Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

With many people planning to see in the New Year with fireworks, Dogs Trust Bridgend and Dogs Trust Cardiff are issuing advice to help owners prepare their pets who might be scared by the unexpected bangs and blasts of fireworks as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Angela Wetherall, Rehoming Centre Manager (Wales) said: “Fear of fireworks is worryingly common in dogs of all ages, and it can have a significant impact on their wellbeing and affect dogs at any time in their lives. “There are lots of things dog owners can do to help make fireworks less stressful…

A much-loved performance club for children in Tredegar is the latest recipient of Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme. The five-star builder’s East Wales business donated £1,000 to Kidz R Us – a community enterprise that hosts activities for more than 500 children in a disadvantaged area every week – in the week before Christmas, and the day before the club’s Christmas show. The volunteer-led, non-profit, self-funding organisation was founded by Diane Dann in 2002 when she was approached by a few children requesting her to organise dance classes and help them develop their skills in stage performances. Diane agreed and…

A care home in Cardiff was joined by a local school to help kick-start the Christmas festivities – with the help of a very special guest. Residents at Care UK’s Llys Herbert, on Ty-Draw Road, were paid a special visit from pupils at Llysfaen Primary School for a morning of Christmas fun so exciting that even Santa took a few hours off to come along. The children and residents were given the full VIP experience when they were invited to dine with Santa, enjoying a delicious festive breakfast of Christmas tree-shaped pancakes complete with berry ‘baubles’, specially made by the…

An investigation was launched after a 23-year-old man was found with injuries at an address in Chapel Street at around 11.30am on Sunday, December 24. Dylan Thomas, 23, from Llandaff, has been charged with murder and is remanded in custody. His court date is to be confirmed. While formal identification has yet to take place the victim’s family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family who continue to be updated and supported by family liaison officers. “Police cordons remain in place in Llandaff, including…

CHILDREN in neighbourhoods across Swansea will have the chance to get a bit of festive fresh air this Christmas and New Year period thanks to new play areas created for them by the council. Work on new play zones have been completed recently in Plasmarl, Gendros, Pontlliw, the Phoenix Centre in Townhill, DFS in Morriston, Blaenymaes and Clydach with others to follow shortly in Brynmill Park, Manselton and Jersey Park in St Thomas. It brings to more than 50 neighbourhoods around the city to have benefited from the £7m play areas renewal project that typically include facilities for disabled youngsters…

As the PDC World Championship unfolds at Alexandra Palace, the spotlight shines on Luke Humphries — the 28-year-old sensation whose meteoric rise in 2023 has captured the attention of the darting world. With maiden victories in the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals within an astonishing 49-day span, Humphries enters the prestigious tournament with immense momentum. So naturally, there are high expectations with those placing a bet on the PDC World Championship. ‘Cool Hand’ Luke is the joint-favourite to lift the lucrative silverware alongside three-time winner Michael van Gerwen, but here are five compelling reasons…

To stand out among the numerous online gambling businesses, you need more than just luck. A strong digital footprint is a must to stand out. Amidst the myriad of strategies employed to achieve this, the art of utilizing casino backlinks often flies under the radar. Yet, when wielded with precision, these specialized links become a powerful ally in bolstering a website’s search engine optimization (SEO). Quality backlinks can help your gambling platform get a surge in website traffic and, most importantly, a noticeable uptick in revenue. In this article, we’ll help you understand casino backlinks and master the link building…

Alcohol has always had a prominent place in British society, from a pint of beer down the pub to a glass of wine at home after a stressful day. But it feels like it’s becoming less of a social exercise in recent times and a little more problematic. Stats have shown that around one in six adults binge drink every week, while the number of people arriving in private alcohol centres UK wide is quite staggering. But why has it become such a problem in recent years? Why has the population seemingly taken a backward step when it comes to…

A mum who had her first child as a teenager and who never forgot the care she was given has herself started as a midwife 23 years later. Amazingly, Helen Davies works in the same hospital as the community midwife who was such an inspiration to her all those years ago. Helen, who was 16 when she had son Declan in June 2000, has completed her three-year course at Swansea University and is one of 23 new starter midwives at neighbouring Singleton Hospital. Former community midwife Carole Christie also works there, as interim manager of Ward 20, the postnatal ward.…