Author: Rhys Gregory

Very strong winds are likely across much of the UK later Saturday and through Sunday. Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are likely across many inland areas, with gusts 70, possibly 80 mph around some exposed coasts and hills, especially in the north and west. A yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for wind between 18:00 (UTC) on Sat 8 Feb 2020 and 23:59 (UTC) on Sun 9 Feb 2020. Heavy rain will be an additional hazard, especially over western hills. Winds of this strength across a wide area have the potential to produce disruption to…

A Bettws woman has been banned from keeping all animals for three years after leaving two bearded dragons in a vacated property to suffer – with one ultimately losing his life. Jayde Melanie Ross, 26 – now of Monnow Way – earlier pleaded guilty to two Animal Welfare Act (2006) offences at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, and was sentenced at Newport Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (30 January). RSPCA Cymru was contacted after the bearded dragons – one male, and one female – were found abandoned at the property, in a vivarium setup without working heating. They were signed into the care…

Spring water and soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills says they wouldn’t be where they are today without its army of apprentices. Winner of Made in Wales’ Sustainable/ Ethical Manufacturer of the year award, the business saw a 20% increase in growth last year and has recently invested in a UK £3.5 million investment in a canning line to produce canned spring water. The mineral rich spring water sourced on site, was the reason why the fifth-generation family farm in Powys diversified in 1990. From those roots, 170 vital rural jobs have been created while the farm still keeps sheep and grows…

A partnership project that aims to demonstrate the link between sustainably managed green spaces and increased wellbeing launches during school half term week with free drop-in events at four locations in Newtown. Where the Severn Smiles will highlight opportunities to be happier and healthier in Newtown’s green spaces. The project is being led by Open Newtown, a not-for-profit community enterprise,. James Lander, who coordinates the project, said: “It is great to in partnership with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Newtown Recreation Association, Oriel Davies Gallery, Cultivate Co-operative, Circular Economy Mid Wales and Pont Hafren.” Oriel Davies Gallery focuses on art, Cultivate Co-operative…

Seel and Co auctioneers has moved its auctions to a new larger home at Cardiff City Stadium’s Ricoh suite. This new address means the first sale of 2020 will be in the biggest auction venue in Wales and marks a fresh and exciting start for the auction house’s new Managing Director Ross Hooper-Nash, who bought the company last September. Seel and Co is one of the oldest independent chartered surveyors, block management, lettings and auction houses in Wales. It was established by former Managing Director Tony Seel’s great-grandfather in 1898. More prospective property owners than ever will be able to…

Historically Higher Apprenticeships aren’t a professional training route you would associate with the teaching profession, but for one Cardiff based teacher it was a vital stepping stone in her path to promotion. Claire Brooks went from class teacher to Deputy Head at Stacey Primary School in Roath, Cardiff, after completing a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management with Portal Training. As part of Apprenticeship Week Cymru (Feb 3 – 7), Claire is now using her experience to support colleagues in the workplace who are now working towards completing their own Higher Level Apprenticeships. Claire, who is originally from Carmarthenshire,…

The Learning Tree Day Nursery based in Cardiff City Centre celebrates its one-year anniversary this week. The nursery that opened in February 2019 has doubled its number of children, seen an increase in revenue and madesix staff appointments after its first successful year of business.   The Learning Tree has rapidly grown after founder, Chris Baker, decided to secure the future of the nursery following the closure of Busy Bees before Christmas in 2018. The nursery now provides dedicated childcare to more than 60 children and has seventeen excellent and highly experienced staff members, some of which have worked at…

Mustafa Aldobhani, 22, Abdulgalil Aldobhani, 23, and Shafique Shaddad, 25, have at Cardiff Crown Court, been found guilty of the murder of Fahad Nur. Aseel Arar, 35, was found guilty of assisting an offender. Fahad Nur, 18, died after being stabbed in the lane near Cathays Railway Station during the early hours of Sunday, June 2. Statement from Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark O’Shea: “Fahad Nur had turned 18 just two weeks before he was stabbed to death in a cowardly attack by Mostafa Aldobhani, his brother Abdulgalil and Shaffique Shaddad. “Fahad was alone unarmed and deliberately targeted…

Plans for a groundbreaking building allowing exciting young tech and creative businesses to grow have been unveiled for Swansea city centre. They show a glass-fronted structure rising six stories on the site of The Kingsway’s former Oceana nightclub. More than 600 people could work there. The plans, assisted by feedback in a public consultation last year, feature two underground levels and a roof terrace with trees. Other greenery, including a green roof, is part of the plans for the building, reflecting the Council’s commitment to green infrastructure. The building’s working title is 71/72 Kingsway. Swansea Council wants to develop the…

Sian Reeves has kept Coronation Street viewers on the edge of their seats since rolling up as Charlie Wood, the deluded wife Tim Metcalfe didn’t know he had. Viewers will have to wait to see how it all pans out for Tim, Sally and Charlie as she takes a break from the cobbles of Weatherfield to star in the brand new stage play adaptation of Helen Forrester’s, By The Waters Of Liverpool which is at Swansea Grand Theatre on 6 & 7 April. From ex-con, Hannah Temple in Hope Springs, to the psychotic Sally Spode in Emmerdale and now Charlie…