Author: Rhys Gregory

The streets of Swansea sparkled with Christmas cheer for this year’s brilliant Christmas Parade. Santa kicked off the festivities at the Guildhall by illuminating the building in red and green before setting off the first of two dazzling fireworks displays. Entertainers wowed the crowd on the entertainment stage in front of the Guildhall. The parade boasted a spectacular procession of illuminated floats, community groups, marching bands, and larger-than-life characters. Professional entertainers including Spark! the light up band, Winter Wonderland Birds and new for 2025, the Living Snow Globe – an interactive snow globe featuring a Snow Queen in a wintry…

Newport City Council has reported strong progress on its major programme to improve roads across the city, with more than twenty key routes resurfaced over the last few months. The work is part of a wider plan to invest in Newport’s most important roads and respond to concerns raised by residents and local councillors. “I’m delighted that we have been able to make such good progress on this in such a quick space of time,” said Councillor Rhian Howells, cabinet member for infrastructure and assets. “This investment into our city is going to make a real difference for our residents…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is pleased to share an update on progress at the former Meals Direct building in Rhymney, which is being transformed into a new community gym through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) with JM Fitness CIC. The group have been working hard over the last few weeks to undertake the final tasks required before welcoming the community into the gym. In addition to refurbishment works, JM Fitness CIC has been active in securing funding to enhance the gym’s sustainability. A funding application for solar roof panels and electric radiators is expected to be submitted shortly, following advice…

Wales welcomes UK’s finest talent as it hosts the WorldSkills UK national finals – starting tomorrow (Wednesday 26th November) – for the first time. More than 400 of the UK’s most talented young people will compete in the national skills finals across South Wales venues this week (26–28 November 2025). The WorldSkills UK finals are the UK’s largest vocational skills event, attracting thousands of competitors and visitors locally and nationally. This year’s event will feature 417 competitors from across the UK, including a record-breaking number of 122 competitors hailing from Wales. The competition provides a platform for young people to…

Mae’r stori hon hefyd ar gael yn Saesneg – cliciwch yma i’w darllen. Erbyn hyn, mae maint Coedwig Genedlaethol Cymru gyfwerth â thros 90,000 o gaeau rygbi diolch i rwydwaith o safleoedd coetir ledled Cymru. Mae ychwanegiadau diweddar yn cynnwys dau safle newydd: Neuadd Aberduna yng ngogledd-ddwyrain Cymru a Choedwig y Castell yn Sir Gaerfyrddin, sy’n ychwanegu 24 hectar rhyngddynt. Bydd y ddau safle hyn yn helpu i gefnogi natur, mynd i’r afael â’r argyfwng hinsawdd, a chefnogi mwy o bobl i dreulio amser mewn mannau gwyrdd. Dywedodd Lucy Powell, o Outside Lives yn Neuadd Aberduna: “Wedi’u harwain gan natur, rydym yn…

This story is also available in Welsh – click here to read it. The National Forest for Wales now covers the equivalent of over 90,000 rugby pitches thanks to a network of woodland sites across Wales. Recent additions include two new sites: Aberduna Hall in north-east Wales and Castle Wood in Carmarthenshire, adding 24 hectares between them. Both these sites will help support nature, tackle the climate emergency, and support more people to spend time in green spaces. Lucy Powell, from Outside Lives at Aberduna Hall said: “Guided by nature, we believe in building communities that look after themselves and each other.…

Elan Catrin Parry from Wrexham has achieved an incredible feat by completing the Chester Triple Challenge, culminating in the Chester Marathon, all in support of Nightingale House Hospice, a charity close to her family’s heart. Elan’s journey to the finish line has been one of determination, recovery, and resilience. In February 2023, after suffering two years of pain, Elan underwent surgery to repair the labrum in her hip. Unfortunately, the damage was so severe that the labrum had to be removed entirely. During the operation, her hip flexor was overstretched, leaving her unable to lift her left foot, even to…

Blaenavon Co-op re-launches with a fresh new-look and enhanced range and choice following a five-week programme of improvements. The Ivor Street store – which supports 12 local jobs – has been ‘transformed’ with a brand new look and layout which includes an in-store bakery, Costa Coffee Express and new refrigeration which not only cuts Co-op’s carbon footprint, but also enhances the store’s fresh, chilled and frozen range. Blaenavon’s Co-op is welcoming members and customers back into their local store, where they will see an extended range and choice including fresh and healthy products; food-to-go and meal deals; Fairtrade goods; pizzas;…

This November, Llandovery Community Cinema is turning up the volume with a special screening of the acclaimed Welsh-language documentary Ffa Coffi Pawb. With English subtitles and an infectious soundtrack, this time capsule of 80s and 90s Wales is a must-see whether you’re a die-hard music fan, a lover of Welsh culture, or simply looking for a unique evening out. Before the film rolls, we’ll be gathering for one of our much-loved community meals. Bring a dish to share and settle in for an evening of good food, good company, and great film. Ffa Coffi Pawb dives into the story of…

A team of dedicated charity fundraisers donned sunblock and hiking boots to successfully complete a demanding 100km trek across the Sahara Desert, raising over £43,000 for St David’s Hospice. The 14-strong team undertook the challenge to raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides essential care for people across Conwy, Gwynedd, and Anglesey living with terminal illnesses. Navigating the Moroccan part of the desert, the group walked across hot sand, tackling formidable obstacles including ancient riverbeds, towering sand dunes, and intense heat to complete the gruelling route. Among the trekkers was Sophie Morris, a long-time supporter and dedicated fundraiser for…