Author: Rhys Gregory

Coworking and business support expert TownSq has enjoyed a period of rapid growth following major new finance for the business and a number of high-value contract wins during 2021. Over the last eight months, TownSq has won six new contracts resulting in additional revenue of £15m over the next five years. These include three new spaces in London and hubs in Llanishen, Rhyl, and Chester. The new contracts and investment have allowed the company to almost double its team, with an additional nine members of staff joining across the UK. These will be followed by a further six posts over…

A SEVEN-year-old girl has been credited for saving her mum’s life by talking to emergency services as her mum had a severe asthma attack behind the wheel on a dual carriageway. Katherine Holifield and daughter Isla were driving on the A449 in Monmouthshire when Katherine – who has brittle asthma – began struggling to breathe at the wheel of her Toyota Yaris. The 37-year-old pulled into a layby and called 999, but physically unable to speak through heavy wheezing, the call handler could not locate the pair. The Welsh Ambulance Service used the what3words technology to pinpoint their exact location…

The more direct contacts primary school staff had with people outside their household, the greater the likelihood of Covid-19 cases in school and self-reported symptoms, such as colds. New research by Swansea University also found that when children from different classes mixed, for example at breakfast and extra-curricular clubs, there was no increased likelihood of Covid-19 in the school, supporting opportunities for pupils to mix and play together. In addition, the team found face coverings and social distancing did not reduce the likelihood of school Covid-19 cases. The study, led by researchers from the National Centre for Population Health and…

Plans have been unveiled for a new “world class” dementia care home to provide vital services in Wrexham and create 100 jobs in the process. The Pendine Park care organisation say the state-of-the art 70-bed facility will be catering for the needs of the local community, with the number of people aged over 85 in North East Wales predicted to double in the next 20 years. The two-storey design is a new, improved version of Bryn Seiont Newydd, the company’s home in Caernarfon, which was named as the best new care home in the UK at the prestigious Pinders Healthcare…

A popular visitor attraction on the Powys-Shropshire border has unveiled its new café bar, which has doubled in size. In response to customers wishing to dine at the café and demand for afternoon tea packages, Russell and Janet Cooke, owners of Kerry Vale Vineyard, near Montgomery, have restyled an upstairs wine tasting room with the addition of a new bar and coffee making area. Doubling the café’s original size, the new room now seats up to 60 diners, allows the business to cater for larger parties and gives customers a bird’s eye view of the vineyard. Russell said: “The cafe…

An aspiring police officer rang 999 to check on the progress of his application to join North Wales Police, it’s been revealed. The region’s police and crime commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, heard it was one of a string of “ridiculous” emergency calls dealt with by the force’s control room. It was said, Mr Dunbobbin, a “serious and flagrant” waste of police time that diverted resources away from real emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk. On another occasion a women dialled 999 to ask for police assistance to move her sofa which had become jammed in her hallway after she tried to…

The step-by-step easing of Coronavirus restrictions created uncertainties which made life difficult for event organisers but the latest easing of rules in Wales has allowed organisers of the Montgomery Canal Triathlon to confirm that the event will go ahead on Saturday 4th September. Towpath users should note that the canal and towpath will be busy on that day. The popular Triathlon, which includes sections by cycle and canoe and on foot will be managed with safety in mind and should be enjoyable as enjoyable as past events for families and the seriously athletic. The Triathlon raises funds for the restoration…

Morrisons has kicked off the new football season by securing the listing of Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation American Gin Away Edition – a limited edition gin which has been created to celebrate Wrexham AFC’s new away game shirt. Featuring the club’s crest on the bottle, Aviation American Gin Away Edition will be available at nine Morrisons stores in North Wales: Wrexham, Colwyn Bay, Newton, Connah’s Quay, Denbigh, Caernarfon, Bangor, Saltney and Holyhead. Available in store from August 27, the special gin is the latest Wrexham announcement made by the Hollywood owners of Wrexham AFC, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with Morrisons stores…

Denbighshire County Council will pay tribute to emergency service workers and those who have served in the Merchant Navy. The Council has commissioned a special flag for Emergency Services Day on September 9 to recognise and support emergency service personnel and their immense contribution to society by providing a safe and supported environment for us all. And on September 3, Merchant Navy Day, the Council flag will be replaced with the Red Ensign flag to show support for the seafarers on which the UK so heavily depends. Cllr Alan James, Chair of Denbighshire County Council, said: “As a Council we…

Pillgwenlly Millennium Trust Ltd, a non-profit organisation in Wales, has been awarded a grant by the KFC Foundation in its latest round of national funding. The Pill Millennium Centre in Newport is the hub for the local community. It is a sports and recreation centre which hosts indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, martial arts clubs, dance, and exercise classes, as well as providing alternative education for young people. With its grant from the KFC Foundation, The Pill Millenium Centre will fund creative music sessions to engage young people in activities with a useful purpose. These sessions will aim to build…