Author: Rhys Gregory

In a UK-first, Wales now has mandatory licensing rules in place to help protect the public’s health when getting acupuncture, body piercings, electrolysis, or tattoos including semi-permanent make up. From today (Friday 29 November), practitioners and individuals in charge of premises or vehicles where any of these four special procedures are performed must complete an infection prevention and control course for special procedures, and their premises and vehicles must meet strict safety standards, among other criteria. These new measures, introduced by the Welsh Government, aim to reduce the hygiene and safety risks of these special procedures, such as bloodborne infections,…

A global trial in which Swansea was a leading player has been a game-changer in the treatment of a particularly aggressive type of cancer. Analysis of a clinical trial that used a combination of drugs to treat metastatic melanoma, or skin cancer which had spread around the body, shows that almost half of patients are surviving 10 years or more. This compares with 2011 when the average survival was just six-and-a-half months. The Cancer Institute at Singleton Hospital was one of the sites around the world that participated in the trial, called CheckMate 067, in 2013-14. It involved using two…

Tesco customers can make a huge difference to the lives of Wales’s people facing hunger and hardship by donating long-life items this week. This comes as stores in Wales are taking part in the 12th annual Tesco Winter Food Collection, with donated items going directly to the charities Trussell and FareShare. Both charities expect to see extremely high demand for their services this winter, and the Food Collection provides vital extra donations. Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: “Our partners tell us they’ve seen even more families needing their help and they expect demand to increase this winter, so we’re…

A spectacular lantern procession on Friday 6 December is planned in Cardigan by Small World Theatre with their river Teifi themed giant lantern sculptures and top-class local musicians Samba Doc and the Cardigan African Drummers. Brought to you by the team at Small World Theatre, this year is set to be the best yet. A Small World artist said: “We’ve been busy making lanterns with local schools, groups and the public this month. We’re designing and making giant lanterns around the theme of the river Teifi, so expect to see a range of giant lanterns inspired by the Teifi’s abundant…

Pembrokeshire Council, in collaboration with Pembrokeshire College, has launched a new campaign to inspire school leavers to pursue a rewarding career in teaching. The initiative, supported by local schools, community partners, and current educators, aims to highlight the profound impact teachers can have on future generations and encourage school leavers to consider teaching as a career path. With over 60 schools in the county, there is a growing demand for passionate and skilled educators to foster a bilingual and forward-thinking education system in Pembrokeshire. The campaign aims to nurture the next generation of teachers by sharing real-life stories from current…

A man from Swansea has been found guilty of the murder of his 71-year-old neighbour. 57-year-old Brian Whitelock, from Clydach, previously admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but has now been found guilty of the murder of Wendy Buckney at her flat in August 2022. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies said: “We are pleased to hear of the guilty verdict, concluding what has been a thorough investigation into Brian Whitelock’s senseless murder of his defenceless victim. “The family of Wendy Buckney have been through a terrible and traumatising ordeal due to Brian Whitelock’s actions. With this verdict and…

The Leader and Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council have welcomed a multi-million aid package for those affected by the Tata Steel UK changes and a new “open for business” phase in the transformational Celtic Freeport project. Addressing a full meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024, Leader Cllr Steve Hunt and Chief Executive Frances O’Brien said approval of freeport development sites offering tax incentives to inward investors would provide a huge boost to the economies of Neath Port Talbot and Wales. Frances O’Brien, who recently took up her role, said: “It has been a…

More than 400 secondary age musicians took part in a variety of individual and ensemble competitions at the Pembrokeshire Valero Secondary Schools’ Music Festival held at Ysgol Caer Elen. Musicians from the County’s Secondary Schools, Pembrokeshire College and further afield took part at the event on November 16th. Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Heartfelt congratulations to all the pupils who participated in the festival. It has been truly inspiring to see students enthusiastically sharing their musical talents in a supportive and encouraging environment.” Mared Phillips from Ysgol Bro Preseli, was announced as overall winner of this year’s festival. Earlier…

Newport City Council has installed air quality monitors at key locations across the city. The Eco Post air sensors give an indication of how clean the air is using a coloured light display which changes colour if the air quality state changes hourly during the day; green showing the cleanest air and purple the most polluted. The sensors, which are the first Eco Post sensors in the UK, have been installed in five locations so far, with one more to come. Three of the locations, Caerphilly Road by the play area, Malpas Road, and High Cross by High Cross Primary…

Work has begun to transform the site of a former Caerphilly borough school into a flagship housing development. This week Caerphilly County Borough Council celebrated the official ‘groundbreaking’ on the former Oakdale Comprehensive School site.  The development will be the first of its kind for the Council in offering open market sales, alongside affordable housing. The Council has appointed construction expert Willmott Dixon to develop 92 eco homes on the ‘Oakdale Place’ site.  The development is being part funded by Welsh Government and work is anticipated to be completed in around Spring 2026. Leader of Caerphilly Council, Cllr Sean Morgan,…