Author: Rhys Gregory

Owning a car can be an expensive privilege on top of the initial investment in the vehicle. Running costs like insurance, tax, petrol and maintenance can really add up. Therefore, knowing how to save a little here and there on your monthly and yearly running costs can make a big difference in the long run. So, what are some tips and tricks to save money on essential running costs for your vehicle? Insurance Insurance is a significant, yet legally required cost every year – especially if you are a new or younger driver. Comparison sites are your friend here because…

Leading South Wales transport operator Adventure Travel has responded to the rise in Welsh staycations by extending its services to include a beach bus for summer. The 404 service, which normally runs from Pontypridd to Bridgend six days a week, Monday to Saturday, will be extended to Porthcawl, providing a direct route to the popular seaside town for customers from the Valleys. The staycation trend that has resulted from lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic has meant that many UK residents are choosing to stay local this summer instead of jetting off abroad. With beach destinations proving incredibly popular, this…

Nicola Jones, Senior Project Manager at Gleeds, the leading construction and property consultants in Cardiff, has been appointed as the National Vice Chair of Women in Property. Women in Property aims to create opportunities, expand knowledge and inspire change for women working in the property and construction industry. After Nicola’s first year of tenure as Vice Chair, she will then take on the National Chair role for 2022/2023 for a further year. Prior to joining Gleeds, Nicola worked as a regional health and safety manager and an assistant site manager with two different construction companies. When she applied to join…

Leading law firm Blake Morgan has announced the promotion of Cardiff-based lawyer Dawn Smith to Partner. Dawn, a commercial property lawyer in the firm’s Property Group will take up her new position immediately.  Dawn, who joined Blake Morgan in 2016, advises clients on a wide range of real estate matters, with a particular specialism in acting for clients on large scale development and regeneration projects, as well as portfolio management and investment sales. She is highly experienced in landlord and tenant matters and regularly advises on major energy and infrastructure projects. Philip Jardine, Blake Morgan partner and head of the…

Former Wales rugby captain, Martyn Williams, was at Cardiff Castle this week to lend his support to a team of amateur cyclists as they launch their fundraising initiative ahead of National Bike Week (30th May – 5th June). C2Cycling is a group of 27 keen cyclists and support crew, from across south Wales, who have come together every two years since 2015 to complete gruelling long-distance rides from Cardiff to Paris for charity. And with Martyn amongst their keen supporters, the team is now gearing up for a UK-based 600km ride over five days from Cardiff Castle to Edinburgh Castle…

THE Welsh Ambulance Service has unveiled a state-of-the-art new training facility. The Workforce Education and Development Centre in Swansea boasts an immersive training room, where simulation technology recreates real-life scenarios to put crews’ clinical skills to the test. It features 360 degree projectable walls, a scent dispersal machine and is temperature controlled to give scenarios the realistic look and feel of actual events. The facility on Swansea Enterprise Park also has ‘smart storage walls’ equipped in a similar way to an ambulance, as well as three classrooms which can open up as one to allow for socially distant learning. It…

One of Wales’ leading tourist attractions, The Royal Mint Experience, will reopen its doors this Saturday 29th May. Upon reopening, the Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant, South Wales, will showcase a brand-new exhibition all about decimalisation to celebrate the 50th anniversary of decimal day, in addition to the permanent exhibitions. The decimalisation exhibition will explore one of the largest and most intensive public awareness campaigns ever staged by the government, as the nation introduced the money we use today. Visitors will also be able to strike their very own decimalisation coin to take home as a souvenir of the…

The latest week of action aiming to tackle county lines criminality has been a success for police forces across southern Wales with more than 30 arrests and four County Lines taken down. Last week (17 – 23rd May, 2021), police forces around Britain took part in a County Lines Intensification Week. Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales, worked with partners including South Wales, Dyfed Powys and Gwent Police as well as British Transport Police to take extensive action against suspected county lines activity in southern Wales. The aim of the week was to ensure that all possible…

Whether you’re reaching for the sun cream, or pulling on your wellies, National Trust Cymru have a host of events and activities for the whole family this May half term, whatever the Welsh weather has in store. Join a quest to find dragons, explore the wonderful world of pollinators, or dust off your detective skills to reconnect with nature. Which adventure will you choose? At busier times such as weekends and school holidays, booking is recommended to guarantee entry. Find a place to visit near you…  Tredegar House, Newport 4 May to 30 June, 10.30am to 5pm Unwind in the…

New research has revealed more about the impact Covid-19 and lockdown has had on the mental health and wellbeing of people in Wales. There has been concern at how the pandemic has not only hit physical health and the economy but has also impacted our mental health with the possibility of increased rates of suicide. Now a new study – a collaboration between Swansea University, Cardiff University, and the NHS in Wales – has investigated exactly which Covid-related stressors are most likely to trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The researchers also discovered the important role that hope for the future…