Author: Rhys Gregory

Cardiff’s recycling centres are to re-open for the disposal of limited items, but for safety reasons, residents will have to book a timed appointment Cardiff Council has revealed. Bessemer Close Recycling Centre will re-open next Tuesday, May 26th, followed by Lamby Way Recycling Centre on Sunday, May 31st. An online booking system has been set up and anyone that needs to visit a recycling centre will have to make an appointment. The online booking system will be available for the public to use from 12.30pm tomorrow – May 22nd The only items that canbe brought to the recycling centres for…

Morrisons is the first supermarket to offer a safe space where victims of domestic abuse can contact support services.  Morrisons is joining forces with the charity Hestia’s UK SAYS NO MORE campaign because a trip to a supermarket is such a routine activity it’s unlikely to alert an abuser. From Monday consulting rooms in pharmacies in 117 Morrisons stores will be designated safe spaces where Morrisons pharmacists – who have been specially trained – can direct those seeking help to the support they need. Information about the safe spaces and where to get help will also be shared on posters…

A South Wales whisky distillery based at the foothills of the Brecon Beacons has secured a multi-million finance facility from HSBC UK to aid its ambitious growth targets over the next five years. Penderyn Whisky, which produces award-winning single malt whiskies and spirits, is using the funding to secure its production levels and to build and equip its new visitor centre in Llandudno, North Wales. The new visitor centre, which will open on the site of a former school, is expected to be complete by spring 2021 and attract up to 100,000 people a year once open. The centre and…

The average age of those looking to put income protection (IP) in place has dropped dramatically since the outbreak of Covid-19, according to protection insurance broker and comparison service ActiveQuote. Enquiries via the ActiveQuote site from those under 25 rose by more than 400%, by more than 300% from those under 30 and by more than 250% among those under 35 year in March 2020, compared to the same time last year. Signs the crisis is already beginning to affect a new post-Covid generation of employees are beginning to emerge after the number of enquiries from customers aged 20 and…

A FAMILY who lost loved ones to cancer has completed a heartfelt virtual cross-country challenge spanning over 1,800 miles during lockdown to help raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. The challenge which has raised £1,615 so far, is comparable to travelling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and back to Cardiff and was achieved by five people in the same household doing a mix of daily runs, walks, and cycles outside and on a static bike. It was an emotional journey for dad Grant Findlay as both his parents died of cancer. Grant’s wife Alison also lost her…

The maximum fine for repeated breaches of the coronavirus lockdown rules in Wales will rise from £120 to £1,920, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced. The increased fines are being introduced ahead of the bank holiday weekend and they follow a request from the four police forces in Wales and the Police and Crime Commissioners for increased penalties to help deter people from repeatedly breaching the stay-at-home regulations. Evidence from the four police forces show a small minority of people are breaking the coronavirus regulations, particularly by traveling to well-known beauty spots throughout Wales, even though they have been closed…

Digital accessibility and support for people with sight loss is more important than ever during lockdown, says a blind campaigner. Richard Zimbler, 36, from Welshpool, is calling for digital accessibility to be championed this month as part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 21st) and reminding blind and partially sighted people across Wales that technology help and advice is still available at this time. As lockdown continues, people are finding themselves more reliant on devices and digital communication than ever before. But for the 121,000 blind and partially sighted people in Wales, being able to use apps, websites and devices…

Swansea University Medical School has appointed two key members of staff as it prepares to launch its new pharmacy course. Mair Davies, immediate past-Director for Wales for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and Dr Neil Hartman, head of nuclear medicine at Singleton Hospital, have both been given Honorary Professor appointments ahead of the new MPharm degree beginning in 2021. Head of Pharmacy Professor Andrew Morris said: “I am very pleased to have the support of two such eminent individuals within the profession to help advise our course developments.” He emphasised that the current crisis had demonstrated the important role that pharmacists…

While Erddig is closed, National Trust staff are working hard to look after the house, collections and gardens, including Head Gardener Glyn Smith who has taking mowing to another level. Glyn has been the Head Gardener at Erddig for 34 years and this spring sees him going above and beyond to care for the gardens during lockdown. In April he began the mammoth task of pruning the iconic pleached lime trees, a task that usually takes a group of staff and volunteers 10 weeks to complete. As well as caring for historic plants, other essential tasks include watering the important…

Dragon Taxis, South Wales’ biggest taxi and private hire vehicle operator, has introduced new additional measures as the prevention of COVID-19 becomes a way of everyday life and residents seek a safe and convenient alternative to public transport. The operator has always prioritised the highest safety standards for passengers and Driver Partners and has made face coverings available to all Driver Partners as well as trialling innovative in-vehicle protective screens to help separate Driver Partners from passengers. To minimise passengers handling cash, contactless payment options are available on all bookings made via the Dragon Taxis mobile app and through its…