Author: Rhys Gregory

Cyclists are being encouraged to get in the saddle and explore the magical Lon Las Cymru national cycle route in Mid Wales on an electric bike. The bike’s electric battery provides a gentle boost to cyclists when they most need it, ensuring that there are no more mad dashes to catch up with stronger cycling partners. Most importantly, it brings a smile to tackling the Welsh hills! The route takes in idyllic country lanes before crossing the River Lugg into Wales and stopping in Presteigne, home to the unique Judge’s Lodging Museum and many arts events, including a classical music festival…

Work has started on a £10 million affordable housing scheme for older people in one of Cardiff’s most popular suburbs, Llanishen. The Wales & West Housing development will create a community of 82 apartments aimed at predominantly over 55s. Built in five, three-storey blocks, the apartments will be a mix of one and two bedrooms with communal balconies and social areas, where residents can meet up and make friends. They will be modern, energy efficient and easy-to-maintain. The development is the first new-build affordable housing scheme for older people that Wales & West Housing has built in the capital. The…

A fast-growing South Wales fintech company has closed a £1.25million funding round backed by Mercia Fund Managers, Development Bank of Wales and TTI Angels. W2 Global Data, which is based in Newport and has doubled in size since the beginning of the year, is now planning to recruit a further 20 staff. The latest funding round follows an initial investment by Mercia and the development bank in 2017 and brings the total amount raised by the company to over £3.0million. W2 provides identity verification services to help prevent fraud and money laundering. With access to thousands of government and commercial…

Terminal illness charity, Marie Curie, are holding a series of collections throughout the summer holidays to raise funds for its nurses across Carmarthenshire, in what the charity is calling a ‘Trostre Takeover’. Marie Curie says that the appeal is urgently needed as one in four people currently don’t receive the care and support they need at the end of their life*, and with the population getting older, demand on the charity’s services is set to increase. The money raised will help Marie Curie Nurses be there for more people living with a terminal illness, providing them with vital one-to-one nursing…

The Gwent Branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales recently organised a “Wooden Horse Race Night” to raise funds for the President’s charities Alzheimer’s Society Wales and Farming Community Network. The event attracted over 200 people and raised in excess of £4,100 with donations still being received.  The horses were auctioned off for the 6 races, with the winners going forward to a Grand Final, which was very keenly contested. Musical entertainment was then provided by Ricky Jenkins A.K.A Elvis, which kept everyone going well into the night. The event was held at Ty Oakley Farm, Hafodyrynys, and CEO Glyn…

Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, has announced £1.2m to improve the renal dialysis unit at University Hospital for Wales (UHW), Cardiff. During a visit to the unit today (Thursday, 19 July), Mr Gething saw how the money will be used to upgrade the unit to deal with patients in a more clinically appropriate environment and improving their overall experience. He said: “Chronic kidney disease is estimated to affect 6‐8% of the general population. With many of the contributing factors, age, obesity‐related diabetes and coronary heart disease, expected to increase, the demand for renal services is set to grow. Our renal services…

Dedicated Sony UK Technology Centre staff who have worked a combined total of almost 800 years have been recognised at a prestigious awards night. Thirty nine members of the Pencoed factory have been honoured at Sony UK TEC’s annual Long Service Awards’ event thanks to their continuous devotion. The awards night, held at Pencoed House, in Pentrych, recognised staff who have reached significant career milestones of between 10 and 35 years. On the night staff and their partners were treated to a three-course meal, entertainment from a magician, along with a live performance from the Ipop band. They were then…

Hot on the heels of Hollywood stars including Judi Dench shooting scenes for a major new movie in Llandeilo and other beauty spots close by, Carmarthenshire Council is making it easier than ever before to film in the county. The council has launched an improved filming opportunities section of its website to make the process of scouting and booking filming locations as hassle-free as possible for movie-makers and TV production companies. As well as dealing with initial enquiries, the council is also on hand to help with filming permits, logistics, community engagement, traffic management, parking, accommodation and hospitality. Dame Judi…

Hundreds of Carmarthenshire pupils will soon be learning about the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal. From September, the City Deal will feature as part of the enterprise and employability module of the Welsh Baccalaureate at schools across the county. Following a trial in Carmarthenshire, the scheme could also be rolled out to schools in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire in future. A qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds in Wales, the Welsh Baccalaureate aims to help students develop knowledge and skills that universities and employers want them to have when they leave school. The Carmarthenshire trial is part of…

Former international rugby union player and coach, John Dawes OBE, has been honoured as Fellow of Aberystwyth University. An Aberystwyth alumnus (Chemistry, 1962), John Dawes won his first Wales cap in 1964 aged 23. He went on to win a further 21 caps for Wales over the subsequent decade – six as captain, including the Grand Slam winning side of 1971. John Dawes captained the 1971 British Lions tour of New Zealand, where they became the first and only team to date to win a series in New Zealand. He also coached the British Lions tour to New Zealand in…