Author: Rhys Gregory

Robertsons Solicitors, a leading Welsh law firm, has recently announced the promotion of four new Directors, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s over 100 year history. Helen Barry, recognised for her expertise in residential conveyancing, and Hannah Magee, distinguished for her reputation in family law, have been promoted to Director roles, reflecting their dedication to client service. Joining them are William Baird, promoted to the position of Litigation Director, and Tom Sidford, appointed as Commercial Property Director, both acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to the firm’s success. Director, Chris Barber commented, “We are thrilled to see the growth and…

The families of the three teenage men who died following a road traffic collision which happened at around 7.00pm on Monday December 11, 2023, have paid the following tributes to them. They are: Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth Jesse Owen, 18, from Tonypandy Morgan Smith, 18, from Tonypandy The family of Jesse Owen, 18, from Penygraig, Rhondda Cynon Taff, said: “Jesse had a presence that would light up any room. He was loved by all who had the honour of knowing him. He was the most loving, happy kind, calm and beautiful soul. He would do absolutely anything for anyone.…

Thomas Carroll Group, the independent insurance, risk and wealth management group, has handed over the reins to its employees as part of an Employee Ownership Trust, turning it into one of the biggest Employee-Owned businesses in Wales. The Caerphilly-based company was established in 1972 by Evan Thomas and Terry Carroll when they were given the chance to buy a commercial account from another broker, and Thomas Carroll was born. After various acquisitions, multiple office moves and additional openings, more than 50 years later Evan’s son and current CEO of the Group, Rhys Thomas, has spearheaded the company’s latest move into…

Children in schools across Wales have been enjoying a new School Activity Ideas Pack created by the newly formed Food & Drink Skills Wales project. The pack, which encourages pupils to examine environmental factors affecting our food chains, was launched as part of Wales Climate Week(December 4-8). This year’s Wales Climate Week focussed on the theme of “fairness” in the context of climate change, examining its disproportionate effect on people and places. It has included a wide range of events running throughout the week, both online and in-person. The week provided the opportunity to promote the positive work and sustainability credentials…

A man who had to re-learn to walk after surgery to remove a brain tumour is covering 31,000km by foot in December. Conor Smith of Trevethin in Pontypool is half-way through his challenge of walking 10km a day to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research. The 27-year-old was left with life-changing injuries following treatment for a grade 2 meningioma in November 2021 after doctors initially thought his numb left arm was caused by ‘sleeping funny’. Days later, he collapsed at home after losing the feeling down the left-side of his body. Conor, who lives with his older brother,…

Fans around the world will be able to tune into The New Saints JD Cymru Premier fixture against Penybont at Park Hall this Saturday (16th December, 14:30 KO).  The fixture which will be exclusively broadcast by TNS is the first time a club from the JD Cymru Premier has hosted its own live streaming across the world. Fans from around the world will be able to watch Craig Harrison’s table topping side look to extend their domestic unbeaten record as Penybont visit Park Hall. Similarly to TNS’ SPFL Trust Trophy Quarter-Final with Arbroath, 247.TV will host the streaming with their…

Six volunteers from Swansea’s local communities are giving their time to help Santa open a new grotto Their assistance will see the free-entry attraction open at Blaenymaes Community Centre this week. It’s the idea of Swansea Council’s community development team, using financial support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Team members recruited the volunteers in the run-up to the launch of the attraction. Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “We thank the volunteers for helping to give the young people of Blaenymaes some extra sparkle this Christmas. “We had an excellent response to our call for volunteers who’re happy…

A Swansea gallery is shining a spotlight on some items not normally considered art – unwanted old household appliances. Any Old Iron is a new installation by Swansea-born artist Kathryn Ashill; it helps the city continue to tell the story of climate change in a creative way. It features creative interpretations of artefacts such as used tyres, an old washing machine and an unwanted old radio. There are black bags and disused springs. It’s helping to show visitors to Swansea Council’s Glynn Vivian gallery how art can respond to the climate emergency. Kathryn’s work – in wood, paint and with an…

Neath Port Talbot Council is warning residents to beware of traders “cold calling” at their homes. The warning comes after the council’s Trading Standards team received reports of cold callers operating across the county, approaching residents to carry out work on their property. Consumers have more rights when purchasing over the doorstep. For work carried out at a resident’s home that is more than £42 in value, traders are required by law to provide cancellation rights. This gives 14 days for contracts to be cancelled. Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing (with…

Another food waste recycler has been rewarded with £500 as a part of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Mash for Cash campaign. Scott Gregory from Caerphilly is the sixteenth winner of the food waste campaign and was presented with a cheque for £500 by the CCBC Waste and Recycling team. The Mash for Cash campaign was launched in March 2022 with an aim to increase the number of residents currently recycling their food waste. Whilst the Local Authority hopes that the campaign will increase in food waste recycling participation, the prize money could help residents during the current cost of living…