Author: Rhys Gregory

eople living in Wales who have received the Covid vaccine will be able to access their vaccination status via the internet from Friday [25 June] to generate an NHS COVID Pass for urgent outbound international travel. Vaccine certificates have been available in Wales since May for those who need to urgently travel internationally and provide proof of their vaccination status, with certificates being sent in the post.  The paper certificates will continue to be issued only for people who are unable to access the digital Pass. Access to the NHS COVID Pass in Wales means that proof of vaccination will…

Despite losing to Italy in the Olimpico in Rome, Wales have made it through to the knockout stages of Euro 2020, where they will face Denmark in the Round of 16. Many wondered how Wales would fare at this year’s tournament, particularly since they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and hold the title for highest average goals per match. Off-the-field issues with manager Ryan Giggs hardly helped their preparation, and the form of star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey had been brought into question numerous times in the build-up to their first match. In their first group match,…

RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after a fatal herring gull shooting in the Rhyl area. The animal welfare charity was contacted after a member of the public saw the gull fall from a rooftop in the Frederick Street area of the town. Unfortunately, the bird had a badly injured and blood-splattered wing, and an X-ray at a local veterinary practice found three air gun pellets. The incident took place on 10 June. Sadly, the gull’s injuries were so severe that vets decided the kindest option was to put the bird to sleep to prevent him further suffering.…

Family Housing Association has unveiled an exciting collaboration with ASW Property Services to install state-of-the-art solar panels on housing stock in Carmarthenshire as part of the Government-funded Optimised Retrofit Programme – a move that will reduce the carbon footprint of its social housing stock and help tackle fuel poverty. The Optimised Retrofit Programme was introduced by Welsh Government to test a new approach to decarbonising Welsh homes, after identifying the urgent need for ‘immediate action’ to begin the process of decarbonising Wales’ existing 1.4m housing stock. The programme will set the standard for retrofit schemes across Wales and link with…

Two inspirational Monmouthshire sisters have today (Thursday 24th June) been recognised for their remarkable fund-raising feats by the Prime Minister. Holly and Emily Walker, from Devauden, have spearheaded a tremendous community fund-raising campaign which has topped £150,000 for Cancer Research Wales in memory of their brother, Tom. Now the girls, who are both students at Monmouth School for Girls, have been hailed nationally by being given a UK Point of Light award, which hails outstanding individuals who are making a positive impact in their community. Points of Light was first established in the USA by President George H. W. Bush…

Parkwood Leisure’s rainforest zoo, Plantasia, is launching a crocodile feeding experience this month. As unique experiences become increasingly popular, this Swansea experience is the only one of its kind in Wales. The experience will see visitors learn all about the species before they enter the purpose-built caiman enclosure. They will then offer the crocodiles their favourite snacks, and watch as they spiral out of the water to snap their lunch. Plantasia cares for four spectacled caiman crocodiles. The reptiles arrived three years ago as juveniles but they are now maturing into adulthood and living happily in their own “Fort Crox.” This…

Selected from thousands of nominations, Victoria Carey, teacher at Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff, has been honoured as one of 102 Pearson National Teaching Silver Award winners across the country. Leading up to this, Victoria Carey was honoured with a Silver Award in The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru for ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’ category. This award is given to teachers for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of children they work with every day. Along with the Teaching Awards Cymru winner announcement, it was stated that “Victoria leads with warmth, care and challenge and is…

Construction recruitment experts, Sphere Solutions have strengthened its Cardiff head office team to support ambitious growth plans, with several appointments. The resilience of the construction industry throughout the pandemic has meant that the need for skilled candidates has increased. After a successful start to the year, the investment in the head office team is one of the many exciting plans in the pipeline for Sphere. Sphere’s investment in their growth not only includes the expansion of the team but also an exciting redevelopment plan for their Cardiff head office, which will create a ‘workforce hub’ environment that will include a…

Design work for a major new office development providing space for 600 jobs in Swansea has been recognised for its focus on helping further cut the city’s carbon footprint. The high-tech office development planned for 71/72 The Kingsway will include a green roof, solar panels on top of the building, underfloor heating and heat recovery systems to minimise energy use.   There will also be a rainwater capture feature, helping with water supply to plants and trees in and around the building. The green roof will reduce rainwater run-off, saving water consumption within the scheme.  Glazing throughout the development will allow…

Join BBC Wales’ Pizza Boys and Rugby Warfare Founder, Scott Flear to hear their advice on how to start a successful business Open to all, ‘Local Business Heroes – Success Stories’ will run on 7th July 2021 from 12:00 – 15:00 and will feature award winning speakers including: Ieuan Harry of Ffwrnes Pizza, AKA the ‘Pizza Boys’ from the BBC Wales TV Series, and Scott Flear, founder of Welsh-based rugby clothing brand Rugby Warfare and CEO of fitness specialists trtle.com. Both are entrepreneurs from South West Wales who have developed their passions into flourishing businesses, with global ambitions and gained…