22-07-2025
'Blackwood's sporting future looks bright'
The recent Blackwood Beach Party drew more than 5,500 visitors to the town.
The event was funded by Blackwood Town Council and organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The success of the event can be measured in that it attracted 2,000 more visitors than the previous weekend. It resulted in the second busiest day of the year in the town.
We all know that the ease and attractiveness of online shopping can have a negative impact on physical retail. Yet, the importance of our shared spaces is integral to our sense of community that.
Blackwood's sporting future looks bright.
I was delighted to see the South Wales Argus cover Blackwood Primary School's annual sports presentation.
Ninety-seven pupils were recognised from years three to six who have represented the school in competitions throughout the academic year.
It was great to see the school become champions of the entire South East Wales cricket finals organised by Cricket Wales.
Let's hope that one day some of these talented youngsters may have the opportunity of playing regional representative cricket and, who knows, even for Wales' professional cricket team, Glamorgan.
I was delighted to sponsor at the Senedd a celebration of Welsh creativity.
Curated under the theme "Create It", TEDx Bute Street 2025 showcased an exceptional roster of individuals shaping the future of activism, arts, technology, and cultural discourse.
The selection process, overseen by a distinguished judging panel - Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Matthew Hyde, and Chris J Birch - was a rigorous journey through compelling stories and pioneering thought, ultimately culminating in an unmissable line up of Welsh visionaries.
Ken Skates has announced that from September 2025 bus fares will be capped for £1 for 16 to 21 year olds, while the £1 cap will come in place in November for five to 15 year olds.
Sixteen to 21-year-olds will need to apply for a free mytravelpass, if they don't currently have one, and are able to do so now. More information on how the scheme will work is available at mytravelpass -
Caerphilly County Borough Council announced the official opening of a new dual use 3G all-weather pitch at Risca School and Leisure Centre, funded by the Welsh Government's Community Focused Schools capital grant programme.
Situated on an education and community campus, the new facility will benefit pupils at Risca Community Comprehensive School during the day and serve the wider community during evenings and weekends.
Rhianon Passmore, Member of the Senedd for Islwyn
