Author: Rhys Gregory

The appetite for cheap, disposable and convenient clothing is undoubtedly growing; according to recent statistics, the UK fashion market is projected to reach a revenue of £60.17bn in 2022. At the same time, it’s thought that fast fashion’s emissions will rise by over 50% by 2030. Whilst experts are calling for urgent action to reduce the industry’s impact on the planet; big brands are still catering to consumer demand for low prices and benefiting from apathy towards sustainable and ethical credentials. However, below the surface lies the lesser discussed problem of supply chain exploitation and how it disproportionately harms women.…

Aberystwyth Town footballer and mother-of-three Jessica Baker will celebrate Mother’s Day with her son, thanks to receiving vital blood transfusions during childbirth. Jessica lost around 30% of her own blood during the birth of her son Connor seven years ago and required several emergency blood transfusions at Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth. As a result of receiving blood, Jessica is now unable to donate herself, which is why she is eager to share her story and raise awareness of the importance of blood donation. Jessica explains “Mother’s Day is a very special day for me. I am here today because of…

An outbreak of avian flu has killed more than 30 birds at Roath Park Lake since it was first identified. Although the virus poses a low risk to people, Public Health Wales and Cardiff Council continue to advise the public to not hand-feed the birds and say it “remains critical” not to touch sick or dead birds. The presence of the H5N1 virus in the bird population at the lake was confirmed following tests on the body of a greylag goose, handed into park wardens on February 24th. Avian influenza is not unusual and is most common during the winter…

MARTIN Nicholls, Swansea Council’s director of place, has been appointed interim Chief Executive of the authority. Mr Nicholls, was appointed at a meeting of Council on March 18. He will take up his duties in May when current Chief Executive Phil Roberts retires after six years in the post. Mr Roberts said: “Martin is a very well-respected figure at the council and among our partner organisations. He will bring vast experience to the role at an important time for the council.” Following council elections on May 5, the council will advertise for a permanent chief executive, in line with local…

Six cherry trees gifted from Japan have been planted in Margam Country Park to celebrate enduring friendship between the UK and Japan. The six Japanese cherry trees – or Sakura in Japanese – are some of more than 6,000 of the trees gifted to the UK as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree friendship project paid for by a variety of Japanese businesses. At Margam Country Park on Tuesday (March 22nd, 2022) when the trees were planted were the Honorary Consul for Japan, Mr Keith Dunn OBE, the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr John Warman, Neath Port Talbot Council…

The ever-popular Easter Egg-stravaganza returns on Good Friday, 15th April & Saturday 16th April with a traditional Easter Egg hunt PLUS a brand-new Underground Bunny Adventure. Themed activities over the two days will include an Easter Egg Hunt and arts and crafts for just £3 per child, with accompanying adults free. A small children’s funfair will also be on site and rides are included in the ticket price. All egg hunters can roam around one of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s most popular Tourist destinations, searching for giant eggs and of course, there’s a chocolate egg at the end. An exciting addition…

The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, will re-open for its main 2022 season on Saturday, April 9. This means it will be open throughout the Easter school holidays, offering two early morning swims, plus six sessions with all three pools and inflatables, every single day! Tickets for the first sessions are set to go on sale on Monday, April 4 – so get that date in your diaries. Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “The National Lido of Wales enjoyed a record-breaking season last year, with more visitors than ever before enjoying its three outdoor heated…

Risca Community Comprehensive School will hold a dog walk at Cwmcarn Forest to raise funds for its Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) centre. The walk will take place on Sunday, April 3, and coincides with World Autism Awareness Week. All are welcome to the event, which begins at 10.45am at Cwmcarn Forest car park. The ASC centre at the school currently has 21 pupils, aged between 11 and 16, who receive support and learn key skills. Funds raised at this years’ event will go towards developing their nurture garden ,a seating area, plant seeds and to help complete the calming area…

Rhymney and Risca High Street are the first to ‘go live’ with free public Wifi as part of Caerphilly Council’s ongoing Council’s ongoing support to regenerate our town centres. With funding from the Welsh Government Transforming Towns Fund and the former Rhymney Valleys Task Force Fund, the project to install Wifi infrastructure began in 2020 and has seen the preparatory works completed in 7 key towns. The initiative forms a key part of our Choose Local Campaign that aims to encourage residents to #ChooseLocal and explore each of our key town centres surrounding areas to fulfil shopping and everyday needs. Residents can…

This summer, Birmingham plays host to the 2022 Commonwealth Games. A multisport event that takes place every four years and includes athletes from all of the Commonwealth countries across the globe. Unlike in the Olympics, in the Commonwealth Games athletes compete for Wales rather than Great Britain. Proceeding the games is the Queen’s Baton Relay. This is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games. The Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London where the Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At…