Author: Rhys Gregory

A young man with autism has spoken movingly about how a mixed ability rugby club in North Wales has totally transformed his life. After joining the Colwyn Bay Stingrays Dylan Evans, 23, from Waunfaur, near Caernarfon, made new friends, starred in a television series with a rugby legend and secured employment with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). Dylan told his “inspirational” story at the presentation of a £1,500 grant from the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) using money seized from criminals. PACT’s main focus is to provide funding to community and voluntary groups for schemes that improve people’s…

Leading partnerships developer Lovell has hosted its 30th annual charity golf day in Cardiff and raised a total of £14,550, which will be split equally between three local charities. The event was held at Whitchurch Golf Club, near the developer’s regional head office, and saw 26 teams of employees, subcontractors, partners and consultants tee off in the morning and compete for prizes throughout the day. A charity auction was then held, consisting of prizes donated by Lovell clients, subcontractors and its supply chain. The auction was hosted by Welsh actor and writer Steve Speirs, who also gave a speech to round off…

The British Red Cross has announced its return to the National Eisteddfod of Wales taking place in Wrexham from 2 to 9 August. As one of Wales’ most cherished celebrations of culture, language and community, the Eisteddfod offers a powerful platform for organisations making a difference across the country. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the British Red Cross stand (619-620), where the charity will bring its story to life through powerful showcases of its work supporting individuals and communities across Wales, the UK and internationally. Highlights include interactive exhibits, informative activities and direct engagement with staff and volunteers. For…

A couple have been sentenced after officers spotted them drug dealing from their van. 43-year-old James Hannify and 41-year-old Michele Bradshaw, from Blaenymaes, were in the company of their young child when engaging in their illegal activity, after which they were arrested by officers. Significant quantities of substances and cash were found both in the vehicle and during a later search of the couple’s home. A list of customers was also discovered on mobile phones seized from the pair. James Hannify pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, being concerned in…

A giant piece of street art has appeared outside Cardiff Central Station, and it’s stopping people in their tracks. At first glance, it’s a clever optical illusion, but look a little closer, and it’s actually a fascinating window into Welsh history. Commissioned by Cadw and created by world-renowned chalk artist Julian Beever, the artwork celebrates the newly reopened medieval water-gate passageway which connects the castle’s great hall to the southern lake at Caerphilly – a historic part of the fortress that’s been hidden from view for centuries. The artwork is part of a campaign marking the completion of an £8 million…

Social enterprise development organisation Cwmpas is inviting both visitors and local social businesses to visit their stand – number 411 – on the Maes at this week’s National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. Here’s what’s planned: What’s missing in your community? From Saturday 2 August to Thursday 7 August (inclusive), Cwmpas will be inviting visitors to share what’s missing from their local communities, what services currently exist to address those gaps, and whether further support is needed. The aim is to help identify the assets that already make communities strong, while uncovering opportunities to enhance local resilience and wellbeing. The insights gathered…

Developers are being invited to bring forward ideas for high quality new public facilities to a much loved Gower seafront site. Swansea Council is looking to build on the success of the acclaimed redevelopment of the nearby Mumbles prom, by seeking ideas to significantly improve land at Langland Bay. The council is looking for a business to lease a 0.9-acre parcel of land close to Langland Bay beach and to add new leisure facilities to the spectacular coastline. The site, on Alma Road, currently contains three under-used tennis courts, a public toilet block and a small detached building that is vacant. Two…

Confirmation of £12,166,268 in UK Government funding for a project to restore and reopen the historic Newbridge Road Bridge in Aberavon has been welcomed. Cllr Wyndham Griffiths, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity said the Newbridge Active Travel Link and Dock Access initiative would improve walking and cycling connections in the area and create safer, more accessible routes. The project not only involves the restoration of the Grade II listed bridge it will also see a shared pedestrian and cycle track built into the bridge’s carriageway and there will also be upgrades for Newbridge…

Trehafod Football Pitch has been targeted in an act of mindless vandalism, causing significant damage and forcing a delay to its scheduled reopening. The facility, a key hub for grassroots football in the area, was due to reopen on Saturday, 9 August. However, the damage means several junior teams will now be unable to use the pitch while the Council’s Parks Team carries out urgent repair work. The incident has been described as “deeply disappointing”, with the pitch regarded as a valued community asset. The local community is being urged to come forward with any information. Anyone with details is…

A major £5 million investment is being made to improve the condition and safety of roads across Caerphilly County Borough, as a wide-ranging programme of resurfacing and surface dressing gets under way. Caerphilly County Borough Council is delivering essential road improvement works at over 50 locations across the county borough. The programme began in late July and is expected to continue through to the end of September, subject to weather conditions. The resurfacing work will target priority areas using a combination of treatments suited to specific road conditions. This includes Finagrip surface dressing treatments, where the worn surface layer is…