Category: Wales

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Poetry Book Awards – Winners Announced!

Congratulations Lucy Ingrams – winner of the 2024 Poetry Book Awards! Photo credit: Shalini Saran Lucy Ingrams has had work published in many magazines and journals, most recently Poetry Ireland Review and Agenda. Signs is Lucy Ingrams’ debut collection and was published by Live Canon in 2023. Awards for her work...

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Pontypridd-based Poetry Book Awards Announce Shortlist

The organisers of the international Poetry Book Awards have announced the shortlist for their 2024 contest. Our judge, Mick Evans, has just announced our shortlist. It was such a close call with a few poets and the shortlist could easily have been 11 or 12. However, we now have our ‘Top 10’ for this...

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Why Not Cycle In The Footsteps Of King Alfred?

Not that he was much of a cyclist mind you, but you get the idea. A new book from Ponty writer illustrates the highs and lows of a week-long trip on mountain bikes through the old county of Wessex. “Dave’s fourth cycling adventure takes us on a journey through ancient...

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International Welsh Poetry Competition – Winners Announced!

The 2024 winners from the 18th International Welsh Poetry Competition were announced this week. Award-winning poet and judge, Kathy Miles said, “Judging a poetry competition is always a humbling experience, not just because of the exceptional standard of the work, but because so many of the poems let you into...

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Poetry Book Awards – Long List Announced!

The international Poetry Book Awards have just announced the Top 25 winners for 2024: www.poetrybookawards.co.uk Longlist (in no particular order) A Party Business – Roger Elkin Abandoned Flowers – Ewan Lawrie Adam in the Garden – AE Hines Banana Girl – Paris Rosemont Bracing – Simone Mansell Broome Cities Within...

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Eisteddfod – Things To Do In Pontypridd

For a week in August the National Eisteddfod comes to Pontypridd and RCT.  Check out our ‘must-do’ list for the town. If you’re intending to visit the town why not check out our online resources below so you get a real feel for the area before your visit: Official Ponty...

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Things You Should Never Ask Google

When I say ‘Google’ I mean Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant and so on… 1. Doctor Google OK, we all get paranoid sometimes. Maybe that stomach ache isn’t to do with the ten pints of real ale and a slightly dodgy curry but might actually be terminal cancer. So what do...

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Welsh Poetry Competition 2024

The international Welsh Poetry Competition is now open and accepting entries! In our 18th contest, we are offering the following prizes: 1st Prize – £500 2nd Prize – £250 3rd Prize – £100 We are also delighted to announce that award-winning poet, Kathy Miles, will judge our 2024 competition. Winner of...

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House Prices To Rise In Pontypridd

It is well known that improvements in local transport infrastructure are generally seen as a good thing, both for the economic prosperity of an area and property prices. And having great access to a train station with a quick connection into the city is what younger working people want. Enter...

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Poetry Books – Call For Entries

The Poetry Book Awards is an annual, international book award given to the best poetry books produced by indie writers, self-published authors or books published by small, truly independent presses. The 2024 contest is now open and accepting entries! 1st Prize – £500 2nd Prize – £250 3rd Prize –...

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Pontypridd Calendar 2024

Your chance to support local artists! Limited edition calendars are now available to order.  Get your order in early though as postage often takes two weeks. Price – £24.99 (UK post only) To order use the PayPal button below and email us your name and address: Sample page / layout Size...

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Poetry Book Awards 2023 – 1st Prize – Megan Fernandes

Congratulations – Megan Fernandes! The winners of the 4th annual contest were as follows: 1st Prize         I DO EVERYTHING I’M TOLD – Megan Fernandes, Portland, Oregon, USA Megan Fernandes is a South Asian American writer living in NYC. She was born in Canada and raised in the Philadelphia area. Her family are...

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Poetry Book Awards – The Top 25

Poetry Book Awards 2023 The International Poetry Book Awards 2023 organisers have announced the longlist for their 4th contest, judged by Pontypridd poet, Dave Lewis. Longlist (in no particular order) The Life Dyslexic – Philip Burton The Celestial Spheres – David Canning I Have Decided To Remain Vertical – Gayelene Carbis Made of...

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Eisteddfod 2024 – Pontypridd!

