Author: Rhys Gregory

Leftover turkey, pigs in blankets, and Brussels sprouts could power 20,000 homes for a year if disposed of correctly. UK households are predicted to throw away up to 200,000 tonnes of food at Christmas, and anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are gearing up to convert the waste into energy. Properties are likely to see a dramatic increase in electricity usage, with tech products including gaming consoles and tablets topping many festive wish lists, along with extra TV consumption and flashing decorations during the holiday season. Combining the additional energy output with the rising cost of living can put extra strain on…

Stone pitching is a specialised skill used to construct solid and durable paths in the countryside. As there is a shortage of individuals and landscape contractors with stone pitching skills, the National Park Authority has joined forces with the National Trust Cymru and Natural Resources Wales to arrange a special stone pitching training course. Stone paths are commonplace in the uplands of Eryri. As well as providing walkers with a solid and durable path, they also fit in well with the area’s rugged landscape. By incorporating bespoke stone features such as culverts and water-breaks, water runoff and erosion can be…

A High Court claim launched by almost 300 former rugby union players will have a “huge impact” on the sport regardless of the outcome, according to a legal expert.  A group of 295 former players recently went to the High Court in London in the latest stage of their claim for damages against rugby’s governing bodies.  The players are all suffering with various irreversible neurological impairments including early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and believe their brain injuries came as a result of playing rugby.  They claim they were not aware that taking part in the sport…

A SECONDARY school ranked in the top five in Wales is attracting students from across the region to its award-winning sixth form. Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay is preparing for an ‘Opportunities Evening Event’ that will showcase its post-16 offering and academic support. The school – listed fourth in Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table earlier this month – will hold the session from 5.30pm-7.30pm on Tuesday January 16. Headteacher Zoe Evans hopes parents and prospective students can join them to see the wide range of options available. “We are proud of our sixth form provision, as in addition to award-winning teaching from subject teachers who have a wealth of…

South Wales Police received a report just before 7.55pm, Sunday 17th December, that a 30-year-old man had been assaulted in a property on Princess Street, Treforest. His family has been informed and police cordons remain in place whilst enquiries continue. Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time, and we will continue to support them as our enquiries continue. “It is imperative that we find out exactly what happened and I’m appealing to the public for help. “I would urge anyone who was in the…

Primary school pupils learned about farming and agriculture first-hand at Langtons Farm as part of the Welsh Veg for Schools project. Ten primary schools are part of the pilot project to develop new local agroecological supply chains into schools, specifically on locally supplied vegetables. Eight of the ten schools recently visited Langtons Farm to learn more about the supply chain and gain experience in planting and harvesting vegetables that will supply their school lunch. During their visit, the pupils had the opportunity to plant onion sets and garlic bulbs and tour the farm. With the help of farm owner Katherine,…

A sports pitch in north Powys has been refurbished thanks to a £150,000 grant from the Welsh Government, it has been announced. Bookings are now being taken for sport groups to use the refurbished Red Gra pitch at Caereinion Leisure Centre in Llanfair Caereinion, which is operated in partnership with Powys County Council by the not-for-profit leisure trust, Freedom Leisure. Work to refurbish the pitch, including improved floodlighting scheme, drainage works and perimeter fencing, was completed in October. The main works were carried out by Tarmac while PJ Martin from Llandrindod Wells were sub-contracted to carry out the groundworks. The…

Technology surrounds us all in modern life and helps us live in a more convenient and simpler way. It can also transform how we interact with the world and the way we not only work but also stay entertained. Virtual reality is a great example of this around the UK and something everyone around Wales will have heard about. With its ability to transport users into a hyper-realistic virtual world, this technology is now starting to be applied in many ways. Although you may think this tech is relatively new, it has actually been around for a while and undergone…

As our parents grow older, their needs evolve, and so does our role in supporting them. One significant aspect of caregiving involves ensuring their living space is safe and conducive to their changing abilities. Making modifications to their home not only enhances safety but also grants them the independence and comfort they deserve. Understanding the Need for Modifications Ageing can bring physical limitations, making everyday tasks more challenging. Simple adjustments within the home can significantly enhance their quality of life. As a caregiver, recognising the importance of these modifications is crucial. Assessing the Home Environment Begin by assessing their living…

A 54-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at the Lidl supermarket in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil. He was arrested this morning on suspicion of robbery and is in police custody. At around 5.15pm on Saturday, December 16 a man entered the store with a fuel container and poured the contents over a member of staff, demanding cash from the till. Other employees and members of the public were threatened and had diesel thrown at them. Around £500 was stolen. Several items have been recovered for forensic examination. Detective Sergeant Tony Watts said: “This was an…