Author: Rhys Gregory

From high craggy peaks, remote tranquil moorlands and lush green ravines opening out to expanses of awe-inspiring estuaries – Eryri (Snowdonia) has it all. On the 18th of October, this special area will celebrate 70 years since its designation as a National Park, and to mark this special occasion the Park Authority has arranged a variety of events. The designation came about in the wake of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which ensured that designated areas of natural beauty, their culture and wildlife were protected from overdevelopment and safeguarded for the nation. Snowdonia was the…

With colder months on the way, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, launches its events for the festive season, with booking open now in the Swansea store. The ever-popular Santa’s Grotto experience is back. As one of the most loved, traditional festive experiences at Dobbies, little ones in Swansea will love walking through the outdoor woodland, spotting Christmas characters along the way before being welcomed by Santa and receiving a special gift. For those looking to create a lasting memory, a photo can be purchased. New for 2021, at 50 stores across the UK, will be Quiet…

Leading law firm Blake Morgan has announced the appointment of a new Legal Director to its fast-growing Real Estate team in Cardiff. Charlotte Whitehead, who has significant expertise in advising on major commercial property transactions, takes up her new role with the firm immediately. Charlotte, who brings a wealth of experience in acquisitions and disposals, leases, real estate financing and development work, joins Blake Morgan from another Cardiff-based law firm where she spent 13 years after graduating in law and studying the Legal Practice Course at Cardiff University. James Egan, partner and Head of the Real Estate Team in Wales,…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has appointed Jonathan Batty as its Director of Marketing and Communications. Jonathan will be responsible for leading the development and delivery of an integrated marketing and communications strategy across the University. Originally from Sheffield, Jonathan joined UWTSD from Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln where he held the role of Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications. Previously he has been a member of the Marketing and Student Recruitment team at the University of Sheffield and has worked within a marketing agency, contributing his expertise on the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and…

With more people visiting the Welsh coast than ever before, wildlife disturbance is on the increase. Recently, Ceredigion Council received sad news of the death of a seal pup after its mother failed to return to feed after being disturbed and scared off by people who wanted to take pictures and ‘selfies’ with the seal pup. During the breeding season (August to December) you may come across white fluffy seal pups on beaches or rocky outcrops along the Welsh coast – often on their own. The mother however will probably be close by, so it is vital to keep your…

The new deputy police and crime commissioner for North Wales has vowed to ramp up the fight against serious and organised crime. Wayne Jones, a former Detective Chief Superintendent, made the crackdown promise after his appointment was unanimously confirmed today (Monday, September 20) by the North Wales Police and Crime Panel. He was the preferred candidate of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, who chose him after a “rigorous and transparent” selection process. Mr Jones, 50, retired from North Wales Police in March of this year after a distinguished career spanning 30 years when he led a series of…

The world premiere of a lasting tribute to the outspoken Welsh poet Harri Webb will take place at a top music festival. The new piece written by acclaimed composer Brian Hughes, who lives in Gresford, near Wrexham, will be performed at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph on Sunday, October 3. According to Hughes, it will be a belated celebration of the centenary of the “magical poet’s birth in Swansea in 1920, a milestone that went largely unnoticed last year.” The festival is returning with a hybrid event after being held solely online in 2020. Organisers say…

Street Food Cinema, the delicious drive-in, returns to Cardiff next month promising the full fright-night experience, with a spooky pre-show and a huge fancy dress competition – which even includes the car! Coinciding with half term week – Monday 25th to Sunday 31st October – the film line-up has been designed with afternoon and early evening performances for the whole family followed by two late-night frighteners in the evening for teens and adults. On the bill are family favourites like Casper, Coco, Ghostbusters and Coraline, classics like Jaws, Beetlejuice and The Lost Boys, late night scares from A Nightmare on…

Swansea-based Crossing Point Investment Management has been crowned best discretionary fund manager (DFM) for the South West and Wales region in the 2021 Citywire Adviser Choice Awards. Founded in 2018, Crossing Point manages clients’ investment portfolios using various strategies, ranging from its Green Path, which favours ethical and environmentally friendly investments, through to its Guardian portfolios, which use a technique known as ‘trend following’ to identify price changes and decide when to buy and sell assets. This technique is very rare in the UK, making Crossing Point different from most DFMs in the country. Crossing Point’s investment strategies are rooted…

PIONEERING schools in Wales have been recognised by the UK’s leading cyber experts for providing pupils with first-rate opportunities to learn about cyber security. Abertillery Learning Community and St John’s College, Cardiff, received Silver and Bronze awards respectively in the latest round of the CyberFirst Schools initiative, which is led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – part of GCHQ. The programme recognises schools and colleges that can demonstrate excellence in providing cyber security education and the two schools in Wales are joined by another 14 successful UK institutions announced today (Monday). The schools showcased a range of work…