Author: Rhys Gregory

Two talented musicians are to perform at one of Wales’ leading country houses to help raise money for a new roof. Virtuoso violinist Ezo Sarici and her talented cousin, internationally renowned pianist Deniz Cengiz will be performing at Gregynog, on the outskirts of Tregynon, near Newtown, on Tuesday, September 3. The musicians have agreed to perform in return for accommodation, so that the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Gregynog’s Raise the Roof campaign.  Music to played at the concert includes Arietta by Huw Watkins, Demet Suite by Turkish composer Adnan Saygun,  Theme and Variations on Autumn Leaves by…

In this day and age, the Internet has become a basic necessity. From education and professional work to entertainment and communication, we rely on it in almost all aspects of our lives. However, choosing the right broadband option that meets all your internet needs can be challenging. That’s because the market is filled with all types of options and all of them claim to be the best. That’s where this guide comes into place. It’ll help you understand how to find the best broadband deals in your area in order to choose the best option based on your unique requirements…

Wales has always been seen as a land of coal mining, rugby and wonderful singing. But there’s a new game in town – and Welsh players have embraced it with enthusiasm. Online gaming has seen significant growth in Wales – becoming one of the major pastimes across the principality. The popularity of online gaming in Wales has surged with the times. Welsh people who were looking for new forms of entertainment and social interaction have found it – in the online realm. Part of the reason for this boom is that the player base in Wales is so diverse. From…

A South Wales teenager who won an award for saving a man’s life, is one step closer to his dream of making a difference to society with a career in politics after bagging his spot at university. Coleg y Cymoedd learner Callum Smith, who has ambitions to become a future UK Prime Minister, has secured a place to study Law and Politics at Manchester University thanks to his ABB grades in Law, Criminology and Politics A levels. Earlier this year, the courageous 18-year-old from Porth was presented with a St David’s Award by former First Minister, Vaughan Gethin, for saving…

Students at Coleg Gwent — one of Wales’ top colleges for choice — are celebrating today (15 August) as they collect BTEC, AS and A-Level results at the college’s Blaenau Gwent, Crosskeys, Newport, Usk and Torfaen campuses. 67% of students at the college achieved A*-C A-level grades, while more than 1,000 learners completed a BTEC qualification — enabling learners to take their first steps into higher education and new careers. Molly McAlorum from Newport is just one of the delighted learners getting ready to embark on a new chapter after achieving exceptional results (Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction). Following two years at Coleg…

A man who committed robbery offences in Bridgend town centre has been sent to prison after appearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, August 6. James McKernan, 26, from Bridgend, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery on Monday, July 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAnoeJbjyAs On June 8, 2024, McKernan entered the Greggs store on Adare Street in Bridgend and approached counters where food is displayed and took a number of items and put them in his bag. McKernan then made threats towards staff members that if they try to stop him, he would stab…

Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed that action is underway to remove a number of caravans which have parked illegally on land near Wilderness Lake at Heol Y Goedwig in Porthcawl. Council officers have visited the location, which is close to a children’s playground, to complete necessary checks and have served a legal notice giving the caravan owners 24 hours’ notification to vacate the site. This process has now been completed and the site should be clear. Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “While we appreciate the concerns of local residents, dealing with illegal…

When a former Cardiff University student came across a new sport during a walk in a park in the Welsh capital, little did he know that within a few years, he’d be bringing the world’s best to Britain. But that’s what happened to urban planner Jack Collard, who was walking through Roath Park in 2018 when he saw someone playing Roundnet. Jack asked if he could join in and was bitten by the bug. Fast-forward to 2024, and away from his Bristol-based day-job, Jack is CEO of British Roundnet, the governing body of the sport in England, Wales and Scotland,…

A new collection of stylish Swansea city centre homes is about to open for families and city centre workers – and there are more to come. The latest openings will come at Market Lofts on the corner of Oxford Street and Portland Street, above a former greetings cards shop. The shop unit itself has been refurbished and is set to reopen this year as a new city centre outlet for a well-known business. Swansea-based company Oxford Portland acquired the building in recent years and began transformation work last year. It’s expected that the 11 apartments – with one, two and…

Carolyn Brownell, executive director of Cardiff’s Business Improvement District, has been named a national ambassador for the UK-wide safety initiative Ask for Angela. She joins a team of other national ambassadors, including London’s Night Tsar Amy Lamé and Welsh rock band Chroma, whose 2023 debut album Ask for Angela was named after the scheme. In her tenure as executive director, Carolyn has supported women, girls, and other vulnerable groups through launching a number of support programmes. From creating and chairing the Women’s Safety Network, to founding the UK’s first Women’s Safety Charter, to signing up almost 100 Cardiff businesses to…