Author: Rhys Gregory

Coronavirus has seen our lives change in many ways, and one of these is the amount of time we are spending in our homes each day. With many offices closed – and lots of jobs lost – we have found ourselves stuck inside looking at the same four walls for months now. For those that live with their partners, this lockdown has come with a number of pros and cons. While the quality time, low-key date nights and chances to make memories are a huge plus, the lack of personal space, repetitive day-to-day routine and little squabbles can be difficult…

With advertising for gambling almost everywhere these days, and new statistics that have come out saying that almost 50% of Britons bet in some form every month, the United Kingdom government have taken steps to ensure that gambling is practised safely. The industry is worth several billion pounds and it is estimated that almost 1% of the adult population could have a gambling problem, although in reality this could be higher. Credit cards have already been banned to fund accounts, and it seems like online gambling is what will be targeted in the upcoming months. Reduction of maximum states Last…

Planning permission has been given for a new community facility at the heart of a major Swansea regeneration site. The building next to St David’s Church – one of the city centre’s key historic buildings – will provide replacement church hall facilities as well as either a public café or broadcasting studio. Construction will take place close to Llys Dewi Sant, the church’s existing hall that is being removed as part of the Swansea Central transformation plans. The new St David’s Church Hall – with a public square, landscaping and cycle parking – will be around two minutes walk from…

A mum-of-eight from Penlan is looking forward to buying her dream bungalow after a challenging few months of shielding. Sue Davies (64) and husband Alan (60), are already house-hunting after winning the top Thunderball prize on the Saturday 15 August 2020 draw. Alan stopped working in 2008, when their son Karl, now 23, was diagnosed with cancer. While he has thankfully made a good recovery, Sue also stopped working as a machinist to become Karl’s carer and has various health issues of her own, including the lung condition COPD, chronic asthma and severe arthritis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ2rMOhOj7A They have lived in their…

A staggering 39% of people in Cardiff are considering a post-lockdown career overhaul, according to new research from The National Lottery. The nationwide survey of 2,000 British workers, has revealed the extent to which 2020 has forced people to reconsider their lifestyles, with jobs and careers coming out as the number one change people now want to make. A whopping 68% of those polled in Cardiff said they now think life is too short to be working in a job they hate. Over a third (34%) said, on reflection, time in lockdown had made them come to the conclusion that…

The Cardiff Capital Region City Deal (CCR) has today launched a new £45m Housing Investment Fund to help stimulate the housing market in areas where there has been little new housing development. Called ‘Homes for all the Region,’ the Fund is intended to deliver 2,800 new homes across the region’s ten local authority areas. The Fund is divided into two sub-funds: a Housing Viability Gap Fund of £35m, and an SME Finance Fund of £10m. CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, part of Capital Advisors, will support the CCR in managing the Fund. The primary objectives of the Fund will be to…

The new CEO of a Swansea manufacturing firm has discussed the unique experience of talking the helm of a business during the biggest global pandemics in decades. Vince Minchella was appointed Chief Executive of Viscose Closures just before lockdown in March. Viscose Closures has been proudly manufacturing in the UK for over 125 years and in Swansea for 70 years. The company produces tamper evidence and anti-counterfeiting solutions for packaging and offers a wide range of caps and closures from its HQ on Swansea Enterprise Park. New CEO Vince graduated in retail marketing and brings with him over 20 years…

Welsh charity City Hospice has opened a new store in the village of Rhiwbina. The store was officially opened by one of their ambassadors, Cardiff Blues and Wales rugby star Ellis Jenkins, and West End star Sophie Evans. The charity’s new store on Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina features clothing, accessories, crafts and homewares. The City Hospice team plan to be active members of the local community, engaging with their supporters and offering a range of quality items to their customers. It is hoped that the new store, which has been warmly welcomed by the local community of Rhiwbina, will encourage…

RCT Council has announced the current car parking arrangements will be extended in Pontypridd and Aberdare by two weeks until September 7 – and will then remain FREE all-day on Saturdays and after 3pm on weekdays thereafter.  In response to the Coronavirus emergency, parking charges haven’t been applied at Council-owned car parks in the two towns since mid-March 2020 – and this arrangement was most recently extended up to August 25. The free parking was a temporary measure, aimed at supporting the local economy by increasing trade for businesses and increasing employment within the towns. It also supported public health…

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is appealing to people to use 999 responsibly this Bank Holiday weekend. Traditionally, the service will see an increase in demand on Bank Holidays as people take advantage of the long weekend – and this weekend is expected to be no different. Lee Brooks, the Trust’s Director of Operations, said: “More people are out and about socialising with family and friends on the Bank Holiday weekends, and this can lead to more people becoming ill or suffering injuries and requiring medical attention. “While there are plans in place to deal with the increase in demand, we…