Author: Rhys Gregory

The 10 finalists in St Tydfil Shopping Centre’s Pride of Merthyr 2018 photography competition have been chosen and it’s now down to the local community to decide which photo they think shows Merthyr at its best. The competition celebrates the beauty and history of the area, and the shopping centre was inundated with entries showing the local community’s favourite places. The Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil Councillor Clive Tovey joined St Tydfil Shopping Centre’s management team to choose the 10 photos to go through to the final stage. [aoa id=”1″] [/aoa] Those wishing to cast a vote to decide the winning…

MORE than 4,500 mud-spattered fundraisers splashed their way through Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy obstacle course with one goal in mind – to raise vital funds to help beat cancer. Many donned fancy dress – from pink glittery tutus to unicorn outfits – for the Race For Life 5k and 10k obstacle course in Bute Park, including 732 children who completed the new Pretty Muddy Kids event. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] Participants faced a range of fun and muddy obstacles to crawl under, clamber over and charge through. One of the participants was 47-year-old Tracy Pash from Caerphilly who took part for…

The Oldwalls Collection, owner of the iconic former hotel and restaurant Fairyhill in Gower, has announced plans to inject an additional £500,000 to further strengthen its offering as a leading wedding and events venue. This follows on from Oldwalls’ initial investment into the property of £1 million last November.   Following a 6-month closure, Fairyhill reopened on St David’s Day 2018 to unveil its stunning 21stcentury transformation, complete with a 184 square metre modern glass extension to the west wing of the house. The first floor of the new extension was specially designed to host exclusive weddings and events while…

Kidwelly-based family pet food company, Burns Pet Nutrition, is inviting local dog lovers and their four-legged friends to join them at its annual Dog’s Day Out event on Sunday, September 16. Back by popular demand, the free to attend event, which is now in its 13th year, will return to Pembrey Country Park giving family, friends and their beloved pets the chance to enjoy a special day dedicated to man (and woman’s) best friend. The event will include a range of dog-friendly activities for the whole family to enjoy, from doggy agility and have-a-go games, like ‘fastest recall, to canine-themed…

On Sunday September 30 a team of South Wales firefighters will realise a year-long goal when they bring the Tunnel to Towers 5k Run/Walk from New York to Wales for the very first time. Already renowned for their fundraising efforts, which has including triathlons, ultra-marathons, ladder climbs equalling Mount Everest and several world record attempts, the team based at Cardiff Central Station have raised thousands of pounds for various charities over the last few years, including The Fire Fighters Charity. Their latest Challenge, the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk, has its origins in New York and was first held in…

Thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, Mend Our Mountains: Make A Million, that is launched today, Cader Idris will hopefully be a step closer to benefiting from essential footpath development work. [aoa id=”1″]With ever increasing numbers of people deciding to spend their leisure time and annual holiday closer to home, Britain’s National Parks are victims of their own popularity. An increase in the numbers going out to enjoy the Parks means more pressure on the footpath network. The combination of our traditionally wet weather and high numbers of walkers means that by now many of our paths are badly eroded, appearing…

A Urology cancer administrator from the University Hospital of Wales, who gives up his own time to lead a running club and train his colleagues has been crowned our latest Health Hero. [aoa id=”1″] Spiro Pezaros, 38 from Risca is a Urology cancer administrator at the University Hospital of Wales, is the first point of contact when patients are referred into the service for diagnosis of possible Urology cancer. Spiro checks referrals that come in from GP surgeries to the Urology department and distributes them out to the Urology Consultants.  He prioritises any referrals that are cancer-indicated and books the…

Artificial intelligence could be used in future to identify those at risk of suicide, new research has suggested. [aoa id=”1″] A collaboration of doctors and academics including ABMU Health Board emergency medicine consultant Dr Sarah Spencer found that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to scan a patient’s health history and has the potential to highlight patients who may be at increased risk of suicide. It’s based on findings which show the majority of people who take their own lives attend services other than mental health in the final year for apparently unrelated reasons. [/aoa] More than 80% of suicide…

A former royal chef and another who worked at the iconic Sydney Opera House are joining forces to champion local produce at a food festival. [aoa id=”1″] Graham Tinsley MBE, who has tickled the taste buds of world leaders, the Queen and Prince Charles on numerous occasions, will be showcasing local talent as well as the best of Welsh foodstuffs when he returns to Llangollen Food Festival with his young protégé Harri Williams. Graham, currently executive head chef at the prestigious Carden Park in Cheshire, has recently appointed 26-year-old Harri as his new head chef, cementing a 13-year long mentorship…

Llandudno’s Arts Festival is just days away – and here’s what visitors can expect. [aoa id=”1″] From live performances to creative workshops, Llandudno will be jam-packed with art exhibitions, street performances, and creative hubs. And organisers have unveiled some more of the inspiring activities set to amaze and inspire visitors along with a guide on how to make the most of the three-day festival which gets underway on Friday (Sep 14). [/aoa] Director of Oriel MOSTYN Gallery, Alfredo Cramerotti, said: “LLAWN06 takes places right across town, with activities and experiences to make visitors laugh, smile, and think. From ‘wow’ moments to…