Author: Rhys Gregory

Falling off stepladders while decking the halls, cutting hands while chopping swedes, breaking toes by dropping a frozen turkey on your foot and children getting toy blocks stuck up their nose, are among the common injuries that see people heading to hospital over Christmas. In fact, more than *80,000 people arrive in the Emergency Department over the festive period due to accidents like these. Staff at Swansea Bay University Health Board have put together a list of their most common ‘festive fails’ and advice on how to avoid them and, more importantly, where you should go to get the right…

Ceredigion is experiencing a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Aberystwyth area over recent days. Nearly two-thirds of all the cases reported on Sunday, 20 December and half of cases reported on Monday, 21 December by Ceredigion’s Contact Tracing Team are in the Aberystwyth area. This is an additional 38 cases in 2 days alone and the number is increasing daily in the area. The current rate in Ceredigion is 247.6 per 100,000 population (as of 9am, 21 December 2020). This is the highest the rate has been in Ceredigion during the pandemic. The number of…

Smart Money Cymru Credit Union  has broken all lending records as it helps its clients deal with the fallout of Covid 19. The Credit Union, with offices in Caerphilly, Blackwood and Tredegar, has recently merged with two other smaller Unions and is now upgrading its systems and business model to help all its customers access fair and equitable financial services. Loan applications can now be made online, and CEO Mark White believes this has contributed to the upsurge in lending, encouraging people to come forward and take advantage of the beneficial terms the not-for-profit Credit Union can offer its members.…

A student whose outstanding A Level results put her on the way to achieving a dream career has won a top science prize. Elin Hawke, 19, from Llanferres, won the annual Synthite science award for her outstanding results while studying at Alun School, Mold. Sponsored by the Mold-based chemicals firm, the prize goes to the student who has demonstrated exceptional effort in the subject over the previous 12 months. Elin was awarded three A* grades for her studies in mathematics, chemistry and biology. She has taken a place at the University of Liverpool on a five-year course in veterinary science and hopes…

The general manager of the world’s first preserved railway, which is located in Mid Wales, has warned that steam trains in Wales could soon be powered by coal imported from Russian. The last coal mine in Wales that produces coal for steam trains, at Ffos-y-fran, Merthyr Tydfil, is due to be closed in 2022 and a planning application for a new surface mine at Dewley Hill in North East England was refused by Newcastle City Council last week. The Dewley Hill decision dashes the hopes of Britain’s heritage railways, which need affordable coal to continue operating. Existing stocks of English…

The Big Issue (TBI) is calling upon the public to support the organisation as 100 vendors are being forced off the streets as Wales goes into lockdown. Christmas week is traditionally the busiest week of the year for Big Issue vendors, but 100 vendors in Wales will be unable to sell the magazine on the street as the new strain of the Covid-19 virus caused governments around the UK to backtrack on Christmas plans. First Minister Mark Drakeford told people to “stay at home” after urgent talks with ministers over a new variant of coronavirus. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, also announced…

Many modern people more often choose to live in a house than in an apartment. It is convenient, comfortable and gives you constant access to nature. But how to decorate a garden if you have a small area or do not have enough space or opportunity to put up a pool, statues or swing? The best solution is outdoor flowers in beautiful pots. Choosing potting planters for gardeners is a real pleasure because the modern market offers a large selection of different colors, shapes and sizes. Benefits of growing flowers outdoors Plants of any kind will make your yard and…

A CHALLENGING year did not stop students and staff at Coleg Cambria raising more than £60,000 for a national charity. The north east Wales college collected a staggering £60,705 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted upon the final amount, with learners and employees forced to cancel events and activities for safety reasons. In response they decided to take them online, holding a series of virtual fundraising auctions, quizzes and more to support the cause. Karen Senior, Head of Learner Services, congratulated everyone for their efforts and contribution before and after the Coronavirus took hold in…

An eagerly awaited Sky Original comedy drama, airing for the first time on Christmas Eve, is set to showcase Wales and its creative potential. Described as a ‘magical festive adventure’, Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse is inspired by the story of when a six-year-old Roald Dahl meets his idol Beatrix Potter. Produced by Hartswood Films for Sky Studios, the production is supported by Creative Wales, and was shot in Wales at locations across south Wales including St Fagans National Museum, Gwili Heritage Railway Station and at Seren Stiwdios in Cardiff. Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of…

South Wales Police is continuing to appeal for help to find Adrian Williams from Pontyclun, who has been reported missing. Adrian, 52, was last seen in Pencoed on Sunday evening, December 13. He is believed to have travelled by bus to Cardiff and may have moved on to Salisbury in Wiltshire. Adrian has dark greying hair with long sideburns, described as being like those of the rugby player JPR Williams. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact 101, quoting ref 451889. Adrian is also urged to make contact with police or loved ones to confirm he is…