Author: Rhys Gregory

A 59-year-old man from Margam will be taking on the Ogi Porthcawl 10K as he recovers from bowel cancer treatment. Mike Churchill, who works as a printer, had always been fit and active, regularly running and taking part in triathlons when he was younger. He was very in tune with his body which is why, when something didn’t seem quite right in April 2022, he went to see his doctor. Mike, who is father to Harrison, 23, said: “I was training to do the Cardiff Half and didn’t feel that fit, which I put down to ageing and getting slower.…

Growing Mid Wales (GMW) has initiated an innovative mobile mapping project to enhance digital infrastructure in Mid Wales. This project, one of the first of its kind in Wales, aims to identify areas with poor mobile coverage and network capacity, known as ‘mobile not-spots.’ By employing advanced mobile data-capturing devices installed in waste collection vehicles across Powys and Ceredigion, the project will gather crucial data for improving mobile and 4G internet connectivity. Waste collection vehicles will continue their regular routes, leveraging their comprehensive network to ensure thorough data collection without additional logistical costs. This cost-effective approach provides an efficient solution…

Summer’s here and it’s that time of year when we think about booking a holiday to sunnier shores, perhaps a quick week away or the annual family holiday. This year, it could be worth looking for somewhere different. Somewhere with glorious weather, where temperatures are forecast between 25 and 30°C, with beautiful sandy beaches, quality hotels and low local prices. Congratulations, you’ve discovered Bulgaria! It’s the destination everyone’s talking about this year. The weather’s great, with the country bordering Greece and Turkey. Add those wonderful sandy beaches and you’ve got a winner! It’s the amount of money you can save…

A POPULAR television actress voiced support for a new initiative celebrating past pupils at her former secondary school. Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson has given her backing to Rhyl High School’s alumni network, which launched this week. Kimberly, who also appeared in shows including Hollyoaks and Brassic and has her own successful fashion business, hopes the organisation will inspire present and future generations of learners at the school. Congratulating headteacher Claire Armitstead and staff for utilising the experience, talent, and platform of its ex-students, she said: “There are many former Rhyl High School pupils who will inspire the next generation…

James Technical Services (JTS), one of the UK’s few remaining manufacturers of environmental test chambers, has transitioned into Employee Ownership (EO) via an employee ownership trust (EOT) nearly 30 years since it was founded. Established in Talgarth near Brecon by Glen and Sue James in 1995, the business started with engineer and designer Glen refurbishing second hand chambers, and Sue looking after company finances and business development. Three decades on, JTS employs 10 people from its purpose-built factory and makes test chambers that can re-produce the harshest of environmental conditions, temperatures, humidity and vibration serving industries including aerospace, automotive, pharma…

ake Taylor, 18, from Pontypool, and Benjamin Grandon, 22, from Oakdale, Caerphilly, have both been disqualified from driving after a car meet in the car park of the Tesco store at Culverhouse Cross. On Sunday, June 18, 2023, two cars were identified by drone, performing doughnuts in the Tesco car park and nearly colliding with other cars. Following further enquiries, the drivers were identified as Taylor and Grandon. Benjamin Grandon appeared before Cardiff Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.  He was sentenced on February 12, 2024 and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He will then…

Comprehensive plans to enhance and increase Additional Learning Needs provision by more than 100 new formal places city-wide, could take place from September 2024 if agreed by Cardiff Council’s Cabinet. The proposals acknowledge the growing population of learners with complex learning needs, autism spectrum conditions and emotional health and wellbeing needs, and look to address the increased demand for specialist placements for primary and secondary age learners. They include: establishing a new 8 place Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Baden Powell Primary School from September 2024 within the existing buildings. establishing an 8 place SRB…

Neath Port Talbot Shopmobility is introducing an Aberavon Seafront mobility scooter service for the first time and is also offering to make life easier for customers with a new door-to-door pick-up initiative. The two new services are available to registered users of the scheme from this week. For the pick-up service, Neath Port Talbot Shopmobility users are now able to book a car to bring them to the mobility scooters. Users will also be able to book a return journey at the same time. There will be a small charge for this door-to-door service, the cost being dependent on where…

RCT Council has received planning consent for the next two elements of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route – to build local community links in Maerdy, and upgrade the existing community route between Ferndale and Tylorstown. The Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route will create a 10km pedestrian and cycle path between Maerdy and Tylorstown, across five phases. Phase one is complete, from a location north of the industrial estate in Maerdy to a point near the Gateway Memorial. Phase two is substantially complete, resuming the route through Maerdy, heading 1.5km south along the former railway line alignment. Separate applications, seeking…

This week councillors at Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Council agreed to become the first local authorities in Wales to share a Chief Executive Officer. At a special meeting of Blaenau Gwent Council yesterday it was unanimously agreed by councillors for the Council to work more closely with Torfaen Council, and to share a Chief Executive Officer responsible for both authorities. This followed unanimous approval at a full meeting of Torfaen Council held on Tuesday. The current Chief Executive of Torfaen, Stephen Vickers, will fulfil this role across both Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent for an initial period of up to nine…