Author: Rhys Gregory

The founder of Hope House Children’s Hospices, one of the region’s biggest charities, is stepping down as one of its principal trustees. It was 35 years ago that Barbara Evans, now 73, together with a small group of parents and healthcare professionals, came up with the idea of a hospice to support local children with life-threatening conditions and their families. “It doesn’t feel like 35 years, not at all, because if you enjoy what you are doing and you can see children and families benefitting then time just flies,” says Barbara. The original working group comprised Caroline Peachey, whose daughter…

A North Wales bakery is exporting its signature Welsh Cakes to Japan for the first time after being contacted by a Tokyo-based British importer. The Jones Village Bakery’s traditional treats – along with its Welsh Batch, seeded loaves and white  barms – are on sale at the British Shop in the Japanese capital, marking another milestone in the company’s expanding export operation. The move came after the Wrexham-based family firm was contacted by ex-pat Mark Spencer who fell in love with the Welsh Cakes after tasting them at a trade show in Singapore. The Jones Village Bakery products are aimed…

Business confidence in Wales rose one point during March to 30% according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, up 11 points at 46%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down eight points to 14%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 30% (vs. 29% in February). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. This month’s survey was conducted at the start of March, between 2 – 16th. Commenting on UK national confidence trends, Amanda Murphy,…

A North Wales-headquartered engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy’s recruitment drive is in full flow after a strong start to 2026. Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, is growing all departments as it bids to enhance its offering across a variety of sectors, including water and rail. As part of a quest to double turnover to more than £8 million in the next five years, the company is keen to strengthen its 50-strong workforce with several key personnel. Civil engineering vacancies include an associate director, senior technician, and technician, whilst the geotechnical team is looking…

Families across Newport are being encouraged to make the most of the Easter holidays with a packed programme of activities on offer at Newport Live venues. With a wide range of options available, the programme promises something for all ages, from sport and creative workshops to live entertainment and affordable days out. Those looking to stay active can take part in intensive swimming lessons, family bike rides and football sessions. There are also free welly walks at Rogerstone Welfare Ground and Tredegar House, alongside free swimming opportunities and a Girls Takeover programme for ages 8–18, designed to create fun and…

Transformative free arts event the Wye Valley River Festival is returning to Monmouth to bring magic, merriment and “a little mayhem” to the town on May 2, as the community recovers from severe flooding. Held every two years the Wye Valley River Festival is created by local communities, environmentalists and artists in the Wye Valley’s internationally important landscape. The  Monmouth Mischief festival day will kick off with the lively parade as part of an event programme planned to draw visitors to the town on Saturday May 2. Organisers want to encourage families to visit Monmouth, which was devastated in November…

Swansea Bay Foundation has awarded £13,750 to 31 community-led projects in its most recent grant round, supporting grassroots organisations making a positive difference to people’s lives across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The funding will support a wide range of volunteer led initiatives, including activities for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN), mental health and wellbeing support, girls’ and women’s football, community meals and coffee mornings, outdoor and environmental education, and equipment for schools, youth clubs and community spaces. Projects supported in this round range from therapy and inclusive activities for neurodivergent children, to walking and singing…

Welsh drivers Rhys Lloyd and Harri Reynolds are joining forces for the 2026 French GT4 Championship, competing in a Toyota Supra GT4 run by Circuit Toys in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing France. The experienced pair will contest the Championnat de France FFSA GT – GT4 France, a highly competitive national GT4 series featuring five rounds across iconic circuits in France and Belgium. The 2026 season kicks off at the Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro, South West France, on Easter Weekend, 5–6 April 2026, where the Welsh pairing will begin their title campaign. In addition to championship honours, the FFSA GT4 series offers a €150,000 prize fund opportunity through the…

A Nineteenth century end of terrace former iron worker’s cottage is looking to forge a new future at auction. The three-bedroom cottage, with pleasing, far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside is in need of full renovation. But, Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, says once the investment has been made in the historic property, the rewards could be impressive. Angie said: “This original iron workers cottage, at 67, Whitworth Terrace, in the town of Tredegar, in the Gwent valleys, offers a huge opportunity for a new owner to put their own stamp on this property. “And, once refurbished, this promising…

Neath Port Talbot Council has welcomed plans linked to a £64 million investment in Port Talbot port, following confirmation that the site will support the development of floating offshore wind. The announcement marks a significant step in establishing Port Talbot as one of the UK’s first ports to play a central role in the emerging floating offshore wind sector, particularly in the Celtic Sea. Frances O’Brien, Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “Port Talbot’s selection as one of the UK’s first ports to support floating offshore wind represents a major step forward in positioning the area at the…