Author: Rhys Gregory

An award-winning organic farm in north Wales has launched a range of natural beauty and lifestyle products as part of wider plans to expand its exports programme and build its reputation as a global brand. The Rhug Estate, based in Corwen, Denbighshire, has added luxury clean skincare products, as well as sustainable homeware to its portfolio and has already secured several major overseas distributors with the support of Welsh Government. The farm, which has a lineage dating back to the 11th century, is already famed for its organic meat for which it holds a Royal Warrant and supplies many of…

A new 31.25-mile ultra trail race, which will tackle the steep ascent of the iconic Devil’s Staircase near Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales, has been revived for this spring after being postponed due to the pandemic in 2020. Llanwrtyd Wells is renowned for hosting a series of wacky and wonderful competitions, including the World Bog Snorkelling Championship, Man versus Horse Race and the World Alternative Games, to name but a few. Now Green Events, organiser of most of these competitions, is launching the Trailhead Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase Ultra Trail Race, which covers 50.3km (31.25 miles) and has a total…

A north Wales housing association is looking to help its tenants offset the increasing cost of living by strengthening its welfare team and bolstering the financial guidance available to its tenants.  Grŵp Cynefin housing group is recruiting a welfare team leader to support residents at a time where inflated bills may leave many vulnerable. The addition to the department comes amidst growing pressure on tenants due to more costly utility bills, an increase in National Insurance contributions and a rise in essential products.  Those living in any of Grŵp Cynefin’s 4,800 properties across north Wales and northern Powys are able…

With strong winds and storms sweeping across the country, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, is providing top tips and advice on how to keep our four-legged friends happy and safe. Charlotte Huggins, Canine Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust, says: “Extreme weather can be distressing for dogs. Signs to look out for include pacing around the home, excessive barking, or trying to run and hide. There are steps owners can take to comfort their dog and help them cope if their dogs are becoming anxious. If you’re worried about the weather, keep your dog indoors as much as…

The furry duo met each other at RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre in Swansea after they were found separately as strays – and they’re now inseparable! Ronnie is a friendly two-year-old male ferret who staff say is a joy to be around. He loves a good snooze, playing with his toys and a fuss! Beautiful Doris, who is nearly one-and-a-half, loves to play with her toys and run through tunnels. Gary Weeks, Llys Nini Animal Centre manager, said: “We call these two ferrets our ‘rays of sunshine’ at the centre. “They met each other at our centre, and it has…

A prize of £1,000, a prestigious title and a coveted dragon trophy await the winner of the National Chef of the Wales final next week when five talented chefs put their culinary skills to the test in the heat of the kitchen. The final is being spread over two days – February 22 and 23 – at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC), organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) and hosted by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s campus in Rhos-on-Sea from February 22-24. Andrew Tabberner, 29, chef co-owner of Gaerwen Arms, Gaerwen, Anglesey, is seeking to complete the double by adding…

AN UNPRECEDENTED rise in gas and electricity bills has led to even greater demand for solar energy. Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the UK Leisure Living Group, which has sites in St Asaph, Mochdre and Deeside – is taking on more staff to cope with a surge in enquiries, having experienced their busiest ever January. Following the announcement householders will pay 54% more on average for their energy from April – and a further increase expected in October – long-term investment in a sustainable alternative is becoming more and more popular. And with a move towards electric and hybrid…

Not only does the new restaurant being fitted out at Swansea’s emerging coastal park have a new name – it now has a general manager too. Sophie Smith will be in charge of day-to-day running of the venue, which is to be called ‘The Green Room’ and operated by The Secret Hospitality Group. The name of the restaurant is a nod to its proximity to Swansea Arena, as well as its environmentally-friendly credentials. It forms part of the £135m Copr Bay phase one district being developed by Swansea Council and advised by development managers RivingtonHark. Swansea-based The Secret Hospitality Group…

One of the capital’s most iconic shops has reopened after flood damage in an adjacent building forced it to close for over a month. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru Home Plus store on Crwys Road attracts customers from across South Wales because of the wide range of quality preloved, vintage, and new furniture and home items it stocks. With its vibrant branding and prime location in the heart of Cathays, the shop is a favourite with anyone looking to furnish their property while being mindful of price and cost to the planet. Area manager Lawrence Turner says, “While many…

Clydach’s popular Forge Fach Community Hub is about to come under the control of the area’s community council – in an arrangement agreed with Swansea Council to secure the future of this valued community building. A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “We’re delighted that the community council is to run Forge Fach from April 1. It’s an important building for local people and groups so it’s encouraging that the community council will be looking after it from now.” Clydach Community Council is stepping in to ensure uninterrupted service after existing leaseholders Walsingham Support, who have successfully run Forge Fach for around seven…