Author: Rhys Gregory

There are now less than three weeks left to vote for a small, much-photographed birch tree at the edge of Llyn Padarn in Llanberis to be crowned the Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year 2025. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Eryri and perched over lakeside pebbles, the Lonely Tree of Llanberis has become a cherished North Wales landmark and a favourite of walkers and photographers alike. Its striking silhouette in mirror-like reflections on the lake have made it one of the most photographed trees in Wales. This year’s competition celebrates trees that are ‘Rooted in Culture’, spotlighting how they…

Work is taking place to breathe new life into several more historic buildings in Swansea city centre. Under plans led by the Elysium Gallery, the former JT Morgan building on Belle Vue Way – which has been empty since 2008 – will soon become home to a community arts centre and hub for creative professionals. Funding from Swansea Council through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund is helping to fund the internal works and strip out, as well as improvements to the roof structure. The project has also secured funding from the Welsh Government as part of its Transforming…

A GROUNDBREAKING gym equipment company is making significant gains within weeks of launch. Based in Llandudno and Mochdre, gym2me was founded by entrepreneur Andy Boyd, who had spent almost two decades in the banking sector before taking the leap and starting his own business. The busy dad-of-twins wanted to explore the circular economy and develop a company borne from his own exercise experiences — and the realities of modern life. gym2me is built for “real people with real lives” who have purchased expensive equipment in the past and found that just weeks or months later it was “gathering dust” in…

Newport-based business finance provider Hexa Finance has announced a strategic realignment within its commercial team alongside a key new hire. The move strengthens both its direct and indirect customer channels as the business continues its rapid growth. Effective 1 September, Daniel Barton will transition from his role as Head of Invoice Finance to become Head of Direct. In his new position, Dan will take full responsibility for the company’s direct channel, working alongside Adrian Monger, who continues to lead the indirect (supplier) channel. In addition, Hexa has welcomed Phil Smith to its commercial team as Senior Growth Advisor. Phil brings…

Llanmoor Homes is opening the doors to the first show home on its exciting new housing development near Aberbargoed this month. The 67-property Saint Sannans Field development, situated on Bedwellty Road, includes a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes. Llanmoor Homes will be opening the doors of its three-bedroom detached Ferndale show home on the site for buyers to view from 10.30am this Saturday, 6th September. Like all homes at Saint Sannans Field, the Ferndale is finished with Llanmoor’s newest architectural design, includes a Wren Kitchen, and is fitted with the latest energy efficient air source heat pump technology…

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Save a Life September campaign has returned to promote lifesaving skills to people all over Wales. The aim of the annual campaign is to encourage people to learn first aid skills, so they are more prepared to act if an emergency happens near them. St John Ambulance Cymru will be holding a series of free in-person sessions around the country, as well as offering full workplace training courses and online e-learning courses people can complete to expand their knowledge of lifesaving skills. The charity will also be sharing a range of stories that show the real-life…

Patrons and the local community are being asked to vote for The Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn which is bidding to become the first winner of the Cinema of the Year Award at British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). The cinema, situated in the Mid Wales coastal resort, needs support to secure a nomination for the new award, sponsored by Kia. Cinemas nationwide were invited in July to enter and tell BIFA why they are so special. Voting at www.bifa.film/coty-vote closes on September 22 and a specially selected jury will select the nominees, taking into account audience votes and the cinemas’…

Brecon-based esports club S.E.A. Dragons have been crowned Welsh Esports League Premiership champions in Counter-Strike 2 after an unbeaten debut season. The club was founded earlier this year by Cardiff Met students Patryk Białowąs and Dylan Carpenter, Lead Analyst for Cardiff Met FC’s men’s and women’s football teams. Their aim was to bring professional sports methods into esports, applying a “Moneyball-style” model based on data analysis, recruitment insights and structured coaching. It proved successful. The Dragons delivered statement results across the campaign – including a 13–4 win over Dragons RFC’s official esports team – before defeating the Pit Ponies, official…

People need more support to deal with “heartbreaking” pet bereavement, as the RSPCA and TV’s Matt Johnson join forces to help those suffering from the pain of losing a pet. It comes as a new survey from the charity reveals fewer than one in 14 (6.9%) respondents believe pet grief is taken seriously enough by society. A majority of respondents (57.8%) feel a stigma exists around pet grief, while most of those affected admit to hiding their grief (57.1%), or being unable to find support (56.7%). But the RSPCA hopes its new campaign – Not Just a Pet – will help pet…

Inspirational mature student Mandy Price’s motto “Rise up and show up” could not be more apt. Despite huge personal and family health challenges, including spending five weeks in hospital after clustered epileptic seizures, she refuses to let the condition define her. The day after being removed from a ventilator on her first hospital admission, she sat in the intensive care unit completing a presentation for her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Welfare and Behaviour. Two days after her hospital discharge, she was back studying at Coleg Sir Gâr in Carmarthen! In addition to being diagnosed with epilepsy and other…