Author: Rhys Gregory

With its breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and excellent road and rail connections, Neath Port Talbot has served as the backdrop for numerous beloved TV shows and films. Additionally, the area hosts popular annual events such as Neath’s Food and Drink Festival, the highly successful In It Together Festival, the Dragon Ride, and family-friendly activities at Margam Country Park, all of which attract large crowds. Now, a new Neath Port Talbot Events Policy featuring a dedicated Events Team running a Film Office has been adopted by members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet at their meeting on August 7th, 2024. It…

Abertillery Library and Learning Action Centre are moving to the heart of Abertillery town centre. From Tuesday, 17th September you will find them at their new home in Trinity Chapel – Abertillery Library & Community Education Centre, Trinity Chapel, Church Street, Abertillery NP13 1DB. The new Abertillery Library and Community Education Centre will have the same great team assisting you and, if you have any questions, please go to Aneurin Leisure where you can find frequently asked questions for libraries and learning. The current library will be closed for two weeks to facilitate the move to Trinity Chapel from 31st August…

Powys County Council’s Grade II listed building the Gwalia in Llandrindod Wells has been put up for sale with an asking price of £250,000. Located near the town centre the building is currently used for the library, registration services and social care provision, the services will remain in the building until alternative permanent arrangements are in place. The sale is part of the council’s county-wide review of its assets to ensure buildings are fit-for-purpose for both public and office functions and support the council’s ambition to transform service delivery. New service delivery practices have already resulted in accommodation changes in…

A new Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board has been established for Wales and is the latest development in reaching the shared goal of a a TB-free Wales. The news was confirmed today by Huw Irranca-Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, ahead of a week attending agricultural shows across Wales. It follows the formation of the Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group in April and completes the governance structure for the programme set out in the TB Eradication Programme Delivery Plan published in March 2023. Speaking ahead of travelling to the Anglesey Agricultural Show and Pembrokeshire County Show, the…

In preparation for hosting the men’s UEFA U19 Championship in North Wales, the FAW is announcing a significant £3m worth of investment into facilities for the tournament that will take place between June and July 2026.  Wales was awarded the U19 Championship by UEFA in September 2023 and the finals tournament will be used to celebrate the FAW’s 150th anniversary. Eight teams will compete at the finals with seven teams having progressed through two qualifying rounds to join Cymru as the hosts. The following venues have been identified across North Wales: Stadium Venues: Nantporth Stadium, Bangor Central Park, Denbigh The Oval,…

In a fabulous first for foodies, The Gower Food and Drink Festival will launch next month (Saturday September 7th); over 40 fantastic exhibitors set to tempt the taste buds with an array of sweet and savoury treats, moreish meats, scrumptious ciders, vegetarian varieties, perfect preserves and so much more. Hosted at the Pennard Playing Fields, the festival – which is funded by the Rural Anchor Fund at Swansea Council – promises fun for all the family with something to suit all diets, ages and interests, children’s activities and also great live music courtesy of some talented local bands and artists…

Welsh international rugby player and Swansea University law graduate Alun Wyn Jones has taken up the position of Strategic Advisor to the National Network for Innovation In Sport and Health (NNIISH) within Swansea University. Jones is the most capped player in world rugby history, having made 158 appearances for Wales and 12 for the Lions during his 20-year career. The role will involve sharing his perspective on working within and leading teams, offering insight into driving performance and identifying emerging trends in the sport and health technology sectors. Jones will also support the development of an executive University course for…

A brass band currently ranked number one in the world is set to join the line-up of a globally renowned musical festival for the first time. Foden’s Band will raise the roof in a concert in St Asaph Cathedral on September 14th as part of this year’s North Wales International Music Festival 2024 which runs from September 12 to 21. The 30-strong band, based in Sandbach, Cheshire, will be competing in the British Open Brass Band Championships – the world’s oldest music contest – in the Symphony Hall, Birmingham just a week before the gig and have already set their…

A 32-year-old man has been jailed for six years for sexually assaulting a young girl. Jordan Swaine, of Gwyndy, Trawsfynydd, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing last week (Friday, August 9th). He was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch sexual activity and supplying cannabis. Swaine was working at a campsite in 2021 when he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl having repeatedly asked her for sex, despite knowing her age. On another occasion in his van, he gave the victim cannabis and showed…

From continuing works to preserve a once extinct species in Wales to preserving a Grade II listed building, Flintshire County Council’s connecting coast to countryside project is transforming the county’s coastline. The scheme aims to deliver improvements in scenic areas across eight coastal hubs for local residents and visitors. One hub that is benefitting from the programme is former coalmine Bettisfield Colliery in Bagillt, which has seen 40 bags of dumped rubbish collected, pathway upgrades, and continued support to protect the natterjack toad after its recent re-introduction. Formerly extinct in Wales, the rare natterjack now inhabits the site, one of…