Author: Rhys Gregory

Hwb y Gors (HyG), formerly Ysgol Cwmgors, a cherished building in the heart of the Amman Valley dating back to 1912, has undergone an incredible transformation into a vibrant, zero-carbon community hub. This project has been a labour of love for Awel Aman Tawe, who have been developing plans for the Hwb since acquiring it in 2018. Hwb y Gors will be a significant community resource, offering facilities, activities, and opportunities to support community cohesion and resilience. With a focus on enterprise, education, and the creative sector, HyG will provide an affordable, attractive, and sustainable place to learn, work, volunteer,…

Pembrokeshire Music Service welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival. The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier. Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet. In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners: Open woodwind…

A serial fly-tipper has been given a community order and fined over £1000 for blighting the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf. Mr Jeremy Boyes, who is aged 55 from Penrhiwceiber was caught red handed on a number of occasions when he decided to fly-tip items near to where he lived. Mr Boyes turned a local beauty spot in to a fly tipping hot spot and continued to use the area to get rid of his unwanted waste! The prime location was less than half-a-mile from his home along the road between Llanwonno Road, Perthcelyn and Mill Road, Ynysybwl –…

Flood prevention works have been approved for the Blaenau Gwent communities worst affected by last year’s storms. Blaenau Gwent Council has today approved plans totalling £800,000, which include work to a culvert in Cwm together with enhanced drainage and reprofiling of the access lane to the rear of King Street; the replacement and enhancement of a culvert in Llanhilleth and flood protection measures for properties in Church Street, Tredegar. The Council took the decision to move ahead as a matter of urgency to secure the expertise needed and to mobilise contractors as soon as possible. The Welsh Government has also…

A new inspection ratings system for care services in Wales comes into force on 1 April to help ensure people receive the best possible care. Ratings will help people better understand the quality of care provided, making it easier for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their care options. All care homes and domiciliary support services across Wales will be given ratings and most required to display them at their premises and online, following an inspection. The ratings will reflect the quality of care across four key themes: Well-being; Care and Support; Leadership and Management; Environment. Each theme will…

Thirteen projects across Wales have secured more than £10m to protect nature across land and sea. The projects, which include initiatives to protect the curlew, restore woodland habitats and safeguard important fish species across Wales, have all benefited from the Nature Networks Fund. The funding will also support action that local communities can actively participate in and benefit from – such as the building of a Nature Recovery Education Centre for school engagement and survey and monitoring training for volunteers. The £10m of Nature Networks Funding has been announced by the Welsh Government in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage…

Gavin and Stacey actress, Ruth Jones, who is best known across Wales and around the world as Nessa, has been given a special award. The co-writer of the show wondered ‘what’s occurring’ when she was celebrated for her massive success in capturing the heart of the nation and putting an international spotlight on Wales. The programme was watched by millions of people and Ruth was recognised at the St David Awards for her outstanding contribution to cultural life of Wales. The star was joined by Llanberis Mountain Rescue team, who were awarded for their extraordinary dedication to saving people’s lives.…

The first meeting of the Irish Sea Resilience Taskforce took place in Anglesey today, bringing together representatives from across Wales, Ireland and beyond to strengthen vital sea connections between the nations. The taskforce was established following December’s temporary closure of Holyhead port, which highlighted the critical importance of maintaining reliable sea routes between Wales and Ireland. Led by Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, alongside Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, and Irish Government Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, Seán Canney, the group will work…

Tourism and hospitality have been praised as the “lifeblood of the Welsh economy” that create jobs and drive growth. Attending the Welsh Government’s National Tourism Summit at Venue Cymru in Llandudno yesterday (Thursday, 27 March), the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said she valued the sector’s insight and wanted to learn from the attendees’ years of experience on the front line. The event, which welcomed guests from Wales, across the UK and Europe, offered the opportunity to explore opportunities for an industry that pumps £3.8bn into the Welsh economy each year. Wales has a huge amount…

As we navigate the evolving landscape of the workplace in 2025, Welsh employees are increasingly discerning about what they seek in their employers. Gone are the days of simply accepting a paycheck; today’s workforce values a holistic approach that prioritises well-being, sustainability, and flexibility. Here are the top five things Welsh employees are looking for in their employers: Flexible and Remote Work Options: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote and flexible work, and this trend is here to stay, particularly in a region like Wales, where diverse geographical landscapes make commuting a significant factor for many. Welsh employees,…