Author: Rhys Gregory

The Senedd has this week voted to give councils the choice to introduce a small visitor levy on overnight stays to raise and reinvest vital funding into local tourism. The landmark law – the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill – establishes the first local tax designed and legislated for in Wales. Councils will now have the option to introduce a levy on overnight stays, which will raise money which can be re-invested in tourism-related expenses – such as improving toilets, footpaths, beaches, visitor centres and activities. Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Visitor levies are used successfully all…

Culture Minister Jack Sargeant joined Hollywood actor Rhys Ifans and community groups from across North Wales last weekend to celebrate the redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd, Wales’s largest producing theatre. The £50 million transformation, designed by world-renowned architects Haworth Tompkins, includes £26.5 million of Welsh Government funding and represents one of the most significant recent investments in cultural infrastructure in Wales. The economic impact of the redevelopment for north-east Wales is estimated to reach over £20 million per year, nearly tripling the theatre’s previous economic contribution and creating a minimum of 100 additional permanent jobs. The newly redeveloped building, which remained…

The fantastic environmental focus of pupils and staff at Pennar Community School is being celebrated once again as they pick up an award in Keep Wales Tidy’s Climate Challenge Cymru. The school recently won the innovation challenge in the Build a Waste-Free World category, with an inspiring film documenting their campaign to tackle waste in school and at home. They were presented with their award, at a special ceremony in Cardiff last month. The awards, founded by First Minister Eluned Morgan, showcase environmental work from schools all over Wales. Each class took on a different aspect of waste to focus…

Whether it’s your regular commute, weekend excursions with pals, or simply horsing around in town, your car can start to become like an extension of you. Here’s the catch, though: getting it a new look or upgrading how it runs doesn’t need to take all the money in your purse. Most drivers will assume that upgrading their vehicles means flashy alloy wheels or pricey tech packages. There exists, however, an entire galaxy of inexpensive concepts that will make your car or truck shine like new again, but will come with a terrifying price tag. Let’s get into it. Start Afresh…

We’re all familiar with the classic deck of playing cards, used to play a variety of games from poker to Welsh whist. Yet, by looking back, we can see that throughout the development and evolution of these cards, there have been more links to Wales than might have seemed possible at first sight. The Influential Card Designer The history of playing cards is unclear, although it’s possible that they were first used in 9th-century China. We need to move forward to the 19th century to find the involvement of Welsh architect and designer Owen Jones, though. He was famed for…

Enhancing both the appearance and lifespan of a van doesn’t require a complicated process. One of the most effective and stylish upgrades is investing in high-quality alloy wheels. If you are a VW Crafter owner, VW Crafter alloys in particular enhance aesthetics while also strengthening the vehicle performance and improving ride comfort. These alloys can transform the look of your van, that’s why they have grown in popularity over time. VW Crafter owners are recognising the strong reputation premium alloy wheels have in the market. For personal use, commercial operations or showcasing in events, VW Crafter alloys offer a sleek…

Fishing in the UK means dealing with weather that doesn’t always play fair. Some days start out calm but turn rough without warning. That’s why what you wear matters just as much as the equipment you bring. If you’re out regularly, having the right kit can make all the difference. Keep reading to make sure you’re properly kitted out before your next trip. Why Reliable Gear Matters in UK Waters Anyone who’s spent time fishing around the UK knows how quickly things can turn. One minute it’s clear skies, the next it’s blowing sideways rain. And when you’re wet, cold,…

The Pettifor Trust, one of South West Wales’ leading animal welfare charities, is celebrating 25 years of dedicated service, alongside announcing a new chapter in its leadership and strategic growth. Founded in 2000 by Swansea’s Eve Pettifor, the Trust was established to support the welfare of vulnerable animals, both domestic and wild, across Wales. Over the past quarter-century, it has become a cornerstone of regional animal welfare, offering critical funding for veterinary care and supporting key organisations including Greenacres Rescue, Border Collie Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Llys Nini. The Trust’s sustainable model, driven by two thriving charity shops in Sketty and…

Farmers have started work on three new plots near Newtown to test whether Powys land can be used to grow fruit and vegetables agroecologically on a commercial scale. Between them they are working 36 acres of Powys County Council-owned land in Sarn. It will be used to supply produce to local markets, schools in Wales and possibly in future nearby cities such as Birmingham. The successful applicants, who all come from Powys or the nearby border areas, were selected based on their business plans and former growing experience. The farmers will work collaboratively to provide a local veg box scheme,…

A Newport-based architect who turned his passion for sustainable design into a handcrafted hut business is growing steadily, with commissions ranging from a shepherd hut hair salon to repurposing a railway carriage. Spence Gadsby, 32, founder of Tŷ Green, first launched his eco-buildings business in early 2023 after securing a £20,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. Since then, he has completed three major projects and is halfway through a fourth, each one bespoke but united by an eco-conscious ethos and high-quality craftsmanship. After qualifying as an architect four years ago, combined with his life-long experience working on…