The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe, held in a different part of Wales every year. Rhondda Cynon Taf will host the event from 3-10 August 2024 with a full programme of music, literature, competitions and Wales’ premier contemporary art gallery. There’s something for everyone at the National...

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Jenny McRobert Wins Biggest Poetry Contest In Wales

The organisers of the International Welsh Poetry Competition, the biggest poetry contest in Wales, have announced the winners from the 17th competition. The competition was judged by Mick Evans, whose excellent comments can be found on the contest website. The 2023 Competition 1st Prize       Pegasus Rising – Jenny...

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10 Qualities of Successful Small Businesses

Every small business owner wants to succeed, but the reality is that 1 in 5 ceases operation before the one-year mark, and a further 48% crumble before making it to five years. With these overwhelming statistics in mind, how do small business owners avoid becoming another example of failure? Below,...

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Welsh Libraries Author of the Month is Dave Lewis

Each month on the Libraries Wales website, they focus on an inspiring author based in or writing about Wales. You’ll have an introduction to their latest book, a short biography of the author, what inspires them to write, and any advice they have for young writers, all available in exclusive...

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Welsh Writer Predicts Dystopian Future

Welsh writer Dave Lewis launches his latest poetry collection with a scathing attack on artificial intelligence (AI) and the negative effects it is already having on society. A collection of poetry that highlights many of the problems facing humanity today and the dystopian nightmare society is sleepwalking towards. These are...

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3 Essential Elements of the Ideal Bedroom

A bedroom may function as a place for some people to sleep and keep their possessions, but for others, it serves as an essential haven to escape the world outside. This room is where you should be able to unwind and feel at ease in your bedroom. Whether relaxing with...

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Poetry Book Awards – We Want Your Books!

The Poetry Book Awards is an annual, international book award given to the best poetry books produced by indie writers, self published authors or books published by small, truly independent presses. The 2023 contest is now open and accepting entries! 1st Prize – £400 2nd Prize – £200 3rd Prize...

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Tips to Help Small Businesses Grow in 2023

Where do you want your business to be in 2023? This is a question you may have already started asking yourself. While there are many different strategies to consider for the growth of businesses, it is important to focus on those strategies that are going to provide them with the...

Quit Social Media 0

Quit Social Media

I use social media.  A bit.  I say that because apparently the average usage is about 2hrs a day! I use Facebook to post news of my books, poetry contests and photography.  Sometimes I use it to message people who are not on email/phone.  But I try NOT to use...

How to Organise a Local Marathon 0

How to Organise a Local Marathon

For many people, organising a marathon might seem like an impossible task. These are large-scale events often featuring hundreds of people, with many more spectators. There are enough logistical issues and potential snags to leave your head spinning. However, organising a marathon can be easier than you might think. With...

Things to Avoid for a Stress-free Trip 0

Things to Avoid for a Stress-free Trip

You decide to travel to relax and forget your problems. However, travelling itself can also be stressful. Going through every detail can cause a headache. If you plan a trip and stress out, it defeats the purpose of travelling in the first place. Hence, it helps to avoid these things...

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Pontypridd Calendars 2023

Your chance to support local artists! Limited edition calendars are now available to order.  Get your order in early though as postage often takes two weeks. Price – £24.99 (UK post only) To order use the PayPal button below and email us your name and address: Sample page / layout Size...

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Poetry Book Awards – Winners Announced!

The organisers of the international Poetry Book Awards have announced the winners of the 2022 contest. Congratulations to Rufus Mufasa for her collection ‘Flashbacks & Flowers‘.  Chosen by our judge, famous Welsh writer John Evans as this years winner! 1st Prize – Flashbacks & Flowers – Rufus Mufasa 2nd Prize – Siarad – Caroline...

Forming Strong Connections Amongst Your Team In 3 Easy Ways 0

Forming Strong Connections Amongst Your Team In 3 Easy Ways

Are you trying to find a way for your staff to be more productive in the workplace? Are you currently pouring all your efforts into changing systems, processes and various job responsibilities? While those changes can certainly have a positive effect, all too often employers overlook the importance of communication...

The Top Fruit Juice Trends Worldwide: What You Should Know 0

The Top Fruit Juice Trends Worldwide: What You Should Know

If you are a fruit juice consumer, you probably have your favourites among the different flavours available. You might even go for the combination fruit juices or the blends, where there is a mix of varying flavours, giving fruit juices a whole new texture and flavour profile. But if you...

