Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales’ biggest building society will boost access to cash provision in Caerphilly, an area that has been affected by bank closures, with a cash kiosk in partnership with shared-banking innovator OneBanx. The cash kiosk will be hosted in Principality’s Caerphilly branch, becoming the second available in Wales after launching in the Cowbridge branch last year to fulfil the society’s ongoing commitment to the high street. The kiosk enables individuals and business customers of major banks and building societies to deposit and withdraw cash without needing to use a card. There is no charge for the service and the money is…

Baglan-based firm Hexigone Inhibitors, who specialise in patented micro-reservoir technology that is added to paints and protective coatings to prevent corrosion, have signed a string of international deals in India, Mexico, USA and across south and central America. Hexigone are addressing a multi-trillion-pound global problem with its patented products. Their corrosion inhibitors help to reduce corrosion damage on boats, vessels, cars, planes, oil tanks and buildings and have applications across a wide range of industries including construction, renewables, marine and aerospace. The company launched its export strategy three years ago after being spun out of Swansea University. Founded by Dr…

Last year Ireland was the third expert market for Welsh goods (by value) accounting for £2.5 billion. To support this vital trading relationship, Cardiff based road freight experts Europa Road have launched a first of its kind service on all of its daily routes between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, designed to remove post Brexit challenges. Europa Road provides market leading European road freight services, its Cardiff site is at Cardiff Gate Business Park, Regus, Malthouse Ave, Pontprennau, and is home to a team of 7, and was first opened in May 2022. Europa Road is part of…

Two men – one from Neath Port Talbot and one from Swansea – have been jailed following domestic violence offences. 36-year-old Nathan Jones, from Aberdulais, attacked his victim (whom he only met for the first time in December 2023) while they were asleep. The victim was able to escape and gain the attention of a neighbour, asking them to contact the police. The neighbour banged hard on the door of the address, finally bringing Jones’s assault to an end. Jones has been sentenced to 19 months in prison. Sergeant Hannah Campbell-Todd said: “Thanks to the bravery of the victim, a…

Rail passengers at Cardiff Central Railway station were treated to the sounds of Pink, Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters and Billy Joel – but with a classical twist! The global stars will be playing live in the Principality Stadium over the coming weeks, with Pink “getting the party started” this Tuesday. To celebrate them coming to the city, Transport for Wales teamed up with young musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, which is celebrating its 75th birthday this year, so they could blast out their most famous tracks – but on a classical piano! Chloe Clayton and…

Pentyrch Primary School will celebrate a remarkable milestone this week, as Hazel Davies marks 50 years of service as a lollipop lady. Known for her motto, “Safe Journey Home” Hazel has dedicated her life to ensuring the safety of children and their families on the roads and, regardless of the weather, she has become a consistent and reassuring presence at the school. During her time as a Cardiff Council School Crossing Patrol, Hazel has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her services and her commitment and inspirational spirit have made her a beloved figure in the community. She has…

Work to redevelop the junior play area at Sanatorium Park in Canton is due to begin at the end of June. The work is due to be completed by the autumn and will see a new, natural play area created on the site of the existing play area. To allow works to be completed as quickly and safely as possible, the nearby toddler play area will be closed for approximately three weeks, at the start of the works. The toddler area will re-open in time for the summer holidays. The new natural play area will feature a grassed mound, approximately…

Rhondda Heritage Park Museum has announced the opening of a brand-new, free, interactive exhibition! Part funded by the Welsh Government Culture Division, the new exhibition features amazing footage from the archives of when coal from the Rhondda powered the world. Over 140 mining and Welsh history artefacts are on display making this the biggest ever exhibition to be held at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum.  Combined with the incredible footage, touch screens, quizzes, puzzles and digitalised artefacts, this could arguably be called the definitive exhibition on the history of the South Wales valleys. The artefacts on display are accompanied by digital…

Family Volunteering Club are appealing for children and their families to help out as part of an upcoming event in Abergavenny. Family Volunteering Club makes it easy for children aged 0-9 and their family to help out at important causes on their doorstep – creating a society in which every child grows up feeling connected to their local community and understands the positive role they can play in helping change issues that matter to them. The next event on the Family Volunteering Cub calendar in Abergavenny is the Big Backstage Sort Out at Melville Centre for the Arts. A fun-filled…

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning, Julie James, recently visited the Housing First Project and some of its vital support workers in Anglesey. Housing First operates through The Wallich, Wales’s largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity. The Wallich works with more than 7,000 people across Wales every year and its service in Anglesey is the longest running Housing First project in Wales. The project helps support getting people off the streets and into their own accommodations, maintaining their tenancies long-term and creating opportunities for people. The support extends to people who are sleeping rough, sofa surfing, leaving…