Author: Rhys Gregory

Ed Sheeran surprised young people from four Cardiff-based organisations when he made a whirlwind tour of the city to launch his new foundation, stopping off at Fitzalan High School, Eastmoors Youth Centre in Splott, and the city-centre youth project Grassroots. Accompanied by his longtime songwriting partner and Aloud Ambassador, Wales-based Amy Wadge and leaving a trail of inspiration and excitement in his wake, Ed kicked off the surprise tour with a special guest appearance during Fitzalan High School’s assembly. The event featured performances by pupils andOnly BoysAloud,who have previously worked with the school and Amy during a song writing project…

Swansea Council is gearing up to make one of the most important annual draws for one of its treasured assets. The instantly-recognisable green and white Edwardian beach huts at Langland Bay are set to be allocated to lucky residents through a random draw, which will take place in March this year. Residents living in Swansea can now apply online for one of the 83 available huts, providing them with a prime view of one of Gower’s picturesque bays. Rental options including three, four, six, ten and 12-month  tenancy agreements starting from April 1, 2025. Applications for the much sought after…

A public consultation has begun on Neath Port Talbot’s draft budget for 2025/26. The consultation is open until Friday 31 January 2025. Residents, businesses, local groups and other organisations are being encouraged to have their say on how the council proposes to continue delivering over 400 vital public services whilst closing an estimated budget gap of £15 million. The Welsh Government’s Provisional Local Government Settlement, published on 11 December 2024, indicated that NPT will receive an increase in funding of 4.4% next year – the tenth highest in Wales. Whilst the increase is welcome, it will be nowhere near enough…

Caerphilly county borough council has unveiled its draft budget proposals for 2025/26 as part of ongoing plans to plug a £47million gap in its finances over the next 3 years. The council’s Cabinet will consider a draft budget report this week (Thursday 16th January) ahead of a period of public consultation to gather feedback from the local community. Cllr Sean Morgan, Leader of the Council said, “The council continues to explore ways to achieve savings to plug an unprecedented gap in our budget. A number of key savings proposals have already been progressed in 2024 and I want to encourage…

“Feel the hwyl. Only in Wales” – Visit Wales’ latest campaign – officially kicks off today with a call to visitors from far and wide to celebrate and experience joyful and fun moments unique to Wales. ‘Hwyl’ has no direct translation in English, but describes a deep state of joy that comes from being totally immersed in the moment. The ‘hwyl’ concept, part of the 2025 Year of Croeso, aims to differentiate Wales in a crowded marketplace through focussing on our language and a strong sense of place. The campaign was filmed in over a dozen locations across Wales during…

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, will lead a review to understand how Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is currently used in schools across Wales. The review will examine current use of Gen AI tools and explore the potential benefits to schools, while also considering the challenges they may pose. The first phase of the review includes a survey for schools and pupil referral units asking for their views and experience, followed by more in depth engagement with teachers.  The findings are expected to be published in the summer. To support schools considering or beginning to use Generative…

Wales’ leading doctor Sir Dr Frank Atherton has announced he will stand down after eight and half years as the Welsh Government’s Chief Medical Officer. Sir Frank has provided independent advice to the Welsh Government on all major issues affecting the health sector in Wales. During his tenure in Wales, after a previous post in Canada, Sir Frank played a leading role in Wales’ response to the Covid pandemic and has supported the NHS through flu outbreaks and annual winter pressures. Speaking about Sir Frank’s decision to stand down, Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “Sir Frank has provided invaluable advice…

The Outdoor Recreation Service is delighted to announce that the Ynysdawela Nature Reserve has been awarded the prestigious National Forest for Wales status. This accolade comes after the Deputy First Minister confirmed the recognition, marking a significant achievement for our conservation efforts. The accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the conservation team, who, with the support of the Welsh Government’s The Woodland Investment Grant, have significantly enhanced the woodland reserve. The funding has enabled a range of practical land management activities aimed at both enriching the local community’s experience and maintaining the reserve’s rich biodiversity.…

Theatr Iolo – Wales’ leading children’s theatre company – are preparing to tour Welsh- and English-language performances of their magical stage co-production of Emily Gravett’s illustrated children’s book, Tidy. Tidy (Taclus in Welsh) is a co-production with Polka Theatre, and will tour eight venues across Wales plus a week of performances in Bath, 11 February to 15 March 2025. The show, aimed at children aged three to seven, uses puppetry and original songs to bring to life the tale of Pete the badger who likes everything to be neat and tidy, but who accidentally destroys his own home whilst cleaning…

Aberystwyth University has risen into the UK top 30 in new sustainability rankings for higher education. In the new People & Planet survey of sustainability and ethics in higher education, the University jumped to 29 out of all the 149 universities assessed. Its rise up the league table by more than 80 places reflects its ranking as the joint best institution for clean energy. Over the last five years, Aberystwyth University has invested over £10 million in energy saving and renewable energy projects. Those include new rooftop solar arrays in Gogerddan and Trawscoed as well as a significant development on…