welsh international and British & Irish Lions player James Hook is set to lace up his boots once more for a star-studded game to mark his testimonial year on June 10th at the Gnoll in Neath. James announced his retirement in 2020 following a 16-year long career which began in Neath, and saw him take to the pitch for Wales, Ospreys, Perpignan, Gloucester, and the British & Irish Lions. During his career he won 81 caps for Wales, 6 caps for British & Irish Lions, and has the title of Wales’ fourth highest all-time points scorer. As he enters…