Author: Rhys Gregory

It’s Santa’s busiest time of year but that didn’t stop him taking a morning off to send some Christmas cheer to Morriston Hospital’s children’s wards. But while the man himself couldn’t come down from the North Pole, with a little technological magic, Saint Nick’s team of tech-savvy elves set up a live video link from his workshop direct to the hospital. Four-year-old Yanni was the first to speak to Santa with mum Pearl Newton, from the playroom on Ward M. After asking Yanni about how he helped his family and what his favourite things were, Santa whipped up an early…

Following the first anniversary of the launch of the Welsh Government’s Disability Action Plan for Apprenticeships, an award-winning 26-year-old apprentice from Thornhill, Cardiff, praises his apprenticeship for helping to turn his dream of a career in the creative industry into a reality. In 2017, Thomas Watkins achieved a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (Interactive Media Pathway) while working for White Hart Multimedia, a company that specialises in corporate video production. Two years on, he’s now completed his apprenticeship and has secured a role as a lead designer at Caerphilly-based sports teamwear company Belief Sports. Thomas said:…

Swansea University is pleased to announce that Bleddyn Phillips has been appointed as its new Chair of Council. Mr Phillips, who joined the University’s governing body in May 2017, has been appointed Chair for a four-year term replacing Sir Roger Jones, whose term of office came to an end in September 2019. Mr Phillips said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Swansea University’s Chair of Council. As a Welsh-speaker, with strong roots in Llanelli and Gower, and with both parents having studied at Swansea, I have long felt an affinity with the University and have been delighted to…

A Welsh-speaking Llandudno Junction man has joined an award-winning house-builder as their new Quantity Surveyor. Robert Williams, 28, now has to walk just 10 minutes from his front door after being appointed by Beech Developments to join their team. Robert, who has lived in Llandudno Junction all his life, will now take a lead role at the growing property development firm, helping to manage current projects and assisting the Company with the growth of their contracting arm, alongside the company directors. Robert said: “I’ve always looked on Beech Developments as a very progressive and forward-thinking developer and I’ve admired their…

A reverse advent calendar has been set up by a group of nursery workers with the help of babies and their parents this December. In the run-up to the festive period, the staff at Chestnut House, in Saughall, Chester were keen to put their thoughts to those who face Christmas without a home in Chester. Lead by deputy manager Lauren Hassall, from Deeside, North Wales, the dedicated team has set up a ‘reverse advent calendar’ which encourages donations of vital items such as toiletries and non-perishable food, which they will then hand over before Christmas to Chester Aid to the Homeless…

2 in 5 Brits took just half of their annual leave last year, with only 13% taking a mere 20% of what they were entitled to. The UK has a long way to go before perfecting the perfect work-life balance, as research reveals Brits work some of the longest hours in Europe, with a quarter working more than 40 hours a week. However, many people are already looking to plan their annual leave for the new year in order to spend more time out of the office. Planning ahead and strategically booking annual leave around the Bank Holidays, can help…

South Wales-based IT and communications company SA1 Solutions has recruited a new member of staff at its base in Swansea. Kelly Hill joins the company as a business support manager. Her new position is very much customer-facing,and she has undertaken roles such as site visit management, engineer reporting, statistical reporting for customers, organisation of any new customer projects, and liaising with clients. Kelly has a wealth of experience in the industry. Previously, she worked for a client of SA1 Solutions, which has given her a unique perspective and has allowed her to experience both sides of the industry. SA1 Solutions…

The horse had managed to get two legs on one side stuck under the bars – with the RSPCA and fire service being called for assistance. RSPCA animal collection officer Stephanie Davidson said: “This poor horse was understandably in quite a bit of distress as he was unable to move and free himself from the cattle grid. “The owner was notified and a vet attended along with the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service. The horse must have just tried to walk over it and unfortunately slipped in. “Thanks to the specialist equipment and expertise from the fire service, the…

The fog that has started to form in the south of the warning area will become more widespread during Tuesday evening and night. Fog is likely to become dense in places with visibility less than 100 metres, which may lead to some travel disruption and slower journey times. Fog will clear in the south and west of the area during Wednesday morning, but may persist until early afternoon in the north and east. What to expect Slower journey times with delays to bus and train services possible There is a chance of delays or cancellations to flights Regions and local…

Detectives investigating the death of 23-year-old Jordan Davies have charged a man with murder. Jordan died on Holton Road after suffering stab wounds during an assault at approximately 4pm on December 16. Jordan Brown, aged 24, of Barry has been charged with murder and will appear before Cardiff magistrates court this morning. DCI Mark O’Shea, Senior Investigating Officer from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I would like to again express our thanks to those who tried to help in an extremely distressing situation.” A major incident room has been set up and detectives are continuing to appeal to anyone…