Author: Rhys Gregory

Sport Wales’ Energy Saving Grants are back and they certainly pack a punch – just ask boxing champ Joe Calzaghe. The family-run Calzaghe Academy in Newbridge is among the 79 sports clubs who successfully applied to Sport Wales for a £25,000 Energy Saving Grant last year to make its facilities more energy efficient. By installing solar panels and upgrading its insulation, the Calzaghe Academy will save thousands of pounds off its energy bills for years to come, providing more financial stability to continue Joe’s legacy in his hometown. Joe said: “We’ve trained many champions, but these days our focus is…

A Flintshire man has been jailed for six years after he was found guilty of raping a teenage girl. Allistair Rhys McHugh of Penymynydd Road, Penyffordd was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court last week (Friday, May 31st). The 35-year-old was convicted of the offence last month, which occurred in January 2017. McHugh, aged 28 at the time, pursued the 16-year-old victim over a period of time by sending her multiple messages in an attempt to get her to his home address. He then raped her, which resulted in her fleeing the property. Detective Sergeant Michael Starkey, who led the investigation…

Work will soon restart at Swansea’s Copr Bay development with a target to open the new multi-storey car park by the end of the year. Swansea Council has appointed locally based Andrew Scott Ltd to carry out the works. Their appointment follows Willmott Dixon undertaking detailed site surveys to establish the scope of the finishing works needed after the council’s original contractor for the scheme – Buckingham Group Ltd – went into administration. Andrew Scott Ltd will soon be on site to start the works which are needed to finish the new car park and retail units on the city…

A talented young musician from Colwyn Bay will be sharing the stage with some big stars at a top music festival this summer. Fourteen-year-old Will Glanville, a pupil at Myddelton College, Denbigh, is tuning up for the four-day Deva Fest featuring the Human League, The Coral and X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson by busking in Llandudno. Will earned his place at the event at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire in August after impressing in the busking tent last year. It’s a big chance for Will who will be supporting the likes of Ocean Colour Scene and Seventies stars Toyah Wilcox and…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Glanenig Care Home in Talgarth, Powys. Glanenig is a residential, family-run care home that is registered for 33 residents. It is located in a highly prominent position in the Welsh town of Talgarth and enjoys scenic views of the neighbouring countryside and Brecon Beacons. It was established in 1986 by husband-and-wife team, Keith and Marjorie Bowen, who were later joined by their son Ian, who helped run the business. They recently decided to sell to retire. Following a confidential sales process with Oliver McCarthy at Christie & Co,…

Denbighshire businesses are being encouraged to apply for one of 200 fully-funded memberships giving them full, free access to a host of events, support and grant funding. The newly launched Denbighshire Business Club will give members access to monthly networking events, support workshops, large-scale expos, startup support and access to grant funding for workspace. The Club will host events around Denbighshire; anyone can join, however, with the first 200 businesses based in the region to apply will get free membership. The Denbighshire Business Club is being operated by small business and coworking experts, Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) alongside Denbighshire…

Passionate pupils from across Wales came together at Eco-Schools Wales’ National Eco-Committee to mark the 30th anniversary of the acclaimed Eco-Schools programme, a global initiative empowering young people to drive environmental change. The National Eco-Committee took place across three days Carmarthen (21 May), Mold (22 May), and Caerphilly (23 May). The events were fun-filled days of learning, collaboration, and celebration attended by over 140 primary school pupils. Learners took part interactive ‘One Planet Party’ workshops, exploring ways to minimise their environmental impact while celebrating special occasions. They heard examples from around the globe and shared updates on their eco-projects, inspiring…

City Hospice, Cardiff’s local hospice, has retained its Royal Patronage. Following the review of the patronages it was announced, on the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, that His Majesty The King would be delighted to retain the patronage of City Hospice. His Majesty first became Patron of the charity in 1998 as The Prince of Wales. During his 70th birthday year, His Majesty visited the charity’s centre Ty Hosbis in Whitchurch and met with volunteers, nurses, counsellors, patients and families to hear about the vital care that City Hospice provides across Cardiff. City Hospice is the only provider of…

Business confidence in Wales fell 14 points during May to 37%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 16 points at 35%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 11 points to 39%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 37% (vs. 51% in April). Looking ahead to the next six months, Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (40%), evolving their offering (38%), and entering new markets (33%). The…

Thousands came to enjoy a week full of fun and competitions at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 2024. This year the Urdd celebrated a record-breaking 100,454 registering to compete in over 400 competitions, which includes more than ever Welsh learners. As well as the three Pavilions where talented children and young people from Wales and beyond were competing, a variety of activities were enjoyed by all ages at the festival. Following a process of consultation with disability and accessibility experts, a series of developments were also introduced this year to ensure that the festival’s site and activities were fully accessible and…