Author: Rhys Gregory

A Swansea gallery has gone online to bring together artists, cultural historians, museum professionals and academics from around the world. The city centre Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is running an online seminar series that has attracted global attention. As well as bringing experts together digitally the programme aims to highlight and strengthen the cultural bond between Wales and the Indian subcontinent. Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “At this challenging time it’s important for Swansea to maintain its connections; this initiative is proving to be an excellent way of doing this. “People are embracing…

A cuddly toy that tracks a patient’s vital signs could soon be a crucial weapon in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The innovative idea for the Digital Bunny is being developed by a team taking part in a first ever online Health Hack event organised next week by M-SParc, Menai Science Park, in Gaerwen on Anglesey. It is being led by Dr Christian Subbe, Consultant in Acute Medicine at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Computer Science and Electronic Engineering students from Bangor University and Chester-based Bryan Griffiths Healthcare who joined forces at a Health Hack in North Wales earlier…

Blood donors across Wales have responded to a request from the Welsh Blood Service to ‘donate differently’ by rolling up their sleeves to make a lifesaving donation at one of the Service’s new regional hubs. Of the 6,234 individuals that visited a Welsh Blood Service donation session in April, almost two thirds (65%) of donors attended a clinic that was not their usual donation venue. Following a series of Covid-19 related venue cancellations and social distancing restrictions, the Welsh Blood Service was unable to host donation sessions at the thirty community venues it would typically visit across Wales each week.…

Police in Wales are committed to working together with partner agencies to protect those affected by sexual violence or abuse, and to pursue and hold offenders to account for their actions. South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Danny Richards, Wales Policing Lead forVulnerability and Safeguarding, said “Sexual violence and abuse is unacceptable in any situation at any time. “If anyone in our communities is suffering, or feels that they are at risk of, sexual violence or abuse it is important that they know that there is help and support available during the Covid-19 crisis. “No one should feel unsafe in…

The first cars have arrived at a drive-through Coronavirus testing unit in Swansea for health and other frontline staff. Work on the six-lane facility at the Liberty Stadium started last Wednesday and took just two days to complete. Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea Council and Swansea City FC worked closely together to create the unit, which complements the unit in Port Talbot that the health board opened in March. Around 150 people a day can be tested at the Margam unit, while the Liberty will be able to test up to an additional 360 people daily. The testing facility…

Home buyer and seller priorities in the housing market will change in light of the experience of Covid-19 and the extended lockdown, with moving intentions, budget, size of property and location all impacted, a new survey from property group Savills suggests. The firm surveyed almost 700 registered buyers and sellers between April 21 and 27 to explore how their attitudes to moving had changed and how that might impact market activity. With buyers expecting to split more of their time between home working and the office, well  connected locations such as Cardiff and surrounding areas – with access to good…

Wales’ three National Park Authorities have welcomed new Welsh Government guidance reinforcing the need for people in Wales to stay at home, stay safe and protect the NHS. The Park Authorities are also calling on all UK residents to respect rules and measures in place in Wales to protect everyone, and will be making significant efforts with their partners, this week to ensure that the correct information is reaching people. Speaking of the revised guidance, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Tegryn Jones said: “The clear measures announced by Wales’ First Minster Mark Drakeford on Friday apply to…

Stay home, stay safe remains the message from Dyfed-Powys Police as nearly 220 COVID-19 fines were handed out over the bank holiday weekend. Eighty per cent of the 219 fixed penalty notices issued between Friday, May 8 and Sunday, May 10 were to visitors breaching legislation by travelling to Dyfed-Powys from outside the force area. This has prompted the force to remind people that legislation has not changed in Wales, despite an announcement by the UK government on Sunday evening. Stop checks have been carried out on main and rural roads Inspector Andy Williams said: “Once again we have had…

Like many businesses across the UK, COVID-19 has either completely scuppered plans or have sent them back to the drawing board to rethink their approach. One such example is Rogerstone-based Tin Can Kitchen, a street food inspired takeaway delivery service, has launched this week, providing hungry residents of the wider Gwent community with Cajun inspired burgers, sides and dough-it-yourself pizza kits. Head chef and co-owner of Tin Can Kitchen, Barry Fallon, had to adapt the launch of Tin Can Kitchen, which was originally conceived as Newport’s first outdoor food court and bar (subject to planning). With some help from friends,…

A former soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder has helped raise over £7,000 for NHS charities as part of a comedy duo making hilarious lockdown videos The entertaining efforts of Holyhead pals Garry Stewart and Carl Hagan have even had a thumbs up from music star Tom Grennan. Aircraft engineer Carl and former soldier Garry have made the videos on their mobile phones during lockdown and they’re definitely tickling the funny bones of people across the internet. Donations have come flooding in for the pair who are raising cash for Awyr Las – Blue Sky – the NHS charity for…