Author: Rhys Gregory

Hair salons, barbers and beauticians across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan have been asked for their support to help tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Around 650 businesses across the region will be receiving information and resources this month to help raise awareness of the issue and enable them to signpost any clients needing help to local and national specialist support providers. The consequences of domestic abuse and sexual violence can be far reaching and have a serious impact on all aspects of victims’ lives so this initiative aims to ensure that everyone experiencing abuse -…

Major refurbishment and redesign works have been completed at Treorchy Library as part of a joint £150,000 investment by the Council and Welsh Government to improve the facilities for users and the local community. Treorchy Library, situated opposite the Park & Dare Theatre, in the heart of the community, is regularly used by residents of all ages. These improvement works make the library more accessible for all users. Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Communities, said: “I am delighted that the works at Treorchy Library have now been completed, making the venue more…

Residents and road users will notice increased activity near the Llanharan railway bridge next week – as the Council’s contractor begins to prepare the site for a replacement footbridge to be installed in early summer. Following the demolition of the damaged footbridge in January 2022, the Council’s contractor Centregreat Ltd will begin the construction phase of the replacement scheme from Monday, February 14. The new bridge is currently being constructed off site, and the works schedule is to lift it into place during early summer – once the necessary preparations on site have advanced. Initial activity from Monday will include…

A creative writing workshop with Anni Llŷn and a Book Fair for Parents will be among the highlights of ‘Amdani’, the virtual Learn Welsh Festival of Reading, which will be held for the second time by the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Anni Llŷn will hold a creative writing workshop for learners on Thursday evening 3 March at 7pm.  The event is suitable for learners at Intermediate + levels who want to put pen to paper with the well known author and presenter. The aim of the virtual festival, which will be held between 28 February and 4 March, is…

BBC’s The Apprentice recently visited the action-packed Zip World Llechwedd to film a task for an episode with contestants around the outdoor adventure centre. The episode, which aired last night (10th February 2022), saw the candidates attempt a task in Wales around promoting tourism whereby the group was asked to plan an adventure-filled experience for holidaymakers and corporates. The contestants were asked to create a bespoke package from the adrenaline-seeking activities offered, along with a cheese tasting masterclass with cheese matured onsite in 1 of the 16 underground levels of the mine. The team at Zip World share their experience…

Two accomplished Welsh hospitality managers will return home to their native Pembrokeshire to take on the most senior roles in running the new Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront. Hotel Manager Adrian Andrews and Executive Head Chef Simon Crockford have both forged successful careers away from West Wales and are delighted to be returning to their roots for the exciting new challenge. Opening in April, the development will be one of Pembrokeshire’s largest hotels with 100 bedrooms and an attractive restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Milford Marina. Mr Andrews worked in a number of private hotels in his home town…

After two years of hard work to secure £25,000 of funding, commission contractors and bring a pipedream to life, Cambrian Coltz RFC have thrown open the doors to their new clubhouse at The Bush Hotel. After purchasing the derelict building in 2020, seeing its vast potential in acting as a hub for players, their families and the wider Tonypandy community, a team of Cambrian Coltz stalwarts set about refurbishing the dilapidated first floor 128 sq. metre area. With the room simply a shell, work involved rewiring, plastering, building seating, and painting to ensure that it was fit for purpose. It…

A man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of seven wildlife offences – which included disturbing a red kite nest and taking a baby chick. Dewi Price of no fixed abode, had previously pleaded not guilty to seven wildlife offences – including one under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 – where on 8 February 2018 in the Builth Wells area that he did wilfully kill or injure a badger. The other six offences – under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – related to May 2019 when in the Gelligaer area, Price on two…

Looking for places to visit and things to do this February half-term? We’ve put together a round-up of ideas in Mid Wales to inspire you. 1. Half term dolphin spotting trips in New Quay New Quay Boat Trips, run by Winston Evans and his son Jonathan, will be welcoming passengers onboard its Dreamcatcher boat for one-hour trips from New Quay pier, starting from February 11. The company usually begins its trips on April 1 but has brought them forward this year due, weather permitting, to the high demand from customers. As the Dreamcatcher only carries 12 passengers, passengers are advised…

Wales’ largest music festival, Green Man has announce the first wave of acts to be playing their 20th anniversary event, returning once again to the epic surroundings of the Black Mountains deep in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Joining already-announced Michael Kiwanuka as headliners for this year’s festival are iconic electro-pioneers Kraftwerk, acclaimed Baltimore duo Beach House and eclectic party starters Metronomy. Welsh acts confirmed for the 2022 event include Melin Melyn, Adwaith, Adam Walton and Huw Stephens. Monmouthshire native Ailsa Tully will also be bringing her own brand of alt pop to the Black Mountains event following the release…