3 Home Remedies to Relieve Body Pain and Fatigue 0

3 Home Remedies to Relieve Body Pain and Fatigue

Everyone complains of body aches and pains at some point. Work and other daily activities can contribute to soreness in some areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulders, and fatigue is common after a long, hard day. Body aches and tiredness may also be caused by stress...

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Redundancy: What are your next steps?

It’s a term that we’d all try and avoid using, but unfortunately, it happens. In fact, with the current economic outlook less than rosy, there are suspicions that redundancy could be something that becomes unfortunately more common over the upcoming years. However, it doesn’t have to be the disastrous finale...

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Wake Up People!

Who remembers Windows 95? And ’98, ME, 2000 and XP etc. etc.  Yep, every few years it would get slower and eventually become unusable with other software and/or hardware and we were forced to upgrade.  Pay for an upgrade that is.  It’s happened to my old iPad.  It’s now rubbish...

3 Tips on How to Run a Successful Catering Business 0

3 Tips on How to Run a Successful Catering Business

Running a catering business can be profitable, exciting and satisfying. Here, you can show off your unique skills in food preparation to clients and enjoy every minute of it. For example, if you love to cook and have received compliments for the dishes you prepare, you should consider getting into...

3 Tips on How to Plan a Wedding Cocktail Reception 0

3 Tips on How to Plan a Wedding Cocktail Reception

Wedding planning can be pretty stressful as there are numerous details to consider to make it successful. While you may have engaged a wedding planner to make your dream wedding a reality, there are still countless things to do that can also be overwhelming. Apart from picking out your wedding...

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Poetry Winners!

The winners of the International Welsh Poetry Competition 2022 have just been announced by judge, John Evans.  The contest, which was started in Pontypridd in 2007 has been running for 16 years and is the biggest in Wales. The 2022 Competition 1st Prize       Cross Words – Jennifer...

7 Ways to Start a Cocktail Party Conversation 0

7 Ways to Start a Cocktail Party Conversation

Most people nowadays feel more comfortable in their workplace than in social gatherings. The most common reason is because of their fear of making a conversation, particularly with total strangers or with their colleagues. Small talk can help you socialize as it breaks the ice between you and the other...

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The Mab Trail

The Mab Trail is a storytelling and art trail in Pontypridd based on the stories of ‘The Mab’, a bilingual re-telling of the ancient Welsh tales of the Mabinogi – some of the oldest written stories in the UK. The trail is sponsored by Pontypridd Town Council in partnership with...

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Opportunity For Poets With A Full-length Collection

The Poetry Book Awards is an annual, international book award given to the best poetry books produced by indie writers, self published authors or books published by small, truly independent presses. The 2022 contest is now open and accepting entries! 1st Prize – £300 plus a one-year subscription to PN Review...

Funny Meme Trends Of 2022 So Far 0

Funny Meme Trends Of 2022 So Far

2021 was a truly stellar year for meme history. For example, cast your mind back to Jackie Weaver and the Handforth Parish Council (notwithstanding the fact it’s recently been discovered that Jackie Weaver didn’t have actually have the authority, sea shanty TikTok, the Suez Canal scandal and Bernie Sander’s brown...

Don’t Stop Using Cash! 0

Don’t Stop Using Cash!

Anyone noticed that everyone wants you to use bank / credit cards instead of cash nowadays?  Chip and pin, swipe, tap and so on.  STOP IT!  Don’t make it easy for them – insist on cash.  If you don’t put away your cards then they are one step closer to...

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Welsh Writer Goes African!

Pontypridd writer and photographer Dave Lewis has just released Africa Poems, his twenty-third book – a selected works of his ‘African-themed’ poetry from his last eight collections. A self-confessed lover of all things African, Lewis takes us on a safari without us having to endure the hassle of Heathrow!  His...

Welsh Labour’s Covid-19 Response – Public Enquiry? 2

Welsh Labour’s Covid-19 Response – Public Enquiry?

As we all know ‘Covid’ is now over. Or at least the danger of serious disease for the majority of the population is.  OK, we now have seven coronaviruses to look out for each Christmas (not the usual four or six, like before 2019) but the panic is effectively over...

