Author: Rhys Gregory

The charity Crimestoppers have launched a new appeal for anonymous information to assist the South Wales Police investigation into the whereabouts of Mohammed Ali Ege. The reward of up to £5k will be available to anyone providing information exclusively to Crimestoppers leading to Ege’s arrest and safe return to the UK, if he is arrested abroad. He is wanted in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Aamir Siddiqi who died at his home in Ninian Road, Roath, on 11th April 2010 having suffered multiple stab wounds. Although two men have been convicted of his murder, South Wales Police remains as…

A college in the South Wales valleys has launched a new initiative to train current apprentices to become the next generation of lecturers at its campuses. Coleg y Cymoedd has unveiled its ‘Apprentice Lecturer scheme’ – an eight-year programme that will equip engineering and manufacturing apprentices at the college with the skills and knowledge they need to become future lecturing staff within those departments. The learners are studying, engineering or manufacturing programmes, the programme will see each of the apprentices spend time shadowing tutors, receiving mentoring, taking part in industry placements and completing a variety of teaching qualifications. As they…

13-year-old Oliver Papadakis from Marshfield, Newport, has set himself the ambitious challenge to run, skip and walk 90 miles in 90 days in a bid to raise funds for Myeloma UK, a charity close to his heart as his grandfather, Josef Parness, 74, also from Newport, was diagnosed with the incurable blood cancer myeloma five years ago. Oliver’s ultimate goal is to fund research into a cure. The plucky teenager embarked on the challenge on Valentine’s Day and is due to reach the ‘finish line’ on May 14. He has covered 32 miles so far and raised a whopping £1,129…

Luca, a working sheepdog, and his owner Carolyn Heath from Wenvoe, Wales, took home one of the top obedience prizes at Crufts on Saturday 12 March after winning the Obedience Championship (dog) final. The judge was Mrs Pat Watson. Eight-year-old Luca (Jezzady It’s Time To Play), came first in the final held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title. All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final after qualifying at one of the championship shows that were held last year. Proud owner Carolyn said:…

A daredevil Monmouthshire woman has leapt from a plane at 13,000 feet to raise funds for a cause close to her heart. Lisa Hicks, who lives near Monmouth, took part in her first skydive in memory of Tom Walker, raising almost £1,800 for the fund established in his name by Cancer Research Wales. Tom, a quiet, considerate and caring boy, was a pupil at Monmouth School for Boys, when he died from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a rare but aggressive form of cancer, aged just 13, in June 2018. Tom’s sisters, Holly and Emily have been at the forefront of…

Lloyds Bank has strengthened its support for businesses in South Wales after appointing Dave Atkinson as new regional director. Dave will oversee Lloyds Bank’s SME and Mid-Corporate operations across South Wales and the Midlands. He arrives after spending three years as regional director of Lloyds Bank’s operations in the East of England, and brings 34 years of experience to the team, having started his career with Lloyds Bank in 1988 Dave will also continue in his role as Lloyds Banking Group’s UK Head of Manufacturing. He recently authored the UK Manufacturing: From Now to Net Zero report, outlining the steps…

Swansea’s home-grown street food celebration, The Swansea Bay Pop Up, will return to Singleton Park this April. The outdoor dining experience, which takes place under a big top tent, will be bringing local street food, drink and entertainment for the third year running and promises to be even bigger and better. The organisers are looking to invite any interested Swansea-based, street food vendors who may be interested in having a pitch to get in touch via the Pop Up website swanseabaypopup.co.uk. Bookings are also open for the festival which will start on 28th April. In previous years, featured food businesses…

Welsh language four-piece Pys Melyn will be joined by Gwenno Morgan and Bitw at a free-entry showcase in Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, on Friday (18th March) to continue the celebrations of the seventh annual Welsh Language Music Day-Dydd Miwsig Cymru On Dydd Miwsig Cymru in February, a series of free gigs in independent venues at the heart of Welsh communities was announced, including at Clwb Ifor Bach on Womanby Street, the capital city’s cultural centre. Doors open at 7pm on Friday for this 18+ gig with tickets allocated on a first come, first served basis so early attendance is advised.…

A new youth band and a children’s choir are offering young people a route back to normality after the easing of Covid restrictions. Both have been set up for free by the award-winning North Wales Music Co-operative which has sister organisations in Wrexham and Denbighshire. Sessions are free to join and, at the youth band, participants do not need to own their own instruments but can borrow from the Co-op’s supply. The idea is to make music more accessible for young people of all ages and backgrounds as well as boosting their mental well-being in the wake of hardships caused…

Ceredigion County Council will lead a group committed to action on river phosphates in the river Teifi. The river Teifi is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), protected for its national and international significance for wildlife. The river is home to otters, bullhead (a small freshwater fish), Atlantic salmon brook lamprey and river lamprey (primitive, eel-like fish).But water quality is putting these species at risk, as excessive phosphorus levels are destroying its precious ecosystem. Phosphates enter waterways from human and animal waste, laundry, cleaning, industrial chemicals, and fertiliser run-off. They cause explosive growth of aquatic plants and algae…