Author: Rhys Gregory

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has called on the UK and Welsh Governments to take action to reduce the impact of the dry weather on farms and livestock. Across Wales farms are experiencing major problems due to the dry weather, and the Welsh Government has already given the go ahead for a number of derogations to help reduce the pressure. In letters to Welsh Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths and UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove the union asks for the ministers to work with their counterparts across the UK to minimise current and looming problems. An urgent meeting between…

A Cwmbran accountancy firm has been shortlisted for two National Awards for performance and service. Green & Co Accountants and Tax Advisors have beaten firms across all of the UK to be shortlisted for Medium Practice of the Year and Client Service Firm of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards. This news comes fresh off the firm’s win at the 2017 British Accountancy Awards for the Independent Firm of the Year. Speaking of being shortlisted, Nick Park, Partner, said: “‘Everyone at Green & Co is both delighted and honoured to be shortlisted for two categories, particularly as we celebrate…

Could the Montgomery Canal be restored all the way to Newtown to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the granting of the town’s Royal Charter in 2029? That was the intriguing question posed at the annual Montgomery Canal Forum this week by John Dodwell, Montgomery Canal Partnership chairman. A member of the audience asked if it was realistic, due to the cost of replacing bridges and other road works, to reopen the canal from Berriew to Newtown. Mr Dodwell said the canal restoration to Newtown was desirable and feasible but whether it was achievable would depend on raising the necessary funding.…

St Tydfil Shopping Centre is delighted to announce that Merthyr Tydfil Swimming Club, Cerys Driscoll Music Tuition and Tag Community Youth Centre have been chosen as the latest finalists in its St Tydfil Cares Community Fund giveaway. Groups that are arranging activities for children during the school summer holiday were invited to apply for £200 to spend at Wilko in the shopping centre. All applications were whittled down to just three and it’s now down to the local community to vote for who they would like to win. Merthyr Tydfil Swimming Club is organising a day of surfing in the…

More Aberystwyth University students are getting good jobs after graduating than ever before. Latest figures show that 96.8% of UK/EU full time first degree Aberystwyth graduates were either in work or further study six months after graduating in July 2017. The results released on Thursday 28 June 2018 as part of the Higher Education Statistics Agency’s annual Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey places Aberystwyth 2.2 percentage points ahead of the overall sector average. The survey also shows that 99% of Aberystwyth graduates who studied some part of their course through the medium of Welsh were found to be…

Thomas makes a break from Sodor Island in his latest quest to fulfil his dream of seeing the world. Thomas’ big world adventure sees him cross five continents, make lots of new friends and acquaint with old ones in his fun-filled journey. The film is packed full of sing-along-songs, educational world facts, whilst ensuring they don’t skimp on any of the fun. Thomas’ mischievous ways are plentiful, which does see the little blue engine ‘almost’ get into trouble, but luckily his friends are there to help him overcome the challenges that await. No matter your age or experience, there will…

Plans to transform Caerphilly Castle into a major UK tourist attraction have been given the go-ahead with work to install new features commencing next week (July 9) ready for an August unveiling. The project, which has been given the green light by local authority planning officials, will see Wales’s largest fortress become bigger and better with the installation of an interactive Maze and an audio-visual Dragons’ Lair. All part of a £9.5m investment to enhance the visitor experience at Cadw’s top sites*, the new attractions at Caerphilly Castle will be unveiled as part of Cadw’s Castles Alive! campaign. Gilbert’s Maze…

A former teacher who runs a company making skincare products from goats’ milk is launching a new eco-friendly food wrapping made from cotton coated with beeswax. Carol Allen, 60, who set up Llanvalley Natural Products eight years ago, will officially unveil the innovative wrapping at this year’s Llangollen Food Festival which has helped propel her business to success, putting her in the right place at the right time to secure new customers. According to Carol, she was inspired to develop the new wrapping out of a desire to eliminate plastic waste from the environment. The anti-bacterial qualities of beeswax make…

A textile designer from Bridgend is taking on the 1 Million Step Challenge for Diabetes UK Cymru to mark 30 years of living with Type 1 diabetes. Laura Thomas, 41, who is also a lecturer at Carmarthen School of Art, was diagnosed with the condition aged 11 just days after starting secondary school. 30 years later, she and her family will be walking one million steps over three months to raise vital funds to help the charity support other people in Wales with the condition. The 1 Million Step Challenge takes place between 1 July and 30 September. It will…

Riverside vandals are putting lives at risk after five rescue aids were stolen from their posts alongside the Tawe in less than a week. Swansea Council’s water safety team were called yesterday morning after concerns were raised by a member of the public that some were missing. A quick survey revealed five had gone missing since the sites were checked a week ago and all were replaced within hours. But Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Innovation, Regeneration and Tourism, urged residents to report repeat incidents and to report anyone they spot tampering with the aids to the police. He said:…