Author: Rhys Gregory

A celebrated six-bedroom inn at the heart of the picturesque town of Usk, Monmouthshire, is hitting the auction block—offering a rare chance to own a thriving business in one of Wales’ most charming locales. The New Court Inn, a much-loved public house on the historic Maryport Street, has been meticulously transformed by its current owners into a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike. Now, this landmark property is being offered for sale by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £399,000-plus. Set within a vibrant community just a stone’s throw from Usk Castle and scenic riverside walks, the striking two-storey inn boasts a…

If you’ve signed up for a 10K race or simply want to push yourself further after completing a Couch to 5K there’s some things you to know to maximise your training. Run 4 Wales Race Director, and double Olympic marathoner, Steve Brace, shares his advice to help in conquering the distance. Build your base – before you rush ahead with a new training plan, it’s important that you’ve set up some good running foundations first. When aiming for a 10K it’s best to first make sure you can comfortably run 5K before starting and then allow 8-10 weeks for your…

Female entrepreneurs Sophie Mason and Merryn Roberts-Ward are starting an ‘inclusion revolution’ with the launch of an App that that has been part-funded by a micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales. The ThinkEDI App collates, measures and tracks diversity and inclusion data. It is a simple and pioneering solution to diversity and inclusion – keeping people at its heart whilst allowing organisations to make actionable and measurable strategic decisions based on hard data. The App has been developed by Cardiff-based WeGetDesign. Co-founders Sophie Mason and Merryn Roberts-Ward both have personal experience of the discrimination and unconscious bias faced…

Since 2017, Aldi has invested almost £600 million to upgrade its stores across the UK, including 29 in Wales. Its store enhancement programme has seen the UK’s fourth largest supermarket focus on expanding its fresh, chilled and food-to-go offerings, while also creating simpler layouts and energy efficient LED lighting. The stores that have undergone the changes include Newport, Cardiff (Dartington Drive and City Link Retail Park), Wrexham and Porthmadog. Aldi is now preparing for the next stage of development, which will see nearly £67 million invested in existing stores throughout 2025. The new phase will bring further improvements, including additional…

South Wales Police was called just after 10pm on Monday February 10 with a report that a 28-year-old man had attended a hospital in Merthyr with multiple stab wounds. 23-year-old George Miles-Williams from Hereford has been charged with attempt murder and has been remanded into custody. Two women from Hereford, aged 54 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and have been bailed for further enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector James Morris said: “I understand incidents such as this are concerning for the public, but I’d like to reassure the local community that this appears to be…

Swansea University has launched a new initiative to help enhance language students’ future career prospects. The Modern Languages, Translation, and Interpreting (MLTI) department now boasts its own industry panel designed to forge stronger relationships between students, academic staff and future employers. The initiative has been developed by Dr Giovanna Donzelli. who will lead the panel, along with her colleague Tanya May. It will meet twice every academic year and its key functions include ensuring the department’s programme of studies meets industry needs as well as giving students the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and work placements. Dr Donzelli…

A BRECON opticians has raised £750 for its local foodbank, supporting vulnerable individuals and families in the community. The team at Specsavers Brecon organised a series of creative fundraisers throughout last year to collect donations for Brecon Foodbank. These included a ‘Guess how many contact lenses in a jar?’ challenge, a fancy-dress walk-up Pen-y-Fan, a Halloween bake sale and a Christmas hamper raffle. Thanks to the generosity of customers and determined efforts by staff members, the store successfully raised £750 to help the foodbank continue its vital work. Rachel Stephens, optician director at Specsavers Brecon, says: ‘We want to give…

Virtual reality and video gaming techniques could give a new lease of life to radio and theatre plays. Researchers at Aberystwyth University have transformed a radio play written more than 20 years ago into an interactive virtual reality (VR) experience. Audiences are being given the chance to experience the play Mapping the Soul in a unique and immersive way by wearing VR headsets. They move through a series of computer-generated locations, following the main character Adam and interacting with him as he goes on a philosophical journey through his subconscious in search of his soul. First broadcast on BBC Radio…

Wales’ fostering community is highlighting the benefits of local authority care as The Welsh Government’s landmark Health and Social Care Bill begins the process of removing profit from the children’s care system. Wales is the first country in the UK to legislate to remove profit from both residential and foster care for children. Foster Wales’ Staying local campaign, led by care experienced people and local authority foster carers, aims to show how the policy will support young people in care to stay connected to their local area, community, friends, and school. Last year, 85 per cent of young people with local…

As February half term approaches, many families are seeking fun-filled activities to keep the children entertained ¾ all without breaking the bank. Here in Neath Port Talbot, the region known as the Dramatic Heart of Wales, there are plenty of low- and no-cost fun, family days out to experience. From welly walks to wildlife craft days, beach adventures to country park playdates, families visiting the area can discover why this region is known as the ‘hidden gem’ of South Wales. Family Fun Days at Margam Country Park Margam Country Park welcomes families of all ages to explore its rolling 850…