Author: Rhys Gregory

Cars used to be guaranteed moneymaking machines, but now the sales of these vehicles are beginning to slow. Last January saw the worst UK and Welsh car sales of that month in 50 years, something that shouldn’t really have come as a surprise to anybody. Still, it’s not all doom and gloom either, as people’s relationships with the vehicles change for the better. Questions of need and convenience are ultimately beginning to arise as the auto industry continues to evolve. It’s worth investigating these matters further to find out how things are taking shape in 2021, and potentially beyond. One…

Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy is giving away hundreds of free garden packages to communities across the country.   Last year, more than 500 gardens were created, restored and enhanced through Local Places for Nature. Community groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes got involved – from disability charities and youth groups to social enterprises and carer groups.  Applications have now reopened, and communities are being urged to get involved early to avoid missing out. You can choose from small-scale fruit and herb, pollinator and urban gardens, or larger-scale wildlife and food growing gardens.     Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy Louise Tambini said:  “Over the past year, more people than ever have come to appreciate the value of nature on…

A Port Talbot mum whose child imagined the Covid virus was “like a giant, scary T-Rex” has written a picture book designed to help youngsters overcome their fear of going into hospital. Bethan Jones, a school nurse with Swansea Bay UHB, has teamed up with Martin Baines, a feted illustrator whose work has been used by the Doctor Who, Beano, Thunderbirds and Wallace and Gromit brands, to create the book called Monster A&E. Bethan, a mum of three, and a former district nurse, explains: “My son has severe global delay and additional learning needs. “Throughout the pandemic I have been…

As businesses in Wales welcome businesses back indoors for the first time in months, one environmental organisation is urging them to commit to offering free tap water refills, so customers don’t have to rely on plastic bottled water. Plastic bottles are a major cause of plastic pollution in Wales, and around the world. As a result of the pandemic, many cafes and retailers in Wales temporarily stopped accepting reusables and increased the use of single-use plastic, despite health experts stating that reusables are perfectly safe to use, and only 5% of customers feeling that single-use items are safer than reusables.…

A SCHOOLBOY will be having his cake and eating it after being the lucky winner of a spectacular chocolate dragon. Six-year-old pupil Thomas Povey’s name was drawn out of the hat to win the fundraising raffle at Ysgol Penygelli in Coedpoeth near Wrexham. The raffle for the dragon cake has helped breathe fire into the school’s fundraising drive to enhance its outdoor areas and buy new equipment, raising £188. The cake was baked and donated by Ann Chapman, manager of Pendine Park’s Bodlondeb care home in Wrexham, as a show of gratitude to school staff for all their hard work. She…

Swansea Council plans have been approved to save an historic former industrial building for future generations. The grade two listed Laboratory Building on the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site could have a new use – including that of a restaurant – if funding is secured to repair the dilapidated structure. Planning approval and listed building consent has now been granted. The council is now working to secure funding of around £2.5m to undertake the renovation. The new facility would stand next to a Penderyn Distillery attraction being developed now. Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “We…

Wales’ largest building society has hit a milestone, by raising £1 million for charities in Wales since 2014. The fundraising has supported seven different charities in Wales in the past seven years, including Mind Cymru, Cancer Research Wales, School of Hard Knocks, MS Society, Llamau and since 2019, the Society’s current charity partners Teenage Cancer Trust Cymru and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru. Over the years, colleagues across Principality have taken part in a variety of fundraising events, including half marathons, treks, cake sales, bucket collections and step challenges to raise vital funds, with the Society’s members donating across its 53 branches.…

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, Flintshire County Council is encouraging residents to get out and explore some of the roads and sights less travelled in the region. Many popular spots for scenic walks and attractions have automatically been top of people’s lists as the weather improved and restrictions reduced. And Flintshire County Council is keen to ensure the public maintain social distancing and other covid regulations to stay safe. During peak periods, Wepre Park was so busy that the car park was closed to manage visitor numbers and maintain social distancing. Flintshire County Council’s Chief Officer for Planning, Environment…

On Saturday 29th May, SC2’s waterpark will be reopening its doors, just in time to welcome visitors to North Wales for the half term holiday. With restrictions now lifting, customers will be delighted to be reunited with their favourite flumes, slides and play equipment, but will notice a fantastic new look to the outdoor Splash Pad.  In addition, following customer feedback, the Splash Pad will now be available as a separate booking from the indoor park. There’s plenty to look forward to inside the Waterpark, with the launch of a new ice cream factory, Costa Coffee; and upgrades to poolside…

Welsh Seafood Week (May 31st to June 6th) is set to make a splash with the drive to put #WelshSeafood on the nation’s plates. Using the hashtags #BwydMôrCymru #WBMC2021 #WelshSeafood #WSW2021 fishers and those in the wider seafood sector will be encouraging people to seek out and celebrate Welsh produce. Helping raise awareness of Welsh Seafood Week are two projects dedicated to supporting and promoting Wales’ seafood industry. Port to Plate and the Wales Seafood Cluster will be highlighting ways consumers can buy and enjoy the abundant array of fish and shellfish from the Welsh coast. Different fish and shellfish…