Author: Rhys Gregory

A unique body of work created by renowned artist Professor Sue Williams during lockdown has been purchased by the National Library of Wales. Cardiff-based Professor Williams, who is course manager in Fine Art: Studio Site & Context at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art, spent the lockdown of 2020 at home alone and used the time to create artwork in three Chinese folding books which she had had specially made on a trip to China in 2017. Faced with the loneliness of the lockdown, she used books to record a unique diary of the mental…

UWTSD PGCE student and Wales Rugby International Jasmine Joyce has told how her passion to teach was inspired by a teacher at school who encouraged and motivated her to succeed. Jasmine, who is one of just three Welsh women named in the initial 24-strong GB Women’s Sevens squad for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo said: “My PE teacher Rachael Thomas, at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, was one of the driving forces which led me to where I am now. “I’ve always wanted to train to be a teacher probably because of the good experiences I had at both my primary and…

GP practices throughout Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan are now offering COVID-19 vaccinations to priority groups in the community. All 60 practices across the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area are inviting residents aged 80 and over to receive the vaccination at the local practice, with those over 75 due to also be invited shortly. The practices are playing an important role in contributing to the Health Board’s Mass Vaccination Programme, with the aim to keep the population of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan safe. The Health Board has committed to offering the first dose of the…

As a three-month campaign to help households in Wales reduce their energy consumption and fuels bills draws to a close, industry experts have shared their top tips for keeping warm whilst cutting costs over winter. Big Energy Saving Winter, organised by Citizens Advice, runs up until the end of January and provides information and practical guidance on saving energy, money, and the environment through greater efficiency. Whilst the latest figures indicate a 1.8% decrease in emissions caused by residential energy use in 2019, compared to the previous year, it is expected to rise again with more people working from home…

A new Mass Vaccination Centre (MVC) has opened in Swansea to increase the number of people being protected. Canolfan Gorseinon Centre, which is near Aldi on Millers Drive, Gorseinon, is the third MVC in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area, following Margam Orangery and Bay Field Hospital on Fabian Way. The initial focus of the new centre will be on vaccinating those in their late 70s in line with the Welsh Government’s ambition to protect all those in the top four vulnerable groups by the middle of next month. The centre will be open for a limited number of…

Emergency services remained overnight at the scene of a flooding incident in Skewen. A major incident was declared after at least eight streets, including Goshen Park, flooded and a large number of properties needed to be evacuated. Everyone who was evacuated has been found accommodation for tonight, estimated at around 80 residents. There have been no reported injuries and we ask people to continue to avoid the area. The cause of the flooding is being investigated and the water level will continue to be monitored. Chief Superintendent Andy Valentine, South Wales Police said, “Emergency services, Neath Port Talbot Council and other…

An exclusive documentary film celebrating Llanelli’s much-loved panto company, Friendship Theatre Group, will be broadcast later this month as part of Carmarthenshire Theatre’s programme of digital shows. ‘Oh yes it is! It’s the Friendship panto story’ will delve into the history of this remarkable local company which has been entertaining generations of local families with their annual pantomimes for almost three decades. Through a mix of cast and audience interviews alongside clips from archive footage, the film celebrates the memories and stories as recollected by those who’ve been bringing the magic of panto to the Llanelli stage for past 26…

The Welsh Government is providing a further £3 million for projects which support, improve and deliver the everyday goods and services we all use and need. The foundational economy describes the jobs at the heart of our local communities, across sectors such as care and health services, food, housing, energy, tourism, construction and retail. This part of the economy account for four jobs in every ten and £1 in every £3 spent. The Welsh Government’s is working to ensure that everybody has access to the basic essential goods and services within this part of the economy and that the people…

Key workers in Bridgend county borough are being reminded that if they or a member of their household is experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid-19, they can request a test at a community testing centre via a dedicated phone number. A wide group of occupations are classed as key workers, including: NHS and social care staff Council workers Teachers Prison staff Police, coastguard and fire and rescue service personnel Charity and volunteer workers Financial services Food and other key goods supply, including retail staff Funeral industry Justice and probation Private waste management Public service broadcasting Religious staff Armed Forces,…

Welsh Government has announced that it will award exam results for 2021 based on work students have completed over their course following further disruption to face-to-face learning caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Education Minister Kirsty Williams confirmed that learners studying for Qualifications Wales-approved GCSE, AS and A-levels this year will receive grades determined by their school or college and based on coursework and other evidence such as mock exams. The minister said: “The worsening situation with the pandemic has meant we have no choice but to revisit our approach to ensure wellbeing and public confidence in our qualifications system. “The…