Author: Rhys Gregory

A Monmouthshire property in a fabulous historic rural setting described as being ‘out of this world’ is up for auction. The former Observatory in the village of Trellech, once the haunt of star gazers and those looking to the heavens, has been brought firmly down to earth by its current owners. The unique home, which in years gone by attracted astronomers from across the globe to focus telescopes to search its clear skied vistas for distant stars and planets, has now been transformed into a property focussing on ultra luxury whichever way the house is viewed. Gemma Vaughan, of South…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to making and distributing indecent images of children. Following an investigation by the South Wales Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT), 23-year-old Dean Hanford, from Blaengwynfi, made a rare admission via his barrister in court of being sexually attracted to children. Evidence found during a warrant at Hanford’s address in 2023 showed that he had been receiving payments from others online in exchange for child pornography videos. He has been sentenced to a total of 28 months in prison. He will be a registered sex offender for the…

Denbighshire’s planning committee has approved plans for a visitor hub at Moel Famau Country Park. The visitor hub will provide a grab and go facility to be able to offer light visitor refreshments, an information point, toilet facilities and a small ranger and volunteer space, with associated works including a pump and pumphouse to feed water up to the main site. UK Government confirmed their intention to provide £10.95 million of grant funding for 10 capital projects aimed at protecting Ruthin’s unique heritage, wellbeing, and rural communities. This funding has been awarded exclusively for successful projects included in Clwyd West…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has unveiled the newly transformed Engine Room Business Centre in the heart of Barry Waterfront’s Innovation Quarter. The completion of the Engine Room Transformation Project marks a significant milestone in the Council’s commitment to supporting local economic growth and sustainability. The centre now offers 11 high-quality business units designed to meet the needs of a growing local business community, with enhanced facilities that promote collaboration, flexibility, and a greener way of working. As part of the transformation, the main entrance has been redesigned to create a more welcoming, accessible space as well as communal spaces…

Exam season has begun and now is the time to say “Pob Lwc” to everyone starting their exams and assessments. Exam season can be a stressful time for learners, and to support learners in Wales useful resources to help with exams and assessment are available on Hwb. Power Up via Hwb includes resources for GCSE and AS/A Level learners and information for those taking vocational qualifications, alongside wellbeing tips for all learners. There is also advice and tips available for parents and guardians on how to best support their family member. Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said: “Pob Lwc…

Pembrokeshire recently played host to 37 Pupils and teachers from the Sanguinet region in France. This was a return visit, marking the culmination of a two-year project supported by Taith funding from the Welsh Government. The party from France was hosted by Pennar Community School, Neyland Community School, Prendergast Community School, Haverfordwest High School and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi. During the week, the children took part in a variety of outdoor learning activities, explored sustainability issues and took part in cultural activities at Pembroke Castle and St David’s Cathedral. They also had the opportunity to spend time with Neyland Town Council and Neyland Ladies Choir, an important link for the project as Neyland is twinned with Sanguinet, and is the reason…

Mental health charity, Mind in Gwent, will be the lead charity of the 2026 ABP Newport Marathon Festival. The charity will be continuing its partnership with the event after coming on board alongside Mind in 2025. Next year’s event takes place on Sunday 19 April and entries are now open to run for Mind in Gwent. Runners who wish to fundraise for the charity can join the team across any of the 10K, half marathon and marathon races for just £10 when pledging to raise £150, if running the 10K, £250 if entering the half marathon or £350 if taking…

Research could help children born with a cleft lip and palate to avoid multiple operations as they grow up. Around one in every 700 babies worldwide is born with a cleft lip or palate and reconstructive surgery is usually required during the early months. As they grow and develop, some children may require additional surgery to improve facial appearance and function or the alignment of the jaw. In a bid to reduce the need for multiple operations, computer scientists at Aberystwyth University are working with clinical experts to better forecast growth patterns in a baby’s mouth. They are using 3D…

Two directors at a leading law firm will tackle North Africa’s highest peak later this month to raise vital funds for a much-loved North Wales charity. Ron Davison, Managing Director of Gamlins Law, and fellow director Dafydd Roberts are set to climb Mount Toubkal in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains in aid of the firm’s nominated charity partner St Kentigern Hospice. The climb, expected to take five days and starting on Wednesday, May 21, will see the pair and ten fellow climbers bid to scale the 4,167m (13,671 ft) peak. For Ron, it will be the second major challenge in a month…

Independent commercial property management company Industruct has acquired a former food production unit on Cwmtillery Industrial Estate, near Abertillery in Blaenau Gwent for £1.25 million. In its first acquisition in South Wales, the Leeds-based company plans to redevelop the 116,520 sq ft former Tillery Valley Foods factory into a number of modern industrial units for local businesses. Global property consultancy Knight Frank advised the vendor in the sale of the premises.  Neil Francis, head of Knight Frank’s Logistics & Industrial Divion in Cardiff, said: “It was devastating news for the local community when the food products business went into administration…