Jo Barnes

Newport County AFC chief executive Sam Houldsworth will speak at the City of Newport Business Club’s upcoming event at the Mercure Newport. He is expected to discuss his leadership of the League Two club, its future ambitions, commercial growth, partnerships and community links. The event, chaired by Professor Jonathan Deacon, begins at 5:30 p.m. and tickets cost £29.50, including a two-course meal.

Six Bells Tennis Club celebrated its centenary with a visit to Wimbledon, including a stadium tour and opportunities to play on the practice courts. Club life vice president John Riley highlighted the organisation’s century of community service and friendship, while Stef Davies recalled her development from junior player to Welsh representative and current captain of the club’s team, which has reached the Gwent Premier League. The club’s courts are located in a park partly created through miners’ welfare funding.

Monmouthshire County Council is consulting residents on existing and proposed walking, cycling and wheeling routes in towns including Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Gilwern, Magor with Undy, Monmouth and Usk. The consultation runs until August 30, 2026, and seeks feedback on route quality, missing links, barriers and potential improvements to guide future investment. In-person and virtual drop-in sessions will also be held in August.

A new round of Welsh Government SMART Flexible Innovation Support funding offers grants of £50,000 to £250,000 for organisations investing in equipment and technology to improve productivity and resource efficiency. Businesses, universities, research organisations, colleges, third-sector organisations and NHS health boards across Wales, including Gwent, are eligible. The programme has awarded more than £20.1 million to 171 organisations since 2023, and applications for the current round close at 11:59 p.m. on September 25, 2026.

Cosy Crumbs Cakery, a home-based business in Caerphilly, received the highest food hygiene rating of five after an inspection on August 14. Inspectors rated the cleanliness and condition of its facilities as very good, while food handling and food safety management were rated good. The business operates from a private address in the CF83 area and is registered with the local authority as an other catering premise.

Former Free Press and Campaign Series editor Andy Sambidge has released his debut novel, They Think It’s All Over. Set in a fictional version of England’s 2011/12 football season, the story follows a national referee strike triggered by the accidental death of an official at the hands of a fan, with consequences extending across financial, social and cultural life. Primarily set in Birmingham, the novel examines abuse directed at referees and the impact of football decisions before the introduction of VAR. It is available from Amazon in paperback and ebook formats.

Two University of South Wales wastewater projects have reached the finalist stage of the Water Discovery Challenge, each securing £100,000. One project uses microbial fuel cells to treat sewage while generating renewable electricity, including under variable flow and unreliable power conditions. The second will trial SIFER, a treatment designed to improve digestate dewatering and nutrient retention while producing a more consistent fertiliser. The projects will receive mentorship from water companies, with up to 10 finalists later eligible for as much as £550,000 to accelerate development and attract long-term investment.

A guide to four music events taking place in Gwent on August 22–23, including the under-18s Boxxed Off rave at Fire & Ice Newport, the heavy-music Royal Riot event at The Queens Academy, the Resurrect Fest metal festival at Le Pub, and a blues and rock show at The Dragonffli. The events span teenagers through adults and cover rave, metal, blues, and classic rock.

Defence-supported employment in Wales increased by 1,000 roles, from 3,900 to 4,900, during the 2024/25 financial year, a 26% rise. The growth includes 400 additional jobs in weapons and ammunition and reflects a wider UK increase of 26,000 defence-related roles. The Ministry of Defence spends more than £1 billion annually with Welsh industry, while the government’s £298 billion four-year Defence Investment Plan is expected to support further expansion in munitions, shipbuilding and advanced technology.

A selection of events taking place in Gwent includes a Barbie-themed family activity in Newport, a cider festival and BBQ, a community fun day in Goytre, a produce and craft show in Cwmavon, a concert by Usk Brass Band and Risca Male Choir in Caerleon, and the 999 Emergency Services Event at Caldicot Castle. Activities run across August 22 and 23 and include live music, food, children’s entertainment, competitions, demonstrations and local stalls.

Monmouthshire County Council has achieved Disability Confident Leader status, the highest level in the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme. The accreditation follows more than two years as a Disability Confident Employer and recognizes the council’s efforts to promote equality, remove workplace barriers, and support disabled employees’ recruitment, development, and progression. The council has committed to further improving disability awareness and building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Mental health worker Louis Davies, who has multiple sclerosis, competed for Wales at the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm after a last-minute change left him without his usual guide runner. Fellow mental health worker Rhianna Satterly volunteered to guide him after meeting him on the flight to Sweden. When heat-related MS symptoms temporarily affected Davies’s vision, Satterly fetched ice packs and helped him continue. Davies ultimately finished third in the Men’s Adaptive Neurological Minor category, and both described the experience as life-changing.

Newport is forecast to experience increasing showers on Friday, with rain chances reaching around 80% in the afternoon and temperatures near 18°C. Saturday should be drier, humid and mildly warm, with highs around 20°C, while Sunday is expected to remain mostly dry at about 21°C. Rain chances may increase again on Monday, which could be the warmest day of the week at approximately 23°C.

A bid to reopen a post office in Caerphilly town centre has failed, prompting the Post Office to seek a new operator and apologize for the continued disruption. Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Jamie Pritchard said the Post Office remains committed to maintaining a branch in the town and urged applicants to register their interest. Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle said residents are being forced to travel to branches in Castle View or Penyrheol and called for an urgent town-centre replacement.

A four-bedroom detached house at 12 Stow Park Circle in Newport is being offered by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £354,000. The property has three reception rooms, four bedrooms, gardens, a garage and parking, and is being sold with vacant possession. The auctioneer estimates it could achieve approximately £2,000 per month in rent and highlights its proximity to Newport city centre, Royal Gwent Hospital, parks, the M4 and Newport railway station. The auction is scheduled to run from September 1 to September 3, alongside about 100 other lots.

Paper rounds are declining across Wales, with monthly online searches falling from 410 in 2023 to 290 in 2026, a 29% drop that Ailsa describes as the steepest decline in the UK. Jamie Burns, Ailsa’s founder, says his childhood paper round taught him responsibility and basic business skills. Experts warn that the reduction in these jobs could leave teenagers with fewer opportunities to develop practical life skills.

Lock Cottage, a recently refurbished two-bedroom canal-side property in Bettws, Newport, is being offered by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £118,000. The cottage includes a lounge, kitchen, dining room or second bedroom, bathroom, gardens, double glazing and parking for up to four cars, with possible scope for an extension subject to planning permission. The secluded location near the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and Newport makes it suitable as a private retreat or holiday let. The auction is scheduled to run from September 1 to September 3.

Businesses, voluntary groups and residents are being invited to join a community action day in Pontypool as part of the Towns Together programme. Volunteers will clean and weed streets around the town centre, while young people paint a mural near St James’ Church. Torfaen County Borough Council has already cut back overgrowth and swept streets, and councillor Joanne Gauden said coordinated action by the council, communities and landlords is needed to address poor appearances and empty shops. The Pontypool Community Taskforce described the event as an example of collaborative local action.

Inglis Bridge in Monmouth reopened to pedestrians in late July after being closed since September 2024 because of safety concerns. Monmouthshire councillor Jane Lucas was praised by Senedd member Peter Fox for organizing a petition with more than 6,500 signatures, working with the Ministry of Defence and Monmouthshire County Council, and keeping residents informed. Fox criticized the council for failing to acknowledge Lucas in its official reopening announcement. A community picnic is planned at Vauxhall Field to mark the reopening.

Monmouthshire County Council is offering the six-session EarlyBird Plus programme to parents and carers of autistic children aged four to 10, as well as families awaiting diagnosis. Delivered by educational psychology staff and trained personnel, the programme covers autism, communication, wellbeing and daily routines, while encouraging collaboration between families, schools and other participants. In-person sessions are scheduled at County Hall in Usk from October 9 to November 19, with an online programme planned for May 11 to June 22, 2027. Families can contact the council for further information.

EverTrek, a Caerphilly-based guided trekking company, reports that 54% of its 2026 customers with available age data are aged 45 or over, with the oldest recorded trekker aged 86. Customers aged 60 and above account for 16% of bookings, and Everest Base Camp and Mount Kilimanjaro are their most popular destinations. The findings suggest that demand for challenging adventure holidays remains strong among older travellers, particularly in southeast and northwest England and the West Midlands.

