Author: Rhys Gregory

A DERELICT old railway shed destined to be consigned to history has opened its doors after a £1.2 million revamp.  In its heyday, Meliden’s goods shed was a key stopping place on the Dyserth to Prestatyn railway line serving both the mining and tourist trades. The shed, on the Dyserth and Prestatyn walkway, eventually closed in 1957 and reopened briefly over the years, notably as an undertaker and a taxi rank. But now it has been brought back to life, putting the Grade II building firmly back into the heart of the village community. Spearheaded by charitable housing association Grŵp…

A new 31-mile ultra trail race planned for next spring will tackle the steep ascent of the iconic Devil’s Staircase near Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales. Llanwrtyd Wells is renowned for hosting a series of wacky and wonderful competitions, including the World Bog Snorkelling Championship, Man versus Horse Race and the World Alternative Games, to name but a few. Now Green Events, organiser of most of these competitions, has come up with the Trailhead Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase Ultra Trail Race, which will cover 50 km (31 miles) and has a total ascent and descent of 5,714ft (1,741m). Most of…

The family-owned group behind one of Swansea’s oldest restaurants has appointed a Head of Operations to oversee the ongoing evolution of their four venues in the city. Darren Cox will take the role at the group which owns the iconic La Braseria restaurant and La Prensa tapas and cocktail bar on Wind Street and the popular La Parrilla restaurants in SA1 and Mumbles. Swansea born Mr Cox has returned to his hometown following 25 years’ experience in senior hospitality and customer service positions in the UK and overseas. He was most recently part of the management team at Bistrot Pierre.…

A Pembrokeshire woman who set up a mental health charity after her husband tragically took his own life has received a prestigious National Lottery Award for her work in supporting people in rural communities with poor mental health.  As part of the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards, Emma Picton-Jones from Clarbeston near Haverfordwest has been awarded one of only 12 prestigious Local Legend Awards in the whole UK and is the only recipient from Wales.To celebrate her accolade, 31-year-old Emma will join a host of stars from the world of stage and screen at the glittering 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards show which will be filmed for…

In aid of The Wallich, Destination Ski will be collecting unwanted, good condition ski jackets to redistribute to people sleeping rough in Cardiff. The charity event will take place Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October between 10am – 4pm at 12 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1AF. If you donate a ski coat to Coats For Cardiff you will receive £100 off your next ski trip with Destination Ski plus 10% off a ski jacket purchased from Coyoti Ski in Cowbridge. Ian Coles (Operations Manager) at Destination Ski, said: “As a ski-specialist company, unforgiving conditions is something we are used to…

Rapidly growing recruitment marketing specialists JVP Group, have moved to brand-new prestigious offices on the New Vision Business Park located next to St Asaph Business Park. At a special event on Friday, Economy Minister Ken Skates was on hand to officially unveil the company’s new premises, as the business ramps up its expansion plans. JVP was founded in 2014 to disrupt the recruitment market by offering alternative and cost-effective talent attraction solutions for employers, and the move near to St Asaph Business Park is a key part of the business’ significant 3-year growth plan. Managing Director Cath Harrison said “Our…

One of Wales’ longest running half marathons, the Risk Kitchen Llanelli Half, has announced that it is partnering with leading Welsh kidney health charity, Kidney Wales for the 2020 race. The race organisers, Front Runner Events, have been working with the charity the last two years, after successfully delivering the popular Cardiff 10k race, where more than 9,000 runners took part this year. Kidney Wales over the last 50 years have taken a focused approach to fundraising for patient research, care and education with the money raised helping to increase organ donation for those waiting investment in new services, facilities…

A small restaurant in Mumbles is set to make a big impact when it launches this weekend (11 October) with two local families and a team of London-trained chefs behind the new venture which will bring oysters back to Oystermouth. [aoa id=”1″] Môr, meaning sea in Welsh, plans to showcase the best in bistro-style dining using local Welsh ingredients and where diners can expect oysters on the menu each day which is a first for a Mumbles eatery. “The emphasis is on simple, healthy food, beautifully cooked, served in a welcoming, informal environment,” explains head chef Leigh Norton who is…

Builders have moved in to start work on the satellite Hospice on Anglesey. The Hospice will be developed by converting a redundant ward at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, Holyhead. Local charity, St David’s Hospice are leading the project with the support of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to ensure that the people of Anglesey have equal access to palliative care services. The internal layout and artist’s impression has been designed by TACP Architects and building work is now being carried out by RLD Construction. The project, which is expected to take five months to complete, is completely independent of the NHS…

South Wales Police can confirm that the 37 year-old man who was being held in custody in connection with the death of Sarah Hassall has been charged with her murder. Brian Manship, of Pontypridd, will appear before Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court on Wednesday (9 October, 2019). Sarah Hassall died following an incident at an address in Llys Graig Ty Wion, Pontypridd, on Sunday morning (6 October). Sarah Hassall was from Chelmsford, Essex – her family have paid the following tribute to her: ‘After growing up in the family home in Chelmsford, Sarah dedicated herself to 14 years of military service…