Author: Rhys Gregory

A team of ocean rowers has this weekend (Saturday 7 March) set off on the next leg of an endurance mission to raise £57m over four years for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and treatment. The ROW4MND team, consisting of four highly experienced athletes, are embarking on the gruelling second leg of a challenge. Taking place over an expected ten-day period, the route requires them to row for 24 hours a day in cold, dark and harsh conditions across the Irish Sea, towards Scotland. Building on the success of last year’s challenge, which raised more than £140,000 over the summer, the March…

Paul Chuckle MBE was in Penarth on Saturday as he embarked on a ‘Thank you’ tour of the UK to celebrate 40 years of the charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal. He visited the charity’s shop on Windsor Road, joined a charity collection with fundraising volunteers and met special guests on his Daff bike – a Marie Curie-branded Chuckle bike. Paul met some staff who work at the charity’s Cardiff and the Vale Hospice on Bridgeman Road in the town – Emma Grant, Kathryn Guerico and Debbie Morgan – as well as Neil Andrews, whose mum and mother-in-law both received support from the charity in their final days. He also met members of the public and…

An historic semi-detached Powys house with a signature flagstone floor rear basement is on the market for the price of a second-hand hatchback car. The one-bedroom property in Trecastle, near Brecon, is in need of serious refurbishment but is being offered with an auction guide price of £5,000. Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The end terrace house offers a wealth of opportunities for the new owner with vision. It’s in a great part of marvellous scenic mid Wales in the picturesque village of Trecastle which is not far from the vibrant market town of Brecon with all its…

The North East Wales Football Association (NEWFA) has announced the launch of a recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as the organisation looks to strengthen its leadership and deliver its next phase of strategic development. The role will be a part-time, service-based contract, with the successful candidate responsible for supporting the implementation of NEWFA’s new operating model and helping deliver the association’s strategic objectives across the region. Working closely with the NEWFA Board of Directors, the CEO will provide leadership and coordination across the association’s activities, ensuring that strategy is translated into clear delivery plans and measurable…

Simplifying the tax system is the greatest boost the government could give entrepreneurs. In response to a HM Treasury consultation Tax support for entrepreneurs, leading global accountancy body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) says entrepreneurs and investors are put off investing in their businesses by tax complexity, administrative costs and the compliance burden. ACCA welcomes the government focus on supporting entrepreneurs and recognises that many of the existing tax breaks does help the start-up sector. Gemma Gathercole, strategic engagement lead, ACCA UK, said: “Existing tax support can have a significant impact on available and accessible start-up and scale-up capital.…

The first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail – a tram‑train route from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay via Callaghan Square – is set to move into the construction phase, with GRAHAM identified as the principal contractor. This milestone marks a major step forward for the vision of Cardiff Crossrail, which, when complete, will deliver a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north west of the city with the proposed new Parkway railway station in the east. Subject to Cabinet approval at its meeting on March 19th, delegated authority will be given to proceed with GRAHAM as the…

Cardiff Council is setting out further steps to improve the city’s recycling and composting rate, as it strives towards the Welsh Government’s 70% target. Recycling and composting targets in Wales are set in law by the Welsh Government, with the target set higher in Wales compared with other parts of the United Kingdom. Failure to meet the targets can result in significant fines, with a possible fine of £200 for every tonne that is not recycled. Recycling in Cardiff has improved in recent years, rising to 64% in 2024/25, but there is still significant potential to recycle more household waste. Around…

Work to transform secondary education in Barry is continuing as a major redevelopment project at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School moves forward. The improvements are part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which has already delivered new and upgraded facilities at several schools across the town. Back in 2020, new school buildings were constructed at Pencoedtre High School and Whitmore High School, while Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg was significantly extended. Each school now features modern classrooms, updated facilities and improved equipment designed to support learning. St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School is now set…

RCT Council has secured more than £4 million in new Welsh Government funding to continue to develop local flood alleviation schemes, with a total of 24 projects being designed and/or delivered over the year ahead. This significant programme will ensure flood alleviation remains a priority investment area for our communities. This allocation will complement the Council’s own funding in this area and, combined with grants already in place for 2026/27, the total funding for flood alleviation in Rhondda Cynon Taf next year will likely be more than £6 million. The investment will focus on the Council’s area of responsibility in…

A total of 260 girls from across Caerphilly County Borough came together for a Girls’ Football Festival at the Centre for Sporting Excellence, led by Sport Caerphilly. The festival featured 26 teams from 23 schools, with every school representing the county borough. Teams played in a 7-a-side format with squads of up to 10 players, creating an energetic and supportive environment focused on participation, enjoyment and development. With no overall winners declared, the event prioritised experience over competition. The day provided valuable match experience, helped build confidence and created opportunities for girls to develop their skills in a positive setting.…