Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers in Wales to be alert to signs of Bluetongue as we enter a period where animals are at an increased risk of contracting Bluetongue virus from midges. Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas, and midges are most active between April and November. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, so any suspect cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Further information on the clinical signs of Bluetongue and action to…

In a speech in the Senedd, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning outlined her key priorities for her new portfolio. Addressing the Chamber, The Cabinet Secretary said: “My new portfolio of Housing, Local Government and Planning, brings together the key elements required to deliver my top-most priorities; tackling homelessness and the commitment to deliver 20,000 additional homes for rent in the social sector.” To achieve these priorities, the Cabinet Secretary intends to formalise the strategic relationship between local government and the Welsh Government. The Programme for Government outlines the Welsh Government’s ambitious target of delivering 20,000 homes…

Cardiff charity City Hospice’s popular, award-winning Forever Flowers campaign will return to Cardiff Castle for a fourth consecutive year this summer. Supporters are invited to purchase a limited edition ‘Remember Me Rose’ to remember and celebrate the lives of family members, friends and colleagues. This year’s choice of flower symbolises love, affection and respect, while the colour also pays tribute to the charity which is marking its ruby anniversary this year. Expertly crafted by the British Ironwork Centre, the unique and lasting tributes will feature in a beautiful display within the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday 3 to Sunday…

Chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs) need to build trust in artificial intelligence (AI) by taking steps in their organisations to manage the associated risks. As AI plays a greater role in the accounting and financial reporting of businesses, CFOs and financial controllers will have to be confident about the adequacy of oversight and controls of AI systems. In the first in a series of insights, AI monitor: trust, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) urges finance professionals to ensure that AI governance and AI risk management is in place, beginning with: Investing in AI literacy…

INSTEAD of finding a location and then securing a home Paul Fosh property auctions are offering a mobile investment and all you need to do is to find a suitable setting. In a first for Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, more used to selling lots of bricks and mortar in situ, the leading property agents are offering a mobile glamping hut. When the virtual hammer falls the new owner of the glamping hut will literally have bought themselves a takeaway. Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions said:”Normally the lots we sell are in situ. This one, a fitted glamping hut is…

Pupils at Cwmdar Primary School are jumping for joy after their playground has undergone a transformation. After receiving funding from local energy company Pennant Walters, Headteacher Marie Evans wasted no time in setting the wheels in motion to transform the largely concrete area into a fun-filled space for pupils to enjoy long into the future, with pupil voice at the heart of the decision-making. As part of the transformation a track has been painted in the yard, whilst bikes and trikes have been purchased. The funding is allowing an outdoor classroom pod to be installed, whilst other yard games have…

Fatigue is a common complaint that can stem from various underlying causes. Feeling constantly tired or exhausted can greatly impact our quality of life and ability to function optimally. Identifying and addressing the root causes of fatigue is key to regaining energy and vitality. Here are some of the most common causes of fatigue and tips on how to overcome them. Lack of Quality Sleep Not getting enough high-quality sleep is one of the most common reasons people feel fatigued. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, yet many regularly get less due to busy schedules, insomnia, or other…

When it comes to cruising, there are a number of rules and regulations that are in place, from lists of items that you can and cannot bring onboard to where on the ship you can enjoy yourself. These rules may feel like they are there to spoil your fun, but the majority of the rules that are in place on board have been put in place with health and safety in mind.  Some of the rules and regulations at sea have some serious ramifications if you break them. With this in mind, we have put together a list of 10…

Gardening is an ancient and peaceful practice that, over generations, has evolved beyond mere food cultivation or landscaping. For many, it is a therapeutic escape from modern life’s daily stresses, providing physical, psychological, and emotional benefits that mental health professionals increasingly recognize. Victoria Gerrard La Crosse explores the mental health advantages of gardening and how it can cultivate greater well-being. Connection to Nature: A Natural Mood Booster Gardening connects individuals with nature, a vital experience often lost in our technologically driven world. Being outdoors amidst plants and fresh air can uplift the spirit, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Research has…

Swim classes stand out as an extraordinary extracurricular activity for children, combining the joys of water play with the crucial life skill of swimming. Apart from teaching youngsters how to stay afloat, these classes imbue them with a strong sense of water safety, enhance their physical health, and foster social skills through interaction with peers. In an era where digital distractions are ubiquitous, swimming offers a refreshing escape that engages both the mind and body, making it an ideal choice for parents looking to enrich their child’s after-school time. Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/girls-swimming-splashing-sisters-1284419/ Boosts Physical Health Swimming is a comprehensive form…