Author: Rhys Gregory

A new Community Food Strategy aims to strengthen local food systems, improve healthy eating, and create more sustainable communities across Wales. The strategy, a key commitment in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, focuses on connecting Welsh producers with consumers, supporting community-led food projects, and ensuring healthier food is accessible to all. Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Food lies at the heart of all our lives. The land in Wales with its beauty and magnificence, brings many opportunities which is why our produce is some of the finest in the world. “What we eat…

Applications for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for 2025-26 are now open. EMA in Wales provides eligible learners aged 16 to 18 with £40 per week to help with education related costs such as transport, meals, and learning materials. EMA is retained at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and was ended in England in 2011. More learners can now benefit from the scheme as income thresholds have been raised: Households with one dependent child are now eligible if their income is £23,400 or less. Households with two or more dependent children are now eligible if their…

Leading UK Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pump (RACHP) wholesaler, TF Solutions, part of Travis Perkins plc, officially opened its doors in Cardiff on the 3rd of March 2025, marking its first branch in Wales. The new branch represents a significant investment in the local economy, bringing new jobs, enhanced customer choice, and a commitment to superior service. Located at Units 3A and 3B, Stuart Close, Penarth Road, CF11 8QF, the 11,500 square foot facility is set to become a cornerstone for RACHP professionals throughout Cardiff and the surrounding region. With a sizeable investment, including branch setup and initial stock,…

As Spain considers implementing a 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU nationals—a move aimed at addressing its housing affordability crisis—real estate investors are evaluating alternative markets within Europe. Croatia, with its favorable investment climate, emerges as a promising destination for those seeking lucrative opportunities in the Mediterranean region. Understanding Spain’s Proposed Tax Reform In early 2025, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to impose a 100% tax on homespurchased by non-EU residents. This proposal is part of a broader strategy to alleviate housing shortages and curb rising property prices, particularly in tourist-heavy regions like Madrid and Barcelona .…

The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre is thrilled to announce the return of beloved panto favourite Gareth Tempest for this year’s festive production of Rapunzel, marking 20 magical years of pantomime at the heart of Newport’s Christmas celebrations. Running from 27 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, Rapunzel promises to be a hair-raising adventure full of mischief, magic, and mayhem! Audiences can expect the full panto experience – from jaw-dropping costumes and glittering sets to toe-tapping tunes and plenty of laughs. This milestone year is made even more special with Gareth Tempest stepping back into his much-loved Dame heels. Having…

On the back of posting yet another set of record-breaking results, Swansea Building Society held its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Swansea.com Stadium last week (Thursday, April 24). The Society also presented a substantial cheque to its new official partner charity, Prostate Cymru, donating more than a pound for every vote received. At the well-attended event, the board of the Society presented and explained its best-ever financial performance to members. These results reflected the Society’s continued focus on supporting local communities through its growing network of branches across South Wales, alongside the benefits of an ongoing investment programme that…

A new study has warned that the UK’s heavy reliance on imported wood could undermine its net zero strategy and increase global carbon emissions. In the paper, which has been published in Nature Communications, Bangor University researchers highlight the urgent need for domestic forestry expansion and improved management to meet growing wood demand sustainably. Wood is a key low-carbon alternative to steel, concrete, and plastics, but the UK is the world’s second-largest wood importer and has amongst the lowest forest cover (13%) of any country in Europe. With only 20% of demand met by homegrown timber, the country faces risks…

Helpu Cymru, the men’s mental health hub for Wales, marked National Bath Bomb Day on Sunday by calling for men to take more baths! The national suicide prevention organisation teamed up with ethical cosmetics brand LUSH to encourage men to take a moment, drop a bath bomb, and embrace some quiet time by having a sudsy soak. Helpu Cymru supports men grappling with their mental wellbeing and suggested that anything allowing for mindfulness could pave the way for better mental health. Founded by a group of volunteers who had personally encountered mental health challenges, Helpu provided a safe space for…

Tributes have been paid to one of the most respected lawyers in North Wales after a touching remembrance service. David Hooson, formerly of Segrwyd Hall, near Denbigh, who has died aged 88, joined the long-established law firm of Swayne Johnson in 1968 and became a partner and then a consultant for the firm until 2011. He was also the Diocesan Registrar and Legal Secretary to the Bishop of St Asaph for 38 years from 1973 until his retirement. David was a cousin to the eminent lawyer and Liberal MP for Montgomeryshire Lord Emlyn Hooson and a member of the well-known…

A young mum has spoken movingly about how a mother and toddler group that’s facing closure helped her survive overwhelming times with her new-born son. Sarah Jones-Wallace, from Denbigh, shared that Rhyl-based Blossom and Bloom helped her out of a dark place and how her employer, Lock Stock Self-Storage, has donated seven dozen Easter eggs for the charity’s sponsored walk – their final celebration before closing. Grant funding to support for the charity was turned down this year meaning the organisation which helped almost 500 young mums from as far afield as Llandudno will close its doors. The charity was set…