Author: Rhys Gregory

Quantum Advisory, the leading pensions and employee benefits consultancy for small and medium sized employers, is highlighting the impact of changing annuity rates on the pension saving population as they plan for and enter retirement. Annuity rates have surged to their highest point in a decade, continuing an upward trend. The Standard Life Annuity Rates Tracker shows that the average rate for a single life annuity in May 2025 was 7.72% for a healthy 65-year-old, rising from 7% in May 2024. The average rate for 60 and 70-year-olds has also increased to 7.01% and 8.54% respectively. Savers over the age…

Quick-thinking first aiders from St John Ambulance Cymru saved the life of a runner who collapsed near the finish line of the Porthcawl 10K. Chris Edwards, 39, had gone into sudden cardiac arrest just metres from the end of the race. Volunteers rushed to his side, performing CPR and using a defibrillator to restart his heart — actions which proved lifesaving. When Chris lined up at the start of the Porthcawl 10K earlier this summer, he felt confident. An experienced runner, he’d trained well, eaten properly, and prepared like he always had. But what he didn’t expect was that he…

Watkin Property Ventures (WPV) has pledged an annual donation of £10k to Bangor Cricket Club until 2034, a total of £100k, to support the recruitment of coaches and to improve the facilities at the club. The first £10k donation was made in 2024 and has allowed the club to appoint a professional coach, overseeing all the age groups. They have also appointed a coach and manager for each junior team, to ensure they have a steady stream of players for the senior team. The commitment comes from a long-standing partnership with Watkin Property Ventures and is part of the company’s…

Fans of Aberdare Splashpad are able to enjoy more activities this summer thanks to funding, which has allowed two new features to be installed. The new ‘spider’ and ‘frilly lily’ have been installed thanks to a donation of £8,400 from local energy company, Pennant Walters. Aberdare Park has become a destination for a sunny day outing for both local people and those living further afield, and it is now hoped that the expansion will allow more people to join in the water fun. The splashpad was brought to reality and opened in 2021 by Friends of Aberdare Park who worked…

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to stalking a woman and assaulting her and her son. 54-year-old Johnathan Price, from Hafod, led a course of behaviour against his ex-partner beginning in June this year. When his ex-partner reported his behaviour to police, Price pressured her to retract her statement and also sent several messages to her to the same effect. He has been sentenced to eight months in prison. PC Bennett said: “Johnathan Price conducted a campaign of stalking and harassment against his ex-partner which nobody should have to tolerate. “The fact that this would…

Following a house fire on Protheroe Street, Ferndale, during the early hours of Monday morning (July 28), four people have been charged. Three men aged 18, 19 and 23, and a 19-year-old woman, all from the Weston-super-Mare area, have been charged with the following. Auryn Gustar, 19, charged with arson with intent to endanger life; Connor Pitt, 23, charged with arson with intent to endanger life; Storm Truman, 19, charged with arson with intent to endanger life; Alfie Wheeler, 18, charged with arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place.…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council – in close partnership with Penarth Town Council and the local community – has published new plans that will help shape the town’s future. Placemaking is a people-centred approach focused on enhancing our towns and  community spaces to make them more welcoming, vibrant, and enjoyable places for everyone. It could involve a wide range of efforts – from major infrastructure upgrades to cultural events and small-scale local projects that are all designed to foster a strong sense of belonging and connection within the community. These plans are the result of an extensive programme of engagement…

A Port Talbot Indian Takeaway Restaurant has been closed after environmental health officials discovered an active infestation of cockroaches there. As well as the cockroach infestation, “filthy” conditions were discovered at the Mirchi Masalla restaurant on Commercial Road, Taibach, which presented an imminent risk to public health. On July 21st, 2025, Environmental Health Officers of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Food Safety and Health Protection department issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice served under Regulation 8 of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 during a visit to the business. This required the restaurant to shut its doors to the public immediately. Officers…

Library services will return to Pill from the beginning of August thanks to a partnership between the council and the Yemeni Cultural Association. It will host a pop-up library in its centre in Temple Street that will be available to all residents in the area. It will feature a small display of books which can be borrowed using a self-service checkout machine. Library users can also reserve and collect items from the centre. Other library activities such as the summer reading challenge and book clubs will also be offered at the venue. Councillor Jason Hughes, Newport City Council’s cabinet member,…

The future is looking bright for one of Caerphilly County Borough’s most cherished heritage sites, Llancaiach Fawr Manor House in Nelson, following the announcement that a preferred operator has now been selected to take over the running of the popular venue. The historic 16th-century manor house, a major tourist attraction and educational resource, closed its doors at the end of December 2024. The closure came as Caerphilly County Borough Council explored alternative delivery models in an effort to reduce the venue’s significant running costs, which included an annual subsidy of approximately £500,000. As part of a formal procurement process, several…