Author: Rhys Gregory

A Bill to remove private profit from the care of looked-after children – part of the wider and radical transformation of children’s care in Wales – has been introduced this week (Monday May 20). The Health and Social Care (Wales) Bill, which has been laid in the Senedd, will also give people more say and control over their healthcare by enabling direct payments for continuing healthcare. The Welsh Government’s Programme for Government sets out commitments to remove private profit from the care of looked-after children. Minister for Social Care Dawn Bowden heard from care-experienced young people about why they have…

A short film by University of South Wales (USW) Animation student Amy McCrellis has been selected from thousands across the world to celebrate 25 years of Lego Star Wars. Amy, 20, from Northern Ireland, is in her second year of the BA (Hons) 2D and Stop Motion Animation course at USW. Her film, Initiating Reboot, is now part of the Lego Star Wars 25-second film festival, which includes the best 25-second fan films from animators who have recreated their top Star Wars moments with their favourite Lego minifigures. Amy’s film is available to watch her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDUdorlutCk “I’m a massive Star…

With many of us spending the May bank holiday and half term in the UK, or preferring to drive over to the continent rather than fly, The Motor Ombudsman, the leading authority on motoring standards, is helping drivers to ensure their vehicles are legal and roadworthy. To help ensure that you’ve covered all the bases this summer, The Motor Ombudsman has produced the following guidance to help you stay safe when travelling on the road, whether it’s for a staycation in the UK, or if you’re planning to head across the channel. Tread carefully Regular tyre maintenance is critical, as the small contact…

With around 270 official engagements under her belt, including tree-planting ceremonies, charity fund-raisers, Royal salutes and school visits, no-one can say Bablin Molik has spent the past year as Cardiff’s Lord Mayor twiddling her thumbs. “It’s been both busy and delightful at the same time,” she said. “I knew it would be an honour and a privilege to serve as Cardiff’s first citizen and I didn’t want to miss any of it. Every engagement has been delightful in its own way.” Even before her diary began to fill up, her year was always going to be memorable. As the first…

From June 3, Year 5 pupils across the county borough will be eligible for free school meals, as the Universal Primary Free School Meal initiative continues to roll out. Eligibility for Year 5 and 6 pupils was originally proposed from September 2024.  However, the hard work offered by the catering service means that the scheme will be available sooner for Year 5 learners and will start following the Whitsun half-term break. As scheduled, the provision will be accessible to Year 6 pupils at the start of the new school year in September, when all primary school pupils will be eligible…

Maxton Design UK has emerged as a premier destination for automotive enthusiasts seeking to enhance their vehicles’ aesthetics and performance. Established as the largest distributor of unique automotive styling kits in the UK, Maxton Design combines innovative design with precision engineering to deliver products that transform the look and feel of cars. A Brief Overview Founded with a vision to redefine automotive styling, Maxton Design has grown to become a market leader in the industry. The company’s product range includes front splitters, rear diffusers, side skirts, spoilers, and complete body kits designed for a variety of car models. These products…

BLUETTI, the pioneer in portable power solutions, is gearing up to revolutionize outdoor adventures once again with its latest innovation, the AC240 IP65 Water Resistant and Dustproof Portable Power Station. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the AC60, a 600W/403Wh all-weather solar generator, BLUETTI is now raising the bar with the AC240. Scheduled for launch on May 20th, this powerhouse provides increased power, quicker charging, expandable capacity, and more. It’s designed to empower adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency responders alike, enabling them to push boundaries regardless of the weather conditions. IP65-rated Protection Against All the Elements Ever been caught…

As World Bee Day approaches (May 20th) the next generation of apicultural talent is being nurtured by bee farmers in Wales through the offering of apprenticeships. Designated by the United Nations, World Bee Day acknowledges the role of bees and other pollinators in sustainable development, food security, and biodiversity. The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th-century Slovenian apiarist who is acknowledged as the pioneer of beekeeping. Welsh honey is in demand, and according to the National Bee Unit’s BeeBase there were almost 4,000 beekeeper registrations from Wales in 2022. Also, last year (2023)…

A trio of dilapidated former South Wales tin miners’ cottages listed with a £0 price at auction have sold for thousands of pounds. Wesley Buildings, in the South Wales village of Machen, between Newport and Caerphilly,  on Wesley Hill, are only accessible on foot. But this didn’t deter prospective owners of the cottages as some 79 bids from a total of ten individual bidders came in before the lot was sold for £40,000. Gemma Vaughan, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Interest in the cottages was red hot from the get go with bids piling in as soon as the…

The ONS has revealed the most popular boys’ and girls’ baby names in England and Wales for 2022. Noah was the most popular boys’ name in England and Wales for the second year in a row, while Olivia remained the top name for girls for the seventh year in a row. Isabella replaced Willow in the top 10 names for girls, while Theodore, Theo and Freddie replaced Harry, Archie and Henry in the top 10 names for boys. Muhammad was the most popular boys’ name in four out of nine English regions. Olivia was the top girls’ name for every…