A guide to weekend activities across Gwent highlights Welsh Wrestling at The Riverfront in Newport, a maritime-history walking tour led by Andrew Hemmings and the Transporter Project Team, Family Braai Day at St Mary’s Church in Pontypool, Caldicot Pride at Caldicot Castle, and a Nat King Cole tribute performance at Melville Theatre in Abergavenny. Events take place on August 15, with details provided on times, venues and booking or information sources.

Volunteers, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Groundwork Wales and Gwent Wildlife Trust joined forces at Bedwellty Pits in Tredegar to clean a river, removing tyres, scrap metal, car parts and other waste. The project also targeted invasive Himalayan balsam and included biodiversity surveys. Councillors and participants praised the partnership and its environmental benefits, while the council is considering involving local schools in future activities.

A safety improvement scheme for the A4042 access to the Secret Garden garden centre at Little Mill, near Usk, has secured funding for design work after feasibility studies identified a preferred option. Welsh Government officials have not yet set a construction timetable and will make a final decision after design and cost estimates are completed. Senedd member Peter Fox and councillor Jan Butler welcomed the progress and reiterated their support for resolving what they describe as an inherently unsafe access.

Farmers across Wales, including Gwent, are facing dangerously low or exhausted water supplies after prolonged hot weather, particularly on farms that rely on springs, tanks or other non-mains sources. CLA Cymru, which represents more than 3,000 Welsh members, has warned Welsh Government minister Llyr Gruffydd that an emergency is developing and called for immediate guidance and coordinated help to secure water. Although national water supplies remain around 80% capacity, getting water to affected farms is the main challenge.

FSEW has opened Wales’ first dedicated electric HGV charging hub at the Old Ely Transport Yard in Cardiff. The 2.5-acre eFreight Hub has eight 480kW double-gun DC chargers installed by Zenobē, each capable of providing up to 190 miles of range in an hour. The facility will primarily support FSEW’s electric fleet, including Volvo FM and Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks, while also serving approved third-party operators. FSEW plans to expand its electric fleet to 70 vehicles by 2027 and expects the development to support up to 50 new driver jobs. The project received support from the UK Government’s Depot Charging Scheme.

A-level language entries in Wales rose by 3.7% this year, driven by a 9.5% increase in French and a 26.2% increase in German entries, although Spanish entries declined. British Council Wales director Ruth Cocks welcomed the overall growth but called for stronger efforts to sustain language learning beyond age 16. A report also found that 80% of participating primary schools offer pupils the opportunity to learn a language.

Drainage improvement work is due to begin on Rhymney High Street in Caerphilly County Borough on August 17 and is expected to last 10 weeks. The project aims to reduce surface flooding and improve the street environment in a community ranked among Wales’s highest-risk areas for surface flooding. Caerphilly County Borough Council has appointed Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Limited, with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. No road closures are planned, and the council says disruption to residents and businesses will be minimised.

A stay-at-home mother from Newport in her 50s has won £300,000 on a £3 National Lottery Cashword Bonus scratchcard. She plans to pay off her mortgage, help her son buy a car and purchase new towels. The unnamed winner described the prize as exciting and a relief from financial worries. Allwyn winners' advisor Liz Styles congratulated her, while the article also highlighted the National Lottery’s stated contributions to good causes across the UK.

The internationally acclaimed musical Jersey Boys will run at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre until August 22, 2026, as part of its UK and Ireland 20th anniversary tour. The production dramatizes the rise, personal struggles and lasting legacy of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, featuring hits such as “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” The international cast is led by Luke Baker, Carlo Boumouglbay, Lewis Kennedy and Toby Miles, with the original Broadway creative team overseeing the tour.

A guide to live music events taking place across Gwent, including a Motown day party in Newport, an alternative and indie music afternoon at The Market, a punk-oriented show at Le Pub, a Queens of the Stone Age tribute concert at The Queens Academy, and a performance by The Forsaken Duo at The White Hart in Pontypool. Most listed events are scheduled for August 15, while the Motown event is listed for December 19.

Registration has opened for the 2027 KLA City of Newport Half Marathon, scheduled for February 28 on a 13.1-mile route through Newport and Caerleon. The event is organised by St David’s Hospice Care to raise funds for its free services across South East Wales and Lower Powys. Early-bird entry costs £33 for unaffiliated runners and £31 for affiliated runners until September 11, after which fees rise. Charity places, team entries, business and group participation, and discounted places for charities are also available.

Tara Holloway was co-opted onto Risca East Community Council after two applicants presented themselves and councillors voted at the July 27 meeting. The council also discussed permissions for a Ty-Sign Park sign, repairs to damaged fencing, the possible removal of a Herbert Avenue noticeboard, concerns about marquee packaging, and its reported £8,000 bank balance. Residents’ concerns about parking, caravans, littering and loitering are being investigated, with the next meeting scheduled for September 4 at Channel View Community Centre.

A replica of the Harry Potter Platform 9¾ trolley will be displayed at Cineworld Cardiff on August 24 and 25 as part of a UK-wide celebration marking 25 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The free attraction will allow fans to recreate Harry’s journey to Hogwarts, with photos available on a first-come, first-served basis. The film is also being re-released in cinemas with 12 minutes of previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage.

Royal Mail has announced a set of 10 stamps featuring popular UK pets, including rabbits, fish, hamsters, tortoises, birds, rats, dogs, cats and guinea pigs. The collection was developed with animal expert Tamsin Pickeral, and Royal Mail says it celebrates the comfort, companionship and cultural importance of pets. The stamps and related collectibles are available for pre-order.

Around 200 pupils from three Torfaen schools are attending summer transition camps to prepare for starting Year 7. Run by Torfaen Council’s Play Service with support from the Torfaen Youth Service, the camps offer school familiarisation, team-building, creative and practical workshops, and activities designed to build confidence and friendships. The camps form part of Torfaen’s wider Food and Fun programme, which has reached more than 3,000 children, alongside a council campaign supporting families through key education transitions.

More than 600 people attended The Works’ Find Your Story Book Bus event at Newport’s Friars Walk Shopping Centre, where over 300 children received free books and took part in reading activities, workshops with author Nat Luurtsema, and character appearances. The event formed part of a UK-wide tour supporting the National Year of Reading 2026 and The Works’ READ pledge, which aims to raise £150,000, donate 250,000 books, and improve literacy in disadvantaged communities. Research cited by The Works highlighted concerns about declining reading habits, limited book ownership, and the effects of screen time on children’s focus.

Former professional rugby player and Welsh Guards sergeant Matt Dwyer has joined Acorn by Synergie as a client relationship manager. Born in Newport, Dwyer brings more than a decade of construction experience, including running a landscaping business and working for EcoVigour and Kingsley Build. He will develop and maintain construction-sector client relationships, while Acorn director of operations Marc Jones praised his work ethic, industry knowledge and ability to build relationships.

Bus services in Monmouthshire will be expanded from September with support from the Welsh Government and Herefordshire County Council. Planned changes include new Sunday services on routes 23 and 68, additional evening and peak-time journeys, improved rail connections via Hereford Railway Station, and extra capacity on routes serving Newport, Caldicot, Chepstow and surrounding communities.

Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, is urging the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru Senedd members to protect small, independent care homes in Gwent and across Wales. He argues that these community-based, family-run businesses provide essential jobs and services that support the NHS and keep residents close to their families. Kreft warns that inadequate support under a proposed National Care Service could make many homes financially unsustainable and lead to permanent closures, and he is calling on politicians to visit local facilities and see their impact firsthand.

Iris Care Group has acquired Newport-based Elysium Cymru Ltd, which operates The Grove and Kensington Place supported living services. The deal expands Iris Care Group's portfolio to 63 services and strengthens its provision for adults with complex needs. Iris says it will continue investing in facilities, staff and community-based services, while Elysium's founders said the two organisations share similar values and that the services and their staff and tenants will continue to develop.

Newport is expected to have largely dry and warm conditions from Friday through Sunday, with temperatures reaching about 29°C on Friday and lighter winds on Saturday. Wet weather is forecast for Monday, although temperatures should remain around 23°C from lunchtime onward.

Barratt David Wilson Redrow South Wales has launched a £6,000 community fund for grassroots projects across South Wales, including Gwent. Groups, organisations and individuals can apply for support for initiatives such as school eco projects, sports teams, community centres, youth activities and community gardens. Applications close at midnight on September 30, with submissions accepted by email.

The Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub is under construction and remains on track to open in March 2027. The facility will provide swimming, sports, fitness and relaxation facilities for people of all ages and abilities. Caerphilly County Borough Council cabinet members visited the site, describing the project as a major investment in community health and part of the council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019–2029.

Calon Hearts is calling for more realistic and inclusive CPR training after evidence that women experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR. Founder and CEO Sharon Owen says uncertainty or embarrassment about touching a woman’s chest may discourage intervention. The charity recommends using manikins representing different body types, including female forms, and urges workplaces, schools and communities to provide defibrillators and training on their use.

HM Inspectorate of Probation praised Wales’s probation region, including Gwent, for clear ambition, strong leadership and a coherent improvement programme. However, its review of 55 public protection cases found that analytical work remained inconsistent, particularly in examining domestic abuse histories, linking offender behaviour to effects on children and identifying patterns across cases. Staffing vacancies continued to affect workloads. Six recommendations call for the Wales region to embed improvement measures and for HM Prison and Probation Service to establish a national approach to information sharing with police and children’s services.

St David’s Hospice Care is inviting people to take part in a barefoot firewalk at Tiny Rebel Brewery in Rogerstone on October 22 to raise funds for its services. Participants will receive training, pay a £20 entry fee and commit to raising at least £200. Proceeds will support specialist nursing care, emotional and bereavement support, wellbeing services, and assistance for patients’ families.

Welsh Water will invest £8 million to replace more than 13 kilometres of old cast-iron pipes in Penallt and surrounding areas after residents reported cloudy, discoloured and brown water. Preparatory work is scheduled to begin on 17 August 2026, followed by construction from December 2026 to December 2027, with some road closures and disruption expected. A public drop-in session will be held at Pelham Hall on 26 August.

Four Croeso Pubs venues in Cardiff city centre will become football fan zones for the Community Shield match between Manchester City and Arsenal. Arsenal supporters will be hosted at The Philharmonic, Brewhouse and Retro, while Manchester City supporters will gather at Blue Bell. The venues will provide live match coverage, food and drink offers, and a supporter-focused atmosphere as thousands of fans visit Cardiff.

Heather Anstey-Myers has been appointed national chair of the Institute of Directors in Wales, taking over from Richard Selby in November after his six years in the role. Anstey-Myers, chief executive of Manufacturing Wales and a former IoD ambassador, will work with regional committees, members and policymakers to represent Welsh business and support leadership, governance and professional development. Selby welcomed her appointment and expressed confidence in the organisation’s continued growth.

A remastered and expanded edition of The Chartists’ folk-rock album about the 1839 Chartist uprising in Newport has been re-released after becoming a cult collector’s item. Originally recorded covertly at Cardiff University, the album later generated BBC Radio broadcasts and a polished studio version. A copy has been sent to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is portrayed as a longstanding supporter of the Chartist cause. The reissue includes additional tracks from two Radio 4 programmes and arrives amid renewed interest in Newport’s Chartist heritage, including consideration of its torchlight march for a UNESCO living-heritage inventory.

Newport County AFC has partnered with Domino's Pizza, operated by the DPSW Group, for the 2026/27 season. The deal will include matchday promotions, giveaways, player appearances, competitions and community events, with both companies describing the agreement as a way to bring supporters together and strengthen the club's community presence.

Four friends from Newport are preparing to drive 1,400 miles from South Wales to Benidorm in a car costing no more than £600 as part of the Benidorm Rat Run, raising money for Cancer Research UK. The team has already collected more than £1,000 and received donated prizes and support from local businesses, including free vehicle wrapping and graphics. They plan to promote the cause through a charity fun night and the Pill Carnival Procession while seeking further sponsorship and public donations.

River restoration work is under way on the Cammarch and Duhonw rivers in Powys as part of Natural Resources Wales’ Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project. Ageing pipe bridges are being replaced with clear-span structures to restore sediment flow and fish passage, reconnect more than 18km of habitat and improve breeding conditions for Atlantic salmon, lamprey and bullhead. Before construction, fish and other wildlife were rescued and relocated downstream. The project is funded by the Welsh Government and aims to improve water quality, ecosystem health and climate resilience while reducing bridge maintenance needs.

Cwmbran-based La Crème Patisserie has safeguarded jobs after winning a £100,000 contract with a new customer. Support from the Welsh Government-funded HELIX Programme, delivered by Cardiff Metropolitan University’s ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, helped the company maintain its SALSA food safety certification and retain £2.4 million in sales. The assistance included a pre-audit review and guidance on introducing metal detection procedures into its HACCP system.

Inco Contracts’ Wales and South West office has secured new refurbishment projects in Cwmbran and Bristol, bringing its total project value to more than £8 million after two years of growth. The work includes refurbishing the former MCC Building in Cwmbran and redeveloping units at The Beeches in Bristol, with upgrades to roofs, windows, cladding, building efficiency and office facilities. Regional director Adam Bidhendy attributed the expansion to local relationships, a specialist supply network and investment in staff, including two trainees among the office’s seven employees. The office has also recorded no reportable accidents on completed projects.

Fresh Bins South Wales, owned by Ash, is offering professional wheelie-bin cleaning across communities in Gwent. The business uses pressure-washing equipment and specialist cleaning products for one-off deep cleans and regular maintenance, with services available in locations including Abertillery, Ebbw Vale, Tredegar, Brynmawr, Cwmbran and Pontypool. It plans to expand and accepts bookings through Facebook.

The Open Spaces Society is marking the 150th anniversary of the Commons Act 1876, which ended parliamentary inclosure of common land in England and Wales. The legislation introduced national regulation in the public interest, enabled the appointment of conservators and creation of bylaws, restricted further inclosures, and made encroachment on town or village greens a public nuisance. Kate Ashbrook said the Act was an important step toward recognizing the public value of commons.

Cardiff Airport recorded the highest cancellation rate among major UK airports between July 1 and September 30, 2025, with 3.24% of scheduled flights cancelled—more than double the UK average of 1.33%. Aberdeen and London City ranked second and third. AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko cautioned that weather, schedule density and route distance can affect cancellation rates and said the figures should not be viewed as a standalone measure of reliability. Early data suggests cancellation performance is improving at some airports, including Birmingham.

Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates and Wales Secretary Stephen Kinnock visited KLA in Newport for their first joint engagement, touring the semiconductor-equipment manufacturer's facility and meeting apprentices. KLA employs more than 700 people locally and offers apprenticeships, internships, and work experience. The visit highlighted public support for the company's expansion, including £6.25 million from the Cardiff Capital Region and £750,000 from Newport City Council, alongside Welsh Government links with Swansea and Cardiff universities. The leaders emphasized the importance of skilled local jobs and Wales's growing role in the semiconductor industry.

Newport-based Hexa Finance and Augmented Instincts have launched the “Better Cash, Better Kit, Better Control” campaign for construction firms. Hexa Finance will advise on working-capital, equipment, vehicle and growth funding, while Augmented Instincts will help companies redesign workflows and implement digital systems. The partnership aims to improve financial headroom, operational visibility and sustainable growth.

Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes volunteered at the Friends of Nevill Hall Hospital café in Abergavenny, fulfilling a commitment made during an earlier visit. She served customers alongside volunteers and praised their contribution to the hospital community. The volunteer-run café provides affordable food and drinks while raising funds for essential hospital equipment, and the Friends of Nevill Hall organization is seeking additional volunteers.

Families in Gwent and across Wales are encouraged to apply for the School Essentials Grant before the new school term. The scheme provides £125 per eligible child from reception through year 11, rising to £200 for pupils entering year 7, to help cover uniforms, classroom supplies and clothing for enrichment activities. Eligibility is tied to receiving certain benefits, applications are made through local authorities, and more than 86,000 children and young people received support the previous year.

Organisers are seeking events, activities and free courses for Adult Learners’ Week, which will run across Wales, including Gwent, from September 21 to 27 and throughout the month. Coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute with the Welsh Government and other partners, the campaign aims to encourage adults to develop skills, improve wellbeing and overcome barriers to education. The Inspire! Adult Learning Awards will be held at Cardiff’s Coal Exchange on September 23.

Cwmcarn will host the second Random Hands festival on August 15, turning the village into an open-air gallery with murals, live painting, music, food and an art trail. Organised by The Valleys Street Art Project with The Fork and Tune, the event will feature local artists, a Festival Garden auction raising funds for future community projects, and a paid youth workshop. Organisers say the festival aims to bring residents together, support local businesses and create a lasting artistic legacy.

