Author: Rhys Gregory

Virtual attendees to the first ever Food Vale Festival were treated to a series of free online events and inspiring stories from some of the Vale’s most sustainably minded food businesses. The event, which took place online from 22nd March – 4th April 2021, brought people closer to more than 30 food producers and businesses in the Vale, whilst highlighting opportunities to improve the local food system, post-Covid 19. The festival was organised by Food Vale, part of the Sustainable Food Places network – a partnership programme led by the Soil Association, Food Matters and Sustain: the alliance for better…

Launching a home delivery service has proved a great success for Baglan Bakery – and has also helped the local community get through the Lockdown. The long-established bakery, taken over by husband and wife team Lisa and Darren Evans three years ago, offers traditional bakery products, filled rolls and snacks and a buffet and cake decorating service for special events. “Lockdown obviously meant that parties and special occasions no longer took place so that aspect of the business suffered,” said Lisa. “We needed to find a way to make up for this loss of business and keep everything going.” The…

The family of a courageous councillor who died of Covid-19 have presented a cheque for £8,000 to the hospital which cared for him in his final days. While in intensive care at Wrexham Maelor Hospital Kevin Hughes, 63, from Gwernymynydd, near Mold, pleaded passionately with people to stick to the rules to stop the spread of the deadly virus. But sadly the father-of-three, a former police officer, journalist and a respected member of Flintshire County Council, died on January 8. Son Andy – often accompanied by brothers Chris and Steve – raised £7,767 for the unit by walking 5k a…

A former draughtsman who can’t use his hands because of multiple sclerosis is achieving acclaim for his artwork after learning to paint with a brush in his mouth. Steve Neal, 67, discovered his artistic talent after moving to Pendine Park’s Penybryn care home where he’s been tutored by artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards. From producing landscape paintings to intricate impressions of owls and bicycles, Steve lets his creative juices flow when presented with a blank canvas and a set of watercolours. His achievements are particularly impressive as he is a latecomer to painting, having rarely dabbled with a paintbrush before arriving at…

Following the publication of its Springboard to Recovery report, NatWest has this week relaunched its Enterprise programme to boost its support for scale-up businesses, as well as climate, fintech, and B-Corp focussed businesses. The free programme is open to applications from all UK SMEs from today, for businesses who will join the programme in June. Throughout its network of accelerator hubs across the UK, including in Cardiff, NatWest will support over 1,400 businesses at different stages of growth through the programme, with a particular focus on scale ups – businesses that grow their turnover or employment by more than 20%…

Tourism businesses across Mid Wales are bouncing back strongly as visitors from across the English border return following the continued relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. Such is the pent up demand for a ‘staycation’ break in Mid Wales that Lon Lodges at Nantmel, near Rhayader, which offers luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in two lodge cottages and a Stellar Safari Lodge, has only a few dates available until December. Owners Kerena and Stephen Pugh, who normally report a high annual occupancy rate for their five-star holiday accommodation, have not been surprised by the demand. Some bookings have been rolled over from 2020…

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is marking National Tea Day (21 April 2021) with an exclusive tea-themed virtual event for Swansea residents, hosted by tea experts, Whittard of Chelsea. With 165 million cups of tea consumed by Brits every day, National Tea Day is the ideal time to celebrate the nation’s favourite beverage. Dobbies’ Whittard of Chelsea virtual event will provide education and information about both the tea plant itself, and the drink that’s become such a huge part of British culture and our daily lives, as well as helping viewers to gain the expertise required to make…

Bridgend County Borough Council has launched a new graduate programme which is now open for applications. The two-year programme starts in September and will see two graduates appointed in digital transformation and planning. The successful candidates will gain a rounded and broad-based set of skills, experiences and attributes by undertaking placements in key areas while working with a senior manager as their mentor and gaining a Project Management Level 4 qualification. The programme aims to attract high calibre graduates with the potential to develop into future senior managers in local government. The role of local government in shaping the future…

More electric vehicles charging points are set to be installed in Swansea. Swansea Council has received Welsh Government transport funding, totalling more than £6 million, which will be invested in improvements for transport links, more cycle and walking routes and to increase infrastructure for electric vehicles. 32 fast charging stations have already been installed in public car parks across the city and part of the latest grant (£426,000) will help pay for another 44 charging points at fifteen different locations in Swansea. Car parks at beach locations including Port Eynon, Caswell, Langland, Bracelet, Knab Rock and Blackpill will all feature…

Regular lateral flow tests will soon be offered to all pupils in comprehensive schools in Swansea now they have returned after the Easter break. Previously the tests were only available to older pupils but in line with Welsh Government guidance the offer is being extended. Pupils will soon be able to collect test kits from their school so they can test themselves at home. The kits will come with full instructions and what to do when the test has been done. The purpose of the test is to identify whether a student has Covid-19 or is a carrier of the…