Author: Rhys Gregory

Children from schools across Pembrokeshire have been meeting some of Wales’ best-loved authors during the week of World Book Day as part of ‘Stars of The Shelves’, an initiative by the Books Council of Wales, funded by Welsh Government and delivered through Pembrokeshire Libraries. The programme brought a range of acclaimed writers into local libraries, giving pupils the chance to experience first-hand what it is like to work with a professional author. Schools from across the county were invited to visit their nearest library to take part in interactive sessions designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong…

A programme of improvements is being rolled out across several parks in Caerphilly County Borough to enhance the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of local play facilities for children and families. Over the coming weeks, upgrade works will take place at: Waunfawr Park Bargoed Park Cwm Darran Park Morgan Jones Park Ystrad Mynach Park Blackwood Showfield The parks will remain open during this period; however, some individual pieces of playground equipment will be temporarily out of use. In some locations, existing items have been removed for safety reasons in preparation for the installation of new, more inclusive play equipment. Safety fencing…

Councillors in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen have backed a proposal for a Joint Local Development Plan. Local Development Plans are developed by local authorities to guide future developments, land use and infrastructure requirements over a 15-year period. Both councils are currently in the process of developing Replacement Local Development Plans, which have faced delays. A report presented to both councils last week outlined three options: to continue with the current Replacement Local Development Plan processes, withdraw and begin work on new individual RLDPs, or withdraw and begin work on a Joint Blaenau Gwent Torfaen LDP. Councillors were told a Joint LDP…

The Gwent Green Grid Partnership hosted a celebration of a spectacular new multimedia artwork celebrating the incredible biodiversity of the region. The BioTapestry is an ambitious 70-metre-long creation, created by community groups from all five Gwent authorities. Far from a traditional tapestry, it’s a dazzling mixed media masterpiece that bursts with colour, texture, and life, capturing the habitats and species that make Gwent truly unique. Across 20 striking panels, four from each local authority, the BioTapestry journeys through woodland, aquatic, grassland, and urban landscapes. Each panel shines a spotlight on iconic species including Atlantic salmon, hawfinches, hedgehogs, marsh fritillary butterflies, and white‑clawed…

In less than a month, new providers of children’s homes, fostering services and secure accommodation will no longer be able to make a profit in Wales — making it the first nation in the UK to take this landmark step. Currently, some children’s care homes and fostering services in Wales are run by companies that make a profit. That means public money can end up in shareholders’ pockets rather than being spent on the children who need it most. The Welsh Government is committed to phasing out the extraction of profit from children’s social care services, specifically children’s homes, fostering…

Over £740,000 of Welsh Government Tech Valleys funding will help inspire thousands more children across Southeast Wales to explore cyber security careers. The National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) will use the investment to expand its cyber security education outreach programme to 10,000 learners across the region. NDEC delivers interactive activities on digital forensics, cybercrime and internet safety for primary school children. The funding will enable bilingual delivery, introduce new training on AI and sustainability, and help address barriers like transport and equipment costs for schools in disadvantaged areas. Delivered by Thales and the University of South Wales, and supported by…

A seasonal funfair featuring family rides, a big wheel, food stalls and more will soon head to Salt Lake as part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s plans for regenerating the waterfront area of Porthcawl and creating more opportunities for staging cultural and leisure events. The funfair will be set up in time for Easter and will remain in place throughout the summer season. It will briefly share the Salt Lake site with the NoFit State contemporary circus, which will also be present between 11-19 April to offer a combination of live music, dance, film and traditional circus skills. Designed to…

We often imagine that a new destination will automatically make us feel present and at peace. However, once we arrive, our minds often continue to race with worries about work, future travel plans, or capturing the perfect social media video. The truth is that being present is a skill, not a location. It requires practice to ensure your mind is in the same place as your body. When you learn to stay “right here,” you stop just visiting and start truly experiencing. This shift turns a simple vacation into a deep, lasting memory that stays with you forever. Why We…

In the realm of luxury footwear, few names command the reverence and admiration reserved for Brunello Cucinelli. Established in 1978 in the picturesque Italian village of Solomeo, this distinguished brand has transcended mere fashion to embody a philosophy—a harmonious blend of exceptional craftsmanship, ethical business practices, and timeless design. Brunello Cucinelli footwear represents the pinnacle of Italian savoir-faire, where each stitch and curve is executed with meticulous attention to detail. Not simply accessories, these shoes serve as testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and its founder’s belief in “humanistic capitalism,” where profit harmoniously coexists with human dignity and…

A road in Barry has been closed in both directions following a serious collision. South Wales Police confirmed they are at the scene on Five Mile Lane, where the incident occurred this afternoon. The road has been shut in both directions and is expected to remain closed for some time while emergency services deal with the situation. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible, with delays expected on surrounding roads. No further details about the collision or any injuries have been released at this stage. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and allow…