Author: Rhys Gregory

More than 15,600 farm businesses across Wales will tomorrow receive a share of over £159.6m in Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Advance payments, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced. This news means 97% of claimants will receive an automatic payment worth 70% of their estimated full claim value. Historically, BPS payments have commenced from 1 December annually. However, regulation changes made by the Welsh Government following the end of the EU Exit Implementation Period has simplified the requirements of BPS for 2021 and beyond. This has allowed BPS Advance payments to be made prior to December to eligible BPS 2021…

Swansea’s spectacular annual fireworks show is set to return this year – everyone is welcome, it’ll be free to all and will take place over the waters of the bay. Thousands of families and individuals are expected to attend. They will enjoy the show on the wide open spaces of Swansea Beach and the prom. Given that Covid is still with us, organisers Swansea Council are determined to try to make sure that large scale events are put on safely and for people to enjoy. To allow as many people as possible to attend the fireworks show safely the best…

Welsh beef jerky snacks manufacturer Trailhead Fine Foods put in another star performance in this year’s Great Taste Awards, the Oscars of the food and drink world. The Welshpool-based company is celebrating after its Original Beef Jerky and Teriyaki Beef Jerky flavours impressed the Great Taste judges so much that they awarded them a one star award each, recognising them as “food that delivers fantastic flavour”. The company makes handmade, artisan beef jerky snacks in eight flavours, which are branded Get Jerky. The snacks are made with responsibly sourced PGI Welsh Beef and marinated using secret, unique recipes. The high protein…

An award-winning artist whose sister’s dementia battle has left her heartbroken is hosting a fundraising exhibition in aid of a research charity. Jenny Holbrook, was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago at the age of 80 and has been living at Pendine Park’s Hillbury Care Home in Wrexham since March following her rapid decline in lockdown. Her sister, talented fine art painter Angela Scott, has been left devastated by the deterioration of her through the disease and is now hosting a special studio exhibition at her home in aid of Alzheimer’s Research. Until being struck down by dementia Jenny lived…

Major work by Swansea Council to improve sea defences at Mumbles is to be boosted by a Welsh Government grant of more than £1.7m. The funding will be used by the council to design defence improvements along a 1.2km stretch of seafront, from around Oyster Wharf to near Verdi’s. Public consultation on the scheme continued this year – with more to follow as plans progress. The council’s cabinet is due to discuss the grant when it meets on October 21. Mark Thomas, cabinet member for environment enhancement and infrastructure management, said: “This grant – for just over £1,735,000 will cover…

An innovative cycle maintenance and safety awareness scheme led by pupils from Gowerton Comprehensive School has received a funding boost from the South West Wales Community Rail Partnership. Launched in February 2021, the Partnership’s ‘Community Changemakers Fund’ is aimed at supporting people and organisations wishing to deliver improvements in communities across the region. More than sixty applications were received from individuals and organisations seeking a share of the £16,000 fund, which was supported by Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Siemens Mobility and the Community Rail Partnership. Administered by the Carmarthenshire Association for Voluntary Services (CAVS) and the Community Rail…

A Mold-based PR agency has picked up four prestigious industry awards for its campaigns alongside two other north Wales companies. Outwrite PR claimed trophies within two different regions of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide awards; Cymru Wales and East Anglia. Its work with Ruthin-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and Cambridgeshire County Council won gold awards at the CIPR East Anglia awards in the best construction and infrastructure, and integrated communications categories. Judges praised the “considered and focused” campaign as well as its “multi-pronged tactical approach to inform, educate, and build trust during the pandemic”. The agency…

248 parks and green spaces in Wales have received the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award. They include a diverse range of sites, from country parks and formal gardens, to allotments, woodlands and churchyards. Now in its third decade, the international Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that a park or green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. 35 amazing spaces in Cardiff have made it into the top list: Bute Park (full award) Cardiff Bay Barrage (full award) Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve (full award) Cathays…

248 parks and green spaces in Wales have received the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award. They include a diverse range of sites, from country parks and formal gardens, to allotments, woodlands and churchyards. Now in its third decade, the international Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that a park or green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. First-time winners include Parc Slip in Bridgend, Bwlch Nant yr Arian which is managed by Natural Resources Wales in Aberystwyth and Gronant Sand Dunes in Denbighshire. Cllr Tony…

ONE of the driving forces behind a leading industrial supplier says goodbye this week after more than 30 years with the business. GE Tools director Neil Coleclough joined the Rhyl and Deeside-based company in 1988 and has helped oversee a period of sustained growth The 59 year-old plans to spend more time with wife Christine and family, pursuing hobbies including photography, walking and yoga. Neil follows GE Tools founder Gordon Evans into retirement and is confident new managing director Chris Owen – who has more than 20 years’ experience with the organisation – will lead them to an even brighter…