Author: Rhys Gregory

A blind teenage singer will be one of the stars of the show at the 10th anniversary concert of a music cooperative that transformed her life. Inspirational Isabelle Harrison, 19, from Llandegla, will be centre stage at the North Wales Music Cooperative’s gala event at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, June  12. The concert will be hosted by popular tenor Rhys Meirion who will also be singing on the night. It will be a celebration of the impact the music cooperative has had on its former and current students over the last decade. Among those taking part will be various ensembles,…

Cardiff Arms Park, the historic home of Cardiff Rugby at the heart of the Welsh capital, will transform into the Champions Rugby Village on May 23–24, offering fans an electrifying festival atmosphere as part of the 30th EPCR Finals Weekend celebrations. Situated just steps from the Principality Stadium, the fan zone will be the heartbeat of the weekend, featuring live music, entertainment, food and drink stalls, family-friendly experiences, community outreach initiatives, as well as special appearances from rugby legends. Whether you’re heading to the games or simply soaking up the buzz, the free to enter Champions Rugby Village promises a…

Ruthin-based craft supplier, Lavinia Stamps, has expanded exports to over 60 countries and counting, as support from Business Wales generates a 12% increase in sales through new exposure to international markets. Established in 1992, the craft supplier is best known for their signature polymer stamps, featuring original artwork from founder Tracy Dutton. Looking to safeguard and expand exports following the UK’s exit from the EU, the team enlisted export experts from Business Wales for strategic guidance to build resilience and better navigate evolving international trade landscapes. Working with Lavinia’s Product Development Manager, Andrew Peers, Business Wales Adviser, Anthony Kirkbride, set…

A 50-year-old man who burgled an elderly woman’s home and then fled the country has been jailed. Peter Jason Lee, of no fixed abode, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday May 21st, after admitting burglary with violence. It comes after Billie Jo Kane, 27, of no fixed abode, and Ieuan Parry, 28, of Llanbabo, Rhosgoch, were sentenced at Mold Crown Court on 27 February for their part in the incident. During the evening of October 23rd 2023, Lee and Kane forced their way into an 83-year-old woman’s home near Brynteg, Anglesey. The burglars ransacked the elderly woman’s home, demanding…

Sports changing rooms, skate parks and neighbourhood improvement projects are set to be boosted by almost £10m over the coming years, under plans approved by Swansea Council’s Cabinet. Extra investment in the councillor-led Community Investment Fund will see it rise to almost £10m by 2027 for spending on neighbourhood projects that matter to local people. Under proposals agreed by Cabinet, sports changing places at Cwm Level, Trallwn, Ynystawe, Tir Canol, Blaenymaes and Bonymaen are all set to benefit from funding totalling £3m. As well as direct support from the council, the funding includes grant aid from a variety of sources…

Port Talbot is getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors to beautiful Margam Park next week, to enjoy and to compete at Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025 (26-31 May). Urdd celebrates a record-breaking number of registrations to compete More Welsh learners taking part than ever before Following the final rounds of the Urdd’s Composing and Creating Competitions (homework), the organisation is proud to announce a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete in this year’s festival, which also includes a significant rise (of 42%) in the number of young Welsh learners compared to last year. Organisers have also confirmed details for the shuttle…

Pupils from Portfield School have had the exciting opportunity to leave their mark on history as work continues at pace at their fantastic new school. The pupils attended an event to mark the reaching of the highest point of the new building, traditionally known as the ‘topping-out’ ceremony. The event gave pupils a chance to sign one of the first steel beams, and leaving handprints a wall, symbolising their role at the heart of the school community and the bright future ahead. The event was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd and was attended by staff, pupils, governors,…

Almost £3 million is set to be invested in Rhondda Cynon Taf’s parks, play areas and associated facilities, protecting and improving the beautiful open spaces. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council runs almost 100 parks and over 215 play areas across the county borough and has a significant ongoing investment programme to ensure they are maintained at the highest possible level. It is council priority for residents of all ages to have access to good quality, well-maintained spaces – from families with young children who enjoy the fresh air, picnics and play areas to walkers, joggers and sports players who use courts…

Monmouthshire County Council are celebrating the incredible work of Food Partnerships across the country, including the work of Monmouthshire Food Partnership. Food Sense Wales has recently published the Local Food Partnership Status Report, showcasing the amazing and diverse food activities happening all over the country. Monmouthshire County Council have adopted organisation wide food strategies, setting measurable targets for procuring and providing local, healthy, and sustainable food. One project which has been implemented by the Monmouthshire Food partnership is the Welsh Veg in Schools, a pilot project co-ordinated by Food Sense Wales that aims to get more organically produced Welsh vegetables…

lans to change business rates in Wales, giving smaller shops a lower rate, are being considered. The Welsh Government has announced a 12-week consultation, which could benefit around 13,000 retail properties across Wales. It would cut rates for retail shops with rateable values less than £51,000, to help them compete with online retailers. Larger properties with rateable values over £100,000 could be charged slightly more, but some public buildings like hospitals and schools would be protected. If approved, the changes would start on 1st April next year. The exact rates will be set during the Welsh Government’s budget planning for…