St Illtyd’s Primary School in Llanhilleth has been praised by Estyn for rapid progress, an inclusive ethos and a supportive learning environment. Inspectors highlighted strong leadership, professional learning, positive staff-pupil relationships, effective support for pupils with additional learning needs, and strong progress among pupils from low-income households. Headteacher Kelly Forrest credited staff, governors, families and the wider community, while councillor Sue Edmunds congratulated the school and stressed the importance of giving every child the best start in life.

The Caerphilly Interchange project has received renewed Welsh Government backing after being included in the South East Wales Region’s 2026–27 Regional Transport Fund allocation and approved in the Regional Transport Delivery Plan. Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Jamie Pritchard welcomed the support, while noting opposition to the scheme from Plaid Cymru representatives locally. Construction is expected to take place under a Plaid-led Welsh administration.

Barratt South Wales has donated £1,500 to the Severn Princess Preservation Trust to help restore the Severn Princess, the last surviving vessel from the historic Severn ferry fleet. Built in 1959 and decommissioned in 1966 after the Severn Bridge opened, the ferry once carried passengers including The Beatles, Bob Dylan and members of the Royal Family. The donation will fund replacement spray guards damaged while the vessel was in Ireland, supporting its ongoing restoration in Wales.

Tredegar Park Mini Golf in Newport plans to transform its outdoor course into a glow-in-the-dark Halloween experience in October 2026. Glow Golf will feature illuminated decorations, Halloween displays, glowing golf balls, sweet stations and accessories, while remaining suitable for families and children. Organisers say tickets are limited and must be booked in advance.

Morrisons’ Cwmbran store has raised £13,589 for Marie Curie, making it one of the fastest of nearly 500 UK branches to reach £10,000. Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds visited the store to recognize staff and volunteers. The fundraising forms part of Morrisons’ partnership with Marie Curie, which aims to raise £15 million by October 2027; more than £5 million has already been collected to support hospice care and Marie Curie nurses.

The British Council has opened applications for two Welsh teachers to spend 10 months teaching Welsh and promoting cultural activities in Patagonia, Argentina, as part of the 2027 Welsh Language Project. Participants will work in Y Wladfa, a Welsh-speaking community descended from settlers who established a permanent settlement in the Chubut Valley in 1865. The project aims to maintain and strengthen cultural and linguistic links between Wales and Patagonia, which is estimated to have around 5,000 Welsh speakers.

Gwent is set to host several family and cultural events over the August weekend, including Comic Con Wales at ICC Wales, Sparkle Fest at Rodney Parade, an inflatable theme park in Abergavenny, an outdoor production of Romeo & Juliet at Chepstow Castle, and the Chepstow Show at Chepstow Racecourse. The events include family entertainment, food, performances, animals and local produce, with prices and dates provided for attendees.

A guide to live music events taking place across Gwent includes hardcore, Beatles and Blink-182 tribute acts, reggae and dancehall celebrations, rock covers, and a Wednesday 13 headline show. Events are scheduled at venues in Newport, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool and Llanwenarth on August 8 and 9, with details on start times, ticketing and entry fees.

A Bevan Foundation and Shelter Cymru report urges the Welsh Government to take nationwide action to prevent permanent homes from being converted into holiday lets and second homes. The report estimates that 21,300 to 25,300 properties in Wales are being used as holiday accommodation, while thousands of households face homelessness or temporary accommodation. Its recommendations include requiring planning permission for conversions, increasing Land Transaction Tax on holiday-use properties, and creating a national licensing scheme for holiday lets.

Bridges Centre in Monmouthshire has received up to £44,200 from the Wolfson Foundation to improve the Social Circles area at Drybridge House for older people, including those living with dementia or experiencing isolation. Planned work includes an accessible entrance, covered outdoor area, improved drainage, accessible doors, a dementia-friendly garden and terrace, specialist seating, creative facilities and technology for dementia engagement. The £67,225 project will also use an anticipated £23,000 insurance contribution to replace flood-damaged equipment. Drybridge House is undergoing recovery after serious flooding in November 2025, while Bridges Centre continues providing wellbeing services elsewhere in Monmouthshire.

Newport has a small chance of rain on Friday morning, with temperatures rising from 10°C to 22°C and stronger south-westerly winds in the afternoon. Saturday should be mostly dry with highs of 26°C, while Sunday and Monday are forecast to remain largely dry and reach up to 28°C. Humidity is expected to fall and visibility should remain good throughout the period.

Home sellers across South Wales and Gwent have reduced asking prices substantially to secure sales. Between August 2025 and August 2026, average reductions ranged from £6,219 in New Tredegar (NP24) to £16,006 in Crickhowell (NP8), with Monmouth (NP25), Usk (NP15) and Newport (NP18) also recording large cuts. Property Solvers said buyers have become more selective and more focused on value, making completed sale prices a more reliable guide than asking prices.

The Dell play area in Chepstow has reopened after a major redevelopment funded by more than £100,000 from Chepstow Town Council, along with National Lottery support. Friends of the Dell, formed in 2016, led the effort to create an inclusive and imaginative play space after the former park fell into disrepair. The site’s proximity to Chepstow’s historic town wall required archaeological investigations, heritage approvals, environmental assessments and specialist drainage work before construction. Local officials and project organizers credited community support with helping bring the decade-long project to completion.

Caldicot’s second annual arts festival brought together local artists, community groups and visitors across three venues, with a summer-colour theme, free creative activities and exhibitions. Activities included woodland mask-making, literary crafts and displays at Caldicot Castle, where specialist costume designer Emma Williams was featured. Monmouthshire County Council cabinet member Sara Burch praised the event and encouraged more local participation next year. The festival coincided with the Caldicot Summer Fayre.

Home-Start Cymru has received a £189,129 grant from the 1001 Critical Days Foundation to run the three-year To and Fro project across Gwent. In partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, the scheme will support families with babies aged six to 15 months through home visits, video-feedback coaching, group sessions and trained volunteer peer support. Starting in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen before expanding to Newport and Monmouthshire, the project aims to reach 300 babies and families, strengthen parental confidence and responsiveness, and identify communication support needs before difficulties develop.

The Riverfront in Newport will host a free summer market on Saturday, August 8, from 11am to 5pm. The event will feature vintage goods, artwork, handmade crafts, jewellery, gifts and sustainable fashion from local independent stallholders, alongside live music by Emmy Seren, Greg Ryan and Ophelia's Beard. It is intended to showcase and support the region’s diverse creative community.

The University of South Wales and Newport County AFC have formalized a partnership that gives students hands-on experience through placements and internships in areas including media, physiotherapy, football analysis, and strength and conditioning. The initiative builds on Newport County’s use of the university’s Sport Park and is intended to improve student employability while supporting the club. Newport County coaching head and USW graduate Ben Gast said previous interns have progressed into employment and that the partnership can open career opportunities.

Cassie Powell, a 37-year-old mother of three from Pengam, turned a pamper party for a friend's daughter into a mobile children's pamper party business. After travelling across South Wales to host events, she bought and renovated a pink caravan, learned to tow it and later acquired a larger 20-foot pamper van. The business recently hosted 30 parties in one month and now averages around six parties a week, with support from Powell's family and partner.

Newport City Council and conservation organization Glo I Natur are hosting two free events at Gaer Hill Fort, also known as The Gollers. A Friday evening Bat Walk will introduce residents to local woodland bats, followed by a Saturday Bioblitz in which experts and the public will record wildlife across the 100-acre upland heath. The findings are intended to improve understanding and future management of the site.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Sport Caerphilly Sport Awards, which recognise individuals, clubs, coaches and volunteers who contribute to sport and physical activity across Caerphilly County Borough. Entries close at 10pm on September 23, with categories including Young Volunteer of the Year, Inclusive Coach of the Year, Club of the Year and Lifetime Achievement to Sport. The awards ceremony will take place on November 20 at Bryn Meadows Hotel, with nominations accepted through online and video forms.

Welsh actor Steffan Rhodri, known for playing Dave Coaches in Gavin and Stacey, has become patron of Greyhound Rescue Wales after visiting its Hillcrest rehoming centre. Rhodri, who adopted a greyhound named Mig more than five years ago, strongly recommends adoption and advocates for the Cut the Chase campaign, which helped secure a ban on greyhound racing in Wales that will take full effect by 2030. Greyhound Rescue Wales chief executive Claire James welcomed his appointment.

