Author: Rhys Gregory

Newport’s own, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, today released their latest track, designed to encourage people to get their COVID vaccine. The new single Get The Jab Done, which includes cultural references such as ‘I’ve got 99 problems but a jab ain’t one,’ continues their recognisable satirical look at life and follows last year’s releases of Covidiot and The Self Isolation Rap. After all members of the band had been vaccinated by the NHS, they decided to record the humorous track to show others that getting the life-saving jab is easy and safe. Over two million adults are now fully vaccinated in…

Tennis Wales, the national governing body for tennis in Wales has appointed Amanda Sater as its President for a three year period. Amanda will join the organisation as the third successive female President for the sport which has seen the number of people playing tennis increase during the last 18 months since launching its ‘Tennis Opened Up across Wales’ strategy. Baroness Sater was awarded a life peerage in 2018 and has served on the boards of several organisations including Addaction, the British Lung Foundation, the Youth Justice Board as well as serving as a magistrate. Amanda was Patron and Chair…

The United Welsh Group is developing a factory in the heart of Caerphilly to build timber frame, low carbon homes. The factory, which is due to open this autumn, will manufacture high quality, sustainable timber frame structures complete with factory fitted insulation and windows to build up to 250 low carbon homes per annum. With over £2m of investment from Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, the factory will be delivered by Celtic Offsite, a new social enterprise within the Caerphilly-based United Welsh Group. Using over 28,000 sq. ft of manufacturing facilities, Celtic Offsite will provide affordable housing for contractors and…

IoD Wales is recruiting for a Nations Manager role. The right person will play a key role in supporting community branches and representing the views of Directors across Wales and the UK. The IoD has recently undertaken a transformational journey to make itself fit for the future while continuing to stay true to its Royal Charter and now requires a Nations Manager to lead Wales into the next phase of growth.    As the face of the IoD across Wales, you will be portraying and communicating the values of the Institute around good governance and the professionalising of boards/leaders. Furthermore,…

While the vast majority of employers pay their employees at least the National Minimum Wage, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has today released some of the most absurd excuses used for not paying the legal minimum. Last year (2020 to 2021) HMRC helped more than 155,000 workers across the UK recover more than £16 million in pay which was due to them, and also issued more than £14 million in penalties. Some of the most ridiculous excuses for flouting the law included: “She does not deserve the National Minimum Wage because she only makes the teas and sweeps the floors.”…

The Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve is launching its first ever festival from 24 – 26 September. The Dark Sky Festival is primarily virtual and will feature inspiring online events covering topics ranging from bats to cosmology to the myths and legends of the night sky. Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary group for Dark Skies will be launching the festival, together with a warm welcome from the National Park’s new Chief Executive, Catherine Mealing-Jones. The Brecon Beacons National Park is only one of 18 places in the world with dark sky reserve status. The…

Parks across Swansea are to be part of a busy new family festival this summer. Residents of Townhill, Waunarlwydd, Morriston, Loughor and St Thomas will be among those who won’t have to travel too far for a fun day out. Family based activities and attractions at the series of two-day events will include two outdoor cinema screenings on the first day, followed by children’s activities including circus skills workshops, craft sessions, a bouncy castle, children’s rides, walkabout characters, sports activities and live music on the second day. Catering and a bar will be available on both days. Swansea Parks Fest…

The Swansea Council organised event is due to take place on Sunday 19 September – and entries close on August 31 although they may close earlier if capacity is reached. As it launched in 1981, this year’s event is all about celebrating that decade – so entrants are free to celebrate everything 80s through fancy dress such as sweatbands, leg warmers, big hair and bright colours. Expect themed music, 80’s characters and entertainment at retro “cheer zones” along the route. Hundreds of people new to running are expected to join this 40th Swansea Bay 10k race, which is sponsored by…

Children who’ve been loving days out in Swansea’s Heol Las Park have had extra reasons to celebrate this summer thanks to the upgrade of the park’s play area. It was officially-opened on Monday by Council Leader Rob Stewart at a special community event made memorable day by staging a mini-fete featuring lots of stalls, fun and games for children to enjoy. The refurbishment is part of a Swansea-wide £2m-plus programme of youngsters’ play areas across the city that aims to fund schemes in more than 30 parks and play areas over the coming months. The £120,000 Heol Las project was…

In response to increasing Covid infection rates in the area, a mobile testing unit will be visiting Pontardawe in the coming days, to offer a convenient drop-in testing option for people with either the ‘classic’ signs of coronavirus or other symptoms they may feel are unusual for them or their child. These may include flu-like symptoms, including any or all of: myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose (unless this is a known hay fever symptom for the individual); persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing; Testing will also…