Author: Rhys Gregory

A multi-agency operation has resulted in the seizure of illegal tobacco, vapes and cash from two shops in Pembrokeshire, as part of a major crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade. Specialist Regional Trading Standards Officers (from Operation CeCe), Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team and Dyfed-Powys Police, took part in the operation on Thursday March 13th. As well as a haul of illegal products from two cars used for concealing supplies to top up stock available in the stores, a large quantity of cash suspected to be from criminal activity was seized and one vehicle impounded by the police, for…

A key roadmap, setting out the steps to secure a bright new future for Blackwood Miners institute, has been agreed by Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet this week. A 14-point plan will now be implemented, which outlines the key phases required to transition the popular venue to independent status from the local authority by July 2026. The Cabinet met on Wednesday (19 March) as Trustees of Blackwood Miners Institute to consider the ambitious plan. One of the first steps has been to appoint Awen Cultural Trust to develop a transition strategy, with various funding options and delivery models being explored for BMI.…

Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan has announced details of the major international investment summit taking place in Wales later this year. The event will take place on Monday 1st December at International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) and the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. It will focus on promoting Wales as a destination for overseas investors. There are currently around 1,480 overseas-owned companies operating in Wales, employing more than 174,000 workers. To coincide with today’s announcement, the US semiconductor design software leader Cadence Design Systems, Inc. has announced plans to open a new design centre in Cardiff, creating more than 100…

Apprentices from the Urdd are helping to inspire students at an English-medium primary school to use more Welsh through a weekly sports club. Yusuf Billie and Hudhayfah Arish are working with Mount Stuart Primary in Cardiff as apprentices for Wales’s largest youth organisation, Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Their sports club offers learners the chance to use Welsh through community activities. Apprenticeships through the Urdd helps build bilingual workplaces by offering opportunities for individuals to learn, develop personally and socially, and improve their confidence when using Welsh. The Urdd’s Apprenticeship Department is committed to inspiring people’s career journeys, supporting employers to develop…

Weekend road trips are the perfect escape from the daily grind, offering a chance to explore new places, embrace nature and enjoy spontaneous adventures. Whether you’re planning a coastal getaway, a countryside retreat or a city-hopping adventure, having the right van can make or break your experience. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider your needs, preferences and the features that will make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. Consider Your Travel Style and Needs The first step in choosing the perfect van is identifying how you intend to use it. Are you planning solo adventures, couple getaways or…

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s School of Art and Design is launching a range of new evening and weekend short courses open to all abilities, giving people the opportunity to hone their skills at the university’s professionally equipped studios and workspaces. From pottery to painting, drawing to design thinking, photography, printmaking and craft courses, there is something for everyone, with eight courses running during the summer term. The following courses are now available to book: Introduction to Drawing, Wednesdays from 30 April 2025 Life Drawing, Tuesdays from 29 April 2025 Painting the Human Figure, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May. Introduction to…

A POPULAR seaside holiday retreat has undergone major redevelopment following a period of significant investment. Darwin Escapes’ New Pines Holiday Home Park, on the outskirts of Dyserth and Rhyl, unveiled a raft of improvements ahead of the summer. External and internal redecoration and construction of an outdoor seating area with landscaping followed a revamp of the indoor swimming pool, complete with new tiled floor. The bar restaurant has been extended, the entertainment complex and Cabaret Lounge stage area upgraded, and a snooker table installed to complement a games room – featuring table football, pool tables and air hockey machines –…

A delegation of Welsh companies have recently visited Japan, as the industry continues to target opening new markets for its food and drink products. Foodex Japan is Asia’s largest food and drink exhibition, with the Welsh Government supporting the presence of a number of producers under the Cymru/Wales banner. The visit comes against a backdrop of wider events being held as part of ‘Wales and Japan 2025’, which is a year-long campaign by the Welsh Government to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between the two nations, with the aim of bringing long-lasting benefits to both countries. Wales has long-standing…

An agency that helps older people live independently is returning to its roots and providing an economic boost for a village in Gwynedd. The 26-strong team at Canllaw is relocating from its current base at Parc Menai in Bangor to Penygroes, between Caernarfon and Porthmadog, where it all began 35 years ago. The organisation, a subsidiary company of north Wales housing association Grŵp Cynefin, assists homeowners and tenants in private sector housing aged 60 and over to live in comfort, safety and warmth by helping them with all kinds of improvements, adaptations and advice. It started life as a department…

Communities across Wales are invited to join Spring Clean Cymru 2025 and help pick up the litter that pollutes our neighbourhoods, beaches and parks.  The 2024 event saw 5,000 volunteers take part in 700 events across Wales. Keep Wales Tidy hopes to beat that in 2025, making this year the most successful spring clean yet.  Families, friends, community groups, schools, businesses and individuals can get involved between Friday 21 March and Sunday 6 April 2025.  Participants can register their own event – such as litter picking their street, local park, beach or other beauty spot – or sign up to…