Author: Rhys Gregory

A planning application to construct a new replacement building for an all-through school in Machynlleth has been submitted, Powys County Council has announced. Powys County Council is to build a new school for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen as part of its Transforming Education programme. The school is currently transitioning from a dual-stream school to a Welsh-medium school. With the Maldwyn 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod just a week away, the submission of the application marks a key milestone in the project and will help the council meet its commitments in its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and the aims of the Strategy for Transforming…

Work to improve standards of maths in Welsh schools is progressing with new schemes in place helping to boost confidence, develop skills and encourage more take up. Before the pandemic, schools in Wales were making positive progress in numeracy and work is now under way to get things back on track. Since April 2023, more than 3,500 learners have taken part in activities delivered by Mathematics Support Programme Wales (MSPW), with more schools set to take part. The scheme, managed by Swansea University, is backed by £450,000 of Welsh Government funding. Activities include maths clubs and masterclasses, talks offering insights…

New Regulations have today been approved by the Senedd for the mandatory use of CCTV in all slaughterhouses in Wales. The Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (Wales) Regulations 2024 will require CCTV cameras to be installed in all slaughterhouses in areas where live animals are unloaded, kept, handled, stunned, and killed. This is a Programme for Government commitment and is included in the Animal Welfare Plan for Wales, which seeks to maintain and improve standards of welfare for all kept animals. Most slaughterhouses in Wales already have CCTV.  This requirement ensures all are covered, supporting consumer confidence…

In his first appearance at the UK Parliament Transport Committee as Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates set out his three asks of the UK Government as well as his ambition for a fully integrated, efficient system which meets the needs of Welsh passengers. He called for: Full autonomy for the Wales and Borders franchise. A partnership role in designing and managing services run by other operators which impact Welsh passengers. Ensure the new integrated rail body (Great British Rail) is accountable to the Welsh Government and the Senedd for its work in Wales. Speaking at the…

The chairman of regional tourism organisation MWT Cymru is delighted that 13 beaches along the Ceredigion coast have been recognised in this year’s Wales Coast Awards for water quality, public facilities, safety provision and management. The popular beaches at Borth, Aberystwyth South, Llangrannog and Tresaith will be flying Blue Flags, while Clarach, Aberystwyth North, New Quay Harbour, New Quay Dolau/North and Aberporth have achieved the Seaside Award. Llanrhystud, Cilborth-Llangrannog, Penbryn and Mwnt have received the Green Coast Award. Beaches achieving Blue Flag and Green Coast award status must meet the highest “excellent” water quality standard and are judged for the…

Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay’s leading dining and leisure destination, has signed three new tenants as it gears up for a busy summer. Following a string of new openings across the UK, Giggling Squid selected Mermaid Quay as its 49th restaurant after agreeing a lease for a 4,666 sq ft unit overlooking Tacoma Square.  The Thai restaurant promises to offer visitors to the bay a dining experience that encapsulates Thailand’s rich culinary heritage in the chic surrounding of the chain’s signature interiors. Renowned hair salon owner Ken Picton has taken a 2,220 sq ft unit next to its long-standing hair salon…

Cathays High School has been crowned the champion of the Debate Mate Cup for 2024, after beating the defending champions of the last two years, Willows High School. Students from Cantonian High, Eastern High, Fitzalan High, Ysgol Glantaf, Cardiff West Community High, Willows High, St Teilo’s CiW High School and Cathays High schools took part in the 12-week schools debating programme delivered by Debate Mate across the 8 schools in the city. The 12-week programme culminated with the final, sponsored by Principality Building Society at the Principality Stadium. The day of head-to-head debates involved volunteers from Principality Building Society supporting Debate…

A popular Welsh Marches tourist attraction has appointed a new artist in residence for the ensuing season. Chris Williams has already moved to a new studio at the 70-acre Hergest Croft Gardens in Kington, which has one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the British Isles and has been owned by five generations of the Banks family. The estate has more than 130 ‘Champion Trees’, 5,000 rare trees, plants and shrubs together with National Collections of Maples, Birches and Zelkovas. Originally from North Wales, Chris studied art at the Laird School of Art, Birkenhead and gained her…

Keeping a commercial property spick and span is a year-round job. You’ve got to stay sharp and understand what your building needs as the seasons flip and flop.  Whether it’s an office, a shop, or an apartment block, keeping things in tip-top shape can really crank up its value and charm. Doing the legwork now means fewer headaches and expenses later—it’s all about catching the small stuff before it turns into big trouble. Managing a commercial property means you have to always be on the ball. Regular check-ups are a must to nip problems in the bud.  You’ve got a…

In today’s world, where uncertainty often reigns supreme, many people turn to ancient practices like tarot and astrology for guidance and clarity. These timeless tools offer insights into our lives, helping us navigate challenges and make informed decisions. In this blog post, we’ll explore six practical tips to make the most of tarot and astrology guidance, unlocking their full potential for personal growth and self-discovery. Understanding Spiritual Colors in Tarot and Astrology To delve into the realms of tarot and astrology effectively, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals. Tarot, consisting of symbolic images on cards, offers insights into life’s various…