A wildfire at Mynydd Garn Clochty near Blaenavon burned about 250 hectares of vegetation and peat over more than two weeks, causing serious damage to farmland, communities and wildlife. Peter Fox, MS for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, is urging the Welsh Government to provide targeted financial assistance to affected graziers and commoners, who face immediate difficulties feeding livestock as well as long-term recovery costs. Damage from the fire and the firebreaks used to contain it has added to the financial burden.

Gavin & Stacey actor Mathew Horne is scheduled to DJ an A-level results celebration at The Philharmonic in Cardiff on August 13. The event, organized by venue operator Croeso Pubs Ltd, will include lighting, confetti and CO₂ effects, with celebrations also taking place at other Croeso venues across Cardiff. General manager Rubell Khan said the event is intended to give students a major celebration after months of study.

Chepstow Racecourse is celebrating its centenary with a special raceday featuring flat racing and themed entertainment. Opened on August 7, 1926, after an initiative developed by J.C.S. Hobbs and the Dunn family, the venue has hosted major milestones including the Welsh Grand National since 1949, Sir Gordon Richards’s eleven consecutive winners in 1933, and notable champions such as Corbiere, Bonanza Boy and Synchronised. The racecourse has modernized while retaining its historic character and now also hosts concerts and seasonal events, with the centenary intended to commemorate its sporting legacy and look toward its next century.

The final stage of Prostate Cymru’s 1,000-mile Walk of Wales will begin at Rodney Parade in Newport on August 9 and end at Cardiff Arms Park. The charity aims to raise £300,000 to fund six specialist nurses across Wales. A free PSA blood-testing event will be held in Newport the previous day to help men identify early signs of prostate cancer. Prostate Cymru says men over 50, or men over 45 with a family history or who are Black, are entitled to a free PSA test, but some men have faced difficulties obtaining appointments or testing.

Prostate Cymru has funded a two-year trainee surgical care practitioner role in the urology department at Royal Gwent Hospital, supporting patients across south-east Wales. Rebecca Boyd, an experienced urology worker, has taken up the post, the first of six specialist nurse and practitioner roles funded through the charity’s Walk of Wales challenge. The fundraising campaign aims to raise £300,000 to provide one role for each health board in Wales and strengthen specialist prostate and urological services.

Wales has launched a public call for evidence to help shape a new decade-long strategy covering culture, sport and the creative industries. The Welsh Government says the strategy will include measurable actions and is inviting individuals, organizations and communities, including those in Gwent, to contribute. The first phase will begin with a panel discussion at the National Eisteddfod, followed by engagement events across Wales, with submissions open until December 18.

More than 30 Christian, Muslim, civic and political leaders met Archbishop of Wales Cherry Vann at St Mark’s in Newport to discuss interfaith collaboration. Participants committed to working together for the common good, supporting freedom of worship, promoting peaceful coexistence and treating disagreements with respect. An Interfaith Newport pledge and future events are being planned.

RUNNewport is inviting Newport residents of all running abilities to join its social club. The club offers twice-weekly sessions, including hill runs, interval training and relaxed social runs, supported by certified volunteer leaders. Sessions resume in September, with further information available through the club’s Facebook page.

ND Care & Support has opened a new office in Ebbw Vale to mark 15 years of service. The South Wales care provider moved its Gwent base from Abertillery to support its expanding team and future development. The opening followed a positive Care Inspectorate Wales inspection and was attended by staff, service users, families and professional partners. The organisation continues to focus on high-quality domiciliary, specialist and community-based care, workforce investment and support for communities across South Wales.

Blaenau Gwent ranks seventh in Pepper Money’s UK first-time buyer affordability index, with an average first-time buyer house price of £131,189. It is one of Wales’s most affordable areas, alongside Merthyr Tydfil, which ranks third nationally. The index assesses house prices, rents, mortgage payments and median earnings, finding that 41% of UK areas are now cheaper to buy in than rent. Middlesbrough tops the ranking, while Blaenau Gwent, Hartlepool and Kingston upon Hull are highlighted as offering particularly good value for people entering the property market.

A mural has been unveiled at Tredegar's No. 1 Moose Lodge to mark the centenary of Moose in Britain. Created by Jooms Art, it depicts the moose emblem, local scenes and James J. Davies, the Tredegar-born philanthropist who reorganized Moose International and established Britain's first Moose lodge in the town in 1926. Local councilor John Morgan, lodge governor Tommy Smith and UK Moose International president Jean Gardner praised the artwork for preserving local heritage and highlighting the organization's enduring commitment to community service.

Grassroots sports clubs in Gwent are invited to apply for Aldi’s new national Sports Fund, which supports clubs across Wales, England and Scotland with costs including equipment, kits, coaching, training and facility hire. Applicants must submit an email of no more than 200 words explaining their club’s strengths, how funding would be used and its community impact. Team GB and ParalympicsGB representatives welcomed the scheme.

Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes will host her first “Pint with Cath” drop-in event in Chepstow, inviting residents to discuss concerns informally over a pint. The event has no set agenda and forms part of her wider programme of supermarket surgeries and coffee mornings aimed at making her more accessible to constituents.

The Northern Belle, a 1930s-style Pullman train formerly associated with the Orient Express, will make brief stops at Cardiff and Newport during a luxury day trip to Chatsworth House. Train staff urged passengers and railway enthusiasts to prioritize safety while taking photographs. Tickets cost £550 to £750 and include champagne, gourmet meals, luxury coach travel and a six-course dinner. The train is scheduled to return to Cardiff and Newport on September 17 for a Cornish Lunch trip, with only a few tickets remaining.

Marston's has partnered with Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone beer brand to offer a limited-edition slow-cooked beef and IPA pie at nearly 500 UK pubs, including venues in Gwent. The pie contains British beef, Hawkstone IPA, seasonal vegetables and Barber's Cheddar, and is served with gravy and chips or mash. The partnership promotes British farming and Hawkstone IPA, which was named England's best IPA at the 2025 World Beer Awards, while supplies last.

A spacious, extended five-bedroom detached bungalow in Raglan is listed for £460,000 by M2 Estate Agents. The property includes two ground-floor bedrooms, three first-floor bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge with a wood burner, a modern kitchen/diner, a private L-shaped garden, driveway parking, and a converted former garage used as storage and office space.

From August 17, the 16-17 Saver Railcard will remain valid for a full year after purchase, even if the holder turns 18 during that period. The government says the change will help young people and families reduce travel costs, while the National Union of Students says it will ease the financial burden on those commuting to education, work or training. Under the previous rules, more than 70,000 students reportedly lost potential savings after their railcards expired on their 18th birthdays.

Construction of the £23 million Plasyfelin Primary School in Caerphilly is progressing toward completion in March 2027. BAM Construction Ltd has generated more than £3 million in local supply-chain spending and created 21 jobs during the build. The school will accommodate up to 420 pupils, include nursery and childcare facilities, provide expanded sports amenities, and become Caerphilly County Borough Council’s first net-zero school.

Gareth Evans has been appointed Wales’s chief allied health professions officer, taking on national responsibility for professional leadership and advice across health, social care and the wider system, including Gwent. With a background in podiatry, he plans to strengthen the contribution of allied health professionals as care shifts toward community settings. Welsh Government health minister Mabon ap Gwynfor welcomed the appointment, highlighting the sector’s role in prevention, rehabilitation and long-term condition management.

Sali Mali, a popular Welsh children’s character, will return to S4C in 2027 in her first live-action series in more than 20 years. The announcement was made at the National Eisteddfod near Cardigan, where auditions for a new actress are being held. Rebecca Harries, who previously played Sali Mali in Caffi Sali Mali, welcomed the return.

A recently renovated four-bedroom detached dormer bungalow on High Street in Newbridge is being marketed for £625,000. The property includes an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, separate lounge, utility room, four bedrooms, multiple en-suite or additional bathrooms, landscaped gardens, a detached garage, ample parking and an electric vehicle charging point. It is located near Newbridge town centre and Cardiff train links.

The Girl Code, a growing women’s social community in South Wales, hosts coffee meet-ups, walking activities, dinners, creative sessions, quiz nights and larger ticketed events for women of different ages and interests. The group encourages attendees to come alone and meet new people, and is expanding its presence across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp. A busy programme of events is planned for August.

