Author: Rhys Gregory

The JD Cymru Premier attracted a total of 91,356 supporters to matches across 2025, setting a new record for a single calendar year for a 12 team Welsh top flight. The figure represents a 19 percent increase on the 2024 total of 76,355 and is the highest attendance for a single calendar year in the Welsh top flight since 1997, when the league consisted of 21 clubs in 1996 to 97 and 20 clubs in 1997 to 98. The biggest attendance of 2025 came in May at Ogi Bridge Meadow, where 1,717 fans witnessed Haverfordwest County’s 3 to 1 victory…

A major employer in Bridgend has ended 2025 on a high after a year of international recognition, local celebration and continued investment in Wales. Sony UK Technology Centre (Sony UK TEC), based in Pencoed, has capped off one of its most successful years to date – combining global award wins with strong community engagement and new business partnerships, while celebrating key milestones in its long-standing Welsh presence. A standout moment of the year was the celebration of 25 years of broadcast camera manufacturing in Pencoed, marking a quarter of a century during which world-class cameras made in Wales have been…

To celebrate the introduction of a newly planted Winter Garden, Aberglasney will reduce its entrance fee to £10 throughout January and February. January and February are beautiful months to visit Aberglasney as 100s of varieties of daffodils as well as hellebores will be in bloom around the gardens, the snowdrops have started to flower and crocus will be adding an elegant touch of colour to the historical Cloister Garden. Newly planted Daphnes, as well as Sarcococca and Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) also provide delightful, sweet scents. The newly planted Winter Garden has been funded by money raised by the Director, Helen…

A £1000 UKSE Bursary for a teenage rugby star has been described as a “God-send” as the young player juggles the demands of a hectic lifestyle. Kelyn Jude-Hobbs is doing GCSE’s at Croesyceiliog Comprehensive in Cwmbran – and at the same time travelling around the UK playing and training with an unbelievably busy schedule. Kelyn, who is 15, has already represented Wales in rugby league several times, and is now on the pathway to joining the Academy at top English side Hull Kingston Rovers and is aiming at a long-term training contract with the prestigious club. It means that Kelyn…

With Met Office warnings for snow and ice this week, the RSPCA is urging people to take some simple steps to help keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe. Low temperatures and icy conditions can present additional challenges for animals, particularly those that are outdoors or in exposed areas. The charity is reminding people that a few simple checks and small changes to daily routines can help keep pets, livestock and wildlife comfortable and safe during colder spells. The call comes as the charity’s Big Give Back to Animal continues to raise awareness for how the public can support its frontline officers amid…

Cardiff Council is set to launch its annual budget consultation for 2026–27, inviting residents to have their say on how the city’s resources should be allocated in the year ahead. For the first time in many years, the Council will not be proposing any cuts to frontline services, due to a better than expected 2026–27 draft budget settlement announced by Welsh Government last month. However, Cardiff Council still faces the challenge of closing a £22.7 million budget gap (the gap between the funding the council receives and the cost of the services it provides) while continuing to prioritise the services…

A 41-year-old man who died following a fatal road traffic collision on Boxing Day in Trebanog Terrace, Penderyn has been named as Jamie Lee Morrison, from the Penderyn area. His family has paid the following tribute to him: “Jamie was a loving son, brother, grandson, and uncle. He was only 41 having been taken from us so suddenly, and nothing can express the loss that we are currently feeling as a family. “He was well known in the community and was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a heart of gold and was totally selfless and would help…

A new video has revealed major progress on the landmark living building scheme taking shape in Swansea city centre. The Biophilic Living Biome development is being led by Hacer Developments in partnership with Pobl Group and brings together the former Woolworths building on Oxford Street with a new adjoining 13 storey tower. Anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2026, the scheme is designed around sustainability and wellbeing. Once finished, it will include an urban style greenhouse set across four floors, an education facility, rooftop gardens, wildflower borders and a range of green spaces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36EK0Y7eno0 The development will…

A foster carer, who has worked for Powys County Council for 18 years, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours. Mair Wilson, who says she is part of a team providing care with her husband Roy, their own children Nia, Rhys and Dale, and even family friends, said: “I keep on wanting to pinch myself, I’m going to wake up in a minute. “It’s really lovely. I’m very honoured and very humbled as well, I can’t believe it.” Mair and Roy, who live near Llandrindod Wells, have looked after 13 children on long-term placement and many more for…

An extra £2m has been allocated to help Welsh tourism and hospitality businesses install weatherproofing measures. The Year of Croeso Weatherproofing Fund received nearly 400 applications from businesses seeking grants between £5,000 and £20,000. The original £1.75m budget has been increased to meet overwhelming demand. The scheme supports micro, small and medium size businesses employing between 1- 250 people. Successful applicants will receive grants covering up to 75% of project costs. Visit Wales research in 2024 found that 55% of tourism businesses cited poor weather as the main reason for reduced visitor numbers. This additional investment will help businesses extend…