Author: Rhys Gregory

Following an increasing number of cases of avian influenza in poultry and kept birds, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has declared a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Within this AIPZ, enhanced biosecurity actions are required on a mandatory basis to both help prevent disease getting in to flocks and any further spread. We are now in a period of heightened risk from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across the UK, and all bird keepers in Wales are urged to remain vigilant and take…

A Welsh diagnostics company is developing a groundbreaking test that could detect prostate cancer in men more quickly and with greater accuracy than current methods. Valley Diagnostics, based in Cardiff, is working on a lateral flow test that could detect the disease within minutes via a urine sample at a GP surgery or even at home. It hopes the test can be rolled out into a nationwide prostate cancer screening programme that could help save thousands of lives and the NHS millions of pounds every year. The OSCAR clinical study, a collaborative research project between Aberystwyth University (AU) and Betsi…

He may be up to his twinkly eyes getting ready for Christmas, but Santa still found the time to chat to young patients in Morriston Hospital. A little digital magic meant they could enjoy a virtual meet and greet with the big man from the comfort of his North Pole ho-ho-home. This was all thanks to technology giant Cisco, which has brought its Connected Santa programme to Morriston for several years, along with volunteer “elves” from Cisco and Swansea Bay’s IT department. The elves went around the wards, chatting to the youngsters and finding out more about them to share…

Growing Mid Wales, Ambition North Wales, M-SParc and AberInnovation are pleased to announce the official launch of the Cluster Management Organisation (CMO) to drive agri-tech and food technology innovation across Mid and North Wales. Nurturing Innovation in the Agri-tech and Food Technology Cluster for Mid and North Wales, the CMO will coordinate activities and promote funding opportunities available in the local cluster through a project that will run initially for two years using funding from Innovate UK. The CMO aims to strengthen collaboration between businesses, research institutions, and regional partners to boost innovation and competitiveness in the agri-food and agri-tech…

An Aberystwyth University academic is part of an international team that has made an exciting discovery linking an 800-year-old silk bag at Westminster Abbey with Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor. The project team, which includes Dr Elizabeth New, a Reader in medieval history at Aberystwyth, has carried out an in-depth study of a medieval silk bag covering the great seal of King Henry III on a document preserved at Westminster Abbey. Dr New is an expert in wax seals which were a familiar part of everyday life in medieval times, much like signatures and logos are today. Few of…

HOMEBUILDER Anwyl has appointed its first head of human resources. Former HR and culture manager Lauren Humphreys has been promoted to the position, having been with the Ewloe-based company for almost three years. Lauren, from Ruthin, brings a decade of experience to her new job. She previously worked in specialist and advisory human resources roles for a range of banking and manufacturing firms including MBNA, Jaguar Land Rover and Morrisons. She said: “I’m focussed on delivering our people strategy, which has been designed to support the company’s planned growth, while maintaining a proactive approach to legislative changes being driven by…

Local housebuilder Bellway Wales has proved itself to be a committed supporter of Llanrumney United FC. The developer, which is building new homes at its Longwood Grange development in Lisvane, on the edge of Cardiff, has donated £500 to the club, based just three miles away at University Fields in Llanrumney. The money is to be used to buy 20 Bellway-branded match day warm-up shirts for the club’s first team, which plays in the South Wales Premier League Championship Division. The club has 42 teams ranging from under-5s to senior teams, including a girls division and newly-introduced women’s squad. It…

Nine chefs from the Celtic Collection have been selected to cook off in the finals of three prestigious competitions at the Welsh International Culinary Championships 2025 in January. The Celtic Collection contingent represents more than half of the total of 17 finalists drawn from all over Wales to contest the National, Junior and Vegan Chef of Wales 2025 titles at ICC Wales from January 20-22. The National Chef of Wales final will feature head chef Matthew Owen and junior sous chef Ionut Rosca from Celtic Manor’s Steak on Six restaurant, The Grill sous chef Patrick Millard and commis chef Pratik…

A SUCCESSFUL year ended with a place among the top 10 independent schools in Wales for a Bangor institution. St Gerard’s School was listed eighth in the country in the annual Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. The news comes after headteacher Campbell Harrison, teachers and staff celebrated a 16% rise in pupils having secured some of the best A Level and GCSE results in Wales over the summer. Despite the challenges facing the private education sector he revealed the “unity and dedication” of everyone at the school – including parents, carers and the community – gives them confidence heading into…

Cardiff and Vale College has celebrated the hard work, success and progression of its learners and apprentices at the College’s Annual awards 2024. Hundreds of attendees from across the spectrum of local business, education partners and the community joined learners, their friends and families for the Awards. The glittering Winter Wonderland event was held in the College’s City Centre Campus and was hosted by broadcaster, journalist and CAVC alumni Jason Mohammad and featured performances by Performing Arts learners. Showcasing highlights of the 2023-24 academic year (see full list of winners below), the awards also illustrate the unique experiences and progression…