Author: Rhys Gregory

Car boot sales are making a welcome return to Rhondda Heritage Park Museum for 2026, with dates running from March through to October. Shoppers can browse and buy for free, while sellers can book a pitch for £10. All sales will take place between 10am and 1pm, with sellers able to set up from 8.45am. The confirmed dates for this year are: March 14 April 11 May 9 and 23 June 13 July 11 August 8 and 29 September 12 October 10 The popular events offer a chance to pick up bargains, clear out unwanted items and enjoy a morning…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has officially opened two major new education facilities – Ysgol Afon Wen in Hawthorn and Pontyclun Primary School – marking the completion of significant investment delivered in partnership with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. Both schools were formally opened on Thursday 12th February, with Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education, joining elected members, pupils, staff, governors, contractors and Council representatives to celebrate the milestone. Ysgol Afon Wen: A New 3–16 School for the Community Ysgol Afon Wen has been benefiting from its modern learning environment since September 2024, welcoming pupils from the…

World champion boxer Lauren Price will return to Ystrad Mynach next month as she continues preparations for her upcoming world title fight. The fan engagement session will take place in the Aaron Ramsey Suite at the Centre of Sporting Excellence on Saturday 7th March, between 12pm and 2pm, giving supporters the opportunity to meet Lauren, collect fight tickets, and purchase official merchandise ahead of fight night. The event offers local boxing fans the chance to show their support, engage with one of Wales’ leading sporting figures, and be part of the build-up to a major moment in Lauren’s professional career.…

Blaenau Gwent Council has responded to growing concern over road conditions across the borough, as potholes continue to rise following one of the wettest Januarys on record. The council said it understands residents’ frustration and shares their concerns, with highways teams working flat out every day to resurface, patch and make roads safe. While temporary repairs are being carried out where needed, longer term fixes and resurfacing works have already taken place, with more scheduled. After years of budget cuts for local government, councils across the UK are now facing the impact of sustained under investment in highways. Year on…

Rapid testing for bacterial infections is being rolled out in community pharmacies and GP surgeries across Wales. The two-year pilot project will provide near-immediate test results without the need samples being sent to laboratories. It is part of the Welsh Government’s ongoing aim to make sure more people can access healthcare closer to home, in local communities and will help to target antibiotic prescribing, tackling the problem of resistance. The project makes use of diagnostic equipment originally purchased during the pandemic, which has been upgraded and repurposed to test for multiple bacterial infections in community settings. The project is being…

A wide range of events will take place across Wales to mark St David’s Day 2026, with community groups, arts organisations and local charities delivering creative and inclusive celebrations. In North Wales, Menter Ty’n Llan will host workshops with Bard Mei Mac, teaching cynganeddu and traditional Welsh poetry skills. Avant Theatre CIC is planning a youth led celebration at Y Lab in Wrexham, bringing together young people and local partners for a day of performance and culture. Outside Lives Ltd will run a three week community arts programme across Denbighshire, blending creativity with local heritage. In South East Wales, Media…

The Welsh Government has invested more than £600 million in its Help to Buy – Wales scheme, supporting thousands of people across the country to achieve their dream of homeownership. Help to Buy – Wales is a cornerstone of the Welsh Government’s housing strategy and helps people who might otherwise be unable to afford a home. Since its launch the scheme has helped more than 15,000 people buy their own home, with 85% being first-time buyers, since April 2022. The scheme provides shared equity loans (of which the first 5 years are interest free) to help people purchase new-build properties. In December 2024, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, confirmed the scheme would be extended to run until at least September 2026,…

The process of driving through the open road which passes through countryside areas, historical market towns, and coastal landscapes creates a strong connection to British culture. A road trip through the UK creates permanent memories which people will treasure throughout their lives whether they travel from Cardiff to the Pembrokeshire Coast for a weekend or embark on an extended journey through the Brecon Beacons. The braking system of your vehicle which protects your safety throughout your journey experiences major stress during your travel activities. It became necessary to conduct car checks and preparations before beginning any long-distance driving. Brake repair…

If you live in Wales, you know the climate. You know the soft, persistent rain that sweeps in from the Irish Sea, the mist that settles in the valleys, and the humidity that seems to cling to everything. It’s part of our charm, part of why the Brecon Beacons are so impossibly green. But inside our homes, this climate presents a relentless challenge. For decades, homeowners from Cardiff to Bangor, from Swansea to Wrexham, have battled the same enemy: damp.  We paint over it, we wipe it down, we open windows and hope for the best. Yet it returns, season…

In this guide, we’ll review the best commercial mortgages in the UK for 2026 based on loan size, terms, lender type, and borrower suitability. We’ve analysed broker and lender offerings using verified product data, FCA registration, and borrower access models.  Whether you’re financing a trading premises or a buy-to-let portfolio, this comparison will help you find options that match your business needs. TL;DR: Compare best commercial mortgages in the UK for 2026 across loan size, term, and borrower type. Use the table to scan max loan amounts up to £250 million, terms up to 30 years, and LTI ratios up…