Author: Rhys Gregory

Last month, Newport hosted some exciting free events over several weekends in March starting with celebrations for St David’s Day and ending with the first-ever Music Trail. Community activities to mark St David’s Day and International Women’s Day were held in The Riverfront on 1 and 8 March respectively. Young delegates from Newport were also joined by their counterparts from the other three home nations for a prestigious conference. Organised by our youth and play team to mark International Women’s Day, sessions were held in different city centre venues. Newport’s first Festival of Words took place in the middle of…

Caerphilly County Borough Council welcomes £1,571,009 funding from the Welsh Government to address flood risk management and deliver associated schemes. Over 350 properties are anticipated to benefit from improved flood resilience once all the schemes are fully completed. Schemes are proposed across Caerphilly County Borough including in Rhymney, Cwmfelinfach, Newbridge, New Tredegar, Risca and Ystrad Mynach. Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Property and Highways at Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “Events like Storm Bert show the devasting impacts that flooding can have on local communities, which can continue to have a significant effect on people’s lives for…

Pipework insulation might seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of business operations. However, this often-overlooked element of building infrastructure offers numerous advantages that extend far beyond its primary purpose. Surprisingly, some business owners may not realize how much proper insulation can benefit them. If that sounds like you, keep reading to find out why it’s worth paying attention to! Here they are: 1. Cut Down Energy Costs One common goal for businesses is to conserve energy and keep operating costs as low as possible. And pipework insulation can help achieve that in a big way. Insulated pipes…

In recent years, the gambling landscape in Wales has experienced a significant shift, with more players opting for online casinos rather than traditional brick-and-mortar venues. The rise of digital platforms is transforming how Welsh residents engage with gambling, creating a new wave of enthusiasts who are drawn to the convenience, variety, and excitement of online gaming. While traditional casinos have long been a staple of Welsh entertainment, the growing popularity of online gambling is becoming impossible to ignore. So, why are more players choosing online casinos over the physical, in-person experience? The answer lies in the convenience, accessibility, game variety,…

Attending live concerts is one of the most exciting ways to experience your favorite music. The energy, the crowd, the lights – it’s an unforgettable experience. However, with all the excitement, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked: hearing protection. While concerts can be thrilling, the loud music can be damaging to your hearing. This is where earplugs for concerts come into play. Why Should You Use Earplugs for Concerts? At concerts, the sound levels can exceed 120 decibels, which is about as loud as a jet engine. Prolonged exposure to sounds at this volume can cause irreversible damage to your…

The Welsh Estate Agency Awards is delighted to announce the nominees for the inaugural Welsh Estate Agency Awards. The Welsh Estate Agency Awards recognise and celebrate the very best of the Welsh Estate Agency sector. The 2025 awards will be held at the iconic Hilton Hotel – Cardiff on May 15th. The awards will be hosted by one of Wales’s most popular television and radio presenters – Sara Edwards. The Nominees for this year’s awards are: Residential Estate Agency of the Year Number One Real Estate The Green Room Dawsons Estate Agents Cardigan Bay Properties Chris Davies – Residential Sales…

A charity which has provided care for vulnerable people in Wales for 40 years has closed because of a social care funding crisis. Cymryd Rhan (Taking Part) had been using its reserves to prop up its service – but those reserves have now run dry and the charity ceased operating this week (Monday, March 31). The charity supported vulnerable people to stay in their own homes, easing pressure on the beleaguered NHS. The Llanidloes-based charity provided support for about 2,000 people in various parts of Wales includingFlintshire, Wrexham, Ceredigion, Merthyr and Powys. But over recent years the organisation says it’s been forced to…

A royal composer is urging talented young musicians from across Wales to bid for a prestigious title. Entrants are being sought for the 2025 Pendine Young Musician of Wales at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph in September. The competition is being masterminded by Professor Paul Mealor, the festival’s Artistic Director, who wrote the music for the King’s Coronation and the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, now the Prince and Princess of Wales. Following on from its hugely successful launch in 2024, entries are now open for soloists and instrumentalists to snap up the…

A mum-of-two is hoping to return to the rugby pitch after tackling cancer. Ruth Wearing was a member of Bryncoch RFC’s women’s touch rugby team when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year. But her team-mates have continued to share the values which the game prides itself on, supporting her throughout her time on the sidelines. Ruth said: “I had a pain in my stomach last July and then felt a lump, so I went to my doctor who referred me for an ultra-scan which discovered a cyst. “Doctors suggested I had a hysterectomy which I had at the…

Families in Wales urged to claim up to £200 per child for school essentials before application window closes Thousands of parents are still able to claim the School Essentials Grant for 2024/25 Education is an important part of every child’s development, but the costs can be difficult for some families to manage. Uniform, stationery, music lessons, sports kit and equipment for after school clubs – it can all add up. Fortunately, the School Essentials Grant can offer help to parents and carers struggling financially, with £125 available for eligible learners and £200 for learners entering year 7. Currently, 90% of…