Author: Rhys Gregory

The Caerphilly Big Cheese is back this weekend (27th-29th July) promising to be BIGGER than EVER. This annual festival brings together local and regional Welsh food & drink producers, as well an array of local groups providing entertainment for all to enjoy. Entertainment is the life and soul of the festival with live music acts, choirs and dancers. Caerphilly Castle is transformed into a medieval encampment with re-enactment displays and battles. See what medieval life was like within the Castle walls and watch the villagers as they go about their daily tasks. A huge traditional funfair is open throughout the…

A dad-of-three who survived two cardiac arrests including one that left him in a coma for six days is rebuilding his life with the help of the ancient martial art, Tai Chi. [aoa id=”1″] Music teacher Paul Williams, 37, from Bagillt, in Flintshire, attends free classes run by social enterprise RCS (Rhyl City Strategy) in Rhyl, after learning he has a rare heart condition could strike again at any moment. Paul says Tai Chi, which combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements, is helping him overcome severe anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) brought on by the trauma…

Post Office Broadband is teaming up with Google Digital Garage to help those in need by running a free workshop on 3rd August in Cardiff Central Library Hub. [aoa id=”1″] Recent research conducted by Post Office Broadband found three quarters (73%) of people in Cardiff would like support to improve their tech skills. Cardiff citizens particularly struggle when using newer digital devices, with 54% lacking confidence with smart music device, half with smart watches or smart home devices (both 53%), and 33% with smart TVs. A significant number of people also struggle with everyday devices, such as apps (26%), smartphones…

A team of four Cardiff Met staff successfully took on the famous ‘Monte Carlo or Bust Rally’ last week to raise money for the University’s Student Hardship Fund. After purchasing a car for under £500, the group joined more than 70 teams to travel across five European cities in three days in aid of charity. [aoa id=”1″] The rally involved driving from the UK to Monte Carlo via France, Switzerland and across the Alps into Italy. The rally challenges entrants to source and decorate a banger for less than £500 and take part in a variety of fun challenges along…

It’s a topic increasingly seen in the media; prominent public figures such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex are campaigning to break down the stigma surrounding mental health with their charity, Heads Together, whilst ITV and mental health charity CALM’s campaign recently hit the headlines with 84 statues unveiled on the roof of the ITV studios to raise public awareness of male suicide. With mental health issues being spoken about more openly, it has made a natural leap into the business world – and it’s important for businesses to join the conversation, particularly those…

A pub landlord and landlady from Aberdare are looking forward to splurging on a cruise to America thanks to winning £355,683.80 after they matched the five main numbers and one Lucky Star number in the EuroMillions draw on Friday 6 July. David (62) and Penny (59) Bradley have worked in the pub industry for more than 30 years, and currently manage The Bute Arms in Aberdare where they plan to celebrate their wonderful win. [aoa id=”1″]The married couple love working at the pub and being part of the community, so have no plans to retire early after their big windfall.…

The Caerphilly Big Cheese is back this month (27th-29th July) promising to be BIGGER than EVER. Set in the shadows of Caerphilly Castle, the second largest Castle in Britain, this annual FREE festival brings together local and regional Welsh food & drink producers in one of the largest travelling food halls in the country. With a dedicated cheese market featuring quality cheese producers from all over the country. A popular event with families, there are designated picnic areas on the event site for you to relax with your blankets and hampers, and take in the event’s atmosphere. [aoa id=”1″] [accordions]…

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW), under the leadership of recently appointed Chief Executive, Gillian Mitchell, is presenting eight concerts around Wales between 27 July and 5 August – all of which are showcasing Wales’ young music talent. Formed just twelve months ago, NYAW manages all six national youth ensembles including the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales, National Youth Dance Wales, National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Theatre of Wales and National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales. The eight concerts involve the Brass Band, Choir and Orchestra and members, who are all aged 13…

Two popular Mid Wales attractions are proving the ‘coolest’ places for visitors in the current heatwave. With temperatures topping 30 degrees outside, the underground King Arthur’s Labyrinth and the Corris Mine Explorers at Corris, near Machynlleth, where it’s a consistent eight degrees, provide a welcome break from the baking sun. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] The attractions, which tend to be busiest when the weather conditions are wet and overcast, have found a sunshine bonus so far this summer. “Interestingly, many people when buying their tickets are asked if they have a warm coat because it’s eight degrees underground,” said Shirley Owen, marketing…

A sports scholar and weightlifting star made a lasting impression on his Team GB debut before suffering injury heartbreak at an international competition. [aoa id=”1″] Josh Lynch, a Year 9 pupil at Rydal Penrhos, represented Great Britain for the first time at the European Youth Weightlifting Championships, which took place in Milan, Italy on Wednesday, July 25. The 14-year-old was competing in the U15 category and held his nerve in the opening stages of the competition, seeing him move into fifth spot in the standings after a 93kg snatch, which was ten kilograms more than his previous personal best. [/aoa]…