Author: Rhys Gregory

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to explore and discuss the most important issues facing the farming industry in Wales, such as rural crime, Brexit, mental health, innovation and diversification, as well as mobile communication at the Royal Welsh Show 2018 (Monday 23 – Thursday 26 July) by hosting a series of seminars and discussion groups. Kick starting the show with a rural crime seminar on Monday 23 July at 11am, the FUW is looking forward to a discussion with Alun Davies AM, Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services; Simon Hart MP, Previous CEO of Countryside…

A perfect storm of skills shortages in the construction industry, Brexit plus increased demand for sustainability and potential cost and efficiency savings within the construction industry will result in a rise of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) within Wales’ social housing sector. That’s the view of a social housing legal expert who says the increasing pressure to build more homes will mean builders – especially those from the housing association (HA) sector – will become much more innovative in terms of how they actually construct the new homes required. Vicky Kells, who has forged a reputation as a prominent practitioner…

As a new survey reveals home repairs are top of most people’s to do list, households in Wales are being warned that trying to fix their own heating system could be dangerous and should only be tackled by a professional. Over 40% of consumers across Wales said when it comes to ticking off tasks on their to do lists, jobs around the home were the most important ahead of putting their finances in order, car servicing and reviewing internet and insurance deals*. In response OFTEC, the organisation which represents the oil heating industry and ran the survey, has highlighted the…

A busy mum of four, whose lifestyle store for stylish children is thriving, has urged other mums to pursue the opportunities for entrepreneurship available in Wales and to follow their passions. Mia Kowsor established Barney & Beau – which she has named after her two youngest boys – in Pontcanna, Cardiff, after finding her feet as an entrepreneur with a ‘kitchen table business’. She says many mums have the ideas, skills and drive to establish start ups and to turn them into viable businesses, but they should seek support in those initial months. “I’m passionate about supporting, assisting, helping and…

Cirque Berserk, the West-End show, which arrived in Cardiff’s New Theatre last night, is performing all this week (10 – 15 July), and is a ‘best-of’ mix of the most thrilling – and dangerous – circus acts chosen from shows around the world. Known as the “Berserkers”, the performers don’t use any safety equipment, which delivers maximum hold-your-breath moments, except for one trick which is so unbelievably dangerous that a safety wire must be worn. The company of 35 brings together the biggest and most diverse range of performers on tour anywhere in the UK. Included are Tumblers from Timbuktu; weapon throwers…

Chef Tommy Heaney has enjoyed fame as a result of starring on the BBC’s Great British Menu, experienced success with Restaurant Tommy Heaney at The Great House in Laleston, and recently announced plans to open second premises right here in the Welsh capital. Then, after purchasing the former Arbennig restaurant & adjacent deli in leafy Pontcanna last month, TV chef Tommy Heaney launched a crowdfunding campaign to help him cover the costs of refurbishing the site. Keen foodies were invited to pledge for a chance to enjoy dinner at the new restaurant cooked by a variety of guest chefs (including…

One of Wales’ best loved indoor markets will welcome a whole new range of traders this week. Swansea Market will host its first monthly farmer’s market from 9am-3pm on Friday and Saturday (July 13-14). It will mean a vibrant new feel to the heart of the historic, bustling attraction. Guest stallholders will offer everything from fudge, ice cream and deli delights to furniture and bathtime treats. Those behind the farmer’s market are the Swansea Market Traders Federation, Swansea Council and the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID). Federation chairman Chris Evans said: “Our farmer’s market will give more shoppers more reasons…

Welsh housebuilder Waterstone Homes has secured a seven-figure funding package from Wales’ leading building society, Principality, in support of its latest housing projects and ambitious growth plans.  The Bridgend-based property developer, part of the Jehu Group of Companies, has received £3.35m worth of funding from Principality Commercial to assist with the construction of its new Usk Field development in Llanishen, North Cardiff. Already taking reservations off plan, the new residential development will consist of 20 luxury family homes, with three, four and five-bedrooms priced between £500,000 to £730,000, plus five affordable houses. Waterstone Homes was able to secure the loan…

A PARTNERSHIP between Coleg Llysfasi and LEAF Education highlighted innovation and technology in agriculture as part of a groundbreaking schools competition. The inaugural Innovation School of the Year in Food, Farming and Environment competition was organised by Llysfasi and LEAF Education (Linking Environment and Farming) at the college’s Denbighshire campus. The initiative brought together 14-16 year-old students and their teachers from across the UK to take part in a final prize weekend, which included a range of educational activities centred around farming, food production and the environment. The overall winner was Reddish Vale High School, Stockport, whose students enjoyed getting…

Conwy’s iconic castle has undergone the first stage of an historic twinning link with the ancient Himeji Castle in Japan which featured in the James Bond movie, You Only Live Twice. The mayors of the two communities have signed an agreement in the form of an illuminated manuscript as part of an initiative which is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK. The Mayor of Himeji, Toshikatsu Iwami, and Conwy Mayor Samantha Cotton pledged to strengthen cultural and educational ties and promote tourism focused around the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They put their signatures side…