Druids Drink 2021 0

Druids Drink 2021

It’s fast approaching that time of year again.  When assorted dog walkers (doggers), wizards (nutters) and pagans (hippy clothes shop afficiandos) all gather around the druid stones at Pontypridd Common, midday on Christmas Day. The annual Christmas Day Druids Drink is a permanent fixture in the Ponty social calendar of course and...

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Welsh Valleys Crime Thriller Trilogy

Stuck for a Christmas present?  Love crime thrillers?  Love Wales, the valleys and Welsh heroes?  Look no further… Blurb When beautiful Jenny Morris uses Facebook to get her ex-boyfriend Hal Griffiths to stalk her she has no idea what a dangerous game she is playing – for someone else is...

The Technology That Makes Online Casinos Come to Life 0

The Technology That Makes Online Casinos Come to Life

In the modern world, you can use technology to do almost anything you can think of. Modern technology has had a massive impact on industries and how we live our lives. The gambling world is no exception to this wave of technological advancements. There’s some awesome tech keeping your favourite...

Christmas Shopping 2021 0

Christmas Shopping 2021

As many of you will know this website costs us money to maintain.  We have the domain name, hosting, not to mention hundreds of hours spent updating it and also moderating the Facebook board associated with this website. So in order to help us pay for it we’ve added links...

Welsh Poetry Competition Anthology 2017-2021 0

Welsh Poetry Competition Anthology 2017-2021

‘The Third One’ is the latest compilation from the competition’s organisers and comprises all the winners from the last five years of the contest, namely 2017-2021.  “This third anthology not only cements our position as the biggest and best poetry competition in Wales but also proves there is a viable...

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Pontypridd Calendar 2022

Stuck for a Christmas pressie?  Why not get a ‘Pontypridd Calendar 2022’ and support local artists at the same time? Available to order now! Pontypridd 2022 Price – £24.99 (UK post only) To order use the PayPal button below and email us your name and address: Sample page / layout Size...

Christmas Shortages & Panic Buying! 0

Christmas Shortages & Panic Buying!

The media (that’s BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Wales Online and all the newspapers) keep telling us there will be shortages at Christmas and that the UK is running out of stuff. The result – people panic buy. OK, let’s look at the so-called shortages and doomsday predictions of a lean...

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Poetry Book Awards 2021

The organisers of the Pontypridd-based international Poetry Book Awards have announced the winners of the 2021 contest. Congratulations to Jenny Mitchell for her collection ‘Map Of A Plantation‘.  Chosen by our judge, famous Welsh poet Mike Jenkins as this years winner! 1st Prize – Map Of A Plantation – Jenny Mitchell 2nd Prize...

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Estelle Price Wins Welsh Poetry Competition

The International Welsh Poetry Competition 2021 organisers have announced the winners of their prestigious 15th contest, judged by award-winning Welsh poet Kathy Miles, and the overall winner was Estelle Price for her poem ‘iii’. The winners were as follows: 1st Prize                  ...

The David Probert Horses Pontypridd Locals Should Mark in Their Diaries 0

The David Probert Horses Pontypridd Locals Should Mark in Their Diaries

 If you’re a fan of horse racing, the summer is the best time of year! The National Hunt season is electric, but there’s nothing like watching the nags eat up the firm ground in the classic events. Pontypridd residents will also love the fact that the sport has a...

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Welsh Writer Launches New Poetry Collection

Pontypridd writer Dave Lewis has just released his 21st book and tenth poetry collection.  Split into three parts with black and white photographs (paperback), colour (kindle version) to illustrate some of the themes / poems. “This new collection’s voices are wonderfully varied, powerful and haunting. Divided into three sections, Lewis...

Recent Developments In Town 0

Recent Developments In Town

Exciting times indeed.  We’ve just heard about a new, artsy, retro-themed, oldie-worldie, whisky and real ale bar is due to open in Market Square soon.  At last, the council is looking forward and can see the future of small towns like Ponty is indie traders. Last month we had the...

What PMM acrylic can be used for 0

What PMM acrylic can be used for

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMM), also known as acrylic or acrylic glass, is a clear and rigid thermoplastic material that is widely used as a shatterproof replacement for glass. Many businesses across the world are using this PMM acrylic in their products as not only does the material have a high resistance...

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Welsh Poetry Competition – Deadline Extended!

