Author: Rhys Gregory

A leading civil engineering firm’s determination to leave a legacy in communities in which they’ve worked has been underlined by a trio of sporting sponsorships. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has backed two junior football teams in the shape of Panthers under-11s and Prestatyn Sports under-11s, as well as Rhyl Rugby Club under-9s. This support links closely to the multi-million-pound coastal defence works in Penrhyn Bay in 2023 and current activity on a similar project in Kinmel Bay. Penrhyn Bay-based Panthers u-11s received a £1,500 donation, which has been used to purchase training kit and a matchday tracksuit for all 12 players.…

Three dead dogs have been found dumped in rubbish bags in a Pentrebach car park, Merthyr Tydfil. The upsetting discovery took place yesterday (Monday 30 December) at around 9am at the end of a car park on Brown Street near a small brick building. The three dogs found were all female – one black spaniel type dog, a white and ginger terrier type and a small white terrier who had black markings to her face. They were all found in separate black plastic bags. Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Kirsty Morgan, who collected the bodies, said: “The vet estimates they had…

The renowned Spanish restaurant group behind Asador 44 (Cardiff) and Bar 44 (Cardiff, Bristol and Penarth) will kick off the new year with an exciting and interactive offer to beat the January blues. Starting from 3rd January, customers visiting any Bar 44 restaurant, or the acclaimed Asador 44 in Cardiff, will have the chance to roll a custom-made dice for a chance to win up to 44% off their entire restaurant bill. The playful twist on a January sale is set to run Monday to Friday throughout the month. What’s the deal? When asking for their bill, guests dining at…

Wales’s legendary centre-forward, Mark Hughes is the subject of a brand-new documentary on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Wales on Tuesday, 7th January at 10.40pm; the first episode in a new series of Legends of Welsh Sport. David Beckham’s tributes to Mark Hughes are glowing. “There are certain players that played for United over the years that set the tone of the club. We were able to learn from players like Mark. That is why Mark is part of Manchester United history,” says Beckham. Focusing on his club career with two European super clubs – Manchester United and Barcelona –…

Hotels, guest houses and other providers of visitor accommodation in Powys are being encouraged to take part in a consultation on Welsh Government plans to introduce a tourism tax. The Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament’s) Finance Committee is seeking views as part of its scrutiny of the proposed Bill which, if passed into law, would see the introduction of a register for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales. It would also give councils – like Powys – the ability to impose a visitor levy (tax) which the places where they stay would be responsible for collecting. The consultation can be found…

Christmas at Bute Park has closed its doors after another jam-packed festive season that saw visitors flocking to enjoy the spectacular light display. Despite having to temporarily close due to flooding two days after its original opening date – and again for a day due to Storm Darragh’s high winds – 96,788 guests enjoyed the spectacular display at the award-winning event, with a re-imagined route of all new installations created by a selection of world-class artists and designers. Roxy Robinson, Creative Director at From the Fields, the team behind Christmas at Bute Park, said: “With Christmas at Bute Park in…

Two industrious residents at Penrhos Polish Village, Gwynedd, are using knitting as a force for good! Pauline Marchant and her son Stephen, moved into Penrhos Polish Village, near Pwllheli almost three years ago. A natural organiser, Pauline has a love of keeping herself busy and a passion for craft. Stephen, who is recovering from a life-threatening stroke, was keen to find an interest which would capture his attention and be possible to complete using only his right side. After exploring a variety of hobbies, Pauline hit upon the idea of a simple, hand cranked circular knitting machine. With a bit…

An entrepreneur from Gwynedd is redefining the way properties are bought and sold in the region, thanks to a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. Catra, established in October 2024, is an estate agency offering a personal, community-focused service that celebrates Gwynedd’s unique local areas and identity. The agency not only highlights the distinctive qualities of each property but also fosters deeper connections between buyers, sellers, and the vibrant communities they join. Freelance photographer and founder Kristina Banholzer was inspired to create Catra after noticing a growing trend during the pandemic: local homes being sold online to…

A PEMBROKE DOCK opticians has collected food, toiletries and seasonal supplies to help individuals and families in Pembrokeshire experiencing financial hardship. The collection, organised by trainee dispensing optician Courtney Hearn, was donated to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), a local charity dedicated to providing essential items, including food parcels, clothing and household necessities to those in need. PATCH also holds an annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures children in need receive gifts, art materials, chocolates and wrapping supplies, bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances during the festive season. The Specsavers team contributed food and toiletries, while retail director…

An elderly couple whose car broke down on Christmas eve have thanked emergency services who rescued them. Mr and Mrs Wharfe, both in their 80s, were travelling on the A470 from Llandudno towards the A55 at 4pm when their car started smoking, leaving them unable to see the road in front of them. A passerby saw the smoke and called 999. In less than five minutes, the great-grandparents were relieved to see police arrive. The couple has since been in touch to express their gratitude to those who helped them, Mr Wharfe said: “A lot of smoke was coming out…