Author: Rhys Gregory

“Ocean Rift”, one of the world’s most popular Virtual Reality programmes is the first to be available in Welsh for use with VR headsets Created by Dr Llŷr ap Cenydd, a lecturer at Bangor University’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Ocean Rift was one of the first programmes to be released alongside the Samsung Gear VR headset, and has become one of the most popular with an estimated 2.5 million downloads since 2013. Llŷr developed the programme in his spare time, in conjunction with Samsung and Oculus. Published by Picselica Ltd, ithas been used as a launch title…

RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve in Mid Wales is offering free entry to National Lottery players as part of national #ThanksToYou celebrations from December 3-9. [aoa id=”1″] The nature reserve near Machynlleth is one of hundreds of participating National Lottery-funded visitor attractions across the UK saying ‘thanks’ to people who have raised money for good causes by buying a lottery ticket.  The idea is simple: any visitor who presents a National Lottery ticket or scratch card between December 3-9 inclusive gets free entry in return. Terms and conditions apply. RSPB Ynys-hir received money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which, along with additional funding…

Over 200 of elite professionals gathered at the Exchange Hotel Cardiff, on Sunday 25thNovember to celebrate their achievements in a memorable ceremony put on to recognise the growth of the country’s hospitality industry. [aoa id=”1″] The Welsh Hospitality Awards 2018 acknowledged the commitment of local professionals and establishments, from restaurants, bars, hotels to festivals and venues that have stand out from the rest due to their dedication to the customer satisfaction. The winners, who are chosen by members of the public, are a true reflection of the commitment, quality and impeccable customer service that flow in the hospitality industry. The…

Public Health Wales is reminding people aged 65 and over that it’s not too late to have their free NHS flu vaccine. Older people in Wales are being urged to get their flu vaccine now, before flu begins to circulate. [aoa id=”1″] This year there is a flu vaccine for those aged 65 and over that offers better protection. Vaccine deliveries have been staggered across the UK, which has meant some people have been asked to wait for their flu vaccine this year. However, all flu vaccines for older people have now been delivered. This means that anyone who has…

The Toy Appeal supports over 20 incredible charities in Wales, and St David’s wants to make that every child in South Wales receives a Christmas gift. From 1st December until Christmas (23rd December), St David’s is asking its customers, and visitors to the city, to buy an extra gift for a child in need.  Shoppers can drop their donations off at the in-centre Donation Station where a team of festive helpers will be making sure that gifts are delivered safely in time to start the celebrations. The appeal, launched in 2015, has seen the generosity of shoppers donate nearly 24,000…

Main construction work on the major regeneration scheme – known as Swansea Central Phase One – is planned to start in the middle of next year. The project is due to be complete by the end of 2020, with the state-of-the-art 3,500-capacity arena opening in the ensuing months. Work on final detailed designs is under way, preparatory highway improvement work in the Wellington Street area is set re-start in the new year and world-leading venue operator Ambassador Theatre Group has agreed to manage the arena. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] Early work on the main site will start in January and will allow…

Christmas came early today for a group of lucky school-children at St Fagans, National History Museum, as a hundred pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna attended a pupil premiere or Pluen Eira, S4C’s prestigious film for Christmas.   [aoa id=”1″]This year is the first time the Into Film charity has arranged special Welsh medium screenings, as part of the Into Film Festival. The historic event was organised to bring a special close to the Festival. This is the world’s biggest youth festival, with screenings across the whole of the United Kingdom. As part of the festival, 182 films were shown in…

This advent calendar is like no other, it contains 24 different types of gin

Coinciding with National Tree Week, Wales-based climate change charity, Size of Wales launch their Christmas campaign ‘Ten Trees for Christmas’, asking the people of Wales to consider the true cost of Christmas whilst offering up the perfect ethical gift that will grow and grow and give and give…fruit trees! [aoa id=”1″] 6 million Christmas trees discarded UK-wide each January…this number represents masses of lost potential to absorb tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide that is contributing to climate change. For just £3, your donation will pay for ten fruit trees to be planted in the gardens of families in Mbale, Uganda…

Large numbers of children were excited to take part in a Beano inspired reading adventure at their local library this summer across Wales and the rest of the UK, according to new statistics released today by The Reading Agency. [aoa id=”1″] A total of 40,213 children across Wales took part in the Mischief Makers 2018 Summer Reading Challenge at their local library, supported in Wales by the Welsh Books Council. An additional 2,844 children under four took part with special pre-school materials, which was a rise of 19.5% on the previous year. The 2018 Summer Reading Challenge was in partnership…