Author: Rhys Gregory

Howden, the global insurance group, has appointed Sian England as account executive as the firm continues its accelerated growth into 2025. Sian has been working in the corporate and commercial insurance sector for over 30 years and joins Howden having previously worked at Marsh Commercial and Thomas Carroll. In her new role she will be responsible for client relationship management, bringing a wealth of expertise to understand client needs and provide solutions to their risk exposures by evaluating and advising on their insurance programme. To continue the upwards growth of Howden’s south Wales offices, Sian will pursue new sales opportunities…

Prepare to be dazzled as Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Wonder twirls back into the UK for its final run, bringing an unforgettable celebration of Disney magic to Cardiff. This enchanting production is a spellbinding treat for families, blending nostalgia, spectacular skating, and jaw-dropping special effects into a show that truly sparkles on the ice. It had been a while since our last Disney On Ice experience, and this latest edition did not disappoint. From the moment Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy took to the ice, the excitement was palpable. The show follows Mickey as he embarks on a…

AN ICONIC adventure attraction is celebrating a wet and wild 40 years in business. Launched in 1985, Canolfan Tryweryn, the National White Water Centre in Frongoch, Gwynedd, is one of the most popular activities in North Wales, welcoming up to 40,000 visitors annually. Employing a team of eight full time and 40+ freelance staff, the beloved not-for-profit organisation – on the banks of Afon Tryweryn – looks set for one of its busiest seasons yet, with a series of events and activities planned to celebrate the landmark anniversary. In addition to a wide range of white-water adventure sports, Canolfan Tryweryn…

Sales activity in the Welsh housing market is expected to edge upwards over the coming months, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey, despite a fall in new buyer enquiries in February. A net balance of 15% of surveyors in Wales expect sales to rise over the next three months, the fourth consecutive month that this balance has been on an upward trajectory. Anecdotally, the expectation that interest rates will be cut further is a factor in this thinking. When it comes to demand though, a net balance of -57% of surveyors in Wales…

Four drug smugglers have been convicted of trying to smuggle £100m of cocaine on a fishing boat off the coast of Cornwall, after a National Crime Agency investigation. The crime group members were found with more than a ton of the Class A drug on board their boat, the Lily Lola, in September last year. Two of the offenders Michael Kelly, 45, and Jake Marchant, 27, pleaded guilty before trial. But today two other men, Jon Williams, 46, of Windmill Terrace, St Thomas, Swansea, and Patrick Godfrey, 31, of Danygraig Road, Port Tennant, Swansea, were also convicted after a trial…

Two businesses have come together to create an exciting new bar and restaurant in Cardiff, supported with a loan from the Development Bank of Wales. Longstanding brewers Flowerhorn Brewery joined street food vendors Mr Croquewich earlier this year to open Kegbelly, in Whitchurch, Cardiff. The two businesses have long proven popular with fans of good street food and craft beer at a shared site at The Bridge Studios, Western Avenue, and wanted to join forces to open a new venue in Whitchurch. The opening of Kegbelly was supported with a £30,000 micro loan from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, allowing…

Raymond Weatherley, 49, from Riverside, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to eight offences of: Six counts of Burglary other than dwelling One count of Burglary other than dwelling with intent to steal One count of Fraud by false representation He had another 32 offences which were also taken into consideration. He was sentenced on Tuesday, March 11, to three years and two months. Detective Inspector Steve Jones said: “Weatherley is a notorious thief who repeatedly targeted churches. “Our communities will hopefully feel safer knowing that a prolific burglar is behind bars, particularly one who targeted places of worship. “I hope this sentence offices…

South Wales Police has made a further arrest as part of a murder investigation in Talbot Green. Joanne Penney, 40, died on Sunday, March 9, after being shot in Llys Illtyd. Formal identification took place this afternoon. Earlier today, a 20-year-old man from St. Mellons, Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. In total, six people have now been arrested on suspicion of murder as part of the investigation. The 42-year-old man from Talbot Green arrested on Sunday has been released without charge, however he has been bailed for further enquiries following an allegation of…

A man who aimed an imitation firearm at two people in the street has been jailed. Mark Griffiths, of Lon Helen, Caernarfon, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday, March 11th, after admitting to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. On September 15th 2024, the 29-year-old was in the Lon Y Bron area of Caernarfon when he pointed an imitation pistol towards another man and his mother following a confrontation, leaving them fearful for their lives. Griffiths, also known as Mark Fango locally, then turned and walked away back to his flat. Armed police attended…

Brand new images show what Cardiff Central could look like after an investment programme of up to £140 million to enhance the station. The full business case for the proposed improvements at Cardiff Central station was submitted at the end of last year and planning documents will be submitted soon. The delivery of the scheme is subject to planning and full business case approval. Transport for Wales is leading the scheme to revamp Wales’ busiest railway station and the new visuals provide a future glimpse of how the station could look. The proposed improvements will modernise the station and support…