Author: Rhys Gregory

TALENTED artists searching for a route into the creative industries were given a design for life by Conwy Employment Hub. With the support of a dedicated mentor, Jamie Griffiths and Emily Gibbs were inspired to produce stunning artwork for the best-selling Secret Dishes from Around the World 2. Published by Bounceback Food – a community interest company (CIC) serving people in food poverty across North Wales, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester – the book featured low cost, healthy recipes from all over the globe. Having signed up for the Hub’s Communities for Work programme, Emily’s creativity came to the fore and…

More than 350 people are bracing the cold, wet January to raise funds for 2 Wish Upon A Star in memory of former teacher Liz Kirwan. The fund-raising initiative Lace Up For Liz will mark what would have been Liz’ 40th birthday this month and each participant will run or walk 40k during January to raise funds for 2 Wish Upon A Star in Liz’s memory. Liz, a keen runner, was just 34 when she collapsed and died suddenly just a year after losing her son Thomas at two months old. Her parents Julian and Sian Ashton organised a series…

Tenovus Cancer Care receives significant donation from Bristol Myers Squibb to help support services for cancer patients. Following a successful application for funding, Tenovus Cancer Care has received a significant and unrestricted donation of £150,000 from pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb. The charity’s application focused on the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on people affected by cancer and the value of its Mobile Support Units in providing flexible, clinical space to help support patients. The charity highlighted the role their Mobile Support Units could play in addressing capacity issues within the NHS, while their successful application also drew attention to the…

People in the Swansea Bay area are being reminded as the region fights the new faster-spreading strain of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for them to get a test straight away if they have any of the virus symptoms. The main symptoms remain a new, continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss of or change in your sense of smell or taste. Dr Keith Reid, Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Director of Public Heath, said: “The new virus variant is between 50 and 70 per cent more transmissible – that means you are much more likely to catch…

Caerphilly county borough council and Gwent Police are reminding its communities that exercise must start and end from home and people must avoid driving to beauty spots to exercise – without a legitimate exemption. The council and Gwent Police are asking the public to not drive to beauty spots for exercise purposes, as Wales remains in alert level four. The current Welsh Government guidelines outline that the public must not drive to places to exercise, especially renowned beauty spots that could attract many visitors. Exercise must start and end at home. Officers from both organisations have undertaken dedicated patrols, issuing…

Cardiff Council has announced major changes to how waste and recycling  is collected across the city. The Council has said that the changes will see collection days change for three quarters of residents in Cardiff, but the changes will ultimately provide a better service that’s more efficient and cost effective in the long term. From Monday, February 22, you may have a change to the day, week or time your collections take place. Cardiff Council is issuing letters in the next few weeks which will explain how you are affected. If your date changes, it will change for all types of waste,…

More Valleys schools will soon have access to an award-winning project which has seen a converted shipping container become a focal point for hands-on learning about food as well as a place where low income families can stock up on free or reduced price provisions. The Big Bocs Bwyd (BBB) Project in the Valleys Taskforce Area helps children develop an early understanding of healthy food choices while providing affordable priced food to families in the community who may be in need of support. The Welsh Government is providing £100,000 to establish a further five BBB shipping containers in schools across…

An extra £25m investment will help the NHS to continue the move to more digital services, Health and Social Services Minister Vaughan Gething said today. The funding boost is part of the draft Budget 2021-22 and is supporting the response to the coronavirus pandemic, including contact tracing and the vaccination programme, as well as the rollout of new video consultations and remote working in the NHS. The extra £25m will speed-up the use of digital ways of working and help the NHS and social services adopt new technologies to improve services. It will also support the transformation of digital systems…

Farmers’ Union of Wales members in the northern area of Meirionnydd have expressed deep anger and frustration following the flooding of several hundred acres of land at Llanfrothen near Porthmadog over recent days. The flooding occurred as a result of the Afon Croesor overflowing once again to the nearby Internal Drainage District causing tremendous damage to the best agricultural land in the area. The problem has been brought to the attention of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on several occasions, and site meetings were held with NRW staff following flooding in July 2020. This included a meeting on site with Liz…

Investing in the proper upgrades can ensure in boosting values if you are planning to sell your house. Simple and small low-cost improvement projects can change the face of your home dramatically. So here are a few keys to a successful house flip, that can help you in changing the sign from ‘on sale’ to ‘sold’ in no time at all. Do proper research Before you remodel your property for better returns, Samuel Leeds believes it’s vital to have some knowledge about the market. The first step should be to enquire from other homeowners and trusted real estate agents and…