Author: Rhys Gregory

Inspectors have again praised South Wales Police for its performance in responding to crime and protecting people – rating it among the top forces out of those most recently inspected. The report, published today (Friday, September 27) by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, rates South Wales Police as being: good in effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe; good in operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and good in the way it treats the public and its workforce. South Wales Police has been described by inspectors as “good at responding to crime and protecting people”. They add that…

The holidays may be over but thanks to Technocamps, school pupils will be taking new skills and experiences into their next term. [aoa id=”1″] Technocamps, Swansea University’s innovative outreach programme designed to give pupils an insight into the world of computer science, delivered a variety of activities to pupils across Wales during the summer holidays. These included programming, app development, games development and robotics. 2019 Robotics Competition The theme of this year’s robotics competition was Disaster Droids with pupils challenged to design and create a robot, capable of providing assistance to disaster-struck areas. This included war zones and areas devastated…

After a successful launch last year, olive’s Chef Awards are back, saluting the unheralded chefs who have been quietly excelling in the background – all nominated by the hungry public. Focussing on the people, rather than the places, the awards commend the hard-working chefs that have dedicated their lives to having a positive impact on the way we eat. Jon White of The Two Anchors in Cardiff has been shortlisted for the Best Street-Food Chef award for their fresh, sustainable seafood. They are located at Sticky Fingers Street Food in Roath. Gareth Ward, chef at Ynyshir near Machynlleth is up…

The family of the man who died at Tata Steel on Wednesday have paid tribute to him. Justin Peter Day, aged 44, of Llansamlet died during an incident at the plant Wednesday afternoon. His family has issued the following tribute: “Justin was a family man who loved his family so much, he was a hardworking to provide the best for his family. “He was a doting dad to his daughter Keeley and granddaughter Lyla-Jay who he idolised. “He was a passionate rugby fan and supported the Ospreys and Wales and had been looking forward to the world cup. “He was…

Eight exceptional social businesses have been recognised at this year’s Social Business Wales Awards 2019. A sustainable building project tackling poverty, a community energy charity and a school partnership enterprise were amongst the winners that took home a coveted sector award, presented by Wynne Evans at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The Social Business Wales Awards recognise the excellence of social enterprises, co-operatives and employee-owned businesses in Wales. There are currently 2,022 social businesses across the country that contribute an estimated £3.18bn to Wales’ economy. And the Social Business Wales Awards winners are… Wales Social Enterprise of the Year Award winner: Aura…

Three neighbours from Newtown are celebrating today after scooping a share of £120,000. The trio scooped the cash when SY16 2DZ was announced as a winner on Wednesday 25th September with People’s Postcode Lottery. The win saw two of the Milford Road residents picking up cheques for £30,000 each, while the third netted themselves £60,000 thanks to playing with two tickets. Grandfather Ross Varley (53) was the lucky double ticket holder. When he saw what he’d won he kissed his cheque and exclaimed: “You beauty!” He continued: “I feel like a right lucky so and so. I haven’t got a…

HSBC UK today launches a £550 million lending fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales as part of its commitment to help businesses realise their ambitions for growth and navigate Brexit. The Wales SME Fund is part of a wider £14 billion fund for SMEs across the UK. Since launching the SME Fund in 2014, HSBC has committed more than £60 billion to UK SMEs as part of its commitment to help British businesses innovate, evolve and grow. The HSBC UK 2019 Fund includes increased ring-fenced pots for international businesses and for the agriculture sector. The allocation…

Fully immerse yourself in a 70s themed murder mystery evening at Llangoed Hall Hotel this Halloween. [aoa id=”1″] Guests are encouraged to get into character and enjoy an evening of mystery, run by Big Monty Productions whilst tucking in to a delicious three-course meal. The event will take place on Saturday 2nd November from 7pm priced at £45pp. Those that don’t want to worry about getting a taxi home can enjoy a room for as little as £150.00. The hotel’s restaurant has been listed as one of the UK’s Top 50 Places to Eat in the Good Food Guide. The…

ARCHITECTS have spoken of their pride at designing a revolutionary new National Football Development Centre for Wales. Wrexham-based Lawray Architects attended the launch of the cutting-edge £5million facility in Gresford on Sunday (September 22). Directors David Hughes, who hails from the town, and Keith O’Hanlon worked with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), Wrexham County Borough Council, Glyndwr University and the Welsh Government to create the Colliers Park development. Delivered by Wrexham-based Read Construction, the development was project managed by Just Solutions. The high-class training facilities include two FIFA-standard grass pitches, a 3G pitch, changing facilities, learning suites, a dedicated…

Netflix’s Sex Education star Connor Swindells and TV presenter and walking enthusiast Julia Bradbury are encouraging the nation to join Bowel Cancer UK’s Walk Together in Cardiff on Saturday 28 September to help fund the charity’s vital work in Wales. The five-mile circular route of Cardiff Bay, will pass iconic landmarks such as the Welsh Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Barrage. It’s a perfect opportunity to bring people together to show their support for those undergoing treatment, remember loved ones and raise funds to help stop people dying from bowel cancer in the country. Alternatively, people affected by bowel…