Author: Rhys Gregory

A NEW and innovative community hub and boutique market space has been launched at a historic Ruthin landmark. The town’s Grade 2-listed Market Hall has been redeveloped as a multi-purpose venue for artisan and independent traders, artists and creatives, and sustainable food and wellbeing organisations from across the region. Managed by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) – with support from the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy Challenge Fund via Denbighshire County Council – the aim was to create a warm, welcoming environment, reinforced by the inclusion of a ‘social supermarket’ and ‘wellbeing café’. DVSC Chief Officer Tom Barham is confident they…

Adventure Tours UK and the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have completed the first round of tree planting to create a new woodland within Moel Famau Country Park. As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Denbighshire-based adventure tour operator Adventure Tours UK is committed to measuring and reducing its carbon footprint. The carbon that cannot yet be avoided will be offset through the creation of Ty’n-y-Pistyll, a designated 2-acre area within the Country Park. Symbolically, the first 185 native trees were planted during National Tree Week, 27th November to 5th…

Although Christmas is time for joy and celebration, for many it can be overwhelming and have an impact on their mental wellbeing. With last year’s Christmas being heavily impacted by Government restrictions, this festive season may present new challenges for some. Psychologists Madeleine Gauffin, Dr Cecilia Radecka and Dag Härdfeldt, at digital healthcare provider Livi share some tips and practical tools to help you manage your mental health this Christmas. Dealing with stressful family gatherings Madeleine says: “Consider how you want to spend your time. Just because things feel more open this year, it doesn’t mean you have to spend time with absolutely everyone you know and…

Carmarthenshire risks complete road network shut down this winter after council broke its promise to workers, says GMB Union Gritters in Carmarthenshire County Council Highways department are set to strike early in the new year, after overwhelmingly voting to take industrial action. The move will see more than 50 gritters go on strike. Strike dates will be set when other unions – who have a further 20 members between them – also ballot for industrial action. In total 90% of members voted in favour of action after the council reneged on the agreement they signed with the union. The dispute follows on from…

The Prince of Wales has officially opened Aberystwyth University’s School of Veterinary Science. The Prince, a former Aberystwyth student, toured the new Veterinary Education Centre and spoke to some of the first cohort of students who began their studies in September this year. A key part of Wales’ first and only School of Veterinary Science, the centre represents an investment of more than £2 million in new teaching facilities on the University’s Penglais campus. Featuring brand new anatomy and study facilities, the centre was funded from alumni donations totalling £500,000 and the University’s own funds. As part of the visit,…

With many of us trying to have a sustainable Christmas this year, browsing in charity shops and online for gifts and festive clothes has become the ethical way to shop – and you might just find a celebrity item too! This December, the BHF are selling a selection of preloved items from none other than Hollywood favourite, Michael Sheen. The donated suits and clothing worn by Michael include items from high street favourites such as Zara, contemporary brand Peter Werth, and US labels Banana Republic and Club Monaco; and are available to bid on via the charity’s eBay shop, so…

Last month, key amendments were passed to the UK Government’s Kept Animals Bill – after the Welsh Government gave a green light for the law’s approach to primates to apply to Wales Restrictions on the keeping of primates as pets in Wales are now “closer than ever” – much to the delight of the RSPCA. It is estimated that around 120 monkeys are currently being kept as pets across the nation and RSPCA Cymru has long called for a ban. The charity has welcomed news that new conditions in the UK Government’s Kept Animals Bill, which will ban the keeping…

Swansea has launched its intention to become Wales’ first Human Rights City. First Minister Mark Drakeford joined Swansea Council leaders and senior representatives from other key organisations and businesses at the Guildhall today where they committed to working together with people across the city to secure official recognition. Mr Drakeford said: “It’s a great pleasure to be in Swansea today marking the start of the city’s journey to be a Human Rights City, a city that recognises the fundamental importance of human rights to each and every citizen here in Swansea and across Wales. “Congratulations to everyone who is now…

Work is due to restart in January 2022 on the first council houses to be built in Pembrokeshire for a generation. Following the previous contractor going into administration in July 2021, the Council is pleased to confirm the contract has now been awarded to W.B.Griffiths – and the development is due for completion in September 2022. In total, 33 affordable homes will be constructed by Pembrokeshire County Council on the site of a former primary school at Cranham Park, in Johnston. This will provide much needed affordable accommodation and will be the first of a number of developments in our…

Pupils and staff at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tyle’r Ynn in Briton Ferry are benefiting from the successful completion of a school improvement project which has seen the provision of two extra classrooms and new Welsh medium childcare provision. YGG Tyle’r Ynn is a 3 – 11 Welsh-medium school with capacity for 206 pupil places. In part due to the new facilities, pupil numbers are projected to increase by 3% over the next few years. The aim of the project at YGG Tyle’r Ynn is to create a more attractive and stimulating learning environment with high quality Welsh-medium childcare on site. In…