Swift numbers have fallen by 75% since 1995, prompting Monmouthshire County Council to urge residents to help protect the birds. Suggested measures include counting and reporting sightings, preserving building entry points, installing swift boxes on north-facing walls, and creating pollinator-friendly gardens. The council says local action could help slow the decline of a species that migrates from central Africa to the UK and depends on buildings for nesting.

A weekend events guide for Gwent highlights a Pillgwenlly history walk and Transporter Bridge visitor-centre visit, a Windrush Generation picnic in Newport, a choral concert at St Woolos Cathedral, a mountain-bike event near Abergavenny, and a Lugnasadh harvest ceremony in Cwmbran. The events take place on August 1–2, 2026, and range from free community activities to ticketed or donation-supported experiences.

A row of three dilapidated former cottages known as Wesley Buildings in Machen, near Caerphilly, sold through Paul Fosh Auctions for £34,500 after being listed at £9,500. Seven bidders placed 56 bids. The property has no utilities, water or vehicular access, and can currently be reached only on foot via a right of way through a neighbour’s garden. The auctioneer described it as a challenging renovation project with possible future parking potential, subject to access agreements and planning or highway consent.

Lower House Farm in Monmouthshire is offering visitors the chance to pick their own flowers throughout the summer, with events running until August 29. Visitors must walk approximately 400 metres from the car park to the flower patch, and pre-booking is required for both the experience and optional picnics. Appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended.

Wales & West Utilities is investing £3.3 million over 12 months to replace more than 10 kilometres of gas pipes in Pontypool. The company says the work will improve safety and reliability while preparing the network to transport greener gases. Construction is scheduled around school holidays to limit disruption, with temporary closures on Park Road from August 5 to 14 and Harpers Road from August 17 to September 6.

Gwent has several music events scheduled for August 1, 2026, including a house music brunch at CASA On The Quay and BarCode Newport, a ska party at Fire & Ice Newport, and live performances by Stickman, The Henress and TBC at The Dragonffli. Events range from daytime gatherings to a late-night gig, with entry to the Dragonffli show priced at £5.

Gŵyl Hwyl Cas-gwent in Chepstow was praised as a successful celebration of Welsh language and culture and a warm-up for next year’s Newport Eisteddfod. The festival featured music, dance, workshops, food, crafts and community activities across the town, with organization and funding from Chepstow Town Council and support from Menter Iaith Blaenau Gwent. Organizers said the event helped make Welsh more visible and accessible while bringing the community together.

The Dell Vineyard in Raglan, Monmouthshire, is hosting a Saturday pop-up event featuring street food from Pig’s Pizzas, live music by Jim Ramsey and tastings of award-winning Welsh wine. The event also gives visitors an opportunity to explore the vineyard.

A four-bedroom Victorian semi-detached house at 24 Dewsland Park Road near Stow Hill in Newport sold at Paul Fosh Auctions for £218,000, exceeding its £198,000 guide price after attracting two bidders. The property features original Victorian details, three reception rooms, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate WC, a garden and views toward the Transporter Bridge. Paul Fosh Auctions estimated that it could generate about £1,300 per month in rent.

Year 10 pupils at Bassaleg School in Newport are the first in the UK to study the WJEC Level 2 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (Semiconductors), a GCSE-equivalent qualification. Developed by WJEC with CSconnected, the course covers semiconductor manufacturing, circuitry, cleanroom procedures, quality control, safety and career opportunities, combining classroom instruction with practical training. The initiative is intended to create a local talent pipeline for Wales’s growing compound semiconductor sector, which supports 3,140 jobs and £436 million in gross value added across Wales.

A four-bedroom detached family home in Penmaen, Blackwood, is on the market for £475,000. The property includes three bathrooms, two reception rooms, an extended designer kitchen, landscaped south-facing gardens, parking for at least four vehicles and a double garage with an electric-vehicle charging point. It is close to local schools, shops, a pub and allotments, and is being handled by agent Wayne Lewis.

Newport-based professional nail brand HONA has been named a finalist for the Dext Innovation Award at the 2026 Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards. The company developed what it describes as the UK’s first hypoallergenic professional gel system in response to allergy concerns among nail technicians and clients. HONA conducts product development and testing at its South Wales laboratory, emphasizes ingredient transparency and safety, and is a patron of the British Beauty Council. The award winners will be announced in London on 10 November 2026.

Newport’s population has grown from about 145,700 in 2011 to nearly 168,000 in 2024, making it Wales’s fastest-growing city and increasing pressure on its roads. Reform Wales shadow transport minister Jason O'Connell argues that the growth strengthens the case for an M4 Relief Road, saying the Brynglas Tunnels are a major bottleneck that restricts commuting, business activity and economic growth. He also cites previous Welsh Government assessments estimating that the project could deliver billions of pounds in economic benefits.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and shadow Welsh secretary Mims Davies visited Newport Galvanizers Ltd with Welsh Conservative MS Natasha Asghar to discuss recruitment, tariffs and other business challenges. At a roundtable with local business leaders, the Conservatives promoted lower energy costs, tax cuts, reduced regulation and a more flexible labor market. Asghar also called for expanded manufacturing apprenticeships, the elimination of business rates, delivery of an M4 relief road and lower taxes, while criticizing the Plaid-led Welsh Government’s economic approach.

A replacement post office in central Caerphilly may reopen after the Post Office entered discussions with a prospective operator. Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle said the process is nearing its final stages and emphasized that residents currently face lengthy journeys to branches in Castle View or Penyrheol. No opening date has yet been confirmed; fitting out and the branch launch would proceed if an agreement is signed.

The Riverfront in Newport is launching its summer programme with Little Rebels, a family concert by St Woolos Sinfonia on August 1. Designed for children aged seven to 11 and their families, the performance will explore Newport's Chartist history through original music, storytelling and audience participation, while introducing themes of fairness, democracy and civic expression. Compositions by Helen Woods and Phil May are supported by Tŷ Cerdd with National Lottery funding. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children.

Rob Lewis, a former PwC deals partner with 36 years of experience in corporate restructuring and commercial property, has joined Gwent-based Johnsey Estates as a non-executive director. The company’s executive chairman, James Crawford, praised Lewis’s commercial expertise, regeneration experience and knowledge of Wales. Lewis will support the growth of the 140-acre Mamhilad Park Estate near Pontypool, despite wider challenges facing UK commercial property.

Newport Live is offering a wide range of activities for children and families during the summer holidays, including ceramics, graffiti art, skateboarding, ukulele workshops, swimming, football, pickleball, tennis and bike rides. The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre will screen family films and host dance and craft sessions, with prices ranging from free activities to £60 for dance summer schools. Events run through July and August, with further details available on the Newport Live website.

Construction is progressing on Newport’s new £26 million leisure and wellbeing centre. The project forms part of Wynne Construction’s wider programme across Wales and the North West of England, which includes housing, health and social care, and archive facilities. Managing director Chris Wynne said the company has £228 million of work currently on site and a further £99 million in pre-construction as it marks its centenary.

Lindsay Whittle, the Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Rhymney MS, has criticized plans for a £33 million transport interchange in Caerphilly, calling the proposed new station an unnecessary waste of taxpayers' money. He opposes demolishing the historic ticket office, argues that rail services have already improved and that visitors are already attracted to Caerphilly Castle, and raises safety concerns because the ticket office stands on a bridge over the Rhymney Valley rail line.

Age Connects Torfaen has launched dementia-friendly walking rugby sessions at New Panteg RFC as part of its Active Connections programme. Held every Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., the low-impact sessions are open to people of all abilities and aim to support mobility, health, positive memories, and social connection. Sessions cost £5 per week, with New Panteg RFC providing facility access.

Families in Torfaen are invited to free events at Cwmbran Integrated Children's Centre from August 3 to 7 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Welsh Government's Flying Start programme. Activities include a teddy bear's picnic, beach day and party, while early-years staff will provide advice to families with preschool children. A local parent highlights the programme's speech-development and childcare support, which helped her pursue qualifications.

Transport for Wales’ No Second Chances rail safety campaign has delivered workshops to 50,000 pupils aged 11 to 15 and is associated with a 23% reduction in trespass incidents across the Core Valley Lines. Delivered with educational provider Bollo through school sessions, public events, social media and ambassadors, the campaign targets youth trespassing and anti-social behaviour. TfW has also completed the installation of 281.5 miles of live overhead wires across the lines.

