Author: Rhys Gregory

An artisan brownie bakery in North Wales is looking to grow after an investment by Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE. Grazed Bakery in Wrexham, run by husband and wife Mark and Renee Thompson, aims to create five jobs following the £50,000 investment by business-backers UKSE. The couple have turned what started as a small-scale baking operation into an expanding commercial business, retaining its family-run values and artisan approach and always with an eye on sustainability. Having set up the business as Covid hit the UK, they battled through relying on the quality of their products and personal service, posting small orders to…

The owners of one of Wales’ leading luxury country house hotels have added a neighbouring country pub to their estate, assuring existing customers that it will remain their ‘local’. Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, from Palé Hall, at Llandderfel, near Bala in April, have now purchased The Bryntirion Inn, which is situated at the bottom of the hotel’s drive. The pub is now closed for refurbishment until late August. Recruited to run the pub is Dan Tustain who discovered by chance that he’s following in the footsteps of his grandfather, John, who was also landlord of The Bryntirion Inn more than…

A group of young artists have been inspired by the dazzling dementia-friendly  gardens at a care organisation. Pupils from  Gwersyllt CP Primary School joined residents for an alfresco art class amid the multi-coloured blooms in the11-acre grounds of Pendine Park in Wrexham. The glorious displays are the work of head gardener Andrew Jones and his team and are much admired for their wonderful colours and for their therapeutic value as well. When the sun is out especially residents don’t just sit out among the blossoms but can walk among them, according to award-winning Bodlondeb home manager Ann Chapman who said: “The…

A celebration of the first two years of nursing education at Aberystwyth University will be held at the Royal Welsh Showground today. The first cohort of nursing students began their studies at Aberystwyth University in early September 2022. The University has created a suite of high-quality clinical practice rooms within its new Healthcare Education Centre, which is located opposite Bronglais Hospital in the town. The £1.7 million development was supported by a grant of £500,000 from the Welsh Government. Nursing education at Aberystwyth University has been developed with the support of several partners, including Hywel Dda, Betsi Cadwaladr and Powys…

Leading partnerships developer Lovell and its partner Newport City Homes have officially commenced construction on the latest stage of the Ringland Regeneration project in Newport. The large-scale transformation programme will bring a new lease of life to the Ringland area of Newport and has been developed in close consultation with the local community. It will involve the delivery of 158 new homes and the relocation of the Ringland shopping centre, ensuring that residents can continue to take pride in their community. The £47 million project is set to be delivered over four phases, with construction work due to complete in…

The Rabbit Run returned to Merthyr Mawr on Saturday in what was its largest ever edition of the race. Despite the wet weather, more than 1,500 people registered to take part in the day’s festivities which saw a 12K trail race, 2K Bunny family fun run, 4K Double Bunny Run for those aged between 11 and 17 and 100m toddler dash for the under-fives. Running clubs as well as families and individuals, all came together to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get a unique chance to run through the private grounds of the Merthyr Mawr Estate. But it was Jacob…

A Welsh Government backed project that offers Welsh food and drink companies technical and commercial support has delivered over £491m impact to the sector since its launch in 2016. Project HELIX is delivered by the three food centres across Wales that make up Food Innovation Wales. The project offers a range of funded support in response to the needs of the sector, including help with process operations, new product development and food safety certification. Since July 2023, Project HELIX has been funded solely by Welsh Government and has delivered the following benefits to the Welsh food and drink industry: £119…

Police officers investigating a series of incidents of anti-social behaviour and where police vehicles have been targeted in recent weeks in the Gabalfa area of Cardiff have made a number of arrests. Early this morning (Sunday July 21) a 22-year-old man from Fairwater was arrested in the Pill area of Newport on suspicion of affray, possession of an offensive weapon and various drugs offences. A number of items were recovered at the address including a machete, quantities of cannabis and a large amount of cash. A significant proceeds of crime seizure was also made where designer bags, clothing and trainers…

As the opening of Porthcawl’s Metrolink draws closer, Bridgend County Borough Council addresses any concerns about its structure and grass rooftop. Built on solid bedrock on the landward side of the old Salt Lake harbour wall, concrete piles used in the construction of the Metrolink offer strength and support to the lightweight structure consisting largely of aluminium and glass. The steel piles have been positioned at least 10 metres into the ground, with building control inspectors monitoring each critical stage of the build, including the piling, pumping of concrete, laying of steel reinforced foundations, as well as the installation of…

SuperTed, the cuddly superhero created by an animation team in Cardiff, was one of the biggest television hits of the 1980s and continues to delight children today. Now, the character is set to star in a new production – an exhibition at the Museum of Cardiff focusing on the history of leisure in the city. Curators of the museum, based at the Hayes in the centre of Cardiff, have located an original poster promoting the cartoon and a fascinating drawing guide for artists to use when creating the popular bear. Another star of the exhibition is a vivid reminder of…