Author: Rhys Gregory

A swan found with a large fishing hook lodged in his neck has been helped by the RSPCA. The swan – who would have experienced considerable pain and discomfort from the hook – was spotted by a member of the public at Roath Park in Cardiff. RSPCA inspector Gemma Black was assigned the call to track down the swan and successfully caught him safely on 30 October. “Luckily I managed to catch him whilst on land and took him to the vets where the hook was removed and he was given an injection of antibiotics,” she said. “As he didn’t…

Renewable energy has a key role to play in supporting the green recovery and responding to the climate emergency – that’s the message from Lesley Griffiths as a new report shows good progress towards meeting Wales’s ambitious renewable energy targets. Published today as day two of Wales Climate Week gets underway, the Energy Generation 2019 report shows over half (51%) of Wales’ energy needs are met from renewables and Wales is 83% of the way towards meeting its local ownership target of 1GW by 2030 – with 825 MW of renewable energy capacity in local ownership. The report also showed:…

One of the most popular cities in the world, London is a thriving tourist destination in Europe and it’s easy to see why. A historical, economic and cultural hub, the city has a buzzing atmosphere and a number of attractions that are worth seeing. There are many ways to explore London – be it through hop on hop off bus tours, via public transportation (like the. bus and tube), or even by going on a river cruise. Another option would be to explore London by foot; walking is part of the city’s culture and you can find many hidden gems…

People and not rules are at the heart of Wales’ response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said today as he sets out the new post-firebreak measures in Wales. A new and simpler set of national rules will apply once the Wales-wide firebreak lockdown comes to an end at 00:01 on Monday November 9. The First Minister said everyone in Wales has “an important part to play in helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus – and this means thinking carefully about the contact we all have with other people. “The more people we meet, the…

The countdown to Christmas in Swansea has started as work begins on setting up a festive Alpine Village in the heart of Museum Park. Swansea Council in conjunction with partners will be offering a safe and festive Christmas this winter with new lights, a Christmas Market, Christmas trees in the city centre and a Virtual Christmas Parade. Swansea Castle and Wind Street will be among the local landmarks lit up as part of the festive attractions being laid on to brighten up the countdown to Christmas which starts from the middle of November. Sayers Events – the Council’s delivery partner…

Young people and local communities will benefit from a construction firm’s pledge to encourage more entrants into the industry. Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction has launched the Wynne Futures Foundation to formally bring together its existing community benefits, training and apprenticeship activities and initiatives. Its aims include providing a minimum of 100 work experience placements and 250 apprenticeships in a variety of trade and technical subjects over the next five years. Other commitments over the same period include supporting 125 careers events, which provide information, advice and guidance to encourage young people to consider construction and the built environment as a future…

From this Monday (Nov 2nd), all teachers and school staff will be able to claim a 10% discount* on their shopping in Morrisons stores nationwide. Lasting until after Christmas, the special discount is a thank you to half a million teachers** and additional school staff who are looking after the nation’s children and supporting them through the Covid-19 pandemic. Primary, secondary, private and special educational school teachers can all claim the discount, as well as all teaching assistants, catering staff, dinner ladies, caretakers, cleaners and school office staff. These groups will also be able to participate in a dedicated shopping…

Business confidence in Wales fell eight points during October to -12%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month at -5%.  When taken alongside their views of the economy overall, which fell by 19 percentage points, this gives a headline confidence reading of -12%. When it comes to businesses’ hiring intentions, a net balance of 9% expect to reduce staff levels over the next year. This compares to a net balance of 4% that had expected to hire more staff last month. The Business Barometer…

A Cardiff-based site manager from David Wilson Homes South Wales has been recognised for exceptional on-site management at the National House-Building Council’s (NHBC) Welsh regional Pride in the JobAwards. Paul Oakley, Senior Site Manager at Goitre Fach in St Fagans, was presented with three illustrious awards, a Quality Award, Seal of Excellence and a Wales Regional Award — a feat which will see him represent Wales at the NHBC UK national awards in January 2021. With more than 450 site managers shortlisted, the NHBC judging panel opted to award Paul as an outstanding example of dedication, passion and leadership in…

Local charities and groups from North Wales are being urged bid for a slice of a £5,000 community fund set up by a big-hearted bakery. The family-run Village Bakery say they want to give something back to the community which has helped the award-winning firm become such a success. According to managing director Robin Jones, they’re aware that many community groups, associations and charities have been struggling to survive during the pandemic because their fund-raising activities have been curtailed. The company had always made a point of supporting good causes in an ad hoc way but had now decided to…