Author: Rhys Gregory

Families across Wales can look forward to a summer packed with adventure, as Cadw unveils a vibrant programme of family-friendly events set in castles, abbeys, and ancient landmarks across the country. Throughout July and August, visitors of all ages are invited to take part in a rich array of immersive historical experiences, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities – all designed to vividly bring Welsh history to life. In addition to Cadw’s summer events, Wales’ largest castle, Caerphilly Castle, will reopen to the public on Saturday 19 July, following two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment. Visitors can look forward to…

A special Memorial Prize was launched at the Royal Welsh Show this week by S4C and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society dedicated to the memory of the well-known farmer and presenter, Dai Jones Llanilar. A talented singer, renowned farmer and presenter of agricultural and entertainment programmes on radio and TV in Wales for over fifty years, Dai Jones was a popular and much-loved personality. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 78. The Dai Jones Llanilar Memorial Prize will give one young person the opportunity to work with multimedia production companies Telesgop (Ffermio) and Slam (Cefn Gwlad/Y Sioe)…

TrawsCymru is bringing back its popular group ticket for a limited time, offering families and small groups an incredible opportunity to explore Wales for less. For just £8.20, customers can explore their local area or go on day trips at an affordable price, presenting new opportunities for everyone to discover Wales. The offer is available for up to two adults and four children under 16 between 20 July to 30 August 2025. Huw Morgan, Head of Integrated Transport and Bus Network Development said: “I am very happy to see the group ticket return for 2025 giving people affordable public travel…

A man has been sentenced to six years attacking a man with a machete in Barry. Daniel Harris, 18, of Brynna, was sentenced on July 17 at Cardiff Crown Court to six years in a young offender institution after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent. This followed an incident near Ramsey Road in Barry on December 14, 2024, when the victim, a man in his 30s, believing Harris was someone else, approached him. Harris then produced a machete that was hidden in his trousers and began attacking the victim. The victim attempted to run however Harris followed…

Pupils from Mynydd Cynffig Primary School joined forces with local community groups earlier this week to tackle a litter problem in local woodland, close to the site earmarked for their brand-new school. The litter pick was organised by the council and the school after ecology experts from Wildwood Ecology Limited discovered significant amounts of rubbish, including drinks cans and food packaging, scattered throughout the woodland area during their wildlife surveys. The mess was not only an eyesore but posed a potential threat to a variety of wildlife, including dormice which have made the area their home. “It’s fantastic to see…

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet members have heard of good progress being made in promoting the use of Welsh across the county borough. This comes just weeks after Margam Country Park played host to the hugely successful Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr, which saw a record-breaking number of registrations to compete. Both the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report and the Welsh Language Promotion Strategy Annual Report for 2024-2025 were presented to Cabinet on 16th July. The reports detail how the council has complied with the Standards, and the activities and initiatives that took place during the year to promote…

RCT Council’s successful project to repair and sympathetically restore the Grade II Listed Berw Road Bridge in Pontypridd has been nominated for a prestigious construction award! Known locally as White Bridge, the structure was built in 1907 and is one of the last bridges of its kind in Wales. Having received significant storm damage, the major repair scheme was concluded during summer 2024 – and has ensured that the local landmark was retained for the community. It removed the concrete-protecting gunite later across the whole structure, made repairs to the original concrete, replaced the gunite, and undertook waterproofing and resurfacing…

Bargoed Town Centre was bursting with energy on Saturday 12th July as families, couples, and friends came together to enjoy the town’s second major event of the year, the Bargoed Summer Music Festival. Nearly 3,000 visitors were recorded in the town throughout the day, an increase of almost 2,000 more visitors compared to the previous Saturday. This highlights the growing popularity of the event as it beats last year’s attendance figures. The main highlight of the event for many was the music but the festival also featured a wide range of stalls offering delicious food and drink, unique craft products,…

Benthyg Caldicot, also known as the ‘Library of Things’, has been officially launched in Caldicot. Thanks to support from Monmouthshire County Council, Benthyg Cymru and TogetherWorks, Caldicot has become one of the latest Benthyg sites in Monmouthshire. Benthyg Caldicot, is a one-stop-shop for people to borrow items they need but don’t own, saving money and space in their homes. This includes equipment for entertainment, household items or garden tools. It also allows residents to donate items they no longer need, helping to reduce waste Benthyg Caldicot is based at TogetherWorks, Woodstock Way, Caldicot, NP26 5DB, and will be open every…

An expert group will meet for the first time to look at how Artificial Intelligence can be used to improve public services for everyone living in Wales. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans is hosting the first meeting of the AI Strategic Advisory Group. Members are drawn from business and innovation fields, academia and social partnership backgrounds. Rebecca Evans said: “Artificial Intelligence is bringing changes to all our lives.  It has the potential to significantly improve our public services, but in doing so we must ensure that it is deployed ethically. “The First Minister recently announced £2.5m…