Author: Rhys Gregory

The culinary director of the Culinary Association of Wales is keen to see talented young Welsh chefs progress into the Senior Culinary Team Wales. Graham Tinsley, MBE, executive head chef at Carden Park Hotel and Spa, near Chester, praised the Junior Culinary Team Wales for their silver and bronze medals at the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg. Now he wants the chefs, who are too old to compete with the junior team at the Culinary Olympics in 2024, to take the step up into the senior Wales squad as part of the CAW’s succession planning. Three chefs – Harry Paynter-Roberts…

Menter a Busnes is entering a new chapter and aligning itself with the aspirations and activities of the Wales of today and the future – says its new Chief Executive Officer. It is a vision that Llŷr Roberts, who has just taken up his new post, shared with the company’s 150-strong staff at a special meeting to map out the business’ future. Menter a Busnes, which was founded in Aberystwyth 30 years ago, has a strong track record delivering for its clients and the broader Welsh economy. Enterprising and creative in its activities, the business fosters a unique, flexible and…

A federation of work-based learning providers across Wales has welcomed a commitment in the Welsh Government’s 2023/24 draft budget to invest an extra £18 million in apprenticeships. A total of £140m has been allocated by the Welsh Government for apprenticeships in the next financial year. Lisa Mytton, strategic director for the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), said: “We welcome the additional £18 million that will be invested in apprenticeships which is in line with the strategic priorities of the NTfW and Regional Skills Partnerships. “This commitment continues the Welsh Government’s ambitious programme, set out by the minister earlier this…

Hospital staff are launching their very own Baywatch – but to keep people safe on the wards rather than at sea. They will take it in turns to watch Morriston Hospital patients at high risk of a fall. When they are admitted into hospital, each patient undergoes a falls risk assessment. Depending on their condition, they may need regular reassessments. Launched in December, Baywatch will see dedicated members of staff based within a ward bay where patients have been assessed as being at high risk of falling, making it easier for staff to monitor them. Working to an hourly rota,…

Farmers could use a native Welsh plant to turn agricultural waste into feed for livestock as part of an Aberystwyth University research project. The study is investigating how slurry and wastewater from the beef and dairy industries could be used to grow duckweed. Described as a ‘miracle plant’ due to its fast-growing nature and ability to clean waste water, duckweed can also provide a valuable protein source for feeding livestock. The work of researchers at Aberystwyth University and University College Cork could benefit the beef and dairy producers by reducing their reliance on importing protein-rich feed such as soy. With…

People with epilepsy are now able to help manage their condition, while reducing waiting lists for others at the same time. An open access service has been introduced, allowing them the option to take charge of their care by contacting a dedicated phone line when they need to. Patients can chat directly with epilepsy specialist nurses, who run the service, about their concerns or queries about everything relating to their epilepsy. This includes medication support, advice around planning a pregnancy and day-to-day risk management to keep them safe. By choosing to get in touch when they require a helping hand,…

Whether you’ve got a Nordmann Fir standing pride of place, or a Fraser Fir is your tree of choice, Dobbies’ Swansea store is encouraging you to repurpose your Christmas centrepiece once the festivities are over. Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles has outlined how people can recycle their cut Christmas trees to create a wildlife haven for small animals and insects to shelter in during the winter months. Follow Marcus’s step-by-step guide: Remove the tree from your house carefully to stop any loose needles from dropping. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands. Using a good quality pair of secateurs, starting…

Animals do the funniest things; and RSPCA rescuers see that first-hand! In 2022, the charity’s officers were called to thousands of incidents, including many in which birds, wildlife, pets and farm animals have found themselves in a sticky situation. Dermot Murphy, RSPCA Inspectorate Commissioner from the animal charity’s frontline rescuers, said: “With our teams out rescuing animals from danger and suffering 365 days a year, we are often their only hope. It’s an honour to be able to lend a hand to animals in desperate need and we hope people enjoy seeing some of the weird and wonderful places animals…

Nos Galan 2022 just got even more exciting, as international Welsh rugby legend George North arrived in town as the mystery runner. The atmosphere in Mountain Ash is incredible this evening, thanks to the return of the iconic event to its streets after two years of being held as a virtual challenge. So, what better way to keep spirits raised than to introduce spectators and participants to the Ospreys and Wales star, who has scored more tries for his country than any other active player. He also sits second, just behind Shane Williams, as the highest-ever scoring player for Wales.…

Work by Newport City Council’s trading standards team over the last 12 months has included the targeting of illicit tobacco sales in the city. There have been 12 seizures of items with an estimated retail value of £746,000 consisting of more than 1.3m cigarettes and 172kg of hand-rolling tobacco. Nineteen ASB closure orders were successfully obtained and it is estimated this prevented a minimum of further illicit tobacco sales of £850,000. Guidance has also been provided to several UK trading standards authorities who are considering using ASB closure orders to tackle illicit tobacco issues in their areas. Four prosecutions resulted…