Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales’ most famous student hall of residence has doors once more, as students return to Aberystwyth University for the beginning of the new academic year. Pantycelyn has undergone a £16.5m transformation and now offers accommodation for up to 200 students and a modern and contemporary home for the University’s Welsh speaking student community. Each of the bedrooms is newly built and includes an en-suite bathroom, and some of the Hall’s best known rooms – the Large Lounge, the Small Lounge and the Senior and Junior Common Rooms have been reinvigorated. And, in accordance with the wishes of the hall’s supporters,…

First Minister Mark Drakeford is calling on the people of Wales to help find the country’s most extraordinary people, by nominating them for a St David Awards. Now in their eighth year, the national St David Awards celebrate Wales’ true heroes. This year, to reflect the work of so many people during the coronavirus pandemic, a new award will recognise critical workers. The judging panel will also consider the nominations for people who have made an outstanding contribution during the pandemic – whether that’s a kind and selfless acts to support an individual or community or a businesses, which has…

Economy Minister Ken Skates will today launch a national discussion on a new plan to help secure the future of manufacturing in Wales. From coronavirus to Brexit and decarbonisation – manufacturing is going through one of the most intense and challenging periods in its history. Last year, in Wales alone there were more than 150,000 people employed in the sector but a range of external factors including the pandemic and high profile redundancies are set to drive a reduction in that figure over the coming months. The Minister will launch the four-week consultation aimed at supporting and future-proofing the sector…

There are a lot of negative effects of smoking cigarettes. Even though a lot of users resolve to kick the habit for good, it is challenging and difficult because of the dependence that happens and the withdrawal symptoms that make it more difficult. If you are ready to quit for good, there are a lot of things you can do. It is important to take note though that smoking requires a holistic approach to become successful. One cannot stop smoking by staying in the same situation. Change in one’s outlook and determination to live a better life are important to…

The gambling industry has finally decided to implement Facial Recognition Technology for the security of both the players and the casinos. Is it surprising? No. Most of the gamblers around the globe already expected this to happen. Although they do not have any idea when it will be implemented, it is something that everyone is expecting. The gambling industry is planning to fully implement facial recognition technology in the following years, but it has to be in line with data privacy laws. With this new technology, online and traditional casinos would provide more security to the players and the chances…

Two of Swansea’s annual winter events have been cancelled to help keep local people safe through the coronavirus pandemic. The traditional Bonfire Night fireworks show and the city centre Christmas parade will not go ahead this year. Both are organised by Swansea Council and attract large crowds – but the council wants to curb the spread of the virus and to avoid a local lockdown. The decisions have been made in line with Welsh Government guidance and increasing concerns about the spread of coronavirus linked to large gatherings. Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said:…

For many years, residential and commercial properties made use of fluorescent lighting.  Often abbreviated to LFLs, linear fluorescent lights have many benefits.  They have a long light span, they’re efficient at what they do, and they output a good quality of light.  In fact, newer models of fluorescent lighting even have better energy efficiency than the old models many of us had in our homes growing up.  Why, then, have so many businesses and homes made the switch to LED lighting?  Let’s take a look at the benefits of LED lighting to understand why. They’re Potentially Shatterproof When installing fluorescent…

Following the easing of lockdown restrictions,  tennis clubs across Wales have seen a surge in their membership as well as large increases in court bookings by members of the public looking for somewhere to play. Tennis venues have been reporting a larger number of families joining, and the number of people now booking a pay & play court has increased significantly from last year.   The latest insight from Tennis Wales and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) showed that over 131,000 adults had played tennis at least once in the last 12 months, an increase of 8% on 2019. The number…

Yesterday evening, key landmarks and hospital sites across Cardiff and the Vale were illuminated in orange to celebrate World Patient Safety Day, standing as a reminder to the public of their role in keeping people safe. By following coronavirus guidance – maintaining physical distancing and practicing good hygiene measures, the public have a vital role to play in protecting healthcare workers that will in turn protect vital services. The global pandemic has presented health services with major challenges and put healthcare workers at significant risk. The pace of change has been fast and services have had to adapt to maintain…

More thrilling drama is set to hit our screens after BBC Cymru Wales has announced that it has commissioned a brand new crime drama. With a strong cast and gripping storyline, The Pact is set to become BBC Wales’ next highly anticipated hit. With filming starting this week, the drama will follow the story of five friends, a sudden death and a web of lies. The Pact brings together a stellar team that has worked on some of the TV’s best-loved dramas. Breaking Bad star Laura Fraser takes centre stage alongside Julie Hesmondhalgh (Broadchurch, Coronation Street) and Eddie Marsan (Ray…