Author: Rhys Gregory

A SERIES of virtual events and tasting sessions will take place over the coming weeks to celebrate local food and drink producers. Taste North East Wales is to be held online this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with a second lockdown reinforcing the decision to conduct workshops, sampling and tours via Zoom, the video conferencing platform. For some events participants will receive products in advance so they can experience the delights of the region’s many award-winning local businesses, and then connect with them live. There will be six sessions, starting this Friday with a virtual gin tasting at the…

AN ENTREPENEUR nominated for a string of national business awards continues to make waves in the leisure sector. UK Leisure Living Group has sold more hot tubs in 2020 than previous years put together, with the Coronavirus and Spring heatwave leading to a surge in sales. The trend continued across the summer at their revamped 6,000 sq ft Mochdre showroom and Managing Director Gareth Jones marked this success at the second annual North Wales Hot Tub Expo, by unveiling new products and international partnerships. He is also proud to have been named a finalist in three categories at the National…

AN ONLINE conference will aim to meet economic challenges facing the public and private sector in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. Targeting frontline staff working in the fields of skills and employability – including Careers Wales, Working Wales and further and higher education representatives – the virtual event takes place from 9.30am on Thursday October 22. The free forum has been organised by North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, supported by North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and will include an address by Ken Skates MS, Minister for the Economy and North Wales. David Roberts, chair of the Regional Skills Partnership,…

The accountancy profession’s role in building and maintaining a sustainable recovery in these challenging times is the focus for ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) throughout October, November and December 2020. In its new campaign, Rethinking business for a sustainable recovery, ACCA champions the vital role professional accountants play in a world where sustainable businesses deliver financial returns, while also generating positive value for society and being environmentally responsible for the planet. At the heart of the campaign is a spoken word performance that will be launched on Global Ethics Day (21 October 2020) titled ‘Rudder’ by Sugar J Poet, which asks ‘What’s the purpose…

Communities in north Wales are making a substantial difference to people’s lives through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, thanks to National Lottery players. National Lottery money is putting people in the lead to help their communities look to the future positively.   With its grant of £86,688, Vision Enhancement Service will use a mobile information service to ensure that people with sight loss from across north Wales can find accessible information and a knowledge of adaptive aids and assistive technology. They will also offer advice and support in local communities about services which promote the reduction of isolation and disadvantage, therefore improving health and wellbeing. The charity’s Community…

Resurfacing work will be carried out on the A472 Gelligroes roundabout, including the junction at Heolddu Road this week.  Work starts on Monday October 12th between 19:30 to 06:30 and will be complete, weather permitting on Sunday 18th October. There will be a signed diversion through Pontllanfraith between the roundabouts to the east and west of Gelligroes (see maps below). Access to the B4251 Ynysddu will be from the south via A472 and Full Moon roundabout. Access to Heolddu Road and Wyllie will be from the south, through Ynysddu, or via the Bryn Meadows lane from Crown Roundabout, however, the …

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet has agreed to progress plans for an online digital Christmas performance, as part of this year’s ‘very different’ festive celebrations.  RCT Theatres were due to stage Dick Whittington as its traditional family pantomime this year at both the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare, and Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy. But due to COVID-19 coronavirus restrictions, this production has now been rescheduled to December 2021. Instead, this year, an alternative online digital production for all the family is planned, featuring the pantomime stars. Cabinet agreed (Thursday, September 21) to the production of a virtual Christmas performance to provide…

The Council will shortly welcome local residents’ views on the A465 Cynon Gateway North (Aberdare Bypass) highway scheme – and they will be able to access detailed plans, a virtual fly through and an online public meeting. The future scheme, which the Council is committed to delivering, will extend the A4059 Aberdare Bypass by 1.2km – from a point between Trecynon and Hirwaun, heading north to create a new link to the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road. It will coincide with Welsh Government’s dualling of the A465 from Hirwaun to Dowlais Top, which will create a new junction at…

The storm-damaged 3G sports pitch in Aberdare has now been replaced with a state-of-the-art new surface and will be available for school and community use from Monday, RCT Council has announced.  The pitch, located at the Sobell leisure complex, was closed following damage from severe flooding sustained during the unprecedented weather brought by Storm Dennis in February 2020. A significant repair scheme has been ongoing since August, with work including a complete replacement of the carpet surface and its underlay, which were both damaged beyond repair. The repairs to the playing surface were completed recently and the facility had to…

Music tuition in schools is set to recommence this month following its temporary withdrawal due to COVID-19. Cardiff Council has been working closely with Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Music Serviceto make preparations for the safe return of music tuition in schools. A series of health and safety measures, in line with Welsh Government guidance, are now in place to help keep children, tutors and school communities safe while minimising the risk of the spread of COVID-19. This includes adaptations to the way lessons are delivered, new guidance for tutors, social distancing measures and enhanced hygiene processes. Cabinet Member…