Author: Rhys Gregory

North Wales Housing is celebrating the 100th birthday of Frances, a resident of its Llys y Coed extra care scheme in Llanfairfechan. Frances celebrated the milestone with nearly 100 guests at a birthday event held at Llys y Coed, where she has lived for almost six years. She described the day as ‘wonderful’. Born in Finchley in 1926, Frances’ early life was shaped by the Second World War, which brought her schooling to an early end. She later gained qualifications through night school and went on to work in a range of roles, including 15 years managing surgical appliances at…

A partly-converted former West Wales chapel could make an ideal holiday bolthole once converted. Capel Blaencaron, near the west Wales town of Tregaron, provides what could be an ideal opportunity for the entrepreneur builder to set their seal on the intriguing property. James Hollingsworth, of Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the historic building, said: “This could be an ideal opportunity for someone with vision to acquire what is currently a derelict former chapel with an adjoining house and a recent side extension which together offers significant redevelopment potential. “We have been informed that there are no graves on the…

A historic Cardiff mansion that has featured in several major television productions is opening one of its most rarely seen spaces to the public this March. Insole Court, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion in the Cardiff suburb of Llandaff, will offer visitors the chance to explore its tower during National Lottery Open Week. The special access is available to National Lottery players and tourists as part of the nationwide celebration taking place from 7 to 15 March 2026. Often described as one of Cardiff’s hidden gems, the mansion has served as a filming location for several well known productions.…

Nikki Lawrence, chief executive of Careers Wales, explains how careers guidance in Wales is adapting as the job market continues to change. As we mark National Careers Week 2026, with its powerful theme of ‘Own Your Future’, it’s the perfect time to reflect not only on why careers guidance matters, but how it must continue to evolve to meet the realities of today’s world of work. In Wales, a wide range of factors — including technological innovation, the transition to a greener economy, shifting skill demands and new ways of working — are reshaping what careers look like and how…

With a crucial Senedd election on the horizon, the Newyddion S4C news service will question, hold to account and break the latest news, with a feast of text and video content across its digital platforms. The output will include an interactive map of the constituencies, a new provision for vertical videos and a live feed on the day of the election which will bring together all the results on the Newyddion S4C website and app. S4C appointed Jacob Morris as a digital-first political reporter in September, in partnership with BBC Wales, who will travel the length and breadth of Wales…

Legendary British saxophonist Courtney Pine will open Brecon Jazz Festival 2026 with a special headline concert on Thursday 6 August at Theatr Brycheiniog. A long-standing favourite with Brecon audiences, Pine’s return sets the tone for four days of live jazz and contemporary music across the town from 6–9 August. Now in its 42nd year, Brecon Jazz Festival brings together leading artists from Wales, the UK and beyond. Performances will take place at Theatr Brycheiniog, alongside concerts at Brecon Guildhall and The Muse, with free outdoor performances on the popular Bulwark Stage and throughout the town’s streets. The 2026 headline programme…

Tourism accommodation providers and attraction owners are being invited to meet the team at the Vale of Rheidol Railway in April to discover collaboration opportunities. The popular heritage railway, which runs from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, will hold its second ‘Croeso Day’ on April 14 from 10.30am to 2.30pm, following a similar and successful event last autumn. “This is a great opportunity to experience the railway first-hand, learn more about what we offer and discuss ways we can work together to benefit businesses and their guests,” explained Vale of Rheidol Railway’s community tourism ambassador, Dafydd Wyn Morgan. “The invitation is open to all…

Ireland has owned Cheltenham for years. Willie Mullins has won the leading trainer award at the Festival for the last seven consecutive years, and the Irish have taken the Prestbury Cup in the same dominant fashion. British yards have had their moments, but the overall pattern has been hard to argue with. That might be about to change, and the horse racing odds heading into March reflect it, with British-trained runners sitting at the head of several major markets for the first time in a long while. A handful of British trainers arrive at Prestbury Park with genuine reason to…

Businesses across Wales are being encouraged to review and strengthen their cyber security measures after new research suggested many organisations remain insufficiently prepared to deal with digital threats. A study conducted by Bridgend-based technology and managed services provider CSG indicates that while awareness of cyber risk is increasing, many Welsh businesses have yet to implement the robust systems, processes and training required to effectively prevent or respond to an incident. The research revealed that around two-thirds (66%) of Welsh firms surveyed have experienced some form of cyber security incident, including malware infections, ransomware attacks and service disruptions. The findings highlight…

Healthy NHS dental patients in Wales could soon face waits of up to two years between routine check-ups under sweeping reforms set to come into force in April 2026. The Welsh government has confirmed that regular six-monthly appointments will no longer be the norm for patients with good oral health. Instead, those with no obvious dental problems may be recalled every 18 to 24 months, even though this is in line with the maximum interval recommended by NICE guidelines. Patients will typically see a dental hygienist every 6 to 12 months. However, earlier proposals to place patients on a central…