Author: Rhys Gregory

E-cigarettes are by far the most common quit smoking tool in Wales, according to new figures published by Welsh Government. In the past year more than twice as many Welsh smokers chose e-cigarettes as their quit smoking aid compared to patches or gum. According to the latest figures from the National Survey for Wales, of the 467,000 smokers – 45% tried to give up last year, with 49% choosing e-cigarettes whilst 22% tried nicotine patches, inhaler or gum. Of the smokers that tried to quit 5% used other quit smoking medication or consulted a pharmacist and 3% called a quit…

Welsh comedian Elis James is marking 25 years of National Lottery support for the UK’s most treasured and historic places by taking a cheeky and comical glimpse inside the famous walls of Cardiff Castle.    Elis James, who was born in Pembrokeshire and grew up in Carmarthen, today launches hundreds of free offers to say thank you to people who buy National Lottery tickets and give them a chance to see how their money has transformed the UK’s heritage over the past 25 years. To launch #ThanksToYou for 25 Years, Elis James visited Cardiff Castle, one of the hundreds of…

Larysa Agbaso has been award the Cardiff Met Sanctuary Award to study MA TESOL at the University after being forced to leave Ukraine. In 2018, Larysa attended the summer school course run by Cardiff Met’s Widening Access team. There, she was made aware of the Sanctuary Scholarship and applied to Cardiff Metropolitan University to study TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Master’s level. The course teaches the fundamentals of TESOL and examines key issues in the field, including teaching methods in English language teaching, teaching English to young lear​ners and English for specific purposes, including English for academic…

A Wales-based company has developed a world-first technology experience for the gymnastic community. FB Curves 3D Gym, offers new modern technology to enhance understanding, learning and development in the gymnastic world. Developed by Cardiff born ex-international Welsh gymnast Kris Horrigan and fellow Director Fabien Bougas, of France, an ex-international French gymnast, 3D Gym MEN and 3D Gym WOMEN are fully animated 3D video apps, designed to help gymnasts and coaches understand every gymnastic element in detail. The app  enables  accurate evaluation of positions and angles of the body needed to perform the elements with an ideal technique. This helps dissect…

One of North Wales’ leading lawyers has won a prestigious legal award for the “transformational impact” he has had on his law firm. Ron Davison, Managing Director of Gamlins Law, was the winner of the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award at the annual LawNet Awards. The award recognised the work that Ron and his senior management team have done in turning Gamlins Law into a “modern, dynamic, innovative and diverse” law firm. LawNet is the UK and Ireland’s leading network of independent law firms. Today’s Gamlins Law has an 11-strong board comprising seven men and four women – all of whom…

A discussion and celebration of the efforts of Welsh language promotion and language planning in an international context will be the focus of a two day event held at the Old College in Aberystwyth at the end of the month (28, 29 November). 2019 has been designated the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages and the Our Voice in the World Festival will be part of the Welsh Government’s activities to mark the year. Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and International Relations, is a vocal supporter of the event and will make the opening address. A varied programme…

To the end of October Wales experienced its lowest number of acres launched to the open market since 2012. The combination of political uncertainty and potential changes in agri policy continue to delay decisions to bring land to the market, but despite this, buyers remain active and farmland values have shown signs of growth. Total acres marketed in Wales fell to 7,250 acres, representing a 35% decline in land for sale since October 2018. Land availability is now at its lowest level for seven years. In light of low supply and active demand, green shoots are starting to appear in…

As BBC One celebrates its 50th anniversary of colour TV this week, TV Licensing has revealed that more than 200 households across Wales are still watching TV programmes on black and white TV sets. There were 242 black and white TV licences in force at the end of September, a slight decrease from the 266 reported in 2018. Across the UK the number of black and white licences has declined considerably over the years. There were 6,586 black and white TV licences in force at the end of September 2019 – a fall of 575 compared to the same time…

Five Welsh charities have benefited from a cash injection of £20,000 from Loteri Cymru over the last 12 months. This Autumn marks one year since Loteri Cymru was relaunched by Sterling Lotteries, the leading fundraising lottery provider, together with Charities Trust. Loteri Cymru was created to support Welsh charities and causes close to the hearts of the Welsh people. The five charities currently benefitting from the funds raised by Loteri Cymru include LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, Welsh Hearts, The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Youth Cymru and North Clwyd Animal Rescue. Further funds have also been set…

Festive singers will add extra sparkle to Swansea’s city centre Christmas parade. They will entertain city centre visitors at performance points in Castle Square and Kingsway Circle as they await the arrival of the parade on Sunday, November 17. The acts are: the Rock Choir, the DVLA Tunes for Ty Olwen choir, Dancerama, Jermin Productions, Nataya and the Victorian Carollers. They all accepted a Swansea Council invitation to entertain people looking forward to the parade which begins at 5pm. Swansea’s 2019 Christmas Parade is due to head up Wind Street and High Street then down Orchard Street and along The…