Author: Rhys Gregory

This week, the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has said that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. During a statement which was made in the Senedd today, the Deputy First Minister, said: “I’m pleased to share with the Senedd today that I have seen the strength of feeling on this, and I have listened. “The matter has been discussed and debated in the Senedd and, as demonstrated last week, has clear cross-party support. “Our consultation on a national model for animal welfare, which included questions…

City Hospice, Cardiff’s local hospice, has joined the national conversation about the growing need for hospice care and the critical importance of legacy gifts in Wills. City Hospice is one of over 143 hospices across Wales, Scotland and England taking part in the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign this week, a national initiative facilitated by Hospice UK. The campaign, which launches today and features a powerful TV advert based on real life hospice stories, aims to raise awareness about the vital role hospices play in communities and to shift public perceptions of hospice care. The goal is to encourage people…

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has announced UK Analytics as a new corporate partner. UK Analytics is a leading provider of carbon management solutions and has elevated its membership with the Chamber to partnership status. This significant development sees the firm become part of an exclusive group that shares a special relationship with the Chamber, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering strong relationships within the business community. Through its partnership, UK Analytics aims to leverage the Chamber’s extensive network and resources to drive innovation and growth in carbon management, as well as promote sustainable business practices and…

Horse racing fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland will be in their element next month as the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is staged from March 11-14. The meeting inevitably sparks a ton of interest in Wales, which has a long-standing affinity with the National Hunt code of the sport. Welsh punters are already clamouring to find the latest Cheltenham betting odds ahead of what promises to be a thrilling four-day showcase of jumps racing. One of the best aspects of the meeting is watching horses who have the potential to become future superstars over jumps. With that in mind, read…

Much like several other cities dotted across the UK, Cardiff was once teeming with bingo clubs. The wonderfully British game of numbered balls and cheeky calls was a staple of Friday and Saturday nights out, particularly from the 1960s onwards. There were many elements behind the appeal of bingo, with the most prominent being that it’s easy to play, not costly to enjoy, and that big prizes were on the line. A change in the state of play from 1961 allowed big cash prizes to be offered, encouraging even successful dancehall chains to pivot into becoming bingo halls as well.…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to market Oriel House Hotel & Spa, a former four-star hotel within a converted boarding school building. Located on the rural outskirts of St Asaph, Oriel House dates back to the 18th century and comprises 38 letting bedrooms, a bar and lounge, indoor and outdoor restaurant spaces, function facilities, gym, spa and swimming pool. The 2.3 acre site also includes lawned gardens, patios, and a Japanese garden which is a popular choice for outdoor wedding ceremonies. Originally a boarding school, the building was tastefully converted into a hotel in the…

The average price of a home sold in Wales increased slightly to £233,200 in the final quarter of 2024, remaining approximately at the same level as the start of the year. The figures have been released from Principality Building Society’s Wales House Price Index for Q4 2024 (October – December), which demonstrates the rise and fall in house prices in each of the 22 local authorities in Wales. The uplift in sales saw the number of transactions at the highest level for three years, following quarter-on-quarter growth which signals a strong consumer appetite, and a housing market in Wales that…

Applications for the 2025 Green Man Trust Community Grants are now open, with a total of £10,000 to be distributed to Powys projects. Due to the tremendous interest and number of applications for grants last year, Green Man Trust has opened applications earlier to give more time for Powys organisations to apply. Green Man Trust established Community Grants two years ago to help schemes that encourage inclusiveness and wellness in local communities in Powys. Green Man is particularly interested in funding projects that combat the negative impact of the widening wealth and age gap in Powys, which is affecting vulnerable…

Brains Brewery has launched a revolutionary new brew called Boudicca, which set to captivate beer lovers with its unique blend of taste, passion, and history. The 5% porter, created by 25-year-old female brewer Rochelle Pinto, is hitting the pumps at over 450  Wetherspoons pubs nationwide as part of their Spring Beer Festival on March 5th, marking the first step in what is expected to be an exciting journey for the ale. Inspired by the fierce warrior queen Boudicca, known for her strength and resilience, this dark brown/black beer delivers a taste of roasted malts, dark chocolate, sweet caramel, with a…

SF PARKS plans to build luxurious multi-million pound ‘treehouse’ accommodation at one of its most popular holiday resorts. The proposals for WhiteHouse Leisure Park in Towyn would complement a recently constructed climbing wall, ‘The Jump’ and a high-ropes course at the award-winning site, in addition to a planned upgrade to the existing Jakes family restaurant and pub, an amusement arcade, a cinema room, and soft play, along with the creation of a spa and gym. This latest development comes after directors Jonathan and Oliver Seldon were given the green light last week for a six-lane bowling alley, rooftop bar, extended…