Author: Rhys Gregory

This year marks 80 years since VE Day, when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. To mark this significant anniversary, Newport will be hosting events on Thursday 8 May – starting with the raising of the unique VE Day flag outside the civic centre, and culminating with the lighting of the VE Day beacon at Queen Elizabeth Field, Ringland. The beacon event will start at 7.30pm where former West End star, international opera singer, and presenter, Anthony Stuart-Lloyd, will compere the evening. Joining Anthony there will be musical entertainment from Gwent Music Community Celtic Group, Gwent…

Displaced Ukrainians and local residents gathered at Morgan Jones Park for the second phase of the Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard: a refugee-led memorial created to thank Wales for its support during the ongoing war in Ukraine. The emotionally resonant event featured the planting of fruit trees, sunflowers, and a chestnut memorial tree in honour of a fallen Ukrainian soldier. A moving Unity Circle formed around Ukrainian widow Dariia as her husband’s own composed music played, a moment that captured the depth of loss and solidarity. “The Gratitude Orchard is more than symbolic — it’s about real friendship and lasting bonds,” said…

A company has been sentenced to pay £15,500 for offences under the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011, following a prosecution brought by Blaenau Gwent Council. Tantastic Blackwood Ltd was prosecuted at Newport Magistrates’ Court after the director, David Bryn Williams, pleaded guilty to five offences. In March 2024, the Council’s Environmental Health Team received a complaint from a member of the public alleging that they had received significant burns following the use of a high-pressure sunbed at Tantastic in Commercial Street, Tredegar. During an investigation, the visiting officers identified several failures at the premises under the Sunbeds (Regulation)…

Action-thriller HAVOC, produced with Creative Wales support and released on Netflix today [Friday, April 25], is the biggest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales according to a recent report by the streaming giant. HAVOC, starring Tom Hardy and written/directed by Welsh-born Gareth Evans (The Raid, Apostle, Gangs of London) follows a deal gone wrong and a bruised detective having to fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son. The production was shot at Great Point Studios in Cardiff, Dragon Studios in Bridgend and on location across South Wales. Wales has become one of Netflix’s…

Wales’ economic ties with Japan have been further strengthened at an investor showcase in Tokyo. The centrepiece of activities taking place as part of the Welsh Government’s Year of Wales and Japan celebrations in 2025, the event was attended by key Japanese entrepreneurs and businesses in a range of sectors. The Wales Investor Showcase was hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, to foster long-lasting trade benefits for both countries in areas such as renewable energy and digital transformation. Wales has long enjoyed a partnership with Japan. The first investments in Wales by Japanese companies…

AN EMPLOYEE at Specsavers Flint is calling for donations for North East Wales Mind as she prepares to take on the Chester Half Marathon during Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May). Dispensing optician, Dawn Dale is set to take on the 13-mile race to raise funds for the charity, which provides much-needed support to people living with mental health challenges across Flintshire and Wrexham. Having faced her own mental health challenges, Ms Dale says running has played a big part in her journey towards recovery following a particularly difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic. She says: ‘That time…

A power shift of sorts is taking place in Welsh football, and has been on the cards for a while. The remarkable story being pieced together by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has captured the imagination of a global audience. While Red Dragons from the Racecourse Ground are flying high, Bluebirds in Cardiff have seen collective wings clipped, while Swans in Swansea find themselves treading water. The ultimate goal for those in Wrexham would be to claim country-wide bragging rights in Wales. The famous co-owners have made no secret of the fact that they intend to reach the big time.…

Congratulations on passing your driving test, a milestone which is as thrilling as it is liberating! However, the excitement of newfound freedom on the roads is often dampened by the realisation of the financial constraints that come with owning a car. The costs of car maintenance, fuel, and most importantly, insurance can be daunting for newly passed drivers. At this point, cost-efficient driving becomes especially relevant. This article aims to unpack how new drivers can take proactive steps to save money whilst enjoying the delight of independent driving. Selecting a Cost-Effective Vehicle Choosing the right vehicle can make a significant…

Landing a job offer is exciting, but the process isn’t quite over. The salary discussion is a crucial step, yet one many candidates approach with trepidation. However, navigating this conversation effectively can significantly impact your long-term earnings and job satisfaction. Avoiding negotiation could mean leaving money on the table. Here’s how to approach salary negotiation with confidence during the recruitment process. Lay the Groundwork: Research is Paramount Before you even think about discussing numbers during the salary discussion stages of a recruitment campaign, you need to understand your market value. Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to salary; it’s costly.…

With such a vast selection of online slot games available, it can be tricky to find one that suits your preferences and playing styles. Therefore, whether you’re looking for a game with classic gameplay, high payouts, or unique bonus features, it’s important to understand how the different aspects of slot games can help you make an informed choice. If you’re exploring Slots online in the UK, here are some of the key factors to consider when selecting a Slots casino game that matches your playing style: Understand slot volatility Slot volatility is what theoretically determines how often and how much…