Author: Rhys Gregory

When Fashion Design graduate Samantha Griffiths was suffering from headaches in her first year at university, she thought she may need glasses – but her trip to the optician revealed a potentially fatal brain tumour. Samantha, then aged just 19, was told that the tumour was causing so much pressure behind her eyes that it could have left her blind, or even killed her, if she hadn’t gone to get checked when she did. Just three days later, she underwent a lifesaving operation to relieve the pressure by a new passage being drilled through her brain. Now completely recovered, she…

Golfers from across South Wales came together at Clyne Golf Club to compete and raise funds for Swansea-based kidney charity, The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales. The competition, organised annually by Kim Loosmore, raised an impressive £7,676 to help the kidney charity get closer to its aim of raising £130,000 for the refurbishment of the Children’s Kidney Centre Outpatient Department in Cardiff. Since 2016, The Paul Popham Fund have been the sole beneficiaries of the annual golf competition – which has, to date, raised over £50,000 for the charity. The money raised at the event will go towards the…

A Newport-based accountancy firm has appointed ten additional members of staff as it continues to invest in supporting its clients in digital recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. HSJ Accountants has appointed Alex Finch, Zoe Hobbs, Malek Ammar, Kojo Baisie, Sarah Fox, Bethan Rice, Hannah Pockett, Alexandra Edinborough, Ashleigh Faulkner and Sarah Harris to the practice. The ten new members of staff will work across payroll, administration, client care, audit and accounts to help service the practice which specialises in helping businesses utilising automation software to further improve their efficiency. Leanne Owen, Partner at HSJ, spoke of the new appointments: “It…

The Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise, Welsh ICE, has launched its remodelled, flagship round of funded support, and is inviting applications from vibrant startups and entrepreneurs. ICE Start is designed to give pre-revenue businesses a fully rounded support structure, helping them start, survive and grow, whilst also creating jobs and boosting the Welsh economy. Formerly known as the ICE-50 Programme, the funding has been redesigned to be appropriate for the changing way we work, where people are less likely to travel to the office every day, providing more access to virtual support, and embracing a more flexible style of working.…

Ringley Group, one of the UK’s leading residential property consultancies, has signed up two more clients in Cardiff, who together represent over 1,000 apartments The first scheme, known as Prospect Place, is managed by a Resident controlled Management Company and is located on Ferry Court in Cardiff Bay. Residents have full access to the on-site gym and swimming pool, as well as a concierge and secure car parking. The building offers panoramic views across Cardiff Bay and has a private balcony on the fifth floor. Ringley has also signed up another scheme in Cardiff. The building, known as Viceroy Court,…

Mimi Xu, from Sketty in Swansea, has today returned from Wimbledon having been selected as a wildcard choice for the girls’ singles and doubles events at the Junior Championships. At just 13 years old, Mimi is the youngest Welsh player to ever compete at the prestigious tournament. Mimi gained international recognition – and the enviable Wildcard selection – by beating the junior world number 48 and 14 at one of the International Tennis Federation-run warm up events in Roehampton. She’d also begun to make a name for herself earlier this year, by winning the U16 Doubles event at the British…

Film Hub Wales (FHW) has awarded £52,700 in National Lottery funding, through the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) Film Exhibition Fund, to 8 Welsh independent cinemas and film festivals as they reopen post Covid 19. For some this will be the first time the doors have opened since March 2020. Funds will be used to help bring the best UK and international films back to the big screen in Welsh communities. Exhibitors will support wellbeing and reduce isolation created by the pandemic, offering audiences affordable, accessible events both online and in the local cinemas they know and love. From missed movies strands, to neurodiverse Welsh animation, communities will play a key role in the shaping the return of cinema. At Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard, they have been busy making over both the film programme and the building, with the help of the community. Audiences can expect an updated space, including Martha’s café, along with brand-new activities for young visitors.…

A new ‘Sunday Brunch Social’ is coming to Canton’s popular Fresh & Wild farmer’s market. The market, which takes place every Sunday at The Boneyard on Papermill Road, brings together a collection of local producers and growers. It offers a more sustainable way for people to buy weekly staples like bread, eggs, meat, fruit & veg – all whilst ensuring money stays in the local economy and supports small businesses and local jobs. Starting from Sunday 18th July, the new ‘Sunday Brunch Social’ will see extra seating areas, hot food traders and ‘brunch specials’ added to the thriving market, to encourage visitors to linger and…

With stunning scenery around every bend, Mid Wales has some of the most scenic drives in the UK where visitors can take their time and enjoy the views. Many of the fantastic routes are set against panoramic and breathtaking backdrops. Here are a few suggestions to whet the appetite of motorists who love to explore places off the beaten track. Our scenic drives begin with Abergwesyn Pass from Llanwrtyd Wells – famous for bog snorkelling, the man versus horse race and the Alternative Olympic Games – to Tregaron. This single track runs through an almost brutally wild landscape of moors,…

Two pharmacies in Merthyr Tydfil are joining with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s vaccination programme in a pilot scheme to offer COVID-19 vaccines. Anyone over 40 will be able to walk-in to the two pharmacies, without an appointment, and receive their first dose. The two taking part are Beacons Pharmacy and Keir Hardie pharmacy (full details below).  They will be open for vaccines from tomorrow (Wednesday July 14) in a three-day pilot, so the clinics will run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Walk-ins will be available from 9am until 5:30pm. Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB’s latest vaccination figures show 89% of…