Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Hub Box Cardiff will be opening the doors on Saturday 24th October to its brand spanking new Mermaid Quay restaurant. From Cornwall to Cardiff, think award-winning burgers, hand cut fries and of course their collaborations with local breweries. Prime cut or plant-based, Hub Box is the perfect place for you to meet and eat. The wait is nearly over, with Hub Box opening in the heart of Cardiff Bay at the end of the month! Located in Mermaid Quay, Hub Box will bring a fresh, street food style dining experience to Cardiff Bay. Hub Box are passionate about sticking to…

As Freshers’ Week begins and thousands of students arrive in the Welsh Capital, Dragon Taxis has pledged to support university students throughout the academic year with its Safe Taxi Scheme. Working in collaboration with Cardiff University Students’ Union and Cardiff Metropolitan University Students’ Union, the Safe Taxi Scheme, now in its eighth successful year in the city, ensures that all students can get a lift back to their halls or student residence after a night out, even if they don’t have any money for the fare on them. The taxi firm, part of the Veezu Group, was also one of…

Routine planned cardiac surgery at Morriston Hospital has been temporarily suspended following a localised Covid-19 outbreak. The hospital are prioritising staff to continue to care for emergency and urgent cardiac and cardiology patients, working within stringent infection control arrangements. However, this means the hospital has temporarily suspended routine cardiac cases. Swansea Bay University Health Board has apologised for the inconvenience this will cause patients, and their treatment will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Affected patients will be contacted directly. Ten patients and five staff have tested positive for the virus as part of the outbreak at Morriston over the last…

Caerphilly Council is working to support businesses to operate within the new guidance and taking action against those who are found to be non-compliant. Abertysswg RFC was visited by Trading Standards Officers, which resulted in the issue of an improvement notice. The inspection on the 10 October revealed a number of shortfalls including: Distancing not being maintained between members whilst on the premises. Groups of members who were clearly not forming part of the same household were seated together. Table and chairs set out in such a manner that they were not compliant with the 2 metre social distancing requirements.…

RCT Council will begin work this week in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park to prepare for the significant repair scheme to the damaged footbridge – which will commence on-site by the beginning of November. In the week commencing Monday, October 12, local residents and visitors to the Pontypridd park will notice works activity on site, as the Council prepares to carry out a repair scheme to the Marks and Spencer Bridge. The structure has been closed since February 2020 due to the significant damaged it sustained during unprecedented weather brought by Storm Dennis. During an update issued in July, the Council…