Author: Rhys Gregory

Five Illustration students from the University of South Wales (USW) will see their designs adorning super-sized Snoopy sculptures today (8 April) as part of a spectacular public art trail by Dogs Trust. A Dog’s Trail is a series of intricately decorated Snoopy sculptures, pawing its way across Cardiff, Caerphilly and Porthcawl for the next eight weeks, with each sculpture designed by local, regional and national artists. Second-year students Alison Howard, Amy Bainbridge, Hannah Morgan, Elis Mutlu and Megan Hill all had their designs chosen to be part of the trail, which also features work by Illustration graduate Joe Davies. The…

For places to visit and things to do during the Easter school holidays and Easter Bank Holiday weekend (April 15-18), MWT Cymru has put together a round-up of events in Mid Wales to put a spring in your step. Easter Driving Trail and Dam Open Days at Elan Valley, Near Rhayader, Powys Easter Driving Trail: April 2-25 Get ‘egg-cited’ for a fun quiz around the Elan Valley this Easter. Answer the ten questions as you drive around the estate and return to the Visitor Centre to receive your prize! Quiz sheets will be available to buy from the information desk at…

Work to demolish an unsafe building on Rhyl High Street is nearing completion. The demolition of 123-125 High Street has been undertaken to secure the site following a survey by structural engineers who deemed the building unsafe and a danger to the public. Progress on the demolition means the Lower High Street is now open to traffic. Contractors Wye Valley Construction carried out demolition works on behalf of Denbighshire County Council. Emlyn Jones, the Council’s Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said: “The demolition of these buildings was required to keep the public safe. “The work is being…

Award-winning theatre company, Hijinx, presents a provocative, funny, and visually immersive delight set not too far in thefuture. the_crash.test will open at Wales Millennium Centre on 13 & 14 May followed by its international debut at Mittenmang Festival in Bremen, and additional performances as part of the Hijinx Unity Festival in June and July 2022 in Cardiff, Bangor and Llanelli. Incorporating motion capture puppetry, large scale projection and original composition, the_crash.test presents an inclusive cast of performers on stage and via video link, for audiences both in person and online. Known for its pioneering, inclusive theatre work that is original,…

Homelessness charity Emmaus South Wales is appealing for volunteers to help in its Porthcawl charity shop. Emmaus South Wales provides accommodation, work experience, daily support, and funded training to help people who have experienced homelessness. Volunteers are currently needed to help in the charity’s Porthcawl shop in several roles including till work, sorting and stocking donations, cleaning, and customer service. Emmaus can accommodate as many days or hours people have spare, however asks that volunteers are consistent and reliable. Adam Merrison, Porthcawl Operations Manager at Emmaus South Wales, said: “We’re looking for people who want to use their time, skills,…

The winners of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Awards have been announced at a ceremony in Cardiff. Presented by journalist and presenter Andrea Byrne at voco St. David’s Cardiff Hotel, the ceremony saw awards collected by small businesses from across Wales for 12 categories. Platts Agriculture Ltd went above and beyond, winning both the Environmental and Sustainability Business of the Year, and Family Business of the Year, after their operations impressed the judges. The Environmental and Sustainability award recognises the most ethical, socially responsible or green business, and was open to small business owners who have…

North Wales adventure company Zip World are pleased to announce that the building of their 19th adventure is underway. Zip World Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, will be opening another world-first this summer, with the introduction of ‘Underground Golf’, a subterranean adventure golfing course set in an old slate mining cavern. With 4 Welsh adventure sites under their belt, Zip World is best known for the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity 2, which is based at Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda, North Wales. However, the company which prides itself on creating extraordinary experiences offers much more than just zipping. Underground Golf will join…

A unique Good Friday event will again take place on Talyllyn Railway in Mid Wales this year. Called ‘Stations at Stations’, a special train will stop at each station along the line for readings and prayers telling the Good Friday story of the crucifixion. The event, which is supported by the churches and chapels in Tywyn and the surrounding area, started in 2009 and continued every year until the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. The railway is delighted that, with the relaxing of restrictions, this event may now take place again, starting provisionally at 4.30pm in the Narrow-Gauge Museum at…

An NHS worker from Bridgend who is based in the cardiology catheter theatres at the University Hospital of Wales is taking on an epic challenge to help raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru. Elizabeth Sim is training hard for the South Wales Wild Horse 200 Ultra Marathon, a footrace set in the heartlands of Wales over 5 days, starting on 13th April. Elizabeth says, “This is a challenge harder than anything I have physically experienced before. I have 120 hours (5 days) to complete the 200-mile course. The route has 30,187 feet of climbing. No repetition…

It was the first event of the year for the team at Wales’ largest independent mass participant running organisation and what an event it was! With near perfect running conditions on the day, it was hailed a great success, with both male records smashed in the marathon and half marathon events by Cardiff Triathlete, Oliver Webb and Swansea Harrier, Dewi Griffiths. On Sunday 10 April, it was the first time the event has been held since 2019, and after a 1092-day absence. Organisers were delighted to be able to stage it today at the incredible Pembrey Country Park. Tash Smith,…