Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh Government is preparing urgent action to prevent people who live in areas with high coronavirus infection rates across the UK from travelling to Wales, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed. The action is being taken after the Prime Minister did not respond to the First Minister’s requests to make advisory travel guidance in English coronavirus hotspots mandatory. Under new regulations being prepared by Welsh Ministers, people living in areas with a high-prevalence of coronavirus in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland would not be able to travel to Wales for the time being. They will help prevent the virus…

Due to the multitude of online gambling rooms, even experienced gamblers find it difficult to navigate the variety of available establishments, what to say about beginners — they find themselves in complete confusion. So what to look for when choosing an online casino? How to protect yourself from fraudsters? And what casino features to pay attention to? Financial and legal aspects, services and bonuses, a collection of featured games — all this should be taken into account. You don’t need to be a guru in these matters to choose the best casino, but a little knowledge will come in handy.…

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received more than 54,800 claims from customers using a new online portal which allows workers to claim tax relief for working at home. Launched on 1 October, the online portal is simple to use and has been set up to process tax relief on additional expenses for employed workers who have been told to work from home by their employer to help stop the spread of coronavirus. From 6 April 2020, employers have been able to pay employees up to £6 a week tax-free to cover additional costs if they have had to work…

EE has switched on 5G in Porthcawl, allowing customers in the town to receive the latest mobile network technology. The company, part of BT Group, launched the UK’s first 5G service in May 2019 and has now expanded to a total of 112 towns and cities across the UK. Cardiff became one of the first cities in the UK to receive 5G when it was launched there in May last year alongside London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer business, said: “Delivering the best mobile experience for our customers has never been more important. Our 5G…

A royal composer has challenged people to try and go 24 hours without enjoying any of the arts – from music to computer games and Netflix. According to Prof Paul Mealor, who was born in St Asaph and raised in Connah’s Quay, the fact that most people would find it virtually impossible to live without any form of the arts – even for a day – underlined the importance of saving the creative industries from being decimated during the coronavirus crisis. He was speaking as patron of the North Wales Music Cooperative whose future is under threat because of the…

A police boss has blasted “irresponsible and reckless” Boris Johnson for refusing to ban people from Covid hotspots travelling into Wales and potentially bringing the virus with them. North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones is furious that the UK Prime Minster had dismissed the request to ban people from travelling from areas of England with high infection rates Mr Jones spoke out after Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford threatened a travel ban if Mr Johnson does not impose his own. He said he was giving UK ministers “one final opportunity” before he makes changes in Welsh law. The UK government announced…

Kepak, the largest meat processing plant and abattoir in Wales, has signed up to the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Programme to upskill and develop its workforce. Kepak, which has 768 employees at the company’s flagship facilities at St Merryn Merthyr, is upskilling 50 staff in the first phase of apprenticeships, increasing to around 100 staff within a year. The company’s long-term aim is to offer an apprenticeship framework to all its staff at Merthyr Tydfil. There is a particular need to attract and develop skilled butchers who are in short supply across the UK meat industry. Kepak is working closely with…

Evenings of Halloween-themed suspense, spooks and surprises are in store at Fonmon Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan from October 16 to October 31. The ghostly adventures, staged with the help of costumed actors and light show specialists MJ Lights, invite people to explore the beautiful but dark and eerie grounds of the castle’s gardens and woods, unravelling the story of Sir John, the estate’s owner, whose death has taken both him and the estate to hell. Visitors can expect entertainment and plenty of surprises as they take part in an evening specially designed to support social distancing. Depending on…

A Cardiff-based Korean food company has scooped two stars in the highly regarded Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Awards 2020 after just six months of trading. Mama Halla received the award for their Korean Hot Sauce which is made with sundried chilli flakes sourced direct from the grower in South Korea.   Judged by 144 highly regarded food critics, chefs, buyers and retailers, Great Taste is one of the most coveted of all speciality food and drink awards. In their review of Mama Halla’s Korean Hot Sauce, the Great Taste judges noted that “this is clever, well judged, well balanced…

Those that have gone above and beyond for Scouting in Wales during a turbulent year have been recognised and celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony.  Nine awards were up for grabs in this year’s Celebration of Scouting Awards with 55 volunteers and groups shortlisted. The awards ceremony organised by ScoutsCymru, now in its fourth year, was held digitally this year as a result of the pandemic. Of the 55 finalists, winners were selected in each of the nine categories, with some categories also highlighting individuals and groups as highly commended. The winner of the Adult Volunteer Award was Pete Sheppard…