Author: Rhys Gregory

Dear Editor,  March is usually a month in our calendar that is hopeful of the spring and summer to come. But this year March holds a different significance, marking the anniversary of when the UK first went into a nationwide lockdown.  The last twelve months have been challenging for so many and as a charity dedicated to caring for people at the end of their life and supporting the bereaved, Marie Curie has witnessed the impact of the pandemic first-hand. While we can start to see glimmers of hope and lockdown easing, millions of people have been bereaved, many unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or…

THE Lord’s Taverners Wales has presented Llanelli school Ysgol Heol Goffa with a specially adapted minibus to enable pupils to engage in more community activities. The special school, which caters for pupils aged three to nineteen with a range of additional learning needs, is looking forward to welcoming its students back as soon as restrictions allow so they can enjoy the opportunities that the minibus now offers. Alongside out of school activities such as attending leisure facilities, therapies and work experience, the minibus will allow the school to continue to provide their pupils with the opportunity to attain their Duke…

Owners of The Perch, Swansea, say they are excited to unveil their new look to the public, following a £150,000 refurbishment. Well known for being the go-to place for live music entertainment in the City Centre; over the years, The Perch has played host to some of South Wales’ most recognised musical talent including bands Fonz & The Poet, Hat and The Fiddle, The Decades and many more. Up until the first national lockdown in March 2020, owners Matt and Oliver regularly entertained crowds of up to 110, but the new make-over of the Wind St venue has seen The…

The family of an 84-year-old man who died after a road traffic collision in Gorseinon, Swansea have paid tribute to him. Gareth Evans, who was driving a silver Honda Jazz, died following the collision with a black Jaguar XF on Swansea Road at about 11.15am on 23 February. Mr Evans had been married to his wife Maureen for 58 years and her and their son Kevin have paid the following tribute to him: “He was a loving and caring husband, father and very proud grandfather of Matthew. “He was ex-army who served his national service in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.…

Two eight-year-old boys from Pontyberem in Carmarthenshire have raised over £1,000 in a month long fundraising challenge for their local NHS. Macsen Harris and Elis Eynon are running a mile a day for 28 days in their local park because they wanted to support their local health service during the COVID pandemic. Macsen started the challenge on 4th February and his friend Elis was inspired to join him when he heard about it. So far the boys have raised over £1,000, with the challenge set to end on 7th March. Macsen’s mum Lowri said, “Macsen is very keen to raise…

A Year in the Beacons chronicles life over the changing seasons in Wales’ beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park and is narrated by actress Dame Siân Phillips. Starting in Autumn 2019 and filming through to the end of Summer 2020, this new series celebrates the breathtaking landscape and the people of the Beacons, as they face a year like no other. A year that saw floods caused by Storm Dennis and the unprecedented changes of the Covid pandemic. Viewers in Wales will be able to see the series from Monday 8th March with a network outing planned for later in the…

Radio Aber and Cered (Menter Iaith Ceredigion) have come together to launch a brand new Welsh language radio programme on football called ‘Cefn y Rhwyd’. The programme is broadcast live every Monday at 12pm on Facebook Live Cered and Radio Aber. “It’s great to be able to work with Cered to create our first live programme! We have worked very closely together over the last few years promoting the Welsh language, especially in schools. The programme will be available to everyone in the community with a particular focus on local football” said Sam Thomas, director of Radio Aber. Rhodri Francis,…

Stroke survivors who speak Welsh should get an equal opportunity to rebuild their life, according to The Stroke Association. The charity is pledging to meet the needs of more Welsh-speaking stroke survivors with the launch of their new Welsh Language policy. Providing health care services in the language of someone’s choice has been long recognised as important to their care and for stroke survivors can be vital for recovery. Arnot Hughes, 74 from Llandaff, Cardiff had a stroke in February 2020, just before the coronavirus pandemic forced a national lockdown. He left hospital after 10 days with a common post-stroke…

A children’s competition has been launched to design the panels of a hot air balloon being built by Nightingale House Hospice with the help of its supporters and local businesses. The campaign is aimed at children up to the age of 16 and the winning art work will adorn the sides of the balloon which will take to the sky in the summer. There are six age categories for competition entries – three and under; ages four and five; six, seven and eight; nine, ten and 11; 12, 13 and 14; and ages 15 and 16.  The winner of each…

A 46-year-old mum-of-two from Newport in South Wales is raising money for Brain Tumour Research, after being diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour. Rachael Carter, a regional business manager for Willmott Dixon, is joining a group of fundraisers taking on a 10-day step challenge from 1 to 10 March 2021, to raise vital funds for the charity. Rachael, who lives in Bassaleg, was diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma in 2019 after suffering from a range of symptoms, including tiredness and forgetfulness. She said: “My job involved a lot of driving and being away from home. It was a…