The International Welsh Poetry Competition is now in its 15th year and so in order to give even more poets a chance to enter we’ve extended the closing date by two weeks. Our international, English language competition is open to all and accepting entries now! 1st Prize – £500 2nd...

How to store your belongings in a storage unit correctly 0

How to store your belongings in a storage unit correctly

Moving all of your belongings into storage isn’t as easy as it may seem. It can a lot of hard work and can get messy easily, but there are definitely ways that you can make the process of moving all of your stuff into storage easier. If you are planning...

Covid-19 Election? 0

Covid-19 Election?

They say that “Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results”.  Obviously that message hasn’t filtered down to Wales yet. So, the Senedd election – what the hell happened there then?  OK, I suppose after the year-long party political broadcasts from the Labour Party,...

Big Days Ahead For David Evans Trained Rohaan 0

Big Days Ahead For David Evans Trained Rohaan

Wales-based trainer David Evans tasted Group success last month with victory in the Pavilion Stakes, a race of Group Three status. He went into that 6f contest as a 22/1 outsider, however, he overcame a strong field at Ascot to prevail by just over a length. Under the hands of...

Should I buy or rent event equipment? 0

Should I buy or rent event equipment?

Whether you’re organizing a small party for a family member or you’re a large event planner organizing an occasion for hundreds or thousands of people, the issue of whether to hire or buy is always a debate. Hopefully the article below will help you make your mind up as to...

PCR Tests – Not Fit For Purpose 0

PCR Tests – Not Fit For Purpose

OK, here’s some maths for you which might be one explanation why so many people have been saying all along that the figures (stats) on mainstream media are rubbish, scary and often, just plain lies.  Scientists all said PCR tests were not accurate enough at the beginning of the pandemic...

When should you use a local personal injury solicitor? 0

When should you use a local personal injury solicitor?

In the last twelve months, most of us have relied on the internet more than ever. We have shopped online for groceries, ordered takeaways online, and held business meetings and even family gatherings using the Zoom online platform. Out of necessity, the Covid-19 lockdown has changed many of our usual...

UK Deaths: Jan 2020-March 2021 0

UK Deaths: Jan 2020-March 2021

The following graphs show deaths (from all causes) during the Covid pandemic across England & Wales (source: ONS). There are a few things to consider: Firstly, the excess deaths (those above what we normally get) are very high for the first wave (March 2020), so we can assume that most of...

Potters Corner Aiming to Make History for Wales 0

Potters Corner Aiming to Make History for Wales

Potters Corner has the chance to become the most famous horse in Wales if he can win the 2021 Grand National. The 11-year-old has been rested over the winter in order to be in the best possible shape for the most intense steeplechase horse race in the world. Indeed, all...

Viruses & stuff… 0

Viruses & stuff…

What is a virus? A virus is a tiny infectious pathogen that replicates inside the living cells of other organisms.  Viruses infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria.  More than 6,000 virus species have been described in detail, even though there are millions...

Qatar 2022: Why Wales will Qualify for World Cup despite loss to Belgium 0

Qatar 2022: Why Wales will Qualify for World Cup despite loss to Belgium

Wales started their World Cup qualifying campaign in loss as World number one, Belgium came from behind to secure a 3-1 win in Leuven. This comes as no surprise to many football fans as the star-studded Belgian side is the number one placed team in the World. The encounter was their...

Call For Submissions! 0

Call For Submissions!

The international Welsh Poetry Competition has just launched their 2021 contest.  The 15th international, English language competition is now open and accepting entries! 1st Prize – £500 2nd Prize – £250 3rd Prize – £100 plus 17 runners up mentioned on our website and published in our 3rd anthology. Award-winning poet Kathy Miles will...

How To Drastically Reduce Risk In Your SME 0

How To Drastically Reduce Risk In Your SME

Businesses will always be subjected to a degree of risk, and when they are smaller in stature, that element of chance can be quite unnerving. After all, times are more uncertain than ever for smaller businesses right now, with some firms previously earning £140,000 being raised to nothing by the...

Lifting Lockdown 0

Lifting Lockdown

When should we lift lockdown in Wales?  This is the question on everyone’s cold and chapped lips at the moment.  When exactly will the Welsh government lift lockdown and allow us all out to play again. Well, I’d say the time is about now plus 22 days for everything to...

