Author: Rhys Gregory

I have always been oddly fascinated by Tim Burton’s 1990 classic Edward Scissorhands, so I’m delighted to see that it’s made its way to the stage in Cardiff. Its story of accepting and including those who may look different is one that is as old as time, and sadly hasn’t changed much. Although, there are moments of peoples’ heartwarming qualities which are endeering, it is overshadowed by selfish acts and society’s conformity. People are quick to jump on the band wagon when the going is good, but fall foul and get cast aside like poor Edward just as fast. Edward…

Dogs and their owners are set to enjoy a fun day out this spring in aid of a local charity. City Hospice’s Wag this Way event returns on 28 April and will feature a 5km sponsored walk through the grounds of Bute Park and access to a dog festival. The festival will be hosted by Radio Cardiff presenters Wyburn & Wayne and will feature live entertainment, interactive dog activities to get involved in, a variety of market stalls and a dog show hosted by the event’s sponsor Cardiff Veterinary Centre. The show allows pooches to compete for a coveted rosette…

A housing market projection report for Bridgend County Borough has found that more than 2,800 new social and affordable homes are going to be needed to meet demand over the next decade. The report, which was discussed by Cabinet, found that an additional 2,834 social and affordable homes are needed by 2033 to meet local demand. The majority of these are located in the Bridgend town, Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Cornelly and Porthcawl areas, with one-bedroom homes and flats accounting for just under 40 per cent of the expected demand. The report also found that 71 per cent of households own…

An appeal will be launched on Friday to support an exciting £4 million project to redevelop Talyllyn Railway, the world’s first preserved railway, at Tywyn in Mid Wales. The ‘Preserving our Past, Building Our Future’ project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, proposes major redevelopment of facilities at Tywyn Pendre and Wharf stations to carry the railway into the future. Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society (TRPS) is keen to educate visitors about the railway’s heritage and the story of slate in the region whilst also updating and increasing accommodation for volunteers. New engineering facilities are also planned to train the…

The Bryncoch Inn in West Glamorgan welcomes pub-goers back following an extensive 3-week refurbishment. Boasting a brighter, new modern look, the renovation has seen the pub undergo a complete transformation. A refreshed bar, new soft furnishings and an enhanced dining area has given the pub a new lease of life, providing guests with a relaxed, welcoming environment to enjoy their visit. Along with the new look, The Bryncoch Inn has introduced an all-new food menu featuring exciting and delicious dishes such as the ever-so indulgent Laying it on Chick Burger, mouth-watering Tandoori Chicken sizzling skillet and the impressive Giant Gyros.…

A PICTURESQUE luxury lodge retreat has experienced a surge in interest from prospective holiday homeowners across the country. One year after opening – following a multi-million-pound redevelopment – permanent and rental space at Darwin Escapes’ 40-acre Plas Isaf Lodge Retreat is in demand. The Talacre-based firm, which employs more than 900 staff and owns 26 resorts in the UK and Isle of Wight, has made significant investment at the popular site, based just outside Caerwys, Flintshire. As well as new access roads, high-end lodges, drainage, landscaping, and infrastructure, the company was firmly focused on conservation and preservation of existing wildlife, notably bats and badger colonies.…

Over 130 members of the Welsh baking industry have come together to discuss key issues facing the sector at the second annual Welsh Baking Conference. The event, which took place in Cardiff on Wednesday 13 March 2024, was organised by ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University, and focused on the theme of the ‘Past, Present and Future’. Bakeries of all sizes, industry bodies, students, and equipment and ingredient suppliers met to share their perspectives on the issues facing the sector in Wales. The conference was opened by Patrick Wilson, President of the Craft Bakers Association, and other speakers…

Easter is right around the corner, which means two weeks of finding fun, family friendly activities to keep the children ‘hoppier’ than ever. From seeking out the daffodil hotspots to enjoying egg hunts against the backdrop of medieval castles, the team at the Wales Coast Path are sharing seven free experiences which you can enjoy along the coast this Easter. Spot the national flower of Wales in bloom The daffodil is a national icon — and many attribute that to its translation from the Welsh name “Cenhinen Bedr”, which means “St Peter’s Leek”. There are several daffodil hotspots along the…

MINDS, bodies, and spirits in a seaside town have been lifted by the arrival of a revolutionary health and exercise complex. LVL5 Gyms Ltd has been a major success since opening in December, attracting a variety of new members and day visitors to Llandudno. The 6,000 square-metre two-floor facility – formerly Tudno Castle Hotel – had been vacant for several years before directors Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake took on the premises. They transformed the building into a state-of-the-art, high-quality gym, complete with coffee and smoothie bar, sauna, changing rooms, retail store and more, and are thrilled with the positive response…

Work to restore a grade II* listed former bicycle and car showroom – the oldest in Wales – and bring it back into use as a business centre has been completed. A total of £3.1 million has been spent on buying and refurbishing the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style Automobile Palace in the centre of Llandrindod Wells, after Powys County Council secured £1.585 million in funding from the Welsh Government and £550,000 from the UK Government. The council is now ready to let nine business units which have been upgraded and made more energy efficient thanks to the work…