Author: Rhys Gregory

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is calling for the nation to kick start their 2024 by having a declutter and donating any unwanted Christmas gifts. Decluttering can make the home feel much calmer post-Christmas, so whether it’s a jumper that doesn’t fit, a game you won’t play, or a book you already have, the BHF will welcome any generous donations which can be resold to fund lifesaving research. Rather than let your unwanted items gather dust, simply pop them in the post by downloading a freepost label or take them down to your local BHF shop. The BHF gladly receives…

Croeso Pubs Ltd, the South Wales pub chain which already runs six venues including The Philharmonic and Brewhouse in the Welsh capital, has added The Discovery in Lakeside to its portfolio. The pub, formerly run by Knife and Fork Food Ltd, will undergo a £400,000 major refurbishment in January and will be run by the team behind The Philharmonic, Brewhouse, Retro, Blue Bell, Daffodil, and The Dock in Cardiff Bay. The Discovery is the first ‘community pub’ that will be run by Croeso Pubs. Craig Davies, Director of Croeso Pubs, said it’s an exciting acquisition: “When we heard the lease…

A Swansea man has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years after he punched his pet puppy who subsequently died. Joshua Mark Rowles of  Swansea, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 22 December for sentencing, after pleading guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act. This offence was that on 29 April at Matthew Street, Swansea, he caused unnecessary suffering to a French Bulldog known as Hugo, aged just seven months-old, by the infliction of physical abuse – a non-accidental injury. As well as the animal disqualification order, Rowles was sentenced to four months imprisonment which was…

A brief spell of very windy conditions is likely through Wednesday evening and night, bringing the chance of some disruption. During Wednesday evening and night, a further spell of very strong southwesterly winds is expected to sweep east to produce gusts of 50 to 60 mph. There is also the potential for gusts of around 70-75 mph near exposed coasts and over high ground. Heavy, squally showers will accompany these strong winds. The winds will ease later in the night. What should I do? Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home…

New research from Lloyds Bank has found that two fifths (42%) of firms in Wales are making New Year’s resolutions to improve their productivity, as businesses signal confidence in more positive macroeconomic conditions ahead. This optimism about the future comes after 2023 being a tough year for businesses, as they faced into high inflation and a sluggish economy. The data revealed the top three areas where firms are focusing their attention as they head into the new year, with half (50%) concentrating on developing their business, nearly a third (29%) focusing on investing in energy efficiency measures, and more than…

Restoration work on the Seven Arches landscape in Cymmer has transformed a once unloved, overgrown, and inaccessible piece of land into a thriving communal space. Thanks to funding from several local wind farms (Pen y Cymoedd, Ffynnon Oer, Llynfi Afan) a group of volunteers from Cymmer have revived the 40 acres of land surrounding the historic Seven Arches viaduct. Much of the land had become neglected over many years. By carrying out essential maintenance work the group has been able to reinstate pathways and open-up community areas. Progress is now underway to re-establish a historic pond and revive the presence…

He was found in the Nantyglo area and was taken into RSPCA care on Tuesday 19 December. The four/five month colt was found in a poor condition and was not microchipped – so an owner had not been located. RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil said: “Unfortunately as he is not chipped we have not found an owner and we are now hoping an appeal for information may be able to help with our enquiries. “If anyone has any first-hand information that will help our enquiries please do get in touch and call us via 0300 123 8018, quoting 1197723.” The foal…

We’re approaching that time of year when people who usually prefer to be dry and warm decide to run headlong into the sea – possibly wearing fancy dress. And many people make their New Year dip the beginning of a longer commitment. For The Bluetits Chill Swimmers, New Year is one of the peak times for welcoming new members. “I think it’s a ‘New Year, new me thing,’ says Sian Richardson, who founded the global movement in Pembrokeshire in 2014. “People reach the other side of Christmas and start thinking about getting fitter. Some people will join a gym –…

South Caernarfon Creameries is celebrating a bumper year of awards after winning a grand total of 97 awards this year, their best ever year with an increase of 28%. Since launching their new Dragon Cheddar Everyday Everyway television advert in May and breaking into the lucrative US dairy market in June, Wales’s leading farmer owned dairy co-operative has gone from strength to strength. Countless awards were gained at the International Cheese Awards, Cheshire Show, Yorkshire Show, Mid Somerset and the Royal Welsh Show. Out of a total of 97 awards, 40 were gold and Dragon Handcrafted Ruby won Supreme Champion…

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that a government plan to deregulate furniture regulations could cost dozens of lives every year. As shoppers gather for Boxing Day sales on sofas and other furniture, the union is warning that unless the ministers change course, decades of safety regulations could be lost. Under the current rules – introduced as the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 – manufacturers must submit furniture to independent testing on flammability. The regulations are estimated to have saved between 50 and 70 lives per year. But now the Westminster government has proposed scrapping these rules in favour…