Ways that you can Market your Franchise Business 0

Ways that you can Market your Franchise Business

When you have a franchise business, it can be a little more difficult to stand out from the crowd as there are lots of people with a similar product.  However, when you have a great franchise, you can make it happen.  Here we have listed some ways you can market...

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Wanted! Self Published Poets

The Poetry Book Awards is an annual, international book award given to the best poetry books produced by indie writers, self published authors or books published by small, truly independent presses. Even though more and more people are enjoying and participating in creative writing it is becoming increasingly difficult to become traditionally...

Downsizing Your Office Space: What You Need To Know 0

Downsizing Your Office Space: What You Need To Know

Many businesses are finding themselves needing significantly smaller amounts of office space in 2021 compared to previous years. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, more of our country’s workforce is working remotely than ever before. Large office spaces for many businesses are becoming an unnecessary drain on company finances. If your...

Covid-19 Vaccinations 0

Covid-19 Vaccinations

I think we can all agree that 2020 was a crappy year. The reason, of course, was the ‘virus’. Covid-19 was/is a bit of a bugger and has killed millions of people all over the world, with 5,000 and counting in Wales. As well as killing people this particular coronavirus...

Analysing Steve Cooper’s Refreshing Approach to Development and Player Recruitment 0

Analysing Steve Cooper’s Refreshing Approach to Development and Player Recruitment

Throughout his reign at Swansea City, Steve Cooper has been a driving force in revolutionising player recruitment in the Football League. Since being announced as the Jacks’ head coach back in June 2019, Cooper narrowly missed out on taking his side into the Premier League, losing in the 2020 play-off...

4 Reasons Why Your Property Deserves A New Façade 0

4 Reasons Why Your Property Deserves A New Façade

Appearance might not be everything, but when it comes to buildings, you want them to look relatively appealing. You can achieve this in plenty of ways, one of which being to design an eye-catching façade for your property. Whether you go for something that looks like an art installation or...

The Best Tech Careers Available 0

The Best Tech Careers Available

With the significant progression in technology in recent years, there has never been a better time to find a job in advanced technology. With so many tech start-ups succeeding, there are many different types of roles within the industry that you can apply for. As well as the obvious benefits...

Wales Population 2020… 0

Wales Population 2020…

The last time that Wales had a positive fertility rate, of 2.08, was in 1973. Even this would have led to a negative population growth. The fertility rate is the average number of children born to women during their reproductive years. For the population in a given area to remain...

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Druids Drink 2020

As I’m sure you all know by now the annual Christmas Day Druids Drink is a permanent fixture in the Ponty social calendar.  However as some of you may have noticed this year we’ve had this nasty little virus buggering things up for us all.  As a result we shall...

Effective risk management tips for the option traders 0

Effective risk management tips for the option traders

Money and risk management are vital aspects of this profession. You will get more if you use a suitable platform to run your trading business smoothly. It will be the same as gambling in a casino if there is no money management in the process of options trading. Today, we...

Black Friday & Cyber Monday – Shop With Us 0

Black Friday & Cyber Monday – Shop With Us

Welcome to our Black Friday / Cyber Monday Christmas Shopping page. As many of you will know this website costs us money to maintain.  We have the domain name, hosting, not to mention hundreds of hours spent updating it and also moderating the Facebook board associated with this website. So...

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Welsh Book Shop – Support Local Artists

There seems to be a bit of a revolution in the book world happening at the moment.  Lots of people, retailers, especially the smaller outlets are struggling with the giant that is Amazon and many local book shops are going out of business because they simply can’t compete with the...

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Cymru Noir – New Welsh Thriller Launched!

Welsh writer Dave Lewis has just launched his fourth novel, an uncompromising look at the British underworld played out against a background of love and harsh landscapes. Following on from the success of his ‘Cymru noir’ technothriller Hagar trilogy this time Lewis takes us deeper into the human heart. As...

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Poetry Book Awards – Winners!

Jocelyn Simms Wins The International Poetry Book Awards The contest organisers have announced the winners of their prestigious contest, judged by Welsh poet and writer Dave Lewis, and the overall winner was Jocelyn Simms for her book ‘Tickling the Dragon’. The winners were as follows: 1st Prize          TICKLING THE DRAGON – Jocelyn Simms, France 2nd Prize         THE WOMAN WITH...

