Author: Rhys Gregory

A BAFTA-winning tech developer has launched an immersive Welsh language children’s book series thanks to funding from the Start Up Loans programme. Osian Evans, 49, was part of the BBC team behind the pioneering Walking with Beasts, one of the UK’s first on demand multi-stream applications, as well as the channel’s Wimbledon Interactive and Digital Text platforms. He has now launched his company Goiawn (which translates as real) and collaborates with teachers and parents to help engage children in a transformative learning journey. “Goiawn presents captivating reading activities which take entire classes on an adventure while enhancing written and verbal…

A Rhondda Cynon Taf man has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years after he caused unnecessary suffering to his Bedlington terrier. Neil Howarth of Blaenllechau, Ferndale, was found guilty of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act – following an earlier not guilty plea. The offence was that he caused unnecessary suffering to a male Bedlington terrier called Reg by failing to adequately investigate and address his ear infections and ear masses. On Wednesday 11 December he was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court and was disqualified from keeping all animals for five years. He was also ordered…

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is calling for the nation to kick start their 2025 by having a declutter and donating any unwanted Christmas gifts. In a recent survey the BHF found that a third of Brits admitted to never using their Secret Santa gift1 so rather than let your unwanted items gather dust, the charity is encouraging the nation to simply pop them in the post by downloading a freepost label or take them down to their local BHF shop. After Christmas is over, decluttering can make your home feel much calmer. Whether you’ve been gifted a jumper that…

Last week, 13 families moved into their new homes on Edward Henry Street in Rhyl’s West End. The ClwydAlyn properties not only represent a milestone for community regeneration and sustainable living, but also for the future of the families who will now begin a new chapter of their lives. The 13 new three-bed properties which have recently been completed in a three-story town-house style are a result of a partnership between ClwydAlyn, North Wales’s leading social homes provider, Denbighshire County Council, Welsh Government and NWPS Construction Ltd. Hailed as a landmark project for modern housing solutions and paving the way…

The Riverfront Theatre was delighted to host over 11,500 pupils and teachers during this year’s highly anticipated school run of Dick Whittington. Across more than 25 captivating performances, young audiences filled the theatre with excitement as they joined Dick and his trusty cat on their journey to Newport in search of fame and fortune. The response from schools has been incredibly positive, with pupils and teachers alike praising the engaging performances and interactive experience. A teacher who attended shared, “Brilliant, funny, and most of all, they got the kids involved as much as they possibly could. If you go, you…

The Flintshire section of the Wales Coastal Path can be viewed across the world as part of wider investment in positioning the county as a key destination, and firmly puts the new Flintshire Coast Park on the map Accessed via Google Street View, people can experience the routes and plan their trip as well as reminisce where they perhaps grew up or spent time walking as part of family holidays. Alongside taking the coastal path online, funding has also allowed for “greater first impressions” thanks to new signage welcoming residents and visitors to the county and the Flintshire Coast Park.…

The pedestrian who died as a result of a road traffic collision on Water Street, Port Talbot on the evening of Saturday December 7, 2024, has been named as 86-year-old Thomas Noel Crowley. Thomas passed away on Tuesday 10th December at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff as a result of the injuries he sustained. His family has paid tribute to him: “Thomas Philip Noel Crowley, locally known as ‘Noel’ was a well-known member of the community and a devout Catholic. He grew up and lived all of his life in Port Talbot. He met his adored wife Anne in 1954, and they married…

A golden retriever named Jamie has become the newest and perhaps the most liked Transport for Wales (TfW) team member. The guide dog, who accompanies his owner Ryan Moreland, an Assistant Project Manager working in a team delivering safer streets for walking, wheeling and cycling, has been issued a TfW staff pass. Jamie joins Ryan three times a week at TfW headquarters in Pontypridd. Ryan, who is visually impaired hopes to bring his unique personal experience as a disabled passenger to his new role with TfW. He added: “I’m really excited about being a part of the solution, not just…

Pupils have helped create a vital habitat for the UK’s largest finch. Ysgol Llanfair DC pupils recently joined together with Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity Team and the North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) to establish new nature havens across the school ground. Planned by the NWWT, the collaboration with the pupils saw around 90 metres of mainly hornbeam hedge planted. Hornbeam seeds are the favourite winter food of the Hawfinch, the UK’s largest finch, which is declining at an alarming rate and the hedge will help support local populations. A small woodland was also planted on the site, alongside 12 fruit…

Swansea Council’s Wales Airshow has been crowned the Best Event at the 2024 South West Wales Tourism Awards. This accolade recognises the event’s exceptional contribution to tourism and its status as a standout experience in the region. The Wales Airshow, held annually in Swansea, is renowned for its breathtaking aerial displays, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond. The achievement also means the Wales Airshow will now represent South West Wales at the National Tourism Awards 2025. The national event will take place on 27th March 2025 at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, where it will…