Author: Alice Gregory

Twenty-two exceptional finalists have been selected to contest the prestigious Mid Wales Tourism Awards 2024-25, which will be presented next month. The awards – the first since the Covid pandemic – recognise and celebrate the region’s thriving tourism industry across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Following detailed consideration by a panel of judges, more than 100 applications were whittled down to 20 finalists in a 13 categories and the awards will be presented in an afternoon ceremony at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown on December 10. A few special awards will also be announced and presented at the event.…

Four Chinese objects belonging to Mid Wales vendors were among the star performers at an Asian Art auction in Shropshire yesterday (Wednesday). Packed with Far Eastern promise, a rare silver-inlaid, bronze figure of Guanyin, goddess of mercy and compassion, sold for £2,700 for one North Powys vendor at Halls Fine Art’s auction in Shrewsbury. Another North Powys vendor saw a Claire de Lune amphora vase with wood stand sell for £2,600 and a Doucai style miniature cabaret tea service from the Qing Dynasty make £2,100. The fourth object, a pair of 19th century famille verte vases and covers, which were…

The UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has awarded Swansea University and partners funding to train the next generation of world-class researchers to tackle global environmental challenges. The Doctoral Landscape Award will support CROCUS (Climate system and biodiversity science for Challenges, Risks, and Opportunities – Collaborating in Understanding and Solutions), a new training programme which will fund five annual cohorts of environmental science PhD students from October 2025. CROCUS is a collaboration between Swansea University, the University of Reading and several esteemed organisations, including the British Geological Survey, the Institute of Zoology, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Natural History…

Talented Welsh apprentice butchers are being challenged to put their skills to test on a grand stage at the country’s top competition. Butchery apprentices have the perfect opportunity to prove they are a cut above the rest at the Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year final which will be held at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport from January 20-22, 2025. The final takes place on the first day, Monday, January 20 and the WICC is open free of charge to the public and hospitality trade. Sponsored by the Culinary Association…

John Lydon’s post-Pistols group Public Image Limited (PiL) are confirmed to headline at DEPOT in Cardiff on the 14th June 2025. After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed post-punk originators Public Image Ltd (PiL). Widely regarded as one of the most innovative bands of all time, their music and vision earned them 5 UK Top 20 Singles and 5 UK Top 20 Albums. With a shifting line-up and unique sound – fusing rock, dance, folk, pop and dub – Lydon guided the band from their debut album ‘First Issue’ in 1978 through to 1992’s ‘That What Is Not’, before…

An initiative which aims to make healthy, planet-friendly fruit and veg more accessible and affordable for everyone – especially those facing low incomes and health inequalities – is expanding as it enters the next phase of its development. After a successful pilot with 20 participants, the second phase of the Cardiff Planet Card initiative will expand to 120 participants, who will each have a weekly credit of £11 that they can spend on fresh produce at participating farmers markets in Cardiff. Residents of Cardiff who are eligible and interested in participating in the Planet Card program can now apply online.…

Almost two-thirds (61%) of mums in Wales would consider retraining for a new career but are held back by multiple barriers according to new data. The findings, released by The Open University (OU), show that half (50%) of Welsh mothers surveyed with children aged 0-5, are primarily concerned about the cost of childcare when thinking about their career or returning to work. Forty two percent worry about managing the ‘juggle’ of work, childcare and personal relationships. This highlights the daily pressures mothers in Wales face in caring for others, often leaving them unable to prioritise their own needs and career…

Held in Cardiff, ACCA’s Future of Finance conference set out the accountancy profession’s opportunity to build a better world.   Technology, sustainability and talent were the three powerful themes that dominated the Finance Futures conference in Cardiff on 6 November. The conference, organised by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – and featured speakers from the University of South Wales, PureCyber, British Business Bank, Menzies, Welsh Government, PwC and Sage – was attended by accountants from all over the UK, representing all sectors of the economy, from SMEs to large corporates, as well as accountants in practice who support…

LEADING property sales and lettings business Paul Fosh Auctions is bidding for an even bigger slice of the property action with its latest appointment. The property business already dominates the sector and is consistently placed at number one in the all-Wales auction sales. Now, with seasoned property expert Ollie Griffiths at the helm as head of auctions, Newport headquartered Paul Fosh Auctions is looking to boost growth. Paul Fosh, owner and founder of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been able to appoint someone of Ollie’s calibre, knowledge and stature, to this key new position within…

The proof is in the pudding for a talented baker loving life in the kitchens of a leading college restaurant. Fresh from her Rising Star victory at this year’s BIA (Baking Industry Awards) ceremony, Naomi Spaven, from Mold, is turning heads as lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria’s Iâl Bakery in Wrexham. She and baker and pastry chef Ella Muddiman – a colleague nominated in the same category – have attracted new customers to the Hafod venue with a selection of delicious cakes, breads, biscuits and more. Reflecting on the accolade, a year after she won the Fruit…