Author: Rhys Gregory

According to a major new study from AncestryDNA, most of us are a lot less Welsh than we think. Research into the genetic makeup of Brits has shown that the average UK resident is in fact only 36.94 percent British, with some particularly interesting ancestry found among those living in Wales.  Looking at the nation’s ethnicity stretching back 500 years, the study into our history covered 26 different global regions, with most of us found to have not only British DNA, but Irish, French, German, and – in the case of Welsh people – strong ties to the Iberian Peninsula. Diverse…

Stuart Price gives his thoughts on what needs to be done to encourage the 4.96 million self-employed workers to save for their pension.

Before entering the restaurant, you are struck by the well-dressed and festive looking entrance on The Hayes. It is extremely inviting and offers something of a safe haven from the frightful winter weather. As the door swings open, you are greeted by friendly staff who are ready and waiting to take and store your coats. We arrived 15 minutes early and despite our table being ready, we opted to sit at the bar, choosing one of the gorgeously presented cocktails to soak up the atmosphere. The cocktails are modestly priced and on par with nearby venues. The bartender was extremely…

Cardiff and Vale College has celebrated the hard work, success and progression of its learners, recognising a year which saw some of its learners distinguished as being among the best in the world in their fields. Hundreds of attendees from across the spectrum of local business, education providers and the community joined learners and their families for the College’s 2019 Annual Awards Evening. The glittering Winter Wonderland-themed ceremony at the College’s City Centre Campus was hosted by broadcaster and former CAVC student Jason Mohammad. Showcasing highlights of the 2018-19 academic year (see full list of winners below), the awards also…

A magnificent response to an annual appeal for Swansea Bay’s homeless community will really spread some festive cheer this Christmas. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving, as the generosity of health board staff means the donations will last for many months to come. The health board’s sixth annual Winter Homeless Appeal has been another resounding success, with organisers inundated with donations. Specialist homeless nurse Janet Keauffling said: “The response to this year’s appeal was a huge increase on 2018 – to the extent that we have been struggling to get it all collected and taken for sorting. “We…

Business is blossoming for a busy florist which now numbers Strictly champ Stacey Dooley among its customers. Blooming Gorgeous opened in Rhuddlan less than two years ago but already they’ve had to move to bigger premises in Prestatyn to cope with demand. It’s been a labour of love for partners Ed Furber and Pete Fletcher who have built the business together and made the switch to larger premises on the High Street in Prestatyn where they live. The pair had a shock last month when Stacey Dooley’s PA contacted them to order flowers for the journalist and broadcaster’s mum who…

Less than 12 months after buying Plas Maenan Country House in the Conwy Valley, the former nurse and soldier has transformed the five-star venue. Jane is the hotel’s third owner in less than three years but is determined to stay the course and has already made incredible progress since December last year. Recruiting Great British Menu star Jason Hughes as head chef was one of her first big decisions, and the move has already paid dividends in laying the foundations for a fresh reputation based on fine dining and locally sourced Welsh produce. Originally from Chesterfield, Jane felt an immediate…

Homebuyers and sellers in Wales continued to take a wait and see approach in November due to ongoing uncertainty linked to the General Election and Brexit, according to the monthly RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Residential Market Survey. The number of homes becoming available for sale fell for the third month in row, according to the balance of respondents, and there was no improvement in the number of new buyers active in the market in November, following a fall in October. However, despite the current subdued nature of the market, surveyors in Wales are more optimistic about the outlook…

A woman from Rhyl who was had type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years has shaved her head to raise money for Diabetes UK Cymru. Ellen Shepherd-Smith, 71, had her distinctive purple locks shaved off on Saturday 30 November, live on stage as part of Rhyl’s Christmas lights switch-on celebrations. The festive extravaganza on Rhyl High Street featured live music and entertainment from local artists, before local hair stylists from Body Beautiful Studio took to the stage to shave Ellen’s head. Ellen was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when in her fifties. Ellen said, “I was feeling tired all…

WITH the new Spurs assistant manager having learned his football coaching skills at the University of South Wales (USW), a former Newport County academy player could well be ready to follow in his footsteps. Joao Sacramento was named Jose Mourinho’s number two when the ‘special one’ took the reins at Tottenham Hostspur last month, and Ryan Moon, 24, could one day pursue a similar route. After being rejected as a player by Newport County’s academy, Ryan –  a masters student on the advanced performance football coaching course at USW and who works with the Bristol Rovers academy – has recently…