Author: Rhys Gregory

Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles has today announced that all new school and college buildings, major refurbishment and extension projects will be required to meet Net Zero Carbon targets from January 1 2022. Buildings will be required to be Net Zero Carbon in operation, which means producing zero or negative carbon emissions as part of their operational energy. The first  generation of schools and colleges under the new rules will also be required to demonstrate a 20% reduction on the amount of embodied carbon, which is the carbon emitted through construction materials and the construction process, with further…

With plenty of beautiful countrysides and peaceful landscapes, Wales is a top filming location. It has made a significant impact on the recording world and has been seen as a backdrop in many popular Hollywood films and television shows, with lots of scenic locations around the country substituting for hotter, more exotic ones typically found abroad. Here are some of the most iconic filming locations the country has to offer. Brecon Beacons – The Dark Knight Rises It’s surprising to know that Henrhyd Falls in Brecon Beacons National Park was actually used as the Bat Cave entrance in Christian Bale’s blockbuster film. This…

Millions of people suffered and survived the COVID-19 worldwide. But now with the help of advanced medical science and increasing awareness about the disease, the recovery chances are higher. Another challenge that COVID-19 patients face is decreased health. This can affect their normal life. But with proper care and looking after yourself, you can regain your health. Here are a few easy ways that can aid in recovering human health after COVID-19. Boost Your Immunity One of the major impacts on a COVID-19 patient’s body is a weakened immune system. A weak immunity level makes you more prone to other…

A kitten is recovering from a terrifying ordeal after a member of the public said she saw three boys threatening to ‘burn’ him at Hendre Lake in St Mellons. The woman was walking her dog around the lake – a popular site for birdwatching and fishing – when she said she heard a loud meowing noise coming from behind some bushes. When she went to investigate she found three boys, thought to be aged around 12 or 13, holding a black bin liner and discussing “burning the cat” they had trapped inside. The woman quickly intervened and threatened to call…

Over 100 dangerous commercial vehicles removed from the road in a multi-agency operation across Wales. At an operation in October 2021, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), South Wales Police, Gwent Police, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Natural Resources Wales, and Trading Standards came together to target ‘rogue traders’ on Welsh roads. Enforcement teams involved in the operation were largely targeting vans and other light goods vehicles being used for commercial purposes. Across all check sites, DVSA examiners issued a total of 110 immediate prohibitions for defects so dangerous that they result in a vehicle being immediately removed…

Fundraisers have come together at an annual charity golf day to raise crucial funds for a child protection charity. Around 80 golfers across 20 teams teed off as part of this year’s event at the Vale Resort in South Wales, raising £13,000 for the NSPCC, which relies on public donations for 90% of its funding. The event, which included an auction and charity dinner, was organised by the family owned home-furnishings retailer, Leekes, and hosted at its Vale Resort in Hensol. Rhian Griffiths from Leekes says: “The Leekes Retail charity golf day was back with huge success in 2021. After…

The Welsh Government will today set out its vision to radically reform post-16 education, for the first time ever enshrining in law nine national strategic purposes for the post-compulsory education system. Some of the arrangements for organising tertiary education in Wales have been in place for 30 years, before big increases in student numbers, devolution and major changes in technology. To ensure learners have the support of a coherent sector, focused on widening access and increasing opportunities, the Welsh Government will establish a new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research. This would mark the first time in Wales’ history that…

BAFTA-winning actor and national treasure Miriam Margolyes will switch on Hay-on-Wye’s Christmas lights as part of her Hay Festival Winter Weekend appearance on Friday 26 November. The free switch-on event will take place between 5pm and 7pm in The Cheese Market, accompanied by carol singing to give a rousing start to the Festival weekend, which runs to Sunday 28 November. Miriam Margolyes is a veteran of the stage and screen, and an internationally acclaimed voice-artist. Winner of the BAFTA Best Supporting Actress award for The Age of Innocence, she received an OBE in 2002 for Services to Drama. Her memoir, This…

Business confidence in Wales tumbled 23 points during October to 23%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 15 points at 27%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 29 points to 21%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 23%. The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 16% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down eight points on last month. Overall UK business confidence remained steady month-on-month, dipping by just three points to 43% and remaining comfortably above…

No, Bruce Willis was not in town, but instead a multi-agency emergency services training exercise was recently conducted in Cardiff. Residents living near Llanishen in Cardiff were made aware of an emergency service training exercise at a high-rise premise known as Gleider House on Saturday the 23rd of October 2021. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service alongside their emergency service colleagues took the opportunity to carry out the exercise to challenge responders and provide real-time experience in high-rise rescues. By trialling a multi-agency response it gives emergency services the opportunity to test and perfect their coordination and response procedures. The…