Author: Rhys Gregory

A BRECON opticians has raised £750 for its local foodbank, supporting vulnerable individuals and families in the community. The team at Specsavers Brecon organised a series of creative fundraisers throughout last year to collect donations for Brecon Foodbank. These included a ‘Guess how many contact lenses in a jar?’ challenge, a fancy-dress walk-up Pen-y-Fan, a Halloween bake sale and a Christmas hamper raffle. Thanks to the generosity of customers and determined efforts by staff members, the store successfully raised £750 to help the foodbank continue its vital work. Rachel Stephens, optician director at Specsavers Brecon, says: ‘We want to give…

Virtual reality and video gaming techniques could give a new lease of life to radio and theatre plays. Researchers at Aberystwyth University have transformed a radio play written more than 20 years ago into an interactive virtual reality (VR) experience. Audiences are being given the chance to experience the play Mapping the Soul in a unique and immersive way by wearing VR headsets. They move through a series of computer-generated locations, following the main character Adam and interacting with him as he goes on a philosophical journey through his subconscious in search of his soul. First broadcast on BBC Radio…

Wales’ fostering community is highlighting the benefits of local authority care as The Welsh Government’s landmark Health and Social Care Bill begins the process of removing profit from the children’s care system. Wales is the first country in the UK to legislate to remove profit from both residential and foster care for children. Foster Wales’ Staying local campaign, led by care experienced people and local authority foster carers, aims to show how the policy will support young people in care to stay connected to their local area, community, friends, and school. Last year, 85 per cent of young people with local…

As February half term approaches, many families are seeking fun-filled activities to keep the children entertained ¾ all without breaking the bank. Here in Neath Port Talbot, the region known as the Dramatic Heart of Wales, there are plenty of low- and no-cost fun, family days out to experience. From welly walks to wildlife craft days, beach adventures to country park playdates, families visiting the area can discover why this region is known as the ‘hidden gem’ of South Wales. Family Fun Days at Margam Country Park Margam Country Park welcomes families of all ages to explore its rolling 850…

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Development Control Committee has been minded to approve Marubeni Europower`s Planning Application with conditions. The application is subject to the Welsh Government`s Holding Direction. The decision reached on the 20th February 2025 during a special meeting which was convened to determine the planning application for the hydrogen and solar energy development. Earlier in the day, council members visited the two proposed sites, located in Bryncethin and Brynmenyn, before reconvening at the civic offices for the special meeting. At the same meeting, the Committee also considered HyBont`s Hazardous Substances Consent application. Prior to this the Health and…

The victim of a sustained and vicious sexual attack has today revealed that they believed they would “die that night in the toilets of a hospital.” At a Court hearing in early January, Lee James Mullen, 38 of Church Street in Flint admitted sexual assault by penetration and inflicting grievous bodily harm, having followed them into a toilet at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, on 10 December 2024. Following a sustained attack, Mullen of Church Street Flint, held his hand over the victim’s mouth and told her he would kill her if she reported him. He was previously sentenced to…

Bedford Park Nature Reserve, enveloping 18 hectares of green space and ruins of the 18th century Cefn Cribwr Ironworks, is set to benefit from improved access arrangements, with works already underway. Led by the council’s Green Space Enhancement team in collaboration with the Conservation and Design team, and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project features extensive access improvements throughout the park, including within the area of the ancient monument, Bedford Ironworks. Additionally, the transformative project will also create designated zones, including a wellbeing space and picnic area. The Bedford Ironworks, a site of exceptional heritage value in…

The first phase of the internal fit out has now commenced at the Queen’s Market building in Rhyl. After two successful open days last month, which saw over 90 potential vendors tour the site and discuss the potential of operating from the historic site, the internal works are now currently underway. The first phase of the internal fit out work includes the installation of the furniture, lighting and CCTV. Other essential electrical work will also be carried out inside the building. The Queen’s Market has been an important landmark in Rhyl since 1902 and has provided a variety of uses…

The stage is set, and the excitement is building—the 2025 Welsh Fitness Awards are officially open for applications! Mark your calendars for Thursday, 1st May, as we gear up for the seventh annual celebration of Wales’ thriving fitness community. This year’s prestigious black-tie gala will be hosted by none other than Jonathan Millard, one of the UK’s leading boxing MCs, at the iconic Hilton Hotel, Cardiff. It promises to be an unforgettable night, spotlighting the stars, innovators, and game-changers shaping Welsh fitness today. This year’s award categories include: Personal Trainer of the Year Fitness Club of the Year (Single Facility)…

The people of Swansea can celebrate and salute ‘their’ Sailors on St David’s Day, when the men and women of HMS Cambria march proudly through the city’s streets. For the first time in more than six years, the Royal Navy Reservists will celebrate their historic right of Freedom of the City. The city is home to the Tawe Division of the Royal Naval Reserve, a satellite of the Royal Navy’s home in Wales, HMS Cambria, which occupies a prime location on the Cardiff waterfront thanks to its new multi-million-pound headquarters. They’ll be forming up in front of civic and  regional…