Author: Rhys Gregory

Swim Wales has launched the Early Years Swim Start project, funded by the Welsh Government’s Winter of Wellbeing programme. The initiative will provide babies and young children from disadvantaged areas of Wales the opportunity to learn to swim. In collaboration with Flying Start and 23 facility operators across the nation, the Early Years Swim Start project will provide swimming and aquatic opportunities for babies, toddlers and their responsible adults. This project aims to facilitate taster sessions to encourage people into local swimming facilities and provide subsidised blocks of lessons to start their aquatic journey, to develop skills for life and…

A REMARKABLE young fundraiser from Denbigh is gearing up for a mammoth challenge during the school half term and will climb to the summit of Yr Wyddfa /Snowdon for Save the Children. Eight-year-old Molly Holmes came up with the idea for the fundraiser after she saw TV adverts highlighting the charity’s work and decided to donate her Christmas and birthday money as well as some of her new toys to help other children. She then set her sights on climbing Wales’ highest peak for the first time and organised a sponsored walk. Molly, who has a condition called Idiopathic Toe…

Last week (17 February), 5G Wales Unlocked — the innovation project demonstrating the opportunities for 5G in rural and valleys communities in Wales — launched a live 5G service which includes coverage of Cadw’s Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire. One of the first live 5G trials in rural Wales, the 5G network, provided by BT, will power a series of exciting projects across Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent — showcasing the potential for 5G to transform rural businesses and services across tourism, education, transport and farming. At Raglan Castle, the 5G network is bringing Welsh history to life with Augmented Reality (AR)…

Two ‘drive-thru’ COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil will open this week. The ‘drive-thru’ sessions will run from Monday 21 February to Friday 25 February 2022 and are for anyone aged 12+ who is due a booster, first, second, or third, dose. From Monday afternoon next week, anyone living in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, or Merthyr Tydfil can drive up to any of our drive-thru clinics at Kier Hardie University Health Park, Merthyr Tydfil and Ysbyty’r Seren, Bridgend. No appointment is necessary and all those eligible aged 12+ can attend the ‘drive-thru’ between 1:30pm-4:00pm. CTM UHB would urge…

Wales Week London, the largest annual programme of events promoting and celebrating Wales, kicks off this weekend, with some 90 different activities and events taking place in London up to 9th March. Held for around a fortnight over the period of St David’s Day each year, 2022 is the sixth successive annual programme, and includes events covering business, social enterprise, life sciences and tech, architecture, art, music, film, government and international relations, sport, food and drink, celebrity interviews, entertainment and more. The 2022 Wales Week London programme builds on the success of the last five years, where a multitude of…

New research carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce of more than 1000 businesses has highlighted a host of issues with the UK’s trade deal with Europe. The BCC believes urgent steps should be taken to address these problems so the UK Government’s ambition to increase the number of firms exporting can be met. Overall, just 8% of firms agreed that the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) was ‘enabling their business to grow or increase sales’, while 54% disagreed. For UK exporters, 12% agreed that the TCA was helping them while 71% disagreed. There is similar discontent with the…

Cockapoos have dramatically risen in popularity in the UK due to their hypoallergenic coat, good health and friendly nature – they are the perfect family dogs. This is the first event of its kind in Wales for cockapoos – great if your puppy or dog is a ‘lockdown dog’ that needs that added bit of socialisation to boost their confidence. On Sunday 20th March, organisers will be transforming Revolucion de Cuba into a Cockapoo paradise. It’s a chance to spoil your Cockapoo, socialise (safely), meet lots of fellow ‘poos and dog lovers and be part of an exciting, buzzing experience.…

The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Community Covid Response Awards have been launched to recognise and reward outstanding contributions of individuals, groups and organisations in our community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr John Warman, said: “If you know a person, group, a business or organisation deserving recognition for making a valuable contribution to local people and communities during the Covid pandemic please nominate them for one of these awards. “Many people have helped with shopping, picked up prescriptions, befriended people in need and completed thousands of other selfless tasks throughout Neath Port Talbot during…

A budget designed to create new jobs, build new council homes, and improve opportunities for children and young people, while protecting the least well off as the ‘cost-of-living crisis’ takes hold, has been revealed by Cardiff Council. Cardiff Council’s Cabinet is bringing forward proposals that could see millions spent helping those most in need as the city looks to leave the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic behind it. The proposals are part of the 2022/23 budget report which will go to Cabinet for approval on Thursday, February 24. If agreed, Full Council will vote on the budget proposals at…

Several Bridgend town centre businesses have been nominated for this year’s Best of Welsh Business awards. A total of six businesses – Beth Daniels Hair Design, Cariads Cwtch Apothecary, Clippaz, Cabo Roche, Morgan’s Bistro and UAA Academy – will take on retailers from across the country next month after being voted in as finalists. Bridgend’s finalists will be hoping to take home the winning prize in their category which include Best Hairdresser, Best Health and Wellbeing Business, Best Barbers, Best Pub and Social Club, Best Restaurant and Best Performing Arts and Music School. The winners will be decided at a…