4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Road Gritter for Your Rural Property 0

4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Road Gritter for Your Rural Property

Winter is coming, and this means cold weather. As the mercury falls, the chance of snow and ice on the roads increases. Gritting roads with road salt helps to alleviate the impacts of low temperatures and snowfall. Unfortunately, many rural roads remain without grit, regardless of conditions outside. Here are...

Pontypridd: Brother and Sister Crowned Winners of Nationwide Children’s Halloween Competition 0

Pontypridd: Brother and Sister Crowned Winners of Nationwide Children’s Halloween Competition

Following a very popular and successful nationwide competition, online discount toy store Bargain Max has now announced its 3 winners of their children’s spooktacular Halloween competition. In what has been an inspiring and spooky competition for kids across the UK, the first prize winner is Ethan and Megan Fish (brother...

Steve Cooper: The Pontypridd Manager’s Top-Flight Dream 0

Steve Cooper: The Pontypridd Manager’s Top-Flight Dream

Born in December 1979, Steve Cooper has become a part of the pride of Pontypridd from a footballing standpoint. While, as a player, the 40-year-old failed to hit the heights, his coaching career is one of real promise. Having begun his management work at both Wrexham and Liverpool’s youth teams,...

Which sports can punters in Pontypridd still watch for free? 0

Which sports can punters in Pontypridd still watch for free?

Sports lovers in Pontypridd may well be wondering what sports are still free to view these days as the paid subscription giants of Sky and BT continue to hoover up the high-octane action we love and put them behind paywalls. It’s an increasingly sad state of affairs but there are...

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International Poetry Book Awards – Shortlist!

The organisers of the Poetry Book Awards have just announced the shortlist of winners for the 2020 contest with some fabulous poetry collections. ‘Amongst our top ten we have various themes: barrack banter, Spanish art, drug addiction and redemption, sexual awakening, personal narratives, the nuclear age, nature and myth, life...

Why Your Business Should Start Sending Out A Newsletter 0

Why Your Business Should Start Sending Out A Newsletter

In 2020, the businesses who are effectively communicating with their customers are the businesses who are thriving. Staying in touch with existing customers is an effective way to encourage customer loyalty and secure those repeat purchases. There are a number of ways that you can effectively communicate with your customers...

What Happened to Bingo in Pontypridd? 0

What Happened to Bingo in Pontypridd?

Work will start soon on the initial stages of a major redevelopment scheme in Pontypridd, with the demolition of the former Bingo Hall and Angharad’s nightclub buildings. Read more: https://t.co/lbiUOCgOUb pic.twitter.com/AG5w0FvBLP — RCT Council (@RCTCouncil) August 21, 2020 Bingo fans in Pontypridd may not be too shocked by the news...

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International Poetry Book Awards

Founded in Pontypridd, South Wales the international ‘Poetry Book Awards’ gives self published writers and small indie press authors a chance to gain recognition in the competitive, and often snobby, world of poetry publishing. After much soul searching, Welsh poet Dave Lewis, has managed to whittle down the 2020 entries in...

Why Manchester Is A Perfect City for Welsh Citizens Looking to Move to England 0

Why Manchester Is A Perfect City for Welsh Citizens Looking to Move to England

Are you tiring of Wales? For many who want to leave this beautiful country behind them, it is not London that is the big draw but Manchester. Let’s take a look at why this city works so well not just for the Welsh but for all visitors. Cheap Property Many...

Do’s and Don’ts When Choosing a Postgraduate Course 0

Do’s and Don’ts When Choosing a Postgraduate Course

Choosing the direction of your future can be a daunting task for anyone no matter how prepared you may think you are. Deciding on one career path that you will pursue and then stick with is a big deal, and will basically determine the path for your life. Of course,...

Should More Wales-Based Companies be Targeting the iGaming Industry? 0

Should More Wales-Based Companies be Targeting the iGaming Industry?

The gaming industry in Wales is growing, with a number of small, independent companies managing to rise up and gain recognition in recent years. Businesses like Artificial Insanity Games, Blind Sky Studios, and Candlhat Studios have been around for some time but have yet to get worldwide recognition for their...

The Truth About Black Lives Matter 3

The Truth About Black Lives Matter

It has been known for some time that to create good propaganda you have to come up with a trendy slogan that nobody will disagree with. I’ll give you an example – ‘Help For Heroes’.  Imagine you’re in a pub and someone comes around collecting.  Are you going to be...

