Author: Rhys Gregory

The pedestrian who died as a result of a road traffic collision on Water Street, Port Talbot on the evening of Saturday December 7, 2024, has been named as 86-year-old Thomas Noel Crowley. Thomas passed away on Tuesday 10th December at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff as a result of the injuries he sustained. His family has paid tribute to him: “Thomas Philip Noel Crowley, locally known as ‘Noel’ was a well-known member of the community and a devout Catholic. He grew up and lived all of his life in Port Talbot. He met his adored wife Anne in 1954, and they married…

A golden retriever named Jamie has become the newest and perhaps the most liked Transport for Wales (TfW) team member. The guide dog, who accompanies his owner Ryan Moreland, an Assistant Project Manager working in a team delivering safer streets for walking, wheeling and cycling, has been issued a TfW staff pass. Jamie joins Ryan three times a week at TfW headquarters in Pontypridd. Ryan, who is visually impaired hopes to bring his unique personal experience as a disabled passenger to his new role with TfW. He added: “I’m really excited about being a part of the solution, not just…

Pupils have helped create a vital habitat for the UK’s largest finch. Ysgol Llanfair DC pupils recently joined together with Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity Team and the North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) to establish new nature havens across the school ground. Planned by the NWWT, the collaboration with the pupils saw around 90 metres of mainly hornbeam hedge planted. Hornbeam seeds are the favourite winter food of the Hawfinch, the UK’s largest finch, which is declining at an alarming rate and the hedge will help support local populations. A small woodland was also planted on the site, alongside 12 fruit…

Swansea Council’s Wales Airshow has been crowned the Best Event at the 2024 South West Wales Tourism Awards. This accolade recognises the event’s exceptional contribution to tourism and its status as a standout experience in the region. The Wales Airshow, held annually in Swansea, is renowned for its breathtaking aerial displays, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond. The achievement also means the Wales Airshow will now represent South West Wales at the National Tourism Awards 2025. The national event will take place on 27th March 2025 at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, where it will…

Work on a major project to modernise visitor facilities and restore historic features at Neath’s Gnoll Estate Country Park is ‘progressing well’ says Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt. Cllr Hunt visited the park on Monday, December 16th, 2024, for an update on the transformational scheme which will enhance facilities for regular users, bring out the historic significance of the park and attract visitors from further afield. During his visit, accompanied by Neath Port Talbot Council Chief Executive Frances O’Brien, Deputy Leader Cllr Alun Llewelyn, fellow councillors, officials and representatives of project contractors Andrew Scott, Cllr Hunt was…

The Drop Zone Golf (TDZG), a new all-weather, family-friendly indoor golf centre, has officially launched in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent. The venue held a successful soft launch for family and friends before welcoming the public on December 2nd. The state-of-the-art facility offers year-round entertainment with golf simulators, a full-sized putting area, and a fully stocked golf shop, making it the first of its kind in Wales. Founded by passionate golfers Christian Lee Prosser and Gareth James, along with respected ex-golf professional Craig Evans, TDZG is designed to be a fully inclusive venue for people of all ages and abilities. The facility…

A Welsh language skills and talent initiative upskilling the next generation of people working in the TV industry via on-set training at BBC Studios Drama Productions has been commended by the Minister for Creative Industries, Jack Sargeant. The Pobol y Cwm Academy, launched at the National Eisteddfod earlier in the year, is an initiative from Stop Un Stop / One Stop Shop, who provide a clear, coherent and transparent way for creatives to enter or progress within the film and TV industry in Wales. A collaborative partnership of Welsh training providers, further and higher educators and industry organisations, Siop Un…

ICC Wales is proud to announce that its Sales Director, Danielle Bounds, has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award at this year’s ABPCO (The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers) Excellence Awards, recognising Danielle’s remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to shaping the future of the global events sector. The ABPCO Excellence awards, which took place last week (12 – 13 December) at The Winter Gardens Blackpool, recognise and celebrate industry best practice in association and not-for-profit conferences and events. Danielle was awarded the Outstanding Contribution accolade for her passion, drive and enthusiasm for inspiring others as well as her commitment to championing…

Exciting developments are under way at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni as the school prepares to move to a new site at the former Deri View Primary School in September 2025. This relocation signifies an exciting new phase for the school and increases its capacity to 420 pupils alongside a 60-place Meithrin (nursery). The new site represents a significant investment in the future of Welsh language education in Abergavenny and Monmouthshire. It aligns with the Welsh Government’s ambitious goal of reaching 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. As a council, we recognise our responsibility to advocate for Welsh medium education and…

Noise pollution in the workplace can significantly impact employee productivity and well-being. In a world where open office spaces are becoming increasingly common, it is important to find effective acoustic solutions that promote a quiet and focused work environment. In this article, we discuss various methods to soundproof your office, with a special focus on the benefits of acoustic ceiling spray. Why Soundproofing Is Important Noise pollution can lead to a range of problems, from reduced concentration and productivity to increased stress levels and even health issues such as headaches and high blood pressure. Creating a soundproof work environment is…