Author: Rhys Gregory

A new ‘pilot’ scheme aiming to support grassroots music in Cardiff by encouraging promoters to take more risks and increase the supply of up-and-coming new artists playing in the city’s independent venues has been announced by Cardiff Council. The ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme – which guarantees promoters who secure support through the scheme against financial losses on events costing up to £1,000 – will mean that if ticket sales for a gig do not reach the level required to cover costs such as venue hire, PA and band fees, the balance of these costs will be covered. Where events are…

A ruthless fraudster from Cardiff who used his charm and persuasion to con four people out of £175,000 was sent to prison for over 5 years on Tuesday (December 17th) and given a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order. William Hanson, 50, from Trowbridge Green, Cardiff was sentenced to five years and one month in prison for thirteen charges at Cardiff Crown Court on December 17th after pleading guilty to all the offences before the trial date was set. Hanson, otherwise known as William Connors or Bill Austin, grossly over changed for work carried out on his victims’ properties, exaggerating the severity…

Work by Trivallis has been completed on the former Miskin School, transforming it into 11 affordable homes for the community. The building has begun welcoming tenants, with move-ins starting on Monday, December 16, just in time for Christmas. This project was made possible through the Social Housing Grant provided by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Welsh Government. The former school has been converted into 10 one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom house, addressing a significant local need for one-bedroom properties. To ease parking concerns, 11 dedicated parking spaces have been added at the rear of the site. Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda…

March is looking to be a real ‘save the date’ month in Newport with some exciting new events in the pipeline. The first ever Newport Music Trail will take place on 28 and 29 March and promises a free festival-like experience within the amazing music venues already established in Newport. Newport City Council is pleased to be working with FOCUS Wales to deliver a first of its kind event for Newport. Newport Music Trail will feature a diverse line up and will promote as much Newport and Welsh music as possible. With performances in venues around the city centre, you’ll…

A festive appeal co-ordinated by Caerphilly County Borough Council has raised £19,368 for foodbanks and community groups. The appeal saw residents, Council staff, contractors, and suppliers make online cash donations.  All donated funds will be distributed directly to groups across the Caerphilly food network, which is supported by the Council’s Caerphilly Cares team. Companies who supported the appeal include AG James & Son Plant Hire Ltd, Aber Wrought Iron, Academia Ltd, Alliance Leisure Services Ltd, AMS Heating & Plumbing Ltd, Andrew Scott Ltd, AP Waters Building Contractors Ltd, arc4 Limited, Arcadis, Arcadis Consulting Ltd, Argies Coffee, Beechwood Refrigeration & Air…

Castle Park Primary School, Caldicot officially opened its new multi-use space, the ‘Cwtsh’, on Monday, 16 December. This initiative aims to strengthen the ties between pupils, parents, and the wider community, reflecting the school’s commitment to being the heart of the community. During this festive season, when many families face challenges, the Cwtsh will be transformed into a Christmas Community Shop. This shop will provide food, toys, books, and clothing, including festive jumpers, provided for free or as a voluntary donation, to support families in need. Underscoring the dedication of the school and the council to helping families during the holiday season…

End of term celebrations are taking place across schools in Wales this week where, for the first time, all primary school children are entitled to a free Christmas meal. Rhws Primary School in Rhoose is one school enjoying their free Christmas dinner thanks to the Universal Primary Free School Meals programme. Since the completion of the programme in September, over 35 million meals have been served, with just under 175,000 learners in maintained primary schools across Wales, newly eligible for a free school meal since then. Free school meals help to improve the attainment and behaviour of learners, as well…

It is often described as the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ but Christmas can affect our mental health in lots of different ways. Celebrating it can sometimes feel stressful due to other events happening in our lives or leave us feeling alone if everyone else seems to be feeling happy when we’re not. Marking Christmas can also be a time where we might look back at difficult memories, regret things about the past, or worry about the coming new year. It can also be tough to cope with the financial pressure of Christmas and, for many of us, rises…

The Dalmatian Bike Ride, an annual challenge sponsored by Acorn by Synergie in aid of St David’s Hospice, has raised £400,000 since its launch 13 years ago. More than 300 cyclists took on five routes of up to 101km in June 2024 to raise vital funds and awareness in aid of the hospice, which cares for over 3,200 patients across Wales in Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, and Mid and South Powys. Acorn by Synergie has supported St David’s Hospice Care since 2016 through sponsorship and partaking in events. In 2024, the recruitment company’s CEO Bernard Ward, Chief Operations Officer Andrew…

The oldest Cornish pasty maker in the world, Warrens Bakery, has opened its newest store at Cardiff Central Station.  Platforms will now be filled with the aroma of freshly baked sweet and savoury goods as the new store expands Warrens Bakery’s presence in the travel sector and is only their second store to open in Wales, further extending their footprint in the region. Located in the main concourse, Warrens Bakery Cardiff was officially opened by Nathaniel Owen, Station Manager of Cardiff Central and Warrens Bakery’s Head of Travel, Katie Anderson. The new store is the bakery’s 42nd shop across the…