Author: Rhys Gregory

IRONMAN has announced that it will add a brand-new event to its 2022 global race calendar with the IRONMAN® 70.3® Swansea triathlon. The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea triathlon will take place on Sunday, August 7, 2022, with general registration opening on November 16, 2021 at 2pm GMT. Athletes and spectators can expect a fantastic route in a race destination offering scenic beauty with the historic dockside, Gower Peninsula and the rolling green hills, pastures and rich agriculture of Rural Swansea. Athletes and their family and friends can also enjoy the views along the sweeping waterfront of Swansea Bay, Mumbles, and…

Public views have helped create detailed proposals for new sea defences that will help protect Mumbles for decades to come. The thoughts and ideas are woven into a Swansea Council vision that will protect the community against flooding and rising tides – and will improve the prom as a safe, modern, inclusive visitor attraction. The proposals include more space for pedestrians and cyclists to share the prom with care, the protection of trees and more opportunities for play and relaxation. Mark Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for environment enhancement and infrastructure management, said: “We’ve listened to the public, business and…

More than £208,000 has been approved for a series of local projects in the latest round of Enhancing Pembrokeshire grants. Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet met on Monday, 1st November 1st to approve 11 applications totalling £208,672. The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant uses funds raised via the Second Homes Council Tax Premium and has now supported more than 150 projects, totalling over £2.6m. Among the projects successful on this occasion was Dinas Cross Memorial Playing Field which will receive £44,605 to replace and modernise play equipment. A further £27,810 will go to Saundersfoot Sailing Club for the purchase of two new safety…

A new grant scheme has been announced by Welsh Government for individuals and organisations across Wales who undertake activities with those who are, or have been, affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences. The £200,000 scheme aims to bolster initiatives that support individuals growing up, or living in homes where there is domestic abuse or substance misuse, as well as those which provide practical support for families to help them deal with issues like family finance. Adverse childhood experiences are traumatic events, particularly those in early childhood that significantly affect the health and wellbeing of people. In addition, funding may also be…

A new children’s playground is being created in Pontllanfraith as part of plans to develop a major new housing development in the area. The new facility will replace the existing playground, which is located within the site of the former council offices in Pontllanfraith. The old playground needs to be removed as the site is soon to be developed into a major new housing development called Chartist Garden Village. Work is well underway on the new play area and the council is also hoping to reuse some of the equipment from the old playground for spares and repairs at other…

Newport’s annual Remembrance parade and service will take place on Sunday 14 November in Newport city centre. The Newport Stedfast Band will lead the parade which will leave High Street at 10:35am making its way to the Cenotaph at Clarence Place.  The City of Newport Male Choir will also be in attendance at the cenotaph along with the Newport Borough Brass Band. The service, led by the Bishop of Monmouth, the Very Reverend Cherry Vann, will take place at the Newport Cenotaph at 10.58am with the guns sounding at 11am to mark the start of the two minute silence. Following…

Residents and road users will notice site activity at White Bridge (Berw Road Bridge) in Pontypridd next week, as a works site is prepared for trial concrete repairs which will take place over two weeks of day-time works from November 15. The structure reopened to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in September following initial scour repairs, resulting from damage sustained during Storm Dennis. Structural assessments have confirmed that the bridge is capable of dealing with similar loads to those it carried before the storm damage (7.5T). When the bridge reopened, the Council made it clear that further trial repairs would be…

The first of four regional roadshow being held in Wales to maximise on the momentum of COP26 was held in North Wales this week (Thursday 4 November), focussing on the region’s potential for renewable and green energy Minister for North Wales Lesley Griffiths provided a message for the event which aims to engage the region in a conversation around the COP themes. The four roadshows form part of a broader programme of roadshow events being held right across the UK showing how Devolved Governments can work with the UK Government in tackling the climate emergency. For North Wales the focus…

First Minister Mark Drakeford is asking budding young artists to put their creative hats on and enter this year’s Christmas card competition. The winning design will be chosen by the First Minister and used as his official Christmas card. The First Minister’s sends his Christmas card to thousands of people around the world, including to Her Majesty, the Queen, to the President of the United States, Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris. The competition is open to children in years 5 and 6 of primary school. Following the First Minister’s visit to Glasgow for the COP26 Summit, the theme…

The Welsh Grand National is the signature event of horse racing in the country, bringing elite competitors to Chepstow Racecourse every year. Great horses have triumphed in the event in its prestigious history including Grand National winners Earth Summit, Bindaree, Silver Birch, and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River in 2016. Secret Reprieve won the event last season with a brilliant performance, and will be among the leading contenders in the betting odds on the top horse racing betting site for the race in 2022. However, there are other talented competitors that will also be vying for the crown. The…