Author: Rhys Gregory

A music loving 92-year-old great-grandmother is spearheading an appeal to find veterans of the first ever Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 1947. Retired teacher Moira Humphreys was a member of the Coedpoeth Youth Choir who took to the stage at the inaugural festival which was established to promote peace in the aftermath of the Second World War. Organisers are planning to present Moira and surviving fellow competitors from the historic first eisteddfod with commemorative medals to mark the 75th anniversary of the event. The popular festival which helped launch the careers of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti and Sir Bryn Terfel…

Ever wanted to meet your favourite author? Monty Lit Fest 2022 might just be your chance. Over the weekend June of 10-12, the festival will showcase more than 20 brilliant writers with a range of sessions that offer something for everyone. The festival will celebrate writing from Wales, the Borders and beyond, bringing together a stellar line-up of literary talent for book-lovers to enjoy. Hear from bestselling crime authors, Sophie Hannah and Janice Hallett, explore historical fiction with Hope Adams and Alix Nathan and discover the challenges of writing sequels in Welsh with Bethan Gwanas, Sioned Wiliam and Myfanwy Alexander.…

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is paying tribute to its hundreds of volunteers as part of national Volunteers’ Week. Volunteers’ Week (01-07 June) is an annual celebration of the contribution that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. Almost 600 volunteers give up their time to support the ambulance service in Wales, including 460 Community First Responders and 110 Volunteer Car Service Drivers. Lee Brooks, the Trust’s Executive Director of Operations, said: “As an ambulance service, we place high value on the contribution of our volunteers, come rain or shine. “The commitment from volunteers through the Covid-19 pandemic in…

Cornerstone Finance Group has opened a new, larger office in Cardiff as part of its growth plans to further expand the business across the UK. The move to the new 3,500 sq ft premises in Cardiff Gate Business Park comes after the business has seen substantial growth during the past three years. Since its launch in 2016, the Group has expanded its offering – launching four new brands, whilst broadening its client-base and increasing its employee headcount by approximately 50 per cent. The office will now act as a central hub, bringing together all Cornerstone businesses, as well as the…

Professor Glyn Hewinson FLSW has been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to Animal Health and Welfare. Professor Hewinson is an internationally recognised scientist in the field of bovine tuberculosis and has published over 250 peer-reviewed publications on the topic. He led bovine tuberculosis research at the Animal and Plant Health Agency for more than twenty years.  Over this time his team introduced many of the disease control tools used today including diagnostic tests and vaccines for badgers and cattle and genetic techniques to better understand the spread of…

Cardiff’s Children’s Services is on the look-out for volunteers to become positive role models for children and young people in the city. The Volunteer Befriending Scheme matches individuals with some spare time and the desire to give something back to their community with 7 to 18-year-olds involved with Children’s Services, who would benefit for an external positive influence in their lives. Volunteer befrienders work with a young person on a one-to-one basis, providing support and encouragement. This could involve regularly engaging a young person in leisure or sports activities, encouraging them to develop their interests and hobbies or helping to…

RCT Council will soon consult residents on a potential project to redevelop the former Mayhew Chicken Factory site in Trecynon – which could bring the unused land back into use, supporting the growth of local small businesses and the future South Wales Metro delivery. The proposal, being developed by the Council’s Prosperity and Development department, explores the possibility of delivering a mixed-use development complementing the proposed extension of the passenger rail line between Aberdare and Hirwaun as part of the Metro project. The development would include modern business units and a park and ride facility comprising a car park, EV…

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has seen for himself how Welsh Government funding is helping local entrepreneurs develop new, high-quality accommodation in Swansea and Mumbles. The Oyster House, Mumbles has opened its doors in time for half-term, after receiving loan funding of £2m from the Wales Tourism Investment Fund. The 16-bedroom boutique-style hotel and restaurant has created 29 full-time equivalent jobs. Developer James Morse said: “Having developed phase one at Oysterwharf and seeing the number of visitors it attracted, I realised an upmarket boutique hotel was needed in Mumbles. The hotel and restaurant, which are operated by City Pub Group, provides individual designer-style…

Unpaid carers in Wales will benefit from a support scheme helping them to buy basic essential items during the cost-of-living crisis. Carers, who provide care for an adult or disabled child, will be able to apply for grants of up to £300 to pay for food, household items and electronic items. Support services, such as counselling, financial advice, well-being and peer support will also be available It comes as part of a £4.5m Welsh Government investment in the Carers Support Fund over the next three financial years, made up of £1.5m each year. The funding will support unpaid carers who…

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has officially opened a brand-new Tasting Lodge at Llanerch Vineyard and seen the grape work taking place as Welsh Wine Week 2022 starts. Now in its third year, Welsh Wine Week celebrates the wonderful wines produced at vineyards in Wales. The annual event is organised by the Welsh Drinks Cluster, supported by the Welsh Government, and works with vineyards, retailers and wholesalers to promote the sector and its first-class products. Several events are taking place until Sunday 12th June including expert guided tours and tastings. Since the last annual event, Wales’ wines have become recognised…