The State Of Welsh Media 0

The State Of Welsh Media

The sun is shining, Covid-19 is thankfully receding and the pubs are open again!  But, alas, the Welsh (and British) media is still churning out negativity… Welsh Media Crisis When I was growing up we had a few daily newspapers and one or two TV channels. That’s where we got...

Wales should have their eye on Pontypridd’s Cooper 0

Wales should have their eye on Pontypridd’s Cooper

Pontypridd’s own Steve Cooper has proven a lot in his first full season as a manager of Championship side Swansea City. Cooper took the helm following the departure of Graham Potter and has put the club back on the right path after finishing 10th in the previous campaign. He has...

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International Welsh Poetry Competition 2020

Huge congratulations to Sheila Aldous, who takes top prize in the 2020 contest!  A fantastic poem, Sheila also came 4th with another fabulous entry. The 2020 Winners: 1st Prize        THE DEBT DUE – Sheila Aldous (Devon, England) 2nd Prize      TO PAUL CELAN – Linda M...

Want to Improve Your Online Offering? Here’s How the Online Casino Industry Could Help You 0

Want to Improve Your Online Offering? Here’s How the Online Casino Industry Could Help You

For shop owners in Wales, no matter how small, it’s no longer enough to exist solely in the offline sphere. As businesses become ever more competitive, it’s important that you’re able to attract an audience from further afield too, and this means focusing on your online offering and image. One way...

Bluebirds and Swans on a collision course for the final Championship playoff spot 0

Bluebirds and Swans on a collision course for the final Championship playoff spot

The race for a place in the EFL Championship playoffs is hotting up, with Cardiff City and Swansea City seemingly doing battle for the last remaining place in the top six. The Bluebirds have edged their way back into the playoff fold of late, with recent victories over Derby and...

3 Ways Future Tech Will Make Online Gambling Better in Pontypridd 0

3 Ways Future Tech Will Make Online Gambling Better in Pontypridd

Online gambling is surging throughout the world and in places like Pontypridd. Much of the growth can be attributed to two things. First, a lot of the world’s countries are starting to recognize the tax revenue potential that would come from letting citizens do what they have already been doing...

Herd Immunity Of Covid In UK 0

Herd Immunity Of Covid In UK

Herd immunity is something that’s been mentioned in the press from time to time but no one seems to have given us examples of what exactly this might mean in terms of infections, deaths, timescales and so on.  All we’ve been told is – ‘millions will die!’ which kind of...

The ABCs of CBD Oil in Wales 0

The ABCs of CBD Oil in Wales

CBD oil is increasingly more popular throughout Wales with more and more consumers rushing to try the product thanks to 1000s of anecdotal reports of its wellness benefits! The total UK CBD market is now forecast to be worth close to £1 billion a year by 2025. What is CBD?...

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New Precinct Development

Well, it’s taken a couple of years and opinion is still pretty much divided amongst local residents (50:50 I’d say) but the new Pontypridd ‘precinct’ development is almost finished. I have to admit, whilst I started out quite sceptical I’m now thinking what the heck, it’s actually quite nice. True,...

Best Racecourses In Wales 0

Best Racecourses In Wales

There is a long tradition of horse racing in Wales, as the sport dates back to the 18th century in the country. Those who have been to a racecourse before can vouch for how much of a great day it can be. Here is a look at the leading three...

Second Wave – Is It Coming? 0

Second Wave – Is It Coming?

At time of writing the UK has had between 40,000 and 50,000 deaths from Covid-19. This is tragic and recriminations about whether lockdown should have started sooner (yes doh, of course it should!) will no doubt start after we’re over the worst of it. But whilst we all realise the...

Be Nice To Cyclists 0

Be Nice To Cyclists

Britain’s two largest cycling organisations are asking the public to show some kindness towards cyclists amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Cycling UK and British Cycling have come together by publishing an open letter in ‘The Times’ calling on the public to show tolerance towards cyclists during the lockdown, following a worrying...

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Things To Do In Lockdown

Ponty is on lockdown.  The pubs are shut, the rugby is cancelled and even the park is closed, so many people are worried that they’ll get bored, go mad or just end up getting fat ‘cos they’ll be binge-watching Netflix and eating chocolate all day long.  So how can you...