Author: Rhys Gregory

Aberglasney is delighted to announce its photographer, Nigel McCall, has been recognised in the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) competition for his stunning image ‘May Morning’ taken in Aberglasney’s Upper Walled Garden. IGPOTY brings together the best garden, plant, flower and botanical photography from across the world with over 20,000 entries from over 50 countries. The competition started in 2008 and continues to be one of the world’s most respected photography competitions and exhibitions. Nigel’s image of Aberglasney during a misty ‘May Morning’ was announced as Highly Commended in the ‘Beautiful Gardens’ category. His breath-taking images have won…

AS National Apprenticeship Week (February 5-11) gets underway, a trio of North Wales trainees are offering their advice to those considering a construction career. All three are embarking on very different careers at Flintshire-based Anwyl Homes and are at various stages of their personal development. Ruby Jones, from Mold, is just starting out on her HR apprenticeship, while Matthew Parry, from Prestatyn, is training in site management and Thomas Miller, from Wrexham, has just graduated with a degree in architectural design technology. However, they have all benefitted from Anwyl’s earn and learn training schemes, which see apprentices and other trainees…

An established, Newport-based design company is celebrating 10 years in business with a move to its recently renovated offices in the city centre. Parade Design, which was launched by graphic designer Claire Broome, is a creative ideas company specialising in brand identity, print and digital communication. Previously located in the Estates Offices on Gold Tops, the design firm has now moved into its own premises on North Street in Newport, following a lengthy redevelopment process. The extensive building work, which took around two years to complete, was partially funded by Newport City Council’s Property Enhancement Grant. Since they left their…

This Apprenticeship Week Wales, Elinor Worthington, Future Talent Development Consultant at Legal & General, discusses how the business is using its apprenticeship programme to develop and shape its future leaders as they look to diversify and futureproof their workforce. As a former apprentice turned leader at one of the leading UK financial services providers, Elinor champions the value of apprenticeships for anyone wanting to gain experience, upskill or change career to achieve their aspirations. Elinor said: “I graduated from university with an Environmental Science degree and accepted an entry level role in financial services at Legal & General to begin earning…

BookTrust Cymru, the children’s reading charity, is encouraging families, schools, and early years spaces across Wales to join in with Big Welsh Rhyme Time, a week-long national celebration of sharing bilingual rhymes, poems and songs with thousands of children in their early years. Developed with the support of the Welsh Government, Big Welsh Rhyme Time invites families across Wales to experience how rhyming and sharing stories bilingually can be incorporated into everyday life – be it at home, an early years setting, or within their local community. More than 500 settings across Wales have signed up to take part in…

ARC-UK Technologies, which operates in Cardiff, has ramped up its sustainability efforts by investing more than £1m in eco-friendly printing that saves resources, enhances time efficiency and improves sustainability practices. The investment allows ARC-UK Technologies to further support companies and communities’ net carbon zero ambitions by offering neutral print production at speed and scale. The wide format Fujifilm printing press, called the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED, uses recyclable inks which are free from environmentally damaging solvents and uses up to half the energy of traditional printing machines. The second to be installed in the UK, the press has the capability…

Skateboarders, BMX riders and other wheeled sports fanatics are being asked to help develop a city-wide masterplan for better skate facilities in Swansea. Swansea Council has set aside more than £1million to invest in skate park facilities and has already enlisted the help of international skate park designers – Curve Studio. Young people in the city with a passion for skateboarding and BMX, along with those who are curious about taking up the sport, are now being asked for their views on what they would like to see developed in Swansea. The city already has a network of community skate…

A Blue Plaque has been dedicated to James Egan, one of the survivors of the famous Battle of Rorke’s Drift. The Battle of Rorke’s Drift was a pivotal moment in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and has become a legendary tale.  Just over 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended the station of Rorke’s Drift against attacks by 4,000 Zulu warriors.  The battle was of course memorialised forever in the 1964 film Zulu starring Welsh actor Sir Stanley Baker. 17 British soldiers were killed during the battle but Private James Egan survived and returned to Wales where he lived until…

Rio Dyer wants Wales to come out of their shell much earlier against England this weekend when Wales head to Twickenham for Round 2 of the Guinness Six Nations. The Dragons wing was one of Wales four try scorers as they picked up two points from their agonising 27-26 defeat to Scotland at Principality Stadium – his fifth Test try in 15 internationals. “It was a bit frustrating in the first half because I wasn’t really touching the ball. We were kicking it a bit too much,” said Dyer. “It showed in the second half that when we do start…

Wales’ Chief Medical Officer – Sir Frank Atherton – is calling on parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against measles and are up to date with their other childhood immunisations. Outbreaks of measles could become more frequent in Wales unless urgent action is taken to increase Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination across the country. Sir Frank is warning that it is essential that uptake of a full course (2 doses) of the MMR vaccine is increased to 95%, the target set by the World Health Organisation, to protect Welsh communities from a potentially devastating outbreak. Measles spreads…