Author: Rhys Gregory

The countdown is on – entries for the legendary Nos Galan Road Races 2025 are about to open. Now in their 67th year, the races remain one of Wales’ most iconic sporting and community events, drawing thousands of runners and spectators to Mountain Ash every New Year’s Eve. With spaces selling out in record time each year, organisers are urging runners of all ages and abilities to be ready when entries are released next week. As always, the Council will release spaces across all the races – children’s, male elite, female elite and fun run – in stages, so everyone…

Newport City Council has pledged its full support to Dragons RFC as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) launches a consultation into the future of elite rugby in Wales. The council has underlined the importance of the Dragons to the local community, highlighting the club’s extensive outreach work, which engages with more than 120,000 young people across the region every year. From wheelchair rugby to mental health support and veterans’ initiatives, the club’s community programmes provide wide-ranging benefits beyond the pitch. Council leaders have also raised concerns about the economic impact if professional rugby were to disappear from Newport, noting that…

Synergy Plastics, a long-established manufacturer of plastic injection moulds based at 8 Willow Road, Pen Y Fan Industrial Estate, Crumlin, has been awarded £18,704.50 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Business Development Grant 2024/25. The funding will support the company’s ongoing expansion and sustainability efforts. Founded in 1994, Synergy Plastics employs 49 staff and is currently expanding its site to increase storage capacity, enabling more efficient manufacturing operations. The grant has been instrumental in funding two key projects: Installation of a new ‘free cooling’ system to complement existing chillers, significantly reducing energy consumption and operating costs while lowering the…

The Caerphilly Early Years and Childcare Service is delighted to announce that the Flying Start childcare programme is expanding to include more postcode areas across Caerphilly County Borough. This latest phase of the Welsh Government’s national rollout means even more families will be able to access high-quality childcare from January 2026. This expansion marks a significant milestone, increasing coverage from 50% to 80% of the borough — bringing the benefits of Flying Start to hundreds more children and their families. From the 1st September 2025, families in newly eligible areas will be able to apply for a Flying Start childcare…

Leader of Powys County Council, Cllr Jake Berriman, has announced changes to the Cabinet, which will take effect from 1 October 2025. The reshuffle is designed to build on the Cabinet’s existing strengths while introducing fresh perspectives to key areas of council work. “I believe these changes will help us build on the expertise we’ve developed and bring new energy to our Cabinet,” said Cllr Berriman. “This reshuffle reflects the council’s commitment to delivering a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking Powys, with a Cabinet team equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.” As part of the changes, Cllr Sian Cox…

Despite the common perception that protecting your business property is an unnecessary expense, business owners will actually find that this investment is far from being a financial burden. Instead, it’s a beneficial financial strategy that ensures the longevity and success of any Manchester business.  Invest in Regular Preventive Property Maintenance As a business owner, you might have used the search term ‘PPM near me’ on your quest to find top-notch preventative property maintenance services. Engaging a local reputable company will ensure you are staying on top of any potential issues, saving you money in the long term as you avoid…

Missing teeth can influence how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Dental implants offer a long-term solution, and two of the most common choices are All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants. Each treatment is designed to restore a full set of teeth, but with some important differences that you need to understand before committing to the right option. Keep reading to see which approach might fit your needs best. Understanding All-On-4 Dental Implants The All-on-4 technique uses four carefully placed implants to support a full arch of new teeth. This option is often recommended for patients with less bone density, as…

Two of North Wales’ most exciting emerging acts are joining forces for a night that celebrates the energy, creativity, and DIY spirit of Wrexham’s music scene. Groom The Giant will launch their brand-new EP ‘Old Toby’ with a headline set at NGHTCLB, joined by special guests and local favourites, Fleece. Groom The Giant, a four-piece grunge rock outfit hailing from Llangollen and Wrexham, have been steadily making their mark with heavy, psychedelic riffs and intense live performances. With appearances at FOCUS Wales, Wrexfest, Llangollen Fringe, and the International Eisteddfod already under their belt, the band are now ready to unleash…

City Hospice’s Sparkle Walk will return to north Cardiff this September, bringing together families, friends, and colleagues to remember loved ones while raising vital funds for the charity. The 10km night-time walk, which begins at Insole Court, Llandaff, will see participants stroll to City Hospice in Whitchurch and back, with a medal and glass of sparkle waiting for them on their return. At the halfway point, walkers will pause at the hospice’s memory garden, where they will have the chance to leave a heartfelt message or hang a ribbon in memory of a loved one. With over 150 participants already…

All eyes will be focussed on Mid Wales next weekend (September 5-7) as the eagerly anticipated JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion hosts the penultimate rounds of the pulsating FIA European Rally Championship and the Probite British Rally Championship. Rali Ceredigion celebrates its fifth running and brings together 106 competing crews from across the continent for the three-day contest – the biggest in the British Isles. The Mid Wales event could well be crowning champions come Sunday afternoon, but before then competitors will face 10 closed-road stages in the breathtaking countryside of Ceredigion and Powys. There’s also two high-speed, crowd-pleasing tests in…