Author: Rhys Gregory

A fast-growing North Wales builder has announced an order book bulging with £60 million of work including plans for 300 new homes in the next four years. Mochdre-based Brenig Construction have doubled their turnover in the last 12 months to over £20 million and are currently working on sites from Bangor to Winsford in Cheshire. It’s a rapid rise for the firm founded by joint managing directors Mark Parry and Howard Vaughan who started the business together in 2012 and now employ over 70 staff. Howard Vaughan said: “We have strong connections with major housing associations in North Wales and…

Cadw, National Trust Cymru and Amgueddfa Cymru — National Museum Wales have revealed plans to re-open some of their outdoor sites and open-air spaces. The news follows the First Minister’s recent announcement that the outdoor areas of some historic sites, parks and gardens are now able to welcome back visitors from Saturday 27 March, following an easement of the Welsh Government’s coronavirus regulations. In line with the messaging of Visit Wales’s new Addo campaign — the three heritage bodies are urging the people of Wales to make a promise to care for each other and the wider communities of Wales…

A tourism leader in North Wales says it’s a “great shame” that attractions and most of the hospitality industry won’t be open for Easter. Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, said that their was a real sense of frustration in businesses that had been battered as a result of the pandemic. He accused the Welsh Government of failing to listen to the sector’s pleas for a proper roadmap to navigate the return to something near normality. First Minister Mark Drakeford has revealed the “stay-local” rules will lift in Wales from tomorrow (Saturday) and unrestricted travel within its…

Coleg y Cymoedd has revealed plans to transform the provision of sports education for learners in the Rhondda Cynon Taf, with the development of a brand new multi-million-pound sports training and teaching facility in Nantgarw. The college’s new £5.1m Centre of Sporting Excellence, funded entirely by Coleg y Cymoedd, will consist of a two-storey building featuring a sports hall, fully equipped gym and classroom teaching facilities. Coleg y Cymoedd’s investment at the Nantgarw campus is necessitated by year-on-year increased demand from individuals wanting to enrol on courses offered by its highly respected sports department, and will ensure that all learners…

St Illtyd’s Catholic High School has been removed from Estyn monitoring.  The school has been judged to have made “Very Good” progress against the four recommendations since the inspection in January 2019. Head Teacher David Thomas said, “I am delighted. We have been pushing for a resolution to our Estyn status for a while and we were on the verge before Covid happened and put the process on hold.  It is great news for St Illtyd’s and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the pupils and staff.  It is also a justification to the parents and community…

In light of the recent Welsh Government announcement on the re-opening of the Welsh tourism sector, Wales. A Food Destination is running a number of masterclass sessions tailored for the hospitality sector. Wales. A Food Destination is a project which specialises in supporting retail and hospitality businesses to source, serve and sell Welsh food and drink through cafes, restaurants, shops, farmers markets, food festivals, B&B’s and tourist attractions. Throughout April virtual workshop sessions will take place, covering a variety of areas such as local food and drink pairing, breakfast menu inspiration, how to offer the best customer experience possible, through…

A mobile testing unit will be visiting the Swansea Valley in the coming days, to offer a convenient drop-in testing option for people with either the ‘classic’ signs of coronavirus or other symptoms they may feel are unusual for them or their child. These may include flu-like symptoms, including any or all of: myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose (unless this is a known hay fever symptom for the individual); persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing; Testing will also be open to anyone generally feeling unwell who…

Fochriw Primary school recently marked the sixth annual British Science Week, a celebration of everything that is science. Last week was strategically planned with curriculum design focusing on ambitious, capable learners with fun and innovation at the heart of the provision. It needed careful consideration with Foundation Phase children and children at the ‘Hub’ on site and the remainder of children working at home. Rising to the challenge, the school put on an incredible feast of ‘Scientific Superness’ so the children did not miss out on this annual event. British Science Week kick started with a science show from ‘Scientific…

The side wall of the Lion Pub in Treorchy town centre has been transformed last week as part of a climate and nature themed poetry and street art project in the lead-up to Earth Hour. The environmental charity, WWF Cymru, and the national company for the development of literature, Literature Wales, have been working with year 6 pupils at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Ynyswen to write a poem which has been transformed into a work of public art by street artist Bryce Davies of Peaceful Progress. The poetry workshops were facilitated by Bardd Plant Cymru, Gruffudd Owen. The striking piece depicting…

In recent years, online casinos have become all the rage. Industry estimates claim that the global market will almost double in size by 2027 due to increased internet/smartphone penetration and the rise of blockchain technology. While newbies are most attracted to vast game catalogs, veteran gamblers know that proper handling of finances can make-or-break the gaming experience. That entails speedy withdrawals and the ability to deposit and play with the least amount of funds possible. All operators’ main aim is to entice you to place money in your casino account. That is why you see many brands advertising that they…