Author: Rhys Gregory

THE ‘Best Holiday Park in Britain’ is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style. Darwin Escapes’ Piran Meadows retreat in Newquay has been welcoming people from all over the UK to the south of England for the last decade. The 33-acre resort won Diamond Awards for Best in Britain Holiday Park and Relax and Explore Cornwall Large Park at the illustrious Hoseasons Awards. General Manager Paul Wilcox also oversees another local victor, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in the Cornwall Lodge Escapes category. Paul says the region is a “jewel in the crown” of the Talacre-based holiday operator and there are plans to attract…

A woman from Swansea has been jailed after launching a seven-minute assault on a man which left the victim with significant injuries. 32-year-old Sarah Giffard, from Waunarlwydd, was in an intoxicated state when she attacked the victim, with the incident taking place on Plymouth Street, Swansea, on November 1 last year. A PCSO arrived on the scene within thirty seconds of the assault, with the victim having become unconscious. The victim was taken to hospital, but his injuries, which included fractures to the skull, cheekbone and collarbone, fractures to two ribs and a bleed on the brain, were found not…

A heart-warming celebration took place recently at Plas Pentwyn, Coedpoeth, as residents gathered to honour the railway heritage of Minera. Once the lifeblood of the area in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, Minera’s mineral railway lines were brought back to life during a special launch event for Timeless Tracks, a beautifully curated booklet of memories, history and creative expression. The event was delivered in partnership with the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership, Minera’s Coffee Companions Group and the Minera Community Agent. It marked the culmination of weeks of workshops held at Minera Lead Mines, where members of the…

Cardiff Castle will glow red as Cardiff marks the 80thanniversary of VE Day with a special celebration picnic in the Castle grounds, residents host street parties, and a ‘Victory Days’ exhibition exploring how the city’s residents celebrated the end of the Second World War is held at the Museum of Cardiff. VE Day Picnic Organised by Cardiff Council and supported by Welsh Government, the celebration picnic in Cardiff Castle’s public open space will take place from 11am – 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday May 5th. The family-friendly event will feature a range of free entertainment. Expect music from the bandstand,…

People who need mental health support will increasingly have access to same-day services, as part of an ambitious plan to further improve care across Wales The new 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy is centred on early intervention, prevention and person-centred and ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support, at the right time and without delay. A key part of the transformation of mental healthcare will be open access services, with people receiving same-day support without the need for a referral. This shift has already begun with the introduction of Wales-wide 111 press 2 service for…

A new £1 million fund will help to ensure tourism attractions across Wales can welcome visitors whatever the weather. The ‘Year of Croeso Weather-Proofing Fund’ is being launched as Visit Wales celebrates the unique welcome that can only be found in Wales that means many choose to return time and again. The fund will provide grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to eligible businesses, enabling them to implement weather-proofing measures. Tourism makes an important contribution to Wales, putting £3.8bn into the Welsh economy each year, thanks to the huge amount the country has to offer visitors who can be assured…

The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre is delighted to present An Evening with Nigel Owens on Thursday 4 September at 7.30pm. One of the world’s most celebrated rugby referees, Nigel Owens, will take to the stage for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, humour, and behind-the-scenes insight. With a historic 100 Test matches officiated by the time of his retirement in 2020, Nigel’s experience and charisma make this a must-attend event for sports fans and rugby lovers alike. Expect laughter, fascinating anecdotes from a lifetime at the heart of international rugby, and personal reflections from one of the game’s greatest characters.…

There are potential changes on the way to help people who are struggling to pay their council tax bill on time. The changes aim to help prevent people from becoming trapped in cycles of persistent debts by improving engagement between councils and residents and making the collection process clearer. At the moment, missing a council tax payment means people can become liable for the full annual bill if they don’t pay within seven days of receiving a reminder, and the requirements on councils for sending reminders and final notices are too complex. The changes, which are under consultation, will give…

In recognition for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council successfully achieving Bee Friendly Status, as recognised by the Action Plan for Pollinators Taskforce, a prestigious award ceremony was held at the General Offices. The Bee Friendly scheme is an initiative that promotes the creation of environments conducive to the health and well-being of pollinators, which are vital to our ecosystems and agriculture. This prestigious certification award was presented to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council by Bleddyn Lake from Friends of the Earth Cymru and Kathleen Caroll from Welsh Government, to recognise the Council’s commitment to supporting local pollinators and enhancing biodiversity.…

For those in search of wellness without compromise, South Tyrol has quietly become Italy’s premier destination for spa-focused luxury. This northern region, nestled between the Dolomites and the Austrian border, offers an unparalleled blend of Alpine purity, Mediterranean charm, and Italian sophistication. With its breath-taking natural landscapes, gourmet culture, and world-renowned hospitality, South Tyrol is more than a picturesque holiday spot, it is the epicentre of Italy’s most refined and restorative spa experiences. The appeal of South Tyrol’s spa hotels lies not only in their pristine settings but also in their unwavering commitment to quality. True to the Italian dolce…