Seven Games Design students at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have created an immersive 3D interpretation of Plato’s Cave for the university’s Interactive Room in Swansea. Developed collaboratively with staff from computing, science and art, and humanities, the bilingual English-and-Welsh experience is intended primarily for philosophy teaching but can also support media studies, art and creative technology education.

Coleg Gwent is redeveloping its Crosskeys campus, which began as a 1960s mining training centre, and is asking former staff, students and local residents to submit memories, photographs and stories for a commemorative collage or mural. The project, supported by the Welsh Government, will create new engineering and motor vehicle workshops, a modern gym and improved energy efficiency. Former student Paul Edwards credits the college with helping him pursue a medical career, while the redevelopment is intended to preserve the site’s heritage and provide improved facilities for future learners.

Wibdon Farm, a four-bedroom barn conversion near Chepstow, is on the market for £725,000 through Haart and is listed on Rightmove. The property includes original features, a bespoke kitchen, multiple reception and utility spaces, landscaped gardens, stables and parking. An undeveloped stone barn offers potential for further development, subject to planning permission.

Riverfront parkrun has launched Out and Back, its first volunteer-curated running playlist, on Apple Music and Spotify. Event director Teej Dew says the mix of upbeat, nostalgic and eclectic tracks reflects the community’s personality and can help runners find their rhythm. The free weekly event takes place every Saturday at 9 a.m. by the Wave along the River Usk, and participants are invited to suggest songs for future playlists.

A jet skier stranded on the River Wye was rescued and towed to safety by volunteers from the Severn Area Rescue Association during a visit by Chepstow Mayor Vanessa Badderley-Potter and town councillors to SARA’s Beachley station. The mayor, who selected SARA as her charity of the year, said the incident gave the delegation a firsthand view of the organisation’s emergency response. SARA general manager Mark Powell said the rescue was coincidental but demonstrated the team’s procedures and swift action, while noting that the volunteer organisation needs to raise £250,000–£300,000 annually to operate.

Chepstow Bridge, which spans the River Wye between England and Wales, is marking its 210th anniversary amid uncertainty over its future after cracks led to its closure to traffic and pedestrians. Historian John Burrows argues that the bridge, designed by John Urpeth Rastrick, deserves the same international recognition as Clifton Suspension Bridge and Tower Bridge, potentially including World Heritage status. The article highlights Rastrick's innovative response to the Wye's extreme tidal range, the bridge's elegant iron-arch design, and its importance in the development of 19th-century bridge engineering. Its historical significance was overshadowed by other major events and the rapid rise of suspension bridges, while its later name, “Old Wye Bridge,” has also diminished its profile. A large 200th-anniversary celebration in 2016 reenacted the original opening ceremony and reaffirmed the bridge's importance as a Chepstow landmark.

Twins Noah and Nyla were born at The Grange University Hospital near Cwmbran on June 20, 2026, each weighing 5lb 10oz. Their parents are Hayley and Nathan Roberts of Ebbw Vale, and they have siblings Mia and Mason.

Four pub events are highlighted in Gwent for the weekend: the Delta Hard Dance Event at Fire And Ice, We Stole The Sun’s live performance at Tredegar Arms, a disco and karaoke night at The Terrace in Cwmbran, and the Bass Oddy–Kimfluence Dayfest at The Lion in Chepstow. The events feature electronic dance music, live covers and original songs, karaoke, and an extended festival lineup.

Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent councils approved a draft timetable and Delivery Agreement for a Joint Local Development Plan that will shape land use, infrastructure and development across both boroughs for the next 15 years. The consultation begins on July 24, with officials stressing the importance of public, business and community involvement. The agreement outlines the stages of plan preparation and how stakeholders can participate in shaping future development priorities.

A new report from Babble warns that Welsh small and medium-sized businesses, including those in Gwent, are held back by low confidence in adopting modern technology. The Technology Performance Index identifies three groups of firms, with Tech Vanguards already benefiting from AI and automation while Tech Bystanders struggle. Executive chairman Mark Braund says confidence, leadership support and time are the main barriers, cautioning that firms failing to build technology confidence risk long-term inefficiency and reduced competitiveness.

Natural Resources Wales urges visitors to follow the Countryside Code during the summer season to reduce injuries, environmental damage and antisocial behaviour. Warnings highlight risks from littering, unauthorised camping, fires and unsafe swimming in lakes and rivers. Visitors are encouraged to avoid campfires, keep dogs controlled, dispose of litter properly, and choose lifeguarded beaches for swimming as NRW continues monitoring designated bathing waters across Wales.

A new book honouring South Wales paratroopers documents two decades of the regiment’s involvement in Afghanistan, from early deployments in Kabul to operations during the 2021 evacuation. It highlights the contributions of airborne medics, gunners and engineers from across South Wales and includes tributes to those who died. Former commander Andrew Harrison reflects on the dangers faced by troops. Proceeds from the book will support charity.

Businesses in Newport’s city centre, including The Circle, Low and Slow, Hounds and Standard Signs, have used grants from Newport City Council to purchase equipment and support growth. Councillor James Clarke visited the venues to see the impact, with recipients reporting improved efficiency, expanded training opportunities and strong early customer support. A new business fund and grant scheme will launch soon, with further information to be released by the council.

A dilapidated row of former semi‑detached cottages known as Wesley Buildings in Machen is being offered at auction with a guide price of £9,500. The properties, once three cottages over three floors, currently lack utilities and water and are heavily overgrown. Paul Fosh Auctions’ Angie Davey notes that viewings are unaccompanied and at the prospective buyer’s own risk. The auction runs from July 28 to July 30.

A beehive‑themed design competition organized by Taylor Wimpey South Wales engaged pupils from Our Lady of the Angels RC Primary School in supporting biodiversity at the Edlogan Wharf development. Year six pupil Rio’s winning sign will be installed beside new beehives intended to aid pollinators and encourage nature in the area. School and company representatives praised the initiative for raising awareness about declining bee populations and fostering creativity among students.

Newport is identified as one of the UK areas with limited access to defibrillators, prompting the British Heart Foundation Cymru to urge community groups to apply for free devices through its funding programme. The charity highlights that people living farther from defibrillators face lower survival chances during cardiac arrest, with Wales recording over 3,000 out‑of‑hospital incidents annually and low survival rates. Local resident Claire Derwin describes community concerns that led to securing a device for the Gaer area, while Newport and Wrexham are listed among the ten UK regions most in need of additional defibrillators.

A Grade II listed semi‑detached home in Rhymney has been listed for £475,000. Marketed by Peter Alan, the four‑storey property features original architectural elements alongside modern updates, extensive grounds, a garage and a Dunster House outbuilding. Buyers are advised to consider restrictions linked to its listed status, conservation‑area location, right of way and height limitations in parts of the house. The property is available on Rightmove.

A two-bedroom terraced house on Bryn Seion Street in Tredegar is listed for £115,000 by Darlows, described as a blank canvas needing updating but offering strong potential for first-time buyers, investors, or renovators. The home features well‑proportioned space, a large rear garden and proximity to local amenities, schools and transport links, with demand noted for properties in similar convenient locations. It is listed on Rightmove.

Schools across Blaenau Gwent have been recognised for promoting the Welsh language through Siarter Iaith and Cymraeg Campus programmes, supporting the national goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050. Ebbw Fawr Learning Community became the first English‑medium school in the area to earn the Cymraeg Campus Gold Award, with further progress seen across local primary, secondary and special schools. Local officials highlighted the achievements as evidence of growing commitment to Welsh language use and cultural engagement.

The Welsh Government is investing £17 million in whole‑home energy upgrades to reduce energy costs and fuel poverty. Funding will support social housing improvements through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, energy‑efficiency measures for eligible private households via the Nest scheme, and targeted upgrades for rural and off‑grid homes. Officials highlight reduced bills and improved living conditions, while residents report warmer, healthier homes and greater financial security.

The Welsh Ambulance Service will hold its annual meeting online via Microsoft Teams on July 30, offering public updates on performance, finances and future plans. Chairman Colin Dennis highlights recent achievements and future vision, while attendees can submit questions in advance or during the event. A bi‑monthly board meeting will follow, featuring outcomes from a governance review and a presentation from Lucy Burrows on her family’s experience with emergency medical services.

