Looking for a great day out  this October Half Term week? How about a trip on the amazing Vale of Rheidol Railway?  It is the perfect day out and a wonderful way to see the stunning Cambrian Mountains countryside from a vantage point you can only get to by train.  The Vale of Rheidol’s beautifully restored 1920s steam locomotives will take you through 12 miles of glorious Ceredigion scenery on one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the UK. Sit…

AGE 15-18? LOVE MUSIC? The Benedetti Foundation’s new free Youth Ambassador Programme for 15 – 18-year-olds across the UK continues in Spring 2025 with its second course. The programme is open to singers and instrumentalists and is aimed at anyone of this age currently in secondary-level education/home education who is passionate about music and sharing it with the world. It will offer an insight into what a career in music could look like. The Youth Ambassador Programme’s Spring 2025 course…

Sion Hughes (centre) and Calum Smith (left) with their mentor Graham Tinsley preparing to represent Wales in the Global Chefs Challenge.   Two talented Welsh chefs will be representing their home country and the UK when they take on the world’s best at the Global Chefs Challenge final in Singapore in October.   Wrexham-based Sion Hughes, 26, head chef at The Spa at Carden Park, near Chester, is teaming up again with Calum Smith, 23, pastry chef at Shrewsbury School,…

Several of Cardiff’s landmarks were lit up in purple on the 1st October 24, to mark the start of City Hospice’s annual Light up a Life appeal and recognise the specialist palliative and end of life care the charity has been providing to the people of Cardiff for 40 years. The iconic locations across the city that turned purple included Cardiff Castle, Mermaid Quay, and Roath Park. The illuminations highlighted City Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal which aims to…

The UK’s most outstanding recent building projects went head-to-head for top national accolades at the RICS Awards Grand Final last night, where Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs Visitor Centre was awarded Land Management & Sustainable Development project of the year.   Built in the late-19th century, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are a Victorian landmark. After acquiring the site in 2016, Welsh Water worked closely with the local community to transform the site into a health and well-being hub.   The redevelopment…

Emerging green industries, ranging from sustainable electronics and making houses fit for the future to natural product development for the environment, will all benefit from new £25 million UKRI investment announced today that will bring jobs, skills and prosperity to areas across the UK.   Through the ‘Accelerating the Green Economy’ programme, five new centres will bring together researchers, businesses, local leaders and key partners to help co-develop and deliver new products and processes to bring them successfully to market….

  Calon Hearts, a local Welsh charity dedicated to supporting heart health across Wales is really upset to announce the possible cancellation of this year’s highly anticipated Christmas Lights event in Llandaff.   The decision comes after facing staggering council costs that have made it currently impossible to go ahead with the much loved event.   Without a sponsor, this event will have to be called. The funds we raise through this event help to fund free heart screening events,…

  Staff and residents at Danybryn care home in Radyr, Cardiff, have completed a sponsored wheelchair walk to raise money for MS UK.   MS UK is a national charity close to the hearts of Danybryn care home, as one of its residents’ lives with multiple sclerosis.   Resident, Zillah Damon, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 20 and decided to embark on the five-kilometer journey alongside their support workers and fellow residents to raise awareness of…

Mid Wales’ waterfalls can be at their most dramatic during the autumn months, offering a captivating experience for visitors.  Visit Mid Wales has compiled a guide to some of the region’s most stunning waterfalls, showcasing the scenic beauty and natural features that make each site unique.  These recommendations aim to inspire visitors and ensure they make the most of their visit of the beautiful region this autumn. For further trip ideas and nearby accommodation, visit www.visitmidwales.co.uk .   Preparation tips Before setting…

Families can tap into the magic that’s all around them at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre this October half term, where wand making, potion crafting and spell casting are just a few of the mystical activities that will keep curious minds bewitched. The week-long Spells and Potions holiday event promises unique activities that can involve everyone, from grandparents to toddlers.  It includes making a willow wand, micro magic, brewing a potion or casting a spell using materials found outdoors, and hunting…