Author: Rhys Gregory

Monmouthshire County Council is encouraging residents to visit community-run Repair Cafes to repair broken household items instead of replacing them. On International Repair Day, Saturday, 18 October, Abergavenny’s monthly Repair Café will be open between 11am and 2pm, offering repairs for everything from toys and bikes to clothes, furniture and woodwork. Despite its name, International Repair Day is much more than a day, it’s the highlight of a whole month that celebrates how something as simple as repairing things can bring communities together, reduce our impact on the planet, teach new skills and so much more. Cllr Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member…

Livestock keepers in Powys are being urged by the county council to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of Bluetongue disease after three cases were confirmed in the county. The cases, two near Llangammarch Wells and the other near Gladestry, are each related to a single bovine animal that has tested positive for Bluetongue virus. All three premises have had movement restrictions imposed and currently no further control zones have been put in place within Powys. Last week (1 October), the Welsh Government implemented a new Bluetongue Virus Temporary Control Zone in Monmouthshire following another confirmed case of Bluetongue…

Unique geography, a strategic location and decades of maritime and industrial expertise position Welsh ports as a natural gateway to unlocking the extraordinary potential of offshore wind. That’s the message from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, as she launches the Welsh Government’s Port Prospectus at the Future Energy Wales conference today. The offshore wind sector is projected to create 29,000 jobs, generate a £4.5 billion economic impact, and power more than four million homes across Wales by 2030. Total offshore wind capacity is forecasted to reach over 20 gigawatts around Wales by 2045. Located less…

A record number of young people are taking full advantage of the new £1 bus fare scheme by signing up for a free mytravelpass. The Welsh Government initiative, which is currently open for 16-21year olds, has seen a record number of young people apply for a MyTravel pass with Transport for Wales receiving more than 26,000 new applications – a 38% increase – since the launch of the scheme in July. From next month (3 November) the pilot is being extended further to offer the same reduced fares to all 5–15-year-olds. But unlike 16–21-year-olds, this age group won’t need to…

The NHS and social care in Wales are getting extra support to prepare for winter pressures and households are getting support to stay warm. The Welsh Government is today (Tuesday 7 October) setting out comprehensive plans before the challenges of winter arrive. Vaccines have been bought centrally by the NHS for the first time to fight the predicted increase in flu cases this winter. The aim is to improve vaccination rates and protect more people. 99% of community pharmacies can now test and treat sore throats for free, without a doctor’s appointment, easing pressure on GPs. The Welsh Government is…

The weather across Wales is set to turn cooler and cloudier this week, according to the Met Office, with a mix of rain, drizzle and some brighter spells expected between Tuesday 7 October and Saturday 11 October. Tuesday will feel noticeably cooler than Monday, with more cloud cover across much of the country. There will still be the odd sunny interval, but a brisk southwesterly breeze will make it feel a little fresher. Rain is expected to arrive in the far northwest later in the day, with temperatures peaking around 17°C. Tonight, the cloud will thicken from the north, bringing…

Designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish or grow their ventures in the city, a new Swansea Business Guide has been launched. The guide provides a wealth of practical advice, from details on grants and funding opportunities to information about recruitment, innovation and sustainability. Produced by Swansea Council, it highlights the city’s strengths and growth sectors, showcasing why Swansea is a prime location for business investment. Covering topics such as doing business in Swansea, sustainable development, skills and recruitment, and innovation and technology, the guide also highlights the unique lifestyle, culture and leisure opportunities that make Swansea…

Gyms aren’t what they used to be. Walk in now and you’ll find a lot more than dumbbells and treadmills. Technology is changing how people work out. AI and machine learning, especially, are now creating personalised workout plans that actually adapt to your needs. These systems analyse your heart rate, how you performed last week, and how tired you are today, then adjust your workout as you go, and it’s way more responsive than following a generic program. The best systems still keep trainers involved, giving them advanced data to help fix their form or suggest when to rest. Smart…

We all want to be able to enjoy a holiday without feeling like it could have been even better if we hadn’t missed out. Rushing to try and secure the best deal is something many of us feel compelled to do, but it can leave us exposed to undue risks. Paying too much upfront or handing over money without checking the small print can take the shine off what could have been a great trip away.  We’re going to take a look at everything you need to know to make sure the booking process always works for you.  Clarify the…

Early Legends and the Birth of Modern Poker Johnny Moss, the person who was given the nickname of ‘The Grand Old Man of Poker’, was the first winner of the World Series of Poker. The voting which chose him as winner was done in 1970 by the players of the poker tournament. Then in 1971 and 1974, he also won the event. In the year 1949, he played one of his legendary matches. The match was the marathon game against Nick “the Greek”. This match had a significant influence on what would become the new format of the World Series…