Estyn commended Ponthir Church in Wales Primary School for exemplary pupil behaviour, an inclusive ethos and strong leadership. The inspection highlighted effective pupil leadership groups, a broad curriculum and good progress in core skills, recommending only improved Welsh oracy. School leaders and local officials praised the report and emphasised the value of consistent attendance.

A four-bedroom detached house in Pontywaun has been listed for £450,000 to £475,000, featuring a spacious layout, modern kitchen, en-suite main bedroom, double driveway, garage and a large garden. The property offers convenient access to local amenities, transport links and outdoor recreation areas, and is being marketed by Number One Real Estate on Rightmove.

Stage Door, part of Kre8tive Theatre, is staging the musical Little Shop of Horrors at Caldicot School with a local cast, live band and full set. Directors Amy Gibbs and Gareth Williams emphasize the importance of returning to perform in the community during a milestone year for the group’s youth section. Performances run from July 23 to 25, with tickets available online.

More than 100 girls from Torfaen completed a four‑month Girls in Tech programme aimed at encouraging interest in STEAM careers. Pupils visited local businesses, met women working in technology, and participated in digital skills workshops. A celebration event showcased student projects including tech‑enabled solutions to everyday problems. The programme was developed by Her Place Wales and funded by Torfaen Council and the University of South Wales, with certificates and awards presented to participants.

Premier Forest Products is relaunching the former SDL Sawmills site in Croespenmaen through a phased restart, bringing back several former employees and establishing the facility as a centre for fencing and landscaping timber products with an on‑site treatment operation. The company aims to expand production over the coming months and strengthen its UK manufacturing and distribution network. Leadership appointments include Deborah Llewellyn as operations manager and Rhys Watkins as sales manager, both bringing extensive industry experience.

F.Hinds raised more than £15,000 for Dementia UK through a nationwide fundraising campaign involving its stores and head office, with donations extended through September 2026. A key initiative was National Ear Piercing Day, held with Studex, with £1 donated per piercing. Both the company’s chairman and Dementia UK’s fundraising deputy praised the partnership and its impact on supporting families affected by dementia.

Redrow has begun a new phase of 84 sustainable homes at The Hollies in Newport, offering three and four-bedroom properties from its Heritage Collection. The development features energy‑efficient design elements, including enhanced insulation and underfloor heating. The company has invested over £8 million into the local community through section 106 agreements, primarily supporting area schools, and plans additional improvements such as sports pitches, a village centre, wildlife‑supporting landscaping, and upgraded transport links.

A donation of toys, games and activity sets was made to the children’s charity Sparkle by Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, after receiving the items through work with The Toy & Hobby Association. The contribution will support Sparkle’s services, events and raffles for children with disabilities and developmental difficulties. During a visit, Jones met the charity’s fundraising and marketing teams and toured facilities while learning about the support provided to families across Gwent. Charity representatives expressed gratitude, noting the donation’s positive impact on local children.

St Margaret's Church in Blackwood marked its 150th anniversary with a weekend of celebrations, including a Songs of Praise service, historical exhibitions, floral displays, and a newly commissioned poem. The Archbishop of Wales addressed a large congregation, reflecting on the church’s longstanding role in the community. The event brought together clergy, local residents, and dignitaries, celebrating the church’s continuity and significance since its origins in the industrial era.

Residents in Gwent are being urged to donate blood as the Welsh Blood Service reports summer shortages caused by heatwaves and seasonal disruptions. The service, which requires around 350 daily donations, warns that maintaining adequate stock levels is challenging and encourages donors from key blood groups to book appointments.

A former vicarage in St Arvans near Chepstow has been listed for £565,000, offering three to four bedrooms, period features and extensive gardens on a private 0.31‑acre plot. Marketed by Archer and Co and listed on Rightmove, the home includes multiple reception rooms, a modern kitchen, utility space and a versatile ground‑floor room with a shower. The location provides access to Chepstow’s amenities, the Wye Valley and the M48, with no onward chain attached.

A detached five-bedroom home on Chepstow Road in Newport is listed for £450,000 to £475,000 through Number One Real Estate. The property includes multiple reception rooms, a modern kitchen, five bedrooms, a family bathroom, and attic conversion potential. Outdoor features include a large enclosed garden, patio, koi pond, and garage access. The home is close to Newport amenities and transport links and is listed on Rightmove.

A five‑bedroom detached family home on Church Road in Caldicot is listed for £650,000, featuring an extended layout with a large kitchen‑diner, living room with wood‑burning stove, playroom, home office and two garages. The property includes landscaped gardens and is close to local amenities, schools and transport links. It is listed through Moveli and available on Rightmove.

A four-bedroom detached home on Penywain Lane in Pontypool is listed by Hathways for £375,000 to £400,000. The property includes a fitted kitchen, dining areas, a conservatory, a first‑floor lounge with a balcony and mountain views, and a tiered garden with a pond. Additional features include a utility room, garage, workshop, shed and ample driveway parking, with nearby allotments and easy access to local amenities and schools.

Young poets and artists from Monmouthshire were recognised at the CPRW Monmouthshire art and poetry competition, which focused on the theme of trees and environmental awareness. Around 60 attendees joined the prize-giving ceremony at the Sessions House in Usk, where 25 awards were presented. Organisers and judges praised the children’s creativity and commitment to nature, with Goytre Fawr and Shirenewton schools leading the medal tally. The event was supported by Keep Wales Tidy and the Eco-Schools programme.

A three-bedroom semi-detached home on Milton Road in Newport is listed for £265,000 to £275,000, marketed by Number One Real Estate as a well-presented property with period features and modern upgrades. Located near central amenities, parks and schools, it offers open-plan living, ample storage and outdoor space with good transport links, and is also available on Rightmove.

A detached three-bedroom house in the Coldra area of Newport has been listed for £475,000, featuring an extended open‑plan kitchen, living and dining space, landscaped rear garden, and off‑road parking with a garage. The property includes modern fixtures, integrated appliances, and convenient access to local amenities, schools, green spaces and the M4 corridor, with Cardiff, Bristol and Newport city centre within reach. Archer and Co is marketing the home, which is currently listed on Rightmove.

A four‑bedroom traditional farmhouse in Gwernesney, Monmouthshire has been listed for £525,000 by Williams Associates Chartered Surveyors. Set on more than three acres, the property requires modernisation but includes multiple reception rooms, a kitchen, office space, four double bedrooms, additional utility areas and two bathrooms. Outside features include a garage, orchard, patio, ample parking and a paddock. The home is currently listed on Rightmove.

Lists recent death notices published by the South Wales Argus, providing names, ages, dates of passing, surviving family details, and funeral arrangements for twelve individuals from Newport and surrounding areas, with links to full notices and information on submitting condolences or placing new notices.

Tata Steel UK warns that the government's final steel import quota framework fails to reflect market conditions or support a sustainable domestic steel industry. CEO Rajesh Nair argues the quotas allow excessive import penetration into key markets and risk undermining domestic production, jobs and supply chains. He urges the government to reconsider elements of the framework and work with the sector to ensure conditions that enable the UK's ambition of supplying half of national steel demand.

Fuel prices from petrolprices.com identify the lowest unleaded and diesel rates at major retailers in and around Newport, with ASDA offering the cheapest options for both fuel types and other supermarkets and stations following closely.

A 24‑hour Reformer Pilates fundraising event planned for September in Usk has already raised £2,565, surpassing half of its £5,000 goal in just weeks. Organized by PT Pilates to support St David’s Hospice Care, the challenge will feature 24 consecutive classes and has drawn strong community interest, including overnight sessions. Organisers have also applied for Guinness World Records recognition.

Monmouthshire County Council released a video promoting its late immersion programme, which supports students transitioning into Welsh‑medium education at various school stages. The video, created with local Welsh‑medium schools and Rhieni dros Addysg Gymraeg, features experiences from pupils and staff. Council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby highlighted the programme’s role in building learners’ Welsh-language confidence. Expanding Welsh‑medium provision across the county aligns with the council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and the Cymraeg 2050 goals, with more information available through the council’s website.

Wales will gift the United States a new 15‑minute orchestral work, Symffoni’r Môr Mawr – A Transatlantic Symphony, composed by Katie Jenkins to commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The bilingual piece features prominent Welsh and international performers, including Bryn Terfel and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Led by the Welsh Government’s North America office, the work will be formally presented at the Library of Congress in Washington DC on September 1, 2026, as part of the USA250 celebrations highlighting longstanding cultural ties between Wales and the United States.