Author: Rhys Gregory

Ten chefs were praised for the quality of their dishes in the National Chef of Wales final held at the at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) yesterday (Monday). “This competition is certainly gathering momentum, as we had more finalists than ever this year,” said WICC judging panel chairman Colin Gray. “It’s becoming iconic on the Welsh culinary calendar. “There were high standards throughout and some standout dishes. We hope to have found a chef to represent us in the Global Chef Challenge at next year’s Worldchefs Congress & Expo which is being held in Wales and the UK for…

The Welsh Rugby Union is proud to announce the appointment of Sean Lynn as the new Wales Head coach for the Wales Women’s senior side. Lynn has signed a three-year contract with the WRU and brings a wealth of rugby and coaching experience to the role. Swansea-born Lynn masterminded Gloucester-Hartpury’s back-to-back Premiership Women’s Rugby titles in 2023 and 2024 in England, widely regarded as the best club league in the world. His Gloucester-Hartpury side currently sit at the top of the PWR table, with a squad including a host of Welsh Test stars. Lynn will combine his duties with Wales…

UKSE has added experienced banker Alan Jenkins to its investment team as it continues its Support Programme for Wales. Alan brings over 40 years of financial experience to the Tata Steel subsidiary, which is working to mitigate the effects of recent changes to the steel industry by investing in businesses to create lasting and sustainable jobs. The Support Programme for Wales, launched last year is a range of targeted loans aiming to build economic vitality, both in the Port Talbot area and further afield. So far it has invested £2 million in 70 Welsh enterprises creating an estimated 344 jobs, and…

Two men have been found guilty of the murder of 33-year-old Andrew Main in Swansea city centre last year. 26-year-old Joseph Dix, from Frome, Somerset, and 28-year-old Macauley Ruddock, from Bath, Somerset, both pleaded not guilty to murder following the incident, which took place on Princess Way on July 17, 2024. Andrew Main, from Falkirk, Scotland, died from his injuries on August 14 having never regained consciousness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Rgc234VWA Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton said: “We are pleased to hear of the murder conviction for both Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock. “Both men were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew Main.…

A 35-year-old man who spat in a police officer’s face has been jailed. Carl Andrew Bambrough, of no fixed abode, appeared at Mold Crown Court today, January 20th after admitting to threatening violence and assaulting an emergency worker. On July 28th 2024, officers attended an address in Wrexham following reports Bambrough was in possession of a knife. Fearing he would harm himself or others, officers tried to calm him down and help him, but he spat at an officer’s face. He was jailed for 12 months. District Inspector Heidi Stokes said: “Spitting at someone is a truly disgusting and cowardly…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has unveiled a new wildlife garden at Sully Primary School, featuring hundreds of native plants species to promote biodiversity. In partnership with Morgan Sindall Construction and Groundwork Wales, the purpose-built wildlife garden aims to encourage students to engage in a range of hands-on outdoor activities whilst also learning about the environment and conservation.The project aligns with the Council’s Project Zero initiative to become carbon neutral by 2030 and comes after it declared both climate and nature emergencies. More than 500 species of native pollinating plants and five native trees were selected by local growers –…

Denbighshire County Council is excited to be expanding its reablement service in Adult Social Care, which helps residents do ordinary things such as dressing and cooking, by recruiting 8 new Reablement Workers. This forms part of Denbighshire’s transformation to ensure a sustainable social care service for the future, and also helps mitigate some of the financial pressures the Council faces. The new staff will be supporting people who need a hand to regain the skills do everyday activities like cooking meals, washing, dressing, moving about the home and going out. There are a number of reasons why people may need…

A section of Gower coast path affected by coastal erosion is being diverted further inland to help maintain the popular walking route. Swansea Council’s Countryside Access Team has brought in contractors to create a new 370 metre section of coast path further inland, between Rotherslade and Limeslade. The path upgrade will mean the immediate closure  of the original section of path between Rotherslade and Ram’s Tor, in an effort to keep walkers safe while the improvements are completed. Walkers will be able to follow an alternative route during the majority of the works. The latest work does not impact on…

The annual event – kindly sponsored by Trade Centre Wales – lets runners choose between 10k and 5k mixed terrain routes in the stunning surroundings of Margam Country Park. And those taking part can help raise funds and awareness for the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s nominated charities this year – the Morriston Podiatry General Fund and the NPT District Nurses Fund. This year’s Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr Matthew Crowley said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our local residents and those from further afield to enjoy a breathtaking run in breathtaking surroundings. “At the same time, they…

A draft environmental strategy, covering proposals for the future of waste and recycling, street cleansing and green spaces in Pembrokeshire has been launched by Pembrokeshire County Council. Members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the Draft Environmental Services Strategy 2025-2030. Over the past 20 years Pembrokeshire County Council has successfully brought in a number of changes which has regularly placed the Authority among the best performing councils in wales for recycling. However, there is more to do and a detailed analysis of household waste undertaken in 2022 found that 48% of the materials in black bags in…